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Post by Kelpie-River on Apr 6, 2020 11:21:17 GMT -6
Setting: The Marketplace in Valore Time of Day: Mid-morning Weather: Sunny, with a few scattered clouds. Very warm already. Time Frame: Post Chapter 8
Alyxx's hooves clip-clopped against the stone of the streets as they wobbled along, a heavy box balanced on their spine, held in place with teke. The box, full to the brim with precious fabrics in gorgeous weaves, was large and unweildy, even with his blue, and yellow-flecked teke to hold it in place. Normally, it would be the job of a slave or two to take the fabrics to market, but for whatever reason Valka had decided that today, he didn't trust the staff to take such finery down to the shops, and instructed his eldest to do it instead. Alyxx wouldn't have minded, save for the fact that it was already heating up, and beads of sweat were running down their back and nose as they moved down the street. Not to mention, the box was heavy, and hard to carry. It was an irritating task to say the least, and the Eminent was flustered that they had to do it. But, Valka could not be argued with, not if they wanted to keep their head upon their shoulders anyway.
Just as Alyxx was about to reach the markets, they happened to trip over a loose cobblestone. For a moment, everything hung in the balance. They wobbled. They put their feet down to try and stop the fall. But nothing could prevent the Eminent from stumbling, crashing to their knees with a surprised - and pained - whinny. The box went tumbling, spilling embroidered bolts of cloth all over the roadway. Alyxx groaned, watching as one of the bolts splashed into a small puddle left from last night's rain. Valka would have their head if it was ruined.
Trying to hide their embarrassment, the champagne eminent scrambled to their hooves, wincing as fresh, bloody scrapes on their front knees seared in pain. Slowly, they limped over to where the fabrics had fallen, righting the box, and starting to gather the heavy bolts of cloth, struggling to get them all picked up and out of the way.
WC: 337
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Post by Waterdrup on Apr 8, 2020 9:36:21 GMT -6
Leonides | Merchant After Leo had served the regular morning customers he’d noticed he was running low on cinnamon, again. It seemed to be the favourite flavour people wanted in their coffee these days. So, after the morning rush had calmed down a bit, the stallion had quickly made his way over to the market. Where it was already busy, with merchants shouting their prices and the smell of freshly baked goods filling the air. Leo gladly took it all in with a smile as he hurried to the nearest market stall that had colourful heaps of spice on display. Even though it was still morning, the temperature was rising fast, promising another scalding hot day. The dunalino was in the middle of haggling about his purchase with the unyielding vendor when a pained whinny caught his ears. Leo looked back, ears swivelling, as the cry was followed by the crashing of a box and bolts of cloth scattering across the dusty cobblestones. The champagne horse that had fallen was already getting up, but they looked hurt. Leo motioned for the vendor to pause their discussion before briskly walking over to the, he now realized, Eminent. That seemed unusual, a noble carrying such a heavy load all by themselves. “Let me help you with that, your Eminence.” Leo said in an upbeat tone, his golden teke already reaching out for some of the beautiful fabrics. They must be expensive. They were also surprisingly heavy, but the fit stallion had no problem gathering them up. Leo’s brown eyes briefly rested on the bloody scrapes across the champagne’s knees. “Are you alright, your Grace?” The dunalino asked in a lower voice.
Wordcount 276 | Post #1 |
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Post by Kelpie-River on Apr 9, 2020 10:40:51 GMT -6
Alyxx was up, but limping, as they searched after bolts of cloth. The one in the puddle was first, lifted up, wrung out, and put aside to go on top of the pile, so that it could be dried by the warmth of Ignacio's sun, and hopefully would come to no damage. As another horse came over, Alyxx noticed their bright golden teke first, and looked up to see a dunalino stallion before them. He seemed intent on helping, and the champagne was not above asking for a little assistance, especially with the stinging in their knees. As the stranger stopped to help, Alyxx couldn't help but feel a wave of gratitude wash over them. After all, having to do this by themself was proving to be a daunting task, and the champagne horse was grateful for anything that made it easier.
