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The Big Oof! Volume 2 Chapter 65: Making Connections
🕑 Added 2023-10-17 10:33:58 +0000 UTCKnocking lightly on the already open door, Elijah walked into Laza’s shop to see the woman in question talking to a few clients. Her hood was down exposing her longer than usual ears that had an assortment of piercings and jewelry attached.
The earrings and cuffs were crafted with impeccable detail, set with shimmering gemstones that gave away her elevated status in society. Their elegance spoke of wealth and power, and for a brief moment, Elijah found himself captivated by the intricacy of the designs. But when she turned she turned around to see who had come in, he suddenly felt himself pause for a brief moment.
Elijah knew Laza was pretty under that hood, but he hadn't quite anticipated just how exotic she would be. The way the ambient light of the shop gleamed off her jewelry and almost ghostly pale skin made her seem ethereal, like a being from an old-world legend. Her eyes, a deep shade of jade, sparkled with intelligence and hint of mischief, contrasting with the soft curve of her lips. Her shimmering white hair cascaded down her back, creating an ethereal halo around her. Every movement she made seemed to be with a certain grace, almost like a dance that only she was aware of.
With a deep breath, Elijah cleared his mind and regained his composure. "Hello, Madam Laza," he greeted, managing a slight nod. His usual confident smirk spread across his face as he leaned against the wall. “Should I wait for you to finish?”
Laza's lips curled into a coy smile. "Oh, I didn’t expect you so soon." she purred, her voice smooth like honey. "Would you please? I'm just wrapping up business with these two fine gentlemen. It shouldn't take long."
“Oh no problem,” Elijah replied, raising an eyebrow. He found the poise and assurance in Laza’s demeanor intriguing. "Take your time," he responded with a sly grin, crossing his arms over his chest. "I don’t want to be in the way."
She chuckled lightly, her laughter lilting and musical. "Thank you for your patience, Eli-jah." Turning back to her clients, she continued her conversation with them, her hand gestures and words painting a tapestry of business and elegance.
As Elijah wandered over to the bench in the corner, he took a seat in the back and observed the woman as she steered negotiations to her liking. By the way she commanded the room, it was evident she was adept at her trade, not just as a merchant but also as a negotiator. The subtle tilt of her head, the way her eyes would flash with amusement or seriousness, even the deliberate pauses she took between her words - every action was meticulous and calculated.
It was at this point that Elijah realized that surface level charm wasn’t going to cut it with Laza. She was a woman who was used to maneuvering through the treacherous waters of politics and business, and she would see right through any low effort ploys. The confidence and authority she exuded made it clear she was not one to be trifled with. The dynamics here were different. Unlike others he had charmed in the past, Laza held her own power, and it was formidable.
With her clients gone and the room quiet once more, Laza's gaze settled on him. Her brilliant eyes seemed to scan him up and down, before slowly approaching. “My apologies for the wait, Eli-jah…” Laza began, her voice dripping with interest. “But you seem... different without that oversized cloak of yours. More handsome, perhaps?"
A soft chuckle left Elijah’s mouth as he stood up. “And without your hood, Madam Laza, you appear even more captivating than one could dream of." He responded smoothly, matching her playful tone.
Laza’s cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment as she stood before him with her hands clasped behind her back. "Well, isn't this a pleasant turn of events? We're both seeing each other in a new light," she remarked with a playful tilt of her head.
There was a momentary silence between them, filled only by the distant hum of the marketplace outside. The atmosphere was thick with a strangle light hearted tension, a blend of curiosity and a silent, playful power struggle.
The merchant’s eyes twinkled with a blend of amusement and challenge. Her expertise in the world of commerce and politics meant she had faced an innumerable amount of individuals. Negotiating deals with the most wealthy merchants, the most unscrupulous bandits and the most scandalous lords and survived all of them. Her beauty was certainly a weapon in her arsenal, but her sharp mind was her greatest asset. She had an innate ability to read people, discerning their true intentions beneath layers of diplomacy or flattery.
