(Iron, let just presume I bought the Snivy Stuffee for $1000. I want to get it to Shiva ASAP. And meet the new guy, of course!)
At first, he thought he would not have been able to get the owner to part from the lovely stuffee, but they were more receptive to his offer after telling him he was getting it for a friend. A few minutes of smooth talking and persuading later, and Ventus walked away with a Snivy Stuffie in hand, $1000 PokeDollars light for his purchases. "I'm almost flat broke again, but I was going to end up that way after repaying my debt to Shiva. Hopefully she'll like the plush present I have gotten for her," he quietly said to himself, still happy from his time in the fair.
Still, he couldn't help but feel worried about the lass' wellbeing. 'Last time I had checked, she was still in shock over the events that transpired today. I left her alone with Nathan so that she can someone to talk to while I was blowing off steam, but there is the possibility something else has gone wrong,' the researcher though, his worry beginning to get the best of him yet again. Shaking his, though, he put on the most serene smile on his face as he approached the Center's front door. "Now, it won't do if she see me miserable in my our problems, so I have to be at peace with her. Shiva can't recover when someone's elses worry is smothering her,' Ventus thought, before opening the door and walking in.
As expected, Nathan and Shiva were still in the lobby, waiting patiently on the status of Plusle while comforting one another. What came as a surprise was that a stranger and what looked to be a Pawnard had come up and began to talk to them. Seeing that they were getting uncomfortable in their presense, Ventus decided to quickly intervene, briskly walking over to the group. 'He might be someone unknown, but that does not mean he's a bad guy. Nothing I feel from him gives of that impression, but his Pawnard might be covering up his emotional state,' he though, smile on his face as rejoined the group.
"My comrades, I have returned from the festival, and I have not come back wanting at all! When you get the chance, you should go out and experience the myriad attractions. The stalls also have great savings on basic supplies, so restocking should be relatively inexpensive as well! I'd recommend not attempting the Shelldar game, though: I only won that venture on blind luck!" Ventus chuckled as he says this, enjoying his own little joke.
When his laughter pettered out, he brought out the Snivey Stuffie he had purchased earlier. Gently smiling at Shiva, he handed it to her, before he clasped his hands together. "With all the good fortune and saving that I received, I was able to afford a little something special for you. I hope you enjoy this token of appreciation from me, Shiva. For all the help you provided, to both group and me, I sincerely thank you," Ventus said, before humbly bowing in front of the kind woman. He hope he appreciates the gift, if not the meaning behind it.
Straightening back up, he turned towards the stranger, and extend a hand out to him. "Well, hello there! Sorry for ignoring you until now, but as you can see, I had some things I had to do first. Tell me, what brings to our small conclave, Mr....?" the researcher said politely, do his best to put a good foot forward with the man. Despite having never interacted with the gentleman before, he had a interesting feeling about him. As if he was important, somehow....
(Hmm, I thought it would take Ventus much longer to return to the Center, given that he did a ton of stuff and me and Nathan were just...sitting around? Nevermind, though~)
Ven! He's back! And he's safe and fine...
Before Shiva could welcome him though, he already placed that Snivy in her hands... Okay, that came unexpected from him. What...is he doing there? And, is that Snivy wearing a suit...?
"What...Eh... Your, eh, welcome? But... I've been nothing but a burden to you people after dear Plusle got injured... Forced you to search for me because I've followed a talking Murkrow... And... as that Wizard was about to attack, I got scared and had Minun return to me instead fighting alongside you... "
(05-12-2017, 02:47 PM)Dragonicstrike Wrote: [ -> ]Nathan narrows his eyes when the stranger approaches.
"I appreciate the concern, but who are you? Â You don't look like the type who'll be all buddy buddy for any random reason."
Nathan can feel that Ralts is just a little nervous around this newcomer. Â That Pawniard wasn't helping matters, either.
(05-12-2017, 03:32 PM)Earl Windows Wrote: [ -> ]Straightening back up, he turned towards the stranger, and extend a hand out to him. "Well, hello there! Sorry for ignoring you until now, but as you can see, I had some things I had to do first. Tell me, what brings to our small conclave, Mr....?" the researcher said politely, do his best to put a good foot forward with the man. Despite having never interacted with the gentleman before, he had a interesting feeling about him. As if he was important, somehow....
 "Pfft. Don't mind the mr. just call me Valder".
 Valder turns to the other guy with a hidden, weak annoyance. "As I said, my name is Valder. The little one is Theo". Valder puts on a meek smile as he points at his Pawniard. "I'm currently out of work and looking for someone who might need assistance, especially getting through the areas around here".
 Valder remembers that he actually really wants to get to another town and so he quickly adds "I'm saying I'm available as a mercenary type of thing. I can't make earthquakes like some scimitar sorcerer if you've heard of those, but I'm another person with a strong steel-type pokemon". Valder remembers that he has two pokemon, but decides to leave it out.
