Looking for a Jeweler (Trinity)

[Milo L'Evienne]

Mid-afternoon, Mid-Melora, winter of Era X (PF) in the Age of the Darkening


It was only after insisting, so strongly as to risk making a nuisance of himself, that Milo succeeded in pulling Nell away from expected business in Narim, in the middle of the day and no doubt amidst other responsibilities. That, after making every effort to ensure they weren't followed by the usual entourage. He'd tried to pay them off. But whether he'd succeeded in his bid or not, would be discovered with a glance behind them. It was expected of course, that Nell should be accompanied by the men…And it eased his mind as well, knowing that they had a diligent mind for her safety. But left to his own devices, he'd have tried to lose them at every corner and alley. Somehow, despite his innocence of anything he ought to be ashamed of, at the moment at least, the Watchmen's presence seemed to prod an innate guilty conscience into motion.

He'd only told her they were going for a stroll through the city. It was always his claim, that to understand the population one served, one must mingle. They were mingling, he'd said…Insisted.

But his mission was more than it seemed, or admitted, and as they strolled along The Road of the Shvakkim, he kept an eye out for a particular kind of structure. Not particular by design or size, but by the wares it advertised. Taralon didn't offer what he was after. The Little Shop of Everything, didn't have everything after all. And while he was proud that the Governess still wore the foil and paste band on her finger, he wanted to put one there fit for an empress.

He'd learned enough of the city by asking around, to assume this area was a likely place to look.

Dressed in moss green trousers and a cream shirt, a darker green doublet and cape, he'd left his hat behind and opted for the gentleman rather than the rogue, a role he was determined to devote himself to for the duration of their visit, or at least as long he could manage it. He took Nell's hand as they strolled past shops, though always keeping an eye on his purpose. "I'm glad I could convince you to slip away," he told her with a tilted grin, a gleam of mischief in his eyes that he couldn't quite conceal, despite the training that taught him better. "Since I've never seen the city, I thought it would be good to come to the business district. No better place to get a feel for a city's pulse. Besides, it's a good excuse to steal you away."

[Nell du'Galle]

Strolling along side her love, hand in hand, Nell could think of no better way to waste away a candlemark or two. True she had much to occupy her mind and the business which had brought her to Narim was serious in nature, yet Milo’s insistence for some time to themselves and to explore the streets had made her struck a chord in her heart. His theory of staying in touch with the people to gauge the attitudes and opinions of the populace was a sound one. It made sense to hear their thoughts first hand rather than the filtered version that advisors might bestow upon her ear. She had no desire to be a distant figure head, unapproachable and, by extension, uncaring. Besides, these moments of being with Milo, walking the streets like any other citizen and forgetting she held the reins of the Province, were to be treasured.

As treasured as the odd ring she wore each brightening which symbolised the vows they had made to each other. Milo’s proposal to her had been undeniably romantic and the fact that he had made a ring out of the tin foil band from a cigar, with a paste jewel stuck to it, had been an endearing gesture. It was her most cherished possession after her betrothed himself. The fact that it was fragile in nature only meant that Nell took particular care of it.

Therefore she smiled happily, nodding at his words, her dark red cloak swinging from her shoulders over the green linen dress she wore when ‘off-duty’. The Road of Shvakkim was not too familiar to the young woman, her last visit to Narim having been spent mostly within the Flounders Finn except for occasional trips to the Crowshead Keep and the Arcana Academy. “You know I can’t refuse you my time, Milo,” she replied, with a squeeze of his hand, “And being stolen by my love is always a delightful distraction.” Tossing her dark hair back over her shoulders, Nell couldn’t help notice the tilt of Milo’s smile and in response she cocked an eyebrow, recognising that something was up. Yet she didn’t comment, instead taking in the view of the busy streets and pausing every now and then to inspect the wares of a market stall. No doubt, what ever Milo was planning would come to light soon and Nell was fond enough of surprises to not press the matter.

[Trinity]

It was a rather lovely afternoon in the Shvakkim, the mid Melora day the two had chose to go for a stroll. A certain wave of smells was coming from the tent-ish establishment named "Hassan Nagir's Maahal". It was renowned for the general exotic feel to it, while making itself rather at home amidst rather large buildings. Different shops offering all different sorts of things skyrocketed around the place, as Narim, a Porty City, was a good place to set up shop.. Even if the economy itself was suffering due to the recent rise in crime rates.

