The odd location is both a blessing and a curse; for one thing it allows for permanent shops and facilities, but on the other hand they aren't exactly well built. Still, there is a charm that the rest of Darkside doesn't have, since the new tenants are free to build as they see fit. So there is a mix of styles, from high rope-bridge linked tree houses (without the trees) to blocky, heavy buildings fit for oversized foxtaurs to well insulated adobe structures for various reptiles and pseudo-reptiles.
The shops are often small, with very limited choices. One may serve only creatures with four or more arms, with each article a unique, one-off creation, for instance, or one offering decorative saddle-bag like apparel for Fnerfs. The Savanites shops have the most variety of course, since the clientele is known for not having a lot of variety. Young Savanites can even get away with clothes made for Himarian Jupani or Olympian Katthas. There are, however, plenty of jewelry shops.
"I've heard of this place, but never had a chance to visit before," Tulani tells Nicora, whom she has decided needs a fresh set of clothing for her 'date' tonight with the Eeee college student, Phil.
"It seems ... diverse," Nicora offers as a polite way of saying the place is a chaotic mess. "Are you really sure this place will have anything remotely appropriate for me?"
"Oh, that depends," the Sphynx says, throwing an arm around Nicora's shoulder. "What do you think is appropriate? The Savanites I've seen tend to dress conservatively around town."
Nicora tilts her head to the side a bit and arches her brow as she gives Tulani a sidelong look. "Well, something respectable," she says, "Perhaps a bit understated and not too elegant. Partially to save money, partially so people don't stare."
"Ah, so.. like a student?" Tulani asks. "Maybe a little professional looking?"
"More professional, less student," Nicora says. "I'm a little too old to look like a student..."
A common brown Kiriga woman standing on a corner eyes the pair of women. Despite being the only (technically) mammalian race to be less well-endowed than Eeee, she's wearing a similar push-up corset.
"But at the same time, you don't want to look like a teacher," Tulani says, and start dragging Nicora towards a small accessories shop.
"That would prove to be a problem too," Nicora agrees. She eyes the odd kiriga for a moment, then ends up shrugging.
There are plenty of diverse reptilians in this area, which at least makes it more colorful. And the shop Nicora finds herself in seems to specialize in handbags and boots and other things made from.. reptile skin, hopefully shed and treated not literally lizard leather.
"Have I really fallen so low as to be shopping for ... a purse?" Nicora asks as her ears splay, then wilt. As depressed as she looks, it doesn't stop her from looking anyway.
"Professional women have handbags," Tulani claims. "They are elegant." She holds out one on thin straps that really is about the size of a hand. There are a few Savanite-targeted ones that have actual hand-symbols on the side, even. "Plus, it gives us a seed to grow an outfit around. Do you have a color you'd like?"
"Well, I now understand why you don't have one, not being professional and elegant," Nicora remarks as she peers at the one Tulani offers, then ends up taking it. "As for color ... perhaps blue. I have enough green, red, and black stuff."
"It's mainly an older-woman sort of thing," Tulani sniffs, and finds a blue-with-darker-blue-stripes handbag. It's at least big enough to fit Nicora's dagger into.
"You're no spring flower," Nicora claims and even grins for a few seconds. She takes the blue hangbag and peers over it for a bit, checks the interior size, and a few other minor things. "This will probably work. I can keep my important stuff in here easily enough."
"And it gives us two shades to work with," Tulani claims. "And at least I'm still a teenager until my next birthday. Let's look for a matching belt.."
"True, but the wrinkles and gray have begun," Nicora teases as she sashays along behind Tulani.
A suitable belt is found, and then it's down to the belt clasp. There are polished chitin and wood ones, in various levels of ostentatiousness. Even a black, chibix-shaped one.
Nicora seems more attracted to the understated belt clasps instead of the polished chitin odder styles. "I have decoration under the clothing ... I don't need it on top too," she explains as to her reason why.
A polished wooden clasp goes into the mix. "Hmm, how do you feel about scarves?" Tulani asks. "Or hair-clips?"
"Scarves for the neck or for holding hair?" Nicora asks for clarification. "I'm used to a lot of different types of hair accessories. I like them."
The pair push deeper into the shop, which sort of zig-zags around like a small maze. There they find a huge variety of hair clips and combs, some made from polished seashell instead of chitin, and even ivory and horn (although they must not be new pieces). "Scarves can go anywhere, even on your wrists and ankles," Tulani says. "Especially since Eeee aren't big on footwear much beyond toe-less ankle gloves."
