Nightly reflections [OPEN]

Law enforcement was....such a bother, always interrupting her in the middle of her engagements. She usually had to bid a quick adieu to her companions before she was seen -- and before her companion noticed the change of ownership of their valuables. This time she had to stop mid-snatch, and only managed to grab a small bag with unidentified goods contained. She didn't dare stop to inspect her loot however, not with guardsmen so near. She was pretty sure one of them had seen her, too, which was even more disconcerting.

At least she had the advantage of her disguise. To the average individual she would look like a man. A somewhat shapely man, but one of the male sex nonetheless. Wearing sufficiently baggy clothes over her bound (and naturally small) chest, she looked the part of some young handsome bloke with a dislike of cutting his hair. ...And yet even with her gender swapped as according to passers-by, it wasn't quite enough to truly disguise her....anyone who knew the human with blue-violet hair would recognize her, if they got close enough. Belrose continued her fast-paced walk, looking over her shoulder every once in a while. Did she know any law officers personally? She didn't think so...if she did, she would have figured out some way to exploit them and use them to her advantage, using either masculine or feminine charm to persuade them to divulge information. Ah, it was a good idea...but not one she thought would be prudent to test just now. It was imperative that she-

Something hard suddenly appeared in the midst of the woman's path, causing her to stagger and nearly fall. She mentally noted the impracticality of baggy pants where such a scenario of losing one's balance was of high probability. Brushing strands of violet out of her eyes, she turned to see just what she had hit. What met her was not a wall or a structure of any inanimate nature, but rather, one akin to herself, a thing of biology. And, more interestingly, a beastman, and the enemy of half of her bloodline. He seemed to be of a goatlike breed, sporting light hair of gold and the appearance of someone neither child nor fully adult.

She cocked an eyebrow, quite curious now; while one half of her family was of merfolk blood, she herself did not carry this animosity -- though often enough she gained glares from the beast-folk because of her hair colour. She wondered if, were she born with emotions, she too would feel this animosity, or would she take more from her human side, as she physically did?

Filing away those thoughts, she couldn't help but ignore the fact that she was just given two opportunities: the first, to engage her interests in psychological entertainment - what better specimen to experiment with than he who called himself the enemy of her father? The other, of course, was more....financially beneficial to Belrose. Just what value did this individual have with them? Tossing her hair gently, Belrose turned to the stranger. "My apologies, sir...I can be a little....absent-minded at times. I didn't see you there. Are you unhurt?"

That certainly was not the voice of a man, coming from that chiseled jaw. And, she noticed, neither was it altogether sober. The faintest edge of drinking sickness lined her voice, telling much of the last place she must have visited. At least the woman wasn't one of those that grew riled and angry in their stupors, in fact she seemed altogether peaceful. A bit scattered, though, which was much in the favour of the violet-haired woman. Still, even now she sensed that this masculine woman was aware enough to comprehend an attempted thievery. Best not to go that route just yet.

She cocked her head to the side as the girl went on to brag about her strength, only to begin a squeaky, girly giggling fit. Choosing not to voice the irony in the air, she instead let the girl continue, for it seemed there was more on her mind. Her question was well founded - under normal circumstances she would have seen the other, but...certain...things were on her mind at the time. She took this as an opportunity to practice conveying amusement, and placed a carefully mirror-crafted smile on her face and a rehearsed laugh in her voice. "I do apologize for that. I was just in a hurry to--" to what? It had to be interesting. Something interesting...well there were plenty of things she could make up, but she simply let the words flow, let the first thing that came to her mind flow through her lips. "...well, to...escape my....my ex. She can...get violent when things don't go her way." Another practiced chuckle came from her throat. She wasn't totally sure if that was the right sound though..was it nervous, awkward, amused or sad? She simply copied what she heard from those she communicated with and hoped it sounded right. "...You just happened to be in the path I decided to run. I'm glad you're not hurt though."