However, one would never really be able to tell, as the City Watch was doing it's best to keep the city civil. Patrols had stepped up and conditions had worsened, as now along the road different watchmen, carrying pikes, spears and other weapons strolled the streets with hawk-like eyes. Nothing escaped their eyes, even if it could, for the moment, escape their grasp.

The lull of the Sea of Diana in the distance added a comforting certain symphony of nature-istic sound above the chatter of everday citylife. It was even common to see peddlars walking along the cobblestone pathways, sometimes, though they generally weren't liked too much. Peddlers were viewed as people that couldn't afford a real shop and didn't have the money to keep it up. Unless, of course, they were people like those crazy artsy folk. Artists were known to hang around and offer portraits for a price, trying to make their way in the world. Some would sit by the seaside and paint the scenery they saw.. all up the artist themselves.

As Nell and Milo walked down the street, they noticed that, up ahead, a City Watchman was speaking to one of the peddlers. His cart was a small one, and he looked rather livid with the figure of authority before him. As the Watchman continued to be calm, the peddler became more infuriated. He finally threw his hands into the air and grabbed his cart, storming off down the rocky path. The armor-clad man shook his head and slowly sauntered off to continue is patrol, seeing this as a useless venture to try and stop. As the little wooden cart rattled past the two, the sign - a piece of wood broken off of who knew what and painted on, read..:
Pierre's Knicknacks and Pennyweights.

The man looked very much like he had been through this all too much before, and turned his head to see that the guardsmen had moved on before stopping his cart again. He wore a large cloak, with obscurely sewn pockets that was over-large for him, probably at least by a size or two. Atop his head was a wound turban of sorts, something a person might have expected more towards the Arkamatian province. Nevertheless, there he was.

Peering around, the man one could only assume was dubbed Pierre began to set up his little movable shop once more. Glittering items attracted the attention of little children, mothers pulled them close and gave Pierre a cold stare. His voice was rather enchanting, though, and not unlike a person who was a seasoned seller of wares. Thus far, he'd not noticed the Governess and the Taralonian Defender, but certainly would make an attempt to gain their attentions as soon as he did. Wealthy looking people more often than naught proved to have large sums of crowns.. And what does a peddler always want and need? Exactly.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Milo liked the smell, the noises of the market area. At heart, chaos nearly always appealed to him more than order. Though with the guards around, it was hardly more than mild. But the artists and peddlers appealed to him even more. They seemed free to pick up and wander where they would, free to allow for a mostly carefree nature, financing allowing of course. Reminded him of Rioughe and himself, never staying put more than a cycle or so at a time.

Taking Nell's hand firmly in his, he'd thought of veering into the tent; for the sake of curiosity as well as the logic of asking someone, without Nell catching on, where a jeweler might be found. He seemed on a mission at the least, singleminded and not overly distracted from his course. But the guard and peddler caught his attention and he stopped to watch the exchange curiously. If he didn't know the peddler, he knew the type. The guard was wasting his time.

And sure enough, soon as the guard was out of sight, the fellow was back in business. Milo glanced down, picked up the scrap of wood and grinned curiously, showing it to Nell. "Shall we return his sign? A man can't conduct business, without a proper sign, can he? And maybe we'll find something interesting on his cart," he added with a wry grin. And maybe the man could tell him where to find a jeweler, while they were at it.

Odd fellow. But interesting. And a distraction Milo likely didn't have the time for. Soon enough, Nell would be expected back to official business and he'd have little to argue with but the truth of their outing. Nevertheless, Nell's hand in his, he covered the few strides to the cart. "Pierre, is it?" Milo said with a grin, glancing at the sign held in his hand to refresh his memory. "I believe you dropped this."

[Nell du'Galle]

There was something extremely satisfying about holding hands with a loved one whilst walking along the bustling streets of a market. First of all it was the security of being looked after and guided through the crowds by a protective man. Secondly, it was a constant physical bond which allowed communication even if they were looking in different directions. Finally and most enjoyable though, was the public declaration that she was with Milo. Proud to be chosen by him, proud to be by his side, she got a secret thrill each time she looked at him and although some might view the holding of hands in public as unnecessary, she cared little as it signalled her attachment to Milo as clearly as if she were wearing a hat with ‘I’m with this guy’ embroidered on the brim.