However, the man in front of her was an entirely different breed. An anomaly she couldn’t quite wrap her brain around. A walking contradiction that broke every norm that she knew true of this world.
Not only did he wear his charm with ease, there was a depth in his eyes that suggested layers upon layers of experiences and secrets. It was clear he saw her, not as a mere merchant or a pretty face, but as an equal with capabilities and intelligence. He didn't approach her with the usual patronizing tone many a man had used when addressing her. The man didn’t treat her as if she was some whore to warm his bed, but he treated at least as an equal.
"So, Miss Laza… How about that date?" Elijah inquired, extending his hand towards her with an open palm.
Laza stared at Elijah's open hand for a moment, then back to his eyes, a slight furrow marking her brows. "Date?" she repeated, the unfamiliarity of the term evident in her voice. In her extensive travels and dealings, there were few things she didn't know. But this word, in this context, seemed to be one of them.
Elijah chuckled softly, sensing her confusion. "It's an invitation to spend time together, outside of business," he explained. "It's casual. We could have a meal, go for a walk, share stories... basically, an opportunity to know each other better without any transactional intent."
She tilted her head, considering his explanation. The concept was novel to her. “Ah, you did say you wish to get dinner the night prior…” She said, bringing her dainty finger to her chin. “I was quite curious about what you meant, but I suppose that makes sense.” Her hand finally lowered and fell into Elijah.
“Since I’m inexperienced in this arena, I hope you'll be patient with me," Laza admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of amusement and vulnerability. "Show me how these... dates work."
Wrapping his fingers gently around hers, Elijah allowed the warmth of his hand to envelope hers in a comforting grasp. "Of course," he replied, his voice softer now. "It's simple, really. It's just two people spending time together, getting to know one another.” He said, kissing her knuckles.
Laza’s eyes widened and her cheeks flushed as felt herself being pulled towards the door. “Ah… W-Wait, you only do that for Lady’s or Lords!” She stammered, clearly taken aback by the unexpected gesture.
Elijah paused, turning to face her directly, his gaze intense yet soft. "In my eyes," he began, holding her gaze with an unbreakable intensity, "You are a Lady, Lady Laza." He said with a wink as he led her out of the building.
Laza was momentarily lost for words and she didn’t get time to react as she was practically dragged out into the street and towards the highest class Inn in the city. In the world she was accustomed to titles and labels dictated decorum and actions. The value of an individual was often determined by their status or birthright. Elijah's disregard for such conventions was both refreshing and disarming. While it was clear that he played the game of charm, there was a;sp sincerity beneath those playful eyes.
-
“And then they said ‘Cost!? What do you mean by cost!?’” Elijah said in an exaggerated tone, animatedly waving his hands while Laza broke out into laughter. “As if those idiots thought I’d treat their friends for FREE!”
Laza wiped a tear from her eye, her laughter echoing around the opulent dining room. The inn, 'The Golden Chalice', was nothing short of a palace with high vaulted ceilings adorned with chandeliers, walls covered in intricate tapestries, and a myriad of tables with patrons dressed in the finest silks and velvets. Yet in that moment, amidst all the grandeur, the world seemed to reduce to just the two of them and their shared amusement.
"I knew Freelancers were… unlearned, but," Laza remarked, still chuckling. How does one think of seeking a healer and not pay them!?" She leaned back in her plush chair, her eyes dancing with mirth. "It's almost as absurd as the time a destitute Lord tried to convince me that his painted rocks were rare gemstones!"
This time, it was Elijah's turn to laugh as his hand went to his head. “Oh god! I can just imagine!” He said, running a hand through his hair. “Let me guess, the paint was even starting to chip when he brought them in?”
Another round of barking laughter escaped Laza’s lips as one hand went to cover her mouth and the other went to her stomach as she nodded her head. "Yes! Exactly that! And you won't believe the audacity – he tried to explain it away as a 'natural weathering process'." she said, causing both to literally holler. " Ahahahaa! It was- ahahah! It was so hard to keep a straight face!"
