RP:Followed
Summary: Valrae and Meri encounter one another, decide to have drinks, and learn that they have a few things in common.
Larket Town Square
The square, in stark contrast to its previous appearance, is beautiful and well maintained. Streets from the north, south, and west, cobbled smoothly, encircle a small area of land here, where grass and flowers grow. A small stone gazebo sits in the center of the square, raised a fair distance from the ground by marble steps, so that the structure can serve as a stage for public announcements. A board is fastened to its side, pulled from the wreckage of the old square. Vendors line the roads, selling a variety of wares ranging from food to clothes. East of the square stands a sturdy building of stone, its entrance guarded by armed men in Larket's livery.
Under the heavy and unfortunately wool hood of her cloak, Valrae was cursing. The sun, unimpeded by even one singular cloud in all of Larket's godsdamned blue skies, was causing her to smother in her poor choice of clothing. It wasn't even a choice really, after she'd lost her other one in a sea of rioting citizens ready to rip her apart. The woman paused to tug at the hot, itching material clinging to her throat and caused the people following in the crowd behind her to curse and cast glares as they moved around. Save one man, who was dressed inconspicuously and had been following a short distance away from the her. He suddenly became very interested in the rotting fruit a street vendor was selling. Valrae feigned fishing around the the canvas bag on her shoulder while watching him swat at flies in her peripherals. The witch closed her bag and started walking again. The man moved away from the fruit without making a purchase. Valrae stopped two more times, once to give change to a begging man and another to purchase some sort of fried sweet she had no real interest in, while keeping a watch on the stranger. He stopped both times. So, she gave the sweet to a child, re-situated her bag and hood, and bolted through the crowd. She pushed through people who shouted after her, the man following almost as quickly. She ducked in-front of a particularly clustered group of higher classed ladies, whose skirts and parasols were bold and big enough to give her cover to cut behind a fabric stand. The shouting had drawn the attention of the livery and most were pointing at her pursuer as the culprit. As he was removed, Valrae slipped out from the safety of the stand and removed the cloak.
Meri was just a gal slumming it in the streets of Larket. Literally. The woman had no goal or destination in mind and was at present leaning against the side of a building, cigarette dangled between red lips. Meri is dressed in her usual attire and has a bit of a rough look about her. The most feminine aspect of her outfit is the bodice, from there we have from fitting black pants that are often stained with colored inks. Pants are tucked into a pair of beat up black boots that always have daggers tucked into the back of them, but Meri had no interest in drawing her weapon on Valrae. In most cases she probably would not have even plucked he cloaked woman out in a crowd, it is not like the two women have ever met before. Today was different though, today something about Valrae caught her attention. Was someone tailing the woman? If here was one thing that could be said about Meri it is that she is often too curious for her own good. Away from the wall Meri goes so that she can follow the man that is following Valrae (and I mean come on, that means she is also sort of following Valrae by default.) Meri, hopefully, is a little more clever and a little less obvious with her attempts. She does not stop when they stop and because neither of them know her she has no issues wandering freely past either of them, pretending to check out this and that. As long as she had them in her line of sight? When the duo bolted, Meri stayed calm and collected though in the back of her mind she was preparing to have to kick some butt on the behalf of some strange chick. This would not be the case as he man giving chase ends up hauled away, Meri attempting to slip unnoticed into the vet same stand that Valrae has ducked into to remove her cloak. Hopefully the commotion of the man being hold away will afford her distraction enough. Meri does not intend to keep her presence hidden for log, if she was even successful in sneaking up behind Valrae, as words soon fall past red lips. "Looks like you have some friends around here."