Yet she almost protested at the swift progress they were making. On that afternoon, Narim had provided a feast for the eyes of those with crowns to spare and with a fair few burning holes in her deep pockets, Nell fancied spending some of her money on the goods being hawked in the stalls they passed. It crossed her mind that she could buy a trinket for Milo, some little token of her affection and so her eyes were glancing everywhere as she was almost marched along the streets. It half occurred to her to persuade Milo to sit for a portrait from one of the artists although she didn’t imagine he would be happy to be still for a length of time.

Therefore as Milo showed her the sign which belonged to the Peddler setting up his stall, she grinned and followed willingly, eager to see what Pierre had to offer. It was easier to buy a man a present when he was with you – too often they seemed self-sufficient and disdaining of worldly goods so to think of something suitable when they weren’t around could prove trying. As Milo began the conversation with the turban wearing man, Nell smiled politely, her eyes running over the stall to see if there was anything that may be appropriate.

[Trinity]

The turban-donned man in his baggy clothes looked up from setting up his rag-tag shop in surprise. His sign? How did that.. oh bother! Cheap wood, how annoying. Pierre nodded vibrantly and took it from Milo, milling about to the front of his cart, pulling out a hammer and forcing the board back into place. He was very certain that this would snuff out its obstinance.

When he was positive it was in place, he Pierre straightened his turban and walked very pogiantly back behind the cart, smiling at them both..
"Ah, what a lovely Princess," He spoke, looking towards Nell and giving a wry grin. Bits and pieces of Jewelry glittered his cart, and he couldn't help but look at them for a fleeting moment himself.

"Such a beauty deserves something to accentuate her beauty, does she not? Indeed, what a silly question! Come, venture and gander.. at Pierre's Knicknacks and Pennyweights. From necklaces to glorify that pretty neck to braclets to finish a lovely arm.. even down to bands for the fingers, should I happen across them.. I've got tons of things." He urged them to come towards him, showing off a few of the more glittery items by slipping them on. A few necklaces around his neck, a good number of braclets up the arm and even rings to end on almost every finger. He was quite a sight, and more than Milo and Nell had taken notice of him now.

What was this guy, a pawn shop on wheels or something? That's what it looked like, at least.. But he seemed to deal mainly in jewelry. A shifty character, who led to the questioning of merchandise, but all the less, the only 'jeweler' type of guy in town.

"Not a smidgen of jewelry on the lass, is there? Let me see your hands, Darh'ling." Continued Pierre, holding out his un-ringed hand to inspect Nell's own. Which hand she gave him was up to her, honestly, but it was most likely tempting to show the band.. if she were a real woman at heart with the same desires as everyone for jewelry... Perhaps it would be enough to get this pender of Jewelry to notice it and try to pressure Milo into getting something.. more pronounced and deserving of such a lady.
At least, that would likely be what he would say, wouldn't it? His character was already showing through, even as he flashed his wares around for all to see and tried to get a potential customer. The turban-donned spectacle was an oddity among the Svhakkim indeed.

[Milo L'Evienne]

"Such a beauty deserves something to accentuate her beauty, does she not?" Milo grinned wryly at the comment after glancing over the cart. "She does indeed," he agreed with a smile aimed in Nell's direction. It wasn't what he had in mind to be sure, though the jewel bedecked man had clearly found his stride and was going to run with it. Milo wasn't going to discourage him. And besides, he thought idly, perhaps there was something here worth having a look at. Something that was genuine, and preferably not slipped off the finger or neck of an unsuspecting citizen. He decided not to explore the other possibilities.

He grinned at Nellie, encouraging her to step forward, though he could only imagine what the fellow would have to say about the cigar band she wore on her finger. Meantime, he had another look over the cart, seeking out rings in particular while paying near equal interest to other items. He'd wanted a ring and band fit for an empress. Would an empress wear one bought off a peddler's cart, he wondered? Or would she smite the fellow that presented it to her? Likely, he thought with a sardonic grin. But still, it was a curious notion. And franklly, till now, no other options had presented themselves.