 "Anyway, I saw your not-so-clean clothes and decided that you lot might be some group of kids having a hard time moving on in this area, am I wrong? If you don't have any money that's fine, just share whatever else and I can help you". Valder let a tiny glimpse of fake despair go into his voice as he said the four last words.
 "Oh, I've also heard there are dangerous people going around here lately... that's right, those sorcerers, nasty things they are..."
(05-12-2017, 03:53 PM)PhantomUnderYourDesk Wrote: [ -> ](Hmm, I thought it would take Ventus much longer to return to the Center, given that he did a ton of stuff and me and Nathan were just...sitting around? Nevermind, though~)
Ven! He's back! And he's safe and fine...
Before Shiva could welcome him though, he already placed that Snivy in her hands... Okay, that came unexpected from him. What...is he doing there? And, is that Snivy wearing a suit...?
"What...Eh... Your, eh, welcome? But... I've been nothing but a burden to you people after dear Plusle got injured... Forced you to search for me because I've followed a talking Murkrow... And... as that Wizard was about to attack, I got scared and had Minun return to me instead fighting alongside you... "
"Everyone contributes in there own way, Shiva. You may not be a brawler like the rest of the gang, but you
are definitfly the heart. If it was not for you, our group would not have a tent to comfortably rest in; not without working a few part time jobs, that is," Ventus said, turning away from the stranger to speak with her once more. He gave the gentleman a knowing glance that basically said "Let me help her first," so he hopefully got the message.
"You can't also forget that you, out of everyone else in the group, stood by me when I was at my...lowest. If it was not for your comforting intervention, I would have ventured out on my own a long time ago," the researcher reminded her, carefully reaching over to clasp her hands. "You've been there for me in my darkest time, and the advice you've given me has certainly help mend my torn relationships. And don't discount yourself as a trainer just because of some misfortune! I've heard about how you persuaded not one, but two Pokémon to join you with nary but kinds word and some good fun. My Raphael had to get the stuffing beaten out of him before my Shroomish considered joining me!" Ventus said, giving Shiva an heartfelt look. He wanted her to known that he meant every word he said, that as far as he cared, she was an asset to the team.
"Don't forget the battle we had with that Weezing too! While what happened to Plusle is...regrettable, your two mouses were in the thick of it, paralyzing and harassing that gas bag until it gave up in an explosive fashion! I bet that you did better against that Murkrow that you think; you drove it off instead of it causing us further tragedy. We all, at times, let our emotions get the better of us. Look no further than me for proof of this concept!" Ventus quietly exclaimed, continuing to convince Shiva of her worth. He can't have her thinking that she was a burden, heaven forbid!
Â
"The wizard...he was something no one of our group could have prepared for. If I didn't hear and see the magical bastard coming, everyone would be in much direr straights than now. Probably still in that horrid swamp, at that!" Ventus explained, patting his friends hand. "Shiva...don't think of yourself as useless, when you have done everything to prove that you are
not. Horrible things have happened, but that is the way life is: cruel and moody. Its up to us to roll with the punches, and help other in their time of need," Ventus concluded, before giving Shiva a small smile. "So please, don't beat your self up. If you have to hurt someone, hurt me."
Letting go of Shiva's hand, he turned back to the gentleman, and motion him to continue. After getting his name and occupation, Ventus tilted his head in thought. 'Hmm, so Valder's his name. He says he's a mercenary, but I'm the feeling I'm getting from him is that he is just saying that to garner our interest, instead of us turning him immedianlty away. Though, given his cloack and Pawnard, he does give off that impression,' the researcher thought, before smiling at the 'mercenary.' As Ventus continued to listen to Valder offer his outlook on the group and his proposition, the researcher froze when he mention he knew something about the sorcerors. His smile stretched ever so slightly, as his hands darted in and out of his satchel, $200 PokeDollar now in hand.
"Oh? You have information on those arch mages? Splendid! Here," the researcher said in an almost too kind voice, handing Valder the money in his hand. "Consider this a down payment for your services. You tell us everything you know of those magical users, and help us on our journey through the region, and I can promise you more than just wealth. I'm a researcher with many connection, so being a friend of mine comes with so many benefits. So please, come sit down and tell us all about yourself!" Ventus said, waving the merc to join them at the table. Knowledge is power, and power is valuble indeed. With this man's help, they might be better prepared for the trails ahead...
(05-12-2017, 04:13 PM)Nylon Wrote: [ -> ] (05-12-2017, 02:47 PM)Dragonicstrike Wrote: [ -> ]Nathan narrows his eyes when the stranger approaches.
"I appreciate the concern, but who are you? Â You don't look like the type who'll be all buddy buddy for any random reason."
Nathan can feel that Ralts is just a little nervous around this newcomer. Â That Pawniard wasn't helping matters, either.
