Completed Freeborns of a Feather (Adhara)

[Harkon]

Timestamp: Fall 24, 514 AV Starting Location: Blacksugar manor on the Morealis Plantation Harkon arrived at his spot in front of Blacksugar precisely as he had nearly every day for the last seven years. He stood at attention, always waiting, forever patient. He and his employers had a pretty decent system set up. If no one approached him, usually a manor slave, sometimes an actual Dynast, after fifteen chimes, he wasn't needed and could leave. If he was needed later than that, a servant would be sent to fetch him. It is what worked, it is what they'd always done. And as if on cue, a manor servant walked out to him, dressed in finer garb than he'd likely ever own. "Welcome back sir Harkon. You've been given a rather important assignment today. One of the family has arranged to trade a few of our Pygulls with those from the Paille Dynasty. You are tasked with setting up the exchange, escorting our Pygulls to the trade, making sure the trade goes as planned, and then escorting the new Pygulls back here. You need not worry about the money portion of the deal, that is being taken care of by someone else, after the exchange is successful. I believe the man doing the equivalent of your job for the Paille is named Karek. Please do not hassle anyone here about the details, just make it happen." Harkon nodded, turned heel, and went down to the river to catch a taxi back to the city. If he was going to set this up, he needed to find an expert opinion to take with him. He didn't know the difference between one Pygull and another, let alone if some were healthy, or particularly beautiful, and others weren't. He wasn't really sure where he might find such a person, but he decided to try Braggart Square. At least there, he could possibly hear something bird related and know who to ask, in theory. So after the long journey back, he changed into his Season's Best, for he was representing the Morealis professionally. The only addendum to his outfit was the battle axe hanging from his belt, hidden beneath his jacket. One never knew when violence would ensue. He took up a post in on the edge of the square, keeping his ears alert, his face rather pensive as he tried to figure out he could improve his resources in the future. The only answer he could come up with was getting to know a lot more people around town, and getting them to owe him favors. He didn't mind the latter portion of that, but he wasn't very sociable. But he supposed if it got him better at the job, he could fake it til he made it.

[Adhara]

Her brow creased, she attempted to read the scribble on a small piece of paper. Earlier in the morning she was able to spend her time in the Dysnasty library. Instead of paying for the paper Adhara was lucky enough to find one that someone possibly left behind or.. just left unattended. Now that it was getting later, she would only read over what looked like written nonsense, her note taking skills weren't the best and defiantly could use improvement. At the top it was written in bold, “Pygulls” and underlined as to say it was the topic. While Adhara did gather quite some information from the books, it was easy if she could write it down and re-read it several times and add onto it.

While she had no quill at hand, she read over several facts that she'd copied. A few didn't seem correct but, then again she wasn't used to not being able to just read what was already written and had a little issue with copying.
"Well at least I've seen a more than a few Pygulls to know that they are not four feet tall.” She thought to herself as her eyes skimmed over the ink, knowing she'd have to correct the issues. Sitting at a rather lonesome café table at the Braggart Square, she propped her head up with her hand and pushed back her red hair. For awhile, her eyes were torn from the notes and onto the people in front of her. Everyone seemed to paired up, basking in their own conversations. Either you were the main focus point in the conversation, whom appeared to have Mizas flowing out of one's pockets, or you were a follower, a listener.

Adhara, she was neither. She was the one in the corner who would rather read and learn than gossip. The Ethereal feels envious of the socially adored members from time to time. Whilst her eyes were risen from the paper, she saw a man. Who looked like he defiantly kept up his appearance, nice clothes to which looked expensive in her eyes. As she tried not to stare, he seemed to be wandering around, looking for something or someone. Of course everyone at Barggart Square was doing the same but, it was none of her business.

There was something more that made her want to look the other way. A weapon, placed on the hook of a belt around his waist. Weapons were not Adhara's thing, and seeing anyone with a build as he and a determined look intimidated her.

[Harkon]

Harkon was having no luck. Most of what he heard was fairly useless information, truly indicative of Braggart Square. He saw the massive Devlin stalking amongst the people, seemingly eager for an important announcement. Harkon was growing annoyed and frustrated, for if he couldn't find a specialist, he'd be gambling with the Morealis' money on whether the deal was beneficial or not. And that, was something that could get him killed, or worse. But, he was ever the patient employee, dedicated to the goal at hand. He thought about what his father would do. Being a merchant, he knew quite a large number of useful people, across many cities. And he did this by trading with them, getting to know them. Since Harkon didn't have any goods to trade, he could only offer his services to people, so long as it didn't impede on his work for the Morealis' or work against them. Despite his best wishes, Harkon would have to get to know people on a more personable level. He did as he was taught by his father from a young age. When in doubt, turn to the Gods. Closing his eyes, relaxing his body, he began to talk in a mild whisper, not choosing any God in particular for this endeavor. "I am Harkon, of the sons of Lywah. I am finding difficulty with my current task. I know what I must do to improve myself, and pledge myself into doing so. Please give me the strength and resolve to stick to my mission, and see it through til the end, of it, or me." With that he opened his eyes, feeling a bit more confident. He decided he'd have to ask one by one. He walked toward the mountain named Devlin, intending to see if he had any information that would be helpful. But as he did so, his eyes caught something to his left. Just above the crowd, a single feather could be seen floating in the wind, barely staying aloft. He watched it, eyes locked, as it ducked and dipped around, before landing gently upon a table at which a beautiful red-headed woman sat. As his gaze fell on her, he found himself thinking that she was avoiding looking at him. His father would've called the whole situation a sign from the Gods, a helpful hint in the right direction. Harkon couldn't be sure, but since he had nothing else to go on, he went with it. He locked his now determined gaze on the woman, and began walking toward her. Thinking he might come of as strange if he just asked about his situation, he had to get out of his element, and just speak with her. Arriving at her table, he looked down, a simple smile on his lips, "Hello. My name is Harkon, of the sons of Lywah, would you mind if I joined you?" 'That wasn't so hard', he thought. Once again, he found himself standing patiently at attention, awaiting her reply.