[Nell du'Galle]

That the owner of the cart was unusual could not be denied. He certainly drew attention with his strange attire, not to mention the way he tried to entice those wandering by with his sales patter. Nell could only grin in admiration as he began to deck his person with the jewellery, the glitter of the necklaces and bracelets only adding to his exotic appeal. Stepping forward, her eyes drifted over the display. She wasn’t sure if Milo was the sort of man who liked to wear jewellery but perhaps a locket on a simple chain might appeal, or a plain silver band on a finger. The young woman wore no jewellery beyond the makeshift ring that Milo had presented to her in Taralon on the occasion of his proposal to her. It wasn’t a matter of disdaining jewellery, but more that she had rarely found the occasion to buy any. She had once worn a diamond necklace but it had become a bitter reminder of a past relationship and had since been sold to rid herself of the association.

Holding her left hand out proudly to the peddler, the silver foil band taken from a cigar rested on the third finger. Stuck to the band was a simple paste jewel. That this ‘ring’ was worthless in terms of crowns meant little to Nell. It was her most precious possession and she took care to protect it from the wears and tears of ordinary life, so that miraculously despite constant wear the band was still intact. Yet she smiled, knowing that the peddler might think it odd that she wore such a peculiar ring. She cared not, knowing the true value of this symbol of her engagement to Milo and flashing a smile at her love, she blushed prettily at the compliments.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Milo grinned fondly as Nell presented her hand with the cigar band ring to the peddler. Only a woman who genuinely cared for him would wear the thing as if it were prized metal and precious stone, and it only reminded him of the depth of his own feelings for her.

As for himself, he wore no jewelry. The signet ring that Aper Ontage had stranded him with despite his attempts to toss it back, had threatened to burn his hand the first time he'd tried it on for size. But unwilling to leave it in his apartments in the Pynx where it might be discovered, either by search or accident, he'd worn it round his neck on a leather strand beneath his clothes. But when he'd grown close to Nell, he abandoned the habit, knowing he'd be unable to explain the blue diamond ring when she discovered it. Least not without stuttering. It was now safely tucked into a dark corner, somewhere in the mansion in Taralon. Least till he figured out how to rid himself of the thing completely.

But though he typically wore no jewelry, he'd not object at all to a silver band of some sort.

[Trinity]

Pierre examined Nell's hand, taking note of the little cigar band with a hint of curiousity. Such a ring on the finger of such a lovely person? Nay, why was this even there? The peddler peered at it for a long time, confused. Finally he shrugged and looked over his inventory with a speed defying accuracy, and held out the number of rings that were on his hand.

Momentarily forgetting Nell's hand and letting it idly rest in his hand, Pierre picked over the rings he had on until he had narrowed it down slightly. Though, this appeared to be some sort of excuse for an engagement ring, he wasn't sure. Naturally, the man resolved that it would be best to ask..
"What an interesting.. Engagement ring, is it?" Ventured the peddler, a roguish grin sliding across his face. Many of the rings on his opposing hand were of the silverish coloration, some containing single jewels, others containing none at all. Some had specks of small jewels embedded in them, too.

Pierre shrugged, already assuming without an answer that it was indeed a sign of engagement. What else could it have been anyway? There was no other explanation for it.
"I suppose it is the thought and meaning behind it that matters, of course. But perhaps I can interest you in something more for such a lovely young couple to show their love for one another, hmm?"
Hopefully he could. Pierre was renowned with the ability to smooth talk many people into allowing themselves to buy things with him.. But Milo and Nell weren't some people he could just smooze around and lure into buying something from him.. No, they'd really have to want it, he expected...

[Nell du'Galle]

“Yes, it’s an engagement ring,” she answered, with a small grin. “And very precious to me for that reason, although I feel that my fiancé wishes to replace it this brightening?” She flashed a quick look at Milo, realising all of a sudden that this had been his plan all along. He was capable of such a plan without telling her, perhaps knowing that she would have objected, saying such a thing was not necessary. However now they were stood before the array of jewellery on the peddler’s stall, the temptation for something that would last beyond the delicate lifespan of a cigar band proved irresistible. Rather dazzled by the rings that Pierre displayed on his own fingers, she found it hard to keep her eyes on one that might interest her in particular straight away.

“These are all rather lovely,” she commented, her eyes raking over the array that sparkled in the winter’s air. The silver bands appealed to her greatly, purely from an aesthetic sensibility, yet she wondered at their worth. This was a peddler after all, hawking his wares in the streets. Whether the jewels which sparkled were real or not had to be called into question. They could be as valueless in monetary terms as the paste jewel which currently sat on her finger. Her eyes however were drawn in particular to those stones which appeared to be akin to diamonds. “But of course, if anything were to replace this ring, it would have to be of particular value, you understand. It would have to be special, one of its kind …” She smiled lazily at Pierre, her eyes challenging him to find something which was not a mere bauble to please the general citizen.

