#flashfire344

  A Windy Day in Autumn

Caleb makes his way from the Golden Sun. He sighs again giving a disinterested look in just about everything. His exterior he is a well groomed and handsome Elonian man. INside he was a ball of nerves and emotions. He tucks away a little book into his breast pocket in his jacket. His hands slip behind his back as he walks along, his mind turning to current events and the doldrums of having to work for a person he despises. His eyes alight on a lady walking with a cane. He steps to the side to allow her to step by.

  "Ohai." he says to her with a deep voice. his large physique evident by the near perfect cut suit he wore.

  ~*~

  Lady Leoni was moving through the Ossan district with the aid of her cane par usual, her steps slow but measured as she flitted about the book carts  set  up at the little market that was crowded with random weekend shoppers. She had a basket hanging from the crook of her arm, a few novels she had purchased nestled within and she was dressed for the fall weather, elegant dress thick and warm and a thick knitted scarf was tied comfortably about her neck, ends tucked neatly into her coat and a bonnet aided in keeping her warm. She was moving on to the next cart when she passed the large Elonan man, her kindly features and gentle aura radiating off of her and at his greeting, her crimson lips curled with a warm and friendly smile,

  "Good day."

  As she passed, she hadn't noticed one of her books slip from her basket and fall to the cobblestone street behind her as she walked towards the next book display to browse.

  ~*~

  Caleb pauses seeing the book fall, he was going to move past her and find something to eat or browse the local market but he moves over to kneel down and pick up the book. he quickly scans the title before he moves to tuck it in her basket.

  "Parden." he says quietly to her.

  He taps her basket so she knows that he tucked the book in the basket.

  "You dropped a book."

  ~*~

  The book was an old one, apparently pre-owned and well worn, the binding scuffed but the title was still clear enough to read, "The Lily among the Thorns". She looked up as his voice spoke behind her and she turned, offering the man the same smile as before and when he tapped her basket, she glanced towards it,

  "Oh! Thank you so much, how clumsy of me."

  She gave a sheepish smile and a soft embarrassed laugh, leaning a bit heavily upon her elegantly carved wooden cane, looking of cherry wood or perhaps a polished oak.

  "You are most kind, Sir."

  ~*~

  "You are quite alright." he says softly, his face showing an intense boredom of nearly everything. Though a smile graced his face as he bows his head.

  "Do you need help? your basket seems heavy."

  ~*~

  Her soulful blue pools shifted from him towards her basket, long lashes flicking as she blinked,

  "Oh- thank you but I couldn't possibly burden you with my purchases, but I appreciate the offer. You are very generous."

  Her warm smile returned as she gazed back up at him,

  "Please, forgive my manners, my name is Ellenia. Its very nice to meet you."

  Her voice was soft and melodic and held the same amount of warmth as her kindly features did. She appeared slender and almost frail and it was apparent she was a woman that was ill, her fair features soft rather than pasty however and her hair, what was visible from beneath her bonnet, was a vivid crimson just as her lips were.

  ~*~

  "Caleb."

  He bows his head again then again offers his hand. Despite his bored look of his face he does seem insistent that he helps her.

  ~*~

  Noting his persistence, she nodded and slipped the basket from her arm, offering it to him to hold,

  "Thank you, Caleb. I appreciate the assistance." she responded softly.

  Her smile returned as she regarded him a moment before turning back to the book cart, relying heavily upon her cane for support,

  "I hope your day is going well?" she implored.

  A chill autumn breeze rushed by, rustling their clothing and provoking a slight shiver from her frame as she browsed the current book selection.

  ~*~

  He doesn't seem to mind the cold, in fact he wasn't wearing nearly as much of the clothing others would, subtily he was using fire element to lightly warm himself that and he was very good in the cold. He takes her basket then steps near her so she may place any book she wishes into the basket without reaching.

  "Long, dreary but the wind and the air help it be not so bad."

  ~*~

  Smiled to herself lightly as she picked a book and turned it over in her dainty glove clad hands, reading the back of the cover,

  "Do you like autumn, Mr. Caleb? I find it quite beautiful."

  She placed the book back and selected another, repeating the inspection.

  ~*~

  He nods then says.

  "it's a good time, both in change of season and my duties tend to lax up for a while...of course until wintersday." he patiently holds the basket out for her.

  ~*~

  She offered the man tending the book cart a smile as she payed for her new novel, a little pocket sized novel with a royal blue binding entitled

  "Beyond the Rose Garden" and turned to slip it into her basket he held at the ready for her.

  "Oh? Do you work for the Ministry?" she wondered, taking note of his dress.

  ~*~

  "I...give care to a family." he nods though he honestly feels no better than a slave.

  He looks at her then ass politely. "Yourself Lady Ellenia?"

  ~*~

  She continued to gaze up at him with genuine intrigue and offered a little smile,

  "Oh, I am a Lady of a household located in Gendarren so I'm afraid I am not really from around here. I am currently in the Reach on business but the poor weather has prolonged my journey back home so I am taking the time to enjoy myself while I am here." she admitted.

  She cast him a curious look, head canting to the side,

  "You said you give care to the family? Are you a doctor, Mr. Caleb?" she inquired, genuinely curious.

  ~*~

  "A doctor, a cook, a cleaner. About anything the home required of me." he nods at her, his dark chocolatey brown eyes studying hers before he looks to the book she took.

  ~*~

  She nodded at his words, her visage showing she was impressed,

  "Oh my, you must be a gentleman of many gifts, Mr. Caleb to perform so many duties. Heaven knows how you find time for it all!"

