(FFXIV Chat Log) Chance Meeting {Nola + A'vette}
Mar 21, 2017 0:58:33 GMT -5
Post by Nola Raknea on Mar 21, 2017 0:58:33 GMT -5
Ul'dah was always such a beautiful city. Culture and artistry saturated its walls. A'vette came by periodically to shop for new clothes and pamper herself a bit. It helpted her destress from her job at the Theater. Having just returned from the Weaver's Guild, she had picked up an order for a brand new elegant red cloak. A perfect fit for a Songstress. The heat however was dangerous for her fair skin, so she retired to the Quicksand for a drink and to see the proprieter, Momodi, whom she had grown well aquainted with after the fight broke out a month ago. She walked to the counter, greeting the beautiful young lalafell. "Bonjour, Momodi. A cranberry juice, s'il vous plait." -d-
Nola hummed quietly to herself has she crossed the archway threshold into the Steps of Nald. She'd come into the city looking for a few extra vials of quicksilver to replace the ones that had been broken after a small hip bump sent them tumbling off the table they laid upon. Despite the black color of her robe, the light material meant that she could feel comfortable in deep set heat of Thanalan while avoiding the harsh rays on her skin. Walking up the steps to the Adventurer's Guild, Nola wondered if Momodi would have the time for a quick chat. Her two assistants were more than capable of handling the day's work on their own as there wasn't much to do but wait for the brews to complete. Entering the Quicksand, a flash of a brilliant red robe caught her eye and she approached the counter curiously.
(A'vette Rayoh) Momodi smiled as A'vette sat down, quickly fetching a bottle of juice and pouring two glasses. One for her guest, and one for herself. "Well, if it isn't the Crimson Songstress herself! Hello, lass! Come to chat with little old Momodi, have you?" A'vette giggled softly, appreciative of Momodi's warm welcome. "Merci, ma cherie. Good to see you as well. I trust zere have been fewer fights in my absence?" "None that my associates can't handle. It's been relatively normal." The lalafell turned and noticed another patron walking toward the counter, smiling at her. "Well, well! The master Alchemist arrives! How are you, Nola?" Nola? That name was familiar. Wasn't that the young miqo'te mage that helped her and her friends search the Great Library? She cocked her head back, noticing familar locks of violet hair. "Oh! Madamoiselle Nola! We meet again! Come, have a seat. I'll buy you a drink." -d-
Smiling at Momodi's warm welcome, Nola tipped a small bow. "You flatter me, Miss Momodi." Momentarily distracted, she was caught off guard when her name was called, looking down at the bard seated at the counter. "Miss A'vette! Well met, again." She greeted cordially, taking a seat beside the Crimson Songstress. "It certainly is a coincidence to encounter you here." Examining A'vette's attire, she thought it suited the Songstress well, especially her title. She nodded and thanked the Quicksand Proprietor as another glass of juice slid towards her, taking a sip. Refreshing!
"It's been too long, ma cherie! How have you been?" What a surprise! A'vette had wanted to speak with Nola again for some time. She was a tremendous help to A'vette that day in Sharlayan. The tomes she had gathered on Nym truly did help accelerate her study of the Scholars. She had learned more from those tomes that anything else she had tried. Her help was invaluble. "I never got ze chance to zank you for helping us in Sharlayan. I couldn't have gotten zose tomes wizout your help." -d-
"Of course." Nola nodded, "I should be grateful to you as well for the opportunity to enter such a vault of knowledge." She replied, with the amount she learned as well from inside the Library, Nola had to wonder how much knowledge could be gained if one were to read everyone tome sealed inside those walls. "I've been well, perhaps no better than any other." Swirling her glass to keep it from stagnating, she tilted her head at A'vette. "Did you have business in Ul'dah?" She had been under the impression that the Songstress spent most of her time in Gridania after finally recognizing her melodic voice to be the one she often listened to while studying under the Padjali.