"Oh...I...I think I'm all right," replied the horse, dipping their head in greeting as they placed another bolt of fabric back into the box. "I mean, I'll be honest with you, my legs are stinging quite a bit, but it's just a superficial wound," they assured the stallion before them.
"Erm...thank you for your help....?" They trailed off, wondering if the commoner would provide his name.
WC: 211
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Post by Waterdrup on Apr 13, 2020 8:51:09 GMT -6
Leonides | Merchant “Ah, my name is Leonides, your Eminence,” The dunalino responded to the unspoken question. “I’m the owner of The Coffeebean Café.” He added proudly as he placed the last couple bolts back into their box. Leo straightened up, calmly fixing his saddlebags and white shirt back into place. He supposed the scraped knees looked worse than they were. Honestly though, the tumble could hardly be helped with such precarious cargo. A few horses were still watching them.
“If I might be so bold, your Eminence,” Leo started, making sure to keep his voice between them so no one else would hear. “Why would you trouble yourself so? Why not let a slave handle this delivery?” The stallion asked. He tried to sound at least a little nonchalant, but a commoner questioning a noble? Leo knew he was testing his boundaries and his lips twitched into a smile. He didn’t mean to step on any hooves, but everyone knew nobles could be quite unpredictable.
Wordcount 163 | Post #2 |
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Post by Kelpie-River on Apr 16, 2020 12:35:57 GMT -6
Alyxx twitched their ear, listening to what the other stallion had to say. Owner of the Coffeebean Cafe, huh? That was quite an accomplishment for a mere commoner, to have a full, successful, and booming business such as that. It impressed the Eminent slightly, and they couldn't help but let a small smile play across their lips. The sting in their legs was going down now, and they felt it recede at the back of their mind, not paying it much attention. Already the bleeding had stopped, leaving the beginnings of scabbing to cover the wound; they'd be all right.
"Well, my father decided that he didn't trust anyone but me to take care of it," the champagne responded with a shrug. "Seeing as these are our best productions in a while, and he wants me to be more 'involved' with the family business. Thinks it'll make me less 'moody' in his words," the champagne replied.
WC: 156
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Post by Waterdrup on Apr 23, 2020 5:40:04 GMT -6
Leonides | Merchant Leonides noticed that the Eminent didn’t offer their own name, but he didn’t think too much of it. Perhaps he could ask for it later. The blond stallion relaxed once he saw the champagne smile slightly and he opened his mouth before thinking. “It must be working then, since you don’t strike me as moody right now… your Eminence.” Leo quickly added the title, almost as an afterthought. Shit, had he just said all of that out loud? He really wasn’t used to talking to nobles.
With a nod the dunalino quickly continued. “Your father made a wise decision to entrust this important task to you, your Grace, but these cobblestones can be treacherous,” Leo grinned, tapping another loose stone. “So I hope you’ll allow me to assist getting these beautiful fabrics safely to their destination. Perhaps split the weight?” He offered energetically.
His own shopping would have to wait, but it would be worth it if he could get on the good side of a rich and possible influential noble. Leo was friendly but not naïve and ambitious enough to consider what it could mean for business if an Eminent sat down in his café every once in a while. The Coffeebean was such a big part of his life, so, getting more involved with the family business sounded like a nice enough motivation to the dunalino. Still, Leo got the impression that the champagne wasn’t all that stoked about it. That was interesting. Being a workaholic himself, the blond stallion wondered what laid hidden behind that shrug.