  She glanced over to a stall selling some hot chocolate and she smiled warmly, her gaze roving back towards him,

  "Would you like some hot cocoa, Mr. Caleb? My treat as a thank you for being so kind and helping me with my books." she offered, her eyes hopeful.

  ~*~

  He follows her patiently, though not holding the basket out obviously. "It's hard, yes..." he hesitates a moment before nodding.

  "Coco would be nice."

  ~*~

  She lead them over to the stall and greeted the young woman behind it with a warm friendly smile,

  "Two mugs please, dear."

  She withdrew a silk coin pouch from the inside of her coat and gathered the appropriate coin to pay for their drinks. The chilled autumn wind had picked up and blew steadily, the tree tops rustling with the breeze, colorful leaves drifting about towards the grown lazily. After stowing her coin pouch, she thanked the young woman and turned back to her companion, offering him one of the steaming mugs topped with whipped cream with a candy cane stick inserted into it.

"Here you go, Mr. Caleb." she offered happily.

  ~*~

  He shuffles the basket aside then takes the mug with one hand. He smiles a little then says.

"Thank you lady Ellenia."

~*~

  She smiled brightly as he accepted the drink and took up her own, leaning once again upon her cane,

  "Shall we find a bench to enjoy the afternoon?" she implored.

  ~*~

  He nods then says. "Yes..." he turns to try and find an empty seat for them.

  ~*~

She smiled contently and moved to follow after him, her heels clacking faintly against the cobblestone street along with the tap of the tip of her cane. It didn't take them long to find a bench beneath one of the large trees in the market area and she lowered onto it with a sigh of relief, setting her can aside. She cradled her mug between her hands and raised it for a tentative sip.

  ~*~

  Caleb sits down beside her though not overly close to crowd her. He places the basket between them so she may take it if she wishes. He blows on the drink before lightly taking a sip from it.

  "I have to say, these little markets are good for finding hidden gems like this coco."

  ~*~

  She dipped her chin in a nod of agreement, her smile warm and happy,

  "I agree. I have been here about a week and I have discovered little things that make my trip worthwhile. Did you know there is a bakery on the Melandru high road? The woman that works there is a wonderful baker."

  She paused to savor another little sip for her cocoa.

  ~*~

  "I unfortunately do not have the ability to taste from many bakeries as I have a limited personal time." he looks at her then his mug.

  ~*~

  A little frown touched her red lips,

  "That is a pity." she lamented.

  She raised her blue pools to him again, regarding him thoughtfully.

  "Do you dwell within the city walls, Mr. Caleb?"

  ~*~

  He dips his head then says. "Yes, I do, though I move about." he sips his coco then sturs the candy cane

  ~*~

  She too gave her drink a stir with her candy cane stick, her gaze roaming the area and watching the passer bys go about their business. She noted the weather was growing colder as the days passed but with that also came the beauty of the colors autumn brung to the trees.

  "I think Autumn may be my favorite time of year...." she mused out of the blue.

  ~*~

  He looks at her as she spoke then inquires.

  "What do you like the most about it?" he shifts his weight to watch her politely while she spoke.

  His ears clinging t o her words as if they were the most important thing to hear.

  ~*~

  A gentle smile crossed her shapely lips as she raised her gaze to the leaves overhead,

  "The brilliance in color....It brings life to the world.... It's like a painting of vibrant hues when Autumn comes.... Everything takes on a new life and becomes breath taking."

  Her words were spoken wistfully, her love for the season evident in her tone.

  ~*~

  He listens to her while drinking from his coco. He speaks in his deep voice.

  "Seems you paint a wonderful picture...not many accept or embrace change like others do."

  ~*~

  She nodded as she gazed at her mug of cocoa, held snugly between her gloved hands,

  "Change is a part of life. Regardless if we care for it or not. But such is the way of the world, don't you think?"

  She gave a soft chuckle as returned to sipping from her mug, savoring the mixture of flavors.

  ~*~

  "Some want to keep things how it was or try and force it back to how it was...Maybe to them Fall isn't about good change?"

  ~*~

  "Perhaps.... But that does little to change the fact life goes on regardless of what we want."

  She looked to him and offered a soft smile.

  “So what brings you out to Ossan district this afternoon, Mr. Caleb?"

  ~*~

  He looks at her then says. "I was visiting the inn and seeing what I could see." he nods then looks to his coco.

  ~*~

  She canted her head at him curiously,

  "Oh? Just out of a passing curiosity or where you searching for someone?"

  She raised a hand to brush aside a stray red curl from her face.

  ~*~

  He shifts his weight to look at her.

  "To amuse myself in my past time I suppose." he nods.

  ~*~

  She nods in understanding and lets it be at that, returning to sip from her cocoa. She paused to lick a little of the whipped cream from her lips and sighed contently before looking back to him,

  "I... apologise if I am keeping you from more important matters....But I do rather enjoy the company." she offered with a sheepish expression.

  ~*~

  He shakes his head. "It would be this or talking to my cat at home." he says half jokingly.

  ~*~

  She laughed softly,

  "Oh, but cats can be quite lovely conversational companions at times!" she chirruped in good humor.

  She had to pause however to stifle a harsh cough into a handkerchief and took a moment to compose herself,

  "Pardon me..."

  ~*~

  He studies her face, his doctorly nature coming out as he reaches out to lightly rub her back to try and sooth her. THough this was instinctively.

  ~*~

  She flashed him an embarrassed but grateful smile,

  "I apologise... my illness tends to get the better of me when the weather turns cold I’m afraid..." she tried to explain.