"I come to Ul'dah periodically. Mostly to update my wardrobe. A famous Songstress such as myself has to keep appearances. Why I just returned from ze Weavers. Zey made zis new cloak for me. Just a little somezing to take on adventures." She glanced down at her cloak once again, admiring the craftsmanship and artistry of its design. Elegant, flowing. A perfect complement to a Songstress. "I intended to return to Limsa, but I decided to stop by and see Momodi. And, well, now here you are! Call me quite ze lucky lady!" She giggled with glee, taking a swig of her juice. -d-
After having travelled through the Library with the Songstress and her friends, Nola found it a bit trying to maintain her typical guarded personality. It was as if being in the presence of an admired bard was causing her to lose the calculated measures she took to keep her distance. "It suits you." To her surprise, she let a small smile spread across her features. A genuine one. She returned to her drink, centering herself again. "I come through here to monopolize Miss Momodi for brief stints of conversation on my way to and from the marketplace."
The Lalafellin woman giggled, "Hardly! I'll admit it's refreshing to talk to a woman of the mind after comforting those who've drank too deep into their cups."
Nola's gentle smile was calming. It wasn't until now that A'vette was able to get a good look at the girl. Like A'vette, her skin glowed fair and bright, highlighted by her dark clothing. Her eyes struck a perfect balance between light and dark: bright gold in one, dark violet in the other. A'vette found herself captivated for a moment, wholy admiring Nola's natural beauty. It was more out of impulse, but she had to mention. "Miss Nola, forgive me if I come across ze wrong way, but you are quite ze beautiful young woman. I'm an artist by trade, and I'm always one to admire natural beauty when I see it. You, my dear, are practically glowing." She smiled again, surprised at how comfortable she was, as if she was speaking to an old friend. -d-
Nola blinked, surprised by the return compliment. She'd been complimented before but to hear it from the Songstress herself was..quite the experience for her. "Th-.." The mage felt a bit dumbstruck, playing with the handle of her glass and rolling the cup between her hands slightly. "Thank you." She broke eye contact, watching the red liquid swirl around. Changing the subject quickly, Nola looked up again. "Your songs inside the Library...Then you are a true bard?" She asked, meaning to gesturing away from the minstrels and entertainers whose song held no power in battle.
Oh? A'vette could see some color in Nola's cheeks as she turned away from her compliment. A'vette smiled warmly. How adorable. She really was one of the most adorable things she had ever seen. Nola changed the subject quickly, asking about her songs in the Library. "Oui! I come from a long line of ancient bowmen that have mastered the rituals of ze Bards. My mother was one of zouse who demonstrated ze power of song at Carteneau years ago. She passed during zat battle, but I intend to carry on her legacy. To create ballad, inspire heroes, heal broken hearts, mend wounded spirits. Zat is ze essence of Bardic tradition." She shared her ambitions with many, but it never got old in her mind. Her life had grown hectic, glamourous. But she would never forget where she came from, as a simple young woman from Gridania with a dream and a passion. -d-
"Certainly, that is a grand ambition you hold." Nola nodded, to think that someone with such talent and following still had the drive to achieve more, she felt herself admiring A'vette just a bit more. "I've learned archery from those in my village but we do not use Bard Song during the hunt." She spoke honestly, almost hopeful. "To learn the art and power of bardic song is something I would like to do in the future..." At that moment, she felt a ripple of butterflies. What was she doing, talking so openly?
"Oh? You're interested in bardic song? I admit, zat's ze first time I've heard anyone express interest." It was true. Bardic tradition was essentially a lost art. The technique she used, her accent, her language, all of it was part of her family's heritage. But she was one of the last of it's practitioners. She needed some way to keep the traditions alive. "What, praytell, piqued your interest in Bardic knowledge? Color me curious." -d-
Well, she’d come this far down the path, she may as well see it through. “Actually, when I was younger minstrels would come through my village, they weren’t true Bards but they sang of them and I thought it was fascinating how a simple song could strike such power and inspiration into those around them.” Nola weaved her fingers together, crossing one thumb over the other. It felt strange, laying bare her admirations for a profession nearly lost to the ages to someone she had only encountered a few times before.
