Post by Aridan Crowe on Oct 24, 2024 7:30:43 GMT
Aridan
I will love the light
for it shows me the way...
for it shows me the way...
The sun was high in the sky, shining down through the gaps in the forest to light up the city of Nythalaê. It was bustling at this time of day, full of a plethora of voices and music. It was the city's own “Artist's Row” that held the most of everything. People and familiars alike traversed the markets, strolling in and out of the shops that lined the streets. Among them was a fox, her coat as dark as the night and tails fluttering behind her as she weaved through the legs of the crowd to catch up to her human companion.
Those who paid attention recognized her immediately - after all, six years in office will do that to anyone. As she trotted to his side, the man in black cast his gaze down. Although still dressed rather nice, Aridan hadn't worn his formal attire. The fanciest thing on him was likely the black coat over his shoulders secured to him at the collar, silver accents lining the cuffs where his arms could have been. The white shirt underneath fit him well enough to keep him warm without fully adorning the jacket. Appearances mattered, and he certainly was far in his outfit from the commoners’ attire, but he wasn't out to seek attention as “the Chancellor” on this day. Despite this, it appeared the fox had managed to attain a new jewel. How she had, he wasn't entirely sure, but it did bring a small smile to his face.
“I thought you didn't like crowds, Stella. Where did you wander?”
His thought was a teasing one, mocking the creature’s disdain for the dense public. A sound, like a mental sigh of dismissal, rung through his mind in response. Her voice was as steady as ever.
“I'm far from comfortable here, you know, and I most certainly did not wander,” she defended. “But when a child offers you an emerald, a proper lady cannot say no.”
The green gem braided into her fourth tail was rather nice. Surely, it wasn't the finest of them all, but as a gift from a child - it was placed well. Caught at the right angle, it glitter in the sun. Aridan laughed - such a soft spot for a stern fox. But, she had always cared for the young.
“Besides,” her voice rung through his head once again. “At least it was calm in the mystic shop.”
He shook his head, sticking a hand into his pocket.
“You know we're here on business, Stel. Not a vacation,” he chimed. “Normally you are the one to remind me.”
He could feel the indifference from Stella, almost as though she rolled her eyes. “Yes, you are correct. And that shop is new. Still a part of our purpose, unlike the dice man before it.”
Aridan had to give this one to her. Their task, in all truth, was checking in on the state of Nythalaê. After all, the largest trade city in the nation was also right at the foot of the gate to the Allways. Apart from monitoring the gate - which Aridan decided they would do at some point during their stay - they were also to check in on the people. From new businesses to old, it was good to be a familiar face to those in the country. And for Aridan, strolling through the shops was somewhat of a break from his formal role.
“Right as always, Stella. Although, I have to say our next ‘check-in’ should involve lunch.”
The kitsen scoffed at this, but didn't dispute it. She actually rather liked the idea. She, too, was beginning to feel a bit hungry. Whether it was a shared sense or consequence - who even knew? But it was nothing she could deny.
“You know, you have a pouch there…”
She nudged the small leather bag hanging from his hip. Perhaps to the unknowing, it looked like any other coin pouch - filled to the brim. Yet, to the keen nose, it contained biscuits specially made for Stella herself. With a chuckle, the man shook his head, “That's not a proper lunch, Stel. We need real food.”
Her ears lowered a bit and Aridan could feel the disappointment from his companion. But, she couldn't deny the truth he spoke. Having found an agreement of sorts, they made their way to a small restaurant near the end of the street. It was quieter here and rather homely, a comfortable area for lunch. Approaching the building, they were welcomed by the server and given their choice of the outdoor seating. The round table they settled on was made of a white wood, with enough space for four seats. Naturally, Aridan claimed one and Stella hopped into the one to his left. Given a menu and a small bell, they were left to contemplate their meals.
Those who paid attention recognized her immediately - after all, six years in office will do that to anyone. As she trotted to his side, the man in black cast his gaze down. Although still dressed rather nice, Aridan hadn't worn his formal attire. The fanciest thing on him was likely the black coat over his shoulders secured to him at the collar, silver accents lining the cuffs where his arms could have been. The white shirt underneath fit him well enough to keep him warm without fully adorning the jacket. Appearances mattered, and he certainly was far in his outfit from the commoners’ attire, but he wasn't out to seek attention as “the Chancellor” on this day. Despite this, it appeared the fox had managed to attain a new jewel. How she had, he wasn't entirely sure, but it did bring a small smile to his face.
“I thought you didn't like crowds, Stella. Where did you wander?”
His thought was a teasing one, mocking the creature’s disdain for the dense public. A sound, like a mental sigh of dismissal, rung through his mind in response. Her voice was as steady as ever.
“I'm far from comfortable here, you know, and I most certainly did not wander,” she defended. “But when a child offers you an emerald, a proper lady cannot say no.”
The green gem braided into her fourth tail was rather nice. Surely, it wasn't the finest of them all, but as a gift from a child - it was placed well. Caught at the right angle, it glitter in the sun. Aridan laughed - such a soft spot for a stern fox. But, she had always cared for the young.
“Besides,” her voice rung through his head once again. “At least it was calm in the mystic shop.”
He shook his head, sticking a hand into his pocket.
“You know we're here on business, Stel. Not a vacation,” he chimed. “Normally you are the one to remind me.”
He could feel the indifference from Stella, almost as though she rolled her eyes. “Yes, you are correct. And that shop is new. Still a part of our purpose, unlike the dice man before it.”
Aridan had to give this one to her. Their task, in all truth, was checking in on the state of Nythalaê. After all, the largest trade city in the nation was also right at the foot of the gate to the Allways. Apart from monitoring the gate - which Aridan decided they would do at some point during their stay - they were also to check in on the people. From new businesses to old, it was good to be a familiar face to those in the country. And for Aridan, strolling through the shops was somewhat of a break from his formal role.
“Right as always, Stella. Although, I have to say our next ‘check-in’ should involve lunch.”
The kitsen scoffed at this, but didn't dispute it. She actually rather liked the idea. She, too, was beginning to feel a bit hungry. Whether it was a shared sense or consequence - who even knew? But it was nothing she could deny.
“You know, you have a pouch there…”
She nudged the small leather bag hanging from his hip. Perhaps to the unknowing, it looked like any other coin pouch - filled to the brim. Yet, to the keen nose, it contained biscuits specially made for Stella herself. With a chuckle, the man shook his head, “That's not a proper lunch, Stel. We need real food.”
Her ears lowered a bit and Aridan could feel the disappointment from his companion. But, she couldn't deny the truth he spoke. Having found an agreement of sorts, they made their way to a small restaurant near the end of the street. It was quieter here and rather homely, a comfortable area for lunch. Approaching the building, they were welcomed by the server and given their choice of the outdoor seating. The round table they settled on was made of a white wood, with enough space for four seats. Naturally, Aridan claimed one and Stella hopped into the one to his left. Given a menu and a small bell, they were left to contemplate their meals.
...yet I will love the darkness
because it shows me the stars.
because it shows me the stars.