Wordcount 259 | Post #3 |
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Post by Kelpie-River on Apr 28, 2020 22:35:59 GMT -6
"Please, my name is Alyxx," the Eminent said, giving Leonides a small smile. "No need for formalities, if I'm going to accept your help," they said, smiling still. "I promise, I won't report you for lack of proper conduct," they added, hoping that by peppering in a joke or two, they could help Leonides feel more at home. "I really would appreciate the help," stated the stallion, nodding their head as they started to parcel out the bundles of cloth. "I hope I'm not keeping you from anything," stated the Eminent, seeming to be worried about the commoner's schedule. They had the air of nobility about them, but something about them seemed...less stuck up than some of the other Eminents could be. Perhaps growing up with parents who were strictly subjected to the Noble titles, the sweeping grand gestures, they'd grown sick of it.
WC: 145
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Post by Waterdrup on Apr 29, 2020 3:50:43 GMT -6
Leonides | Merchant “I would very much appreciate that, Alyxx.” Leonides responded with a relieved smile, testing out the name. He was pleasantly surprised by the calm and friendly manner of this Eminent. They really seemed unpretentious, which made Leonides feel at ease. It also looked like most of the curious people around them had resumed their daily business on the lively market.
The dunalino accepted his share of the bundles, making sure to handle the precious fabrics with care. When the Eminent commented on Leo’s schedule the stallion raised his eyebrows at the champagne. Were they really that considerate? Or merely being polite? Either way, Leo shook his head as if to wave the issue aside. “It can wait, don’t worry about it.” He shrugged, looking over his shoulder at the merchant he’d been talking to before and offering them a wink. Maybe coming back later would actually help with his bargaining.
“Besides, we’re probably not going that much further, right?” Leo asked optimistically while stepping aside to signal for the Eminent to lead the way. After all, the bundles were heavy and the sun was beating down on them. Leo wouldn’t mind staying in Alyxx company for a while longer, but the stallion preferred it to be in a more comfortable environment. Which led him to another question. “Do you enjoy coffee, Alyxx? I make a rather good iced frappe if I may say so myself. I promise you won’t regret trying it.” Leonides was grinning with pride after the bold invitation.
Wordcount 251 | Post #4 |
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Post by Kelpie-River on May 14, 2020 20:39:25 GMT -6
The Eminent took off, leading Leonides towards a distant market stall. The tent's colorful canopy could be seen from their location, but it was a little ways off, probably a good three or four minute walk, at the speed they were going with their bundles. Alyxx could feel sweat running down their spine as they used their teke to steady the box of fabric bolts upon their back, so that it didn't tumble and fall again. As they walked, they listened to their new acquaintance chatter in a friendly manner; it was a nice feeling to get to just kick back and not have to be professional for ten seconds.
"Oh...that sounds lovely," Alyxx said, as the other horse suggested stopping for coffee. Of course, it was business for Leonides, Alyxx figured, but hey, coffee was coffee, and they were parched. As they approached the tent, nodding to the Noble inside, who was busy stacking other bolts of cloth, Alyxx couldn't help but think about the offer. It sounded delicious, and they were more than happy to take the dunalino up on it. As soon as they had handed off their bundle, Alyxx started helping unload the bolts of cloth that the stallion beside them had brought. "Thank you again for your help," they said, smiling as they passed the last of the cloth on to the shop keeper. "Now, if you'll lead me towards that coffee you promised, I'll be happy to give a professional opinion on it," they teased lightly.
WC: 253
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Post by Waterdrup on Jun 14, 2020 10:27:07 GMT -6
Leonides | Merchant Leonides followed the champagne as they continued their way and quickly gathered that their goal was a rather colourful tent, stacked with fabrics already. The blond stallion greeted the Noble inside with a quick bow of his head before he started to place his unusual cargo down, thankfully with some help of Alyxx. The dunalino rolled his shoulders, glad to be free of the weight. The back of his white shirt was starting to stick to his warm body.
Leo flicked his bangs out of his eyes and faced Alyxx as they thanked him again, after which the Eminent accepted the offer of a coffee with a small joke. Leonides raised his eyebrows as a slight smirk settled onto his own face. Was this Eminent getting playful maybe? That was not at all what he expected, but then again, he really didn’t have enough experience with nobles. The young stallion straightened up a little, he wanted to get to know this one a little better.
