Tea Time [OPEN]

[Fawn]

Oh, You Sweet Summer Child.

17th of Frost, 120.

It was strange waking up with no need to tend to chickens, hop on a horse, or even simply boil a pot of water for melting the ice on the pathway in the mornings. And unlike her farm, her new home was small. Freakishly small. The tiny cottage was nestled cozily behind a traditional dumpling shop on the western side of Kalzasi, and as Fawn emerged from the front door at mid-day she breathed in deep to take in the comforting aroma of fresh dumpling dough. Her nostrils flared and she smiled wide remembering the previous day. She felt herself in high spirits with the crisp Frost air singing her nose in greeting, perhaps chastising the girl for sleeping in so late. With excitement in her eyes and the future on her mind, she dashed out of the cottage and into the busy streets, headed straight for the Plaza.

Her vibrant hair now brushed and groomed was finally rid of it's travelling debris, making her look only *slightly* less like the farm she'd come from. Though, her skin still held much of the dirt from the day before, as did her well worn boots. But dirt never stopped her. Her feet danced through the cobblestone pathway as she whistled the same song as the night before, though this time with it's traditional beat, and let the whistle turn into soft singing with each step. She didn't care if others heard, or if they thought she was crazy. Which some clearly did as they moved quickly from her path while shooting judgmental glances over their shoulders. But she continued on without a care in the world towards the shops. After all, today was all about relaxation!

Not ten minutes of her skipping her way through the rush of the afternoon she came across the very place she'd heard of a dozen times from Marina; Rose Teahouse. The first stop on her day of enjoyment, and the perfect place to gather details on potential magical mentors. She slowed her pace to a normal, socially acceptable walk and adjusted the coin purse hanging from her leather belt that kept her blue linen dress fitted snugly around her waist. She donned a deep red cloak that hung over her shoulders and clasped tight in the front with a brass circular pin. Simple, hammered with no special perfection, but it shined none the less when hit with sunlight. The girl was ushered to a seat at a table that could have easily held four people towards the front of the teahouse, facing the street and giving a perfect view of the city. As she sat down and fluffed her woolen cloak out behind her, the hostess bowed and smiled at her.

"What can I get you today miss?" The woman asked.

Fawn pushed a few strands of her unruly hair behind her smaller than usual ears as her face lit up. Her first experience in a tea shop! "Surprise me!" She said, barely containing her excitement. Truth be told she had no idea what different types of tea there were, and she was always up for a new adventure. The woman bowed once more and then left, returning within moments carrying the teapot and a singular tea cup. Inside the cup that she placed down delicately were multiple tea leaves, as dark as seaweed but smelling of the earth and flowers. She picked up the clay kettle and with a movement as graceful as a swan poured hot water into the small tea cup. After placing it back down the woman bowed and left, leaving Fawn staring intently at the cup as it's leaves swirled around each other as if waltzing.

Steam rose from it's edges, and the girl brought both cold hands forward to warm themselves on the edges of the hand crafted cup. With a soft, content sigh, she looked out the window towards the people passing by and enjoyed the first few moments of realization.

She had done it. She'd come to the city, and she'd begun her new life.

[Theme Song]

[Rickter]

Tea Time
17th of Frost, 120th Year, A.o.S.

The skies overhead were riddled with a dreary layer of clouds overhead, and though the sun might've brokered through once or twice, it was only to cause the specks of ice that trickled down to glint within it's dampened rays. Frost was never a jovial season for some because of what it brought, stillness, lethargy, in essence, the very aspect of dormancy itself. Yet as time ticked on there were those who celebrated the Frost, who reveled in the snow as the cold hardly bothered them. Kalzasi was one such place where cold wasn't an obstacle, merely, a challenge welcomed as the cycle repeated over and over. Time simply ticked onward, that was just the way. Much like the crunch of snow beneath one's boots, leaving their imprints as a record of history within the blanket of snow.

It was indeed a chilly day and therefore, required at least the addition of a coat while out on this venture. Apparently, the intended destination had been one frequented by a friend, a dear one, and in doing so she had discovered something wonderful. Thus did the inseparably strange pair of friends arrive to reach the entrance, the blonde bard the first to reach the door as she propped it open for the large wolf to hold. Entering within to shake and brush off the flakes, Telion's hands swept from her waist and along up her torso and arms, until finally, she lifted the hood of her cloak to free her head of the fabric. The color of the fabric was a teal, not so exquisitely made, but reliably woven as it covered her slender frame. Compared to the wolf himself she probably looked tiny, yet, that didn't stop her from rolling the white sleeves on her arms and adjusting the rest of her tunic.

"Wowee, I dunno how you stand the cold Ricky!" She felt the need to remark with a hearty look up to the man, whose blue eyes gently bore down on her as he gestured a light shrug.

"Just something you live with." He figured aloud with a look around the place itself, remembering where it was Telion had brought him to begin with. "Not that I loathe tea, but what's special about the teahouse Teli?" At that moment her eyes widened briefly, as though she were slightly caught off guard by his use of the nickname. Still, Telion grinned at him, as the man who dwarfed her crossed his arms. He'd forgotten how tighter the sleeves of his leather insulated coat felt now, after the number of blows his biceps have had to endure in training.

