Market to Market [Alvena + Lucette]

[Lucette]

40th of Spring, 511 A.V. Alone with no one to guide her, Lucette stood at the edge of the market place. It was crowded, much more crowded than she was comfortable with. The Kelvic had not been unescorted in such a chaotic place before. She knew others often visited places such as these by themselves; she had heard them speak of it. The rush of the crowds flowed around her and the girl held herself balanced on the fine line between tension and grace, her body at ready should she need to run. A cart passed loudly by and Lucette startled at the sound, and it sent her quickly moving through the crowd. Weaving in and out with ease, the Kelvic only touched the people around her with a hair’s breath of her soft skin. And even out of her element, she moved with the soft seductiveness of a feline. Her intense gaze took in everything. Lucette wished to see it all at once, the stalls, the colors, the people, their movements. Her lovely head turned this way and that on her pretty shoulders. At a fish seller’s stall she stood for the longest time staring at each fish laid out so pleasingly. Her mouth watered. The smell! A pink tongue touched her lips lightly, longingly. The Kelvic knew payment was required for delicacies such as these, but she had no money. She had never been taught how to use it anyway. Unashamed and unselfconscious, she stood at the center of the booth while customers jostled around her. She looked to them momentarily, but the fish lovingly drew her attention back. Her feline mind pushed her to just snatch one and be gone. Her body trembled. Roland would never have allowed her such a thing! But Roland was gone… though she didn’t think Justus would approve either. Her eyes lifted to the fish monger hopefully, then back to the fish. Their taunting bulging eyes encouraged her to taste them. Lucette hovered on the edge then, contemplating her first act of real rebelliousness, her gold flecked eyes filled with dangerous mischief, and she reached out with one hand tentatively to touch a fish.

[Alvena Celandine]

'New experience' were so far the only words Alvena could find to describe her first walk around the marketplace. The crowd was the most noticeable difference. The square was completely packed with people, mostly humans, all looking for a chance to strike a good bargain. Maneuvering her way through the unpredictable movements of the crowd, she found herself circulating a portion of stalls selling various foods. She found most of the items to seem inedible and in some cases revolting, yet she was curious as to what humans would find delicious. Although she was inexperienced with dealing with constant movement of the people around her, her ability to slip through them without so much as a nudge surprised even her. She had ample time to observe her surroundings without worrying that she might bump into someone. The market was truly amazing to her, but after enough time sightseeing, Alvena noticed that these people were simply carrying out mundane activities they pursued every week or so out of necessity. She was the only one who saw beauty in this gathering, and after a while of aimless wandering, she decided she should also buy what she needed and head back. It was when she walked towards a stall selling fish that she encountered a rather curious sight. A woman stood in right in front of the display of fish, seemingly just as lost in the moment as Alvena was. It was her formidable appearance that caused her to look twice, her body and skin reflecting an appearance of health that Alvena could never match with her pale, skinny frame. Upon closer inspection, the woman's behavior proved somewhat amusing. While her appearance suggested she was a fully mature woman, her expression was that of a child's, as she stared down the scaly animals with longing. "Are you going to buy that?" Having taken a rapid few steps to stand only about a foot away, Alvena interrupted her just as she reached out towards the fish. I should give myself a chance to practice speaking common, she thought. She smiled lightly, but not so much as to reveal her carnivorous teeth. She didn't want to scare the woman.

[Lucette]

Startled, Lucette pulled her hand back from the fish. Her whole body flinched, guiltily. How had the woman known what she had been thinking? To her mind, she had been caught even before she had even done anything. In the past she might have been punished for even thinking of such an action. But the woman’s words did not seem spoken in anger. The Kelvic looked up from the fish to look upon the woman. She gaze was unflinching and honest. “Oh no,” Lucette exclaimed, “I only wanted to touch it. Just once… I can not buy it… though I wish I knew how.” The customer on the other side of Lucette purchased one of the amazing creatures, and the Kelvic watched enraptured as the fish was wrapped tightly and paid for. After it exchanged hands, it was sadly taken away and her golden eyes watched it leave. Then Lucette looked at the woman again. She was striking, yet very thin, with the palest of hair. Lucette did not know where she was from, though her accented words sounded foreign. Did she come aboard a ship from far away, like she and Roland had traveled? “Will you buy a fish? Do you know how?” Lucette asked hopefully, as her body turned gracefully to face the stranger. “Do you have coin?” The Kelvic hoped she did, and that she would purchase one. For then the stranger might be persuaded to share some of it with her. She continued, the excitement that filled her evident in her smooth voice, “Which would you get? They are all so… very beautiful. It is hard to choose. But I, I would take this one,” she smiled beautifully as she pointed to one particular fish. She did not know its name, though it was perfect in her eyes. The wish to touch it was still great; to feel its smooth surface weighted in her hand. And her finger tips reached out then to caress its scales lightly.

