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Curios and curiosities! [open!]

Started by Rhindeer, April 29, 2012, 04:54:16 PM

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Rhindeer

Yun scowled at the shop.

It had been taunting her for the better part of the day.

Glittering objects were laid out on the tables just outside it with more shimmering danglies hanging from the doorway, and strange scents wafted out from within. She could see other objects through the windows, strange statues and bits of clothing, pieces of jewellery, and other interesting, pretty things that seemed to call her name.

Yun gave an irritated huff and turned up her nose, crossing her arms over her thin chest and starting back down the path she'd come. Nope. She was not interested! She'd just ended up here for the third time that day by mistake! This place was big and new; it was easy to get lost. It was all coincidence.

Right...?

Her mother had always told her that nothing was coincidence, but some things had to be! That shop was owned by a Serenian; she'd caught a glimpse of the pig-skinned flesh-eater with her unnatural blue hair. No way she was going in there and giving her her business! There was nothing in there that she was interested in.

Though would it really be "business" if she just...looked? A little?

Yun eyed the building out of the corner of her eye, pausing in mid-stride.

Earlier, she'd heard the woman shouting her wares, claiming she had things from all over the world. But pfft, Yun wasn't curious. Why would she be curious about the barbaric mainland? It was probably all junk in that shop, anyway, and they had all they needed right here.

...But a little look-see couldn't hurt. And she was lost with plenty of time to kill. It could be really super quick and everything! The shop probably wouldn't be open much longer; dusk was approaching now, the shadows growing longer. It was a good thing she'd at least found her inn before she'd decided to explore and get lost, otherwise she could have been stuck carrying around her traveling gear. Now all she had was her sword, sheathed and carried carefully over her shoulder; she didn't dare leave it out of her sight, even if no innkeeper she knew of would dare disrespect a Warrior.

Fine...

With a sigh, she turned and headed back toward the shop, slowly. One little peek and then she could get on with her life!
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Xphy

It had been a long day for Avrei. Between the monks and the various other local officials the majority of her day had been spent cooped up in temple in meeting after meeting, most of which she saw little importance in. Only one of them had actually been about a matter that had needed to be addressed as soon as possible. The others however had boiled down to either trivial matters that in her eyes didn't really need her input, or locals looking to score points with the Maharani or lobby favors from her.

Needless to say she was happy it was over and done, and that she finally had some time to herself.

Admittedly Jin'ta was not one of her favorite cities in Thanatos, though despite being a haven for some of the more uncivilized individuals in the nation it did serve its purpose. The benefits they had reaped through trade with the mainland had been more than enough to tolerate such a blemish on their island. It also didn't hurt that temple at center of the city had made great strides to prevent such boorish behavior from spreading further inland. Without it who knows how much their society might have devolved over the years.

Her visit to the port city was to be a short one, lasting only a few short days attend to the locals before returning to Suna. She was also very familiar with its sights, having spent a good amount of time there during her apprenticeship purchasing cadavers and other pieces of flesh to satisfy her mother's exotic tastes in research materials. Since becoming Maharani she had made a conscience effort to walk through the city whenever she was able to in hopes of providing a good example for the more uncouth inhabitants.

Unfortunately her hopes for making a difference weren't exactly high.

As she walked through the city streets she was followed closely by her persona guard. The taller half Serenian warrior walked in her customary position one step behind and to the right of her, dressed in red and gold fabric signifying her position. In her hands Avrei also carried the girl golden furred monkey who seemed more interested in picking at her braids than where they were going.

They had been walking for little over half an hour since leaving the temple, and aside from the occasional gazes people of the temple caste tended to get not much had taken place. As they came around a corner however something would catch the Maharani's eye. There in front of a store were several foreign looking trinkets neatly laid out on a small table. Normally Avrei had little use for such things but every now and such stores were home to objects of a spiritual nature, often times without the owner even realizing it. As a collector the potential alone was enough to warrant a visit.