She eyed the blonde with curiosity, taking note of a very sudden expression that echoed in her eyes as she listened. It was almost a threatening look, the kind that curses a family's line for seven generations. And of course the feeling behind it, truly she could grow drunk upon that sudden, intense rage. No, Belrose herself could not feel...but through the emotions of others she could sense those emotions she so desired, they ran through her like rivers of pure ecstasy. This rage...while it was so intense, so violent, it lasted only a few seconds before those tides calmed - literally in the blink of an eye.

Belrose was quickly distracted by the next statement the girl made. Again, her eyebrow raised at the comment. "Charlie...that's an interesting name for a girl, wouldn't you say? It's no wonder I mistook your gender, ma'am." she murmured, adding what she assumed was a teasing voice to the end of her statement. Then she bowed slightly, putting on that practiced smile. Now, to introduce herself...it would be strange, if she called herself "Belrose". No, she would use the name she often did for her "male" counterpart - a variant of her middle name, Alfeinse. "My name is Alfonse, your....well, not-local vagabond. It's very pleasant to meet you."

She reached out her hand then, recalling that introductions often meant handshakes. Just....don't start suspecting anything.... she quietly urged the other, even as she started to analyze Charlie to determine if she held anything of material value. Deciding it would be prudent to continue the conversation, "Alfonse" asked her a question, just then.


"You said you are a barmaid.....then, you work at this tavern here? Is that why you seem to be....drunk?"

Miss Charlie gave Alfonse a pat on the shoulder, and once more she affixed the other with what she believed to be the appropriate expression. To her, it was...slightly sad but slightly happy. That face was somewhat difficult to emulate, however, given that it meant blending two opposites. The execution seemed to be successful however, as Charlie did not seem to be troubled by it. "You needn't be bothered. I am used to it, for the most part." Here Alfonse wondered about playing the 'abused boyfriend' card; that was something she hadn't done before. Certainly she had played the role of the charming young male, and the angsty, aloof young man..but to be an injured soul, possibly even somewhat weak, that would be more unique, especially for a male during these years. Traditionally the man was the stronger. It would be interesting, to see how a young lady- masculine though she was- would react to a man of that nature -- ironically, one who was not even a man. Had she emotions, the one she would be feeling right now would probably be along the lines of excitement.

"She has been like that all the time. It was...well, the larger part of why I left her. Too much bruising, physical as well as emotional." Another idea came to her then. "She didn't seem to like that part of my heritage is...as you can see...among the merfolk. Something in her blood detested that part of me." Each word was spoken carefully, crafted into the emotional words of a man torn, who did feel love but lost it in a most painful, prejudiced way. Yes, this would be a most interesting experiment, especially since the lady before her was a beastman herself. How would she react to learning that the violence was cast against her enemy, and not against her own kind? Interesting.....it could tell a lot of her character.

Alfonse blinked as Charlie laughed, rather loudly and amusedly. Clearly being called a male did not offend the woman...in fact the way she went on, she almost seemed to enjoy the confusion. She was interested to learn that Charlie was a name fitted both to men and women. That was new news to her.

"That is interesting indeed." She said, genuinely meaning the words for once. In fact, a record of honesty was to be spoken in this instance; being a thief was more or less the same as being a vagabond, after all. Here she could honestly explain the nature of her...work, while brushing over the thieving bit. She idly brushed some hair from her face as she spoke. "It is difficult, to be blunt....difficult, but liberating. Rules do not guide you - not the ones set by society, at least. I am able to move freely to do as I please, where I please, when I please - and all without the worry of hurting people I hold dear, for there are few who are near to my heart. My family and...my former significant other are the only souls to stay a part f my life for more than a month. I will admit that it can grow lonely, this lifestyle. But I wouldn't want to settle down, not until I achieved my final goal." Here, she gave an almost genuine smile to Charlie. "That...however....is something I hope to keep secret, at least for now. But, who knows...you may be the one person I tell that secret, one day."

Alfonse went back to listening then, raising an eyebrow at Charlie's comment. She could imagine that the girl had quite a difficult job...being a barmaid meant dealing with unruly patrons. The world was not kind to such women. Perhaps that was part of why the lady dressed in such a masculine way...or, perhaps she enjoyed that attention. Once more she found herself fascinated by Charlie. What an interesting person this woman was turning out to be.