"Well, would you want to wear socks on your hands?" Nicora points out, "It feels about the same." Her interest goes to the horn and bone pieces first, actually. Something about being a little worn adds to their style; at least from her perspective.
The bone and horn ones tend to be elaborately carved, with flowers being the common theme, although there's an odd fish or insect thrown in as well.
"You know what I want for a scarf? Something long enough to go wrist to wrist, with a hook for the belt or collar of a dress. I think that would look good," Nicora says as she sorts through some of the clips and ends up settling on one that is decorated in an elaborate carving of a flower.
Eying the scarves available, Tulani says, "I think we'll need to check another shop for a scarf that long. Shall we get this stuff first then, or look around more?"
Nicora looks about for a minute longer. "No, I think that settles it for this shop for now. We can always come back if we find in need of additional trinkets," she decides.
The next shop is more about fabric, including knitted shawls and lace-frilled wraps. It's also run by a friendly Fnerf. "Welcome!" he says expansively. "I am Cain; is there anything I can help you with today, lovely ladies?"
"Very different from Lucy," Nicora thinks. "Well, I'm looking for a long scarf. Something that would easily reach wrist-to-wrist with enough left to hook to a belt or a dress collar without any tugging," she explains while spreading her arms in gesture to help explain.
"Ah, I think I have what you want," the man says, and moves backwards through the shop rather than try to turn around. He leads the women to a bin full of nearly blanket-sized 'scarves' with long fabric ties at each corner. They're probably meant to be draped across a Fnerf's back, and ties to the legs or torso-joint.
"Wow, those are really long," Nicora says as she picks up one end and drapes it around this way and that. "But ... I think this would work. So this is made for a fnerf? Interesting reuse on an Eeee, then!"
"Both of our peoples tend to require light, yet elegant attire," the fox-taur notes.
"Point take," Nicora agrees. She tries to find one that is gauzy and is a close color to the handbag they purchased.
There are earth tones and pastels, mainly, but a very light blue one turns up. When folded and bunched together, it seems darker.
"What do you think?" Nicora asks Tulani. "Is the color close enough to work or is it too light?"
"It's a wrap, so should accent things and be a little lighter I think," Tulani says. "You need something light to go with your hair after all."
"It looks like you have a sale, then," Nicora tells the fnerf as she smiles. "Thank you."
Next comes a friendly bit of haggling, as is the custom in Rephidim, although Tulani still settles on a generous price. "I'm surprised you didn't ask to ken him," she whispers in Sylvanian to Nicora.
"I can't use the shadow in public or any place it could be sensed," Nicora points out in her reply in Sylvanian. "I wanted to, but ... I just can't use the shadow much in the city."
Once the scarf is bundled up and added to their bag, Tulani asks, "Now.. you probably want a two-piece outfit at least.."
"To deal with my wings, or do you have another reason you think that?" Nicora asks as she takes the bag since Tulani is doing most of the actual haggling and finding!
"Casual professional style, mainly," Tulani says. "And because flyers don't usually wear sheer gowns unless it's a big deal. Also, you only want to look a little better than your date, and I've seen Phil's wardrobe."
"It doesn't take much to look better than his wardrobe," Nicora notes and grins a bit at that. "IT should also probably have a semi-complicated set of ties ... to keep wandering hands at bay."
"You already have some flying trousers don't you?" the Sphynx asks, as she eyes a large Savanite shop across the alley. It has a big sign out front for the name: The Second Hand.
"I do, but those are hardly elegant," Nicora remarks. She follows Tulani's eyes, then spots the store the sphynx is apparently interested in. "And since you want to, lets go," she adds as she heads right towards that shop!
The store is filled with customers, many of them wearing what might pass for uniforms - Savanites may not be slaves, but they still fill most of the service jobs in well-to-do households. As such, the 'uniforms' are actually rather formal looking. Tulani heads in, looking as much at what the shoppers are wearing as what's for sale.
Nicora finds herself looking at the uniforms anyway simply because she could have fun with some of the styles ... in terms of confusing and messing with people, anyway. She still has that devious streak.
"Aha!" the Sphynx declares, the sound loud in the otherwise silent market and drawing even golden feline face to look at her - and a few scaly ones as well.
Nicora blinks. "Aha what?" she asks as she goes to try and see just what it is Tulani is looking at.