As she neared something else would pique her curiosity. It seemed that a young warrior also taken an interest in the store and she looked as the girl entered. How interesting. Another collector perhaps? Or maybe she was just curious about the mainland? There certainly didn't seem to be any disturbances coming from the shop, though she couldn't be too sure about it.

In any case both she and her escorts made their way over to the shop, briefly having a closer look at the ornaments laid out on the table before entering.

Rhindeer

The door jingled as Yun stepped inside and the Serenian woman cheerfully greeted her, but Yun only grunted noncommittally in response. Just a quick look around and then she'd be done, curiosity sated! She was not about to get into a conversation with one of these people!

She headed toward the back of the shop, ready to start there and work her way up so as to avoid further awkwardness, and found herself distracted with some beautiful glass statues. She couldn't read what they were or where they were from; the description was written with foreign characters. Huffing, Yun moved to a table displaying silver jewellery inlaid with gemstones of all different colors and had just reached out to touch it when the door jingled again.

Yun jerked her hand back guiltily and stole a glance toward the front of the shop as though she'd been caught doing something naughty.

And then she just about died.

A woman entered.

A woman dressed in rich red and gold.

A woman flanked by two others.

Yun would have been an idiot not to recognize another of the Temple caste, yet one so high above her in stature. From the looks of how she was dressed, this woman had power.

Face heating, Yun whirled so her back was to her and pretended to be engrossed in the jewellery. Oh goodness. Oh jeez. Etiquette had never been her strong suit and she wasn't sure how on earth to act around her!
Adamaris // Aderyn // Aki // Alexander // Angel // Axieva // Beatrid // Briar // Cadmus // Corryn // Einin/Owl // Emery // Fang // Faolán // Faris // Frost // Hayate // Ife // Jayari // Jirou // Juniper // Katxiel // Khaiya // Kota // Kyran // Liam // Makani // Max // Maya // Mei // Nakato // Naovi // Nasrin // Niaaki // Niamh // Noor // Pepper // Qiana // Qismat // Quinn // Raxta // Riyarin // Rook // Sachi // Sahar // Siobhan // Simonea // Sita // Song // Summer // Valor // Yasmin // Yiroa

Xphy

Avrei took a brief look around the shop as she stepped through the door, taking in what she could with a glance. From what she saw the owner was Serenian which led her to believe that most of the items inside probably were as well. She also noticed that the warrior who had entered before her was busy looking at what appeared to be jewelry.

Her behavior was odd though.

Most people, warrior or not would have gone out of their way to greet her with a bow. She was the Maharani after all. And yet the girl hadn't even acknowledged her. She couldn't even say that the girl hadn't noticed her entrance. She had clearly seen her head turning away when she first caught sight of her. It was suspicious to say the least.

Avrei couldn't help but wonder if the girl had something against her. Or worst, could she be up to something dishonorable like theft!? Surely that couldn't be the case... could it? Such behavior would never be tolerated, especially not from one of the Temple's warriors. However as rare as they were it wouldn't be the first case she had heard of, and if the girl really intended to engage in such activity something had to be done. The shame it would bring to the temple could not be allowed.

After taking a moment to greet the owner, and graciously dismissing her efforts to escort her around the store Avrei made her way toward the back of the store. The entire time she kept the warrior in her sight, only glancing away occasionally to feign interest in the various trinkets she passed. Once she was close enough she stepped beside the girl, and briefly looked down at the jewelry laid out on the table before turning to face the girl.

"Greetings," she said politely with a smile, lowering her head slightly. "I don't believe I have seen you around here before. Are you new by chance?" Avrei didn't recall ever seeing this girl before during her previous visits to Jin'ta, but she was young and there was the chance that she had only recently been stationed in the city. Still she had to keep her eyes on her. At least until she was sure the girl didn't plan to shame herself and the temple.

Rhindeer

Dammit! She'd been seen! Of course, Yun had been foolish to think she wouldn't be noticed, but one could hope. The absolute last thing she wanted was to commit some social taboo and shame herself and everyone she knew!

Of course she'd been schooled in etiquette, but this was different! And she couldn't help but over-think the situation.

