RP:Just Be Cordial

Synopsis: Noah Atwood has offered a generous donation to the Kelay Healer for the recovery of Angela Graham. In order to say thanks, Penelope Halifax and Ruari Erickson accompany the psychiatrist to dinner. Although Penelope and Noah have plenty of differences, the polite thing to do is to be cordial, say thanks, and go their separate ways.

Kelay Restaurant

(1 of 2):: Ruari stands in front of the restaurant while staring at his watch. Prior he had greeted Noah, but time had passed and he offered to greet Nel on the street. Ruari Erickson was clad in a pair of black slacks and a suede-brown sports jacket and white button up underneath. Where the heck was Penelope? It was six fifteen. The sun was casting down which caused the sky to turn into a sea of oranges and yellows. A golden glow, and that was when Penelope came into view on the cobblestone road clad in brown pumps and a silken, burnt orange wrap dress that had layers of frills on the bottom. Her sleeves are short, which bears the scars that were inked over. She carries a single cream hand-bag as she strides across the Kelay strip. Her hair was pinned back on one side while the other side is a loose mess of hair in a wild chestnut mane. The curls that were normally frizzed were mildly tame due to some hair gel to smooth down the frizz, but the coils of curls and odd, random waves are still hanging across her shoulders. Because of the semi-formality of the evening, she manages to highlight some bone structures on her freckled face. When Penelope approaches the restaurant, it’s six twenty now… “Are you crazy?” Ruari questions in bewilderment. “It’s about time! Doctor Atwood is -waiting- Nel!” The man’s grey gaze trails over the girl’s frame before clearing his own throat. Normally he saw her in the casual healing hut. Some days he forgot how nicely she was actually put together outside the office.

(2 of 2):: “I’m sorry,” Penelope strides past Ruari into the restaurant while talking like she was on a mission, all the while, adjusting a large clay-made earring. “There was an emergency at the hut. I wasn’t supposed to be called in today, but Yerrel sent for me. He needed two experienced hands, and Celeste is still learning. I’m sure Doctor Atwood would understand, after all, he made the donation to our practice! Now, let's get this over with, shall we?” Within the restaurant, a faint glow would illuminate due to candles lit all over the establishment. It was an evening shift, where the restaurant purposely made the atmosphere more formal than during the day. Across the mahogany slats, rested a small group of musicians playing stringed instruments in the corner–violins and two cellos. The tall, dark-haired half-elf stares at the woman before charging past to the table the two men picked out for Penelope. Ruari comes into Noah’s view. “Doctor Noah Atwood, Penelope Halifax has officially arrived. It seemed she was needed later at the hut, than expected. We, uh, apologize, right Penny?”

(1-3) The last thing on Noah’s mind that day was meeting up with that rude healer and her associate, but he felt forced to make a good impression. The man isn’t used to being referred to as ‘friendless’ and someone that doesn’t have a social life. Gram and that pesky Penelope had gotten under his skin, again, and here he is extending yet another olive branch to keep the peace. Apparently a large sum of gold and fresh flowers for the lobby hadn’t been good enough for the Healing Hut, and so Noah isn’t in the best of mindsets. His last patient of the day had attacked him and he bears her teeth marks on his wrist, as she had bitten him like a rabid dog. After cleaning the wound and bandaging his wrist, the psychiatrist called it a day and went back home to bathe and change for the impending dinner. Gram had tortured him with tales about how he should open up to these complete strangers because they are in a place where immortality is common and they would understand his past. She then picked out an outfit and practically drowned him in cologne! Noah had never gotten ready in such record time, but he would have done anything to escape Gram and her matchmaking attempts. Penelope Halifax is the furthest thing from wife material that he’s ever encountered, and he cannot wait to get this stupid dinner over with so he doesn’t have to see the wild woman ever again.

(2-3) As luck would have it, Noah arrives a half hour early and isn’t too pleased that he has to wait another fifteen minutes for Nel to make her grand appearance. He sits alone at the table that’s set for three, drinking a scotch on the rocks, which he idly twirls in his hand. The flirty bartender keeps winking and smiling at him and he grows uncomfortable. In the past he would have gladly asked her what time she got off work, or asked her to be his plus one for dinner. However, since arriving in the lands he finds himself a tad disgusted at how forward the women are and how they go where they please and speak whatever is on their minds. It’s not proper or anything like he’s been raised to comprehend. Noah avoids looking at the bartender and adjusts his green and black striped tie, which brings out the green flecks in his hazel eyes. The man cleans up nice in a pair of black dress pants, a gray dress shirt, and shiny black loafers. His hair is slicked back with a little bit of styling mousse to counteract the humidity and an expensive watch is on his left wrist. Impatiently, he glances at the time every few moments and wonders if he’s being stood up. She’s probably off playing Paul Bunyon again, or maybe arguing with a man for not cutting an umbilical cord correctly. He doesn’t care if Nel shows up or not, because he will still have a nice dinner with Ruari and then be on his merry way back to Rynvale.