Tulani proudly holds out.. well, it looks like a long-sleeved shirt with a collar.. except the shirt part is missing. The collar buttons closed in front, and there are shoulders.. but no back or front. It's clearly meant to be worn over something else. It's white, however, not blue.
"What exactly is that?" Nicora ends up asking after peering at it for a good couple minutes and finding herself unable to figure out exactly what it is. "That's certainly different. It's light, and will match my hair at least. But .... it needs more otherwise well the twins will be hanging out..."
"Hanging?" Tulani asks with an arched eyebrow. "This is a shoulder-jacket. The really high-end restaurants use them, sometimes with braids and epaulets and stuff. The important thing is that it's backless. We just need a backless blouse or corset to go with it.."
"As hard as you may find it to believe, I do have some discretion," Nicora claims, "But ... I agree that I think it would work .... and it's better than some silly maid outfit..."
"The key now is to use something more casual and colorful for the blouse," Tulani says, and scans the store. "The regular Xenean stuff is probably in a different shop.."
"Most of what they have here is formal job-ware," Nicora agrees and nods. "While some of it could be fun, it doesn't quite meet the requirements of tonight."
"Let's look at the skirts," the Sphynx suggests. "A Savanite skirt should be nearly dress-length on you."
"Skirts? Here? Well, there were some this way. If you ask me I suspect they were so that their employers could eye their legs and other parts," Nicora says a bit dubiously, but guides Tulani in the direction she saw the skirts and dresses probably used by maids or tutors.
The skirts tend to be plain, but also come in various colors and fabrics and weights. A teenaged Savanite girl is also searching through them. She's wearing 'tribal chic', including hand-made jewelry and a multi-colored front-halter that ties in back. The neckline is merged directly with a Vykarin-style chitin neck-piece made of colored rectangles linked together.
"Hello," Nicora says to the teenager as well as signs it to her in case she looks her direction. "I like your outfit."
The girl blinks and bobs her head demurely, blushing a bit in the ears.
"I wonder if she got it near here?" Tulani asks.
"What's your name?" Nicora asks as she continues her hunt, "And my friend would like yo know if you bought that here." She pulls out a dress of medium-weight fabric in blue. She holds it up to herself and considers how the A-line looks against her body.
It's a good thing Nicora got that belt. The skirt at least has belt loops around the waist. The girl shyly signs, "Ekwyn."
"You don't have to be shy around us," Nicora says as she hands the dress over to Tulani to free her hands up. "Can you tell us where you bought your clothing?" she signs to the savanite.
The girl hesitates, then signs, "Rasha makes the collar. I made the rest. I got the fabric discounted."
"Who or where is Rasha?" Nicora signs. "And as for the rest ... well, you do good work. You should sell these. Perhaps you already do?"
"Vykarin, in the bazaar," Ekwyn signs. "Rasha's Den of Craft."
"Ah. I may have to visit his shop," Nicora signs. "Thank you again. And forgive the question but ... am I really that scary?"
"I am no scared," the girl claims. "Just respectful."
"Do you know other Eeee, then?" Nicora signs.
The girl seems confused by this. "I have worked with some," she signs. "But not for any. Are you looking for a servant?"
"Me? Oh, no. I could not afford a servant. Especially one as obviously as talented as you are," Nicora claims. "I am just shopping for clothing today."
Nicora asides in Sylvanian to Tulani, "I'd buy her if I could..."
"You have spotty fever," the Sphynx replies.
"She's cute. You don't agree?" Nicora asks.
"Would you like me to make you a top like mine?" the cheetah girl signs.
"They're all cute," Tulani notes.
"I would, but I do not know if there is time enough for you to make one. we are only in the city for a few days," Nicora signs in reply.
"I can make one in an hour," the girl claims.
"For how much? And what do you need from me?" Nicora asks.
Ekwyn seems to size Nicora up, and then hesitantly signs, "Ten."
Nicora looks over to Tulani ... and then being the sucker that she is, signs to Ekwyn, "Ten, and I will also buy you a dress if the one you pick is of reasonable price." The Eeee has always been a sucker for someone who seems gentle.
The girl's eyes go wide, and she signs, "Gehnoh!" and offers her hand to Nicora.
Nicora takes the young savanite's hand in hers and she shakes it lightly. "We're buying her a dress as long as it isn't expensive, and will be paying her ten for a hand-made top. And I know, before you say it ... I'm a sucker," she says to Tulani.