Jerking around, eyes wide, Yun stared at the woman for a second before her brain switched back on. Turning around completely, she swept into a deep bow, far lower than the woman to acknowledge her higher rank. "I-it's an honor!" she blurted, before slowly rising. She forced herself to look at her face so as not to be rude, even though she felt oddly guilty despite having committed no crime.

"I'm...kinda new, yeah! Um, first time here, if that's what ya mean." Balls, she was horrible at awkward small talk! Well, maybe it was safe enough to return the question? "What about you? Oh! Right, I'm Yun. Yun Zhong."
Adamaris // Aderyn // Aki // Alexander // Angel // Axieva // Beatrid // Briar // Cadmus // Corryn // Einin/Owl // Emery // Fang // Faolán // Faris // Frost // Hayate // Ife // Jayari // Jirou // Juniper // Katxiel // Khaiya // Kota // Kyran // Liam // Makani // Max // Maya // Mei // Nakato // Naovi // Nasrin // Niaaki // Niamh // Noor // Pepper // Qiana // Qismat // Quinn // Raxta // Riyarin // Rook // Sachi // Sahar // Siobhan // Simonea // Sita // Song // Summer // Valor // Yasmin // Yiroa

Xphy

The girl was nervous. That much was pretty clear to Avrei, though whether it was because she was up to something or she was just nervous and inexperienced she couldn't say for sure. For all she knew it could have been a bit of both. Still she made an effort to not show her doubts about the girl's intentions. It wouldn't have been proper etiquette to do so, especially since she had no real evidence.

Instead she simply offered the girl a friendly smile when she gave her name."It is a pleasure Yun Zhong. I am Avrei Dhyti." It was rare that she had to introduce herself to someone, especially to someone of the Temple caste. Most were able to recognize her without too much trouble, but she couldn't really fault the girl for not being able to. She was young and had said that she wasn't around there after all.

"And I have actually spent a fair amount of time in this city as a child," she continued, answering the girl's question. It was a bit of an odd one, but she answered nonetheless. There also wasn't a hint of haughtiness in her voice as she spoke. While she hadn't quite expected the question she also didn't like to stifle curiosity in her people. After all curiosity was often the first step to learning about new things.

With that said her gaze returned to table in front of them, taking a closer look at the various trinkets. "So tell me, has anything caught your eye?"

Rhindeer

Yun smiled politely. "It's nice to meetcha too, Avrei--WHAT?!"

Everything clicked in that moment and her eyes nearly popped out, they were so wide, her mouth dropping open in a hybrid of horror and shock. Avrei Dhyti! The Avrei Dhyti! As in the bloody Maharani herself! Of course she knew the Maharani's name, and she had some idea of what she looked like from paintings and now, with the woman's name hanging in the air, she could see the resemblance though it had taken time to match the painting to the real person. And never mind that! She'd never in her life believed she would be standing before the Maharani, much less here!

The blood drained from Yun's face and, with a squeak, she dropped into a bow so low that her topknot nearly touched the floor.

"Ah! I'm so sorry, Your Grace! I didn't recognize ya!"
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Xphy

Avrei couldn't help but suppress a giggle at the Yun's reaction, choosing to only smile in order to be polite. The girl was certainly proving to be a lively one, even if she had been a bit over the top in her apology. She definitely had some room left for refinement of course, but Avrei was beginning to like her. The Temple would've been a much more interesting place if there were more people like her around.

Unfortunately her doubts about the girl's intent still remained, and her outburst easily could have been the result of guilt. But Avrei would keep an open mind. Until she learned otherwise she would have to assume Yun's intentions were pure. It was only right.

"It is alright child. You have done nothing wrong." she replied, her tone warm and gentle. She also knelt beside the girl and held out her arms a bit to indicate that she wanted her to stand. "Now rise. I would hate to see you ruin your hair for my sake."

Rhindeer

Slowly, Yun rose and gave the Maharani a shaky, sheepish grin, feeling like a total idiot now. Oh jeez. She must seem so stupid right now! And she'd behaved so disrespectfully! Even though Avrei told her she'd done nothing wrong, it didn't help the mortification she felt.

