Don't be silly, of course its a set-up! (Adelyn & Ariston)
TS: Pontius, Winter, XV (pf) Plotting at the Leap of Faith
Both had received invitations. Adelyn's had come unconventionally. She'd dreamed the invite, but Viskyia had no qualms about those methods, not between Aestiva members... Her other friend though, took less than a delicate touch. Ariston merited a little harassment though. It came in the form of a simple note.
Ariston~
Come pull your nose out of whatever medical book its buried in and come have lunch with me and a friend. I want to introduce you since you live like a shut-in and never get out. There is life outside of schola, and you're in real danger of letting it pass you by. So about midday, meet me at the Leap of Faith. I'm paying, but dress nicely. There will be a lovely friend of mine there. Since you both are beyond serious, I thought it was time to you both met.
Don't worry, she doesn't bite and I will understand if you hate her at first sight, because Kaimelea knows you are the strangest man alive. But as your friend, I would like to see you happy and at least talk to someone pretty once in a while. Even if you're doing it to get my nagging off your back. So wash behind the ears, and wear that good shirt of yours. It looks great with your eyes. And don't talk about amputations... please... this is lunch.
~ Viskyia
She laughed as she penned it. Then she gave a handful of tumbled rocks to her favorite messenger boy, who happened to be Kina's son, Ramerez's fiesty wife.... to run the note up to the university. He'd have no trouble finding Ariston, as the man was most likely in the library if he wasn't actually in class. But no matter, Viskyia suspected both her friends would be there.
So she laid claim to a table early, and sat writing in her notebook of ideas for the Crystal Gardens as she waited, hoping both parties would show up. It was high time she put some skills to use and applied some of Reilly's advice, even if it wasn't to her own life. Friends were friends, and deserved happiness... especially these two. Viskyia had high hopes, but she knew if they didn't hit it off, they would still be friends. Both parties were too much alike for it to be otherwise.
Indeed, Viskyia knew her friend well, as he was sitting on the floor of the library, back propped against a long bookshelf, a book laying open in his lap. And, as it turned out, the note was fairly accurate, as well. The book was entitled Anatomical Similarities of the Elven and Human Species. Had Viskyia been there, she would have undoubtedly rolled her eyes at him. He looked up from his reading as the messenger boy arrived, handing him the note.
He grinned, and couldn’t help a chuckle, as he read the note. It was true, since returning from Medonia, he had spent far too much time with his nose in one book or another. Work and study, it seemed, was the focus of his life lately. He lowered the note and rested his head back on the bookshelf, trying to recall when he had last spent time with his friend. Almost a month, now, if he wasn’t mistaken. He sighed, disappointed in himself. Yes, he was in danger of life passing him by. Suddenly, he was grateful for having a friend that would not allow that. Standing, he replaced the book in the shelf and headed home.
------------------------
Luckily, it was his brightening off, and there was nothing keeping him from meeting Viskyia and her friend. And so, he had returned home and bathed and shaved. Looking through his clothes, pulled out the honey colored shirt that Viskyia had suggested, or rather, told, him to wear. As he buttoned it, he began wondering what the true purpose behind his friends invitation was. It wasn’t terribly unusual for the two to have lunch together, but, never before had a note preceeded it. Nor was there a request for dressing nicely. And the wording she used in the note was strange. Shrugging it off, he slipped on his black pants and boots, grabbed his cloak, and headed out the door, foregoing his prosthetic arm. He saw no reason to wear it, and so it remained lying in its case.
He arrived at the Leap of Faith, his curiousity piqued. Scanning the room, he located her, focused on writing in her notebook. He made his way across the floor coming to a stop at her side. Smiling down at her, he greeted her. “I’m hardly the strangest man alive, Visk. But, I appreciate the invitation.”
Two darkenings ago Adelyn had spoken to her friend Viskyia in a dream. The half-esh spoke of a lunch with the two of them and another invited friend. The petite human girl, then in the form of a sea maiden had agreed readily, suspecting nothing. Though Viskyia had insisted something about dressing nicely. Luckily Adelyn had gone shopping not long ago and was entirely prepared for the lunch invitation.
Easily distracted Adelyn had begun browsing the shops around Demios. There was a constant stream of new merchandise and new sights. Though she was completely oblivious to the stares and second looks the men were giving her as she walked on by toward the Leap of Faith where they had agreed to meet. For one Adelyn did not keep time too well so she did not realize she was going to be cutting it really close to the time they had agreed to meet for lunch if not a little late.
Something she never knew about herself happened to be that she loved shopping. So browsing the shops definitely entertained her and she could have kept at it if someone had not brought up "time to eat" in their conversation as she passed them. Adelyn started at a bit of a run.