"I'd thought to ask a favor of the owner here, one that they were happy to oblige!" At that note Rickter's eyebrows rose, expecting Telion to pull another one of her surprises on him, to which he was hardly still getting used to even now. The hidden apprehension wasn't completely ignored though, however, and when flagged by his other companions; Rickter reassured them through their Bond that it was nothing to worry about at all. Just a surprise, or so he thought. "Remember when you ate one of those cookies the other day, you were going on about how sweet they were?"

"Oh... Yeah." He looked up briefly in reflection of the memory, something that Margo had done at the High Hopes tavern the other evening. Yet he didn't quite understand how cookies were important with the teahouse.

"You were surprised by the chocolate if I recall! So it got me thinking, that maybe you've never heard of hot cocoa before!" Telion expressed with a lilted tone in her voice, her hands held behind her back as she grinned at him once again. "So? Wanna try a batch with me?" Rickter's eyebrows rose thoughtfully, as he did remember that he'd never really eaten chocolate before. Those cookies were the first time, in fact, the second when Margo made them the other night... but now... he was going to drink it?!

"Why do you insist on me eating or drinking sweets?" He grudgingly inquired with a low groan, leading Telion to chuckle at him in response.

"Because I like expanding your horizons! It's good for you." The bard teased with a turn towards the counter, approaching so that she could request a couple of cups of chocolate. It took a moment for Telion to elaborate to the clerk behind the counter, but at least long enough for the wolf's eyes to wander astray. From the blonde, he'd sometimes watch quietly with affection, towards the tables and stalls of the establishment that were around them. Gradually eyeing his way to the door he realized there was a lone broad, a gingerly thing who seemed lost in her world as it were. He might've found amusement if he'd watched her, but just as quickly as his eyes noticed her, they fell away to prevent any chance of contact from ever happening.

Telion approached him with a pair of tall glasses in hand, filled mostly three-quarters of the way with a dark brown liquid piping with steam. "Got 'em! Where should we sit?" She inquired before her eyes started to wander around as well, before leading the way for him to follow until she might find a spot to sit. What the wolf couldn't help but wonder was... was whether or not that dark liquid was really chocolate.... or someone's twisted way of melting shit into a glass.

[Fawn]

Oh, You Sweet Summer Child.

17th of Frost, 120.

Delicate, pale fingers clasped themselves around the cup, then with a gentle lift as if the tea were a newborn baby chick, she took in the scent of the earthly, aromatic tea and stared out the window. With a new life came new choices. She'd done well her first night, even finalized her lodging thanks to Marina's kindness. But there were still so many details to sort out, of which she honestly had no idea where to start with. There was the problem of her clothes, firstly. She'd need at least one more set of winter boots after the trip had all but torn hers to shreds, as well as at least a few more dresses and pants. Had she traveled by wagon she'd have brought her things with her. But of course, that would have cost nearly all of her savings for the long trip she made.

As sunlight peeked through the clouds and dappled itself upon her freckled cheeks the girl non too gracefully placed the cup back down on the table. The afternoon light danced through the gently rising steam as she rummaged through her small satchel. Soft ginger curls fell over her face as she pulled out a small journal and a pen and set them on the table. Planning... she'd never been able to buy her own things before. It excited her. As much as she loved her mother, the woman was constantly overbearing. "My delicate Fawn." "Wear something thicker." "Purple doesn't suit you." A light smile pulled at the corners of her lips in memory. She hadn't hated it, but now things were different. Her childhood a memory she could rely on to be there when she missed her family. She flicked open the leather bound book and tucked the front cover behind itself before beginning to scribble down her shopping list with a curious excitement.

Shoes.
Pants.
Dresses. For winter and spring, eventually.
A small dresser for her new home. How would one get it delivered in such a large city?
A new waterskin- thanks to her worn shoes she'd slipped and torn hers open on the fourth day.

How much would all this cost in a city? Did they make things by magic, too, would there be extra charges?

A mentor.

Mentor... the whole reason she'd come to Kalzasi. Come to think of it she had never asked how one acquired a mentor, she just knew they existed. And according to Marina- were quite expensive. Was that 'farm girl' expensive or 'city girl' expensive? Fawn chewed on her lip as she moved her attentions from the city streets outside the window to the tea shop around her.

It was then she noticed a rather large, grumpy-faced man and his bubbly counterpart scanning the room with their eyes. Fawn hadn't been in a city before but she did have enough sense to understand that her table was the only one with any open chairs left. With a smile the girl sat up in her chair, back slightly straighter, and waved the pair over.

"If you don't mind a stranger, you're welcome to sit over here!"

[Theme Song]

[Rickter]

As though luck would have it the fact the lonely girl he glanced at earlier happened to invite them, willing to share the space of her corner in the shop so that they would have a place to sit. Almost on queue to be given the invitation, Telion beamed a warm and positive smile to the gingerly lady that welcomed them. "Really?! Thank you! We appreciate the offer!" Rather hopeful when she glanced up to him the bard hoped they wouldn't infringe on any of her plans, while the wolf himself spared her a glance with a loosely formed smile. Telion could already tell from his typical behavior, and therefore, took it upon herself to break the ice between them; once the pair took their seats next to one another across from the polite girl.