  She cleared her throat softly, attempting to hide the stain of blood upon her handkerchief buy tucking it away into a pocket.

  "Please, don't be alarmed."

  ~*~

  He studies her then nods.

  "My employer suffers much the same." he takes his hand back then says.

  "Should we head somewhere warmer?"

  ~*~

  She nodded lightly and rose slowly, stiffly, to her feet, taking hold of her cane once more with her free hand,

  "That would be wonderful, thank you..."

  She flashed another kindly smile his way and moved to follow him should he lead the way.

  ~*~

  He stands up, taking the basket as he stands, he turns to look at her as he asks.

  "Second floor to the Sun? Or?"

  ~*~

  She paused, perusing her lips in thought,

  "Oh...I’m afraid I cant handle many stairs very well...." she looked a little embarrassed by that fact.

  ~*~

  "Then we shall not go there...How about the community center? It has a warm fire and plenty of people around."

  ~*~

  At the offer a look of relief passed over her soft fair features and she let a smile touch her lips,

  "That would be perfect." she agreed.

  Sipping upon her hot cocoa she moved to walk beside him with the aid of her cane down the road.

  ~*~

  He keeps a light pace so she has time to enjoy the walk.

  "You seem to read a lot." he looks at her basket then her.

  ~*~

  She laughed softly and nodded,

  "I do. I'm afraid I spend a great deal of time bedridden so I have a large amount of time to devote to reading and writing." she admitted as they drew closer to the building in question.

  ~*~

  "Do you write stories...like novels?" he probes, clearly interested by her.

  ~*~

  She shook her head quickly, letting slip a flattered giggle,

  "Oh- heavens no- I fear my writing isn't that good. I mainly dabble in little short stories here and there, not exactly poetry but not exactly a book either. Often times I just pen down my thoughts or muse about things of interest." she admitted.

  ~*~

  He tilts his head then says. "With practice maybe." he nods then opens the door to the community center for her.

  ~*~

  She flashed him an appreciative smile as he held the door open for her, allowing her to move into the warm building first. A sigh of relief parted her lips as the warmth engulfed her and she looked about the building's foyer with curiosity.

  "I admit, I have never been here before."

  ~*~

  "I have from time to time, various events and readings and other cultural events." he guides her to the fireplace where there were a few benches. Around them there were a few people talking.

  ~*~

  She gratefully took a seat by the hearth setting her cane by her side and once again cradling her mug between her hands as he sat beside her. The room hummed with the low murmurs of the other people visiting the center speaking amongst themselves, mingled with the crackle and pop of the fire, his warm glow dancing about the room and those in it.

  "So they host events here? I should very much like to attend one sometime."

  ~*~

  "Story tellings, recreations of historical dances or plays. Readings from texts as well as sampling of accurate, or near as they can make it, cultural foods."

  ~*~

  She nodded as she listened, taking slow savory sips of her hot cocoa,

  "That all sounds wonderful. Do you come and watch these events often?"

  ~*~

  "When I can. I honestly would like to go more."

  ~*~

  She offered him a smile,

  "Do you enjoy reading and writing, mr. Caleb?"

  ~*~

  He shifts to look at her.

  "It's a good way to learn, yes. It also is a good form of escape." he shifts to look at the fire.

  His face ever looking bored, though that seems to be due to his facial features rather than him being bored at all times, though at times he is.

  ~*~

  She considered his words as she finished her drink and sat the empty mug aside,

  "I agree. I always find it fascinating to learn of other cultures since my household is very cultures itself. "

  She looked towards him with a friendly grin,

  "It was nice having someone to spend the afternoon with. I thank you for your company, Mr. Caleb. But the hour grows late and I should return to our townhouse and rest."

  ~*~

  He looks to her then nods. he offers to take her mug.

  "One less thing for you to carry Lady Ellenia."

  ~*~

  She dipped a polite curtsy his way,

  "Thank you for a lovely afternoon, Mr. Caleb. Please take care."

  She gathered her basket of books and moved towards the exit with the aid of her cane.

  ~*~

  A Rainy Day in Shaemoor

  Lady Ellenia Leoni sat in the Tea Shoppe in Shaemoor at a window side table, her little corner cozy and quiet as the rest of the tavern catered to a few scattered partons. She had but a small cup of steaming peppermint tea, lightly sweetened with honey just how she liked it, her cane resting against the side of her table and a little pocket novel opened before her atop of it.

Occasionally, she would raise her gaze to glance about the quaint little place before returning to her reading, enjoying some time to her self in the quiet, though she felt bad about slipping away from her Guard for such. Outside her window the day was muggy and chilly out, autumn weather giving into rain that pitter pattered little droplets into the dirt, adding to the cozy atmosphere of the tavern.

  ~*~

  Gabriel walks through the little town of Shaemoor. His destination was the inn. One of the few he didn't mind drinking at or even being in for an extended period of time. He wore fashionable but simple clothes. A long coat and nice button up shirt with vest. He had a scarf around his neck to keep him warm as well. He walks along with a determined gait and his eyes showed a stern gaze.

He steps into the inn, his last few steps slightly hurried as he was eager to get out o the drizzle of the outdoors. He takes a breath, taking in all the smells and scents of the shop before he steps to the counter. He leans forward to speak in a raspy voice.

  "Coffee, with a slice of lemon cake. Please."

  He pays the person behind the counter before he turns, as he does he pulls off some gloves to reveal his calloused hands.

