Stephan looking for Erwin's Carpentry (private, Alyssandra)

Stephan Woulofen · April 22, 2004, 09:30 PM

Brightening 35 of Kalendryas, Late morning, Winter of Era I of the Celestine

Stephan was lost, he knew Erwin's Carpentry was somewhere nearby but then again he could be wrong. Stopping in the center of the road he turned around to look behind him, checking to see if he had missed it or if he should have taken that turn. Scratching his head the nobleman turned businessman was quite an odd looking sight, being dressed in silk garbs and carrying fine gear, but looking so totally oblivious. Turning around again Stephan continued walking down the path looking right and left as he periodically looked down at his map.

How was he suppose to start this business if he couldn't even find it? Stephan was too prideful to ask for directions, and thus, he could remain lost for a very long time. But, he would find it, he assured himself of that, it was just when would he find it? Stopping again Stephan slowly looked around, then down at his map, and then around the area once again. This had to be it, it had to be here somewhere surely.

Walking again Stephan focused solely on his map, briefly taking quick looks up to note his position. As he walked people were forced to get out of his path as he was concentrating on his map far too much to know what was going on around him. If another was as oblivious to where they were walking a collision was likely to occur.

Alyssandra · April 22, 2004, 10:43 PM

Narim had changed since Alyssandra had visited and she wandered curiously down the street, without a definite destination in mind. Eyeing an interesting vendor, she stopped to inspect his wares.

As she admired a particular bolt of fabric, she felt a sharp jolt from her side, and had only a quick glance at the man dressed in silk before she stumbled unceremoniously to the ground.

Looking up in shock, Alyssandra looked up and smiled faintly at the man above her.

Stephan Woulofen · April 22, 2004, 10:56 PM

Stephan was just about to look up when suddenely he collided with another, the shock sent him back a step as he watched as a beautiful woman tumbled backwards and onto the ground. Shocked and deeply sorry he quickly came to her side, "Oh my, excuse me! Are you alright?" Getting on a knee besides her he took note of her faint smile but he didn't return it. He was much too embarrassed to smile right now.

"Here, let me help you up," he said and taking her arm helped her to her feet quite easily. Being as she was small and petite it didn't take him much for him to help her to her feet. "I am so very sorry, I can't believe I was so careless." Dropping his proper manners and such Stephan brushed off the back of her arm that had become dirty and the back of her blouse.

Stepping back after he had done so Stephan took a better look of her. She was quite beautiful, he couldn't have hoped to run into anyone more beautiful as her. Her auburn hair, green eyes, petite form, and beautiful face surely attracted her to him, he had always liked petite women, but never before had he came upon a beauty with auburn hair.

"Is there anything I can do to make up for running into you? Here, let me give you money to pay for what you were looking at," he said and pulled out 200 crowns in banknotes. He was holding them in his hand as Alyssandra watched him being so forward and willing to give his money to an absolute stranger. She could play on this as much as she wished, seemingly she had him right where he wanted him. He was so shocked and embarrassed he had even forgot to have given his name.

Alyssandra · April 22, 2004, 11:34 PM

Alyssandra nodded silently as the man descended upon her, helping her to her feet effortlessly and brushing the dust from her arm and blouse. She had not had such contact from another since James had disappeared. A pain sliced through her body at the thought of him, and she managed a soft reply, "Y-Yes, I'm fine, th-thank you."

Once on her feet, the man stepped back and Alyssandra looked up into the stranger's blue eyes. He was quite tall, and even at a step away towered over her. As he apologized and held out the banknotes, Alyssandra held her hand up and smiled calmly, "Oh, sir, your apology is quite enough...there was no harm done...I am well." She paused a moment as if unsure of how to continue, "Perhaps you will allow me to introduce myself however, as I know no one in Narim anymore. My name is Alyssandra Dubhessa."

Stephan Woulofen · April 23, 2004, 07:24 AM

Stephan smiled warmly when it seemed that Alyssandra was well and not angry whatsoever that he had so rudely ran into her. Standing there he watched her as she declined his gift and then gave him her name. How could he have forgotten to give his own name, that was so very rude of him. As he stood there and studied her features and as he thought of her name for a brief moment he believed that he might actually know her, somehow, someway. However, he couldn't seem to quite figure it out.