(3-3) At long last the door opens and in breezes Penelope and Ruari, the former which has Noah springing to his feet to pull out her chair. He had prepared to say something generic about her appearance, but the woman looks positively ravishing and he struggles to even utter a simple hello. He stands there with her chair pulled out and his lips slightly parted in awe, unable to stop his eyes from roaming from her face to her figure. Noah thought she was striking when he had first laid eyes upon her that day in the Hut, but tonight she’s radiant in that dark orange wrap dress with her curly hair sprinkling over her shoulders. It’s rare that the ex-mercenary doles out a compliment to someone, but when the shock at the sight of the beauty wears off he finds that he can't control himself, “You look absolutely stunning, Miss Halifax.” The huskiness of his tone bothers him as he doesn’t know where it came from, and he clears his throat, “I ordered a bottle of each! White and red wine, as I’m not sure what you both like to drink.” He retreats to his chair and frowns when Ruari pipes up, because for a moment he forgot that the male was present. “It’s alright. I didn’t really notice the time. I completely understand getting caught up at work… A patient bit me today.” He raises his right hand to show off the poorly wrapped bandage and realizes he should have stopped by the Hut to have them mend it, rather than himself. Noah catches himself mid-thought and reminds himself that it’s best not to complicate things or get too attached. This is a one time thing and he will likely never see Nel or Ruari again! “What sort of appetizers do you like?” His gaze shifts from the woman to the man, before he lifts his menu and hides behind it for a moment while letting them decide. He hopes they don’t expect him to lead the conversation but knows that they can’t sit there in silence, either. Gram is going to get an earful when he gets home!

(1 of 2) Penelope watches as the psychiatrist pulls out her chair with a hazel gaze that takes in her frame. She feels heat creep up her neck turning her a shade of pink, but then again, she remembers who the dapper man is before her. A Judgy Jude. “Not too shabby, yourself, Doctor Atwood.” Smooth words, Penelope. The half-elf side eyes the girl and sucks his lips in. She almost wants to cringe. Do you even know how to talk like a lady? Whatever--this was a professional dinner. Moss eyes trail down to the chair pulled out for her which was an unusual favor–at least for her past encounters with men. A small smile gracefully sits on her freckled face at the generosity before she lowers herself down. “Thank you, and red is perfect.” She lets the two men talk, and Ruari takes his seat to the right of the table. Penelope and Noah face each other, and Ruari takes the middle where he is able to keep a close watch on the two of them. Like a referee. Ruari looks bewildered at the thought of a patient biting the therapist. “What kinda patient was -that-? Sounds like they need restraint,” the half-elf says. Penelope, however, is the opposite, she lowers her head to bite back the laughter that is trying to escape. She cannot help it, and a large snort springs out of her before she muzzles herself. “Pardon,” she regains herself back to poise. “Not funny, I know. Would you like me to check after dinner?”

(2 of 2) Eventually they move onto the menu, and the girl crosses a leg over the other. “The ceviche they make here is pretty good. If you’re not allergic,” beat. Shellfish. “Or, calamari. We’re not necessarily in Cenril on the shores, but we’re right next door to that. I’m sure what they use here is fresh.” Penelope then looks to Ruari who really has no opinion on food. “So, Doctor, you're new to Lithrydel, as you’ve said prior you come from another place of origin. Why did you move here?” She had to make small talk somehow, as Penelope would rather die than go a whole dinner -not- talking. Chatty girl.

(1-3) Noah wears a strange expression on his face, a mixture of bewildered and bemused at the snorting and laughter that exits Penelope when he states that he was bitten. Ruari looks as though he’s about to have a heart attack! Likely fearing that the good doctor will regne on that lofty donation, but it takes a little more than that to ruffle Noah’s feathers. Hazel eyes shift from the most unladylike woman he’s ever met to rest upon the half elf, “It was a couple, in for counseling after the wife’s infidelity.” He shakes his head as he pours all of them a glass of red wine, “It’s rare to hear of women being unfaithful in my line of expertise, but this particular case is stranger than most! The wife has an addiction to-” His words cut off as he reminds himself that there is a lady present, even if Nel isn’t the type of woman he’s accustomed to, “Pleasures of the flesh.” He rests the bottle on the table and sniffs the wine in his glass before taking a sip. The taste is savored on his tongue for a moment as he chuckles, unable to even hide his own laughter from the absurdity of the day. “Anyway. The husband, I cannot give you their names for confidentiality's sake, brought up the topic of divorce! The wife flew into a frenzy and hurled my tissue box across the room and lunged at her husband! They had a bit of a scuffle and I tried to break them up, and that is how I became bitten. Not my proudest moment, I know, but I didn’t want any blood spilled on my new carpet! Nor did I want to see either of my patients injured.” He’s surprised that Nel offers to look at his wound but he declines the offer, wanting very much to put distance between them after tonight’s dinner. “Unnecessary, but appreciated.” The talk simmers down as the waiter arrives to take their order, “We will start with the ceviche and calamari, please. I think we’re still deciding on the main course.” Noah’s gaze drops to the menu and he readies himself for when the waiter returns, before closing the menu and devoting his attention to the man and woman before him.