As soon as her hand is released, Ekwyn snatches up a white skirt. It looks plain, but the fabric is high quality and light.
"If you weren't a sucker.. you probably wouldn't have tagged along with me and Arkold in the first place," Tulani replies with a big grin.
Nicora tries to catch sight of the price. "Why can you never walk away from ... someone like that?" she wonders.
"I guess the desire to do a good turn for someone, just because, hasn't been completely beaten out of me," she admits quietly in Sylvanian.
"Or you like seeing children smile," Tulani claims, "from your performing days!" She reaches over and.. musses up Nicora's hair!
Nicora combs her hair back down. "Better that than some of the things I've seen happen to them. Once in a while a kind act is remembered and returned in kind," she claims. To the savanite, she signs, "Come, lets buy your dress..."
Ekwyn leads them to the checkout counter, where Tulani is at a loss for haggling, since the sales clerk is also a Savanite. There is a lot of counting on fingers (using some code Nicora isn't familiar with, involving bent fingers and other gestures to indicate amounts. Still, the total for their combined purchases is only twenty-five shekels.
"Well spent," Nicora says as she hands over the cash. The smile alone was worth it, really. "How will we find you later?" she signs to Ekwyn.
"Follow?" Ekwyn signs, and gestures as well.
"Oooor, we do it right now," Nicora tells Tulani ... and follows after Ekwyn.
The girl weaves through the narrow alleys, clutching her skirt to her chest the whole time. A flight of very narrow stairs leads to a rooftop, where another two levels of shanty-like construction have been added. A burly, rough-looking Savanite stands nearby, giving Nicora and Tulani a suspicious glare until Ekwyn signs something to him (which Nicora doesn't recognize). He then stands aside so they can all pass.
"Fancy," Tulani whispers. "No place I ever lived had a door man."
Niocra actually dips her head respectfully to the savanite male, then signs to him, "Thank you." Tulani's comment earns her a wing swat. "It's for protection, this is a rough area," she whispers.
"Hard to lock these doors, yeah," Tulani admits, as the girl leads them into a shack-like space. Inside, however, it's pretty cozy; lots of blankets, often covering hay-bale furniture, a small ceramic stove and plenty of shutters to let in air and light. Ekwyn goes about opening the windows and starting up the stove, and gestures for her guests to sit down.
Nicora heads to one of the bales and settles herself down, then crosses her legs properly and rests her hands in her lap for the moment. She sure has stayed in and sat on worse. This place is rather nice.
The one really solid-looking piece of furniture in the room is a large airship chest with a puzzle-lock. Ekwyn works at this for a moment, and opens it up. She gets a small pot and fills it from a rain-barrel before setting it on the stove, and then brings out what must be her pride and joy - a lap-top sewing kit, almost certainly a gift from a former master (voluntary or involuntary). She also has a sack full of colorful randomly-pattered tie-dyed fabric, and starts holding swaths out for Nicora's inspection. They seem themed by hue, so that there are some with pink-red-orange, blue-green-teal, and so on.
Nicora looks through each swatch, trying to show respect for someone who does take pride in her work. Out of all the colors, she seems to settle on the blue-teal-green one, then shows it to Tulani. "Will this work?" she asks her friend.
"I think so, it seems mature but fun," the Sphynx declares, nodding in approval.
"This one, please," Nicora tells Ekwyn as she offers the fabric back.
The girls smiles and quietly measures out the fabric by eye, then goes to work with scissors, needle and thread. She does work very quickly!
"She's better skilled than her surroundings imply," Nicora says to Tulani in Sylvanian. "I wish I could hire her for Draco Castle ... but I don't see that happening."
"She probably has her family here," Tulani notes. "And people are used to Savanites as well on Rephidim."
"I know. I'm just soft-hearted," Nicora admits.
There's a pause when the water boils, and Ekwyn offers her guests tea. It isn't clear what kind of tea it is, and there isn't any cream or sweetener to go with it, unfortunately.
Nicora isn't about to refuse the offer, even without cream or sweetener. She sniffs at the cup she gets ... then just takes a drink from the cup. Hopefully it won't be too bitter.
It's a bit licorice-flavored, definitely herbal or bark tea, but it doesn't have a home-made taste to it (and there was a half-seen label on the bag). It isn't too bitter. Tulani even licks her lips after a few sips.