(05-12-2017, 03:32 PM)Earl Windows Wrote: [ -> ]Straightening back up, he turned towards the stranger, and extend a hand out to him. "Well, hello there! Sorry for ignoring you until now, but as you can see, I had some things I had to do first. Tell me, what brings to our small conclave, Mr....?" the researcher said politely, do his best to put a good foot forward with the man. Despite having never interacted with the gentleman before, he had a interesting feeling about him. As if he was important, somehow....
 "Pfft. Don't mind the mr. just call me Valder".
 Valder turns to the other guy with a hidden, weak annoyance. "As I said, my name is Valder. The little one is Theo". Valder puts on a meek smile as he points at his Pawniard. "I'm currently out of work and looking for someone who might need assistance, especially getting through the areas around here".
 Valder remembers that he actually really wants to get to another town and so he quickly adds "I'm saying I'm available as a mercenary type of thing. I can't make earthquakes like some scimitar sorcerer if you've heard of those, but I'm another person with a strong steel-type pokemon". Valder remembers that he has two pokemon, but decides to leave it out.
 "Anyway, I saw your not-so-clean clothes and decided that you lot might be some group of kids having a hard time moving on in this area, am I wrong? If you don't have any money that's fine, just share whatever else and I can help you". Valder let a tiny glimpse of fake despair go into his voice as he said the four last words.
 "Oh, I've also heard there are dangerous people going around here lately... that's right, those sorcerers, nasty things they are..."
"Wait a second. Â Hold up a moment. Â Did I just hear that correctly? Â What do you know of dangerous men able to create earthquakes?"
Nathan and Ralts are immediately on guard. Â Not just anyone would take that kind of statement seriously, and this man just casually mentioned it without a care in the world about what effect it might have?!
"Before we continue this conversation, I suggest we find someplace more private." Â Nathan's all but whispering at this point, his distrust of this stranger plain to all who hear.
"Why would I want to hurt you? There's no... need for that."
Shiva carefully listened to his words. Well, whatelse is there to do...? While Ven does have a fear of fey and magical things, it was a little weird to see that he himself seems to be a magican when it comes to building and cheering someone up. She didn't know how to response to him properly, but it was indisputable that she will keep his words in mind. Holding her hand and practically transfering them physically as well surely played its part to this.
It's indeed true... In the darker times, she tends to forget about the little sucesses.
"... Well, eh... Thank you, then..." Her voice may display insecurity, but inside, she really meant these words. This 'thank you' came along with a smile towarsd him and was a deeply honest one. For both - a plushie as a physical reminder and his kind words. For some weird reason, her feelings told her that he will see beyond this insecurity snd understand.
*Flashback to the scene when he was holding her hand*
Ventus smile only grew as he felt Shiva's depressed mood begin to lighten as he spoke, and when she thanked him for his kind words, the most beautiful grin was gracing his face. Being the empath that he was, he could tell that his motivational speech was drawing out the negativity within her, and dispelling it safely without it doing any lasting damage. 'I'd be a horrible friend if I let Shiva mire herself in her own doubt and self blame. I'm so glad that I was able to make her smile, after all she has been through,' he though, before he took his hand away from hers. He didn't say anything to her graditude, but he just softly rubbed her head in silent affection. Actions speak louder than words, you know.
*End of Flashback*
(Sweetest Flashback.)
As Nathan was whispering, Shiva - even while actually being focused on Ventus and hugging her new plushie - could immediately feel this...anger? No, rather distrust, coming from his side. He wasn't happy with this stranger, regardless of his friendly first interaction.
She turned towards him. "Eh, Nathan... Since you wish to find a more 'private place' to talk and I have actually no reason to listen, nor do I wish to interefere, you're fine if I pay the Daycate a visit so long? You know, the job offer, traveling Route 1 took way longer than I expected."
 The following words were whispered, only audible for Nathan and Ventus. "You people...do bring me up to date on information once we meet up again, do you?"
(05-12-2017, 05:34 PM)PhantomUnderYourDesk Wrote: [ -> ](Sweetest Flashback.)
As Nathan was whispering, Shiva - even while actually being focused on Ventus and hugging her new plushie - could immediately feel this...anger? No, rather distrust, coming from his side. He wasn't happy with this stranger, regardless of his friendly first interaction.
She turned towards him. "Eh, Nathan... Since you wish to find a more 'private place' to talk and I have actually no reason to listen, nor do I wish to interefere, you're fine if I pay the Daycate a visit so long? You know, the job offer, traveling Route 1 took way longer than I expected."
 The following words were whispered, only audible for Nathan and Ventus. "You people...do bring me up to date on information once we meet up again, do you?"
"Yeah, go right on ahead. Â Just remember I'm still willing to help if you need it. Â Hands on experience and all that, ya know." Nathan's nod in agreement is his answer to both requests.
He turns towards Ventus as Shiva goes up to Nurse Joy to inquire about the daycare's location. Â "Well, considering you payed him already, I assume you want to hear this too? Â We'll continue this chat in one of the back rooms."