Flashback Matching Shades of Blue (Solo)

[Matthew]

OOCNPC used with the permission of creator. Thread still undergoing edits as I figure out how to write it.

2nd of Summer, 513AV. Matthew finally found the row of shops he had been looking for, and scanned them for the particular business he was looking for. Finally finding the door that had been described to him, he stepped forward and gave it a knock. "Sir Alder?" The door creaked open, and he stepped in, quietly glancing around. After asking a couple of the medicine-sellers at the Bazaar, he had been led here. Ask for an 'Alder', they had said. His last apprentice just left him, they had said. Closing the door quietly behind him, he noticed a man across the room. The man turned to face him, Matthew rose his eyes to meet the oncoming gaze, and they both froze in that instant. Was this Alder? Their eyes were the exact same shade of striking blue. They instantly noticed it, having glanced in a mirror before, and having glanced in a mirror now. Except this time, it was no mirror. It was an adult and a young man, both staring quietly, not quite sure why it had caught them off guard. Matthew found himself lost in the gaze matching his. The gaze that was his. Why had he even noticed something like that? Why was Alder noticing the exact same thing? Both of them sharply inhaled, and that broke the incredibly eerie moment. "Can I help you, sir?" Alder was the first to mildly speak, his eyes running up and down Matthew to soak him in. The harlot was dressed as sharply as he normally was, clothes all perfectly fitted and pressed. His hair was styled, his face was clear, and everything combined together to give off a very professional and handsome appearance. If Alder made anything of it, he didn't show it, brow furrowing just a tad before he returned his gaze to Matthew. The harlot nodded slowly, words coming out softly. "I was wishing to offer myself as an apprentice." Somehow, that was the wrong thing to say. Matthew instantly saw the doors shut in the eyes of the man, who turned away and back to whatever he had been working on. It was an odd mixture of concotions, vials and glasses here and there that held things of a rather smelly nature. He would have normally been curious, if he wasn't so confused about what had just happened. It had been a simple request. He had made sure his tone was nuetral. He was even going to offer to work for free, knowing he didn't have the time to dedicate himself fully to this place. He had specifically chosen Alder because the man was a small and personal business, one who likely had specific customers that had been with him for years. There wouldn't actually be that much work for Matthew to help with, or at least he had assumed. Glancing around though, he noticed the working area of the man was quite packed. He had philters and little labs set up all around the area, with medical supplies strewn about. It looked like it had been orderly at one time, and had just recently been thrown into disarray. Had something happened before Matthew had made his way here? Furrowing his brow, he returned his gaze the back of the turned Alder. The man was just now speaking in a rather steely tone, his back still remaining towards Matthew. "No thank you. I don't need an assistant." Matthew tried again, his response quick. "I was wishing to offer myself as a floor-sweeper and mess-organizer, then." That caught Alder's attention for a brief moment, the man turning his head over his shoulder to peer at Matthew with some curiosity. Matthew looked well-dressed, seemed to have a head on his shoulders, and had a clear and straightforward gaze. Why was he stooping to this tiny office? Matthew continued on, words clear and pronounced, his eyes never wavering. "I used to study medicine before moving to Syliras to pursue other interests. While my time does not allow me to fully dedicate myself to continuing my education, I would still like to at least be around what I learned. Sweeping, cleaning, holding the bucket for an ill patient... I'll do whatever you need." Alder stared at him a moment, then once again turned away, shaking his head. There was a brief moment of ice in his eyes, and then it was his back once more. "I appreciate the offer, but no. I don't need an assistant. I would rather do my work in peace. Alone." Matthew carried on, his voice firm. "I'll work for free." Alder was not moved, his head slowly shaking again. A new voice rang out, feminine and firm. "I think it's a good idea, beloved." Both men were caught off guard, a pair of blue eyes turning to stare upon the newest interruption. It was a woman. About the same age as Alder. She had two young boys, one on each hand. They were peering suspiciously at Matthew, who regarded them with the same level of suspicion. Children were naughty creatures. "You could use someone to come in and clean the place every so often. It has fallen into disarray since the last one left. It wasn't like there was anything special about the last one. This man will sweep floors just as well, even if he can't help you with the patients like she did." Matthew slowly slid his gaze back and forth between the two, utterly confused. Alder's face was flickering between a level of pale and a level of red, his eyes burning at the woman. She stared right back, unmoving, this unspoken challenge radiating from her. Matthew would have moved out of the way of their locked eyes, but he felt like it was a bad idea somehow. Instead, he merely waited for them to figure out their internal struggle, having no clue what was going on. Perhaps he had somehow wandered his way into a very bad idea. The silence echoed for what seemed like an eternity, and then, Alder sighed. "Fine, Lysa. You are correct. Young man. What was your name? Grab a broom and get to work." That was it? Matthew had expected an interview, some questions, anything. But now he was a cleaner? For free? Just like that? Alder's steely voice made him pause for a moment though, the words holding a certain level of... threat. "Not apprentice, though. Merely a maid." Ouch. There was a level of irritation at Matthew's very existence now. What had he done to deserve that? The harlot glanced to the woman, who gave him a bright smile and a firm nod. Clearing his throat, he walked toward the nearest broom he saw, grabbing it and starting on his new duties. He was now concerned about "Matthew, sir. Matthew Wayne."