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Kamika - Ouja
Vivi Freak - Repto
Squeek! - Nemil
Cutie Eskimo - Ayumi
Smelly Fish - Samiel
Bad Guys
Slipping himself into a change of new clothing--the very ones he meant to wear tomorrow(he just couldn't bring himself to put on dirty clothing)--Samiel made his way downstairs, too impatient to wait for the food to arrive to them. A brief exchange with the innkeeper, and he was off heading back upstairs. The food balanced half on his hands, half on his arms was tantalizing. His stomach growled in response to the warm aromas wafting up from the foods. Ok, so he would give in to temptation. Stopping before the door of the room, he spent a second lifting one of the trays to his mouth and chomping down on a piece of bread.
Juggling the trays in his hand, he finally managed to somehow open the door. Stepping in, he closed the door with his shoulder, eyes still on the food, preoccupied with the bread in his mouth, he took no notice of Nemil in the room. It was only when he set the trays down and finished his mouthful when he finally turned. A towel covered form.
Blink. Ah...
He turned back around to the trays and studied them with intense concentration.
Nemil blinked. Confusion swiftly entering her preoccupied brain. Was that the door she'd just heard? And the smell of delicious food? And the sound of someone eating that delicious food? The youth took an eternity to turn and look upon the intruder. Uttering a sharp yelp of a scream and dashing behind the wardrobe. Feeling her cheeks turn a brilliant shade, more out of indignation and anger than anything.
"Wh-what did you see?!" She shrieked, her voice trembling as she glared at Samiel. Keeping well behind the corner of the wooden construct. Biting her lips and trying to keep her stomach from growling, for despite the fury boiling in her veins, her stomach lusted for that meal Samiel brought in with him.
Samiel desperately studied the food, just waiting for the burst of outrage. It seemed to take an eternity before Nemil finally noticed and gave the expected response. His cheeks warming in response to his embarrassment, he concentrated on the food, refusing to turn around while there was any evidence of his blushing.
"Nothing!" He yelped back, wincing at the high pitch sound of his response. The chicken was a really nice shade of golden brown, he noticed. However, the escaping sound of Nemil's growling stomach, calmed him a bit. His voice steady this time, he said, "You should hurry and get dressed before the food turns cold."
"My clothes are wet." she replied, wanting to snap back at Samiel, but her voice betrayed her and made the statement sound like a meak pout. She was far too hungry to deal with this right now, her mouth was practically salivating with the scent of hot chicken and roast vegetables. Again her stomach made a loud noise, and she moaned with weak frustration for it.
Nemil tightened the towel around herself, almost to the point where it stifled her breathing. Privately, she thanked any God watching over her then, that Samiel had not seen anything. Though she alternately cursed them for bringing Samiel here in the first place, and thus rendering her into such a predicament.
Maybe she could get a sheet from the bed and wrap it about herself... just something big enough to conceal her while her clothing dried and she ate.
"Uh." Ah shitshitshit! Why was he put in such a position? Moving towards his packs in an odd sideways shuffling that left his back turned to the girl the entire time, he kneeled and began shifting through it. He frowned--just about all of his clothing was dirty and smelled. Nothing he could give the girl to wear. Finally, he came up with a shirt he used primary to sleep in. Without looking, he tossed it towards the general direction of the beds behind him.
"Here's a shirt to wear while your own clothing is drying. It's not clean, but it's not filthy either." And it didn't smell. Not unless you shoved it up your nose and took an unhealthy gulp of air. Though it would be way to big for Nemil's slight frame. But, the important thing was that the girl would be decent and put his(and probably hers) mind to rest.
A muffled cry of startlement came from Nemil as the shirt came and landed upon her head. Pulling it off, she blinked and looked at the shirt. Indeed, far too large for her malnourished frame. Yet it would do the trick, and thankfully Samiel was truthful about its condition. What a pain it would be to be immersed in filth right after she'd managed to secret herself into the bath and finally be clean.
