[ She nods with an affirmative hum. Although she's closed her eyes, she can't help but open them just a little bit to peek when she hears him arranging the runes in front of her. She closes them shut again when he prompts her, and she responds, ]
Okay. I'm in your hands...
[ With a deep breath, she returns to picturing her friends. The smile on her face melts into something undeniably warm and affectionate and most of all— peaceful. And that, truly, is the best thing she can hope for, for her friends. So many of them have been made to live turbulent lives, some even born into them, and usually find themselves at the mercy of powers beyond their control despite all of their best efforts. Peace is what she hopes for them, above all. Even if it's just for a little while. She wants them to be able to rest without any worries, so that they can someday live their lives the way that they truly want to. ]
[He gives a low, warm chuckle along with a flourish of his hand before extending one long finger to point to the rune at the very top of the cross.]
You can open your eyes now, sweetheart— though don’t think I didn’t see that peeking.
[He thinks she’s the sort who can take a bit of gentle teasing, though his read on her thus far reminds him to keep it gentle— some people can take more than others, or prefer a more provocative style of humor. Somehow, he doesn’t think that’s her.]
This first rune, here— it signifies a bright future for someone close to you, someone in a position of authority. A ring leader, perhaps? Every group has one personality that towers above the others; they’re the sorts that breed success.
[ He would be correct in his assessment; she is not, by far, a stranger to gentle teasing, but much more beyond that threshold she has trouble discerning whether someone is still teasing, or genuinely hurting her feelings.
She opens her eyes with a sheepish little grin and a giggle, caught by his notice as she is, but soon enough that expression gives way to curiosity as she peers down at the runes in front of her. ]
Hmm... Oh, I see!
[ She clasps her hands together in delight. ]
Probably Dae! He has a really bright personality and he never lets anything get him down. Oh, but, Cibark has that sort of towering personality, too... Though maybe that's because he's the tallest one.
I do find that height and confidence go hand-in-hand, along with other things.
[His smirk hitches higher on one side. He can't help himself.]
Bear in mind, some of these may well refer to more than one person— it's difficult to be entirely accurate without your friends themselves present, but there are good things ahead for whoever is at the forefront of your little group.
[Or maybe it's inaccurate because it's all bluster, rather than using his power in a genuine fashion. Who's to say.
He taps the next rune down with a long, dexterous finger.]
Here— this one speaks of uncertainty. One with a soft heart who may be struggling to put their own needs first.
[ Alas, Ori wouldn't know a thing about height nor about confidence, firmly having neither of those things herself. But Gideon's smirk says everything she needs to know about the nature of his comment, which is that he's very much teasing and joking - to which she can't help herself, either, and she laughs softly. She has always been so easily swept away with those with much more charisma and charm (and height, apparently) than she, and this encounter appears to be no different.
And as such, bluster or no, Ori buys it into it easily. She's just Like This. After all, her own wisdom draws on her affinity and knowledge of nature - which, shockingly, doesn't really help all that much with interpersonal relationships especially amongst people with such... colorful personalities and stories.
At what he says following, though, her eyes widen and after a few slow blinks, her lips draw into a thin line as her head cants to one side. ]
Ah...
[ That sounds like me, she thinks, although it's left unsaid. There is an argument for her to make that there's no struggle on her head when she simply chooses not to put her own needs first, but... Still, she has the impression that Gideon just knows this. Her gaze falls squarely onto the said rune. ]
Is that so...? What, um - what's in store for such a person?
[It would appear he hit the nail right on the head, going by her reaction— he'd picked that vibe up from her almost immediately upon her approaching his booth, and his smile softens a bit as he blunts his own edges to match the topic at hand, leaning forward against the table.]
That depends on the person. 'Fate' tells us what might be, but is not absolute, I'm afraid— what a simple, boring world it would be if it was.
[He steeples his fingers before folding them together, making a cradle for him to rest his chin on as he looks her over, studying her face with intent, purpose, the runes left in their current spread between his elbows.]
We always have a choice. Now, now, does this sound like you, sweetheart? Don't answer that— I already know.
[It's his job.]
The spirit of generosity and kindness are difficult to miss. You're a giver, aren't you?