  ~*~

  A delicate and dainty hand turns the page of her book while the other raised her tea cup to her painted shapely lips, taking a slow and savory sip of its fragrant contents. She happened to look up once more as a familiar sounding voice spoke to the shopkeeper and she couldn't help a soft smile that crossed her visage. When he turned about, she raised a hand from her book to offer him a slight wave though she was uncertain if he would notice her or not, let alone join her for some company on such a dreary afternoon.

~*~

  Gabriel tucks his gloves in a pocket then adjusts his scabbard at his side. A ever present blade adorned his hip. He was no doubt at one time or presently a soldier of some caliber. He caught the wave just out of the corner of his eye. He turns to her to take her in for a moment before bowing his head to her. He turns back to collect his drink and tasty treat before walking over. He leans over slightly to say to her, once he is at the table.

  "May I join you?"

  ~*~

  Her fair features warmed with her gentle smile as he walked over and happily nodded at the request,

  "Please do, Mr. Cavalli. I do hope this day finds you well?"

  She looked a bit better this day, not appearing as ill though it was still obvious she was sickly. But she seemed to hold a bit more of a lively spark to her as she sat there enjoying her tea.

  "It is good to see you once again."

  ~*~

  He lightly sets his drink and slice of lemon cake down before he pulls his chair out and sits. Seeing him up close would definitely give her the impression he was a soldier.

  "Please, Gabriel is fine. I am glad it's closing to an end, the day that is."

  ~*~

  Her smile remained as he sat across from her, her frail looking, feminine hands moving to place a ribbon bookmark in between the pages of her novel before closing it, a single golden band upon her pinkie finger, nails long and well manicured.

  "Very well, Gabriel. It is nice to have some company for tea, I admit it tends to get lonely for me from time to time." she admitted.

  Her soulful blue pools held that ever present kindness in them as she gazed back at him politely,

  "And I hope that your day gets better if it is not to your liking."

  ~*~

  "There is always tonight and tomorrow for it to change." he says in a patient tune despite his stern visage.

  He takes a sip of his drink as he studies her book to catch a glimpse of any title he may see. He is drinking with his drink hand and even though he was focused on one thing she could tell he was still roughly aware of others around him

  ~*~

  Beneath her slender fingers he would be able to catch a peek of a title written in embroidered gold lettering upon the cover of the book, the spine and sides worn and old, the title reading "The girl and the Sea". She was just as keenly aware as he was though she hid it far better, her illness from birth having taught her to hide things well. One leg was crossed over the other beneath her voluminous fancy skirts of velvet and lace and she sat comfortably upon her chair, her free hand once more bringing her tea cup to her lips.

  "This is very true. I also wanted to thank you...."

  She sat her cup down after her drink, looking straight back at him,

  "For staying present the other night when the Sylvari attempted to mug my Guardian and I. I placed a report with the Sereph yesterday and ended up running into the mugger while I was at it, oddly enough."

  ~*~

  He raises an eyebrow for a moment, his face showing a faintest hint of emotion before it went back to being stern.

  "An interesting...person to arrive when you are talking about them in a report...And it was my pleasure ." he nods his head slightly before he lightly takes his fork to properly take a chunk off the lemon cake.

  ~*~

  She dipped her chin lightly in agreement, her gaze slipping towards the window beside their table, watching the rivulets of rain water stream down the glass, a light wind outside making the trees sway faintly and the shutters rattle.

  "It is, isn't it? I was speaking to a Mr. Volundir and when I turned about to leave, the Sylvari man was standing there watching me. It was strange and sometimes I wonder if perhaps he is following me...."

  She shrugged her narrow shoulders lightly, "But of course that is presumptuous of me."

  She reasoned. She turned her attention back to her handsome companion for the evening and once more offered a kindly smile.

  "So, Gabriel... If you do not mind... might I ask what you do for a living?" she implored curiously.

  His manner of dress would suggest something political and official, a lawyer or minister perhaps, but his hands spoke of a different story, one of combat and hardships. Her gaze lingered upon his rough hands if he noticed, taking note of each callous and every scar that marked them.

  ~*~

  Gabriel politely watches her as she speaks. Taking a bite once she takes a look out the window. Once he finished with the bite he says in his ever present raspy voice.

  "I work for the ministry, writing documents and papers."

  He sets his fork down then picks up his coffee to drink from. His hazel eyes the only place emotion showed from him. Seems years of being a soldier hardened him to this point, though he doesn't seem unfriendly as his voice was patient.

  ~*~

  She once more dipped her chin lightly in understanding before letting it rest upon the back of her delicate knuckles, her elbow resting upon the table, her other hand resting easily about her tea cup. She, too, was dressed for the weather, just as his was, her dress thick for the chill weather and a short fur shawl about her shoulders to aid in keeping her warm, her heeled boots high and water sealed to keep her dry, her own gloves placed neatly by the edge of the table. Crimson lips curled into a soft grin as he spoke, figuring as much.

  "I see. I hear such duties can be tedious so I can understand your relief as the day draws to a close."

  Her gaze once more lowered to his hands, thoughtfully,

  "And what of before that? Your hands, you see... they tell a story of their own.... Rough, worn, and strong... no stranger to handling weaponry, it seems.... Were you part of the Vigil? Or perhaps you were a blacksmith once?"

  A hint of color touched her fair features and she offered him an apologetic smile, somewhat embarrassed,

  "Please forgive me if I ask too many questions.... I am afraid I don’t get to speak much with strangers often and you...intrigue me in an agreeable way...." she offered before silencing herself with another slow draw of her peppermint tea.

  ~*~

  He lowers his mug of coffee before he ventures to say.

