Hawker Lads [Dae]

[Callypso]

It was another fine day in the Capital, though Iso could hardly appreciate the nice weather being distracted as she was by her own frustration. Another venture into the bazaar had proven fruitless. There had to be at least one electrician in the city who could perform the desired work for her laboratory! She had visited several shops where her requested specifications were met with either a raised eyebrow or outright laughter. It was becoming uncomfortably clear that she would have to journey to Corvistowne for her needs.

Traveling to Corvistowne, however, meant she would have to visit her parents. Iso had never been able to determine how her mother always knew the latest news of the Realm, being inclined to research herself (though not as completely absorbed in it as Iso’s father was). Still, she wasn’t about to risk offending her willful mother. Iso would be questioned about her work – or rather, lack thereof - and she simply could not stomach having her failures screeched into her face. Perhaps there was someone in the bazaar who could direct her to the right associates.

The doctor continued along, deeply perturbed at the prospect of a parental encounter and irritated at the complete lack of electrical experts. She failed to see why her brother had been so intent on acquiring a building in this city – it was completely devoid of anything essential for a properly constructed work space. Then again, Phan had been clearly cracked.

Her brows furrowed as an icy shudder worked itself down her spine. Phan's death was yet another unpleasant subject, but at least he wouldn't be rising from his grave to taunt her about her inadequacies. Iso's relationship with her brother had deteriorated the more her brother lost himself in his work. His constant self-experimentation had driven him to insanity and their parents had abandoned hope that he would return himself. Mental incapacity, Iso thought bitterly, was the only deterrent for constant harping.

Lost in her own irritation and speculations, the Corvie walked along the cobbled paths without a particular destination in mind. Heavy thoughts caused her to entirely miss the several vendors who were currently vying for her attentions.

[DaeSiggil]

Amarth was determined, he would sell something and he would do it now! The Rat Card scurried forward and looked around, trying to find someone who possible would be interested in his goods and services. He paused when he spotted Iso, then shook his head quickly. She looked frustrated and he wasn't looking for a frustrated person! He continued on, looking further and growing frustrated himself. No one looked like they needed something from him, going to the other shops instead. His lips curled up in a sneer and he shook his head wildly, eyes pressing back against his skull.

It was a very cat-like response, so ears instantly jumped back in their previous position. He talked to a few, but was send away each time. His eyes narrowed a few times and he looked ready to snap, it also didn't help that a few handsome Cards rejected his advances. He didn't consider him all That ugly, he was a pretty Selkie wasn't he? He felt a sigh escape his lips and shook his head dejectedly once more and continued. He still tried to address a few Cards; their paws, wings or in some cases hands waved at him impatiently.

He didn't realize he had turned in a circle, neither that he was approaching Iso closer. He still scurried further, until he felt himself hit something or rather.. someone. He looked up wildly and squeaked softly "My pardons, milady." He spoke, speaking more respectfully as she looked like someone who would respond better to that than simple a sorry. He regarded her for a moment, before smiling brightly, "can I offer you something as apology?" He questioned. He would try to do his best of course, although he wasn't good in the art of what she really needed. He could still try.

He pushed his front paws from the ground so that he was more seated. His head tilted to the side as he kept regarding her with some curiosity in his green gaze. His whole figure quivering with excitement as he awaited her answer.

[Callypso]

Despite her best efforts Iso’s frustration had begun trickling over the fine line between “disgruntled” and “brooding”. She hated brooding. Brooding was one of the many psychological traps that wasted time. It was an emotional response that she had mentally filed away as “useless” and it shared its space with “depression,” “self-pity,” “loathing,” among many others. The doctor had actively encouraged her thought process to focus on the abundant shops and carts along the throughway (hoping to spot an electrician’s office she might have missed), but her efforts had been for naught. Now she was brooding and sour because her psyche had betrayed her. Of what use was the brain if you couldn’t control it?

A devious smile played along her muzzle. Oh, but she could. The doctor detoured to the right, down an alley that was much less crowded than the main street. She procured a bottle from within her coin purse and rattled the contents lightly. Science is a marvelous thing. A pop! of the stopper and a solid shake later had her holding two white pills ready for consumption. Iso returned the bottle to its case and stepped briskly back into the busy path. For all the other Cards knew the Corvie could be indulging in sweets.

At the exact moment she had lifted a paw to deposit her treats into her mandible she was hit solidly from behind.

An Oomph!! was followed directly by a coughing fit in which the ferret turned a slight shade of blue. Finally, she managed to swallow the capsules that had been lodged in her esophagus and turned to glare at the cause of her near-expiration. She would have been delighted to note she was no longer brooding except for the fact that she was now engaged in cold anger. (So much for control.)

Pardon? I hardly think an apology would suffice, sir, though I suppose I ought to thank you for allowing myself a better appreciation for breathing.

Really, what nerve!

[DaeSiggil]

He pushed back as said someone let out an 'oomph', squeaking once more as his eyes widened quickly to the size of saucers. He almost moved as the ferret turned a worrying shade of blue, biting his lower lip. She however seemed able to do it herself and he flinched away as she turned to him Here we go.. He thought with some desperation, moments later he found himself being yelled at. His ears started to ring and he promptly placed his front paws over them as to stop it "Wow, that's one heck of a voice." He commented idly.