By the time Adelyn reached the inn she was slightly out of breath, a glow about her and her cheeks a pretty rosy pink from the warmth generated by running. She spotted Viskyia almost immediately, and what looked like a notebook next to her on the table. This gave Adelyn the impression that the lunch was to conduct some sort of business perhaps for The Crystal Gardens, or even for Kaimelea... and then she noticed a man standing at the table, too.
Rushing over she introduced herself, "Serale! My name is Adelyn Weiss. It's a pleasure to meet you..." and she sort of stopped expecting him to introduce himself in return. She looked up at him he definitely a bit taller than her, looking directly into his honey-colored eyes.
Viskyia looked up and laughed. "Okay, I can give you that. Probably not the strangest, but indeed you are one of the top ten for certain. You look nice... have a seat?" She said, stuffing her little leather notebook away and recapping her ink after carefully wiping her quill. "I hope your hungry. I'm starving and I don't want to be seen as a pig in front of Adelyn." Viskyia said with a grin, and moved over slightly so all the chairs were equal distance away from each other... they'd all have plenty of room. "Look Ariston, I want you to be on your best behavior... I've a friend coming to join us. She's new in town and I thought she'd like to meet some of the residents." The esh admitted with a grin. Ariston, she decided, looked almost good enough to eat. The half-elf had a casual grace about himself that lent itself to beauty, though she'd never admit to him she found him incredibly attractive. He was... definitely one of those men in Demios that she considered one of the finest in heart and spirit. Klue, Ariston, even Dirk her contractor.... all of them had such spirit. She loved that about the men of Demios. She wasn't sure if it was due to the island or just happenstance, but Viskyia definitely wanted to introduce Adelyn. And just about the time she was about to launch into a description, the woman in question showed up. One thing she decided right away, the fact that Ariston lacked an arm wouldn't be offensive to Adelyn. She'd seen far worse in Paxia... otherwise she'd never risk her friend's feelings being hurt or him getting rejected. Both people in question were beyond such things, so she smiled confidently and grinned at Adelyn. "Greetings! Ariston, this is Adelyn.... Adelyn this is Ariston! Ariston and I met here.. he's a student up at the university. Adelyn and I met in Nexus Prime though she's lately been helping with the rebuild of Paxia. She's just dropped by Demios and I think shes going to stay a while. I wanted you two to meet." The half-esh said without preamble.
He nodded at Viskyia when she had offered him a seat, but, he remained standing a moment longer, hand resting on the back his chair. He wasn't entirely surprised that the half-esh had a friend visiting. No, she seemed to have more friends than she ever let on. He was a bit surprised at her asking him to dress up and be on his best behaviour just to meet one of those friends. He wondered if perhaps her friend was someone of importance.
He grinned at her. "My best behaviour? I thought I was always on my best behaviour." He was about to sit down when a young, nearly out of breath, human girl come rushing up, greeting and introducing herself to him. Before he coud speak, though, Viskyia had already began making introductions. As she did so, Ariston took the opportunity to study the girl. She was cute. No, she was pretty. Very pretty, in fact. And though she looked rather frail, he sensed that she was tougher than she appeared. A little like Viskyia, he thought.
His honey-colored eyes sparkled as he flashed his typical boyish smile at Adelyn. "Vedui, Adelyn. It's more than a pleasure to meet you." He courteously pulled a chair out for her, and after she had taken her seat, he sat as well. After they were settled, he turned his attention back to Adelyn. "So, you're helping to rebuild Paxia? If you don't mind me asking, in what way are you helping?"
Their mutual friend Viskyia had taken care of the introductions, including information Adelyn would not have shared with this new person - she being too humble to boast about her past endeavors. The girl did learn, however, that Ariston led a scholarly life, and that greatly intrigued her.
A bright smile directed at her friend implied Adelyn was very much interested in what Ariston had to say. He was quite attractive and no matter the purpose for this lunch it would be pleasant just with his presence. Before sitting, Adelyn removed her fur coat and placed it on the back of the chair. This revealed a simple yet flattering white dress that began with a tight fit around her body from the v-neck cut to a flowing, dancing skirt. With a swift motion she grabbed the skirt of her dress and pulled it closer to her body as she sat down. Her soft pale hands then rose to the table where she placed one atop the other.
"Thank you for the introduction Viskyia. You're too kind to mention what you did. As always I am more than happy to have lunch with you," she expressed sincerely.