"Don't you dare look." she muttered while pulling the shirt overtop her head and letting the towel fall. Just long enough, thankfully, though she blushed brightly. Now she chose to be embarrassed; rising slowly and moving over to the bed. Pulling off one of the covers and throwing it about her waist. It never hurt to be safe, and the shirt was plenty baggy around the top.
Nemil sighed in relief, feeling at least a little better about the situation. Although ideally she would give her right arm never to be in it again. "Next time, knock." Nemil retorted, regaining her waspish manner.
Oops. Sounded like the shirt landed on Nemil's head. He shook his head, and muttered, "I don't want to look." Which was the truth--why would he be interested in a girl that was probably ten years younger than him. Or at least looked it. When it seemed the other had finally dressed, he carefully turned around, still avoiding Nemil's gaze even though she was now dressed. He moved to the table and took his portion of food, still very much in hunger.
"Don't worry, I will." He twitched slightly, briefly annoyed at the girl's manners. Yes, he could understand her reactions, but it wasn't like he was trying to catch the girl naked! Hmph. He chomped down on his food, letting his hunger rule him. Really, that was what happened. He was so preoccupied with the food, that the other might have changing didn't occur to him. Or the fact that the girl might not have changed in the bathing room.
Those glittering brown eyes continued to narrow and glare sharply at him. Spinning on a heel, she marched over to the table to retrieve her own meal. Hair now dried, it seemed to glow like a pale sunrise, and bounced brightly with each step she took. With a huff, she brushed back generous locks from her face. It would still need to be groomed before she left, but the unruly tumble lost little of its comeliness and beauty for such lacking. Taking a seat, she swiftly set upon the food. Eating voraciously, and almost forgetting her ladylike manners. Everything tasted like heaven in her mouth, and her once grumbling stomach seemed to sing silent praises now for finally being stuffed.
Silently Samiel admitted to himself that Nemil now did look like a highborn girl, ignoring the oversized clothing and sheet wrapped about the waist. Before, it was merely the attitude, now the delicate features, free from dirt clearly showed the other's status. He continued to eat in silence, finding his attitude adjusting, growing more wary. Usually he had to tiptoe around the highborn ladies because of repercussions, and Nemil presented a conflicting image. She was clearly an aristocrat, but she was alone.
Lost in his thoughts, he quickly consumed his dinner, finishing before the other. He sat there for a moment, before turning to look at Nemil's wet clothing. He frowned, glaring at the article accusingly. After all, it was the dress's fault for looking like a rag and being wet so that he had accidentally walked in on the girl. "You need new clothing." He stated simply, trying to draw away from the embarrassing moment before.
A sigh came from Nemil once she'd done eating, and she permitted herself a little smile. Sure enough she was used to dining on higher fair than this, but for the time being and for the respite after so many hungry days passed, it had seemed like a meal meant for a King. In her effort to erase that empty sensation in her stomach, she'd not taken notice of Samiel's inspection of her.
"Hm?" Nemil turned her head and looked to the drying green dress at the foot of her bed. "Yes, I suppose I do." A sigh filled with a far more mournful note came from her, and she quietly bemoaned her troubles. "Alas, it is all I have, and I've not two pennies to rub together for the purpose of obtaining new threads." She shook her head, "Indeed, it is not a terribly good impression I shall make upon his Majesty."
Samiel leaned back into his seat, half watching the other, half lost in his own thoughts. The food had settled down in his stomach, and he felt content. As simple as it was, a full meal could be one of the more satisfying experiences of life. Relaxed, he had almost drifted off when Nemil's voice broke into his thoughts.
He blinked and sat up, pushing himself back into awareness. "Well, we shall merely have to get you new clothing tomorrow." He said, ignoring the part about the money, or pretending to. He had no clue why he was being generous; he just felt that a highborn lady should be dressing as a highborn lady. To him, it was just things in their proper place. Two girls, one acting as she wished she was a man, and the other an aristocrat dressed in rags, put him in a state of unease.