[ The way he studies her with great measure, able to peek into the very core of her being and personality within such a short timeframe makes her feel as though she might as well be sitting there with all of her secrets bared to this stranger. Heat rises to her cheeks, painting her face in a reddish purple tone as she thinks about how some people are simply that insightful, in a way that Ori could never hope to be.
She is indeed about to answer, lips parted to say something along the lines of I guess it does, but he silences her with his confidence so expertly, and her gaze finally meets his. For a moment, she simply stares at him as he goes on to point out her generosity and kindness - the very same that spurred her to set foot in this booth in the first place. ]
I, um... I am, aren't I...?
[ Her teeth clamp down on her lower lip as she finds herself, for whatever reason, unable to look away from that confident, knowing gaze of his, the knowing smile on his face. When she finally speaks again, she simply blurts out: ]
Would you like to have a drink with me?
[ and she looks surprised at herself. Spirits, why does she always act like this around charming, charismatic people? ]
[Well, well— color him surprised, as well. The offer itself is hardly an unusual one; he's been asked for drinks at least as many times as he's asked others, which was quite frequently, and it wasn't even out of place for a client to ask him after a reading— or in this case, he supposes, during. Rather, it's something of a surprise coming from her, careful as she seems.
He only takes a brief moment before answering. After all, there isn't a whole lot to consider.]
A drink? And mix business with pleasure?
[Despite the teasing lilt to his voice, he goes on to add:]
That happens to be a favorite pastime of mine. That pleased with your reading, are you?
[Maybe he shouldn't prod at her too much, but it's almost impossible to resist. He is who he is.]
[ The unquestionably more bashful of the two tieflings at this table seems to sink into her seat a little, finding herself well within the territory of being mortified. She doesn't really know what's gotten into her, to have asked someone she's met just a few minutes ago to spend time with her. It really is so presumptuous, to think that someone like him would have the time of day or night for somebody like her and she should take it back and apologize and then leave this booth and never come back to this circus or possibly even this entire city ever again - except that a circus travels and she'll have to live the rest of her life making sure to never be in the same place as this troupe again— ]
I'm sorry, I just—
[ Whatever she's thinking of saying dies in her mouth sooner than the words can make it out. He's not... saying no? Pull yourself together, Oriphi. ]
Oh, I, um... I just thought that you seem like a really interesting person, and that I'd like to get to know you...
[He laughs as he realizes she might have misheard him, or perhaps been so set on receiving a no that his yes didn't quite process. Going by his first impression of her nature, this drink may truly end up being just a drink, but he supposes there's no way to be sure unless they go ahead and find out for themselves.
There's always something to be said for the quiet ones.]
Your intuition is right, sweetheart. I am pretty interesting. Keep listening to that gut of yours, you have good instincts.
[At least tonight.]
I'm nearly done here— it would be no trouble at all to pack things up and accompany you, if you're still interested now that I've actually said yes.
[ She can still hardly believe he didn’t say no, and for a moment it’s all she can do to simply stare at him, like the words haven’t quite hit her just yet. ]
…Oh.
[ He really did say yes, didn’t he? Now what? ]
Are… Are you sure? I mean, you must be a busy person even outside of this, and I’m sure you’ve got better things to do— so I’d understand if you couldn’t, really!
[She really hadn't expected him to say yes, had she? Amused, he leans back in his seat, folding his arms across his chest as he looks her over, the runes before him momentarily forgotten.]
I'd have gone to get a drink anyway; better to do it in good company, in my opinion.
[He has to admit, she has him curious, and curious company is often the best kind.]
Why, having second thoughts, darling? I don't bite.
[ Well, if he was going to go anyway, maybe it wouldn’t be too huge of an inconvenience or bother for her to tag along… ]
But— no, I’m not having second thoughts! It’s more… I thought you might have second thoughts? I probably would have ended up at a tavern with my friends too, so…
No better place to be when the night comes to a close, if you ask me.
[In which case, they might as well go together. She certainly has his interest— she's a curious one, isn't she? Cautious and bold all at once, which is a rare combination, he's found.]
Believe me— 'second thoughts' aren't really my style. There's no point to 'em, I figure.
[ It’s okay to just call her confused, Gideon, really. She knows she is.