"My name's Telion by the way, this big guy here is my friend Rickter!" She nodded toward him while resting their glasses down on the table, slowly nudging one of them toward the wolf as he took his seat rather quietly. His blue eyes were reluctant to fully fall upon the ginger in front of them, not because he felt shy or intimidated in truth, just that he didn't want to seem so intense in actually staring at her. Plus with his friend there to be the social butterfly, he was better off listening more initially, than just weighing in his thoughts and drowning the poor girl. But an interesting beauty the woman was, her skin almost like porcelain save for the soft patterns of freckles prevalent in her features. Inadvertently, the opportunity to meet eyes with him would've been then, yet even in that moment Rickter was apt to avert his gaze elsewhere shortly after glimpsing her.

"Hey there..." He finally murmured lowly when he realized Telion had eyed him, usually marking his queue to introduce himself in some form. Not that the bard looked too satisfied with his performance, still, she took it with a courageous stride as she left the glass of chocolate for him to gander at himself.

"He's a little quiet when it comes to meeting new people, but don't let his size and demeanor fool you at all." Telion then teased him with a light giggle in her tone, a hand on her glass as she used the other to point at Rickter's when she spoke to him next. "Well? Go on Rickter!" The wolf's eyes eased their way into a narrow stare at the woman, as the blonde bard raised her glass near her lips for a moment. Puckering them she blew gently across the surface of the beverage, causing the steam emitted to waver as it wafted away from the air's push. Truthfully the wolf wasn't even sure why she did it, since the beverage was hot as is, and blowing on the surface wouldn't seem to really affect that much.

Yet after a careful pause when she tilted the glass towards her lips, Telion lightly sipped at the hot chocolate for a moment, her expression rife with utter delight as she enjoyed the flavor. Chocolate huh? Did she really enjoy it that much? Or was she only trying to goad the wolf further? He didn't know. What he did know was that the chocolate smelled richly sweet, the aroma something he could trace even with his glass still on the table. He sighed before reluctantly reaching for the glass, retreating his fingers a couple of times when he felt the heat, before mindfully gripping the glass itself so he could attempt to do the same. Blowing on it didn't seem to do anything, as he figured, and yet it brought a sense of calm when he did so. A peculiar sensation to be sure over drinking this cocoa, but one he felt was worth remembering in the event he drank tea next. Hot tea was always better with sugar in his mind, otherwise, the bitterness was just too much to handle.

His personal sentiments aside he was careful about trying to drink it, tilting the glass to allow the hot chocolate to drizzle past his lips. Needless to say, the burning sensation stifled any attempt to enjoy it, for when he felt that heat try to cross the threshold, he then lowered the glass with an aggravated glare shot to the beverage. Telion laughed a bit before offering her hands out to him, her eyes on the glass momentarily to indicate what she'd wanted from Rickter. When the wolf realized this he placed the beverage down, allowing Telion to lightly place her hands on the surface of the glass itself. Taking a moment to breathe in deeply she then concentrated, allowing the air around her to waft between the ginger and Rickter, before a sense of cold accompanied that faint breeze entirely. Between her hands where the glass was specks of ice started to form in the air, as the container itself started to ice over momentarily to cool the chocolate.

The frost she generated didn't last for very long due to the temperature, but the steam from before no longer seemed to plague the surface of his drink. "There!" She was enthused with a couple more nudges on the glass, determined to see the wolf actually try it once more as a result. Rickter softly scoffed with amusement in his eyes, his hands gripping the beverage more firmly now that it had cooled off somewhat. Repeating the second part of that earlier process, the wolf raised it up to his lips once again. This time though he indulged in the splendor that was chocolate in full, taking in a proportionate sip before nearly reeling back in surprise by its flavor. "What? Don't like it?"

"No actually I..." He did rather like it actually, even if the flavor was a little too rich for his standards. Lifting the container up once more though, he started to drink it with a bit of moderation. The blended taste of cocoa with creme and sugar was something beyond him, and yet, he almost couldn't help but marvel at how delicious it really was. "I kinda want to know how it's made." He admitted thoughtfully with a look to Telion, appreciation in his eyes as he seemed to genuinely smile then.

"There it is," The bard enthused as she did the same with her drink, cooling it off a bit like before so she too could drink a bit more, "I knew it'd be something you'd like." Telion then looked from Rickter to their newfound acquaintance, her own lips curved into a hearty grin as she tilted her head somewhat. "Oh, say. You weren't planning to meet with anyone, were you? Ricky and I can leave here shortly if so." The offer was as genuine as the warm expression she gave to the ginger, while the wolf's own eyes would linger around her at best, never making any direct eye contact with the lady even if she tried. He did, of course, sip more at his cocoa as the pair would listen to the lady speak.

[Fawn]

Oh, You Sweet Summer Child.

17th of Frost, 120.

Fawn sat back down as the pair approached, returning her hands to the steaming cup of herbal tea as if rushed to bring her fingers back to a normal temperature. A few others would open the door to the tea shop then promptly exit upon realizing how packed the place was, leaving a cold breeze dancing itself towards Fawn’s table- and her ever numbing fingers.