A'vette chuckled lightly. "You sound like me when I was younger. Or perhaps it was my sister? Indeed, we Bards are no mere minstrels. We are crafters of inspiration. Invigoration, rejuvenation, some may even say healing. Our songs are capable of zings many would consider miracles. I've studied it since I was a petit chaton. But it wasn't until my mother passed zat I realized it's truest potential. I want to harness ze power of song. To help ozers. To inspire heroes." Nola was certainly eager. But there was something she needed to know. Something Nola could not simply say out loud. A'vette rose from her seat, walking over to Nola. She knelt down to her level, looking deep into her eyes. She was looking for "that look." A look of purity. Strength of spirit. A willingness to aid others. She looked even closer, almost touching Nola's nose. "Hmm..."
Nola’s eyes widened considerably now, leaning back in an effort to create distance between the two. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Momodi raise her hands to her mouth to cover an intrigued coo. Her ears tipped back slightly, alarmed by the clear invasion of personal space. Unable to lean any further back, lest she tumble ungracefully out of her seat, she turned her face away. “P-pardon?”
Before Nola turned away, A'vette caught a glimpse of something. Something familiar. A very particular gleam in Nola's eye. Satisfied, she patted Nola's head gently. "You remind me of ma soeur, ma cherie. My sister, A'vina. She was much like you in many ways. A bit reserved, but with a resolve and determination to move mountains. I see it in your eyes, Nola. You have the workings of a fine Bard. I would be more zan happy to show you ze power of song." She returned to the seat behind her, Momodi sliding her drink down the counter. She took a long sip of her juice, smiling contentedly. "My apologies, Nola. I didn't intend to make you uncomfortable. I just needed to see zat little geam in your eye. You understand." -d-
She’d understand? Nola touched the top of her head, adjusting the ornament as she did so. Under normal circumstances, she may have stopped anyone who tried to lay a hand on her. And then there was the matter of the Songstress’s sister, which intrigued her but she decidedly didn’t comment on it considered A’vette’s choice of the past tense. But it would have seemed that she had passed whatever A’vette’s test seemed to be and she felt more relieved than she thought she’d be. “You have my gratitude then and I shall leave my education in your hands.” Nola nodded as her frayed nerves mended together once more. She had seen some of the Songstress’s personality in the Library but she wasn’t prepared for all she had already experienced today.
"Splendid!" A'vette clapped her hands together in excitement! A student of the Bard! This was perfect! A'vette finally had a capable apprentice. Nola had potental. She knew it. It was just a matter of giving her time to learn. "We begin practice within ze week. I'll whip you into shape in due time."
Now, they were talking. Nola could do time tables and business. “Perfect, is there ought I should prepare? And as for a meeting destination?” Nola’s pleased smile returned to her face, happily back in her comfort zone.
A'vette liked Nola's enthusiasm. It made her job a lot easier. "We can use my apartment. I use it as my study and music room. It's ze perfect place to practice. I'm living with my fiance at ze moment, so it's more of a private space for me. And, please, come as you are. Dress comfortably. I'll be doing ze same." She winked at her cute new apprentice, eager to get started.
“Your fiancé?” Nola questioned, curious—oh, but she would be sure to come back to that. “Then, it’s agreed. Shall I arrive at the first bell after noon?” She could hardly contain her excitement, after so many years she’d be able to evolve her knowledge of archery by weaving the power of Bard song through it.
"Oui. Zat would be perfect. I'll see you zen, ma cherie." She finished her drink, placing a few gil coins on the counter to pay for the drinks. Patting Nola on the head once more, she smiled at the young woman. She really was a beautiful creature. The Twelve never ceased to bless her with good fortune. "Au revoir, Nola. We'll talk soon." She began to strut playfully out the door towards the airship landing, ready to return home to Limsa. -d-
“Yes, I’ll be seeing you.” Nola’s head dipped lightly with the gentle pat, ears following the motion. She still wasn’t sure quite what to make of the gesture but, she’d allow it. “Farewell, Miss A’vette, safe travels.” Nola stood, raising a hand in a farewell gesture to see A’vette off. She turned back to Momodi, tipping her typical bow. “Then, I shall be taking my leave as well, Miss Momodi. Perhaps next time we will have an opportunity to chat more.” The proprietor giggled and took the emptied glasses back behind the counter. “You know where to find me, Miss Nola, I’d be pleased to see you again soon.” Nodding once more, Nola turned and headed in her own direction back towards the apothecary. Hopefully, G’sahyra and Myrganigeim hadn’t encountered any problems while she’d been gone for the last few bells.