[Adhara]

Almost immediately she was able to train her thoughts back on to her notes. Adhara smoothed her papers out and on the last hand movement, a gentle feather came down. A decent sized contour feather drifted down, grazing her skin softly. Adhara was puzzled, unable to see the creature which it came from. Right before she was able to continue her study, a voice brought her head up.

It was the same man, she'd seen earlier searching for something around the Square. Placing her paper down Adhara politely smiled at his request to join her. Of course she wasn't going to be rude and say no but, she remembered the weapon he had. It was not rare for certain people to just vanish and usually at the hands of a Dynasty member's request. There was absolutely nothing Adhara had done since being in Kenash that would induce someone to want to harm her in any way.

It had only been a few ticks that she had been in silence, thinking. The Ethaefal politely acknowledge his request saying rather softly, “Adhara, and of course you can sit here.” As he smiled she couldn't help but to return one as well. Since it was usual for someone to just ask to sit with Adhara over the juicy gossip one could gather after a few details in. With nothing to say, she extended her hand, “My name is Adhara, it's a pleasure to meet you, Harkon.”

A conversationalist no, but she had a question in mind, trying not to come off as rude she questioned, "Is there something I can help you with?"

[Harkon]

Harkon decided to try what he'd seen many of the Morealis men use when speaking to women in a similar setting. He gently took her hand, bent down, kissing the back of it, "The pleasure is all mine Adhara." He let down her hand, then sat himself down. He was a parrot now, trying to mimic the mannerisms and conversation that he'd seen from the many Dynasts in Kenash. But this wasn't simply a social call. "Yes, I think you may be able to help me." He rested his hands together, allowed her to see his Freeborn brand on his right wrist. "I work for the Morealis', as a sort of problem solver. I specialize in working security for them and their property, which is what I am doing today. My employers have made a rare request of me. I am charged with conducting a trade between the Morealis and Paille Dynasties. Conducting and protecting trades are not what I am having trouble with, but rather the nature of the product. I came here to see if I could find anyone with information or experience in the matter. I will be overseeing the trade of the precious Pygulls. And I believe the gods have led me to you. So, Adhara, do you think you would be able to help me?" Talking that much is exhausting, he thought to himself. It was rare for him to ask for help, let alone in such a manner. Perhaps Kenash was changing him for the better after all. He continued to smile in the polite manner that all associated with the Morealis knew, waiting for her response.

[Adhara]

It wasn't a surprise to feel his soft lips on the back of her hand. Everyone that had a earnest intention in mind would do such an act. Placing her elbow on her paper Adhara propped her cheek up, to show that he had her full attention. Raising her brows for a minute, she listened to his requests. There was a Freeborn brand melted into his skin.

Harkon had the manors of a Kenashian but was not born into a Dynasty. At the mention of Pygulls, something she had a interest in today, Adhara nodded her head. Thinking over what this could mean for her if there were word that there was someone who could offer the care of birds and maybe a little something in there about her works in there. Taking her elbow off the table she sat up straight. It was uncommon for Adhara to ask for a payment but this was out of interest, depending on how dangerous it could be. “..What would you say I could get out of this? If not a payment then maybe you could, ” Taking a deep breath she thought of the words to explain herself, “possibly.. recommend me?”

Since her only skills did not consist of animal interaction. Although her main focus was on animals, Adhara could care for different creatures. Aside from her animal husbandry, she would have to note that magic was a hard subject for her to grasp but she managed-- not to mention her fortune-telling abilities. While another fortune-teller had already inhabited Kenash, one Dynasty could be interested into having their own personal teller.