(2-3) Noah is sipping his wine when Penelope asks him a question that he’s quite unsure how to answer. Of course, he cannot tell her the complete truth without revealing a great deal about his past. Picking and choosing which parts to tell is tricky business and Noah dislikes answering in half truths, even if those in Lithrydel wouldn’t judge him. Immortality is common here, and he imagines that mercenaries are plentiful, but the curious bugger before him will want details and that’s where things get muddled. Placing his glass on the table, he keeps his gaze trained upon its crimson contents, “I moved here because of Gram.” It’s a simple answer and a truthful one. “I hail from Baridgherdon, a kingdom that is -very- far from here, and not one that you will find on a map… My father was the Viscount and I was assumed to take that role later in life, but to make a long story short… Baridgherdon was overtaken during the war and it no longer stands.” There’s a long, pregnant pause, before he continues, “I was fifteen at the time, and with no titles or remaining kin, I was entirely on my own. I traveled a lot over the years, taking odd jobs here and there. I saved up enough coin to enroll at a prestigious university and became consumed in my work.” Noah speaks in half truths, as he has to modify the timeline because he doesn’t wish to spoil their dinner with talk about how he was ripped from his home as a teenager and brainwashed for years before becoming a ruthless mercenary. The appetizers are brought to the table and everyone’s asked what they wish to order for their main course, “I’ll have the steak medallions in mushroom sauce, over rice, please.”

(3-3) Spooning some calamari and ceviche onto his plate, Noah takes a bite of the squid and lifts his gaze to the pair. He hopes that he won’t find sympathy there, because the tale he told was a diluted version and the truth would have truly resulted in pity. “Back to the answer! Sorry for digressing, but mmm, this calamari -is- delicious!” Dabbing his mouth with a napkin and remembering his manners, Noah swallows before he continues, “I met Gram about ten years ago.” Forty years ago, to be exact. “I was walking through the neighborhood and there was suddenly such chaos! A house fire… She lost her family, her possessions, everything, and was sobbing in the street. She came very close to taking her own life that night, and seeing as no one there cared for her well-being, I took her home with me. Gram grieved for a while and her depression wavered for quite some time. And then one day, she seemed so much better! I assumed she would move out and start her life over, but she chose to remain with me.” Noah smiles softly, “About a year ago, Gram found literature on Lithrydel and told me that she wanted to move. That she’s up in years and wanted to travel a little. So… Here we are. I relocated because it’s the first time she’s ever asked anything of me, and she’s been so good to me for a very long time.” The man clears his throat, “Are you both from here, or somewhere else? How did you two end up practicing together?”

(1 of 3):: Penelope slowly sipped back on the wine that was being poured for her at the story of the bite. A divorce. A strange one? A wife addicted to… “Pleasures of the flesh…? Necro–” Ruari clears his throat very loudly to stop Penelope of her disturbed curiosity, as in Lithrydel real ‘pleasures of the flesh’ was quite common through the gossip in bars and such. Ruari side-eyes Penelope and shakes his head for her to stop before he addresses Noah. “Yes, strange. I apologize that you had such an experience, Doctor.” Penelope slowly shifts her own eyes to Ruari who is being very weird. The girl shakes her head before letting Noah order for the three of them, and she continues sipping down the wine glass offered to her. When Noah talks of his past, she listens with full intent. A small smile on her face, a few nods of the head before he mentions war where his homeland does not stand. “I’m sorry,” she says genuinely at the explanation of his home. At this moment, she, thankfully, was not annoyed, but actually interested. A Viscount? “And your father? Did he get wrapped up in the war?” A personal question, but one that Penelope was careful and nurturing with, indeed. “University, wow.” She smirked and nodded. Ruari had the same reaction only with lifted eyebrows. And the waiter comes by to ask for the main order. Ruari goes first. “Steak, asparagus, and those roasted potatoes.” And then Penelope, “I’ll take the portobello mushroom steaks, potatoes, and brussel sprouts with that same… mushroom sauce. On the side.” Beat. “And, maybe some of that like… what is it? Light oily type dressing for the brussel sprouts? You know? With the red flakes? It’s really good! But not too much. Sorry, I know, I’m your picky local. I’m talking too much. Maybe on the side?” Oh boy. This girl. The waiter looks patient, and it looks as if the waiter knows the clinician as she had been in Kelay for quite some time.