The tie-straps and neckline are added next, with a few adjustments made to account for Nicora's wings. The fabric looks like it will wrap around enough not to leave the Eeee's sides exposed.
Nicora gives her tea an odd look, but keeps on drinking it. For the moment she's content to sip at the tea and watch Ekwyn work on making the top. It almost reminds her of watching the Radovah girls work on their costumes back when they were all kids. "It's going to need the collar," she notes to Tulani.
"Like she's got; the chitin one?" Tulani asks.
"Like that, yes," Nicora agrees. "I like the solid-segment look."
"Flew with a Vykarin navi who had a neckpiece like that. Said he kept his star-charts on it," the Sphynx relates.
"That's ... very odd," Nicora notes, then adds in Sylvanian, "I got to like wearing those sorts of things back in the spa when I was ... looking after you."
"Oh, so that was part of the appeal?" Tulani purrs with a big grin. This causes Ekwyn to look up for a moment, since she can't really follow the conversation in Sylvanian.
"One of them," Nicora says. To Ekwyn she adds, "Sorry, discussing travel-related things. I apologize for being rude."
The girl smiles and waggles her ears, then goes back to finishing off the hems.
"Do you think that will be enough to complete my outfit?" Nicora asks Tulani.
"Hmm, how much cleavage do you want on display?" Tulani asks. "That will determine if we need a neck-piece.
"Well ... some. If I've got it, I should show it off a little," Nicora claims.
Ekwyn puts away her tools, and holds up the mottled-blue-shades flying blouse for Nicora.
Nicora takes it lightly in her hands. "Should I try it on?" she asks Ekwyn and Tulani.
"Best to do that while she can make any adjustments," Tulani agrees.
"Well, release the torture device," Nicora teases and turns so Tulani can access the lacing of the corset.
It takes some time to get enough of Nicora's clothes off that she can actually try on what she's purchased. The first pass of the blouse is conservative, with just the top tip of Nicora's scar showing. Tulani has her put on the skirt and shoulder-jacket as well.
Nicora also watched to see if her built-in jewelry raised any eyebrows of the savanite as she dresses and adjusts bits of her clothing here and there to see how it looks when put together. "That's pretty good. It's modest, yet it shows a little," she remarks as she turns this way and that to see how things look as best she can.
There isn't a handy mirror, but Ekwyn does have a polished chitin plate that makes for a dark replacement. "I think it works," Tulani says, nodding in approval.
"Well, we have taken up a lot of your time, Ekwyn. Thank you for all your work," Nicora tells the young savanite after another quick look leaves her feeling generally satisfied with the apparel. It takes her a good couple minutes to find her money again now that everything has moved around, but she does manage eventually and fishes out ten shekels. The coins are offered to the savanite.
Ekwyn bows and accepts the coins, which of course she immediately bites to check that they're not wooden.
"I would be offended, but I imagine people try to scam them regularly," Nicora notes to Tulani. "I suppose we should get going? Is there anything else you think I need?"
"I think you're set," Tulani notes. "Looking forward to the date?"
"I guess? I think? I'm looking forward to pretending to be normal for a bit," Nicora admits. "I just hope he doesn't get the wrong idea."
"How many dates have you been on, anyway?" Tulani asks, as she stuffs Nicora's clothes into the bag.
"Officially? Not many at all. I tend to be around strange people," Nicora points out. "You're the most normal ... and you're far from normal."
The door-man checks them out again, but doesn't stop them from leaving the building. "Did he say where he's taking you?" Tulani asks Nicora.
"I have absolutely no idea. It just had better not be his parents. That would be awkward. I just hope something simple. We'll talk and have a nice evening," Nicora claims, though she sounds a bit uncertain about it.
"Worried?" Tulani asks, leaning right in to whisper it into the bat's ear.
"I have no idea what to expect and I don't want him getting the wrong idea," Nicora replies quietly.
"What would be the wrong idea?" the Sphynx asks, as they make their way back into the bazaar proper.
"That I'm more than just a friend to have a fun time with, no strings attached," Nicora answers simply.
"So, does that mean I shouldn't wait up for you, or...?" Tulani asks.
"You don't need to wait up. I'm not going in some den of danger. I expect I'll be back before morning, as long as people in the club don't corner me on the way in," Nicora says.
"Okay, just want to make sure!" Tulani says, and pats Nicora on the back.