"We shall?" she drawled lightly, and smiled with laced sweetness, "Will you come shopping with me tomorrow then?" The idea sounded preposterous, but at the same time, fun. Nemil would not decline the opportunity for entertainment.
"Perhaps we should retire now." Nemil looked to the beds casually.
"We shall." Samiel answered simply, too tired to be annoyed at Nemil's tone. He certainly was not going to state his reasons why he was going to buy clothing for the girl. The king could always pay him back later. Yes, of course. He turned towards a bed, eyeing the tantalizing softness. "Perhaps the world really is ending. I find myself agreeing with you once more."
"Once?" she smiled, and a small twitter of laughter came. "Don't be so skeptical, we've only known one another for a few hours... Maybe you will agree to some of my ideas a little later." Her eyes twinkled with mischief and she stood up. Keeping the sheet about her waist as she moved, graceful even for her mottly dress, towards one of the beds. Nemil appeared coy as she looked over her shoulder, "Can I keep this on for tonight?" she tugged at the oversized shirt.
"Perhaps." He drawled, his voice obviously doubting. Samiel eyes slipped to the side as Nemil walked over to one of the beds. He was thoroughly uncomfortable with the look cast his way. Standing, he distracted himself by heading over to one of the beds himself, the one that 'just happened' to be on the opposite side of the room, and crawled in. Once he's safely in the bed, buried in the sheets, he answered, "Yes you may..." A loss of one shirt was better then the highborn prancing around naked.
"Thank you, sir." she replied with simpering meekness, bowing as was polite for an acristocratic maiden. She kept the sheet about her as she settled into the bed. "Good night, gentle soldier." she giggled and then lay down, sighing as she snuggled into the mattress.
"Hmph." Was the only answer. Samiel further burrowed into the blankets, thoroughly disgruntled from being called a "gentle soldier". Through he was irritated, it took only a few moments for the soft mattress and enveloping warmth of the blankets to lure him into sleep.
Repto sighed as the half an hour passed quickly. He looked at the sun, and looked back over Ayumi.
"Half an hour has passed, and even some minutes more. Shall we retreat to the castle?" he asked, feeling his eyelids drooping slowly.
Upon hearing Repto's words, Ayumi quickly rushed down the last few numbers and nodded in agreement, "Sure, let's head back then." She turned to face the direction of the castle and started walking, occasionally rubbing her eyes to keep her from falling asleep and make sure that she was going in the right direction.
I think it's better to ge through the back door...don't want to alarm anyone... With that thought in mind, she went past the gate and to the back door. Hopefully they haven't locked it up yet... Raising her right hand and giving the back door a light push, the door swung open gently. Heaving a sigh of relief, she stepped inside and beckoned Repto to follow.
Repto just nodded and followed her in. He hoped these people would arrive soon. It wasn't exactly fun to wait for them...
Closing the back door behind Repto, Ayumi proceeded up the castle. Wonder if there's a room available near mine... After walking for a while, she reached her room and stepped inside. Elated that Sumi was there, she gave her a small hug and pulled Sumi outside.
"Sumi, any available rooms for him?" Ayumi asked. "Preferably nearby..."
Sumi considered for while before replying, "Yes, Princess Ayumi, follow me."
Beckoning Repto once again to follow her, Ayumi trailed lightly behind Sumi down the corridor. Shortly after they have started walking, Sumi stopped and dug inside her pocket. Fumbling with the ring of keys, she unlocked the door. (OOC: >.~ Sumi sorta has the keys to all the rooms in the section where all the royals and the servants-->(they are slightly higher than those serving in the other headquarters) serving them sleep. ^^)
Taking a step inside, Ayumi surveyed the room. I hope it isn't that bad...it is after all, better than the other rooms where the servants sleep...I think...
Repto gave both Ayumi and Sumi a big smile, and bowed.
"Thank you very much," he thanked them, "I will try and cause as little trouble as possible."
He lifted his body up, and went into the room. It was a very fancy room compared to all those in the inns. He knew he'd have a good sleep for the day he'd stay here.