(2 of 3):: Penelope picks up the crispy crackers they put in the middle for the ceviche before spooning some on her own plate and taking a pinch of crackers. Okay, maybe one more pinch. She shakes her head with the story of Gram and how Gram and Noah found each other. A tingle reaches the Ardelian’s back of the story of Angela. Such rawness. “Oh man,” she glances towards Ruari. “Well, it was a good thing. For you two to have each other,” she says sincerely. “Everyone needs someone,” she glances at the half-elf briefly. “Lithrydel is an okay place. A lot going on here, honestly. I think it’ll grow on you. The people. The stories.” Penelope smiles sweetly. It was okay to be sweet, as one, Penelope was not an awful person and understood feelings and stories of others, and two, the man was a stranger, as well as a generous donator. “A lot of people come for new chapters. Perhaps Lithrydel has that… pull.” Her smile turned faint.

(3 of 3):: When the question is turned on her and Ruari, Ruari takes the initiative to answer first. “-I’m- from Cenril. Born and raised. Single mother story. She died of an illness a long time ago. Something terminal. Lithrydel is all I know. I know Cenril well, actually, seeing that you chose that area. I actually met Penelope in Cenril like eight years ago,” the man states. Grey eyes then shift to Penelope who is grazing a finger around the rim of her wine idly taking a bite of her appetizer. Moss eyes look across the table to hazel. “I’m from a place known as Ardelia. A, uh, tribal monarchy. Small village.” Explains a lot of things. “I came here when I was young,” as her family was exiled, but she would hold that tidbit as Noah Atwood had a lot of judgment there. “We, actually, landed in Cenril for a while. A tiny place we lived as my parents were getting by,” with gang related nonsense. Hold that information. “My parents passed away in an accident,” got killed in -no accident-, but gang relation of trying to survive. “So it was just me and my twin brother. We moved here to Sage. Built a cottage. I started working in Cenril when I was old enough to work as a baker. Met Mr. Erickson as he worked with me when we were young.” Nothing fancy like a Viscount. “I left the bakery eventually,” due to the catastrophe of her past. Vague information. “Wanted to become a healer," why? No detail, apparently. "So I did just that. Studied under Yerrel, and now we’re here.” She smiles, and on cue, the food is out, thank goodness.

(1-3) Noah is grateful that Ruari stepped into the conversation because he truly doesn’t want to have a sex talk with the presumably innocent female sitting across from him. Past conversations steer towards Nel not being married, but it’s quite possible that she’s attached to Ruari or promised to another man. He doesn’t get spinster cat-lady vibes from her, but he does wonder if maybe she prefers women, since she engages in such manly hobbies. His mind wanders a bit, before his cheeks taint with crimson and he pauses before answering about his father, “He died in the war. Yes.” He doesn’t elaborate any further, nor does he need to, as they are all enjoying their appetizer and placing their orders. The waiter is a welcome reprieve, but Noah isn’t immune to the pity party in both of their expressions as they learn the fate of his homeland, family, and how Gram came to be in his life. “Thank you… I consider myself very lucky to have the life that I do now, and I adore that old woman.” Nel reassures him that coming to Lithrydel is for the best and that she thinks the lands will grow on him, but the doctor seems to shyly internalize and doesn’t offer a verbal reply. A boyish grin warms his face as he takes another sip of his wine and listens to their tale.

(2-3) When Ruari speaks, Noah grants him all of his attention, no longer bothering with the ceviche and calamari. The man is a good listener, giving his line of work, and his eyes shine with sympathy when he hears about Ruari’s past. Single mother that died of a terminal illness long ago, and who set the man on his path to Cenril. “I think it’s admirable that you devote your life to healing, Ruari. So many are quick to blame a sickness, that they don’t take the time and care to study it! I can’t even imagine the lives that you’ve saved over time, and I bet your mother is very proud of the man that you’ve become.” Noah’s sincere as he says this, and he truly believes that Ruari is a good man. His attention shifts to the Miss Picky Ordering Penelope and he senses that there’s more to her story than she lets on, much like his own. Perhaps she’s a gifted liar, as well as a gifted healer and lumberjack?! The pauses in conversation and her body language give her away so well, but Noah doesn’t rudely point this out, because he doesn’t intend on taking her out for any more meals after this one. “Is your brother a healer, as well?” How the heck did she go from kneading dough to stitching wounds?! It’s a jump, but then again, Noah went from mercenary to psychiatrist!

