I Don't Like It Here|Aegestrom, Maelstrom

[Kender Bard]

Tender shivered and paced the streets, wondering what to do. She was cold, hungry, and copperless now.

She couldn't, in her mind, go home because to go home required a certain amount of supplies that she could no longer afford. I'm stranded here, she thought miserably.

Her early attempts to find a handsome young husband in the Maelstrom court had been abysmal. And, as she grew more desperate, so were her attempts to get any husband in the court. Just so long as she had someone who would take care of her.

She continued to walk along, surrounded by her gloomy and dark thoughts.

[Northen Light36]

Seafoam was enjoying the chilly evening with a stroll around the city. Unlike his adoptive father, Sea enjoyed the chilly air and the crunch of snow under his boots. It was rather nice to have some time away from his parents, where he could just wander around without risking worrying anyone if he was later then expected home.

While debating whether to go spend the handful of copper he had on him on a new book, or a hot drink, he happened to notice Tender and frowned. She looked unhappy and Seafoam's gentle heart wouldn't let him ignore her. Crossing the street, Sea called, "Excuse me, miss? Are you all right?"

[Kender Bard]

Tender glanced up, startled.

Why was this young man talking to her...? Did she look as wretched as she felt? She blushed and ferverently hoped not.

"Oh, I'm fine," she answered lightly, which let her fake a smile. "Thank you, though. You're kind to inquire."

[Northen Light36]

Seafoam hesitated. "Are you sure?" he asks. "You looked unhappy. If something's wrong, I might be able to help. Are you lost or something?"

Seafoam hoped his insistance wasn't being rude, but he was quite certain something was wrong.

[Kender Bard]

"I..."

Tender wasn't sure what to say. She was alternately touched and annoyed by his kindness. What should she say?

The truth was unacceptable. Should she lie?

A small one?

"Yes," she answered, looking more upset. "I've lost my coin purse and all the money that was in it. Not much, grant you, a few copper..."

[Northen Light36]

"Oh, that's awful," Seafoam murmurs. "Well you can't go around without any money. Here, take this." Seafoam quickly removed his coin purse from his belt and held it out to her. "I don't have much on me, but there's about seven or eight copper in there."

[Kender Bard]

Tender stared at the outstretched bag.

Forces, the first truly nice person she's run into and she was lying to him. If she took his money, she'd essentially be robbing him.

She burst into tears at the unfairness. "No, no, don't give me that," she sobbed. "I lied, I didn't lose my money. I don't HAVE any money."

[Northen Light36]

"Well," Seafoam murmurs. "That seems to me to be an even more important reason to give you some money." He took off his cloak and drapped it over her shoulders. "There, now you won't freeze. Come on, don't cry. How about I find us somewhere warm where we can have a hot meal and you can tell me your story?" he offered. "I might be able to help you."

[Kender Bard]

"You don't even know me," Tender protested. She hastily dried her eyes. Look at me, bawling like a child. Sissy and Bro would be ashamed of me. As if they probably weren't already. "Sir, I'm sure there's someone far more deserving of your generosity than me. I'm just a silly girl who ran away from home because she didn't know what a good thing she had."

[Northen Light36]

Seafoam smiles and puts a hand on Tender's shoulder comfortingly. "I'm a healer, well, a healer apprentice. It's my job to help people, whether I know them personally or not and it's what I like to do. And wounds to the heart can hurt as much as wounds to the body." He flashes her the trademark Calder grin of great charm and adds, "So please, won't you let me see what I can do to help you out?"

[Kender Bard]

Tender felt a blush stretch like a band over her cheeks and nose at his grin. Oh. She nodded uneasily. "Very well, if you insist. But I refuse to put you in a position of inconvenience. Um, where are we going again?"

[Northen Light36]

"You know, I hadn't thought of that," Seafoam admits with a chuckle. "Hmm, well let's try the Roosted Goose? Their food isn't bad and at this time of day they'll be reasonablely empty and quiet."

After escorting Tender there and getting them a table in a quiet corner, Seafoam waits until they've both ordered before saying, "You know, I don't believe I caught your name. I'm Seafoam."

[Kender Bard]

Tender smiled a little at his name; she found it pleasant, if unusual. "I bet you're a Water," she quipped. "My name is Tender. Tender Morrison."

[Northen Light36]

Seafoam laughs at that and nods, "I was born in Ronduin before my guardian died and I was adopted by relatives here," he explains. "From your accent, I'm guessing you're from Talen'sul? I haven't been there yet, but I have an adult and uncle who live there and love it."

[Kender Bard]

"Aye, Talen'sul," Tender agreed. "Born and raised there. But I wasn't content. I had silly ideas that sent me here. Needless to say, it didn't work out. My siblings must be worried about me... I'd like to go home to them again."