"If you need anything, you can also look onto Sumi," Ayumi said. "She's just two doors to your right, down there." Ayumi pointed out, before smiling. "Have a good rest."
Closing the door behind her, Ayumi headed back to her room. With Sumi's help, she changed into her black nightgown. Before Sumi left, Ayumi thanked her and sat down by the window. Is teacher still awake? Maybe I could go and see her...and... Gazing at her bow and arrow on the bed, Ayumi picked them up. Do a bit of training, not only on my archery, but also on my powers...
With that thought in mind, Ayumi wrapped her cloak around her. She did not want to be seen strolling around in the forest in the middle of the night. If she was caught again, the king would probably not allow her to go for the quest anymore. Tucking her bow and arrow at her side, she slipped out of her room, careful to see that no one was nearby. She raised the hood over her head and walked down the corridor with light footsteps.
Samiel shifted, turning his face away from the sun's rays flickering through the blinds. A few moments later, he rolled off the bed, thoroughly disgusted with the fact that the sun rose every morning. Yawning, he stumbled towards his packs. Reaching them, he kneeled down and stared, groggy and mind numb. Blink. Packs. Blink. Oh right, he poked through his bag...Clean clothing? Wait, he was wearing the last set of them. Ah well. He stood, and absently brushed his shirt, trying to smooth the wrinkles. He shot a look at the other beds. Still asleep. He wasn't surprised—he rarely was able to sleep beyond the sun hitting his face. He quietly left, in search of breakfast.
As the sun shined through the room, Repto gave a loud yawn. He rubbed his eyes, trying to remove all the tiredness. He groaned as he got up, feeling like he wanted to just lay down and go back to sleep. But he forced himself up and mumbled some gibberish to himself. He had a good night's sleep. Which was no wonder, considering the extra-comfortable bed.
He went out of the room, looking around at first, but was confused in which direction to go in. Er, maybe he'd just wait for Ayumi to pick him up.
Nemil's features bunched up as the sun started to peek into the room. She whimpered and tugged the covers tighter to her, mumbling something just barely coherent under her breath. "No... Auran... not today..." Slowly, she blinked open those brilliant brown eyes. Rubbing at them as she sat up, wondering where she was. The soft bed had deceived her, causing her to dream that she was back in her previous surroundings.
A yawn and she lowered her arms, a reaction from ages ago. Nemil rubbed the marks upon her wrists, and looked about the room. Upon seeing that Samiel was awake, she carefully hid her wrists within the folds of the blankets. Hardly needed, for the man had just left the room then. Which gave her ample opportunity to get herself ready for the day.
Dress long since dried, though wrinkled horribly, Nemil swiftly put it on. Acting cautious still, just in case Samiel performed another intrusion. Once done, her hair combed to radiance, she picked up her skirts and went downstairs.
Samiel trudged down the stairs while yawning. Taking a seat by one of the tables, he gestured towards one of the innkeeper's servants to bring over breakfast. The servant bustled over, carrying a tray with two biscuits, sitting in warm creamy gravy, with bits of sausage scattered about. Looking at the oily concoction, Samiel's stomach growled in hunger and anticipation. Hey, it was warm, and it definitely smelled good. He dug in.
When the servant paused a moment to ask if everything was alright, he nodded and said, "Just bring another tray for the others." Hopefully the others would be up soon enough, otherwise their food just may end up in his.
It wasn't long before Nemil joined Samiel, smiling sweet and bright at the elder man as she pulled out a chair and took a seat. She appeared rather bushy tailed for one up so early, though of course she was quite used to rising even earlier, without the sun's aid. Memories caused her to sigh, and she barely suppressed a grimace when her food arrived. Stirring the mixture about, her stomach unsure if it wanted to turn in disgust, or growl in happiness. She watched Samiel to have evidence of its edibility, turning back to her portion when Samiel did not turn green or keel over from heart failure due to the fat content the meal surely provided.
"I can practically feel my corset tightening just by looking at this..." she drawled, still reluctant to embark in eating.