Nola hummed quietly to herself has she crossed the archway threshold into the Steps of Nald. She'd come into the city looking for a few extra vials of quicksilver to replace the ones that had been broken after a small hip bump sent them tumbling off the table they laid upon. Despite the black color of her robe, the light material meant that she could feel comfortable in deep set heat of Thanalan while avoiding the harsh rays on her skin. Walking up the steps to the Adventurer's Guild, Nola wondered if Momodi would have the time for a quick chat. Her two assistants were more than capable of handling the day's work on their own as there wasn't much to do but wait for the brews to complete. Entering the Quicksand, a flash of a brilliant red robe caught her eye and she approached the counter curiously.
(A'vette Rayoh) Momodi smiled as A'vette sat down, quickly fetching a bottle of juice and pouring two glasses. One for her guest, and one for herself. "Well, if it isn't the Crimson Songstress herself! Hello, lass! Come to chat with little old Momodi, have you?" A'vette giggled softly, appreciative of Momodi's warm welcome. "Merci, ma cherie. Good to see you as well. I trust zere have been fewer fights in my absence?" "None that my associates can't handle. It's been relatively normal." The lalafell turned and noticed another patron walking toward the counter, smiling at her. "Well, well! The master Alchemist arrives! How are you, Nola?" Nola? That name was familiar. Wasn't that the young miqo'te mage that helped her and her friends search the Great Library? She cocked her head back, noticing familar locks of violet hair. "Oh! Madamoiselle Nola! We meet again! Come, have a seat. I'll buy you a drink." -d-
Smiling at Momodi's warm welcome, Nola tipped a small bow. "You flatter me, Miss Momodi." Momentarily distracted, she was caught off guard when her name was called, looking down at the bard seated at the counter. "Miss A'vette! Well met, again." She greeted cordially, taking a seat beside the Crimson Songstress. "It certainly is a coincidence to encounter you here." Examining A'vette's attire, she thought it suited the Songstress well, especially her title. She nodded and thanked the Quicksand Proprietor as another glass of juice slid towards her, taking a sip. Refreshing!
"It's been too long, ma cherie! How have you been?" What a surprise! A'vette had wanted to speak with Nola again for some time. She was a tremendous help to A'vette that day in Sharlayan. The tomes she had gathered on Nym truly did help accelerate her study of the Scholars. She had learned more from those tomes that anything else she had tried. Her help was invaluble. "I never got ze chance to zank you for helping us in Sharlayan. I couldn't have gotten zose tomes wizout your help." -d-
"Of course." Nola nodded, "I should be grateful to you as well for the opportunity to enter such a vault of knowledge." She replied, with the amount she learned as well from inside the Library, Nola had to wonder how much knowledge could be gained if one were to read everyone tome sealed inside those walls. "I've been well, perhaps no better than any other." Swirling her glass to keep it from stagnating, she tilted her head at A'vette. "Did you have business in Ul'dah?" She had been under the impression that the Songstress spent most of her time in Gridania after finally recognizing her melodic voice to be the one she often listened to while studying under the Padjali.
"I come to Ul'dah periodically. Mostly to update my wardrobe. A famous Songstress such as myself has to keep appearances. Why I just returned from ze Weavers. Zey made zis new cloak for me. Just a little somezing to take on adventures." She glanced down at her cloak once again, admiring the craftsmanship and artistry of its design. Elegant, flowing. A perfect complement to a Songstress. "I intended to return to Limsa, but I decided to stop by and see Momodi. And, well, now here you are! Call me quite ze lucky lady!" She giggled with glee, taking a swig of her juice. -d-
After having travelled through the Library with the Songstress and her friends, Nola found it a bit trying to maintain her typical guarded personality. It was as if being in the presence of an admired bard was causing her to lose the calculated measures she took to keep her distance. "It suits you." To her surprise, she let a small smile spread across her features. A genuine one. She returned to her drink, centering herself again. "I come through here to monopolize Miss Momodi for brief stints of conversation on my way to and from the marketplace."