Nervously, she reaches up and tucks her hair behind her ear, huffing out another uneasy chuckle. She only wishes she could be as confident and un-worried as Gideon seems to be. ]
Great, so… I-I’ll see you later in the evening, then? I guess when things here have finished up? We’ll be at the Successful Frog Inn—
[ She clears her throat. ]
One of my friends really likes frogs, so we picked that place because of the name, haha… But I can meet you anywhere!
[ Oh gods, help, she’s so bad at this. How do her charismatic friends manage this?! ]
[Now, now, that word is a little too dismissive for him.
The name of the inn gets a chuckle, but he shakes his head as she tries to defer to him.]
That sounds perfect, sweetheart. I'll be there. Given that I'm passing through town myself, it'd be nice to see what the place has to offer. I walked by it earlier— pretty sure I know exactly where it is.
[Plus, depending on how things go, it's probably more convenient for them to be at her inn than his—]
Looking forward to it. Cross my heart.
[He goes so far as to make the accompanying motion by dragging an index finger over his heart, beneath his open vest. He'll be there!]
[ Sweetheart never fails to make her blush, even when she knows it's just a meaningless little pet name coming from someone she doesn't know at all... Ah, she must seem so silly to him. ]
I'm looking forward to it, too...
[ And she manages to resist the urge to try and walk everything back, this time. No but it's okay if you decide not to come after all, or anything. Or else this conversation might go on in circles - and she knows she's close to using up her fortune-telling time.
And on that note, she rises from her seat, glancing back over her shoulder to eye the exit, in hopes that maybe it'll conceal the warmth on her cheeks. ]
A-Anyway, I don't want to hold you up longer than I have, I know there's tons of people waiting to get their fortunes told! I, um. I'll see you later...!
takes destiny into my own hands as I return from the dead
[He echoes her with a grin, followed by a wink— with how on edge she seems to be, he should probably cut her a little slack, be gentle, but it's hard for him to deny who he is. Flirtation comes as naturally to him as breathing, sometimes. He leans back in his seat as she leaves, putting both hands behind his head to rest against before tipping his chin upwards to acknowledge the next customer in line just outside. Drinks are going to be decidedly interesting.
He's good to his word, of course; once he's done with business for the night, he makes his way to the inn she'd named. The crowd there is respectable, with it still being early enough for people to filter in off the street, but not so crowded that they won't be able to chat comfortably— a plus, certainly. He scans the room for some sign of her as he heads towards the bar; fortunately, neither one of them is easy to miss. People like them tend to stand out wherever they go, for better or for worse.]
[ Indeed, Oriphi is easy to find between tall, purple horns and beflowered hair, though she’s a bit on the shorter side. When Gideon does arrive to the Successful Frog Inn, he would find her sitting at a small table in a corner just past the bar, watching a bard perform on his lute at the other side of the tavern entirely.
If she looks a little bit longing about it, no she doesn’t.
But Gideon is just as easy to spot, and though she seems entranced for a moment she does see him approaching in her periphery. She scrambles up to her feet to greet him, her chair dragging across the floor as she pushes up and splays her hands on the tabletop. ]
Y—You came!
[ Not at all a slight to him but absolutely speaking to her insecurity, she’d begun to think he wouldn’t come after all. ]
[She had indeed been easy to spot, and that little display of hers would have been sure to get his attention if she hadn’t had it already. He smiles broadly, raising a hand in greeting as he approaches the table she’s claimed for herself, raising an amused brow as he does so.]
Told you I would. I’m a lot of things, sweetheart, including good to my word. Not a good practice to make promises you don’t intend to keep.
[He may be dishonest in some other areas of his life, but that’s all in the name of showmanship. He tips his chin upwards, directing his gaze towards the bard playing.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Okay. I'm in your hands...
[ With a deep breath, she returns to picturing her friends. The smile on her face melts into something undeniably warm and affectionate and most of all— peaceful. And that, truly, is the best thing she can hope for, for her friends. So many of them have been made to live turbulent lives, some even born into them, and usually find themselves at the mercy of powers beyond their control despite all of their best efforts. Peace is what she hopes for them, above all. Even if it's just for a little while. She wants them to be able to rest without any worries, so that they can someday live their lives the way that they truly want to. ]
no subject
[He gives a low, warm chuckle along with a flourish of his hand before extending one long finger to point to the rune at the very top of the cross.]