Ouja moaned slightly as she started to stir in bed. Last night, she had immediately hit the bed despite knowing how hungry and how HORRIBLY smelly she would be in the morning. Now, she instantly regreted that decision as she felt how pasty her mouth was and she knew without even breathing that her breath must have been HORRID. She sat up in bed, fussing with her braid which at the moment was extremely messy. She sighed as she sat up, stretching first thing as was taught to her by her precious teacher. After a few little odd stretches, Ouja took a look around and noticed that she had been the last one awake which was actually not odd at all.
She always did take a while in waking up in the morning especially being one who favored sleeping in, not that Takashi approved. Sighing, she pulled on her vest and boots that were left lying beside her bed. Standing up, she strapped on her belt and shook her head, hoping that it'd leave her feeling vigorous enough to get through the day. . . It didn't. But she tried anyway.
Finally ready, she headed down, hoping she could bypass the others and immediately hit the showers. Of course, luck wasn't on her side as she ran into Samiel at the table and watching him eat just reminded her of how hungry she was.
"Don't comment on anything. I will eat. Then I will take a shower. You and Nemil can go do whatever but as long as we meet back here, then we can go to the king's castle together. Okay with the plan?" she asked between gulps of food. Of course, she had proper manners so she only spoke when her mouth wasn't full. So basically, her speech did tend to have a bit of spaces between it but that's basically what she meant to say. Without even WAITING for his reply, she gulped down the last of her breakfast and breezed towards the baths, hoping that the next time she'd see them, she'd at least be a TAD bit decent.
Blinking, Samiel looked up from his meal was Nemil joined him and stared at the wonderful(to him) meal in distaste. He looked down at the yummy smear of grease on his plate and shrugged. "Well, I can guarantee you that this meal will keep you going for a few days. As for your corset...considering how scrawny you are now, I think the corset would be loose on you, and therefore this meal will help it actually fit." He forked another grease filled sausage bit and bit down, eating it slooowly and deliberately. "See, nothing wrong. I'm still alive."
Ah! And there was the other girl. He blinked as she zipped to them, rambled out a few words, and zipped out towards the showers. Ok, that was understandable though...he did catch a sniff of dust and sweat still embedded in her. "Uh...ok." He answered belatedly into the air that Ouja had once occupied.
Ouja sighed with absolute BLISS as she sunk into her bath. She had decided to just relax in the water instead of rushing herself. After all, she HAD told the others to just leave for a couple of hours and "entertain" each other. Which she suspected they could because GOD they could go on for HOURS just bickering about random things. It did seem amusing though watching them. It was like watching a snake and mongoose trying to get a bite out of each other although she wasn't too sure WHICH was WHICH. Anyway, she started to scrub her hair, trying to wash it of any filth. Smiling, she wondered what kinda game the two would play while she was away. It almost made her wish she didn't have to take a shower.
The young lady was left blinking as Ouja appeared and then disappeared, her lips curling into a sneer for the girl's boorish manners. Harking from higher society, Nemil found her wolfish consumption of this slimy gruel to be appalling. Almost to the point of loosing her own appetite... almost, that is. There were still weeks of malnourishment to banish, after all and the plea's from her stomach were beginning to outweigh her ill will towards the breakfast.
Nemil glared at Samiel, but held her tongue. Indeed the man was right, she was in some dire need of plumping up. If not just a little in order to preserve her image. Nemil's eyes widened a bit with her realization. Yes, she would have to get back some meat on her bones, or else... Or else certain things might become a tad more noticeable.
Stabbing one of the gravy laden sausages, Nemil gulped and lifted it up. Sniffing it like some finicky beast, before letting her tongue go out to take a delicate little lick at the end of the meat. It hadn't smelt too bad... and really, hadn't tasted all that terrible either. Well, looks could be deceiving, right? She smiled privately and took a bite, finally yielding to her hunger.
Samiel looked slightly mournful as his fork finally scraped the plate, cleaning it of any residue of food. He sighs and sits back, he would get more food...if he had enough money. He barely had enough to buy clothing for Nemil. The king had better compensate him.