But not even the frost’s bone chilling cold could keep her from sharing a radiant smile that seemed to melt any flurries of snow that might have found their way inside. Like the first sunrise upon a frozen wasteland, eyes turned for a glimpse at her warmth.

“An open chair is a lonely one, after all!” She said, bringing the cup to her lips and sipping at it’s contents. “Pleasure-” She choked as the tea slid down her throat at the very moment she attempted to excitedly converse with them. A brief coughing fit later and a few seconds of catching her breath, she gave them a sheepish grin. A bashful flush crept up her cheeks as she cleared her throat. “Sorry- Pleasure to meet you, Telion, Rickter. I’m Fawn.”

She sipped at her cup once more as clouds covered the sun once more, casting a hazy shadow upon the city as well as inside the tea shop. Well, that didn’t go quite as planned. Not gracefully nor without mistake, but at least she hadn’t spilled the whole cup. The girl had always been a clumsy one aside from dancing.

Rickter’s voice, which barely registered as a rumble among the chatter of the teashop, sounded like distant thunder. It held a power to it you knew could threaten but somehow only soothed you. It was like the pitter-patter of rain upon concrete, lulling one to feel their feet bonding to the earth they stood on. And yet, it wasn’t cold. Rather his voice was as warm as a hearth that beckoned you to listen for the soft secrets it told in the quiet of the night while you sat beside it to thaw your frozen limbs.

The smile she returned to him held all of these thoughts, and even more questions, as she sighed contently into her cup and relaxed from the previous embarrassment.

The girl flicked her eyes between the two as she enjoyed the remainder of her own steaming cup. They were an odd pair, but they matched surprisingly well. The woman as playful as a baby goat, and the man… he reminded her of one of her horses. Hamlet. He was a strong, bulky chestnut draft horse with a quiet personality. His eyes would never reach yours but yet you knew he was always watching, observing, studying. And when you fell in a patch of mud he would come trotting over, shoving his nose against your side as if to ask “Are you ok?”.

Fawn smiled. Was this man the same? Or was he simply shy?

The cup, now a little more than half empty, was placed to the side as she pulled her attention back to the journal she’d been writing in and began to tally up her ledger. After all if she was to buy all these things she’d need to budget properly.

Fawn looked up from her journal briefly after having jotted down a few key items and in good humor scoffed at Telion. ““Oh, size doesn’t scare me. I’ve worked with wild mustangs!” She said, smirking confidently with a cocked brow at Telion as if she’d just declared herself an accomplished warrior, then turned her attention back to the little book in front of her.

Her family had let her take one of the newer stallions with her on her trip, which she’d promptly sold upon arriving, so that left her pockets decently full. But who knows what other expenses a city were to have?

’Who delivers the milk in the mornings…? Wait- do they even have milk delivery?’

She was pulled from her ponderings by.. Something. A pull in the air, a soft breeze that wasn’t a breeze at all that felt like ribbons in the air softly brushing her cheek as they slid towards the mans cup through Telion’s fingers. Her eyes widened. ’Magic!!’ The girl leapt up in her chair nearly crashing it back with both hands now firmly planted on the table. She stared intently, breath caught in her throat, as the ice painted itself across the surface of his chocolate, then melted away as easily as it had come. When it was over she let out the breath she’d been holding and beamed at the woman.

“That was amazing!” She exclaimed. Multiple heads which had previously turned to admire her beauty, now turned in annoyance of her screaming outburst. The girl quickly sat back down with another blush taking hold of her speckled cheeks.

“That was amazing-” She whispered this time, showing off that same embarrassed smile.

It was then she realized what had been going on and sat up slightly straighter, head cocked to one side with a puzzled expression taking hold of her face. He’d… never had hot chocolate before? She listened to the two go back and forth, watching his expression. It was subtle, nearly invisible, but there was a certain glimmer in his eyes even as he evaded hers. Was it the enjoyment of the hot chocolate or something else entirely?

“Oh, not at all!” She said, darting her gaze back to Telion and taking her tea in one hand, nearly gulping at its earthly taste a few times. “I don’t actually know anyone, I just moved here yesterday. Do you two live here as well?” She asked, setting the cup down once more.

“I’m tryin’ to put together a list of all the stuff I need but it’s a bit longer of a list than I thought.” She motioned to the journal with the pen, spinning it in circles on the table and pursing her lips as she looked down at the paper. Outside, the clouds parted once again and as the sun slowly peaked out it’s rays came down to cast their light into Fawn’s crystalline blue eyes which sparkled with a curious mystery of her own predicament.

“Actually,” She turned her gaze to Telion, then to Rickter. “Maybe you can help. How does one purchase furniture in a city this large? Where do I get fancy clothes that show skin? And where do I find a mentor in magic? Also, are there mentors for sex?” She rattled off the last question as if it were as normal as the others, taking her tea cup in hand and sipping at the last of the delicious brew before placing it back on the table. "Ah, sorry if that was a lot. I tend to get ahead of myself sometimes." She grinned.

