RP:Divine Introductions

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Kelay Shop

Bastion took his time. He did not rush, nor did he seem the type to do so, for anything. He had only seen his sixteenth name day... a boy. But he carried himself with the confidence of a man, wearing a dusty brown robe with a black corded sash, and a pair of serviceable kama's at the small of his back. They'd seen much use, earning him food and shelter on his travels. He worked the fields, and accepted very little. Usually a meal, shelter, a few supplies. There was very little of note about him, a traveling peasant monk that might have just been a peasant save for that robe and cord. His jet black hair and piercing blue eyes were set on a rather lovely face.


Penumbra stood beside the counter, chatting in the candle light with the girl who now ran the shop in Cearl's place. Though she looked nervous, Pen smiled and chatted about light hearted matters in the midst of this immediately depressive environment. When a new customer entered the surroundings, the human shifted herself from the counter to let the young woman tend to any business she might need. The Illusionist moved into a less lit section, browsing the goods behind a curtain of her own inky black locks, parting only every once in a while to eye the strange with emerald optics. The boy did not seem to be in a rush, so the girl smiled and approached him cautiously. "Good morn' " she offered him a small smile, "Is there anything I can help you find?"


Bastion would take his time looking around the shop, until Penumbra spoke to him. He enjoyed candlelight. In fact... "Yes, actually. I'm here for candles, and string should you have it." His words were gentle, and his face seemed almost perpetually set in a smile, that reached his eyes. He wasn't just young... he had lived a life sheltered from the cruelties of the world, and saw everything with eyes full of wonder. The purpose for the thread was that he maintained his own robes, and the candles were for meditative rituals. He carried very little coin, but enough for the small necessities. He was sworn to poverty, and could not afford much beyond these things. His eyes might seem to pierce a little deeper than they should, into Penumbra's character. Eyes that summed up a person quickly... but that also seemed inclined to assume the best of them, and hope for the best beyond that.


Penumbra listened intently to his request; taking the time he spoke to look him over in a friendly fashion. Her gaze was neither oppressive nor forceful; it was clear she was kind hearted from her stance and approach to all aspects of their conversation. When he finished, she smiled, taking a few steps to this shelf and that to gather the small amount of supplies they did have. "The string, easy enough. But as for the candles," She grinned, guiding him towards a small selection of variant wax colors and scents. "Please, take your pick." Pen smiled at the girl behind the counter, who just shook her head and smiled right back, thankfully. Larry was likely out back on some business to do with inventory and Crialla didn't mind the company really. When Bastion looked at her, she felt an unexpected warmth in her core. It flushed her cheeks ever so slight as she stood nearby, waiting for his response.


Bastion would incline his head in gratitude. "Ah, thank you." Then, he'd be looking over the candles. Ultimately, he'd settle on a normal white, scentless... he didn't indulge in very many luxuries. He had some very rigid oaths to discipline to look forward too... he was not a monk yet, but he would earn that title, and take his vows one day. He'd been raised in the Sun Rose monastery, and held fast to their teachings. Eventually, he'd gather a small handful of candles and bring them to the counter. "I've a silver piece. Will that cover it?" It seemed he knew very little of money values. He'd never had need of coin before. He'd also only recently discovered women... the monastery had been small, and fully run by unwed chastity sworn males. His looks to Penumbra would not stray from her eyes to her body, but they might impart a sense of appreciation for her femininity. It was a refreshing, and new thing to Bastion.


Penumbra would stay where she was as Crialla totaled his order. The shop keep would smile apologetically before looking towards Pen. The money wasn't enough. Penumbra rushed over to the shop keep’s side and whispered something quick and quietly to her. Crialla then smiled, turned towards Bastion and took the Silver piece, even offering a few copper in change. "Are you from a nearby town?" Pen asked, "I apologize if I sound invasive, I've just never seen you around here before." Pen bundled his candles and handed the bundle to him.


Bastion knew when a good turn was done for him, even if it wasn't outwardly spoken. And he was grateful. He'd accept the bundle with thanks, placing it in his satchel. "Ah, not invasive at all, madam. I am from the Sun Rose monastery. It is a small place, tended by old monks of said order. I was raised there from childhood, an orphan. I have never left its walls in my life, not until but a few weeks ago. So, I am new to these lands. There are many strange and interesting things. I've seen giant wolves, giant men, elves and fae. Felines..." He shook his head. "I have much to learn. I must travel, and become worldlier before I will be allowed to take my own vows as a Sun Rose monk. Thus, I seek to broaden my understanding of the world, and myself." He was a young man of great conviction, and humility. His words never were said without that gentle tone. It seemed unlikely that he'd ever actually raise his voice at anyone, though he didn't seem meek either.


Bastion gave 1 silver to Penumbra.