He snorts at Nemil's glare, knowing full well that he was correct. He watched the girl finally take a stab at her meal, and lick it. He gave another snort, this time full of amusement. His nickname was more apt then he previously thought. With a slight smile on his lips, he shook his head and intoned with a low dramatic voice, "And the Kitten finally accepts the food placed in front of her. The cook will be overwhelmed with joy at his masterpiece unsnubbed."
Taking up knife and fork, Nemil goes about her greasy meal with the utmost decorum. Regardless of the fair of food and accommodations. Glancing about the little tavern beneath the inn, still quite empty for this time of morning, she mused that she could very well plow herself face first into the dish and no one would think much of it. But that thought made her shiver with vehement dislike, a lady must never behave so atrociously, of course.
"I suppose to a man like you, this is a certain treat." she replied, slicing a sausage into careful little bite sized pieces. "When you have dined as well as I have, for several years, then you may return to me and trade wits on a... gourmet, such as this. Old hang ups die hard."
Samiel rolled his eyes and answered, "Perhaps after you've lived in hunger for a few years, and have to earn your food, instead of having it served up to you in a golden platter...Perhaps then you wouldn't be so picky, and a meal like this may seem like the food of the Gods." It irked him that she would complain about the food that he had bought in the first place. As tasteless as her matters were, he preferred Ouja's gobbling of the food. At least that showed more appreciation then this prissy wrench.
He sat back in his seat, arms crossed. Samiel watched the other eat, waiting for her to finish so they could be on their way to spending his money on clothing for her.
A contemplative look appeared over Nemil's face, and she tapped at her lips with the fork's prongs. Had there been a time when she was not so picky... when the finer things in life had not been afforded her. She looked to the roughly hewn plate, nearly void of food now. Yes, there had been a time when she had supped from dinnerware such as this, when meals were more sparse than now. Nemil finished the meal without further complaint. Indeed, there had been an age when this would have been Ambrosia to her... but that was another life altogether.
Nemil rose, lifting her chin haughtily to show that she had not been discouraged by Samiel's retorts. "Shall we be off then?"
Hmph. Samiel sat up and then stood when Nemil finally finished his food. "Yes, let us go now." One side of him was sure that he had won an argument over this infuriation woman, the other side found the victory rather empty, and the defiant look in the other's face firmly confirmed that side. Turning abruptly, he strode out of the inn and onto the streets.
Comfortably moving through the morning crowd, Samiel's eyes roamed his surroundings, lifting to the sky every once in a while to gaze at the bright blue sky, and the slight smearing of clouds. It really was a perfect day, the sun warm and bright, and a nice breeze cooling and freshening the city. With his thoughts elsewhere, it seemed to take only a few moments before he entered the marketplace.
Nemil was pleased that Samiel appeared somewhat discouraged as they left the inn. She would not allow the man to think that he had gotten the better of her, not entirely anyway. He could have his victory, so long as it was hollow and unsatisfactory. She nodded curtly to herself on that note and moved out to greet the bustling new day head on.
Clasping her hands, Nemil's eyes shone brightly with excitement as he took in the marketplace. Delighting in all the colours and smells; drab and vibrant, tantalizing and foul. She broke away from Samiel almost immediately, hurrying over to the nearest little stall. Pouring her attention over the fanciful curios laid out. Not at all afraid to touch and handle what caught her eye, her touch always gentle and careful. Her manner one of carefree relaxation, giggling and blushing gaily with the merchant.
Samiel stalked through the market place, ignoring the cries of the merchants. He swept through the stalls, looking critically at each clothing establishment. He didn't even pause at those which were beyond his price range. Finally he stopped at a stall, cheap enough that he could afford it(barely), but good enough that it wasn't in the same state of raghood Nemil's clothing was at.