Valrae, while giddily pulling of the offending cloak, had kept her eyes on the man being escorted away from the good folk of Larket. Her own outfit's obvious femininity contrasted with Meri's. Under her hot and dreadfully boring cloak she'd worn a dress. Lace sleeves, yellow as spring buttercups, hung off of tanned shoulders and stopped just before the bend of her elbows. The neck line was low, the skirts light and long and her bodice loose and informal. Crystals of varying colors and shapes hung from her neck on chains mixed of silver and gold and differing in length. Underneath her skirt she wore flat footed and practical boots, the only real part of her outfit that chose function over fashion. Her fingers were covered in rings, her hands clutching the cloak and bag respectively. She'd been so focused on the man, one she'd seen tailing her for two nights in a row, that she hadn't even considered that anyone else would be involved. Meri had gone completely unnoticed, which will hurt her pride considerably if/when she comes to this realization. As it were, the other woman made herself known. The witch, in a move that would later haunt her mind in the most inopportune and random movements with painful amounts of embarrassment, let out a high, feminine squeal. Valrae turned, necklaces and honey hued curls flying, to the stranger. Her eyes were the predominate feature of her face, deeply green and lined heavily with kohl, and were especially large now in her surprise. "I... Ah, excuse me?" Her golden brows furrow. Had she seen all of that? If she had, how many other people could have? Her eyes peel away from the woman with red lips reluctantly to glance about. "You saw that?"
Meri's tattooed shoulders tense up when Valrae squeals, her blue eyes instantly jerking to see if that would attract outside attention. How many people would end up looking their way as a result? The index finger of her tattooed right hand is lifted and pressed to red lips as if trying to shush the woman. Too little too late, probably. All Meri could do is watch with a guarded gaze and if anyone came through with inquiries about a scream/squeal she would just have to assure them that everything is great. As a woman who often participates in sketchy situations, Meri would hope that she was able to identify one that was occurring right before her, even if she was not involved. It was almost like a sixth since, just for shady situations. It did not go off in every scenario, but in this one...Yes, Meri had noticed everything. This was not the answer she could come right out and give though, loose lips sink ships. What Valrae gets is a coy smile and a nonchalant shrug if tattooed shoulders. Meri had numerous tattoos, back of the shoulders, full sleeves on each arm, the knuckles and more. A good majority of them were themed after the ocean. "Ah, I did. Didn't you? It is not like he was being all that covert with his attempts." At least not in Meri's opinion, or neither woman would be able to spot them. A hand is extended to Valrae as a grin forms across her red lips, "The name is Meri. Who are you?" There are numerous other questions burning in Meri's mind but as a woman who does not appreciate when people are too nosy with their own questions? She keeps them at bay for now. For now.
Valrae has likewise searched for any outside attention. Her search comes up relatively empty, as there was a woman with an eschewed hat who scowled at them before going back to her fabric selection but otherwise paid them no mind. The merchant behind his small counter hadn't even bothered to glance up from the gossip section of The Herald. The witch herself was still a bit novice when it came to general shadiness and had thought she'd been clever to spot and shake the man who had followed her. Meri didn't seem to think so though and so her pride was going to be a little wounded after all, it seemed. Valrae played it off though, nodding along with Meri and offering what was surely an appropriate face of disapproval. "Yeah, definitely amateur hour." The witch accepts the offered hand, after maneuvering her cloak under her arm to free it, and gives it a light shake. "I'm Valrae, it's nice to meet you." A playful smile teases the corners of her lips. "I think, anyway." With her hand back she moves the cloak again while seriously considering leaving it on the bloody ground. "I like your ink," She adds. "I've only been brave enough for one tattoo and it's nothing major." The woman looks around again. "You want a drink or something? I'll buy."
Meri had not really intentionally meant to imply that she did not think Valrae was clever in her realization but she largely remains oblivious to the hurt pride. Open discussions of the man following her do not continue, one never knows what ears may overhear a conversation. That topic is brought to a close, temporarily likely, with a wink. Amatuer hour indeed. Moving locations sounded like a good suggestion in Meri's book and the offer of a drink was an even better one. It would afford the two women more of a chance to chat and Meri was desperately intrigued by the fact someone was just following Valrae. "How does the Red Ogre sound to you?" Plenty of room for Valrae toss out another suggestion but she would have to do it in motion for booted feet were already starting to carry Meri out of the stand they had both ducked into. "Thanks, I have been collecting these works of art for years now. They hurt quite a bit but the pain is worth it, if I say so myself. I actually work out of a tattoo parlor in Rynvale. It is owned by a woman named Lita. Are you familiar with her at all?" This conversation is made while they walk to the next destination of their choice, drinks in mind. As they walk, Meri's blue eyes make an almost constant habitual sweep of the area. Valrae had just had a little incident and it had set Meri on edge, just in case that bloc who was tailing Valrae had friends. "What about you? You work around these parts? What do you do?"