From a table over a tanned man with peppered hair stood, adjusting his dark cloak before sauntering over to the side of their table with the kind of walk that any city-goer would find slimy. He looked rich, at least you'd assume by the lavish fabrics of his attire and boots that shined just a bit too well for someone living in a busy city. His hand rested on the end of the table and he leaned down to study the girls face. "Oh, there are mentors for sex, honey. In fact I would be more than willing to donate my time to be your teacher."

[Theme Song]

[Rickter]

Telion rewarded Fawn with an appreciative smile in regards to the philosophy, rather delighted by it actually, seeing as how she welcomed the pair so warmly at her table. In being given her name Telion's grinned a bit more, while the wolf nodded receptively when it was heard. "Quite alright, the tea here is wonderful after all!" Rickter didn't doubt her statement of opinion, given how often she liked to frequent this place during the mornings. Interestingly enough Fawn seemed to be enjoying it quite well, leading the wolf to wonder if this was her first time here. He wouldn't be surprised if that were the case, since he hadn't actually ever seen Fawn anywhere before. Though Kalzasi was huge so it stood to reason their paths just never crossed, there was the undeniable scent of hay and animals that clung to the girl.

That was all the more confirmed then, when Fawn expressed the fact she'd worked with horses. Interesting. No stablemaster for sure, perhaps just a farm girl? In that case, it was even more unlikely she was from here, unless she worked for a House under the Great House of Senue. Nah. Most city people had a candor about them, this girl, however, did not as she seemed entirely... well 'new' to everything here. "Oh wow! I've always appreciated horses, I'm quite a bit of an animal lover myself." The blonde bard admitted with a light chuckle, leading Rickter to tilt his head thoughtfully when he glanced at her. Then, of course, came the show of ice magic from Telion. Admittedly the display was impressive even for him, for he'd never seen her display such fine control over it. But it was Fawn who had been utterly fascinated by it, leading the pair to lightly jolt as they displayed mixed reactions. Telion laughed softly while the wolf's brief astonishment went firm once more, the bard herself pretending to do a half bow when she spoke once more.

"Thanks, it's just a bit of light magic honestly." She noted as Rickter had sipped on his chocolate, getting closer to a half-empty glass shortly after Telion's interest in seeing him try it. In checking with Fawn to make sure she wasn't waiting on anyone, the pair learned that she had actually moved to Kalzasi... as in just settled in only a day ago. "Oh, wow!" The wonder in Telion's voice was prevalent, and admittedly, Rickter too raised his eyebrows to learn this. Even if it all confirmed his earlier speculations, it still intrigued him that a woman like her hadn't made any friends here yet. Did she come alone? What was her story? As intrigued as he felt, he wasn't inclined to break his silence with her just yet, merely listen as the two women conversed while he sipped on his chocolate. Strange though... his gut started to feel weird the more he did. "I've only been here for a season myself, so I can only imagine how exciting everything must be for you."

Exciting? That was one way to describe their time together, Rickter could only imagine what Fawn would discover here, granted she didn't seem like the type to go looking for trouble either. Trouble seemed to follow Rickter around in one fashion or another, something he'd learn to just deal with as it came more or less. "Ricky here is letting me bunk at his place with a mutual friend, he and I are work partners while I'm visiting Kalzasi." The wolf noticed that Fawn set her cup down, gesturing to the booklet and ink pen before her, with an elaboration on what it was she was writing down. So she was compiling a list of things needed? Well, that sounded tedious. Although the wolf's approach on the matter was simpler in comparison, and quite often relying on personal memory rather than parchment for the record. Still, it wasn't at all a bad idea, one he considered himself now that he saw her doing it.

"Oh? Sounds like a lot." Telion remarked thoughtfully as she too seemed to wonder, though, Rickter knew she was probably wanting to help out a bit. The woman always knew how to extend a hand for others, a quality that sometimes aggravated the wolf, even though he ultimately approved and appreciated her for it. It often kept him grounded and focused on his role, as a guardian and a friend, which was why he looked to Fawn curiously when she turned to them for insight. How about that? Not even a 'need a hand' thrown out there, somehow the irony tickled the wolf's humor. "Sure!" Telion quickly agreed with the assumption they could help, a look of delighted amusement on her face as she noticed Rickter glancing her way. But fuck... his gut was starting to feel odd now, almost in an uncomfortable manner actually. It felt as though low gurgles churned within it, in turn affecting his appetite as he felt less inclined to drink the rest of his beverage.

Telion on the other hand had started to drink from her glass again, listening to the questions that came from Fawn, before that last one hit them both by surprise. The poor bard... nearly spewing her cocoa onto the table before covering her mouth, she buried the lower half of her face within her cloak as she pressed it to her mouth, her eyes largely widened as the visible part of her cheeks immediately flushed red. The wolf himself was a bit stunned by the question, but it was Telion's reaction that struck him hard. Chuckling lowly Rickter looked to her as she did him, the surprise still prevalent in her eyes as she slowly revealed the rest of her face, and then awkwardly laughing as she wiped any accidental splatters with her cloak. The chuckles receded and the gurgling in the pit of his stomach receded, leaving behind a knot of discomfort within as he looked from Telion to Fawn.