Sliding the 200 crowns back into his pocket Stephan looked to the side and then back into Alyssandra's eyes to introduce himself. "Serale Alyssandra, my name is Stephan Woulofen. I am the same as you here in Narim, I do not know many in Narim as I have just recently arrived a few Brightenings ago. I must say, that this is not how I thought I would meet someone, rudely running into such a lovely woman just going about her own business." Stephan smiled and looked alittle sympathetic at the same time, he was really sorry he had knocked her over, but he didn't know how much more to express his apologies.

"Since you will not take my gift, would you allow me to take you to a midday meal at the tavern?" Standing there with a smile on his face that did not show Alyssandra could surely realize that Stephan was a happy man. And from his garbs and how he held himself she could surely also tell he was either noble, a businessman, or a politian, but whatever the case she could tell that he surely had money by the fine silk garbs he wore.

Alyssandra · April 23, 2004, 04:01 PM

As Stephan spoke, Alyssandra smiled warmly, noting his well made silk clothing. He was obviously a wealthy man, and his body language and speech were refined and well-spoken. A wealthy merchant, perhaps? Or a Noble? She glanced quickly around the street, looking for anyone who might be part of an escort or entourage, but noticed no one.

As he finished comments with an invitation to a meal, she waited a heartbeat before answering. In years past, she would have accepted such an invitation without hesitation, but she had learned over the years that not everyone was a ‘good’ person. She was responsible for her own safety with no family or escort here.

She looked again into his eyes. He seemed pleasant and polite, and Alyssandra decided that a public tavern would be safe enough.

Alyssandra smiled at Stephan, and extended her hand in greeting, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Stephan…regardless of the circumstances. I would be delighted to join you for the midday meal.”

Stephan Woulofen · April 23, 2004, 08:27 PM

Stephan smiled as Alyssandra extended her hand in greeting and accepted his offer for lunch. Taking her fingers into his hand he felt alittle bold, just alittle, and raised her hand to his lips where he placed a gentle kiss upon it. Letting it go he smiled again, "Thank you, I'm glad you will be joining me." Offering his arm for her to hold onto as was proper if she wished to be that close to him after such an encounter, Stephan would walk with her to the local tavern.

"So Lady Alyssandra, where is it you are from?" Walking with her down the road Stephan was delighted to be accompanied by such a beautiful woman. Where this meeting and lunch would lead Stephan didn't know, but it surely didn't seem like simple chance had brought them together. Yes, he was too into himself, and the funny thing was he knew this.

As they neared the tavern Stephan looked over at her and smiled, "I hope that I am not being too....bold, but are you wed or do you have a companion in your life?" One could assume many things from his question, either he was interested in her, just being friendly, or wanted to make sure that she wasn't taken and would have someone after him if something were to occur.

Alyssandra · April 23, 2004, 10:01 PM

Alyssandra felt her cheeks reddened slightly as Stephan’s lips brushed the backs of her fingers, and smiled quickly at Stephan before looking down, hoping he had not noticed. The blush confused her, as she hadn’t had such a reaction to a man in many years.

As she felt her cheeks cooling, she tentatively placed her hand on Stephan’s offered arm for the walk to the tavern, and replied softly, “I am visiting from Imperia, my lord. . . I have taken a bit of retirement in the last few years, but I have decided to come back into public life, as it were.”

Alyssandra lapsed into silence as she continued to ponder her reaction to this stranger. She still believed herself in love with James, despite the fact that he had disappeared over 3 years ago.

Alyssandra looked at Stephan with a mixture of hurt and sadness barely disguised in her eyes. She looked down to her feet and took a deep breath before replying quietly, “I am not wed, my lord. . .I have not had the pleasure to be so, and I have no companion in my life.”

Looking up at Stephan, Alyssandra smiled bravely, “And you my Lord? What has brought you to Narim? Do you have a family?”