“Don’t worry about it at all Alyxx. It was my pleasure to help and that coffee is on me.” The dunalino responded with a wink. “Well, the Coffeebean sits between the Merchant and Artisan district, but I know a route that offers a bit more shade.” Leo continued happily, leading the way. He waited until they were out of earshot from the tent again before glancing back at the champagne. “Alyxx I don’t mean to intrude but, if you don’t enjoy this business that much, what would you like to be doing instead?” He asked with genuine curiosity.
Wordcount 263 | Post #5 |
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Post by Kelpie-River on Jun 21, 2020 19:23:40 GMT -6
Alyxx | Eminent |
The champagne stallion cocked their head to the side, considering the question they were being asked. It wasn't like they wanted to sit around doing nothing all day, but something other than this had to be better, right? Alyxx considered carefully before trying to formulate an answer, following Leonides's lead down the route that offered them the promised shade. It felt good to be out of the sun, and they found their thoughts wandering slightly before they snapped back to the question they'd been asked.
"Art," said the stallion simply, twitching their tail as they walked along. "I'm not sure...what kind of art, but something...big...something that has meaning," the horse said, looking bright-eyed at the idea. "I mean...there has to be something that I can do to change the world, make it better...right?" They asked, glancing shyly over at the other horse. "I mean, even what you do offers food, comfort to others. All I do is my fathers' bidding."
WC: 165
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Post by Waterdrup on Jul 4, 2020 7:04:40 GMT -6
Leonides | Merchant They were thinking quite deeply. Leonides could see it as he glanced over at Alyxx. The dunalino patiently waited for an answer as he guided them up through a narrow street. It was flanked by thick orange trees and other plants whose vines curled between the buildings. It formed a green canopy that would allow only blotches of sunlight to come through and dance off the jewels many Aodhian citizens wore. Leonides casually greeted some of those horses with a smile or a nod, but he returned his attention back to the champagne when they started to talk again.
As Alyxx mentioned art, the merchant raised his eyebrows. He could appreciate the craft for sure, but he’d never been that into it himself. The Eminent on the other hand seemed to lighten up just talking about it, which was adorable. Leonides briefly wondered how old the champagne was to try and compare it with where he’d been on that point in his life. They couldn’t be that far apart, though their backgrounds were, obviously, vastly different.
The blond stallion gently smiled, considering if he’d work at his own café had he been born between riches… probably. The workaholic didn’t know much about the inner workings of the nobility though. He liked to think a person with that much money and power could do whatever they wanted, but he knew it wasn’t that simple. Plus, he could understand the influence of family, he didn’t like to remember his own father because of it. “I think it’s very generous of you to want to do something that makes the world better, Alyxx,” Leonides commented, offering the champagne an encouraging smile as they walked. “Perhaps for now it doesn’t have to be something big.” He added with a carefree shrug of his shoulders.
Wordcount 300 | Post #6 |
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Post by Kelpie-River on Jul 10, 2020 21:24:10 GMT -6
Alyxx || Eminent || Post SevenThe stallion turned their head, dipping it to Leonides as they considered what he had said. It seemed to them that they weren't doing much of anything that was helpful, but they supposed that other horses might see it differently. Of course, as an Eminent, they weren't expected to do anything for others. Others were supposed to do for them. But conversations like these, the one they were having with Leonides, seemed to make them understand that the lower class were equine too. They had dreams, ideas as well. They struggled. They suffered. But even this wasn't enough to break years of classist conditioning, and Alyxx cleared their throat, as the thoughts wound through their head. "Well, um, which way to your shop?" They asked, giving Leonides a small smile. "I mean, I don't want to be rude, but it's rather warm, and I could use a rest," they chuckled. "Unlike most, I don't spend a whole lot of time doing hard labor, and those fabrics were heavy," they said, hoping to keep the mood light and airy. They'd done too much thinking about the way things were, and it was giving them a throbbing headache between their eyes.
WC: 199
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