You can open your eyes now, sweetheart— though don’t think I didn’t see that peeking.
[He thinks she’s the sort who can take a bit of gentle teasing, though his read on her thus far reminds him to keep it gentle— some people can take more than others, or prefer a more provocative style of humor. Somehow, he doesn’t think that’s her.]
This first rune, here— it signifies a bright future for someone close to you, someone in a position of authority. A ring leader, perhaps? Every group has one personality that towers above the others; they’re the sorts that breed success.
no subject
She opens her eyes with a sheepish little grin and a giggle, caught by his notice as she is, but soon enough that expression gives way to curiosity as she peers down at the runes in front of her. ]
Hmm... Oh, I see!
[ She clasps her hands together in delight. ]
Probably Dae! He has a really bright personality and he never lets anything get him down. Oh, but, Cibark has that sort of towering personality, too... Though maybe that's because he's the tallest one.
no subject
[His smirk hitches higher on one side. He can't help himself.]
Bear in mind, some of these may well refer to more than one person— it's difficult to be entirely accurate without your friends themselves present, but there are good things ahead for whoever is at the forefront of your little group.
[Or maybe it's inaccurate because it's all bluster, rather than using his power in a genuine fashion. Who's to say.
He taps the next rune down with a long, dexterous finger.]
Here— this one speaks of uncertainty. One with a soft heart who may be struggling to put their own needs first.
no subject
And as such, bluster or no, Ori buys it into it easily. She's just Like This. After all, her own wisdom draws on her affinity and knowledge of nature - which, shockingly, doesn't really help all that much with interpersonal relationships especially amongst people with such... colorful personalities and stories.
At what he says following, though, her eyes widen and after a few slow blinks, her lips draw into a thin line as her head cants to one side. ]
Ah...
[ That sounds like me, she thinks, although it's left unsaid. There is an argument for her to make that there's no struggle on her head when she simply chooses not to put her own needs first, but... Still, she has the impression that Gideon just knows this. Her gaze falls squarely onto the said rune. ]
Is that so...? What, um - what's in store for such a person?
no subject
That depends on the person. 'Fate' tells us what might be, but is not absolute, I'm afraid— what a simple, boring world it would be if it was.
[He steeples his fingers before folding them together, making a cradle for him to rest his chin on as he looks her over, studying her face with intent, purpose, the runes left in their current spread between his elbows.]
We always have a choice. Now, now, does this sound like you, sweetheart? Don't answer that— I already know.
[It's his job.]
The spirit of generosity and kindness are difficult to miss. You're a giver, aren't you?
no subject
She is indeed about to answer, lips parted to say something along the lines of I guess it does, but he silences her with his confidence so expertly, and her gaze finally meets his. For a moment, she simply stares at him as he goes on to point out her generosity and kindness - the very same that spurred her to set foot in this booth in the first place. ]
I, um... I am, aren't I...?
[ Her teeth clamp down on her lower lip as she finds herself, for whatever reason, unable to look away from that confident, knowing gaze of his, the knowing smile on his face. When she finally speaks again, she simply blurts out: ]
Would you like to have a drink with me?
[ and she looks surprised at herself. Spirits, why does she always act like this around charming, charismatic people? ]
no subject
He only takes a brief moment before answering. After all, there isn't a whole lot to consider.]
A drink? And mix business with pleasure?
[Despite the teasing lilt to his voice, he goes on to add:]
That happens to be a favorite pastime of mine. That pleased with your reading, are you?
[Maybe he shouldn't prod at her too much, but it's almost impossible to resist. He is who he is.]
no subject
I'm sorry, I just—
[ Whatever she's thinking of saying dies in her mouth sooner than the words can make it out. He's not... saying no? Pull yourself together, Oriphi. ]
Oh, I, um... I just thought that you seem like a really interesting person, and that I'd like to get to know you...
no subject
There's always something to be said for the quiet ones.]
Your intuition is right, sweetheart. I am pretty interesting. Keep listening to that gut of yours, you have good instincts.
[At least tonight.]