She could almost feel the girl's breath on her cheek, even as the young woman leaned in to whisper quietly of her....non-drunk state. Well, she was at least comprehending what Alfonse was saying....it was hard to argue that she wasn't at least partially sober. Alfonse chuckled quietly in response, winking at her. "I won't tell. It's our secret."

She considered Charlie's next offer, finding the idea most intriguing. It had been a while since she visited a tavern, and certainly she would be able to locate some well-off guards or something...someone who had gold on them. Paying a small bow to Charlie, Alfonse took her hand in mock-cordial behaviour. "I would enjoy that." she murmured, then pulled away, adjusting the fabric of her clothing. "She would definitely never look for me in a tavern, that's for sure...I rarely joined her when she went, and even then I often left early. It's the last place she'd look." Alfonse smiled again, patting the girl's shoulder. "You may have saved me yet. But, would you do the honours of leading me to your place of work?"

The flurry of emotions that met Alfonse was almost too much to take in, even for her. First she felt a very strong sense of passion - indicative of a strong moral center in this regard. Then there was a slight wave of something she could not name as scrutinizing eyes stared him down. Next followed relief, or was it joy? A celebratory expression, to say the least. And last....certainly, not unexpected....was animosity. Ah yes, she knew that was coming, the second that she mentioned her roots, the beastwoman took to her nature and grew almost enraged at the human with violet hair. She didn't mind though - all she wanted was given to her in those passing moments, as the passing colours of emotion settled within her. It was truly a blessing to feel through another; one was not burdened with her own emotions, her own sorrows or joys - she could simply choose a subject and feel through them. Charlie was a prime specimen for these emotional trips she did so surround herself with.

Now though, it was time to explain something, lest her greatest experiment decide she had someplace better to be. Alfonse looked down and to the left, a sign of guilt, or so she had been told. "I am human, truly - you surely can see this as I am walking on dry land. But yes, I do have a merman in my ancestral line. His qualities were passed to me, it seems, even though my blood is fully human." The mild sense of regret filled her voice as she spoke. "And yes, you are probably correct; perhaps I was too bold to fall for a beastwoman and not expect that kind of reprecussion...." Ah yes, that was the perfect catch. Now, if Charlie found it within her to like her current company, there would be an added layer of mystery that would so be appealing to a young lady like herself. It was always an interesting experience, toying with the prospect of romantic acts. It was different for every person, and of course between the genders. Some of the most interesting and strong emotions came out during those experiences.

Alfonse smiled in response to Charlie's last comment. Well, she was right to bring up that final goal at least. Mystery did work its wonders, did it not? "Oh, I consider most everyone as a possible bearer of my secret. After all, while I do spend such little time with people, I would enjoy learning to trust and rely on others. I have yet to meet that someone, though, with whom I feel safe to divulge such things." Ah yes...her 'final goal'. Really, it wasn't all that complicated - simply, a story of vengeance, and hurt pride. A thief plundered her family, and she simply wished to do the same to him.

She watched as a rather excited and giddy Charlie pranced along - almost literally, with those hooves of hers clop-clopping on the ground much like a prance. She moved along behind the young lady, taking wide strides to catch up with her, violet hair and silken clothing flying gracefully in the breeze behind her. It was very interesting that she seemed to be so excited about her job. Perhaps she enjoyed making money? Or was it simply that she enjoyed drinking with the patrons? One made her a gold-digger, the other a party-goer. It would be most interesting to find out which she was. "I should like to witness you at work, I think; you seem to take great enjoyment out of the very thought of working. It pleases me to see someone so joyous about their employment." It was actually not a lie; she did, after all, enjoy observing Charlie's emotional expressiveness. And of course with so many drunk patrons, she imagined that it wouldn't be difficult to swipe a few coins here and there.