The Lalafellin woman giggled, "Hardly! I'll admit it's refreshing to talk to a woman of the mind after comforting those who've drank too deep into their cups."
Nola's gentle smile was calming. It wasn't until now that A'vette was able to get a good look at the girl. Like A'vette, her skin glowed fair and bright, highlighted by her dark clothing. Her eyes struck a perfect balance between light and dark: bright gold in one, dark violet in the other. A'vette found herself captivated for a moment, wholy admiring Nola's natural beauty. It was more out of impulse, but she had to mention. "Miss Nola, forgive me if I come across ze wrong way, but you are quite ze beautiful young woman. I'm an artist by trade, and I'm always one to admire natural beauty when I see it. You, my dear, are practically glowing." She smiled again, surprised at how comfortable she was, as if she was speaking to an old friend. -d-
Nola blinked, surprised by the return compliment. She'd been complimented before but to hear it from the Songstress herself was..quite the experience for her. "Th-.." The mage felt a bit dumbstruck, playing with the handle of her glass and rolling the cup between her hands slightly. "Thank you." She broke eye contact, watching the red liquid swirl around. Changing the subject quickly, Nola looked up again. "Your songs inside the Library...Then you are a true bard?" She asked, meaning to gesturing away from the minstrels and entertainers whose song held no power in battle.
Oh? A'vette could see some color in Nola's cheeks as she turned away from her compliment. A'vette smiled warmly. How adorable. She really was one of the most adorable things she had ever seen. Nola changed the subject quickly, asking about her songs in the Library. "Oui! I come from a long line of ancient bowmen that have mastered the rituals of ze Bards. My mother was one of zouse who demonstrated ze power of song at Carteneau years ago. She passed during zat battle, but I intend to carry on her legacy. To create ballad, inspire heroes, heal broken hearts, mend wounded spirits. Zat is ze essence of Bardic tradition." She shared her ambitions with many, but it never got old in her mind. Her life had grown hectic, glamourous. But she would never forget where she came from, as a simple young woman from Gridania with a dream and a passion. -d-
"Certainly, that is a grand ambition you hold." Nola nodded, to think that someone with such talent and following still had the drive to achieve more, she felt herself admiring A'vette just a bit more. "I've learned archery from those in my village but we do not use Bard Song during the hunt." She spoke honestly, almost hopeful. "To learn the art and power of bardic song is something I would like to do in the future..." At that moment, she felt a ripple of butterflies. What was she doing, talking so openly?
"Oh? You're interested in bardic song? I admit, zat's ze first time I've heard anyone express interest." It was true. Bardic tradition was essentially a lost art. The technique she used, her accent, her language, all of it was part of her family's heritage. But she was one of the last of it's practitioners. She needed some way to keep the traditions alive. "What, praytell, piqued your interest in Bardic knowledge? Color me curious." -d-
Well, she’d come this far down the path, she may as well see it through. “Actually, when I was younger minstrels would come through my village, they weren’t true Bards but they sang of them and I thought it was fascinating how a simple song could strike such power and inspiration into those around them.” Nola weaved her fingers together, crossing one thumb over the other. It felt strange, laying bare her admirations for a profession nearly lost to the ages to someone she had only encountered a few times before.
A'vette chuckled lightly. "You sound like me when I was younger. Or perhaps it was my sister? Indeed, we Bards are no mere minstrels. We are crafters of inspiration. Invigoration, rejuvenation, some may even say healing. Our songs are capable of zings many would consider miracles. I've studied it since I was a petit chaton. But it wasn't until my mother passed zat I realized it's truest potential. I want to harness ze power of song. To help ozers. To inspire heroes." Nola was certainly eager. But there was something she needed to know. Something Nola could not simply say out loud. A'vette rose from her seat, walking over to Nola. She knelt down to her level, looking deep into her eyes. She was looking for "that look." A look of purity. Strength of spirit. A willingness to aid others. She looked even closer, almost touching Nola's nose. "Hmm..."
