: Luck in the Shadows :

[unputdownable]

Some nameless Inn, some nameless town.

This is an origin story if ever there was one, for all great partnerships have a definite and decided beginning and this is one such.

Jhude had been on the trail of a nobleman who had been hellbent on marrying his daughter to a highly abusive peer; it was a coaching inn on the way to one of the three major metropolis; now he'd read reports that the man on the gifted end of the bride stick had been a widower thrice times over which.. to Jhude, was a bit suspicious.

It had taken quite a bit of researcher, and he wasn't a born researcher by any stretch-- but it did not take an idiot to put two and two together and he was not an idiot; it also meant that the ladies life was hanging on a knife's point. Not now, but perhaps later-- and Jhude was enough of a bleeding heart that he could not countenance this whatsoever.

No one deserved it.

So he was in the posting house, keeping to the shadows, watching the lady and her father in question. Oh, but she looked miserable, and he looked smug. Tonight was the perfect time to act, the posting house was crowded and if there was anything that he could do, it was to perhaps sneak her out, give her a bag of gold to settle comfortably, give her the name of someone within the church who could provide her aid if needed and she'd have freedom to live her life and perhaps marry someone of her choosing.

He was sitting at a table with his hood pulled over his head, nursing a tankard of ale as he watched and listened; ever so close to the table so that he could pick up their words, their routine. Any sort of information that would make this entire process easier.

Comments

[transfigured]

"Following your heart then. That's really quite noble. And also fairly dangerous." But somehow Aster sounded like all of those words were meant as compliments. It was remarkable, that Jhude had decided to track a woman he didn't know simply because he overheard the danger she was in.

Aster took a go at the pump while Jhude was moving the tub, since he didn't particularly enjoy being no help at all, especially when his new friend (were they friends? he'd like to think they were friends) was going through all this trouble for his sake. He was starting to lug the pail of water towards where the tub had been situated, but paused to look startled at the apology.

He could feel his face start to grow heated, and he really hoped that he wasn't visibly blushing. Apologies weren't exactly things he was used too, especially for, well, it wasn't like he could fault Jhude for his reaction. Changelings weren't exactly welcomed as good omens.

"Oh. That's... really, it's fine, even if you were repulsed it would be fine. I probably should have warned you, at the very least." A pause and he added, his expression melting at how terrible Jhude was at this, and how delightfully earnest, amusement creeping into his expression. "Do most of your apologies involve telling people they make you nauseated?" The words were unmistakably teasing and playful, only made more obviously so by the way pale blue eyes glittered, some of that melancholy brushed away by the amusement.

"Would you want to understand it more?"

[unputdownable]

Jhude was absolutely terrible at every single part of it, though he laughed despite himself and the predicament that they were in, because it did seem a bit ridiculous didn't it. But he could tell that Aster was not put out about it. "I guess I had better stop talking then."

He brought the pale to the pump and was already working it once again, filling it up quickly.

"I mean I don't mind learning new things, that's how you grow-- right?" he was open to understanding, and he peeked over at Aster, watching those blue eyes sparkle with amusement. His own eyes were blue but with a greenish tint to it, could appear more green than blue, or more blue than green. Just depended on which.

"If you want to talk and tell me about where you come from, I would be happy to listen." Jhude was giving Aster carte blanche to talk his ear off, and perhaps he'd be happy for the sound of it-- he certainly looked like he would be. And Jhude was someone who had a terrible poker face.

[transfigured]

Aster's smile brightened when Jhude laughed. Ah good. That was what he had hoped for, and it was clear that the expression was genuine, making its way fully from his lips to his eyes.

"It is, yes. Curiosity is enough to sustain a main for a good, long while, even with nothing else to go with it." Though clearly Jhude had a great deal else, including a strong sense of justice and desire to do the right thing. It was clear in those chameleon blue-green eyes.

"I'd like that. The bard last night was a disguise, but the bard part is very genuine. So I don't need much encouragement to go on if I have a willing audience." Yeah, he was a talker, Jhude. You pegged him right on that one.

A tilt of his head as he watched the tub starting to fill to a decent level. "But I'd like to hear more about you in turn. Since it seems we're stuck together for a little while. And since Moonstone tells me she approves of you. That's very high praise."

[unputdownable]

"Truth be told, it is my goal to gain high praise from all of the majestic and beautiful mares in this land, but I can stop now because I've earned it from the most beautiful and majestic of them all." he said this in a voice, throwing a glance over his shoulder at Moonstone.

Finally back at Aster.

He hoisted the last bucketful of water into the tub and then wiped the back of his hand over the brow and then said with almost touching boyishness. "I can.. take a small nap in the stall while you.." oh, what a gentleman, despite ways that were clearly not of highborne habits.

[transfigured]

"You have indeed," Aster nodded sagely. He was incredibly biased about Moonstone, clearly, and he appreciated that Jhude was humoring him and did seem genuinely already fond of his wonderful little mare.

And oh yes, there was that entirely charming modesty-- or was it shyness? Either way, it was sweet, and Aster found himself more than a bit touched by it. "I wouldn't dream of denying you a rest. Light knows you've more than earned it. I slept our escape away and you didn't have the luxury of so much as shutting your eyes. But, no need for concerns of modesty. Despite the lovely frock," he shook said frock about like he was starting up a lively dance, "I'm no virtuous maiden. ...neither maiden nor very virtuous, honestly."

Jhude would learn very quickly that Aster was not body shy at all. That said, he was also mindful of not making anyone uncomfortable who did not deserve that discomfort.