Another thought occurred to her then - early this morning, a middle-aged woman handed her - of course, in the guise of Alfonse - a white flower. She apparently was passing them to most any young gentleman that passed her by, and urged them to "invite their ladies to the festival". Belrose had no intention of going at first, but now that she thought about it, it was such a great opportunity; festivals could be quite lavish, extravagant things, with many a rich guest to plunder. And, of course, she did so find Charlie to be a curious individual. Perhaps Belrose would not go, but Alfonse, in the company of Charlie, would. For whatever reason, she did hold onto that white flower - some would say it was fate, but she simply called it forgetting to rid herself of the thing. Now, though, she was glad of it; when she and Charlie were done here, she would most definitely present the girl with that flower and ask the beastgirl to accompany her - well, him in the girl's eyes.

This is turning out to be a most wonderful day, she thought, even as they came upon the tavern, Charlie leading the way inside.

Well. Charlie certainly didn't waste her breath on tact, it seemed, instead getting directly to the point. She also brought up a rather interesting thought, drawing attention to her eye. Until now, Belrose had neither cared nor been curious about the covered eye, though now...it made a bit more sense, the girl's animosity. Based on her words, the human could infer that Charlie's eye had been gauged out by a merperson at some point. She didn't care of course, but it was indeed able to clear up the apparent lack of reasoning for the girl's hatred of an entire race.

A wink in her direction gave Alfonse a bit of a start, causing her to return to reality. Ah, she was probably implying some sort of romantic....something or other, but even Alfonse had little understanding of such feelings. Romance...it was quite complex, even by the standards of she who did not feel at all. It contained love and hate, lust, jealousy, shyness, and so many other emotions that she cold only hope to be able to name. In that sense, romance was probably the most desirable exploration for her; it would expose her to the greatest of emotions, both the positive and the negative. Truly it would be an emotional euphoria.

A soft smile played on her face, and she gave Charlie a half-lidded smirk. "Well well. I'm glad to hear it." It wasn't all too surprising; after all, the Beastfolk descended from many an animal, even the tame rabbit and mouse. Such beastfolk would likely be the ones who were abused, rather than the reverse. Though to hear her speak it aloud gave Alfonse confidence that perhaps she was indeed buying the whole story. It was possible that the mild drunkenness she seemed to have was playing a part in that, but it was none of her concern either way.

Quietly, Alfonse listened to the young woman speak as they finally entered the tavern. Not many enjoyed the job quite like she did....now that was a statement with many possible meanings. And the tone of her voice certainly implied something more was at play than simply enjoying one's chores for pay. There was an attachment of some kind, but she dared not ponder too long, for she found herself being pulled along to the stools nearby. The somewhat discontent look from the barkeep gave Alfonse something of a thrill, as it indicated what she thought was jealousy. What would he think if Alfonse strpped herself of the masculine attire she currently wore and revealed herself as a woman? Now that would be interesting. To view such a change in emotion was so tempting -- but, now was not the time. Such an act would surely draw the attention of the other patrons, men who were so fargone that their emotions were naught but sluggish bores. They did not deserve her attention.

Charlie turned to Alfonse then, asking whether she wished to order. A memory flashed through her mind then, and she recalled a rather distant time ago when a young man bought her a drink. It was a...what was it, gentlemanly act, to buy a lady her drink? Perhaps to employ such a tactic here would be beneficial. The blunet smiled and clasped her hands together, speaking in her soft, yet masculine voice. "I've never been very adventurous with my drinks, but I think I'll make the exception today. Surprise me, miss Charlie. And.." her voice lowered, and she regarded the other female with a deep, unreadable stare. "the tab's on me. I'll treat you tonight for being so kind to me."

It really wast he perfect setup for asking her to the festival. They would drink, converse, Alfonse would pickpocket what she could from the rudely-staring barkeep, and then they would leave. Alfonse would walk Charlie home, and then - pop the question. It would be almost impossible to resist....there were such benefits of being a mysterious individual. ...And, of course, there was the benefit of the other party being rather intoxicated. Saying no was just so difficult then. It was a truly perfect plan.