"Here within the Plaza of Jeweled Arches, there's plenty of shops to poke around with. Oliver and his partner at Into the Woods is a good place to start, they don't sell a bunch of furniture necessarily... but they can help you with some essentials at least." The flush in Telion's face finally started to recede, her eyes thoughtful as she smiled in watching him speak. "Edelma's Finery caters to personalized dresses and suits, much of it formal wear honestly. Veyl's Clothier's however is where you can find a general selection of clothes."

"It's actually where he bought me this cloak." The bard shared as she undid the clasp near her neck, lifting it off her shoulders so that it'd rest over the back of her chair. "In terms of mentors for magic, that's kind of a personal matter I think."

"It is." The wolf agreed with his eyes diverting between Telion and Fawn. "The Circle of Spells can provide you with mentors if you join them, otherwise, a freelancing mage can just mentor you if pay him."

"Or if you're good friends like we are," the bard remarked with a playful nudge at Rickter's shoulder, "then you can ask them if the both of you trust each other well enough." Telion then looked to Fawn with a bit of sincerity, hoping that this part of the answer would sink in well with the ginger. "Magic is useful but also dangerous, it's important to know what sort of magic you want to learn, as well as the stipulations of threshold sickness you'll have to survive to attain it." The wolf remembered well every one of his initiations, from Reaving up to Elementalism, each had their own hardships to overcome before he learned how to use them. "No worries!" She then assured Fawn when the girl apologized for getting ahead of herself, though not before another seemed inclined to mosey their way over from his table.

Rickter quickly looked at him from the corner of his eyes, the gaze narrowed as he could smell a strong dose of cologne. Such a heavy scent almost burned his nostrils, leading the wolf to nearly growl when the man approached to lean over Fawn. Telion eyed the general stranger with confusion, though not before her face reddened once more after what she heard. However, this time it was red with spite. "Excuse you?! Nobody invited you to proposition her!"

Rickter shifted so that the chair beneath him scooted back, the grinding of the legs against the wooden floor an obnoxious alert for those in the shop, as the wolf stood literally a head taller to glare down at the middle-aged noble in front of him. "There's plenty of harlots to sate that nasty appetite at the cabaret... so why don't you move along before you genuinely piss me off." Sudden awe developed on Telion's face as she saw Rickter stand up for Fawn, the red in her face quickly receding as she started to pale in comparison to before. She'd seen him when he was angry, and she certainly wouldn't want him going off on another. Yet it was up to the stranger that would have to determine where this would go, for Rickter's gaze did not once deter from the man he stood ready to deal with, a fierce predatory look in his eyes as he waited to see how this 'gentleman' would react in turn.

[Fawn]

Oh, You Sweet Summer Child.

17th of Frost, 120.

She'd heard of threshold sickness once from Marina. It had apparently been rough. She'd been barely able to breath, ran a high fever, and spent days vomiting nearly everything she ate. But a simple week or less to have magic for the rest of your life? She couldn't imagine anyone choosing not to learn! The girl beamed and listened intently to Telion as she explained, even stopping to scribble down a few notes as she spoke.

"Well, an old friend played with the wind, but I'm not sure what else is out there." She furrowed her brow and rested her palm against her chin in thought. "This may be more difficult than I first imagined... Marina said she found her mentor rather quickly.." The farmgirl, still lit aglow by the spotty sun lighting her hair on fire from behind, shrugged, moving to place her journal away. As she closed the latch on her back the 'gentleman' that had approached leant himself down towards her, his eyes trailing over his body as he spoke. But it wasn't Fawn who spoke first, though her eyes shone back at him as if she'd just been offered the world. Here was a man so ready to teach her, but no sooner had she wanted to speak up did Telion cut her off. Fawn, puzzled, gazed at the girl as if asking 'what's wrong?'.

The man, on the other hand, hadn't changed his expression. It would appear he was used to being turned down, and likely, still getting his way. He scoffed at Telion. "Oh hush, little blonde. Just because you don't want to doesn't mean she doesn't. And it's only in my nature to help someone out when they need it. Don't you want her to succeed?" He'd been watching her, following her. Not that she had known but from the moment she'd stepped into Kalzasi the night before he'd followed her. From building to building. To the Cabaret. He'd watched her guzzle down drink after drink and cheer about her newfound life. He'd followed her home, and had even been lucky enough to catch her as she left this morning. He'd sat down right after her. Stalked her. Thought of her. He wanted her. And unlike the last one, he wouldn't let this one slip out of his hands.

The man straightened his back and shrugged, a disgustingly confident smile plastered on his face like an infection as he flicked his eyes back down to Fawn. He reached a hand out, stroking it along the girls cheek and twirling a ringlet of her mane between two fingers. His snake like eyes passed back at Rickter as if to taunt, then met the girls again with a tenderness that, had you not known him, you may never know belonged to such a vile creature of a man. "She's got exquisite looks, don't you think? Perfectly suited for the cabaret I know very well. And I can teach you all you need to know."

Fawns cheeks had flushed, she was nervous. . He was so close, she could smell the expensive cologne on him and looking into his eyes felt like she was being pulled into him- she shook her head briefly and blinked a few times in Telions direction. It was then she noticed Rickter. He had stood, he'd spoken, his voice and posture screamed 'try me' and in that moment Fawn felt much like the small deer she was named after. Why was he so angry? Was the Cabaret bad? Even Telion seemed upset. She felt as though she were being pulled in a million different directions and for the first time in her life- didn't speak up. What was going on?

