Secret Gardens (Kitty)

[Nako]

The lands of Avington were so different from the Highlands. Where the people were most often decked in red and gold, the plants were lush and colorful, vibrant and well cultivated to suit the most royal of fashion palettes. Avington though, did not always have the array of flowers and roses the Highlands were famous for. Still, it was no less vibrant. The trees were decidedly wild looking, contrasts of light and dark as light came through thick canopies, catching the dust in the air in such a way that the atmosphere literally seemed to -sparkle-. Dusk was dazzling in the way the golden tones cast over lush, dark greens.

Avington's 'park' was really more of a garden, zen and serene with flowing brooks and dark, lush greenery. The smell... ah. It wasn't as floral as the Highlands either. It was often earthy and natural, misted with the smell of fresh running water. No wonder both local and foreigner alike visited this place. It seemed the secret garden really wasn't so secret.

Still though, it did not mean it got many visitors; It made for bad business for a beginning entrepreneur and tailor who perched upon a rock by the brook. In front of him was a fold-open standing case filled with scarves of different color, length and fabric. They were easy to make, and one of the few things that could fit the hybrid's odd body. Karrock adjusted his own scarf that adorned his head, hiding the hideousness that was his face. It did not detract completely from his odd appearance, and people often still were wary of him. Still, it was hard to feel completely frightened of an adolescent decked out in a bright pink scarf.

His aunt didn't like him being out and about, at least not when she knew other people were around. She certainly hadn't liked the thought of him out and interacting those who just wouldn't understand what he was. No matter. She couldn't keep him locked up forever. He couldn't take that kind of life.

[Kitty]

Finally .... finally she'd managed to slip out of the place they were presently staying and just... get out on her own. This 'freedom' would probably be short lived, she knew the old canine that had insisted on being her butler rather then her parent's, would be looking for her soon. He knew her well so it wouldn't be hard for him to locate her, which she'd be thankful for when she visited to return to their room, but this alone time was most appreciated. ever since she'd been blinded she seemed ot always have someone with her... making a fuss, it got old.

But this garden smelt divine. It was the perfect mix of floral and wilderness that just sent her imagination off into lovely visions of grand forests and how the light must look running through the trees. She loved it, but it made her heart sink a bit at the same time. If only she could really see what it was like, really see that light patterning the ground. As lovely as that would be, it was a frightening thought as well, what if it didn't match up with what her mind's eye said it was? What if nothing compared? The darkness was familiar and comforting ... just like Torquehelm was. But there would always be times like these.

A wistful little sigh passed her lips as she walked further down the path, slender digits tracing the cool stones of the wall. She was making her way toward the sound of running water, the light 'tinking' noise of her metal skirt giving her position away. running water in a garden generally meant a fountain. She certainly hoped this was the case and that she wasn't simply hearing a creek emptying into a larger body of water. She didn't fancy the idea of drowning...

[Nako]

Even though there weren't a shortage of human Torquehelms, Karrock always found it odd to see one. Generally they were so lackluster that he hardly could envision how they mustered the inner strength to improve themselves. In his opinion a good start to strength would be taking that binding off. This particular creature's binding was.. interesting at least.Rarely did he see such -fashionable- bindings during his people watching, whether it be veiled amongst the public or within the shadows where nobody cared to notice him.

She never looked his way, even as she grew nearer. Then again it didn't seem like she could see much at all with that binding.. if she could see at all. Did she really not see him? Well, it would only be polite to speak up.

"Hello there." Karrock said in his typical light voice. "You'll catch a chill if you are not careful. Care to purchase a scarf to keep the cold away?"

[Kitty]

It was ... so quiet here. She heard the fountain and some birds, maybe a few insects mixed in there as well but it seemed as if she was the only one here. That was until the ... male?, spoke up and startled her. she drew in a sharp breath and jumped slightly, gripping the stone wall tightly for a moment before relaxing her fingers and turning her head in the direction she thought she'd heard the voice come from. She couldn't quite judge the height of the person who was talking to her, so the direction would simply have to do.

Oh if only he knew the extent of her bindings and how the head piece was so firmly attached to her head ... there just wouldn't be a point in removing it and the others were just ... pretty. The rings on her neck kept her head high, the golden strands kept her posture perfect ... and the rest were more decoration then binding really. It was a pity really that she'd had her sight taken before she could see her own human form, it'd ease a few worries.

She kept her own voice soft, her surprise lingering briefly behind her accent.... well, maybe not quite as hidden as she would have preferred.

Oh ... pardon? Euh ... salut monsieur.... scarves?

She tilted her head to the side ever so slightly as she considered it... well, there was no harm in at least giving them a look.. .er .... feel.

Oui .... I'll take a ... look at zem.

If she could find them.... of course. She started to edge closer to the voice, feeling around a bit more with her feet as she moved so she wouldn't run into anything... or anyone.

[Nako]

For a moment, Karrock actually stayed silent, watching her flounder with a sick curiosity that made him feel secretly ashamed. It was so.. interesting to watch people and how they associated with the world around them, especially when they obviously couldn't see. Her careful steps and searching hands were more than enough proof that she was at least mostly blind.

His silence was cruel, he was sure. Inwardly chastizing himself, Karrock spoke up in a light voice, keeping his amusement at bay and rather spoke with a voice that hinted more that he was somehow pleased. "You're going the right direction. Yes.. mind your left though, the water is there. Just a few more steps and there will be a small table before you. I'm pleased to be able to offer a variety of textures in my wares. You see... so many people take advantage of color being the only thing to consider in clothing and accessories. The fabric type itself can make or break what you wear. A true fashion aficionado like myself would know these things, of course."