She gave a nervous laugh and reached up to fiddle with her hair, checking to make sure it hadn't come loose. Oh, monkey piss! She was talking to the Maharani! She found herself playing with her hair far longer than was necessary, trying to stall as her mind raced and grappled with this new, freakish situation.

Okay, Yun! You can do this! You can carry on a big girl conversation with the most powerful woman in the nation. Yeah! You got this! You can totally have a conversation with another human being like every other normal person without saying something horrifically stupid! You will not shame yourself and your family and your ancestors and your ancestor's ancestors all in one fell swoop! But what do you talk about? Hair? She mentioned hair. Yeah, hair's good, hair's safe. Whew. Okay. Ready? Go.

Yun gave another laugh. "Hah, that's nothin'! Wanna talk ruinin' hair? When I was little I gave myself a haircut. That's ruinin' hair!" She paused, bit her lip. "Er. Your Grace."
Adamaris // Aderyn // Aki // Alexander // Angel // Axieva // Beatrid // Briar // Cadmus // Corryn // Einin/Owl // Emery // Fang // Faolán // Faris // Frost // Hayate // Ife // Jayari // Jirou // Juniper // Katxiel // Khaiya // Kota // Kyran // Liam // Makani // Max // Maya // Mei // Nakato // Naovi // Nasrin // Niaaki // Niamh // Noor // Pepper // Qiana // Qismat // Quinn // Raxta // Riyarin // Rook // Sachi // Sahar // Siobhan // Simonea // Sita // Song // Summer // Valor // Yasmin // Yiroa

NyuBomber

The instructors all seemed to be on a kick to send their students on field lessons this month. Normally, Kiew would be alright with this. Walking outside, either amongst the bustle of people, meditating in a field, or scouring dusty scrolls in a library were all preferable to staying in those drab classrooms for hours.

But, whereas her friends' assignments could all be completed within Sunta, Kiew was tasked to travel to Jin'ta in search of a particular scroll. Easy enough, as her father did some business here and she knew the streets, but it was still incredibly annoying to be separated from them for a week.

But, a task was a task. If there was any place to start looking it would be this strange store.

The door bell jingled as she entered the shop, a paradoxically foreign-looking Thaneti, her hair complete covered in a thick cream-colored wrap and a large leather pack of scrolls slung over her back. The small crowd didn't immediately catch her eye. She talks to the woman behind the counter, pegging her for a Serenian and asking in Common for any manner of mythology-related scrolls she had for sale. Luckily, just as about any "miscellaneous merchandise" store, there were always at least a dozen lying about. The trick was figuring out which were written genuinely and which were made up to profit on the store owner's ignorance.

The scrolls were in the back (typical, as scrolls didn't make for good display pieces unless their cases were made from jade and gold, it seems), so Kiew turned to head in that direction after thanking her.

And there was the Maharani.

She was engaged in conversation with someone, and that someone was fumbling harder than a hungry fool trying to catch a greased pig. This would make Kiew look even better when her turn to speak came.

Kiew snuck-shuffed over to a nearer side-point and either waited to be acknowledged or for an advantageous opening.

Xphy

"I suppose it would be, wouldn't it," Avrei replied, making an effort to keep her expression neutral and composed. Yun's response had easily been among the oddest she had ever received. It alongside of her gestures had also been proof that the Maharani's efforts to calm her hadn't exactly been successful. If anything she seemed even more nervous than before.

Maybe a new approach would help?

After giving it some thought she decided that maybe a change of topic would a good thing. Her eyes briefly wondered around the room before falling on the jewelry in front of them once more. That's right. The girl had not answered the question she had asked earlier, had she. Perhaps it would be the perfect topic to remove the awkwardness of their situation.

"I noticed that you were looking at these pieces of jewelry earlier," she continued, motioning toward the table once more. "Has any of them in particular caught you eye?"

