Pravat Cave
The sky was bright on that day, beautifully lit up by the glowing sun, the air was balmy, and a slight breeze playfully scattered blades of grass and seeds here, there and everywhere. With the smell of fresh grass lingering around Pravat cave, Claudine had seated herself under a tree by the fountain next to her friend Lyle, whereupon she was lamenting her inability to procure the earrings. The feeling of defeat lay heavy upon her. EvilClown was lounging under the rays of the sun toasting himself nearby. Gazing from underneath his shiny spectacles, he had been enthralled by the fair maiden, hanging onto her every word.
As his eyes roved over her, he could see the bard was a comely lass with a shapely figure. Resting on a leather thong tied around her waist was a well polished Rosewood harp, and she was clothed in a beautifully dyed and fitted Rucesion bansagart which further highlighted her profile. From beneath her blue skirts was two small feet in blue leather sandals peeking out, as due to how petite she was, her dress had a tendency to drag along the floor. Her hair, as black as conix stones, flowed downwards to rest upon her shoulders just as a waterfall might cascade over rocks. Styling some sort of white streak into her locks that was as white as freshly fallen snow, her hair was then adorned with dark blue antennae from Andor ants which she’d made into a headband. The hair that framed her face accentuated her delicate features. Claudine had soft, small, rose bud lips, and steely blue eyes with a hint of grey flecked in them that seemed as deep as caverns. Those eyes were surrounded by feathery long lashes the colour of a dark, winter’s night. Her luminous skin was pale as the moonlight with a smattering of freckles over the bridge of her nose and underneath those eyes which EvilClown could easily envision himself getting lost in. Her face seemed harsh with her high cheekbones, but her nose was shaped almost like a button one might find on a shirt.
EvilClown made a cursory glance at the male seated next to her. He was slightly taller than the girl, with a boring face that was as plain as a well weathered rock, his dirty blonde hair styled upwards, nothing unspeakably handsome he decided.
'It does not appear the lady is anything more than friends with that druid, as she has been moving herself whenever he makes attempts to be nearer her' he let out a low chuckle as he thought. 'I’ve got many andor salve earrings, perhaps I should assist the maiden in her quest'.
He rose from the ground in one fluid motion to walk over to the ancient oak tree which she was settled beneath with her companion.
Hearing a quiet rustle through the grass, her view went dark all of a sudden, for towering in front of her was a vast figure.
“Greetings, your name is Claudine, if my observations serve me well?” EvilClown greeted her.
Blinking in surprise she replied, “Oh. Aye, ‘tis my name. Good day Sir. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Peering down at the young woman he pressed on, “I did not intend to be, but I was privy to your conversation with this fellow. I have some earrings stored in my vault at the bank of Abel. I may be able to help.”
“Oh! Thank Danaan! I would truly appreciate your time if I could barter with you for a few pairs. I have enough coin now, due to labouring these past moons and even performing a few weddings here and there. Oh, pardon my still being seated” she bit her lip as she said this, feeling rather rude.
“Nonsense m’lady. Here, let me assist you.”
The giant of a man put his hand out to pull her upright. The moment that his giant hand enclosed her miniscule, delicate hand, the priestess let out a small gasp. Claudine felt her cheeks begin to grow warmer by the second. EvilClown gulped, 'she must have felt it too' he thought to himself. As soon as their bare skin had touched, they’d both flinched as if hit by a weak lightning bolt. The electricity between the pair was most unexpected.
Lyle who was still seated on the ground next to where the girl had been sat visibly scowled. He had noted both of their reactions and this was just the beginning of his being consumed by a green eyed monster, whom we shall call quite simply, jealousy.
“No bartering shall be required dear lady. For I have many pairs, I can spare enough for your kin.”
Her small mouth popped open in surprise. “You are most kind good sir, I would appreciate that if you’re sure you dont mind.”