(3-3) The food arrives and the man cannot help but tease the woman, “Everything to your liking?” There’s a twinkle in his gaze and he chuckles, before proceeding to slice into his steak, “Forgive me for being forward, but I cannot help but wonder… You two have been working alongside each other for many years… Are you a couple?” He pauses, and if the answer is no, he will counter with, “Ruari, are you married? Any children?” Noah clears his throat and sips his wine, finding that the food is delicious and he’s happy that they chose this restaurant. Without being prompted, he states his own marital status, “I was to be engaged to a woman upon coming of age in my homeland, but obviously that didn’t pan out. Her name was Edwina, she came from a reputable family, and it mostly would have been a political marriage… I haven’t really entertained relationships over the years as I’m so invested in my work and I do not mix business with pleasure.” Noah will never date a coworker, and he sure as hell wouldn’t date one of his patients! The ex-mercenary has bedded countless women over his very long life, but nothing lasted longer than a night or two, and in his later years he abandoned his rakish ways.

(1 of 2) Penelope side-eyes Ruari when he gets a compliment about healing. She was the whole reason that the goon of a friend joined her medical path! Penelope keeps the calmness on her features, brushing a stray hair out of her eye. “Pakellin does not have a technical title, but he knows his way with water revolving restoration. The basics. Not really his cup of tea. The goriness does not really appeal to him. Not that it does with me, but still, I have a strong stomach.” When the food arrives, she dives in automatically. There was nothing dainty about it, well, until… The question of Ruari and Penelope comes up. As a couple. The Ardelian and Erickson look at each other and then Penelope finally answers. “No. We’re not. We get that question a lot, actually. Especially since Ruari has escorted me several times to balls in the past. I’m Ruari’s wing-woman, if anything.” Ruari blinks at Noah’s next question. “No. I guess that means Penelope is bad at her job of helping me pursue someone.” Ruari’s brows furrow, but there still rests a smile on his features.

(2 of 2) When Noah continues about his own marital status, Penelope has internal thoughts. Thoughts of… judgment. She was sure there was a reason why he was not married. Rude and too serious, and overly judgemental. Well, who was the hypocrite internally, now, Penelope? The only thing that Noah had for him was good looks and a brain. Not that the brain knew anything about social cues. Ruari then cuts in, “Wow, that sounds like Penelope.” Eyes darted at Ruari at that moment. “I’ve been what Noah likes to say ‘courted’ a time or two. Things just don’t work out. Just hush.” She would not go into dreadful history with Linken, but there is an unnerving energy regarding that road of marital statuses. Ruari has to have the last word as the sharp-tongued man he was. “Things don’t work out because you don’t let them work out,” the dark-haired elf states. Penelope shakes her head. “Work is important. I agree with you, Doctor. A political marriage does not sound promising, or… happy, in my opinion. Normally people want to find love. A match. You probably did that woman a favor.”

(1-2) Noah chews his steak while the two across from him exchange looks and try to best answer their marital status. They aren’t a couple, but he wonders if they ever toed that line in the past. They do have that sibling vibe going and it seems they are very close friends, at this moment. But then Penelope announces that work is important and that she’s been courted in the past but it hasn’t amounted to anything. Noah wonders why she didn’t receive any marriage offers, thinking she must have a paltry dowry. Or perhaps all that outspokenness and improper behavior has scared off any potential suitors. Most men wouldn’t tolerate a woman that can hold her own in a job or conversation, and the fact that she goes most places unchaperoned is concerning. Penelope is getting up in years and if she wants children she will likely need to settle down soon. Not that he’s thinking about her in -that- sense. If anything, all they manage to do is irk each other every time they come into contact. Case in point, the woman has the nerve to say that Edwina dodged a bullet and that Noah did -her- a favor by leaving his homeland! He lifts his glass of wine and gaze Nel a far from friendly look as he takes a long sip.

(2-2) The glass is set back down a tad more forcefully than he intended, but he manages not to rise to the bait. Instead, he thoughtfully takes another bite of his meat to keep from making any judgmental comments. So far things are going smoothly and they are halfway through dinner, so it’s best to keep it simple. At least Ruari seems to enjoy his company. Circling back to their earlier discussion about Nel’s brother, Noah slices his steak and inquires, “Water revolving restoration? As in treating patients with fluids due to dehydration?” He fixes the brunette with an easy smile, “I fear that I don’t know much in the way of medical advancement. I focus mostly on the mind. I do have some training as a field medic.” He can set a bone and stitch a wound, if necessary, and he works well under pressure. The waiter returns to refill their glasses of water and top off their wine and of course to see if everything is to Nel’s satisfaction, as she was the pickiest at the table. “Is everything alright, Miss?” Noah raises his eyebrows at Ruari and smirks, but he withholds any snide remarks. For now.