He idly flipped through the clothing items...in the girl's section. He ignored the merchants suggestive comments on which clothing provided the easiest access, which would fall off the shoulder in just the right area, which were close to silk in thinness and softness. That was definitely not what he was looking for. He wanted something durable, something that she could easily move around in, and yet not resemble boy's clothing. Samiel frowned. Women should dress like women.
While Samiel perused through clothing for her, Nemil went about in her own explorations of the marketplace. For it was not often that Nemil had been able to visit markets such as this. Her former keeper had not wished to risk incident with taking his delicate lady out in public. Likely fearing that perhaps Nemil would tip off some patron about the cruel circumstances in which she was under.
However, now that Nemil was free, she was able to go about as she pleased. Though it saddened her some that she had not a coin to her name, and thus could not afford the items that caught her fancy.
Still, she was clearly having her fun. Trying on necklaces and other assorted ornaments, listening to the merchants praise how lovely they appeared upon her. Causing Nemil to smile ever more sweetly, though she dared not be fool enough to think that they would bestow a token to her, simply for her smile.
But Nemil soon found herself eyeing a stall with a display of clothing, wondering just what sort of style she should go for. With her freedom, perhaps it would be all right to go for something... different.
While flipping through the clothing, Samiel kept on eye on Nemil, frowning. He rather disliked the fact that Nemil had separated from him to look at other things. Now he must not only make sure the crafty merchants did make him spend more than he wished and that pickpockets did not steal all his money, he must also make sure no one accosted the frail girl. At one point, he even stopped in his tracks to give a certain, loose fingered, too touchy merchant a Glare, as the man placed his greasy fingers around the girl's throat, to snap on a necklace. But a certain someone seemed to be enjoying herself.
Samiel gritted his teeth, and with some effort, tore himself from the scene to concentrate on the clothing. When he noticed that Nemil was looking at clothing, and in the general direction he was in, he waved a hand, beckoning the other over. In one hand he held a pair of loose baggy trousers. Though not a skirt like he would want…it was baggy to the point that it looked like one if the person stood still. And it was fitting enough that he though the other could reasonable move it. The trousers were a dark blue, with a few darker patches that suggested a hard to remove stain. It was a little frayed at the edges(which grated on Samiel's nerves at the thought of trading tattered clothing with a little less tattered clothing. Not like he'd ever admit that). He'll let the other decide on the shirt. As long as it was proper. And NOT that slip of a shirt that the merchant kept on flashing at him. He growled low in his throat, which did cause the merchant to back up somewhat.
Raising her hand, Nemil waved in return. The movement from Samiel had been caught out of the corner of an eye really, distracting the youth from where her sights had originally lay. Absently upon the racks of clothing. Bidding a sweet good day to the merchant he had been dealing with, Nemil pranced lightly over to Samiel.
Looking at the fabric within Samiel's hands, Nemil smiled sweet and bewitchingly up at the taller, older man. "In the market for some new attire are you? I don't think blue is much your colour..." Reaching out, Nemil ran a hand over the trousers and incidentally, over Samiel's arm beneath. Looking to the merchant there, she smiled sweetly yet again and moved over to the racks herself. Leafing through the assortment, while speaking to Samiel.
"Do you think I should see about getting myself something? I fear that this ratty thing of mine won't survive another bout through the woods. Not to mention it does seem to be getting a little drafty." In a coy manner, she paused and drew attention to a rather large rip climbing from the hem upward. Long enough to freely expose a milky thigh.
"Perhaps not, but it doesn't matter considering these are for you." Samiel shifted, thoroughly uncomfortable with the light touch on his arm. He almost felt like...running away? Oh...bah. He cursed to himself. It was just a touch--nothing more, nothing less. He shook his head and tried to ignore the smirking merchant, just glaring as the man began shoving some of the more expensive, and more…revealing clothing into the fore of the stack of clothing.
"Of course. You need new clothing." He muttered, eyes fixed firmly at a point above the other's head. Nope, he wasn't going to look down--he had seen that earlier, and that convinced him that the girl needed new clothing.