The atmosphere in 'The Golden Chalice' had shifted dramatically. The vast, opulent space, normally a buzz of conversation, had now hushed to a murmur. The room was still, save for Elijah's and Laza's rapturous laughter which filled every corner. From nearby tables, muffled chuckles hinted that other patrons, too, were being drawn into their ridiculous tales.
"Oh, but there's more!” Laza practically yelled. “I played along for a bit and asked him about the 'origin' of these so-called gemstones. And he… And he… Oh gods preserve me, he claimed they were from a forgotten mine in the far reaches of the North!" She paused to wipe a tear from her eye. Her voice was basically squeaking as she continued her story. "A mine, apparently, where the stones are painted by the ‘spirits of the mountains!!’”
Elijah, holding his sides, attempted to respond. Each time he tried, however, he found himself overcome with fresh laughter. Wiping tears from his eyes, he barely managed to say, "Oh god, my sides! The spirits...painted them!?"
It was at this point that the nearby tables even started to burst into laughter as Laza gasped for breath in between laughs. She nodded vigorously. "Exactly that! Can you imagine? The spirits of the mountains, with tiny brushes, painting away!” She giggled at the absurdity of it. “He actually said that! Tiny brushes!"
As the laughter died down, and the two caught their breath, Laza weakly looked up at Elijah with interest sparkling in her eyes. “Ah… Speaking… Speaking of Freelancers.” She said weakly, nursing her sore sides. “I’ve never met a Freelancer like you before.”
Leaning back in his chairb, Elijah looked back at her with. "Well," he began, "that’s because there are no Freelancers like me.” He said, giving her an annoying but charming smile. “To be honest, I’m actually a foreigner.”
“A foreigner?” Laza replied in surprise, crossing her leg over the other. “This city is a host to many foreigners, which land do you hail from? I assumed you were a Primate from the Empire"
Elijah paused for a moment, seemingly debating how much he should divulge. With a twinkle in his eye, he said, "A place quite distant. Probably not on any map you've seen."
Laza's eyes lit up with curiosity as her foot bounced up and down in excitement as she leaned in closer. She'd dealt with merchants from countless cities, towns, and kingdoms, but this was a first. "No map I’ve ever seen? I’ve seen an awful lot of maps… How certain are you that I've never come across it?"
A playful twinkle sparkled in his as he leaned back in his chair. His voice dropped to a playful tone as he continued, "Quite certain. It's a place not anyone could venture to or from easily." Elijah said definitively as he took a sip from his polished glass.
With an intensifying gaze, Laza’s natural curiosity drove her forward causing her to lean in further. “You’ve piqued my interest, and that’s not easy to do. Name it.”
“Mmm… Maybe when I get to know you a little… better.” Elijah replied teasingly, drawing circles on the rim of his glass, his eyes not leaving hers.
Laza huffed in playful exasperation, a smirk playing on her lips. "You're impossible," she replied, leaning back and playfully rolling her eyes. "Using your homeland as bait, really?"
Elijah chuckled, as he leaned in further. “Let’s just say, It’s so far away I’ve never seen an Aethari or Beastkin before. To be honest, I still don’t know what you are, considering your ears are much longer.”
A shocked look flashed across Laza’s face as she stared blankly at Elijah. “What? You've never seen an Aethari? And you're still unsure if I'm one?" Her surprise was evident. The Aethari were as common as the sun rising every morning. Not recognizing people of the mortal realm was akin to being literally living under a rock their entire lives. "That's... that's impossible. Almost every major city, every kingdom, has Aethari or Beastkin. Even in the farthest corners of the world, in the most isolated villages, you'll find at least one. How could you possibly not know of them?"
“That’s just how far away my homeland is.” Elijah smirked, his eyes dancing with amusement. “It’s not only geographically distant, but culturally and... well, let’s just say things are difficult for me.”
A huge breath left Laza’s lips as she finally remembered that she was holding it. “Well then…” She sighed, leaning back in her own chair. “That would explain your strange weapons and behavior.” Laza replied, looking up at Elijah with an uncontrollable interest.
“So, are you an Aethari?” Elijah asked, shifting the conversation away from his equipment.
