Valerie meets Albion

chuklfuk-08/14/2016

The halls of the castle are bustling with people- the new arrivals from Floribar seem to have caused quite the commotion. Albion is found at a table in one of the castle's long halls. He's laid back on a chair, feet propped up on the table in front of him, and arms covering his eyes- it's uncertain whether he's taking a break or taking a nap. Around him are a few trinkets and baubles, as well as a few weapons- he seems to be using the area as an impromptu merchant stand. It's not clear whether or not he has permission. On the table next to his feet rests a crystal ball- the color of amethyst, with shapes swirling inside. To a skeptic, it appears a conjurer's trick- to a believer, it seems a lens into time itself. Either way, it's quite beautiful- and seemingly ill-suited to its owner. His dark blue jacket is worn, his black boots are smudged with dirt, and his long strands of purple hair are in a bit of a mess. His attire and his attitude make him stick out like a sore thumb around the surrounding nobility. A figure approaches from down the hall...

NethaEmerald-08/14/2016

Valerie had been getting used to accommodations in the castle thus far, and was now ready to begin exploring it in more detail. She was glad that she did manage to find Prince Finn and his army in as short of a time as she did. She half-expected herself to be joining against the enemy in the middle of one of their fights. Regardless, she was mostly minding her own business at this time, taking the sights of the castle in... until something shiny caught her eye. Her curious eyes peered to the spectacle source, only to see that it was some dirty gut napping that was next to it. She was growing skeptical that it was actually his now, but regardless, she did find herself going over and at least examining the amethyst ball.

chuklfuk-08/14/2016

Albion stretches his arms and yawns- as he does, he notices something through squinted eyes. Opening up his right eye to peer out, he sees someone- a young woman, maybe a mercenary, approaching the stand. With surprising speed, he sweeps his legs off the table and stands up, sweeping a few strands of hair out of his face. A customer? About time. "Uh... hi! Hello! What can I do for you?" He extends a hand in greeting, a broad smile on his face- as he does, he notices that her eyes are on the crystal ball. "Impressive, isn't it? I'm afraid it's not for sale, though."(edited)

NethaEmerald-08/14/2016

Valerie hadn't expected the man to jump up and abruptly as he did, which did cause the woman to jump back in startlement a little as he did. When she fully put together what has happened, she regained her previous composure and slowly made her way back to him and the ball. "Uh... was just admiring it." She honestly spoke back to him as of right now, not even sure what he was going to attempt next. Regardless, she did return her focus to the crystal ball, examining it once again.

chuklfuk-08/14/2016

Albion's extended hand stays out for a moment. Did she notice? Maybe she's not the type to shake hands... He pulls it back, rubbing the back of his head to save face. "Well, it's not just there to look at! It might just look like some trinket- some shiny bauble, to put on the mantelpiece- but in truth, this is a divine instrument, and one of no small power. With this, I can see into the future- and with no more than a name and a face, I can tell you what's in store for you." He puts his hands on his hips, still grinning. "How about it? Only a hundred gold pieces for a reading."(edited)

NethaEmerald-08/14/2016

When this man moved his hand, she just realized were he had it! She felt like an idiot for not even offering to shake it. Rather than bring it up to make things awkward again, she decided to just let it be. As he spoke of the ball, she turned her attention to him, listening to what he had to say. "Reading my future? I kind of doubt that..." Valerie thought to herself about it. Regardless, she did at least want to ask more about it. As she reached to check how much coin she had, all she needed to do was feel the 'bulge' to know she didn't have anywhere near enough. She was hoping she would receive payment right now, but she hadn't. "Uh... I don't have enough..." She very quietly remarked.

chuklfuk-08/14/2016

His grin becomes a little less profuse. "Well... how much can you afford? Unless you're not interested..."(edited)

NethaEmerald-08/14/2016

"Not close to your current price, I know that. Was hoping to get some starting pay for this army thing..." Valerie remarked back to the man. Just for her own curiosity, she did eventually pull the coin pouch out, but only counted 30 gold pieces. "Definitely not enough." She thought to herself.

chuklfuk-08/14/2016

Albion's grin is now more of a smirk. ...she didn't say she couldn't afford anything, did she? "Well... for a fellow friend of the queen, I'm sure I can offer a discount!" Eager to rush into the sale, Albion looks around him- there were tables scattered about in the lobby area where he had set up shop. He jogs over to one, grabs a chair and sets it down in front of his table. "Right, then... sit, and place one hand on the crystal ball. What's your name? I'm Albion, by the way."(edited)