His mind of course, instantly turned the ally and he tried to imagine himself in another situation with another kind of scream. He however didn't know how she sounded so it looked like it was just a movie without sound playing. His mind so taken with it, he didn't notice that he was speaking as if in an afterthought until it was too late.

"I wonder how it sounds in screaming.." He quickly shook himself out of those thoughts again and felt himself blush hotly underneath his fur and concentrated on the actual words she had yelled right in his face "I know!" He then cried out "But would you have preferred that I just continued walking as if nothing had happened!?" He didn't take well as seen as lowly scum. He wasn't wild vermin that gnawed on toes or something, okay. He could do that if the other person really wished it, but he didn't do it because he was vermin with no rank or anything like that!

His eyes narrowed and he huffed lightly "Hmph, at least I'm appreciated for something" He wasn't sulking, he wasn't doing that at all. Damn, he was sulking. He scowled once more and pulled himself further upright and glanced at her yet again. His natural curiosity came back however, he had seen her holding something in her hands "Anyway, what was that in your hands?" He questioned, closing one eye and leaning closer to her "Some sort of candy?" He was happy at that moment, that his tail didn't wag like a dogs would do, although the urge was there, somewhere.

[Callypso]

Iso paused to look at the vermin covering his ears as though she had been shouting. She blinked slowly in confusion – surely she had not raised her voice? It was unlike the ferret to show much emotion beyond mild irritation or slight amusement, and it bothered her that she was unable to recall if she had yelled at the man.

She was about to utter an apology when the Selkie began muttering nonsensically to himself – was he cracked?? - then directed his embarrassment at herself. Self-doubt had paraded its way through her mind (yet another emotion she was less than fond of) and was pushed brusquely aside by indignation. How dare he?? Her earlier confusion made her cautious, however, and she opted for quiet coldness instead of speaking loudly.

I would have preferred, sir, that I hadn’t been tumbled into at all. Mind your surroundings so you needn’t apologize!

Iso wrinkled her nose and went to check her pulse- she wasn’t dreaming was she? First she had doubted herself and then her aggressor switched from sulking to idle chatter without hesitation. If her recollection was correct then it could not have been her earlier dose- it had been too soon for it to take effect and she had only taken two. Were these the consequences of her sleepless nights and endless frustration?

N-no, she fumbled, caught off guard by the Clubs’ question, Migraine medication. I suffer from migraines. She hadn’t expected actual witnesses to her self-indulgence (not that she would have referred to it that way). Eyes narrowed as she peered down at the man – he looked positively aglow with curiosity and contentment. Iso visibly relaxed. This one was certainly deficient of proper mental faculties. It wouldn't do to dwell on lengthy explanations for the "candy"... though he seemed distracted easily enough. Perhaps she should test this theory?

You said you were offering services?

[DaeSiggil]

He winced as she was speaking coldly against him, okay. He hadn't expected that to happen, nonetheless he quickly shrugged it off and didn't let it drag him down "I would have preferred it myself, miss." He commented, a small rueful smile playing on his features "But alas, I cannot change what has transpired moments before, no matter how much I wish to do so." A faint attempt as he used those words to let himself appear smarter than he truly was.

He didn't actually know why. He wasn't trying to impress her, was he? He didn't like her, first yelling at him and then speaking coldly to him like that. He wondered if she had multi-personality disorder or something. He quickly brushed it off, if it was like that he wouldn't have to concern himself about that. He maybe just could sneak off and pretend nothing had happened, yes. That sounded like an excellent idea.

He nodded his head Migraines, that explains all.. He thought to himself, biting his lower lip briefly, torn between apologizing more or pursuing his curiosity further. He didn't either, the next question was unexpected when it was asked, although maybe he really should have expected it. They didn't wipe the questions from his mind and he was sure to ask them later, if he recalled them. They where instead shoved to the back of his mind for a while.

"Yes miss." He replied, relaxing further as he went back to a more comfortable area of conversation. He seated himself better and the smile broadened for a moment "I can do quite a few things." He started, before speaking further and putting himself in a positive light, however he also spoke of a few lesser. Like him being distracted easily if not constantly pointed to the task at hand.

[Callypso]

A raised eyebrow met the vermin’s sudden alteration in vocabulary and dialect but Iso let it pass, considering her earlier brief assessment of his cranial activity (or lack thereof). Anything to keep the conversation from returning her questionable alley-way activities. Instead of arguing further, she simply nodded. In all likelihood, it had been a simple mistake – he probably had not meant to intentionally assail her. Though, in her opinion, he ought to be more cautious. She looked awkward for a moment then began an attempt at an apology.

Pardon if I startled you… My migraine – I’ve not been feeling well, she finished lamely. Colliding into solid objects certainly hadn’t helped her mood, either. It wasn’t really his business, but if indeed he could assist her it might prove worthwhile to engage in the tiresome trivialities society seemed insistent upon performing.