Valrae fell into step beside Meri with another smile. "Sounds like a plan," She agreed. She couldn't help but mirror her new counterpart's watchfulness. The town square's livery would have only escorted the man so far.. But again, he might be less inclined to following her now that he knew she was aware of his presence. She stopped glancing over her shoulder to wing her brows at the woman again, obviously intrigued. "You're a tattoo artist?" She asked, a little impressed. Valrae herself had a hand for art but would probably never be sure enough to put it to human canvas. She had a vast amount of respect for those who could. She says as much, followed with, "I can't say the name Lita sounds familiar," The woman readjusts her bag. "I'm originally from Cenril," Val answers. "I, ah, relocated," Was imprisoned, escaped, and became a fugitive that took sanctuary in Larket, actually. But you can't really tell those things to every pretty stranger you meet, could you? "To Larket and work in the witch run nail salon here in town." The witch didn't think Meri was from Larket, so she probably wasn't terribly privy to the tumultuous political climate or the anti-witch sentiment that was on the rise. But if she was, it would be easier for Val to let Meri know what she was now. The last thing she needed was for the woman to find out what she was, turn out to be another witch hating zealot, and do something obnoxious like throw a drink in her face. Though, Meri didn't seem the type. The walk seemed to pass quickly and without sign of an unwelcome tag-along. Valrae opened the door to the tavern and would follow after the other woman. "Find us a table while I grab the drinks? What's your poison?"
Red Ogre Inn
You are surprised to say the least when you enter this room. From the outside, the Inn looked friendly, but a bit run down and certainly nothing like this. A marble counter is at the opposite end of the room, behind it a middle aged, cheerful looking man stands. He has a guest book, bound in red leather in front of him, and a peacock quill in his hand. A giant stands next to the counter, most likely to carry your bags and to dispose of any troublemakers. Lavish red carpets furnish the marble floor, and gleaming white pillars support the roof. Lining every wall are long luxurious couches with expensive looking polished metal armrests. Scattered all around the inn are small circular tables with marble tabletops around which are well-crafted wooden chairs. These tables have been placed at a decent distance from others allowing a comfortable sense of privacy for those sitting and conversing at them. Some of the chairs are empty but many are filled with patrons of the inn and a few locals who have popped in for a drink or meal. A few potted plants are placed around to add a bit more color. To the east, through two large mahogany doors, is the paved road.
Admittedly, would have questioned Valrae's judgement if that information was offered up so freely. There are some no real red flags for Meri to try and hone in on that subject matter, pressing with more questions. Sure Valrae seemed a little hesitant but it could have been easily attributed to the confesssion that she worked at a witch run nail salon. While Meri was not from Larket, she is a bit of a roamer and does frequently travel the lands. Larket is a place she visits, in fact she was there the day poor Hanna was murdered and was present at Eirik's trial. Does this mean that Meri herself hates witches? No. Her reaction is a tempered one but she really does not dive into the meat of the matter until a table is claimed and drinks have been acquired. "Whiskey, please." It is a corner table that Meri goes to, perhaps to afford the woman a bit of privacy while they conversed. It is only when Valrae joins Meri at the table with their drinks that Meri will strike up the conversation again. "Alright. So you are from Cenril? As a pretty girl from Cenril that means you must know Hudson, right?" Doesn't Hudson just know all the pretty girls? This did not seem like a stretch of a question, in Meri's mind. "And you are a witch....Can you please explain to me what the difference between a witch and a mage is? I am not really understanding what this humdrum is about..." Meri is friends with the man that killed Hanna but her personal stance on witches is neutral. So long as a witch in question does no harm to Meri, what does Meri care? Same stance with every magic user...or any person in the world really. "I spend a decent chunk of time around Cenril. And Rynvale. Sometimes Gualon...." Meri gets around.
