Closed Book II: Round and Round the Pycon Goes

[Matthew]

He noticed she had been struck silent, which ironically he had come to think was an oddity for this particular Nuit. He watched her with narrowed eyes, curious if some of his words had struck a chord in her. Had he been trying to strike a chord? He didn't think so. Nibbling on his lower lip, he watched for a few moments longer, analyzing her undead face for what emotions he could. After a bit he gave up, casting his gaze downwards to give her some privacy to calculate his offer. Soon, a new one was on the table, and he gave a short nod. "20 GM will be fine then, and I will be sure to come back at least one last time before the show." He nodded at her, a small and polite smile left hanging on his lips, no hint given to exactly what this show was. Matthew seemed to have a new habit of coming to the Nuit and dropping cryptic little phrases that held more than was actually spoken out loud. Perhaps it was an annoying habit, or perhaps the Nuit would enjoy it. She did like to find the hidden meanings in between words, after all.

"I do appreciate it." He collected up five of his Mizas, idly sliding them into his trouser pocket, eyes flickering to her tapping fingers. He paused again, staring at them with a distant look on his face, as if remembering something. He took his new book absentmindedly, focused on the beat she was making. Distantly, he felt his magic swirl within his stomach, lightly drifting up through his lungs and mixing with the air he breathed. He exhaled, and soothing feelings would exhale with the breath he pushed out of his lips. It was just a taste of magic, just enough to let a calm feeling drift in the air. Perhaps he sensed some of her suspicions on some level. Perhaps he was simply calming his own hidden thoughts down.

After a few short seconds, he glanced up suddenly, catching the Nuit as she considered him. His blue eyes swirled, for once a mystery of emotion. He considered her in return, his face apathetic, his lips a tight line. Tilting his head a little bit, he seemed to think something over, and then he smiled. It was a soft smile, a small one that was genuine for once. Nodding again at her, he spoke, words soft. "Thank you." Bowing his head a little bit, the harlot turned, thoughts spinning and tumbling in his head as he strode through the shop with his new tome in hand. He had some things to study.

[Isolde Seibold]

"20 GM will be fine then, and I will be sure to come back at least one last time before the show."

The Nuit's eyes searched Matthew's face as he collected back the 5 GM, placing the coins in his pocket. Show? What show? And the words 'one last time' implied that whatever this show was, he would be leaving afterwards. So he was planning on leaving Syliras? The only other meaning for the words that she saw was that for some reason, after this show he would have no more interest in literature, or at least he didn't plan on having to come to the shop any longer. For now, the first assumption made more sense.

Gods, she really was over-analyzing every little thing he said. What was it about him that made her wonder what it was he really meant? Did it matter? Should it? Isolde was beginning to think she couldn't help delving too deeply into his meanings... but she was also thinking that she was only this analytic when she was with him. It was that something about him, that nameless something that made her curious about what was being left unsaid. Perhaps, too, it was because nobody else talked like that. Saying a lot without saying much at all. Or insinuating a lot, at least. Whatever it was that made him different --his secrets, maybe that's what it was, and the fact that he held his cards very close to his chest-- well. She shouldn't let it get to her, shouldn't let herself play the curious little fool. She needed to just calm down, taking in a breath to steady herself--

And then, like a miracle, it actually happened. One minute she was pondering the strange man before her, mind racing to fill in the gaps, at the same time attempting to dissect every word he said... and the next she breathed out, and was calm. Just... calm. Her fingers had stilled on the countertop. Something was... odd about that to her, but then she couldn't decided what was odd about it. Nothing, she guessed. Instead of starting the tapping back up, she scooped up the remaining Mizas, depositing them in the little bag in one of the drawers of the desk that held the day's earnings. That got her thinking about the lost ledger again. Her eyes set to searching for it, and where was it? Had she accidentally carried it off somewhere and set it down? She hoped not... how would she ever find it again? And-- And oh, she needed to finish rearranging the shop, hopefully before Mr. Ariva got back.

"Thank you." Isolde paused in her duties, and looked over to see strange, mysterious blue eyes offset with a small, genuine smile and soft intonation. She found herself smile in return, eyes peering at the dashing figure as he headed for the door... and she called after him, "You're welcome! Th-Thank you for coming--!" And then he was gone out into the streets, and with a little shake of her head and another smile of her own she set back to the search for the missing ledger.

OOCOh, hey. Just wanted to remind you... please subtract the 20 GM from your inventory, and add in the Tricksters and Troupes book. Thanks! ^^

[Perplexity]

Riddled With Rewards Matthew Experience Skill XP Earned Socialization + 5 EXP Rhetoric + 2 EXP Logic +1 EXP Interrogation +3 EXP Observation +2 EXP Philosophy +1 EXP Lores • Lore Earned • To grow up? Or not to grow up? • The Various Ways of Pleasing a Pycon • On The Longevity of Nuits: Years, Decades, Centuries • Science, Medicine…and Sex. • Details, Details • Isolde Seibold: Nuances and Quirks Isolde Experience Skill XP Earned Observation + 3 EXP Socialization + 5 EXP Interrogation + 2 EXP Etiquette + 1 EXP Bartering +1 EXP Mercantilism +1 EXP Lores • Lore Earned • Mr. Ariva: Customer service with a frown. • A Momentary Reprieve: Brief Nostalgia • Matthew Wayne’s Pursuits In “Sexual Science”. • Overthinking or Oblivious? • Rhyme and Reason: A Farewell and A Greeting! Notes : A very enjoyable read you two! If you have questions regarding your grades please feel free to PM me at your earliest convenience!