Nola’s eyes widened considerably now, leaning back in an effort to create distance between the two. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Momodi raise her hands to her mouth to cover an intrigued coo. Her ears tipped back slightly, alarmed by the clear invasion of personal space. Unable to lean any further back, lest she tumble ungracefully out of her seat, she turned her face away. “P-pardon?”
Before Nola turned away, A'vette caught a glimpse of something. Something familiar. A very particular gleam in Nola's eye. Satisfied, she patted Nola's head gently. "You remind me of ma soeur, ma cherie. My sister, A'vina. She was much like you in many ways. A bit reserved, but with a resolve and determination to move mountains. I see it in your eyes, Nola. You have the workings of a fine Bard. I would be more zan happy to show you ze power of song." She returned to the seat behind her, Momodi sliding her drink down the counter. She took a long sip of her juice, smiling contentedly. "My apologies, Nola. I didn't intend to make you uncomfortable. I just needed to see zat little geam in your eye. You understand." -d-
She’d understand? Nola touched the top of her head, adjusting the ornament as she did so. Under normal circumstances, she may have stopped anyone who tried to lay a hand on her. And then there was the matter of the Songstress’s sister, which intrigued her but she decidedly didn’t comment on it considered A’vette’s choice of the past tense. But it would have seemed that she had passed whatever A’vette’s test seemed to be and she felt more relieved than she thought she’d be. “You have my gratitude then and I shall leave my education in your hands.” Nola nodded as her frayed nerves mended together once more. She had seen some of the Songstress’s personality in the Library but she wasn’t prepared for all she had already experienced today.
"Splendid!" A'vette clapped her hands together in excitement! A student of the Bard! This was perfect! A'vette finally had a capable apprentice. Nola had potental. She knew it. It was just a matter of giving her time to learn. "We begin practice within ze week. I'll whip you into shape in due time."
Now, they were talking. Nola could do time tables and business. “Perfect, is there ought I should prepare? And as for a meeting destination?” Nola’s pleased smile returned to her face, happily back in her comfort zone.
A'vette liked Nola's enthusiasm. It made her job a lot easier. "We can use my apartment. I use it as my study and music room. It's ze perfect place to practice. I'm living with my fiance at ze moment, so it's more of a private space for me. And, please, come as you are. Dress comfortably. I'll be doing ze same." She winked at her cute new apprentice, eager to get started.
“Your fiancé?” Nola questioned, curious—oh, but she would be sure to come back to that. “Then, it’s agreed. Shall I arrive at the first bell after noon?” She could hardly contain her excitement, after so many years she’d be able to evolve her knowledge of archery by weaving the power of Bard song through it.
"Oui. Zat would be perfect. I'll see you zen, ma cherie." She finished her drink, placing a few gil coins on the counter to pay for the drinks. Patting Nola on the head once more, she smiled at the young woman. She really was a beautiful creature. The Twelve never ceased to bless her with good fortune. "Au revoir, Nola. We'll talk soon." She began to strut playfully out the door towards the airship landing, ready to return home to Limsa. -d-
“Yes, I’ll be seeing you.” Nola’s head dipped lightly with the gentle pat, ears following the motion. She still wasn’t sure quite what to make of the gesture but, she’d allow it. “Farewell, Miss A’vette, safe travels.” Nola stood, raising a hand in a farewell gesture to see A’vette off. She turned back to Momodi, tipping her typical bow. “Then, I shall be taking my leave as well, Miss Momodi. Perhaps next time we will have an opportunity to chat more.” The proprietor giggled and took the emptied glasses back behind the counter. “You know where to find me, Miss Nola, I’d be pleased to see you again soon.” Nodding once more, Nola turned and headed in her own direction back towards the apothecary. Hopefully, G’sahyra and Myrganigeim hadn’t encountered any problems while she’d been gone for the last few bells.