"For me?" Nemil replied, appearing pleasantly shocked now. She turned, letting her ruined skirts fall back into place. Gingerly, she took the trousers. Keeping eye contact with Samiel as she relieved the man of them, as if she were taking food away from a potentially dangerous animal. Holding them up, Nemil inspected them with a soft smile.
Telling herself that now that she was on her own and on the run, she was unable to have some of the finer things in life. Like crushed velvet dresses, silken shirts, and billowing skirts. The breakfast of a short time passed, should have been proof enough of that.
"I believe they shall do nicely." she stated, and then turned her attentions back to the tops. Giggling and waving a finger to the merchant, informing the man that she knew just what he was up to and would not be falling for it. It wasn't a subconscious effort, but Nemil was looking at some of the more expensive designs for shirts. Staying clear of the more revealing things, though she lightly joked about how it would hide nothing. Laughing and proclaiming that it would be too scandalous to wear, then asking Samiel for his opinion.
Samiel was still in a state of discomfort, and turned inwards to his thoughts to try to figure out just why he was so disorientated. When Nemil turned to look at shirts, he only spared a moment of thought on how well the girl was handling the merchant…more effective than his glares at any rate. He did however note in relief(and renewed shock), that the girl was also refusing the more revealing and expensive things. And when his opinion as asked? He mumbled out an absent agreement, obviously off in his own world.
By that time the merchant was thoroughly amused, and perhaps let the price driven lower than he wanted. But how often did he get a woman that knew his trade so well, and a seemingly smitten man? The merchant was glad the man could not read his thoughts. He had a feeling he would be eaten for dinner and leftovers salted for a snack.
And indeed he would have been. If Samiel could read thoughts.
Humming a gentle tune under her breath as she continued to peruse at her leisure, Nemil soon narrowed down the selection. Making small talk with the merchant merrily, inquiring here and then about her business and even sorting out a few of the articles on the racks to their worth and wear.
It was down to three tops in the end, which Nemil kept switching through, asking the opinion of both merchant and Samiel alike. Although knowing that the merchant was likely to say that any three of the shirts looked perfect. Finally, however, Nemil settled for the least revealing of the trio. A somewhat puffy white blouse which would fall nicely off the shoulders, and set with a black corset like middle. The outfit would do nicely to conceal her sore lacking of a chest, yet keep her appearing charming all the same.
Of course, Samiel did think that all three tops were a little too revealing. But, compared to some of the other clothing, it really wasn't too bad. Plus, it was nice having Nemil act in a way he understood. The girl was no exception with the hoard of other women he knew, in that they all enjoyed shopping.
For once, Nemil was acting normal for a highborn girl her age. No strange glances, no random touches, no sharp teasing remarks. It all looked completely natural, without a hint of guile that was normally(to him), present in those brown eyes. It was…nice.
Once the other seemed finished with picking out clothing, he slipped some coins into the merchant's hand. "That should be enough for today." He says as he begins walking back to the inn. He was now officially broke. Supplies for the journey to come would have to be either provided by the king, or given money by the king. Surely that was a reasonable request.
"Thank you, Samiel." she cooed lightly and was bold enough to walk a little closer to the man. Practically wriggling up against him to show her appreciation. Clutching her new clothing, wrapped in simple brown paper, to her chest. Beaming and radiating her delight, trying to keep from gushing. She never could resist a gift, and it was perhaps a great weakness of hers.
"So, shall we head back. I should like to model these new clothes for you." Those brown eyes fluttered and twinkled up at Samiel.
"Uh..." Eyes widened as Nemil drew closer to him, and Samiel hastily tried to step to the side and put more space between the two of them. However, when he stepped to the side, he also bumped into the person beside him. Quickly apologizing as the man glared at him, he was forced back beside the other. He walked along, eyes darting towards the small figure beside him, trapped by the crowd, and doomed to have her pressing to his side.
"Yes, we should head back. And it is really the king that needs to see the new clothing, not me. That is the reason we bought the clothing--so you will look presentable." His eyes caught the flutter, and drew away once more. Was she...flirting?