(1 of 2) Penelope’s face falls again as she saws into the mushroom steak she ordered. She plops a piece of the mushroom in her mouth, and it melts. She finally lifts her chin again to drink the wine that is being poured which is causing her stomach to bubble. Her eyes are steady on the man across the table who forcefully places his own glass on the table. She can feel that tension. That dislike of her comment about Edwina. Ruari’s grey eyes dart between the two doctors as if they were about to have a forcefully polite meltdown. “Water has healing properties in the Divine magical sense. That’s what I mean, Doctor Atwood. Pakellin is gifted with water and air, while I inherit fire and earth. Together, we make a whole. My divine magic is not necessarily the healing type. My magic is a little more aggressive, unless we talk about plants.” She purses her lips at the comment of only being able to focus on the mind and as a field medic. An interest in common. Under pressure on a field, not that she was very strong or knew too much about hand-to-hand. Her weapon of choice had been a bow. Linken taught her that skill, and Krice perfected it.

(2 of 2) When the waiter comes back into view, Noah makes that snarky expression towards Ruari. Penelope’s politeness fades momentarily with a raise of her brow. She understood. She understood well that he was judging her. Again. For speaking up for what she -wanted-. Something Noah did not have a clue on how to do, in her mind. A large mischievous grin landed on her face, but it had the sweetest stain. “Actually, everything is quite perfect for me. But, since my guest Doctor Atwood is new to Kelay, and this restaurant, he is far too hospitable to say anything. He thinks his steak is unseasoned. Do you think you can bring out salt and pepper, as he was too nervous to say the sauce needed an extra tad of something. Would you be so kind as to help Doctor Atwood’s lack of culinary sense?” The waiter looks at Noah and then to Penelope. Penelope still has her overly sweet smile. Kindness. But also purposefully making up lies in order to make Noah look like an idiot and embarrass him. “Of course, Miss Halifax. Be back shortly,” the waiter winks before disappearing off. Penelope would then roll her head and look at Noah before sipping her wine. Ruari stares at Penelope before looking at the man with the hazel eyes, “My apologies, Doctor. Clearly someone left their manners back home this evening.”

(1-2) Noah listens to Penelope’s answer about her brother's use of water restoration and he nods his head to show that he’s following the conversation. The bit about the siblings both being able to use elemental magic has his eyes widening but he bites back a nasty retort. It seems that a lot in the lands are capable of using magic and although he has a great aversion to such powers, he’s obviously outnumbered in his opinion. Does Ruari use magic, also? Noah slices another bite of steak and is lifting it to his mouth when Penelope throws him under the bus and starts rambling about how his meal lacks taste. Touche. Clearly, she saw the look that Ruari and him exchanged, and he really wants to blurt out something equally as rude to the waiter. His cheeks flare with color and he is -not- amused. He refrains from publicly embarrassing the healer and bides his time. Once the waiter leaves to go fetch some seasoning that he absolutely does not need or want, Noah drops his fork against the plate with a loud clang and glares at Penelope. “What is wrong with you? Has no one ever taught you how to behave like a lady? If it’s your time of the month, my apologies. However, if this is how you regularly act when someone is nice enough to make a donation and treat you to dinner then I think you would benefit from some serious counseling.” There are times to be serious and times to be playful, but this dinner wasn’t meant to be either. Noah slips Ruari a handful of business cards with a pointed glare in Nel’s direction.

(2-2) The waiter returns with an armful of various spices; salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and a few others that are foreign to the psychiatrist. Ever the gentleman, he accepts them with feigned appreciation and motions to the others at his table, “Maybe you could bring the dessert menu? It’s getting late and I have to catch the ferry back to Rynvale, but I dare not leave without something sweet.” The waiter nods and smiles, happy to hear that the table of tension will be emptied soon and that he will likely score a good tip from the doctor. Noah finishes his steak and remains silent, enjoying the soft background music from the band. The bartender is still ogling him from afar and Ruari is apologizing on Nel’s behalf, but neither draws his attention. It seems he needs to calm down and after taking that last bite of steak, he sees a hint of humor from this situation. Nel is the first person to truly push his buttons without so much as a glance or unkind word and he rises to the bait, every time. Still. He doesn’t want to end the night on a bad note, in case Gram ever needs a competent healer. Clearing his throat, Noah lifts his gaze to lock with moss green, “I apologize for upsetting you. I was merely jesting when I gave Ruari that ‘look’ because you are a tad picky. I didn’t mean to offend you.” She’s so lovely to gaze upon but she ruins it when she opens that smart mouth. Pity. “What are you both going to order for dessert?”