NethaEmerald-08/14/2016

When he was eager to make the sale, she could admire his enthusiasm, at least. Regardless, when he started to get everything moves into position, she made sure she was out of his way. She could tell this might end very badly. She had somewhat committed to it now since she spoke about pricing with him. As he instructed her to put her hand on the ball, asking for her name, she started with giving her name. "Name's Valerie..." She was still hesitant about all of this. Before she could think about it more, however, she found her hand winding up on the crystal ball.

chuklfuk-08/14/2016

Albion sits down, placing one hand on the ball. He closes his eyes. How do I start? Valerie seemed... wary? Generally uncertain. People reluctant to place their trust in others.. tended to have a reason for that. That might be a good thing to go off of. Albion's brow is furrowed- his eyes are shut tight, and his hand clasps the orb firmly. He appears as though he's deep in concentration, and his voice carries an uncharacteristic candor. "I sense... a darkness, in you. A friend, lost to you- a betrayal, a burden, one that weighs heavy on your heart. You wonder if you will ever truly trust again." Albion briefly opens one eye and quickly shuts it, trying to gauge Valerie's reaction. He notices something that he hasn't before- a sword, in a scabbard belted to her waist. So she was a warrior- no surprise.(edited)

NethaEmerald-08/14/2016

Valerie watched his movements and everything that he did, trying to find any smoke and mirrors he was doing, but all her doubt about him was cast aside when he mentioned what happened with her and Kristyn a few months back. "H-how does he know that? I've never told anyone or anything that." She thought in somewhat of a scared panic. She wasn't sure what to think about this. Was he really as magical as he claimed to be? He must be, considered what he just told her. She looked around to see if anyone else was around but thankfully didn't see anyone. It was clear that she was surprised and fearful for what he was about to continue saying...(edited)

chuklfuk-08/14/2016

Was he right? He thought so, but... he wasn't entirely sure. "Fear and uncertainty threaten to drown you. I see two roads ahead of you- one, filled with joy and friends, and another where you push them away, relying only on yourself. The path is not yet set in stone." He pauses for a moment- time for the dramatic ending. "At the end of each road... you may meet with a grim fate. You die on the field of battle- not overcome by your opponent, but by yourself. In a moment of hesitation, you relent- and your enemy takes the upper hand, striking you down and leaving you behind. In the end, your kind heart is your undoing." He removes his hand, and opens his eyes. "That's as far as I can see."(edited)

NethaEmerald-08/14/2016

As Albion finished reading her little fortune, she wasn't faring much better than she was moments ago. Was she going to have to strike down the person she considered her closest friend? Would something else that she might not have the heart to do be her downfall? Things like that raced in her head, and it wasn't helping her in the slightest. What also wasn't helping was that he mentioned that she could have a good path of a bad one. She was hoping she could steer herself onto the good path if she could identify key moments to do so. "... How grim..." She softly spoke back to him. She couldn't see how she couldn't be upset/sad after hearing that. She hoped that Kristyn would never show up again in her life during this small war...

chuklfuk-08/14/2016

Did I go too far? He was starting to feel a little bit of guilt- but not enough to surpass his greed. "Er... yes. But that's the case for anyone, isn't it? Mistakes can lead any of us to ruin... we just have to avoid them. Stick to our guts." Albion waits before continuing- long enough for his request to be socially acceptable. "So... how much was it you could afford?"(edited)

NethaEmerald-08/14/2016

Valerie looked back to him, almost with a glare, when he started asking about how much she could afford. It did take a little effort to not want to go across the counter and strike him down for being greedy and obsessed with money. However, what got her to completely calm down is thoughts that if she did that, she might not last much longer in this army. "30 gold pieces." She spoke back in a quick tone of voice.

chuklfuk-08/14/2016

THIRTY? Frowning, Albion's tone becomes a little bit harsh. "That's... pocket change."(edited)

NethaEmerald-08/14/2016

"To be fair, I warned you I didn't have enough." Valerie retorted with, feeling more confident and happy that she managed to make him upset so easily. "Should've thought about that more I guess.""

chuklfuk-08/14/2016

Silently simmering, Albion nonetheless smiles to save face. He wouldn't get any more business if he didn't maintain a good reputation. "Well... why don't you just keep it, then. If that's really all you can afford."

NethaEmerald-08/14/2016

Valerie nodded as he put emphasis on 'really'. That was all that she did have left to her name right now. "If you insist..." She softly replied to the man, telling he was upset.

chuklfuk-08/14/2016

Still smiling, Albion stands up, extending his arm for a handshake once again. Time to get rid of this window shopper. "Well then, Valerie, it was nice to meet you. You have a good day, now."

NethaEmerald-08/14/2016

She shook his hand this time and responded with a quick "You too."

chuklfuk-08/14/2016

==END RP==