Valrae returns, help in tow because she had opted for a bottle of whiskey, two glasses and a couple of beers. It would be easier than trying to flag someone down every time she wanted a new drink. She drops the woolen cloak first, the bag on top of it, and takes the seat across from Meri. The barmaid helpfully transfers the drinks from her tray and goes about her work. A laugh, long and lovely, escaped the witch's lips. "Hudson," She repeats his name, giving Meri a bright smile before taking a drink of her beer. Somehow, it didn't surprise her for one second that his name had popped up. "Yeah, I know him. He's my boss actually," She admits. And she might have been involved in a long, sordid affair that mostly ended when she went to prison for him. Well, for the most part. She'd also recently found herself falling back into bed with him and ruining her other relationship. Again, somethings aren't shared so quickly. "Excellent man. Thanks for the compliment, by the way. As another pretty girl who might have blown through Cenril, you must know him too." Valrae laughs again. "To be honest I can't really tell you much," She admitted. "I mean, we are more spiritually based and a good bit of our magic is closer to what druids can do, using nature and the sort." She pauses to take another drink and push back a few wayward curls. The witch props her elbow on the table and her chin on her fist. "Gualon? I've never been." There was a wistfulness in her tone. "I've always said I'd travel more but... Well, I keep managing to start proverbial fires and having to work at putting them out. Doesn't leave much room for it." Literal fires too. "Do you have a particular fondness for any one place or do you prefer drifting?"
Meri reaches for the whiskey and sets about filling both of the glasses with about an inch if liquid for the ladies to sip at while they converse. Not too much, not too little, just enough to easily down should either of them they want to change whiskey for beer. "He is your boss," Meri repeats with a bit of a pointed smile, blue eyes lingering thoughtfully on Valrae with this little revelation. Mutual bosses, Meri muses, though that information is not readily forthcoming as Meri was not actually affiliated with any of his establishments. There is a thoughtful and accepting nod at the answer that is given as to what witches are, they didn't sound all that bad. Hm. That subject is left at that as Meri opts to focuses on the lighter, friendlier, get to know you subjects. Witches were such a sensitive topic, she knew that much. "Yeah, I know the guy. I met him around Cenril, technically a couple years ago or so." That pointed smile turns casual and cool as Meri shrugs, her tone a joking one, "He's alright for a momma's boy." Hopefully Valrae catches on to the joking tone, for Meri actually likes Hudson just fine. Though, the history between them was no where near as intense. "I see him from time to time down at The Office." Meri pauses here to sip from the whiskey recently poured, it also gives her a moment to consider how to answer Valrae's question, "Once, I preferred Gualon. Years ago. But these days it is just a place of memories and it almost feels like an entirely different life. Rynvale is often viewed as a place of business for me, I go there for work and I stay there for work because I am loyal to Lita and her shop. I have often been told I should open my own on the mainland but...." Meri wrinkles her nose at this suggestion. If Rynvale saw more action outside of work, Meri would be more inclined to stay there on a more regular basis. "These days I just...go wherever. Home is where the heart is and my heart just isn't rooted anywhere anymore." There is no somber tone to that statement, and a smile is quickly flashed and the conversation is pressed on. "You know, if you ever wanted to visit any of those places I am always happy to have a travel companion." As is common with smokers, even the slightest bit of alcohol in her system brings about the want to smoke a cigarette but she double checks with Valrae, "You smoke? You cool if I do?"
Valrae isn't sure what the look Meri gives her, after revealing Hudson is her boss, means and so she only smiles and hides a little behind a drink of her beer. She was laughing again at the momma's boy comment. "The Office, right," She ends up giving Meri her own second look. Not a judgmental one. The only public date she'd ever been on with Hudson had been at the Office, because it was supposedly a place Alvian or anyone in her social circle would frequent, and it had been especially fun. The witch listened to Meri and sipped her beer, paused in this to take the shot of whiskey that the other woman had poured and only made a little face at the burn. There was a bit of envy in the dark of her eyes. Valrae nods when she mentions her loyalty to Lita and her shop. She understood that. The woman gave a little sigh. "That sounds terribly romantic, in an adventurous way," She fidgeted with a long golden curl. Her down cast eyes suddenly found Meri's face again though, when she mentioned that she wouldn't mind company. "Seriously?" Her back straightened a bit and she found herself leaning a fraction forward. "I'd love to take you up on that offer. I've barely seen any of the world." She waved her hand at Meri's question. "Yeah, no! Help yourself," Her excitement dampened a bit. There were too many things, too many jars her fingers were dipped in, for her to leave Larket. "I mean, I'd like too anyway." She relaxed in her chair again, sulkily took up her beer. "I'd bum one from you if you don't mind," She said watching Meri with her cigarettes.