“Milo, do you see anything that might please you? As a gift from me?” she asked her love, wishing also to bestow a symbol of her devotion to the man she was hoping to spend the rest of her life with.

[Milo L'Evienne]

Milo leveled an innocent expression at Nell, though he knew she was on to him. But he'd hoped that once they happened across what he was looking for, she'd be agreeable. And seemed she was, as he watched her look over the collection of rings. He looked over them himself, wondering if any might appeal to him once she mentioned it. His tastes strayed to the subdued side in almost everything. "I'm not sure. I'm out to adorn you," he told her as he glanced up. "But maybe a band in silver. Simple carving round it, but no jewels for me," he added with a wink.

He too, had some doubts about the genuineness of the jewels and he met the peddler's gaze directly with a smile. "I'd like to place a ring, and a band on the lady's finger that can't be matched. Something extraordinary and…as genuine as she is," he added, but with an easy grin so as not to set the man on the defensive regarding his merchandise. "Maybe you have something special we don't see displayed here. Inside your cart maybe, for special customers?" Seemed to him, it would be foolish for the man to push the cart through an open and crowded market place with his most valuable wares on open display.

[Trinity]

Ahh, so he was right. The rag-tag engagement ring was needing replacement, and that's the very thing they were out doing! Now, baited fish were helpless once on a hook unless their wits got the best of the fisherman.. And... Oh Drat it, trying to sell them fake metal and paste was not going to cut it, he just had an omnious feeling they'd figure it out...

Pierre watched Nell look over his wares with a certain gleam in his eye. Happy brightening, and praise the gods, a customer -- and wealthy looking ones at that! Perhaps he could get a good sale out of this.. even if he had to bring out the real deals.. Hmmm.
Drat it, it seemed this Milo character had caught on to the fact that a peddler would not put his best wares on the outside of a cart.. Instead, some were on the inside, and some in the various pockets of his coat. He chuckled lightly and nodded, ridding his fingers of the rings they currently posessed and letting them clink ever so lightly back to his cart top below his fingers.

"You sir," He observed in a rather dignified manner, "Are a very wise man." A little grin struck Pierre's face as he fished his coat pockets for the better types of jewelery, those fit for being actual engagement and wedding rings.. that sort of thing. A few which he donned for the lady now, after a quick reach in his pockets were silver bands, every one of them. Silvers, as everyone knew, were cheaper than golds to come by anyway. What more did anyone expect out of a peddler? He didn't have a lot anyway.

The first ring Pierre displayed on his skinny fingers for them was a silver band with a small, oval shaped diamond mounted in it's center. To each side of it, two diamonds, each in a triangular shape but smaller than the middle one, augmented it's beauty. A simple elegance of silver and white, it was one of Pierre's favorites. Sure, it wasn't some big gawdy thing, but not many people revelled in wearing huge rings on their fingers now adays.

The second ring donned by Pierre was a ring, simple in appearance that didn't actually have any protruding figures of jewels. The small diamonds in this one were inset, spaced by the same silver metal the band was made of. It interspursed the silver band, lining every two slots with a stone. All in all, it only contained at most, four diamonds that were likely no bigger, and perhaps even smaller, than Milo's or Nell's nail on their pinky fingers. Had to be expected, though. Pierre was just lucky to get his hands on such items half the time.

For Milo, Pierre revealed a simple, basic band of a ring, etched with an engraved pattern. Not something extravegant mind, just a pattern of neatly placed lines that looked, if one dared to venture it, like barley in the wind, or a leaf that was split into fourths and strewn around a band on a line for all to see. It looked nice, for such a ring. It, of course, would have cost the lesser of the Gentleman and Lady's rings.
He also had a few other non-etched bands of silver on his fingers, which were noted to be a bit closer to his cart than before. The turban-topped seller was a bit apprehensive of theives when he brought out the good things, and all.

"Isn't much I have; this is at best, it I believe. I must say though, I am rather keen to the one with the triangular shapes and the engraved one." He gave a little shrug, holding out his hand for them both to see. "Does any of this suit your fancy, Sir and Lady?"