A Friendly Afternoon

[Kysis]

(Continued from Getting a Permit)

It was not too long of a walk, nor was it a very complicated one.  Kysis had shown Alia the way once, to be sure she could report something if need be.  Alia had yet to use it for said purpose, the thieves rumored to be within the town having not taken notice of the business, or the money which moved through it.  Despite the specialized merchandise the Liari family dealt with, they were doing well.  With the new shipment scheduled to arrive in a few days, that wealth would only increase.

But Alia had no want to think of business figures at the moment.  She was in charge of all the finances Oberon-side, but a break was needed now and then.  Having already finished all her calculations for the day, Alia had no intention of doing any more, deciding to speak a bit.  Considering Amillia\'s garb, Alia doubted she had been in the noble region of Oberon\'s abodes.  There were massive estates on either side of the wide cobble roads, some with gaudy embellishments up front, others seeming more simple, though equally as grand.  The Liari Manor was no exception.

It was too big for those who currently lived within.  Servants were not kept, just a few guards who helped keep things tidy and safe.  One of the guards doubled as a cook, and though the food was not great, it was better than starving.  Alia had been searching for a good cook for a while, but with news of Rico accompanying the coming shipment, none would be needed.  However, as it stood.... bland food.  Not very lordly, but again, better than nothing.

Tall walls of a smooth beige stone surrounded the structure, large iron gates at the front, flanked by two guards.  Alia offered them a smile, speaking quickly to them, "Herete.  Poso kanei?"  The guards mumbled back their answers, opening the gates quickly.  Beyond was a small fountain, with multiple tiers of basins, but nothing fancy.  The courtyard itself was not very large, just enough room to walk around the fountain, and to have a lemon tree to the left.  Alia could not wait until it was warmer, and started to bloom.

Alia remained standing outside of the gates though, beaming with pride.  She still felt weak, the walking only making it worse, but she was home, and could relax now, "Well, here we are."

[pentacledreamer]

Amillia stared up at the house as they approached, she felt very uncomfortable at the moment. Here she was a ratty looking girl, being escorted by a lady to the lady\'s house and she felt so out of place.

The gates opened and Amillia stared in awe at the house. Being able to see everything now. She skitted closer to Alia as to avoid the guards and get a better look inside.

She had never even thought she\'d look at a place like this in her life time and she felt like she was about to wake up and find that everything had been a dream so far and she was still sitting at home laying infront of the fireplace with her father tossing and turning on the bed beside her.

Amillia swollawed a lump in her throat and turned to Alia, "Are ya sures ya want me ta go wit ya?" She asked.

[Kysis]

"Why would I change my mind?  Of course you are welcome." Alia turned, stopping her forward motion to answer the sudden question.  It seemed Amillia was a bit nervous, which brought a slight smile to Alia\'s lips.  The girl was a commoner, that much had been noticeable from her attire before but now how she was acting.  Alia found it amusing, but decided not to tease her about it.  She wanted her new friend to be comfortable and if this day went well.... Alia might even contribute a bit to the girls family.

Despite her mean streak, Alia could be a nice person.  She enjoyed helping those who were poor and worked hard.  Some people just needed a little push in the right direction, and everything else would fall in place.  Alia was testing now to see if Amillia was at all the hard working type, like she seemed, and if she would appreciate that prospective push.... plus Alia wanted someone to talk to other than her guard.  He was a boring person, to say the least.  Her only true friend was still back in Kreos, sulking over her failed betrothal no doubt.  Alia had no one right now, so it was a test of that also.

"Come on.  It cannot be that scary."  Alia waved for Amillia to follow again with her lace-clad hand, having to wait a moment longer as a guard went to opening the main door.  It was far to tall and heavy for Alia to manage on her own, which was the only reason Kysis had guards stationed out in front of the house.  Thoughtful, but at the same time insulting.  Either way, Alia was thankful for it at the moment, leading the way in to the entry foyer.

The room was round, with stairs spiraling up its side to the far right, leading to the upper level.  The foyer itself stretched up to the height of both levels, long slit windows letting in long streams of light.  An arched opening across the room went in to the dinning hall, which seemed too big for this, so Alia lead the way through it, passing the lengthy table and passing in to the kitchen, which was small and cozy.  Alia paused at the small table within, smiling and turning to make sure Amillia was keeping up.  This seemed a friendly enough space for conversation and a small snack of sorts, perhaps lunch if the eunuch guard was afoot.

[pentacledreamer]

Amillia straightened her posture and seemingly, boldly followed Alia into the house, eyeing the place with saucer shaped eyes. Her expression that still of slight awe and fasination.

She was quick to take in the room with which she was escorted, seeing Alia smile at her she hesitated and offered a shy smile. Why would she feel shy now after all she\'d been with the girl all day. But than again this woman was a lady and she was a commoner standing in her home.

Though to actually have social contact and possibly a friend out of this days experiance she was over joyed that she was still with Alia. She was not slow as she kept close to the only semi-familiar thing around her so she was barely two feet from Alia when the lady stoped.

"This be such a nyce hom!" She gazed around, though having taken what control of her face she could, she was not as aweful and wide eyed as before.

[Kysis]

Alia merely smiled.  She had already grown tired of how surprised Amillia was acting.  All of that wide-eyed staring was terrible.  That, and Alia had just thought of how much Kysis disliked the idea of guests to the house.  The more people that knew where they lived and how wealthy they were, the more likely thieves were to strike.  Such a thought was a sour one, Alia trying not to linger on it.  She had to steel up for the lecture to come later in the day, when Kysis returned from the shop.  He was in a terrible mood to begin with, for who knew what reason, so Alia definitely dreaded the thought of later in the day.

Glazing over that with something nice for now sounded just lovely, though.

"Are you hungry?"  There was a touch of nervousness to the question.  Alia could not cook, but she knew there were some already ready pieces of food about, for snaking and the sort.  The eunuch had made a few things the other day just for that purpose.  Alia did not remember where said items were hidden, but if Amilia said she was interested in food, a search would be at hand.  There was not much to really search through, in the kitchen.  That was most definitely a relief.