Stephan Woulofen · April 23, 2004, 10:31 PM

Stephan smiled as he had noticed the blush before Alyssandra was able to look away. A blush was always a sign of comfort and approval, thus he knew that she was not only confortable around him, but also that she enjoyed his touch. "Imperia? I've been there a few times. Actually won a sword tournament there a while ago, wouldn't mind visiting again, especially if you return there," Stephan smiled and spoke gently. He was definately throwing his best at her, it was up to her to take it as she wished.

As they continue to walk Stephan noted a sense of discomfort in Alyssandra's words and actions. She seemed to be remembering something of her past that was difficult to her, and instead of asking about it, he decided to let it remain in the past. "Well a single young woman such as yourself surely must have suitors coming for your hand or many interests at heart. If not, a fine young man will surely come along soon and sweep you off your feet,'" he said and then laughed alittle.

Looking down at her as she did up at him he smiled and then looked ahead to speak. "Please call me Stephan. Well, I came to Narim to study Sorcery and I had a desire to start a business or two. I've actually purchased two here in Narim, I am just starting to rebuild and get them organized. As for a family I do have a half-sister and half-brother but I have not seen them for some time. I am neither wed nor involved with anyone. I seem to be too busy to be with a single woman and involved in my other activities. However, I am of course still looking for that one to call my love," he said and then looked over and down at her again with a warm smile.

Stephan lied, quite big time, although he didn't feel bad at all about it. Roslynn was still his companion, the one he loved, but already for this brief time apart he seemed to have grown apart from her. Maybe their bond wasn't truly what it should or could ever be, not since Marria de Lupetta had he felt an unconditional love. "So what brings you to Narim? Seeking work, relaxation, or you simply don't know?" Stephan smiled and looked around the area as they walked together, growing nearer to the tavern.

Alyssandra · April 23, 2004, 11:32 PM

At Stephan’s mention of suitors, Alyssandra looked at him with a slightly confused smile and chuckled, “I hadn’t considered that possibility. . .I haven’t thought about it in years. Most of those that I knew years ago have retired from public life altogether, or disappeared. I can’t imagine any suitors knowing I exist; I have little of interest to bring to a marriage.”

Alyssandra looked up again at Stephan, realizing how very handsome the young man was. Shaking her head slightly, she wondered silently to herself what she would do if such a man pursued her.

As they continued down the street, Alyssandra replied to his request, smiling, “Stephan, it is then…please then call me simply Alyssandra, or Aly. . .’Lady’ is. . . not a title I’ve used in years.

Finding love is not a task that can simply be completed. . .in many instances, it finds you.” Alyssandra paused for a moment, and smiled, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wax philosophic. . .I’m not sure why I decided to visit Narim. . .perhaps it was the pleasant memories of friends and events past. Though I am also on the look out for a job, since I have been without an income for some time.”

Stephan Woulofen · April 23, 2004, 11:49 PM

Now they were really getting somewhere, Alyssandra was really opening up to him showing her real personality. She had the personality, beauty, and general desired presence about her that made him feel very comfortable and very happy. Not since Marria had he felt exactly like this before, in many ways Alyssandra actually reminded him of Marria. "Well, I know I've been with you for....minutes now, and I can barely resist your charm and beauty, but who says I'm resisting?" With a smile he nodded, "Alyssandra it is then, Lady is a dignified title, but Alyssandra is a name that sounds better alone, it is such an elegant name, especially when accompanied by such a lovely woman."

Stopping before the stairs of the tavern Stephan turned to face Alyssandra, but took a few steps back as he didn't want to impose himself on her. If he would do what he was thinking his lips would have surely been caressing hers as for some reason she drew all his emotions to her. Stepping alittle closer though he took her right hand in his seemingly unaware that he had done son. The woman needed money, who didn't, but she was a woman who shouldn't go anywhere without money or dressed in the best grabs or wearing the best accessories. Whatever she wanted he was sure he would give.

Rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb he answered her need for income. "Well, I am actually in need of employees to work for me. My carpentry business could use a relations manager who would work directly with possible customers and discuss business deals. Would such a position interest you? I would be willing to pay you 20000 crowns a year added bonuses and 2500 crowns up front."