"I can survive on my own, you know," Nicora remarks to Tulani as she gives her a look. You'll probably be off playing with the khatta ... Hortense, anyway..."
"Orrr, going out and drinking!" Tulani claims.
"Or both!" Nicora counters. "I'll be fine. Really. I'll see you tomorrow."
Phil seems nervous as he holds out the chair for Nicora. He's wearing his best, which still look like hand-me-downs from his father. The Eeee hasn't filled out yet, insofar as Eeee ever really fill out.
"Thank you, Phill. This is not a job interview, you need not be so nervous," Nicora says as she slides into her chair and settles down in it. she even lifts up a bit to make it easier for him to slide the chair a bit forward.
The boy manages the maneuver without injury, then takes his seat across from Nicora. "So.. ah.. eaten here before?" he asks.
"No, I have not," Nicora admit as she smiles lightly to see if it calms him down, "I tend to prefer soups and such. Do they have a good selection?"
"Yes, I.. I think so?" Phil flounders. "I've never eaten here before either, but they're supposed to cater to all tastes.."
"Don't worry, I won't dine on you or anything," Nicora teases as she looks about. "I already had you for breakfast once."
Phil blushes at that, and of course that's when the Eeee waiter approaches. "Would sir and madam care to start the evening with cocktails?" he asks. Hearing a faintly Gallisian accent from an Eeee is.. disturbing.
Nicora's ear twitches at hearing that accent. "What is your selection? she asks, trying to sound not at all disturbed by the Eeee's mannerism and voice.
The man rattles off a long list of mixed drinks and wines, many of which Nicora has never heard of. From the look on Phil's face, he probably hasn't heard of many of them either.
Nicora holds up her hand to stop the waiter. "Select something for each of us. Light and simple, please," she asks the waiter.
The man gives a half-bow, and places the leather-bound menus on the table. "Of course, I shall be back soon," he says.
"I feel like I scare you," Nicora admits as she takes up the menu and starts looking through it for meals that should be 'vampire friendly'.
The selections for vampires are fairly extensive. Along with the usual soups and puddings, there is a list of live animals, 'spiced to taste' via injections, apparently. "I've never taken anyone out to a fancy restaurant before," Phil admits. "I feel a bit out-of-place."
"So do I," Nicora admits as she looks over the menu and smiles, "Remember, I make my living by hunting down supernatural threats. This is ... quite foreign to me. So ... don't feel any pressure to try and impress me."
"Uh, I didn't honestly think I could impress you," Phil admits. "I just wanted to do something nice as a sort of thank-you for.. ahem."
"It was fun for me too, you know," Nicora notes as she taps her claw on the menu binding. "You made the cutest expressions and sounds."
The boy has to hide his blushing behind his menu. The waiter is heading back, with two fluted glasses on a serving tray.
Nicora reaches over and taps Phil's foot with her toes to make sure he notices the waiter. She sets her menu down for now and waits for the waiter to present her glass to her. "What did you select?" she asks of him.
"I think I've decided on the kebabs," Phil says. "Partly because I'm pretty sure I'm pronouncing it correctly.."
The wait arrives, and sets the glasses in front of the diners. Both are tall and fluted, filled with a sparkling wine of some sort and a floating strawberry. "I hope you enjoy your drinks, they are a house favorite this time of year. Are you both ready to order?" he asks.
"I believe so. I think I would like to have the spiced soup with basil and cream," Nicora orders just before she reaches out to take her glass. she sniffs it lightly, then takes a sip. Her head tilts slightly, then she nods, seemingly satisfied.
"I'll have the honey-seasoned kebabs with rice," Phil orders. The waiter bows again and takes the menus. "Your orders will be ready soon," he promises.
Phil has a sip of his drink, and nearly sneezes from the bubbles. "So, should we toast something?" he asks Nicora.
"Thank you," Nicora tells the waiter. Her attention returns to Phil and she asks him, "So, how have you been the past couple of days? I do hope you have survived the teasing of your roommates."
"Oh, they don't tease me.. why would they?" Phil asks, suddenly worried.
"Because of your mighty conquest?" Nicora teases, then smiles. "Sorry, it is good that they don't. It seemed like Jackie didn't like me very much."
"Oh, Jackie doesn't get on well with other women for some reason," Phil says. "Especially any that pay attention to Henry."
"Oh. Well, that is because she likes Henry," Nicora explains simply, then takes a sip from her wine glass. "Lapi do make for good boyfriends from what I have been told."