  "Mercenary, cavalry , officer." he says then gives more information after a moment.

  "13 years of work as a mercenary in Gendarran. Mostly focused on rapid response to outlying farming villages."

  ~*~

  Nodding her understanding, her kindly visage remained, never once wavering. Though sickly, the aura she possessed seemed warm and compassionate, nurturing and motherly almost regardless to whom she spoke to, ever present even when feeling her worst it seemed. Her deep blue orbs roved him in interest,

  "I see. Its very noble protecting those often plagued by danger. I fear the poor people of Gendarran have a very hard time between the Centaur and Pirate raids. The Leoni Manor oversees the Ascalonian Settlement and we often shelter and feed victims left homeless and suffering from such things. What made you wish to serve the Ministry?" she inquired, natural curiosity alight in her eyes, her soft fingertips lightly drumming along the side of her near empty tea cup.

  ~*~

  He picks up his fork then says.

  "Retired from the company two  years ago as I had to care for my Niece, war and the company was not a place to do so. I returned to the city and found work within the ministry in hopes to help. Time will tell if i can." he picks cuts another chunk from his lemon cake

  ~*~

"That is very honorable of you. You seem a very kind hearted man." she stated.

  Her smile was genuine, flashing him her near flawless pearly teeth, sapphire pools fixated upon him for it was only polite to make eye contact when speaking to others.

  "I have recently heard of this Ministry public session they hold from time to time within the city walls. It is wise to hear the voice of the people to better serve and protect them, is this not so?"

  She canted her head slightly, observing him as her chin still rested upon the back of her hand,

  "Are you a Minister?"

  ~*~

He shakes his head at her question.

  "No, I am not. I doubt i will ever wish to. The red tape and legality...gets in the way of action. So few actually want to fix anything. Ministers play."

  He sighs softly before picking up his mug. "Some, but not all.

  ~*~

  She considered him thoughtfully a moment as she dipped her head in understanding,

  "I see. That is understandable. Sometimes it is easier to act when there are no chains holding you back..."

  She let her smile soften, watching him enjoy his coffee. He had a quiet way about him but his presence was quite enjoyable and he was surprisingly pleasant to speak to despite his somber visage, any flair of emotion caught behind his hazel gaze or in the manner in which he spoke. Ellenia had learned from youth that people were like books and often times you had to read them to help fully understand them.

  "Do you and your niece dwell within the city walls?" she implored.

  ~*~

  Gabriel nos his head as he says.

  "We live within the Ossan District. My mother was Elonian so I feel home there." he sips his drink once more before setting his drink aside.

  ~*~

  Her gaze once more slipped towards the window, watching the rain come down in a gentle shower,

  "Yes... The settlement is the same for me.... Out here it feels so strange and foreign to me and there are a few things I am learning to understand. My illness does not permit me to travel much and I am often bedridden so the rare occasions when I am well enough to be out and about, I try my best to not let such opportunities slip away from me." she admitted quietly.

  ~*~

  He dips his head a little then says.

  "I am sorry, m'lady." he shifts his weight as he considers what she may have.

  He wasn't the most read up on diseases and only mostly about wounds of the physical kind. He shifts again then says.

  "May I inquire how long you have had this?" he tries to find a proper word for his meaning.

  "Affliction" he finds the word.

  ~*~

  Her attention returned to him as he spoke, her blue orbs meeting his hazel stare and she offered him a reassuring smile,

  "It is alright. I admit I have grown quite used to feeling under the weather.... You see, I was born sickly though the healers I have seen are uncertain as to what ails me. It has been speculated that I was born was a rare form of tuberculosis that is non contagious but the theories are many and little can be done to comfort and treat me. In the coming year I will see my twenty-fifth spring... it is a very long time to be ill but I have learned and understand much due to this as well." she admitted, offering him a sheepish look.

  ~*~

  He nods then says. "You are staying strong, moving forward and doing what you can to live. That is commendable."

  ~*~

  She considered him for a long moment before her expression softened and she offered a grateful smile,

  "It is kind of you to say such a thing. Thank you."

  She removed her hand from her chin only to steeple her fingers before her self upon the table top,

  "But such is life, is it not? We all do what we can to push forward...it is a part of life. We live a little...and then we die. Its a rhythm, a never ending circle. It is up to use to make the best of what we are given." she reasoned, wisdom in her words.

  ~*~

He nods slowly as she makes his point, though a bit more eloquently. He picks up his coffee to take a long quiet pull from it. For a moment he looks out the window out of interest of the weather before he looks back to her.

  "You say your house is in Gendarran yes? This is a long way for you to come."

  ~*~

  She thought about a moment before replying,

  "It is, isn't it...? I came to the Reach on business but the poor weather and my illness flaring up on occasion has put my return home on stand by. But we have a town house here in the Reach and my cousin is employed by the Queen's Shining Blade, so I do not mind staying for a bit to visit with him when I can." she confirmed, her warm smile returning.  

  "I am grateful that Asuran gates make travel a bit easier for me in this regard however. I would not be able to make such a trip without them."

  ~*~

  He shifts in his chair to get more comfortable.

  "They are wonderful devices connecting us all." he takes one last bite of his lemon cake. His hazel eyes shifting from her to his empty saucer.

  ~*~

  "I couldn't agree more." she laughed softly, the sound melodic.

  She raised a hand to brush aside a loose curl from her face, fingers gliding through crimson silken hair. She, too, noted his empty plate and presumible equally empty mug,

  "Will you be taking your leave?" she wondered, watching him casually.

  ~*~

  He scoots his saucer underneath his mug of coffee.