Stephan smiled and stepped yet alittle closer to Alyssandra, however still trying not to impose himself on her. She hoped she would impose herself on him more if that was what she wanted. He was tired of making bold decisions that could lead to failure for his desires. With a warm smile he trully hoped she would accept his offer, it was alot of money to give to her, but Stephan had a feeling she would live up to it.

Alyssandra · April 24, 2004, 08:54 AM

Alyssandra blushed easily at Stephan's complement on her charm and beauty, uncharacteristically at a loss for words. His boldness surprised her; she had never met someone quite like him before. Her relationship with James had evolved slowly over time, from friendship to courtship to a passionate love, and she had been able to know exactly what her feeling were. But this, was different... I've just been away from people too much lately..., she thought to herself, unable to reconcile her body's response to Stephen with her heart's desire for James.

As they reached the tavern steps, Stephan turned to face her keep a bit of distance between them which Alyssandra appreciated. The conflict between her body & heart began anew however, as he took her hand in his. His thumb's motionon the top of her hand made it difficult for her to concentrate on his next words.

Alyssandra was stunned by his job offer. She'd had no intention or expectation of finding a job while in Narim, especially since she fully intended to return to Imperia after her visit.

While he was speaking, Stephan had moved closer to her, and she looked up to him in shock, "I...I'm not sure what to say, Stephan. You've only just met me..." Alyssandra paused, looking down at her hand in his; it was still hard to think with him touching her in this way. Squeezing his hand softly, she gently pulled her hand free, and took a steadying breath.

She returned her gaze to his face and continued softly, "Stephan, your offer is exceedingly generous, but I don't know anything about carpentry...I'm not sure that I would be much of an asset to your business..."

Stephan Woulofen · April 24, 2004, 09:14 AM

Before Stephan could reply as to why he had offered such an offer after just meeting her she had removed his hand from his. Understandably she was unsure she would be of any help in his business he had expect as such. It was actually very close to what his cousin had said to him after he offered her a job as well. However, Stephan was sure that Alyssandra could be very helpful in the job and would be a great asset to the company.

"Sorry," he said referring to how he had taken her hand and thought he brought her discomfort. However, he had noticed that it did affect Alyssandra in a way he had seen many times, he had taken her breath away for a moment as she was now trying to catch up.

With a warm smile he took a slight step backwards again to increase the space between them. "I apologize, I do not wait with such business offers when maybe I should, especially when I meet such an intelligent young woman as yourself who has a strong presence about herself." Looking up at the tavern and then back at Alyssandra he continued, "I do not wish for you to partake in carpentry or building, you surely are too good for such hard manual labor, that is why I offered you the position of Relations Manager. All you would have to do is take orders, discuss business opportunities with possible buyers, and other such things as such. I have no doubt that you would be a great asset to my company."

Offering his arm to her again for her to take Stephan thought it best to held to lunch before more was discussed without a good meal and glass of wine. He had stumbled not realizing she was much more uncertain of what he had offered her than he thought she would be.

Alyssandra · April 24, 2004, 09:28 AM

Alyssandra smiled warmly at Stephen, taking his offered arm, and falling comfortably into step beside him as they continued into the tavern. "I take my responsibilities and committments very seriously, Stephan, and wanted you to know that I had no actual experience in that area. If you like, I'll be happy to tell you more about my work experience over our meal..."

Stephan Woulofen · April 24, 2004, 02:58 PM

After Alexandra took his arm Stephan smiled, glad to see things had returned to normal friendliness. As they walked up the stairs to the entrance of the tavern he looked over to make sure he wasn't walking too fast. "Well, I appreciate your honesty Alyxandra, I am sure we can work something out though. Yes, let us sit and discuss things while we eat."

Once at the door he opened it for her allowing her to enter first. Walking in closely behind her he took his place alongside her once again as he showed her to a nearby table. Pulling out a chair for her he helped her to sit and then took a seat across the table from her. Looking around he motioned for a waitress to come and take their order and give them a selection or menu as to what the establishment has to offer.

"So, before you tell me about your work experience, please tell me alittle more about yourself. Anything you wish to let me know." With a smile he sat there patiently with both his hands resting on the table.