When the waiter leaves, and Noah drops his fork in pout, the girl returns the glare from across the table. Moss and hazel gazes in a testful war. “Wrong with -me-? You’re the one making that ridiculous face. It’s -rude-. Where are -your- manners?” Time of the month? Is this guy nuts? Her mouth parts at his banter of her ‘hormonal’ behavior. Once the business cards are slipped towards Ruari, who looks speechless of the fight across the table, she is trying to knock against the half-elf with her heel to give him the cue of ‘let’s leave -now-’. The waiter, however, is back, and Noah is now wanting dessert? Ruari casts his gaze towards Penelope and he speaks for the two to make the decision. Ruari is not letting Penelope leave. Not like this, and it was odd to see this kind of behavior from her, as she was normally kind to everyone. A testy, stubborn one, sure, but never butting heads this much with another person. “Of course, Doctor. You’ve been -courteous- so far. Dessert sounds great. Penny, after all, loves sweets.” Ex-baker. The girl closes her eyes to regain her composure. She brushes against the orange silk fabric she wears to get a grip on something to control. This dinner was one thing she could not. Control-freak, she was. The table is quiet as the three of them finish their meal. Once Noah clears his throat, it draws the attention from both the freckled clinician and the half-elf. The apologizing that flows from the psychiatrist's mouth makes her feel warm due to her backlash. Her shoulders relax as she is back to that elegant state of grace. Poised. Calm. Collected. “Picky is not the right choice of words. You mean to say, I’m a woman who knows what I want.” Sometimes. Depends on the scenario. Food? Easy. “But I forgive you,” she offers a small reassuring smile, but it fades as the man across from her is impossible, and this dinner is dragging. “Creme brulee,” sweet burnt cream. A great description of who the girl was. Sweet, but with edge. Ruari then chimes in, “Chocolate lava cake. What about you, Doc?”

Noah wants to form a rebuttal to Penelope’s accusation of his face being ‘rude’ but he lets it go because he doesn’t want to escalate the already mounting tension. His apology is sincere and she accepts it, though that icy demeanor remains. As she states that she’s a woman that knows what she wants, it ignites a fire in him that has him stirring with desire. How can he possibly find this mouthy, unladylike, magical, lumberjack by day and healer by night…Attractive? Maybe it’s been a tad too long since he’s bedded a woman. Whatever the reason, Noah cannot help but slide his gaze from her angry eyes down to her pouty lips and lower to that flimsy orange fabric that covers her svelte frame. It takes them both replying to his inquiry about dessert to pull him from this unusual trance and the doctor smiles and nods, “Excellent. I think I’m going to try the strawberry shortcake.” The waiter arrives and takes their orders and leaves in a hurry, sensing the tension at the table. Any earlier traces of annoyance are gone from Noah’s expression, and he can contain his burning lustfulness as long as he doesn’t glance at Nel for too long. He’s fairly certain that she’ll say something that will wash away any attraction before dessert arrives anyway. “I should probably order something to take home to Gram. She loves pecan pie and I believe I saw it on the menu. I suppose I will have to bring home a treat for Buddy, as well.” He’s filling the silence with something other than questions or rude facial expressions to erase the fact that he was a jerk a few moments prior. At least he is trying to salvage the evening. “I know that you both are often caught up at work, but what are some of your hobbies?”

Penelope misses the trailing gaze from the man across the table as she is focused on the idea of going home. She was close to the end of this dinner. Best be cordial for the rest of the time. “How is she doing?” Penelope asks genuinely. “How’s her health? I know Ruari wants to travel the way to check in on her.” Eyes flick towards the half elf who is finishing off his wine and nodding in response to the girl’s words. She then adds, “And pecan pie? Good to know. Maybe I’ll make one for Ruari to take when he checks on her soon.” She smirked at the mention of Buddy, as she reflected on the old dog that came to visit. “Yes, can’t leave him out.” When asked of hobbies, Ruari shifts in his seat. “Hobbies? Love me some pubs. Also, a little sword sparring.” Cliche man. “I also like wood-working and sketching. Simple things to ease the mind.” Grey eyes flick to the lady at the table and she assumes that she has to spill her interests out due to kindness. “Besides stress baking, I like hiking. Reading. Gardening. Journaling. Archery. Any hands-on things. I do a lot of handiwork around the house.” The girl was a messy one, i.e. climbing trees or getting dirty. Literally. Dirt. Not the lustful dirt that the man had going on in his brain across the table. Not that Penelope did not have her lust-filled thoughts, though she seemed to keep her affairs on the quiet side. Ruari nodded, “It’s true, I helped her rebuild her and her brother’s front porch not too long ago. Girl has skill there with fixing things.” Ruari then returns the question to the doctor. “What about you? What do you do outside of the clinic on your time off? I’m sure you get a lot of clients to even find time, yourself, but of course, we all need it.” The dessert then arrives at their table, finally.