  "I believe i will wait a few more to see if the rain stops." he passively gestures to his right with his well muscled hand and subsequent arm.

  ~*~

  She smiled as her blue gaze slide once again to the window, rain water rolling down the glass in trails as the rain continued to curtain down from the hazy sky above, droplets dripping down from the edge of the roof into the flower boxes lining the outside of the windows of the tavern, the light bringing out the deep hue of blue on her soft gaze.

  "I love the rain... Its soothing and it nourishes and renews...."

  She inhaled a slow steady breath,

  "And the refreshing scent of rain mingling with the earth is rather agreeable."

  She looked back to him with her little content grin, "Don't you think?"

  ~*~

  "If I recall right our rainfall was not as other years. We need it more than ever, though being as it is winter this calls for snow with the plummeting cold front." he looks at her, his hazel eyes studying her a moment before he folds his hands on his lap.

  ~*~

  She considered his words thoughtfully for a moment,

  "The snow... I've never really gotten the opportunity to enjoy the snow much... even though I have always wished to....Perhaps I shall try to this year...." she mused, before meeting his gaze once more.

  "Are you very fond of the snow?”

  ~*~

  "Made it hard for me and my men to fight. Logistical issues among problems with heat. Snow for soldiers is death that can kill without mortal wounds."

  ~*~

  "And what of from a non combative view?" she implored.

  She tilted her head to the side lightly,

  "It would stand to reason for a soldier in the midst of combat to hold no love for such but what of from the viewpoint of a man with a young niece enjoying a simple winter moment together?"

  She offered him a light smile, "Of course I am speculating, please excuse me."

  She straightened in her seat, smoothing her dainty hands over the lap of her skirts to rid them of any unsightly wrinkles before returning her hands to the table top, one lifting her tea to her painted lips for a sip.

  ~*~

He shrugs then says. "As of late, the past two years to be specific, the snow is...not as bad as it was." he looks off to the distance through the window.

  ~*~

  She nodded her head as she listened to him, offering a gentle smile,

  “I see. Well, what -do- you enjoy, if I may ask, Gabriel?” she inquired curiously, her gaze roving his features thoughtfully.

  ~*~

  He stares out of the window. His eyes searching each rain drop before he says.

"Horseback riding. Hunting..." he muses to himself more then anything. As if he is discovering it himself.

  ~*~

  Her smile widened, “I enjoy these as well though the hunting isn't really my thing but I find horseback riding quite enjoyable and relaxing, especially through the wooded mountain passes.”

  She looked him over, her calm visage warm and kindly,

  “Many of the men in my family savor hunting trips however. We have a rather large trophy room that displays their catches.”

  Her gaze followed his towards the window, watching the rain continue to pour down in a gentle shower outside.

  ~*~

  His face if any emotion was to show was a little bit of disdain hearing about the trophy room. He shifts slightly to place a hand on his empty mug.

  "I knew riding most of my life. Both in war and in peace...It's what I was meant to do I suppose." he skips the hunting bit.

  ~*~

  She paused, noting the look on his face and recalling not many enjoyed hunting the way others do but she let the matter drop. Her gaze returned to the window as the rain slowly began to ease to a light drizzle.

  "It seems the weather is lightening up a bit...."

  A wistful smile touched her face as she admired the view beyond the window, fresh and gleaming from the rain drop coating.

  ~*~

"As it seems, yes." he looks at her. "Do you have to be somewhere m'lady?"

  ~*~

  She shook her head lightly, her gaze sliding to her empty tea cup as she perused her lips,

  "No...I can't say I do. I might sit here a bit longer perhaps.... The day is slow and nothing of importance requires my attention this day." she admitted.

  She lifted her blue orbs to Gabriel regarding him inquisitively.

  "Why do you ask?"

  ~*~

  "Then may i offer to order you another drink?"

  ~*~

  Her warm smile returned, curling her crimson lips,

  "That would be lovely, thank you." she cooed sweetly.

  She brushed aside a curly lock from her face once again,

  "A peppermint tea with honey, please?"

  ~*~

  "As you wish." he stands up to move to the counter.

  His right hand slipping to rest on the hilt of his sword. He orders her another drink as well as himself. He returns after a moment.

  ~*~

  Her smile brightened delightedly as he rejoined her, placing her steaming cup before her before taking his own seat,

  "Thank you. You are most generous."

  She took up the cup between both of her dainty hands, raising it to her lips to blow softly upon the white wisps of steam the wafted up from her cup before venturing a tentative but savory sip.

  ~*~

  Gabriel sips his steaming cup of coffee. He takes a breath then looks out the window to study the few droplets falling down from overloaded drains. He resides in his silence for now as he just sits and enjoys the smell of the coffee.

  ~*~

  Nia, too, was content to sit in pleasant company, enjoying her refreshing and fragrant tea, listening to the soothing sound of the rain outside the window mingling with the crackle of the fire place across the near empty tavern. She inhaled the scents of their beverages mingling upon the air with the scent of fresh rainfall, finding it soothing and relaxing, the atmosphere calm and almost cozy.

Her gaze wandered her companion, studying him absently, noting little things about his appearance such as the tan and worn appearance of his skin from the harsh life of a soldier, the slight crinkles at the corner of his hazel eyes, his well groomed beard and raven hued hair, the broadness of his shoulders and the way he sat with his back straight, chest out... seemingly always prepared for what may come, as if he was never one to be caught by surprise or unaware. Her gaze was almost admiring, soulful blue pools noting details about his person absently, not meaning to stare from over the rim of her tea cup.