Adelyn looked again into the eyes of the man before her, perhaps unknowingly charming him, and answered his question, "I was born and raised in Paxia where I lived with my brother Armond until his was killed two eras ago. This and the attack of the orcs on my city greatly moved me to action. I wept for all the deaths and the losses of the families where I grew all my life. Soon after I was left alone and that's when I met Roland Moonstar. Together we helped move stones from the road, traveled together to ensure trade for Paxia, plowed the vineyards so they may once more grow grapes for wine... And I became Assistant Aedile for an era. Life is difficult there. Viskyia is here in Demios and so I've decided on an extended if not permanent visit here."
She blushed knowing she had spoken so much in so short a time to a man she hardly knew. Hopefully it would not come across as boasting as that was the last thing Adelyn wanted. After taking a small breath she asked, "What about yourself? What topics at the University interest you?"
Ariston's shirt matched his eyes; Adelyn did not fail to notice this, but as she did so her eyes wandered to the pinned right side of it. She had not immediately seen this when she arrived, flustered as she had been. Her heart fell and a wave of sadness crossed her face. The pain he might have or still felt for the loss of his right arm must have been insurmountable. Except Ariston showed no signs of discomfort or even as if it bothered him greatly in front of people. This cheered Adelyn up given it did not make Ariston uncomfortable; she was fine with it if he was.
Unknowingly or not, she was indeed charming him. He listened with interest to her story, each word painting a more beautiful picture of her in his mind. He was pleased to learn he had been correct in his assumption. She was undoubtedly tougher than she appeared. To come back from such tragedies and thrive, that impressed him greatly. She had done so much. The thought struck him that he had done so little. He sat here with two women, roughly the same age as he, and both had been faced with so many challenges, and both had overcome them. If anything, it was a bit intimidating.
When the conversation turned to him, he seemed lost for a moment. Perhaps he was. The young woman had, within the span of a few moments, thoroughly enthralled him. He blinked, his thoughts coming back to the subject at hand and he smiled somewhat nervously, though his eyes never averted from hers. "Well, lots of things they are teaching at the Universitaes interest me. Actually, most everything they teach interests me." He grinned at her. It was true, he was a scholar at heart. He was never more in his element than when he was learning something new. "I'm pursuing an honorable diploma, which requires me to familiarize myself in several areas of study."
It was then he noticed her noticing his missing arm. He spoke with all seriousness, though his eyes twinkled playfully as he met her emerald gaze. "An orc in Medonia decided an extra arm might help him get his work done more quickly. I graciously loaned him mine."
Viskyia smiled slightly, watched the exchange with fascination, and nodded to herself. If she cared to admit it, Ariston was about her best friend in the world. He was a silent solid presence in her life that ended up more often than not filling a role she hadn't had fulfilled since her cousin Skyliss was left behind. Adviser, confessor, and someone she loved like a brother... Ariston was immediately who she thought of when people spoke of men with integrity and intelligence. He was both wrapped up in one package, and far too smart for his own good, if one loved bookworms. Viskyia did, but in touching him, rowing boats with him, and having crazy birthbrightening adventures, her heart never once sparked with the passion she was looking for in a mate. Oh, she loved him all right, in the way a sister would gladly deck a brother who got out of line... or in the way she'd run to him immediately frantic and near hysteria when one of her kids were hurt. He had a lightning fast humor and was quick to take charge of any situation... but love? No. It saddened Viskyia too, because he was truly the perfect sort to be a father and lover. Instead, they were siblings thrown together, prone to squabble, and while she wasn't above finding him someone he truly deserved (preferably before Reilly spotted his handsome features) that was up to what she decided was her high standards, Ariston wasn't above pulling her braids or turning her over his knee when she deserved it.
Truly... there could be no better friend.
But Adelyn.... was a smoldering powder keg, whether the girl knew it or not. Light, carefree, quick to laugh, and with a heart as big as her sharp mind, Adelyn was definitely someone Viskyia approved of for her friend. Of course, she wasn't about to point this out. All she could do was make introductions and let nature take its course. If either of them suspected what she was about, they'd both lock heels and thats all the further she'd get. Oh yes... Ariston was as stubborn as they came, and Viskyia knew from past experience so was Adelyn. Adelyn was a woman who knew what she wanted when she wanted it.... even if she didn't really understand what was under her nose, Viskyia did. Both of them, Ariston and Adelyn, made sense and were precious gems. But it would have to be their way, if ever, and like with Viskyia and the healer... if there was no spark, there was no spark, but Adelyn would gain another friend, someone worthy of her time and attention. Regardless, it was a situation with no losses for anyone.