(1-2) Noah is happy to speak of someone else especially when that someone is his favorite person in the world. Angela Graham. “She’s much better. I’ve noticed that her coughing has greatly subsided. She’s taken to spending her evenings in the backyard and barking orders at me.” He chuckles and shakes his head at the memory, “She sits at the patio table and points here and there, and she yells at me when I don’t follow her directions perfectly. We’ve been working on a small rose garden. It makes Gram so happy to be surrounded in nature and since she can’t exactly kneel in the dirt, it’s fallen on me.” Cross breeding flowers isn’t exactly how he wants to spend his nights after a long day at work but it keeps the old woman happy. Ruari begins to tell them how he enjoys going to pubs and widdling wood and Noah smiles. Those are simplistic things for a man to do in his spare time and he finds his answer to be suitable. However, as Penelope answers and states that she enjoys hiking, archery, and building things, it takes extreme power for Noah to maintain a poker face. Why is she such a tomboy? Those aren’t very ladylike hobbies, save for baking and keeping a journal. In his mind, she should be knitting scarves and attending tea parties with other women that are close in age. “Wow. It seems you two keep yourselves pretty busy when time allows.” Those are the only nice words he can muster that won’t spark a fight from the feisty healer.

(2-2) Dessert arrives and the doctor speaks with the waiter for a few moments as he places a to-go order for Gram and Buddy. A large slice of pecan pie and a raw steak cut into small cubes. Noah takes a taste of his strawberry shortcake and his eyes shoot towards the ceiling as he groans in pleasure, “Whoa! This has to be the best thing I’ve ever tasted.” Everyone dives into their dessert and Noah dabs his lips with a napkin before he responds to their inquiry on his hobbies. “I do work a lot, yes, and when I’m not working I often find myself researching various topics that revolve around my work.” He smiles and hopes that his visible row of ivory teeth doesn’t have any strawberry seeds stuck in them. “I enjoy reading, taking Buddy to the park, late night strolls on the beach, and shooting pool. I like being outdoors a lot, so I will go for a hike or do some fishing on occasion.” Having run out of questions to ask, the doctor returns to enjoying his cake and seems pleased that they’re all ending the night on a good note. When the check and the to-go order comes, he pays it and insists on leaving a very sizable tip for the waiter. Noah rises and pushes his chair in before he extends a hand to Ruari first to shake, and then to Penelope, “Thank you both for dining with me and for taking such good care of Gram. I had a lovely evening.” Sure there were times of tension, but all in all, it went much better than he had originally imagined.

Penelope is pleased to hear that Angela is much better, and it makes her think she should visit, or maybe she could just send the pecan pie with Ruari to avoid the psychiatrist. Better plan, she thought. Ruari laughs at the idea of Gram bossing Noah around, and it reminds him of Penelope. As for discussing hobbies, the Ardelian listens to the glazed comment about being ‘pretty busy’. Small talk words, but at least dessert comes. A spoon cracks the burnt sugar on top of the cream. A texture of crunch and smoothness with the taste of sweet. She savors each bite, and keeps quiet as she had these desserts time and again since her time living in Kelay. She admits, it was good, but her mind reflects on her days in Cenril when Mrs. Mallard was once alive and Penelope was under her wing. Strange thoughts. The family had moved since then, and a new owner had taken place. Noah’s words of hobby cut her thoughts short, however, as she did not want to be overly impolite. She nods, as if she was interested, and Ruari makes a few comments about fishing after Noah finishes his line of questions. Ruari goes onto tell him about some fishing trip in Cenril back in the day when he lived on the seaside. Once dinner is over, the two healers rise and Penelope smooths out her dress that has been sticking to her skin for too long before she reaches to shake the doctor’s hand. “Thank you. And thank you for your hospitality for the donation. It will be put to good use.” She would not say if she had a ‘lovely’ evening. The clock had been ticking a little too slow for her taste. Ruari, on the other hand, has the last word, “It was a pleasure, Doctor Atwood. Travel safely. We had a wonderful time.” Did they? Penelope would then smile before turning on her heel to click her way out into the Kelay air. The two healers had a long day ahead of them on their trek to Frostmaw.