  ~*~

  He keeps his eyes out the window before he looks at her. He notes her watching him before he says.

  "Is there something wrong m'lady?"

  ~*~

  She blinked before shaking her head, blushing lightly at her poor manners,

  "Ah- no....Forgive me, I wasn't meaning to stare...."

  She managed an embarrassed little smile, her fair features glowing with a faint rosy color as she slipped her gaze back towards the window, returning to sipping upon her cup of tea.

  "And please... you can call me Ellenia or Nia if you wish." she offered softly.

  ~*~

  "Miss Nila." he bows his head, seeming use to having to call people by titles and formality, yet his actions would seem he is noble too or at least in a noble family.

  He picks up his mug with both hands to lightly take a sip from. His eyes closing for a fraction of a second as he does.

  ~*~

  A smile touches her lips as he uses her nickname, content and happy as she continued to savor her tea with slow sips as she continued to watch the weather outside the window, a hazy drizzle having set upon Shaemoor as the hour grew later into the evening.

  "I greatly enjoyed your company today... thank you for sitting with me." she stated gently.

  ~*~

  "You are quite welcome lady Nila." he looks to the time then says. "May I escort you to the city?" he places his mug down.

  ~*~

  She finished her tea and sat the cup back down upon the table and offered him a grateful smile,

  "I would like that very much, Gabriel. Thank you for the kind offer."

  She slipped her gloves back upon her delicate pale hands before attempting to rise from her chair though it was a somewhat slow and awkward process. Once she was on her feet, she reached for her elegantly carved and polished wooden cane, hand alight upon the lion head and mane carved upon the handle and collected her book, slipping it into her pocket.

  ~*~

  He scoots his items near her cup so the waitress could clean them easily. He stands up gracefully, he wasn't an overly tall man but the way he was built and the sternness of his face made him seem taller. He moves to her side offering an arm. Allowing her to take his arm if she wished, minding which side she used the cane on.

  ~*~

  She peered up at him, flashing a grateful smile as her free hand rose to coil about his offered arm, finding his mannerisms very gentlemanly and chivalrous. She was able to balance her weight between her two supports, he and her cane, as they made for the exit, the gentle tapping of the tip of her cane hitting the hardwood floor as they crossed the tavern, accompanying the click of her heels and his foot steps, her form seeming smaller and more frail, delicate like a porcelain doll beside his straight and strong form.

She squinted slightly as they emerged into the dreary light of the outside world, overcast and grey, the drizzle falling over them in gentle torrets. It was fortunate the pair were bundled and prepared for such weather.

  ~*~

  Gabriel reaches up with his free hand to upturn his collar of his large coat.

  "Mmhmm...A dreary day." he sighs then lightly leads her through the streets of Shaemoor to the gates.

  ~*~

  She nodded in agreement, instinctively hugging closer to his side as the made their way up the muddy road towards the city gates. She smiled however, laughing softly as droplets collected upon her crimson curls,

  "Yes...but the right company brightens even the most dreary of days." she chirruped as the draw closer towards the gate.

  ~*~

  He keeps his walking slow to facilitate her frail health. "I would imagine in this your way home may be twice as long." he looks up to the sky, his eyes searching the dark clouds above.

  ~*~

  "Yes, this is so sadly. So I will be staying in the Reach for a bit longer than expected." she admitted.

  Her hobble not so pronounced with his strong form to aid her up the hill, her free hand still keeping pace with her cane, grateful he kept in mind her condition in their stroll towards the city, made even more tedious by the mud on the road.

  "But I wouldn't say that is such a bad thing." she let slip another soft melodic laugh, the gentle sprinkle of rain water seeming to liven her spirits a bit, like a child getting to play in the rain.

~*~

He turns his eyes down to her. "you enjoy being in the rain?" he tilts his head questioningly.

  ~*~

She bobbed her shoulders sheepishly, trying to stifle a giggle,

  "Do you not? There is a sort of invigorating quality to the rain, don't you think? It's so refreshing and it feels wonderful!"

  She brushed aside some damp curls from her face, offering him a meek smile, her fair cheeks glowing from the warmth in her face.

  "I suppose it is quite strange... But I don't get to enjoy such things much..."

  ~*~

  "I suppose one deprived of a sensation or action would enjoy it if they had it...Like wintersday for children." he nods a little. He helps her inside the gates then to  the street beyond.

  ~*~

  She followed him closely into the city, the moment they crossed the threshold the rain let up tremendously to a soft almost mist like downpour.

  "I guess that is true. Or perhaps I am merely easy to please.... I am afraid i do not quite know the answer." she admitted, a measure of mirth in her musical voice as they walked along the cobblestone streets.

  ~*~

"A life long question then." he dips his head then says.

  "Pardon, I don't think I asked where you are going." he hesitates for her to tell him

  ~*~

  "Oh! Of course, how silly of me..." she gave a quite, embarrassed chuckle,

  "Our townhouse is located in the Ossan district."

  Her hand remained upon his arm, leaning against his sturdy frame for added support.

  ~*~

  "Perfect, where I am headed as well." he lightly leads her down the path to the main lower circle around the city.

  ~*~

She kept pace with him as they continued their stroll through the city, her features soft and content with his company as he escorted her home.

  "You are most generous for seeing me home, Gabriel. I greatly appreciate your kindness."

  She peered up at him with her deep blue orbs and her lips offered a happy smile his way as the moved through the lower circle of Divinity's Reach.

  ~*~

  "You are quite welcome, Lady Nia. It would behest me if I left you there and you needed an arm." he nods to her.