So, just on time, the waiter nudged Viskyia, handed her a note from Drik, and she frowned down at it. "Excuse me.... I, feth it... there's another problem at the Crystal Gardens, something with glass joint angles this time. I need to go talk to Drik again. You guys enjoy lunch. I will try and be back before your done! This shouldn't take long." She frowned apologetically, spoke to the waiter about picking up the tab, and was gone in a heartbeat, grinning from ear to ear.
A small giggle escaped from her pink lips, though she immediately covered them with her hand thinking perhaps she shouldn't laugh, "You have a great sense of humor about it Ariston. I like that. Though do know I feel for your loss. Many in Paxia 'graciously loaned' themselves to the orc attacks as well... The sight it not new, but it's still sad..." her voice drifted off a little. If Adelyn was sure of anything it was that this meal with friends was not meant to be spent mourning the past and so she continued on with the rest of their conversation.
Their gazes were locked together. Adelyn had nothing against eye contact, but the longer they looked at each other the redder her cheeks got as though she were drinking wine. And maybe she was a little drunk, with attraction, for the man. "Oh, a diploma? That's marvelously noble of you to pursue such a high-balanced education. To be quite honest I'm thinking of doing the same, in time... And I am young yet so there is no need to rush. Perhaps we could take some courses together, even!" Adelyn felt a strange fear that he would slip through her fingers like water unless she made plans to keep in touch with him somehow. The feeling was new, and not one she had ever experienced before with anyone.
The waiter came toward them just then, passing a note to Viskyia. Adelyn frowned as the half-esh announced there was an issue with the glass. The girl was torn between following Viskyia to help her as much as she could and staying here with Ariston. The last thing Viskyia needed was more added stress, but she sounded quite capable of handling the situation. "If you should need me please just send for me, Kyia. Hopefully it's not a major problem and can be fixed straight away. We look forward to seeing you come back and if not I'll take food home for you."
Adelyn waved at the woman, admiring her deeply and feeling such sincere affection. The frown still marred her face as she turned to Ariston, "And I thought she was hungry. A businesswoman has to take care of things, I suppose. Ah! But yes... what classes are you currently enrolled in and which do you hope to take in the future?"
The menus lay on the table for them to order. The last time Adelyn had eaten here she had tried the most delicious chicken and treasure rice, and so she would not eat that again. Trying new foods was fun and so she took a moment to look over the menu.
Secrets :
Try our specialties, the Flame Tongue and the Dragon Boat!
All meals come with water, tea, milk, or juice.
Soup of the Day, 2c cup, 5c bowl
Solaria: Tomato
Dianara: Clam Chowder
Ioannolia: Cream of Mushroom
Carmelyana: Beef and Vegetable
Aslanica: Broccoli and Cheese
Thera: Onion
Srennia: Lobster Bisque
Orodisia: Cream of Spinach
Kuras: Chicken
Lunaria: Corn Chowder
ROSYUN (Brunch)
Granola Bowl, 3c
Crunchy, crispy granola in peach yogurt, topped with bananas and strawberries.
Pancake Platter, 5c
Four buttermilk pancakes topped with sweet syrup, powdered sugar, blueberries, and bananas.
Grilled Sandwiches, 3c
Tomato and Gouda Cheese
Asparagus and Goat Cheese
Chicken and Mushroom
Eggplant and Zucchini
Assorted Baked Goods, 5s - 1c
PRACENDA (Dinner)
Chef's Salad, 4c
A hefty bowl of freshly picked greens, shredded vegetables, sliced ham, diced chicken, and croutons, tossed in your choice of oil and vinegar, honey mustard, or creamy herb dressing.
Dragon Boat, 8c
Freshly sliced raw fish straight from the morning catch: tuna, salmon, mackerel, and octopus. Served with a spicy sauce.
Filet Mignon, 12c
The finest cut of steak wrapped in bacon and grilled to perfection. Served with steamed carrots and squash, savory mashed potatoes, and creamy gravy.
Chicken and Treasure Rice, 6c
Lean chicken breast with The Leap of Faith's famous treasure rice, golden grains spotted with spices and scallops and peas.
Seafood Medley, 9c
Lobster tails with white wine sauce, grilled scallops, mussels, and jumbo shrimp.
Rack of Lamb, 11c
Tender lamb with country-style potatoes drizzled with a tangy black pepper sauce.
Earthly Delight, 8c
Roasted chicken with a vegetable medley: potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
DESSERTS
Fairy Bananas, 2c
Grilled bananas dusted with cinnamon-sugar, served atop a mound of vanilla ice cream.
Slice of Apple Pie, 3c
Cinnamon-spotted, caramel-topped, warm apple pie served with vanilla ice cream.
Melting Chocolate Cake, 3c
Rich, gooey chocolate cake that seems like it's melting on the inside! Served with vanilla ice cream.