[Harkon]

He noticed that she had neither said she could help, nor would, simply wishing to know what was in it for her. Harkon found this quite shrewd of her. He watched her adjust as she sat, and assumed that he had her interest and attention. So far, so good. And she certainly seemed to be more interested in the recommendation to the Morealis' than money, which was good for him, since his coin purse was running a bit light these days. He might be able to take a few more advantages from this negotiation. He placed both elbows on the table, interlocking his fingers as he'd seen many of the Morealis' do. He made her wait several long moments, making it seem like he was deep in thought. Then his polite smile grew just a bit, for he was about to try and make it seem like she would be receiving the majority of the benefits. "I'll tell you what. If you are in fact able to help me with these birds, and this exchange goes well, then I will speak well of you to Edmund Morealis, Caretaker of Blacksugar. Now, you have a choice to make. You can be paid for your work, or... I can get you a meeting with him for future endeavors akin to this. However, before you answer this, you need to prove to me that you are capable of performing this task. As for how, I leave that up to you." With that, he leaned back in his chair, fingers locked, palms now down on the table. His offer was one of truth. He and Edmund had a professional relationship after all. He could not promise her that Edmund would use her for anything, but he could at least get her foot in the door. There were many benefits for working for a Dynasty, especially the Morealis, being the wealthiest of them. Hopefully this lovely woman could in fact be of use, for he hoped to be around her in some fashion in he future.

[Adhara]

It was clear this man was dead set on his work. If she was to take on this task, she'd have to rush it she wanted to make it home before dark. Which was unlikely. Harkon knew what he was doing, by the looks of it. The last thing she wanted to do was anger someone who had it in with the Moralis. While she'd never met the man Edmund Moralis he mentioned, he seemed a little more than important to the Dynasty.

“I can do it.” Waving her hand around, “No problem.” There was a soft grin on her face. Adhara wasn't sure how long she'd be staying in Kenash but for the time being it would be in her best interest to get a good name. At the end of this escapade, Adhara would rather choose the possibility of earning more money in the future, instead of what she could get in one job. Straightening herself up in the chair Adhara gathered her stray papers all in one pile.

So far, her days in Kenash have been the same. People requested her fortune telling skills and bird care. All of them resulted in the same outcomes. Nothing has caught her attention like this opportunity. Slowly, the skin darkened every so slowly. "Lets see how fast we can do this without having to change out of this.. form." Her Earth Bound race came with many issues, it was burned easily and looked at strangely in Kenash. Of course she wanted return to her true form but it was stressful to do it around strangers. They always bombarded her with requests and questions alike.

“Let's waste no time?" Standing up she grabbed her papers and made sure to carry them with her. If there was something wrong with the bird. Other than from questions she could ask herself.

[Harkon]

Harkon found himself confused at the woman's response. She said she could do it, but he had asked her to prove it before accepting, and yet, she appeared to be ready to just take the job. He kept his confusion behind his polite face, but he couldn't just take her word on this. His work was too important to him to take that sort of risk. She appeared to be in a hurry, which was also worrying to him. Perhaps he'd made a poor choice in this woman after all, and would have to find someone else. It seemed, he hadn't been clear in his request. He hated to do this to such a beautiful woman, but his work came first. In quite the stern tone, his Benshira accent now coming forth, "Sit down Adhara." Perhaps this was the first time she'd been asked to work for a Dynast and this was just nerves, but she was not being professional. All bad signs in the mercenary's eyes. "You do not simply get the job because I am here. You must prove your value to this task to me, and you must do so before I accept your help. If you are unable to do this, I will find someone else." He didn't enjoy treating any person like this, especially when it seemed that it was not intentional. "And your behavior has raised another question. Why are you in such a hurry? You do not appear to be desperate for money, and I doubt you'd be sitting in a cafe if someone was chasing you, so why? After you answer me, you can either prove your value, or allow me to take my leave. Either way, please stop wasting my time, and yours." He did not let his disappointment and disapproval show upon his face. He waited patiently, resisting the urge to tap a finger. He did not wish to exacerbate her nervousness that he was sure would be heightened by now.

[Adhara]

Now, Adhara was accepting of many things. Commands as this one given to her was not something she was very fond of. Slowly she sat down in her chair. Her face was a mixture between upset and something like hurt. Taking in a deep breath she laid her papers on the table once more, at first she had generally didn't want to look this man in the eyes but, she forced herself. Trying to mask any of her emotions she plastered a gentle smile on her face but, it was apparent there was something different from when they started their conversation.

Adhara knew he had every right to question her. Her voice was no longer it's upbeat tone. Now it was softer and much more quiet. “Tell me.. Harkon, what would you like me to do?” Taking a pause she added, “What do I have to do to pass your standers?” Her questions that may have came off as snarky at first but she only asked them but, they were asked with sincerity. When he asked why she was in a rush. Adhara looked down at the table but still listened carefully. To most it wasn't a big deal but, it always put her in a depressing mood in her celestial form.“My reason for not wanting to waste time is simple.”

She began to spread out her papers, “I am an Ethaefal.” Inhaling softly she continued, “While some of us prefer to be in the eyes of other in the form, it's more of a personal thing for me.” The sky would progressively get darker with every tick. If his questions on how skilled she was were lengthy than she would shift in the café. But, now that she assured him of her intentions Adhara only hoped they wouldn't be in the middle of a public gathering. After all, the shifting was an unexplainable light show.