[Alvena Celandine]

The woman flinched visibly as though Alvena was about to hit her, and she felt terrible that she had induced such a reaction. Was it her appearance that struck fear in the girl's eyes? Her speech was spoken in an almost child-like tone, a strange contrast with her well developed physical features. "...I can not buy it… though I wish I knew how." Her words were intriguing to say the least. She gave the impression that she was completely ignorant of the world, an attitude that made Alvena feel almost maternal towards her, concerned for her well-being. She was about to immediately whip out her money bag without question before she recalled a small tidbit of advice her uncle had given her before she left: "Spend your money wisely, Alvena. It leaves your pocket faster than you think, and out there, money is everything." She searched for a polite way to refuse, but the woman's beauty evoked sympathy in Alvena, and she realized she couldn't possibly say no. The way she spoke was like she was begging a stranger without even realizing it, using her innocence as a weapon. Perhaps this was just a ploy to gain pity, but Alvena discarded the suspision; her plea seemed too genuine. "Excuse me," she said, addressing the fish merchant as she reached under her waist armor and pulled out a few mizas. Her elongated arm reached out to gingerly place the gold coins into the man's hand, who stiffened slightly as her sharp fingers brushed his palm. "That one, please," she said, motioning to the very same fish the girl was pointing at. Upon receiving the coin, the man promptly proceeded to wrap the fish accordingly and handed it to her, who mouthed a word of thanks in reply. "Allow me to introduce myself," She spoke formally, although her speech was hindered by bad pronunciation, "My name is Alvena Celandine. What is yours?" Her red eyes were considerably clear in the sunlight as she boldly handed the prepared fish to her, hoping that she wouldn't be put off by her long blackened claws. LedgerSalted fish -5 gold mizas

[Lucette]

Alvena looked at her, but Lucette was used to being looked at and studied. She thought nothing of people’s eyes upon her. This woman’s eyes were different though than anything the Kelvic had ever seen, a shade so red as to almost be alarming, crimson in color. And her arms were long. Long like Veldrys’ were, yet he had amethyst eyes. Were they the same? Or related? Lucette stared in turn, unblinking her own eyes shifted, watching as the woman handed money to the fish seller and bought the fish Lucette had coveted. “Alvena…” Lucette purred in her own seductive way, “please… I am Lucette… from the Temple,” she added, so used to giving more than was asked for, in an effort to please. The wrapped fish was offered to her. And Lucette’s hands opened wide, to gladly accept the gift. She held it close to her chest, and tried to inhale its distinctive fragrance with her inferior human nose. Her breathing deepened and almost rumbled then, though the sound was faint. The Kelvic wanted to protect it, and she also wanted to tear into it right then. But she knew from Roland’s fearful lessons that it was not polite, and she would not cross that line. Her gaze took in the long, blackened nails of her surprise patron and Lucette stared, as she wished her own were as long in this human form. Even as the Cheetah, her nails were not so sharp like the other cats. And because they were not retractable, they appeared worn. “Oh thank you!” She exclaimed, surprised that Alvena had given it to her. Lucette peaked inside the wrapping and her body fidgeted. The hunger grew within her belly. “Let us go sit somewhere, a quieter place… Would you? I would share.” She added, since the woman had bought it after all. Though the cat within was greedy and did not want to. Taking Alvena’s arm in her own, she did not fear the thought of the woman’s refusal. Like two school girls their limbs entwined, though the Kelvic had never been to school. Lucette pulled lightly, her other arm securely holding the package to her breast. She wanted to lead the woman to a quiet space where they could eat in peace, away from the chaos and activity of the market. But Lucette knew of no such place within this new city. “…I do not know where to go…” she admitted, almost shyly.

[Alvena Celandine]

From the Temple? Was this girl of priestess of sorts? That was the last occupation that Alvena would expect from the seductive woman. She didn't give off the air of being religious. "A pleasure to meet you, Lucette. That's a very nice name--" She was cut off as the woman suddenly exclaimed her thanks enthusiastically. She seemed to have been too absorbed in the fish she had just been offered to have even heard Alvena's reply. Lucette suggested to leave the busy marketplace, which wasn't a bad idea. People were already crowded around the fish stall, a few of which did not bother hiding their irritation at the two, who were not getting out of the way after Alvena had made her purchase. She made a motion to walk with her, and gasped as she was suddenly swept off her feet by Lucette, who took great initiative to lead her. She could not remember any instance where any non-Symenestra would be so forward with physical touch. As kind as the Denvali were, they knew to keep their distance from her. Alvena could be as friendly as she could, but she couldn't hide her dagger-like claws, her gleaming teeth and overall ghastly appearance. It was in their nature to shudder at her touch, no matter how convinced they were by her amiable attitude. This Lucette... She was too intriguing. From her personality down to her very movements, she did not give off an aura of being human. If she was human, she had surely not grown up in Denval, but rather somewhere far away from civilization. It was the only explanation. Alvena allowed herself to be led by her until her pull loosened and she slowed to a halt."…I do not know where to go…" She said, as though ashamed by her lack of knowledge. Alvena was still familiarizing herself as well with the town, racking her brains for a possible "quieter place". "You'd be surprised how empty it is in the streets right outside of here," Alvena finally said, remembering her shock as the roads went from empty to clustered just as she turned the corner on her way there. Taking the lead, she guided Lucette towards the exit of the market, their arms still locked, though she wouldn't mind of the girl wanted to walk on her own. They continued in silence as Alvena walked through the cacophony of shouting bargainers and dealers. "Lucette," she asked, looking to break the silence, "Where are you from?"