“It shall be my pleasure m’lady. I’ll make haste at once and return with what you require, if you would await my return. I would make better time than if we were to walk together” and with that, EvilClown paused a moment, then strode swiftly over the grass towards the town that he spoke of.
Claudine studied the gladiator as he departed. He was one of the strongest pure gladiators in Temuair, a giant standing a head over most men. Claudine herself barely came to the man’s chest having to crane upwards to converse with the lad. As she studied the warrior, seeming to be as big as a mountain, she could see he had strong, broad shoulders, and crimson hair which rippled in the breeze. He had donned a grass kilt which showed his sculpted legs as well as his large attractive arms, his barrel chest hidden by the floral garland strung around his neck. Slung across his back was a Cathonic shield and an impressive Eclipse hung from a scabbard at his hip. Shiny spectacles rested on his face hiding his eyes but his playful grin was visible. She grew warm, with a small smile blooming along her mouth, as her eyes had rested upon his lips before he made his exit. His lips being of a soft blush pink hue, his smile making him a friendly giant she decided. He was quite a sight to behold. 'I yearn to make his acquaintance further, though I cannot see his returning this interest of mine' she thought to herself.
Anxiously stepping through the sunlit grass near the fountain, the priestess leaned over and peered into the still water, she could see some coppers littering the bottom of the stone basin as well as her own reflection. Her hands felt the cold grainy stone beneath her fingertips which was in stark contrast to the warmth of the sun she felt on the back of her neck.
'I wasn’t expecting such an act of kindness. For all that I assist younger Aislings with, perhaps my God Fiosachd has sent him to me by way of thanks. Fiosachd appears to be saving me some coin, how amusing to think such a thought!' she mused to herself. Claudine was still deep in thought, when Lyle approached her. She’d seen his reflection in the still waters so did not jump at the sound of this voice.
“Claud, I could have purchased those had I only known how great your need was. I did not realise you were labouring so hard just to make gold for those earrings.”
She turned to face him, “No need. I do not expect you to buy things for me, especially not something for my sister” she continued to gaze into the water.
Lyle did not get further chance to reply as he heard approaching footsteps. It appears that EvilClown had attended to his bank vault much quicker than expected.
'Why does he have to be such an awe inspiring gladiator? Generous with his items too, maybe he will not deign to bother her again after this gift giving moment has passed. Mayhap she will not notice if I flee this scene, I cannot watch her conversing with this man when it is clear he finds her attractive.. Which she most certainly is a fine looking woman. I cannot blame him for that at least' with a sigh, Lyle swiftly left Pravat Cave to be alone with his thoughts. As a skilled druid he barely disturbed the blades of grass as he went.
EvilClown slowly approached Claudine who seemed rather melancholy, staring into the fountain with her back turned from everything else, appearing to be lost in the depths of the fountain.
“Hail, Claudine, I have returned. I have retrieved the earrings from my vault.”
Claudine’s smile radiated and was directed at EvilClown as she turned to greet the warrior with a small wave.
As she turned around, she noticed the package of earrings which seemed miniscule in his hands, they were delicately wrapped in a crimson bundle of wool.
“Greetings once again.”
EvilClown grinned in a good natured way at her sweet reaction.
“I have placed them in this scarf so that they do not hurt you, they are not as feather like as you have been led to believe dear lady.”
“Oh, that is a beautifully coloured scarf, it’s a perfect match to your hair! Please accept my thanks for these earrings.”
He nodded to her as a response, then followed with “Perhaps I shall ask your assistance in some endeavour within the coming moon, if that is agreeable to you.”
“Aye, I shall look forward to the day. Please send a letter to my residence in the inn of Rucesion, third room on the first floor. I must get these to my sister. Thank you, again.”
Claudine hurriedly took small steps towards the crossways between Pravat Cave and Piet town as EvilClown looked on, admiring her lithe form as she left Pravat Cave. He resumed the position he had previously held near the oaken tree and continued to sunbathe, eventually drifting off with his thoughts full of her smiles.