Laza chuckled softly, her elongated ears twitching ever so slightly. "Why, because of these?" She touched the tip of her ear lightly, looking amused. "I could see one could confuse my kind for them if they’ve no frame of reference." The merchant giggled. “No, I’m not, I’m a Nymphara, and while we share some similarities with the Aethari, our ancestry and characteristics are more aligned with the Fae.”
Elijah’s eyes widened. “Fae? As in, Vanirs and stuff?” he asked, furrowing his brow.
A difficult look flashed across Laza’s face as she crossed her arms. “You know of the Vanir, but not of anyone else? That's oddly specific knowledge you have there," she commented, tilting her head slightly.
“I uhhh… Ran into one during my travels across the land.” Elijah replied, scratching his beard.
Silence reigned as Laza stared at him. “And you… Lived?”
Sensing he’d cornered himself, Elijah shifted subtly and sucked in a deep breath. He had intended to keep the presence of the Vanir a secret, but now he had inadvertently raised suspicion.“Barely,” Elijah waved his hand dismissively while rolling his eyes. “Vicious and manipulative little shits..
Laza leaned in, eyebrows raised. “You must tell me how you survived such an encounter!” She said excitedly, lowering one leg and throwing the other over it. “I’ve never heard an account of someone encountering them and surviving!”
“You’re going to have to wait till we get to know each other a little better before I tell you any crazy stories.” Elijah winked at her.
A derisive laugh left Laza’s lips as she hung her head. "Well played, traveler. Teasing me with bits and pieces of an incredible story and then holding it hostage! I'll admit, not many have out maneuvered me like this.”
Elijah lightly blushed as he held a cocky expression. He hadn’t exactly intended for that to happen considering he was just trying to wiggle his way out of an awkward position, but he decided to say screw it. He’ll take whatever victory he could get.
"I guess I'm just full of surprises," Elijah responded with a chuckle. “Now the question is; are you curious enough to bother?”
A faint hum escaped Laza's mouth as her elevated foot bounced around. “Perhaps…” She said in almost a purr, her eyes never leaving his. “It’s very rare I find a man able to outwit me...”
Laza couldn’t tell who was trying to seduce who as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She felt her pulse quicken as the weight of Elijah’s gaze weighed down on her, causing the merchant to swallow hard. The air between them was electric. “I hate repeating myself, but I have to admit," she began, her voice soft and sultry, "that it's refreshing to meet someone who can keep me on my toes. The men in this city often aren’t very capable, but you… You're different."
A lingering pause enveloped the two as their gazes intertwined. It was Laza who eventually shattered the stillness with a soft, flustered laugh, her cheeks taking on a rosy hue. She looked away briefly, her eyes darting to the side. "A healer, a capable Freelancer, and a thinker with depth, all veiled in enigma," she remarked, bringing her hand to her cheek to feel how hot it was.
Elijah, sensing her unease, responded with a playful grin. "And here I thought I was the only one taken aback. For someone so composed, you have quite the beautiful blush."
Another heavy breath left Laza’s lips as she turned her head and used her hand to cover her face. “And an irresistible charmer…” She said quietly to herself.
With their conversation shifting to more casual topics, the outside world faded into a gentle blur. They chatted about everything and nothing, from grand adventures to the little quirks that made each day unique. Before they knew it, hours had flown by, and the gentle bustle of The Golden Chalice had dwindled to a soft murmur. Most patrons had departed, leaving behind only a few dedicated night owls sipping their final drinks. The dim light from the lanterns created a cozy ambiance, making it easy to lose track of time.
And it wasn’t much longer before the realization struck them both that the evening had drawn to a close. Laza, collecting her belongings and draping a shawl over her shoulders, looked up at Elijah, "I hadn't intended on staying out so late."
Offering a sheepish smile, Elijah scratched the back of his head. "Neither did I, but I'm glad for the company. It's not every day I meet someone who can captivate my attention for so long.” He said, causing Laza to turn around in an effort to hide her face. “Here, let me walk you home.”