As Avrei tried her best with Yun her bodyguard had been busy scanning the store, keeping track of all who came and went. Only one person had entered since they had arrived, a young girl carrying a large leather sack. The girl seemed innocent enough so Kyale decided not to bother her for now. She did however keep an eye on her since she seemed to be coming in their direction just in case she proved to be a treat.

NyuBomber

Kiew adjusted the strap that wrapped multiple times around her waist and shoulder, keeping the scrolls firmly at her back. Waiting was the hardest part of this encounter. They'd exchange pleasantries and Kiew would introduce herself and her father's name, and the Maharani would say something along the lines of 'How nice.' and Kiew would tell ehr where she goes to school and why she was in town and then--

The guard was sizing her up. As soon as their gaze met, Kiew went into a deep bow.

Rhindeer

"Huh? Jewellery? Oh! Uh." Yun snapped her attention to the pieces she'd been pretending to look at. Though she'd been staring at them, she hadn't actually seen them because her mind was too focused on staying unnoticed.

Now she looked back at the pieces and actually saw them.

And she saw that, actually...they were quite beautiful.

For a moment she stared at the pieces, eyes flicking over each of them in turn and then, because it felt like she had to choose, like it was a super important and crucial decision because the Maharani herself had asked her for her opinion, she pointed out her favorite of the bunch.

"That one's really pretty," she said. It was a pendant done in silver and jade of a mermaid, the jade making up the mermaid's tail. That done, she looked back up at the woman. "What about y--oh. Hey."

That was when she noticed the other girl, who was now bent in a deep bow. "I think someone wants ya," Yun said, nodding behind the Maharani.
Adamaris // Aderyn // Aki // Alexander // Angel // Axieva // Beatrid // Briar // Cadmus // Corryn // Einin/Owl // Emery // Fang // Faolán // Faris // Frost // Hayate // Ife // Jayari // Jirou // Juniper // Katxiel // Khaiya // Kota // Kyran // Liam // Makani // Max // Maya // Mei // Nakato // Naovi // Nasrin // Niaaki // Niamh // Noor // Pepper // Qiana // Qismat // Quinn // Raxta // Riyarin // Rook // Sachi // Sahar // Siobhan // Simonea // Sita // Song // Summer // Valor // Yasmin // Yiroa

Xphy

"A fine choice," Avrei said as she carefully studied the pendent that Yun had pointed to. It was a beautiful piece indeed, finely crafted and elegantly designed. She would have to commit its appearance to memory. It would make a nice gift for the girl. As Maharani she liked to keep her people happy, and a little gift every now and then did wonders.

When the girl asked about her she had a closer look at the table. She actually hadn't had a chance to look the jewelry over herself either, and she was pleasantly surprised at what she saw. She might just have to buy something for herself as well.

Just as she had finally settled on which one she liked the most the girl mentioned something about someone wanting her. "Oh?" She looked up at Yun before turning to face the bowing girl. Avrei didn't recognize her, but both she and her guard returned the gesture. She then offered the girl a gentle smile before speaking, curious as to what it was that she wanted.

"Is there something I can help you with?"

NyuBomber

Kiew rose and clasped her hands at her waist.

"Most Gracious Maharani, it would bring me great honor to simply introduce myself," she said with utmost calculation. "I am Kiew Gui-La, daughter of Po Shan Gui-La, and betrothed of Yin Tong. I am studying to be a Soul Speaker...in fact, I am here on assignment from my instructor. But, I do not wish to bother you with such matters. What I do seek is a simple autograph, if it pleases you."

Kiew bowed once more and awaited a response with a soft grin. Her gaze momentarily shifts to the girl who the Maharani has been looking over jewelery with -- she looked like a frail warrior, but Kiew knew better than to read a scroll by its cover, and she had such pretty hair --before returning to the Maharani.

Rhindeer

Yun breathed a silent sigh of relief when the Maharani's attention left her and focused on the new girl--though the relief was quickly replaced with a rush of embarrassment and jealousy.

Whoa! How the--! What a show off! Luckily the Maharani's back was to her because Yun's mouth dropped open and her cheeks colored as she got to witness for herself how smooth and elegant of an introduction this girl performed and was painfully, painfully aware of her own bumbling failure.