  ~*~

  She let her smile widen a bit, genuinely happy as they walked along,

  "And most thoughtful as well. You are quite the gentleman, Gabriel." she complimented.

  They made their way past the western commons at a steady pace, the streets still holding activity despite the weather as folks scurried about their ways, paying little to no attention to the pair as they moved towards the Ossan district.

  ~*~

  "Thank you." he dips his head in respect as he walks with her.

  "Again, I would not be right if I did not offer walking with you."

~*~

  As they neared the Ossan district, she leaned against him a bit more, the light travel already taxing her limited strength reserves but she did well to hide it for the most part, her cane aiding in keeping her upright.

  "Even so." she reassured.

  She turned her soulful gaze up towards him once again, her warm smile gracing her fair and gentle features.

  "Our town house is near the high rise if you would not mind escorting me a bit further though I also do not wish to bother you and more than I already have." she added with an embarrassed little smile.

~*~

  He shakes his head. "No, it's quite alright. I do not mind walking. Long day of sitting makes you want to walk more."

  ~*~

  A look of relief crossed her face as they moved into Ossan, passing up the Sun, loud and rambunctious as ever as people drank and cavorted inside.

  "I'm glad and I would have to agree, seeing as I spent a great deal of my time in bed."

  ~*~

  He eyes the sun as they make their way around it. He says a bit lower.

  "How anyone gets any sleep..." he shakes his head.

  ~*~

  She laughed softly as they made their way past the Sun, dipping her chin in agreement,

  "Yes, Six knows where they get all the energy...." she mused.

  As they made their way down the streets together, her hand gripped his arm comfortably.

  "Though I admit, I do envy it...."

  ~*~

He looks at her then the inn. "The energy or ?" he suspected what she meant but he wanted to hear it from her. He slows just a little to let her have some breath.

  ~*~

  A blush touched her face and she gave an embarrassed laugh, hastily reassuring him,

  “Oh! No- just the energy to be able to enjoy life in such a manner, I assure you. Goodness me...."

  As their pace slowed a bit, she felt a measure of relief in her tired body, grateful for the ease in their walk through the streets.

  ~*~

  He spots a bench then moves over to allow her to sit for a moment. "I think even people with energy to enjoy life wish for more."

  ~*~

  She sighed softly, accepting the offer to take a breather as she lowered to the bench, thankfully not too thoroughly soaked by the rain, though her thick skirts would continue to keep her dry. Her hands rested upon the head of her cane as she gazed up at him,

  "Sadly, this is true. So many take the gifts of life for granted. But I enjoy watching the young, so innocent and full of life...It has been a very long time since House Leoni has had little ones running through its halls...I do miss it." she admitted softly.

  ~*~

  He dips his head out of respect of her story. He keeps standing, moving in the way of the rain so it wouldn't pelt her as they stood still. "I have never had the opportunity to hear such pitter patterings."

  ~*~

  She gazed up at him, her robin blue pools searching his eyes questioningly,

  "Oh? Are you not married, Mr. Cavalli?" she inquired, a little surprised.

  She would have figured a man as kind and visually striking as he would have been married long ago. But she held such curiosities to herself, merely regarding him with an inquisitive air.

~*~

  He shook his head then says. "Once before...never with children." he looks to the side, try as he might his body tenses slightly and his fist clinches but that was hidden by him placing his hands behind his back.

  ~*~

  She frowned, sensing him tense and realized she had treaded into delicate territory,

  "....F-forgive me... I did not mean to bring up painful memories....I-it is not my place to ask such things....I apologize." she murmured softly.

  ~*~

  He clenched his hand then gestures to her with a palm. "No no, it's fine lady Nia. It's quite alright...it was two years ago." he says quietly.

  ~*~

  She managed a small nod, still feeling a bit guilty for bringing up a painful memory.

  "Even so.... I apologize for bringing up painful memories."

  She flashed him an apologetic smile of her softened features.

  "We should get out of the weather before we catch a cold." she suggested, looking back up to him.

  ~*~

  He offers his hand to help her up. "Capital idea."

  ~*~

  She accepted his aid in rising to her feet with a grateful smile and once more hooked her arm about his as they once again continued down the road, the drizzle growing slightly heavier as evening darkened and the glow from the street lamps seemed hazy through the mists.

  "We are almost there, just around the next bend on the right." she directed, leaning against his strong frame for support.

  ~*~

  He keeps walking with her as he says. "Good, I hope you haven't been out in the rain too long?"

  ~*~

  She shook her head lightly,

  "No...well, perhaps a bit but I think it was all quite enjoyable. I had a good evening though I fear my Guardian will be rather cross with me for slipping from his sights after all...."

  She gave a sheepish smile as they turned the corner and made their way towards a large town house, her grip on his strong arm lessening as their neared.

  ~*~

  "Quite alright, if he should be angry then it's at me for keeping you."

  ~*~

  She laughed softly as they made the porch and she crested the few steps towards the door before halting and turning back to face him, aiming her warm smile his way.

  "Thank you for keeping me company this evening, Gabriel. I hope we see one another again soon. If you like, you may come in, warm yourself by the fire and have something warm to drink...." she offered, delicate hands resting atop the head of her cane.

  ~*~

  "I believe i may need to decline on this." he bows to her. "I need to find my niece to see if she is doing something she shouldn't."

  ~*~

  She offered an understanding smile and a dip of her head as she lowered into a shaky  curtsy,

  "Very well. I bid you a good night, Gabriel. Please take care."

  She turned to open the door and step inside and out of the muggy weather.

  ~*~