Laza hesitated for a moment but turned her head over her shoulder to look at Elijah and nodded, "I'd appreciate that. Thank you, Eli-jah."
A small smirk spread across the man’s face as he stood up himself. And so, with Elijah's steady presence at her side, they began their walk. The streets of the city were bathed in the soft glow of the moon, casting elongated shadows that danced with their every movement. However there was still a hustle and bustle filling the shopping district as the sounds of lutes and singing filled the air.
Choosing they had enough for the night, the two walked past the event with leisured steps, navigating the city's winding streets and alleyways. They shared more stories and laughter along the way, drawing them closer even as the night grew deeper. By the time they reached Laza's home, it was evident that the bond formed that evening was the beginning of something special.
Soon they found themselves outside of a respectable two-story residence, nestled between the taller buildings of the merchant district. Laza's home was a clear reflection of her status as an accomplished merchant.
Stopping at her doorway, Elijah watched as she opened the door to reveal the interior and noticed that her home was not ostentatious, but still exuded a quiet dignity. “And here I am still staying at a tavern.” He laughed softly to himself.
Laza turned to him with a smile, her eyes sparkling in the dim light. "Well, you’re new in the city right? So it would be strange if you already had a place like this," she said, flipping her hair. "Besides, there's a charm in staying at taverns. New faces every day, stories from every corner of the world, and the thrill of unpredictability."
Elijah chuckled in response. "I suppose that's one way to look at it. Although, sometimes the unpredictability is getting a room next to a rowdy couple."
She giggled in return as she slowly spun around. “Good night, Eli-jah. I had more fun than I thought I would ever have tonight.”
But before Laza could take another step, Elijah's voice softly called out, "Wait." Without really thinking, his hand reached out, gently taking hold of hers. The unexpected touch made her pause, and she turned to face him.
In the hush that followed, only the distant murmur of the city streets reached their ears. Laza's breath hitched as Elijah's fingers delicately grazed the back of her hand. Almost imperceptibly, she found herself drawn closer to him, uncertain if she had gravitated towards him by her own will or if it was his subtle pull guiding her.
Locked firmly into his embrace, Laza looked up at him with wide, searching eyes. The moonlight filtering through the nearby trees played upon their features, casting a gentle glow. As they stood there, mere inches apart, Laza could feel Elijah's heart beating almost in sync with her own.
Every instinct, every logical thought, screamed at her to step back, to create distance. However, the whirlwind of emotions and the magnetic pull she felt towards him paralyzed her in place. Instead of retreating, she found herself leaning in ever so slightly, entranced by the warmth of his proximity.
Feeling Elijah’s arm firmly wrapped around her waist, she noticed his other arm snaking up as his hand softly cupped her face.
“We… We shouldn’t.” Laza said in between ragged breaths. “W-We can’t… It’s improper…” Even as she said this, she felt herself push deeper against his chest and her feet rising to her toes.
Elijah’s face hovered mere inches from hers, his gaze penetrating and intense. "Do you really mean that?" His voice, low and seductive, sent shivers down her spine. As he leaned in, Laza found herself subconsciously rising even higher on her toes, irresistibly drawn towards the promise of his kiss.
The unthinkable had happened. The barriers she had carefully constructed over the years, the walls that kept her independent and guarded, were crumbling in mere moments. Laza, a confident merchant, always in control of her surroundings, was now entranced and vulnerable. The soft light from the lanterns played upon their faces, heightening the tension between them.
His lips felt more like an electrifying touch. Time seemed to stretch and stall, with the world outside fading into nothingness. The chaos of the city streets, the distant hum of night life, the light breeze rustling through the trees—all seemed to stand still.
As the intensity of the moment escalated, they found themselves inadvertently stepping back into Laza’s residence. The gentle click of the door behind them signaled a departure from the world outside. Immersed in their shared energy, neither seemed to mind their newfound surroundings. The night, with its endless possibilities, stretched before them. And it was becoming clear that Laza was going to shatter all of her long-held taboos.
Comments
Mr von Twistern
Elija you dastardly devil, playing with the womens hearts is gonna backfire with this one