[Lucette]

Lucette walked with Alvena, but now that Roland was gone, the Kelvic’s self control and training was beginning to slip. The further away she got from the man’s tight leash, the more her actions reflected this. Everyday, her animalistic nature grew. Often she stepped abruptly in front of her companion, or behind and more than once Lucette’s body bumped into the woman’s as her attention flew about the market place. Lucette did not notice; she held onto the fish tightly, and onto the woman’s arm much more lightly. “I am not from Denval,” she answered pleasantly, as they made their way through the crowd. “But Zeltiva. Do you know of it? It is far away. We came upon a ship, over the water. It was a terribly long journey. And then Roland…” she frowned and her lips closed, suddenly weary of speaking of her bondmates abandonment again. It was a first for the girl, though she did not yet realize it. The words changed then, “Justus looks after me now. In the temple. He is very kind.” It was obvious that Lucette was fond of her new arrangements, and her expression showed this. “I am allowed to leave… on my own. And to explore.” she said as if this were a novelty that few had. “And you? Where are you from? You look like Veldrys,” she said, lifting her eyes to the woman’s crimson eyes, and white, white hair. “Do you travel with him?” The pair finally made it free of the busy market place, to come out upon a quiet side street. “Oh, this is much better,” Lucette exclaimed puling Alvena to an old wooden bench. Easily she lounged upon it, and swiftly her soft hands unwrapped the treasure bought from the fish seller. There was no hesitation about dirtying her hands; Roland was not there to scold or reprimand her. Roughly, she tore the fish in half, her delicate fingers working to snap its tiny spine. Lucette smiled and offered the head end to Alvena. Its dead eyes lifeless, while the Kelvics shone; it was the best half in her opinion. And Lucette waited, with difficultly, to take her own bite.

[Alvena Celandine]

Lucette's explanation induced only more confusion to Alvena. Who was Roland, or Justus? She spoke about them as though it would only be natural for the people around her to know them in turn. "I am allowed to leave… on my own. And to explore." Was she suggesting that before, she could not leave without permission? Perhaps her childish personality developed due to the fact that she was once treated like one. She was snapped out of her deductive thoughts when Lucette mentioned Veldrys' name. Her eyes opened wider in recognition, surprised that she spoke of someone Alvena actually knew. It truly is a small town, she thought, smiling as she remembered the kind man who had been so amiable to her. However, it seemed as though Lucette was not totally aware of her race, that she wasn't actually human. "I'm from Kalinor. I met Veldrys in Denval by chance, but yes, we are both Symenestra," She answered, starting to wonder if she should explain further. Did she notice her carnivorous teeth, her unnatural eye color, or the difference in her anatomy? It was hard to tell; Lucette didn't seem to even care. She was once again dragged along as they reached the street, and Lucette threw herself comfortably onto a bench. Alvena was surprised that she just went ahead and ate the fish raw. That was definitely not normal for a human. "Lucette," she started politely, studying the woman carefully, "You're not human, are you?" She motioned the fish away as she was brutally offered the head. She didn't enjoy eating in front of people, due to the long and less flattering process needed to digest the food. "No thank you, it's all yours."

[Lucette]

Lucette saw recognition in Alvenas’ eyes at the mention of Veldrys. “I like him very much…” she said honestly, remembering the soft spoken man. “I think,” she said, trying to be helpful, “that he is in need of a companion.” The Kelvic put a strange emphasis on the word. Lucette had learned how important it was for him to have one. “You are very much alike. Do you wish for a companion also?” She liked the Symenestrain race, though she had only met the two; they both appeared so kind and gentle to the Kelvic, even with their long nails and sharp teeth. But Lucette had those things, though hers were hidden now in this feminine form. Still, it reassured to the feline in her to see them prominent on a human body. “Veldyrs would not eat either…” Lucette said, her eyes sparkling in response when Alvena dismissed the offered fish. She licked her fingers, and daringly bit into the fish once more. Purring as she ate, she only paused once to nod slowly, “I am Kelvic… a Cheetah. I am beautiful in that form.” She declared without embarrassment, believing the Cheetah the better of her two, though she was not yet as comfortable in wearing it. “Maybe you would wish to see?” And just as proudly, she added, “I belong to the Temple – and to Justus.” Slowly, the dainty eating became more, the bites larger as her teeth ripped into the fish’s white flesh. As the raw meat met her belly, the great Kelvic hunger awaked. “Why are you so far from home? Like him?” She asked without pause in her eating, as she picked at the bones and eyeballs with enraptured glee. “Do all your people travel so?”

[Legion]

Thread Award Lucette Skills: Observation +1, Persuasion +2, Rhetoric +1 Lore: Market Functionality, Symenestra Identification Alvena Skills: Observation +2, Rhetoric +2 Comments I was sorry to see this thread cut short. Lovely writing. More, please!