She surveyed her surroundings quickly. It seemed she had padded her way upon a street rife with vendors, peddlers and businesses promising services of every sort. He had offered her assistance, had he not? Were he a businessman himself she might patronize his establishment or he could direct her to the appropriate party that could accommodate her needs. This damned city had yet to proffer craftsmen who could complete her laboratory. Perhaps this encounter would prove useful after all?

Her nose wrinkled as the Selkie seemed distracted by some inner dialog. He only seemed to return to his senses once her inquiry had registered. Iso blinked, masking another build-up of irritation as he utterly failed to provide an adequate response.

I…see… The doctor did not ordinarily encounter this particular phenomenon. More often than not, when she asked a question, most Cards seemed unable to quiet themselves. If given the opportunity, people were wont to chatter endlessly about their personal lives or business. Normally, she left the conversation before being verbally battered into extinction. This time, however, she desired further information and it frustrated her that she actually had to work for.

Lovely. Make I inquire as to your specialty?

[DaeSiggil]

He waved her apology away, a look that still spoke his pardon on his features. "It's alright miss," he finally spoke. He paused for a moment, before looking at her, he would make amends, one way or another "Is there a way I can help you with that?" He questioned, mentioning with his paw. He was doubtful that she would accept it, but it was worth the try "I can escort you to your home?" He once more continued. He had no idea that it could possible annoy her, but he did it out of a good heart, didn't he? That could speak for something.

He just smiled as she spoke again, wasn't he glad that she saw. He was completely obvious as he looked her over once more, trying to not be too obvious about it. It had just been a while he had seen a female corvie (he had a weak for those, although sometimes their experiments scared him!) and he liked that fact. He would have chatted her ears off as well, but he just had the (correct, it seemed) sense that she didn't appreciate such things, so he hadn't done so.

He nodded his head "Of course you may." He thought over it for a moment, thoughtful "I have my contacts for everything you may need, I learned my own share of things from them as well" He raised a paw, touching a claw "I can work with machines, animals, electricity." He listed a few other things, looking at her for her reaction. He was interested in what she was interested in.

[Callypso]

Iso shook her head while simultaneously inching herself back from the Selkie.

No, I’m quite all right. Once the medication starts working the pain won’t be as severe.

She wasn’t a big fan of touching. The vermin did not seem particularly grubby, especially compared to some of his counterparts selling wares from the sidewalks; she just expected greater courtesy when it came to personal space. Simply a matter of preference. As a medical professional, she was more than aware of other Cards’ practice of hygiene, or lack thereof. Money passed through more paws and claws than she cared to think about. Her nose wrinkled considering the possibility of various bacteria crawling all over the coins in her purse. Ugh.

The doctor was gently removed from her thoughts when she had the sensation of being watched. She looked down to find the strange Spade eyeing her up and down, though he was trying (unsuccessfully) to hide his activity. Iso’s nose wrinkled again and she shifted awkwardly. Whatever was he looking at her that way for? Had she neglected to wash properly that morning? She gave herself a quick scan and returned to face the man who was still looking her over. Mental. He must have been mental.

The doctor had considered backing up a few more steps and sliding down a nearby alleyway when the man finally answered her question.

Electricity, did you say?

Oh, oh if he could wire her workspace to her specifications this might have been worth the “headache”!

What is your skill level? Do you know someone that can install overhead lighting for a large room? He had mentioned machines as well- perhaps he knew someone who could build her one of those electric dumbwaiters – a small elevator for patients that couldn’t easily navigate the stairs to her laboratory. Her look had softened, eyes aglow with possibility. Could it be that she might have finally found someone in the wretched Capital that could help her? It was an unexpected surprise. She hoped even if he couldn't provide the necessary services, that maybe he knew someone who would.

I have a project that requires serious attention.

[DaeSiggil]

The rat nodded his head, looking doubtful for a moment before it was wiped away as an easy smile came to rest on his lips again "Alright, miss." He saw her unwillingness to be touched and stopped halfway, not wanting to ruin her better-than-before mood. He hadn't appreciated getting snapped at and getting his ears bursting and bleeding. He just watched her instead, rather patiently for someone who was usually not patient.

He nodded his head when she echoed one of the words he had spoken moments before "Yes, miss." He confirmed, nodding his head quickly and giving her a quick grin. He looked at her fully once more. He wouldn't mind working for such a pretty thing. He had the feeling though that she wasn't entirely honest, but that could be ignored for her looks. He liked them and would have worshipped them, lucky for him he had enough self-restraint.

It seemed however that it made her uncomfortable and he dutifully shifted his gaze somewhere else again and tried to not look at her again and make her uncomfortable. He wasn't intend on doing that, conscious or unconscious.

He smiled lightly as she questioned him further "Good enough, I can do the basic things and a little more." He knew more, but didn't want to flaunt himself today. He once more waited for what she would do. She maybe wouldn't need him after all, a sad thought, now that he thought about it "I know a few, but they live far away, miss." He answered her last question. He jumped, daring "Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that the miss wants them done now."

He nodded his head once more, at full attention and ears perked up high "What may that be, miss?" He questioned, voice soft as trying not to disturb her in her thoughts.