DRINKS
Flame Tongue, 8s glass
Ale, 1c pint
Light Beer, 5s pint
Dark Beer, 1c pint
Brandy, 3c pint
Honey Mead, 2c pint
Cider, 1c pint
Light Rum, 2c pint
Dark Rum, 6c pint
Spiced Wine, 3c pint
Local Wine, 2c glass
Fine Charismean Wine, 7c glass
Adelyn waved politely to catch the waiter's attention and waited for Ariston to make his choice first. She certainly didn't want to over-order if he wasn't that hungry, or order too much for herself and look as though she hadn't eaten in days. Ah, the things women had to think about.
He grinned amusedly as she suddenly stifled her giggle with her hand. He had hoped to get a laugh or a giggle from the lovely human woman, and she had not disappointed him. It was a beautiful sound, he decided. And, the fact that she expressed her sympathies in such a meaningful way spoke volumes to Ariston. Usually, in his experience, people did so only because it seemed to them they should, not because they truly meant it. In Adelyn he saw someone who had seen tragedy and understood the truth of the world. It was a very attractive trait to the half-elf.
He was enjoying the eye contact, too few people felt confident enough to do so, but, he noticed her redding cheeks. Suddenly, he feared he had been staring at her and consequently making her uncomfortable. He chastised himself for his percieved rudeness and turned his eyes briefly to Viskyia, who had so far been silent. He smiled lightly at her then turned his attention back to Adelyn. "I think I would enjoy studying with you."
Just then the waiter arrived with a note and Viskyia excused herself. He had a strong hunch that it was somehow planned, but, without any real evidence, it was only that. A hunch. He smiled at Viskyia as she rose to leave. "Hurry back, Visk." He waved and watched his friend leave the inn.
He nodded at Adelyn. "Visk is always busy, it seems. Between the store and her children and now this new venture of hers..." his voice trailed off and he shrugged slightly. "I wish she would take more time to enjoy herself, to be honest." Indeed, his closest friend had been working herself to the bone, and it worried Ariston a little.
He put those thoughts to the back of his mind, though. Viskyia was more than capable of taking care of herself, and he had a wonderful woman right here to occupy his time with. He considered her question for a moment before answering. "I've already studied some medicine and am currently learning the basics of law. That covers two of my required areas of study. I think I'm going to enroll in the sailing classes next. And drawing. I've still not quite decided my main area of study, though. What about you? What interests you?"
When the waiter arrived, Ariston smiled at Adelyn then made his order. "I'll take the Seafood Medley. With water, please." It was one of two meals he usually ordered here. He had nothing against trying new things, not at all. But, he had allowed himself to settle into a routine as of late, and it was hard to get out of.
Placing a finger on her lips, thinking, the woman let out a small humming sound and finally answered the waiter, "I'd like to try the 'Earthly Delight' with tea, please. Thank you." She returned the menu to him in a single swift graceful move.
The woman tried to blush as discreetly as possibly, but that seemed impossible to cover up. She realized she turned pink much too easily, and became somewhat embarrassed. After the waiter took their order she turned to reply to him, "I'd enjoy it, too. It always helps to have a partner to study with as there's motivation and fun working together. Really, I hate doing anything alone - it makes me quite sad." As she said this she looked intensely into his eyes signifying what she had just said was something of importance worth noting. Too long Adelyn lived desperately alone and without family, and hopefully those brightenings were over.
Smiling again, pushing those thoughts aside she exclaimed happily, "Oh law, really? I ran into some Cassidy while I was out shopping and she mentioned she, too, was taking law at the Universitas. Do you know her? She behaved a little strangely when I met her, though... Cass is funny. I'll bet Medicine is really helpful, too. When I enroll in the Spring - it's just too busy for me now - I'm going to enroll in Medicine. Was it hard?"
Everything interested the woman as well, but for the sake of answering his question and making conversation she figured that wouldn't be a very good reply and deaden the exchange of information they had going so far. "While I love learning as much as possible maybe... the arts interest me the most at the Universitas. Dancing, in particular. Even watching others dance brings such joy to my life. Maybe it is because so rarely is dancing done alone, and it involves connecting with another person."
Continuing their conversation she asked interestedly, "So Ariston, were you born in Demios or what brings you here? Did you meet Viskyia here?" At the mention of Viskyia a sudden twinge of jealousy hit her. Adelyn had never once experienced jealousy before, the sensation altogether too new and foreign. Just how close were the two? The water and tea arrived just then, breaking the awful train of thought Adelyn had going in her mind. She quickly took a small sip, scalding her tongue slightly, but paid it no mind.
Linear Mode