Penumbra found herself impressed by his mannerisms, even if she wouldn't say so out loud. It was rare; she was learning to find anyone who spoke in gentle tones, much less with noble goals. A small part of her envied his conviction. "I do wish you the best of luck...sir...?" She paused, hesitating in hopes that he would offer his name. "If there is anything I can do to further assist you; in the shop or otherwise...." Pen paused a moment, she felt that she might be coming off strangely so she dusted a few stray ribbons of ebony behind her ears and cleared her throat. "I’m Penumbra," she pronounced her name quickly and fluidly, almost as if it was just a whisper instead of a name. "But you can feel free to call me Pen." With careful hands, she leaned down into a small dip, pulling the corners of her skirt away from her legs in curtsy.


Bastion would scratch the back of his head, and grin, chuckling. He always did that when embarrassed or faced with something confusing. "Ah, forgive me, ah ha. My name is Bastion. Penumbra. That is a lovely name. Very lovely. In fact, I think I'd prefer to use the full of it. In an eclipse, the light meets darkness, in a fine line, as though a veil falling over all the world. Your name is my favorite poetry, and a symbolic cornerstone of much of my philosophy and spiritual introspection. I like it very much. I almost feel inclined to call this meeting fate." As he said those last words, he would dip her a deep and generous bow, kneeling down on one knee, as one might address a liege lord. He all but prostrated himself before her, to honor her name and show his respect. Very humble.


Penumbra looked to him with wide eyes, a beautiful blush taking her cheeks hostage and he dropped to one knee before her. Gods! She was just an Illusionist, in training to be honest, and here was a stranger professing her name poetry and kneeling? There was nothing she could say, though she was sure the stains of her blush would tint the hue of her pale skin for weeks to come, surely. "I...well..." Pen attempted to stumble through some sort of thanks, while she rubbed her palms into her cheeks, attempting to rush the color and noticeable embarrassment from her features. "I'm ever so pleased to meet you...Sir Bastion." Eventually, she finds voice enough to say this and this alone.


Bastion would rise, grinning and scratching the back of his head anew. "Ah! Forgive me. I suppose I overdid it a bit. I've certainly never earned the title of Sir." He had no aspirations to knighthood. He had little ambition at all, to but become a peasant monk, to live among and to serve and protect the common folk. "But, I hold true to my words. I adore your name. And it has been an honor and a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He would fold his hands within the broad sleeves of his robes. Those wide, billowing sleeves were handy for such times.


Penumbra continued to rub her cheeks, per the slight warmth the blush rose beneath her freckles. "A-are you staying in town or do you intend to keep traveling for a while?" She cleared her throat and dusted off her skirt before settling her eyes back on his bright face. "I highly recommend heading toward Larket. It's a bit north of here, through the woods. It's very lovely this time of year." There was a subtle hint of laughter in her voice, though she certainly was telling the truth about Larket. It was one of her favorite regions to visit or perhaps lounge and browse the city. "Not nearly as crowded as Cenril..." she noted, wondering if her directions or mumbling were making any sense to the newcomer. "Either way," she laughed, waving her hands in front of her face and nearly snuffing a nearby candle, "If you ever need a guide or associate to travel short distances in the surroundings...I've been a place or two." Pen wasn't use to being called by her full name but it was rather enjoyable. Most creatures found it strange, and gave her nicknames to accommodate their own laziness. She respected his choice of words and his interest. It all seemed so genuine and sincere.


Bastion smile did not fade nor falter. "I would like that, Penumbra. I have been to Larket. There was a knight, that promised me lodgings for a time, and I've been making the most of them. I'm staying at the Red Ogre Inn, for as long a duration as I am comfortably welcome. I am in no hurry to move on and be about my merry... I'd far rather take my time, get to know the places I see, and learn of the people." He seemed very happy with the suggestion of traveling together. He always enjoyed good company. "If there's aught of the land you'd teach me, I'd learn of it." Such openness and honesty. It was a wonder whether the cruelty of the world might tear the good spirit from him, in time. In those moments, it almost seemed impossible.


Penumbra beamed, clasping her hands together in front of her. "It would be my pleasure. I'm sure it's not hard to believe but finding good company can be troublesome at times." The goodness that ebbed from him; his tone, his scent, even his look was all simple and modest. It drew her to him in a way she could not explain. His innocence and fresh charm; it was almost intoxicating. She feared she'd lose her balance, as flushed and light headed as she was. "I do apologize," she smiled with sincere apology, "but I have a few errands to run before my day is out. I find myself either here or wandering around Larket most days. I promise you, Sir Bastion, I am not hard to find." Another small curtsy was offered and she paused long enough for him to offer a goodbye if he sought fit to give one. "I do hope we meet again."


Bastion would give a dip of his head in acknowledgement. "I will not keep you, then. I'm sure we will see each other again, and hope that it will be soon. Good fortune to you, and may you find happiness in your endeavors." He'd bow out of the shop then, and be on his way to see about that lake that had been mentioned to him some small time ago. He liked Penumbra. And he absolutely adored her name. It was a word that was near sacred to him, and had been since he was but a little boy, listening to stories of heroes and common men of great personal strength at the foot of an old monk.