Well now she just looked stupid! Thanks, random new girl! Thanks.
Adamaris // Aderyn // Aki // Alexander // Angel // Axieva // Beatrid // Briar // Cadmus // Corryn // Einin/Owl // Emery // Fang // Faolán // Faris // Frost // Hayate // Ife // Jayari // Jirou // Juniper // Katxiel // Khaiya // Kota // Kyran // Liam // Makani // Max // Maya // Mei // Nakato // Naovi // Nasrin // Niaaki // Niamh // Noor // Pepper // Qiana // Qismat // Quinn // Raxta // Riyarin // Rook // Sachi // Sahar // Siobhan // Simonea // Sita // Song // Summer // Valor // Yasmin // Yiroa

Xphy

Avrei had listened to the girl's introduction, and she was definitely the polite type. She also had recognized her unlike Yun. For the most part her introduction was a fairly typical formal one though, and the only thing that really stood out to the Maharani was the fact that the girl was studying spirit speaking. It was always nice to meet young people who were interested in spirits.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Kiew," she replied as she raised her head to get a better look at the girl. "And I would gladly sign whatever you would like me to." Avrei had never really understood what value there was in her autograph. To her it was nothing more than a mark. But still it was a simple enough request, one that she could easily fulfill. Plus she had nothing to lose by giving it so it was only polite to comply.

NyuBomber

Kiew smiled widely. "Thank you very much, Your Graciousness." She slung her pack under arm and fished for a neatly rolled scroll, tied with yellow thread. She presents the parchment to one of the Maharani's guards, as one does not simply hand things to the Maharani herself.

The scroll itself was not that long. Upon opening, it would be seen that Kiew had sectioned off every inch of it for the signatures of various famed and acclaimed people. There were a number of slots filled, mostly notable Maoins, but also a few Warriors. The Maharani's designated space, naturally, was at the top.

"Oh," she exclaimed. Kiew pulled her pack around to her chest and dug in deep, losing her entire arm in its depths.  She pulled out quickly, however, having pulled out a calligraphy brush, followed by a very small, wooden capsule, its top tied off with thread and linen.

"May I trouble anyone for a small touch of water for the ink?"

Rhindeer

Yun crossed her arms over her chest. Jeez, this girl was making her look worse and worse. How was it that she knew just what to say?! And now she was whipping out that rather...impressive...collection of signatures. Yun's eyes briefly scanned the parchment, and she just about died when she recognized some of the bigger names.

Who was this girl?

With a small huff, Yun looked away. "Don't look at me," she said. "I ain't got any."
Adamaris // Aderyn // Aki // Alexander // Angel // Axieva // Beatrid // Briar // Cadmus // Corryn // Einin/Owl // Emery // Fang // Faolán // Faris // Frost // Hayate // Ife // Jayari // Jirou // Juniper // Katxiel // Khaiya // Kota // Kyran // Liam // Makani // Max // Maya // Mei // Nakato // Naovi // Nasrin // Niaaki // Niamh // Noor // Pepper // Qiana // Qismat // Quinn // Raxta // Riyarin // Rook // Sachi // Sahar // Siobhan // Simonea // Sita // Song // Summer // Valor // Yasmin // Yiroa

Xphy

Avrei nodded before taking the parchment from her guard and having a look at it. It was actually a pretty impressive list of signatures the girl had collected, even if she still didn't quite understand what worth they had. Kiew also seemed to have planned to get her own for some time, having designated a specific spot for her at the very top.

Honestly she didn't quite know how to feel about that, but she decided not to say anything about it.

When the girl asked for water the Maharani shook her head. "Sorry, but I do not have any either." After taking a brief moment to think she decided that the shopkeeper might have had some. Usually they kept some to clean up after closing, as well as to drink during the day. She was sure the woman wouldn't mind giving a small amount.

"Perhaps the owner of this shop would have some," she suggested before turning her attention back to Yun. "Would you like my mark as well?" She didn't really know it the girl had any use for her autograph, but she felt a little guilty not at least asking.

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