[Kitty]

She was somewhat thankful for his guidance.... and somewhat annoyed as well. She was somewhere new. which had taken quite a bit of coaxing to get the stuffy old canine to make the arrangements, but at the same time it just... got a little annoying. However, she placed a little smile on her lips and minded his warnings before her toes touched one leg of the mixes table.

Is zat so? Any ... recommendations?

With the way he was talking... she could only imagine what kind of a glorious looking mix he could possibly be. Fashion aficionado? He was probably some sort of fluffy type, or at least something with lovely colors. Maybe he was a Yarrow... or a mix of it and... something? It was hard to tell by voice and self proclaimed titles alone .. but it made for fun little musings.

She wasn't going ot ask to touch him quite yet... he still hadn't proved quite that interesting. Besides... he just seemed interested in selling her something and not the conversation required to go with such a thing. She'd wait, perhaps he'd actually have something that she'd like?

[Nako]

"Oh, of course!" Carefully he picked up an assortment of scarves. The softest of wool fibers, a fine silk and even one whose fibers were made from the hemp of Midori's Weed plant. He had held them out for just a moment before remembering her lack of sight, then reached forward with the single talon of his wing to set them in her hand.

"There you are. Tell me what you think of those." Hm. Such intricate bindings. No doubt they were painful, but there was never any beauty without pain. Was... Karrock attracted to her? He really couldn't answer that question. Upon adolescence he'd been asking himself these questions.. questions about women. He could appreciate their beauty but he wasn't quite feeling what Viola had explained he may feel as he grew older. So strange. Perhaps he just wasn't meant to be attracted to women? Was he just unable to love anyone? What was wrong with him?

He pulled himself out of his own thoughts and merely watched the Torque sift through the fabric presented to her, trying to read that half hidden, enigmatic human face.

[Kitty]

She listened carefully to the rustling of fabrics, each had a unique sound... they were just minutely different in most cases. this prompted her to lift up a hand and simply wait, his guiding her earlier was a sure sign that he'd picked up on her blindness so.... surely he wouldn't want her ruining whatever set up he had his wares in with clumsy hands. It didn't take long before she was rewarded with the feel of different fabrics and the briefest touch of something else... part of him perhaps? It made her all the more curious as to what exactly he was .... but she'd pay attention to the scarves for now.

She brought her other hand up and carefully ran her fingers over each, taking the differences in. The wool one was nice, it had a pleasant softness that would be lovely in the winter months but then she found the silken one and she paused. She absolutely loved the smooth, cool feeling of silk... it was a fabric she surrounded herself with as often as was possible... so this was quite a wonderful find actually. She lingered on this particular one for quite some time before he smile broadened a bit. She placed a finger on the silk and on the wool and spoke with a bit more confidence now. he seemed like a nice fellow.

Zese two.... would you be so kind as to tell me a bit more about zem?

[Nako]

"Well, the silk is actually Avington silk. It's a very fine fabric to work with, though a touch delicate. The wool on the other hand, is from a fine angora sheep found in the Sorgaire range. Its quality can hardly be disputed." His voice lilted with a nearly musical confidence in his wares, running the tip of his wing absently across the wares on his table. "I do make the fabric though; I merely work with it. The preparing of a scarf may seem a simple thing but I assure you to get the appropriate drape, a perfect manipulation of the fabric's size and shape is crucial."

Would she actually commit to buying something? Generally he didn't like people coming about and fingering his wares and sullying the fabric, but he found himself tolerating her presence whether she bought something or not. At the very least, she was treating the fabric with a great deal of care. He appreciated that. "I am Karrock, by the way. I've been trying to get my name out. I hope to open my own store in the Capital one day. Peddling my wares in random areas, while charming in its own right, is demeaning to the level of professionalism I wish to achieve."

[Kitty]

She liked this one's voice, it was light and easy on the ears even as it gained in confidence. She liked how he could accomplish this without sounding.... well, like a snob. The 'friends' her parents used to entertain lacked that ability and it was just... such an unflattering feature to have. It was quite alright to have pride in one's self... but, as there was with everything, there was a limit. She certainly hoped he continued to dance along it and not cross over, his company was pleasant thus far.

But of course.... you are an arteest. I am sure all of your work is magnifique.

Karrock? That was certainly not a name she would have pinned to the young man. It was unique, yes .... but it was a little harsh sounding. Something lighter would have suited him better... but she was in no real position to say anything... so she'd keep it to herself.

Karrock? I shall remember zis name, and hold you to your word of being a great fixture in ze Capitol.

She dipped her head courteously and made a slight bow, careful not to disturb the boy's hard work which was presently draped over her arm. Not entirely proper... but it fit the situation.

I am murmur and it is a pleasure, Karrock. Can you... describe zis one to me? I'd like.... to see it.

Her scarf of choice was the delicate silk one... it was just... so light and airy... it would be the perfect compliment to an outfit and she'd love nothing more then to see it in her mind's eye. She probably would purchase it after taking up so much of his time... but really, it was just nice to be around someone who wasn't her staff. She loved them dearly, they were far closer ot her then her own family had ever been... but it was always a pleasure ot meet soemone new.