Meri equally could not make heads or tails of the meaning behind Valrae's look. There are a couple assumptions, either Valrae thinks that Meri is once of the dancers (not likely given Meri's preferred style of dress) or Val thinks that Meri goes to watch the ladies and that is how she has encountered Hudson. Oh well. Meri doesn't really care to clarify that point either way. Red lips twitch up into a smirk as Valrae dubs Meri's lifestyle as romantic, in that adventurous sort of way. From Meri's perspective, she was not sure where the romantic aspect came into play but she could agree with the adventurous part of her lifestyle. "You'd like to anyway?" Meri repeats Valrae's own words, leaning forward at the same time so that she could pull her tarnished cigarette tin from out of the butt pocket of her pants. It is slide first over to Valrae so that she can help herself and inside she would find the means to light it, some enchanted little firebox. "You know the only thing stopping you is you. There is thing, it's called a vacation." This is said with a cheeky smile and a wink. The second that Valrae passes back to tin to Meri, a cigarette will be plucked free, pressed between rid lips and then promptly lit up. Valrae seemed to be a woman of independent mind and Meri was not inclined to be creepy and press with this offer. "So, Val. Tell me. Why was that guy tailing you exactly, hm?" Her voice drops to a whisper, just to be on the safe side, though Meri would not be surprised if Valrae was still reluctant to explain given their unfamiliarity and their present setting. "I mean, when we are done drinking and we walk outside is he going to be there waiting for you? Are you going to be set for the walk home?"
Valrae didn't take her for the dancing type actually, her mind had followed the path of thinking she might be involved with the other side of Hudson's business, the one that wasn't actually on display. They could be long distance coworkers! Honestly, if they were she would definitely start giving him a bit of teasing grief for having a 'type' when he chose his employees. But neither of them were delving that deep in personal waters just yet, so that conversation was shelved. Meri offered her the tin of cigarettes and she slid one out and passed it back. She brought the end to her lips and blew, like one might if they were putting out a candle, and it lit easily. Magic, if Meri could sense such things, passed through the air like the fleeting scent of perfume. She took a drag and laughed. "A vacation..." She repeated thoughtfully. "It sounds a little too good to be true, honestly." The witch poured a little more whiskey. The conversation took another turn, lead to something of more personal substance, and Valrae took her shot before leaning in with Meri. "The truth? I have no fecking idea who he is," She said in the same low tones. "He'd been following me for at least two days but the problem is, I've got a lot going on right now. Too much to really pin point where this particular problem is coming from, really." Maybe it was the drink, maybe it was that she'd felt an instant kind of unnamed kinship to Meri, but she decided to be honest. She straightened back up, drank her beer first and hit the cigarette again. Her eyes took a dangerous glint. On the exhale she said, "Let him. I'm not worried about the walk home. I can handle myself."
Alas, Meri was not magically inclined, that is not to say that she did not have her own unique abilities but it was no feat of magic. The magic would go undetected save for what she can actually physically see and witness right in front of her. "Nice, that has to be useful." Especially around these parts, the display also helped to put Meri's mind at ease that Valrae would be more than capable of handling herself should she encounter that man again tonight. Never mind all this vacation talk at this point, Valrae was right anyway, it is always to good to be true. Especially in these lands.The pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place, Meri feeling comfortable enough with the knowledge that she does have of Valrae to ask, "Does...Hudson know? I am sure he would do something about it..." There is pause long enough for Meri to suck on the end of her cigarette, tip glowing red as she inhales a lungful of smoke that is exhaled through her nose. "Alright, well I am just going to have to be real damn nosey and come right out and ask you...What in the hell could you have possibly going on that trumps dealing with some freak following you?" Freak was a liberal use of the word, the man did not really strike Meri a freak. Nor did it strike her as some sort of random encounter, like one might see in Cenril: thug follows women down alley. "For two days...That is kind of a big deal?"