"Look, these two people, they clearly don't know you. I'll admit my love, You wreak of 'new girl', and bad people will take advantage of that. You need someone to show you how to get around. I've got all the time in the world and I even own an estate not three blocks from here, I can help you get around. What do you say? Come with me?" His eyes sparkled. He was charming, he was confident, and as he dropped the ringlet of her hair he sighed contently to hold out his hand for her to take.

[Theme Song]

[Rickter]

While he would've loved to chat and discuss the finer points of their previous conversation, it became increasingly aware that whoever this pompous ass was, he wasn't going to let up without pushing the boundaries first. The way he loomed over Fawn, how he incentively craved her like she were fresh fruit for him to pick... It disgusted Rickter. The knot in his stomach worsened quickly but he ignored it by that point, for the calmness within became a turbulent ocean of anger. His bondmates reached out to him but Rickter? He quickly walled them off at that point, determined to keep them from experiencing the front of his inborn wrath. The nobleman went on and on and it just grated his nerves, Telion displaying similar disgust with the man, though still wary of the coming storm brewing within Rickter.

As the perverted rich man held out his hand to offer to Fawn, the wolf found the irony of the statement he made earlier frustratingly apparent. Thus he started to growl lowly from within his core, as the wolf himself started to emit a small amount of heat as well. A flush went into his cheeks as the areas not covered by his hair reddened, though not before the pigmentation of the skin itself started to darken. Growling as he stood there Rickter's hair started to elongate, the complexion changed to be riddled with black splotches as his ears grew more pointed, and his canines more prominent while his general form increased in size. Now he was two heads taller than the nobleman, and in seeing his form alter, Telion covered her mouth quietly before averted her gaze from what took place next.

She was not happy, and neither was the wolfman. Driven by the anger seated within him, Rickter didn't even look at the pair of ladies at the table, just merely shoved the nobleman forward until he was pressed into the wall. The bastard, now realizing his err, suddenly lost all that bluster and confidence he projected earlier. "Unhand me you-" There wasn't even time to finish that statement, for when he brought a hand up to pull away Rickter's, the wolf simply pushed harder and wrapped his hair-ridden hands against the base of the man's throat. The commotion caused by being slammed into the wall stirred others to watch, with one of the proprietors quickly leaning over the counter to detest their behavior.

"Take it outside! This is a refined establishment!" The wolf glared past his shoulder and must've intimidated the clerk then, for their expression shifted to one of dread when he did. Rickter groaned almost as though he were amused by the statement, however, looking hard at the man he clutched before growling deeper at him.

"Hear that? Maybe we should..." He increased the grip incrementally, making the grasp feel tighter as the man started to breathe heavily, his eyes on the monster before him with a shared sense of horror and spite. Yet the wolf did nothing more, save for leaning in closer, enough to smell the rank of fear now instilled in him. "Get the fuck out of here." And just like that he was released, the elongated nail on his thumb no longer pressed into the exposed skin of his neck. Reaching to grope at his flesh after being released, the nobleman looked up to him before shoving past Rickter, storming out of the establishment without another look when he did so. The wolf finally started to breathe regularly then, as did Telion even though she still appeared tense. Rickter admittedly took a more somber appearance in seeing her do this, the wolf-like aspects of his form receding as he reverted to his human form before the pair.

"Sorry..." He quietly murmured as the bard glanced to Fawn, before looking up to Rickter with understanding.

"It had to be done." She remarked to him in turn, leading him to lightly nod as he allowed his walls to come back down. Talon and Aoren both seemed concerned by his anger, but he returned their feelings with a somber resolve in turn. Though not before the pit of his stomach rolled, stirring astonishment within the wolf where he stood. That wasn't... good. That was very bad. Another roll. The color in his face receded as he seemed afflicted by something else now, his immediate thought to move for the door as he felt a lurch beneath his abdomen. Was he... Was he about to heave?! He hardly ever got sick like this, so when it happened it was always unforgettable, if not damn near traumatizing for the wolf to endure. Abruptly stepping out the door just a few feet away from the entrance, Rickter stopped with a bend to his knees, planting his hands on them for a sense of support as another heave rushed through his organs. What was happening to him now!? Had he gotten so angry that it stressed him?

Telion, noting this erratic behavior, rose from her chair with concern in her eyes, following Rickter out to find him standing outside... with another hefty contraction that led him to vomit the cocoa out of his gut.

[Fawn]

Oh, You Sweet Summer Child.

17th of Frost, 120.

It was with the last finger that left the mans throat that he scrambled out of the tea shop leaving his confidence behind. Fawn, though, was staring at Rickter with wide, terrified eyes. He had nearly killed the man.. assaulted him in public, and left him screaming... perhaps he was as bad as the situation demanded. Fawn bit her lip and shifted her cloak around her shoulders, suddenly feeling strangely nauseous and centered herself in the chair as she watched the two carefully, confused.