"Well, they make for good bedmates, is what I've been told," Phil claims. "No matter how sweet and cuddly, Lapis always go after other Lapis eventually for serious relationships."
"That entirely depends on if they want children or not. I know of at least one that does not," Nicora says, "But on average you are correct. I don't know Henry well enough to judge him one way or the other on that."
"He's young, and at his peak.. so he's pretty happy to get the occasional sleepover," Phil says with a smirk. "He knows Jackie's feelings, but.. well, he thinks it'd be really awkward to have a relationship with a roommate."
"If he would never want it to get serious, then it probably would. It can get complicated to have any sort of close relationship like that with someone and not have it become something serious," Nicora explains and shrugs a little. "It's something they would have to discuss before ever doing anything. Now what about you? Do you have any particular interests in any classmates?"
"Oh, no," Phil says. "Just about everyone in my classes are guys, and even then we barely socialize. It's pretty competitive."
"That's a shame. Don't spend all of your life in books. Otherwise you may reach a point it's too late to really live. And no, don't take that as advice to quit school either. Just ... don't give up living life in the pursuit of just one thing," Nicora offers as she swirls her glass, then takes a sip. "Otherwise you can end up alone and lonely. You may find like I did, that it's the people in your life that end up mattering more. Everything is short and before you know it, it's gone." She shrugs again and smiles, "But that's been my life experience. You are under no obligation to listen to a word I say."
"You've seen a lot more of they world than I have, and you aren't that much older.." Phil says, probably trying to sound flattering, when the servers come with their meals.
"I've seen a lot of the good, and probably more of the bad," Nicora admits, "I am ... perhaps a little jaded on how I see things." And that's where she leaves it so the servers can place their meals.
Phil eats in relative silence, but does say, "You look really nice tonight."
Nicora respects Phil's wishes to eat quietly and does so in kind. She enjoys her soup, thankful it tastes a little different from other things she has had before. The compliment makes her smile. "Thank you, Phil," she says. "I picked it out for you."
"What, really?" the boy asks, looking surprised and pleased. "I don't think anyone's ever done that for me before!"
"You're a fun guy. A little awkward, but fun. You just need more confidence in yourself," Nicora tells him kindly. "It was worth the effort to put this together if it helps you see that in yourself."
"So, what do I need to work on most?" Phil asks, looking from side to side first and whispering.
"If anything, be a little more assertive? Also, don't try pretend to be something you are not; just be who you are," Nicora offers. "Also, don't be embarrassed to try new things."
"You mean.. don't be afraid to look like a fool?" Phil asks.
"More or less," Nicora agrees with a nod. "You've seen what I've done to my body. It was completely foolish, but fun."
"But you did that when you were a kid like me, right?" the boy asks.
"No ... later," Nicora admits.
"Ah, so it's something that goes on and on?" Phil asks, nodding. "I sort of wondered when a person becomes an 'adult', but I'm beginning to think it isn't an actual event, just.. people sort of faking it."
Nicora giggles at that. "Phil," she says, "You never feel like an adult. There is no magical moment anything happens. One day you'll just look around and wonder why everyone treats you like one."
"Wow, so.. when you came home with me.. it feels like that?" the boy asks, wide-eyed. "Just.. surprise.."
"The best advice I can give you id try not to be afraid to do new things and if you really want something or someone, you pursue it," Nicora says. "You'll regret more the things you didn't do than the things you did. Well, most of the time. And hm. I don't know if it's just like that, but kind of?"
"So.. want to come back to my place for dessert then?" Phil asks, trying to be bolder.
"Are you the dessert, or am I?" Nicora counters. she picks up her glass and fishes the strawberry out with her tongue. Slowly.
"We can take turns," Phil promises, then tries the same with his floating strawberry. He manages not to choke himself, but admits, "My tongue feels funny now."
"I'll come back with you," Nicora ends up agreeing. "And I'll have to find a way to occupy you until your tongue feels normal again."
"This was the best dinner ever then," Phil claims with a big smile.
"It isn't over," Nicora says cryptically and smiles, "I think I'll teach you something new tonight ... on how tasty your date can be." She swirls her glass once more and downs the remaining wine. "And whatever else evil corrupting and hedonistic things I can think of." The smile that follows is predatory ... yet somehow manages to keep from feeling actually threatening. "I just hope you haven't forgotten the code..."