Valrae grins, a little bit of pride coloring her features. "It's a good party trick," She says. Now Meri was asking if Hudson was aware of her unwanted follower. He was, actually. They'd argued about it but Valrae hadn't wanted him to be involved. It was weird, running to an ex... Hudson, because what did they really call this relationship, whenever she had a problem. Somethings a woman just need to learn to deal with herself. "He is but... It's complicated. I don't want him involved, really." The witch almost choked on her beer at Meri's sudden frankness. She pulled it away from her lips, probably a good thing because she was definitely feeling the effects of her alcohol, and gave the woman across from herself a thoughtful stare. A quite moment spanned between them, filled with the life and movement from the tavern around them. "A bit of a loaded question, I think." She says finally. The witch is unsure of how much was safe to divulge. She had grown pretty fond of Meri fairly quickly and she was aces as far as first impressions go. But she was in too deep to share so quickly. "Enchanted nails are in high demand..." She felt a little mean, so she added, "I've got a few skeletons in my closet, I guess. They seem to have followed me from Cenril." That was safe enough anyway. Meri didn't seem the bounty hunting type and even if she was, her name and face were pretty much at the top of the most wanted list in Cenril, it was public knowledge. "Is there a scale I don't know about?" She asks suddenly, her smile returning. "If two days in a big deal, where do you go with three?"
The drink that Meri had been working on is finished off in one fell swoop and the remains of her cigarette are deposited into her now empty glass as an indication that no more drinks would be had, at least not of whiskey. Meri would, however, swipe up one of the bottles of beer but this one was more for the road. "I mean, I don't know, for me that scale would be zero." Zero tolerance. It was a bit of a loaded question and Valrae was actually pretty smart to call Meri out on that, at least so Meri herself figured. Normally she was fairly good at easing people into conversation and getting them to reveal a little too much. Color Meri impressed. Up from the chair Meri goes, setting her beer town temporarily so that she can collect her cigarette case. One more smoke is bummed for Valrae, as if predicting the witch woman would be craving one a bit later. "You seem like a cool cat, Val. And in most cases I am inclined to say a friend of Hudson's is probably a friend of mine. So I am also going to say that if you want some help from someone that isn't Hudson? Just send word. SoulsKin. Rynvale. I'll get it." A couple of coins are produced and placed on the counter, recalling full well Valrae's offer to buy but Meri was abandoning Valrae with a lot of booze left and taking some for the road? It seemed like the thing to do to pay her part at the very least. "I'm going to have to come by and check out these enchanted nails you are telling me about." A salon was not normally a place that Meri would hang out but this sounded more elaborate so the artist in her could not help but be curious. Beer is collected, "I'm going to hit the road, but it was nice meeting you. There a day that would be good to drop in?" Meri would stay long enough to hear the answer, then out the door she would go with a wink and a tip of her beer, as if saluting her goodbye.
Valrae laughs as Meri swipes a beer for the road and gives her the general zero tolerance policy. "I guess that's sane." She replied, knowing full well that the things she'd involved herself in were anything but. Her tolerance would have to be higher if she was going to keep up appearances. The witch takes the second cigarette and thanks Meri while tucking it behind her ear. A small second of quiet descends her after the woman's offer of help. "Thank you, Meri." Appreciation and surprise colored her tone. "It was nice meeting you too... If the salon is open I'm there. Stop by whenever you feel like a manicure, on me." Valrae watched the other woman leave with a small smile still teasing the end of her lips. She finished both cigarettes and another beer before she stirred from her table. The woman paid the tab, left Meri's coin on the table for the bar maid. In her peripherals she watched a young man collect the bag and cloak she'd left by her chair. He strolled easily back to his table and his group of friends, giving the witch a small nod of his chin as she passed by his table and slipped back into the streets of Larket. She ignored the man who followed her all the way home.