I'm nearly done here— it would be no trouble at all to pack things up and accompany you, if you're still interested now that I've actually said yes.
no subject
…Oh.
[ He really did say yes, didn’t he? Now what? ]
Are… Are you sure? I mean, you must be a busy person even outside of this, and I’m sure you’ve got better things to do— so I’d understand if you couldn’t, really!
no subject
I'd have gone to get a drink anyway; better to do it in good company, in my opinion.
[He has to admit, she has him curious, and curious company is often the best kind.]
Why, having second thoughts, darling? I don't bite.
[Well, usually.]
no subject
[ Well, if he was going to go anyway, maybe it wouldn’t be too huge of an inconvenience or bother for her to tag along… ]
But— no, I’m not having second thoughts! It’s more… I thought you might have second thoughts? I probably would have ended up at a tavern with my friends too, so…
no subject
[In which case, they might as well go together. She certainly has his interest— she's a curious one, isn't she? Cautious and bold all at once, which is a rare combination, he's found.]
Believe me— 'second thoughts' aren't really my style. There's no point to 'em, I figure.
frantically goes to a tavern name generator
Nervously, she reaches up and tucks her hair behind her ear, huffing out another uneasy chuckle. She only wishes she could be as confident and un-worried as Gideon seems to be. ]
Great, so… I-I’ll see you later in the evening, then? I guess when things here have finished up? We’ll be at the Successful Frog Inn—
[ She clears her throat. ]
One of my friends really likes frogs, so we picked that place because of the name, haha… But I can meet you anywhere!
[ Oh gods, help, she’s so bad at this. How do her charismatic friends manage this?! ]
you have done well my friend
The name of the inn gets a chuckle, but he shakes his head as she tries to defer to him.]
That sounds perfect, sweetheart. I'll be there. Given that I'm passing through town myself, it'd be nice to see what the place has to offer. I walked by it earlier— pretty sure I know exactly where it is.
[Plus, depending on how things go, it's probably more convenient for them to be at her inn than his—]
Looking forward to it. Cross my heart.
[He goes so far as to make the accompanying motion by dragging an index finger over his heart, beneath his open vest. He'll be there!]
no subject
I'm looking forward to it, too...
[ And she manages to resist the urge to try and walk everything back, this time. No but it's okay if you decide not to come after all, or anything. Or else this conversation might go on in circles - and she knows she's close to using up her fortune-telling time.
And on that note, she rises from her seat, glancing back over her shoulder to eye the exit, in hopes that maybe it'll conceal the warmth on her cheeks. ]
A-Anyway, I don't want to hold you up longer than I have, I know there's tons of people waiting to get their fortunes told! I, um. I'll see you later...!
takes destiny into my own hands as I return from the dead
[He echoes her with a grin, followed by a wink— with how on edge she seems to be, he should probably cut her a little slack, be gentle, but it's hard for him to deny who he is. Flirtation comes as naturally to him as breathing, sometimes. He leans back in his seat as she leaves, putting both hands behind his head to rest against before tipping his chin upwards to acknowledge the next customer in line just outside. Drinks are going to be decidedly interesting.
He's good to his word, of course; once he's done with business for the night, he makes his way to the inn she'd named. The crowd there is respectable, with it still being early enough for people to filter in off the street, but not so crowded that they won't be able to chat comfortably— a plus, certainly. He scans the room for some sign of her as he heads towards the bar; fortunately, neither one of them is easy to miss. People like them tend to stand out wherever they go, for better or for worse.]
opens arms!!
If she looks a little bit longing about it, no she doesn’t.
But Gideon is just as easy to spot, and though she seems entranced for a moment she does see him approaching in her periphery. She scrambles up to her feet to greet him, her chair dragging across the floor as she pushes up and splays her hands on the tabletop. ]
Y—You came!
[ Not at all a slight to him but absolutely speaking to her insecurity, she’d begun to think he wouldn’t come after all. ]
no subject
Told you I would. I’m a lot of things, sweetheart, including good to my word. Not a good practice to make promises you don’t intend to keep.
[He may be dishonest in some other areas of his life, but that’s all in the name of showmanship. He tips his chin upwards, directing his gaze towards the bard playing.]
Friend of yours?
[He did, in fact, see that look.]