It had to be done..? She raised a brow. "Is sex that bad?" She asked, not yet revealing the nature of the job she'd procured the day before, and glancing to Rickter. He had changed.. she'd heard of his kind before but had never seen a shift or even met anyone like him. She averted her gaze unsure if her own staring would draw his attention. He was human again.. so why did she fear looking at him? Perhaps it was knowing that someone as seemingly kind as the man who had left was bad, and that these people could be, too, had planted a seed of doubt. It wasn't too far from what Marina had warned her of. People who would prey on the innocent, take advantage of a persons kindness, or steal from an unsuspecting persons pocket. But then, how do you know who to trust?

She realized she'd been staring at Telion when the pair rushed outside. Her own ears perked up as she heard the man heaving his drink up into the street- did he become sick from shifting? Was it painful? But instincts kicked in and she rushed to the counter bypassing the few people left in line. Like any sick animal on her farm the best thing was water, and for humans, something to calm the stomach. The girl brushed her hair back as the cashier raised a brow.

"Please, Sir, A cup of warm water, and some fresh ginger if you have it." She pleaded, holding out her coins.

A few moments later Fawn rushed outside with a cup of warm water. Though only mildly warm, the cold of the outside air left it steaming from her hands. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes worried, both for her and for him. Her hand outstretched. The cup was mostly full of water, and small pieces of shaved ginger floated atop it's surface as she outstretched it to Rickter. Her hand trembled ever so slightly sending tiny rippled into the cup. Whatever had happened just then at the very least, in her gut, she felt she could trust them. The same could not be said for the man who he'd scared away, but that was something she'd think on later. For now, what was important was healing her new acquaintance.

"Are you alright?"

[Theme Song]

[Rickter]

In that brief moment of reprieve after the bastard left, there had been a question that led Telion to look at Fawn alarmingly. "Not necessarily... but-" and then came Rickter's abrupt exit to the outdoors, causing the bard to rise on her feet and give chase to see that he had been alright. To be quite honest... he wasn't. Regurgitating food was always a bad, no, horrible experience for the wolf no matter the root cause. So imagine the sudden concern his partner had, in seeing the final upheaval part from his lips, the wolf closed his eyes tightly at the sight of browned snow with but a couple of tears dripping from his eyelids. His entire throat burned now... and he felt rather exhausted suddenly, having all his insides objectively reject the beverage he drank. Why? Why did it have to burn so much...

"Are you okay?" Telion asked as she checked in on him, standing close with a hand brushing along his shoulder and neck. Rickter tilted his head to look up at her, his breathing a bit ragged now that he had finally caught a break from the vomiting.

"Not after that..." He admitted that quietly with almost a rasp in his throat, right as Fawn came out to bring a cup toward the pair. Rickter and Telion both noticed her when she approached, an appreciative look given to the ginger as the bard walked close to encourage her over. Rickter, still with a somber expression, accepted the drink as he could see the shavings of an herb or something within the water. Was that... ginger?

"It'll treat your stomach Rickter." Telion encouraged with an approving glance to Fawn, a bit impressed with her quick thinking in requesting the drink. The wolf raised an eyebrow momentarily, before raising the glass up to his lips to take a sip, then began drinking it gradually as the water eased a bit of the pain in his throat. Cutting himself off he left a bit of water in his mouth, gurgling it a bit before he spat the substance back out.

"Thank you." He spoke a little more louder, but still softly, when he looked back to Fawn once more.

"I don't think I've ever seen you have that sort of reaction before..." Telion remarked with a conscious look toward the spot in the snow, her fingers lightly pressed over her mouth as she seemed to heavily reflect on the situation.

"It was just..." Come to think of it he didn't know outright, the only time he ever felt nauseated was when he actually broke down sick. "a really bad reaction."

"Not that I've seen you turn often, but does that usually influence this?" Telion guessed with a curious yet worried tone of voice, the wolf merely shook his head gradually before slowly drinking the rest of the water down; and chewing on the few strands of ginger root left in his mouth. "Then... either the milk or the cocoa didn't sit well with your stomach."

"I've drank milk growing up, but never tried cocoa before." The wolf reasoned aloud as he reflected on his childhood, wondering if there might've been a reason as to why that was.

"Oh, Gods. I'm so sorry Rickter... " Telion quickly apologized with her gaze averted, more than likely pinning the blame on herself for the whole ordeal.

"Wasn't your fault, you just didn't know." The wolf remarked before looking back to Fawn, as did the bard when he started to speak once more. "I owe you one for the water." He started with a brief rub over his belly, a slight raise of his eyebrows as he admittedly felt a bit better. "Earlier... with that man. People like him are the ones to watch out for, and if you ever need me around, then just whistle as loudly as you can." To that Telion's eyebrows rose, a spur of enthusiasm found in her observation as Rickter brought a finger and thumb between his mouth to whistle obnoxiously loud. "Like that. Understand?" He waited to see if she would nod in turn, his expression still stoic and yet... his eyes protectively on Fawn as though she were a friend. "Works when I'm close enough to listen at least."

"Well, I'd say that's a compliment coming from you!" Telion remarked with a light giggle, a soft grin returning to her face as she tucked her arms behind her. "Did you need help getting settled in by the way? Kalzasi is a big place after all, and Rickter had to show me around for a while too." In mentioning him there was a glance, a moment of endearment, before looking to Fawn once more with a smile on her face.