Casual Coffee Conversation (open!)

[Gene Sarda]

Sitting in a booth in a local coffee hotspot, Gene wrapped her fingers around her mug seeking the warmth it radiated. She was looking out the window, observing all of the people walking by. People in a hurry, people taking their time, people walking with determination and confidence, people walking hand in hand with other people, and people like her, who have time to casually stroll down the street and take in the environment.

The coffee shop was casual with welcoming and comfortable vibes, providing booths, tables, couches, or stools for seating options. Something for everyone, so everyone was comfortable. The variety of people in the shop was... incredible. Gene had never seen such variety of people in one setting before, never in her life. Everyone had a friend, someone to engage in a conversation with, someone like them. There was one couple, it looked like a father and a daughter having some time to hang out and bond. To her right, a boy was with girl, and Gene could only assume it was their first or second date. The booth in front of Gene held a couple that was already married, she could tell by the rings on their fingers. Everyone fit in. Everyone, except Gene it seemed. There was no one sitting across the booth from her talking about common hobbies or interests, getting to know her... and definitely no one pursuing her. 

I hope that changes soon, she prayed. Sure someone pursuing her would be nice and unexpected, but all Gene really wanted was to make some friends. She had a feeling that she would be in the area a while, and a friend would help her get settled in easier.

Besides, Gene thought, I haven't had a real friend since my childhood. Please don't ruin this for me introverted Gene. Maybe socialization could do me some good? Putting myself out there never hurt right? Wait. Actually it did.. but.. that's besides the point! Oh, great, now I'm trying to convince my own thoughts of something. I really DO need friends... 

[Deimian Kyrikk]

It was gentle, the radiation the lowered sun offered. The warmth gently caressed him, and his pale skin welcomed it. It served as a peaceful relief to the cold that the wind carried. Truly, it was likely that his body wished for more time in the sun, but taking to the outdoors was no easy feat.

Thankfully, it was today, for the streets were running streams of busy bodies, going about their lives. Many of these people were happy to show kindness to the blind man when his struggles were evident. Frankly, Deimian never saught to coerce bystanders into aiding him. He only ever tried the best of his abilities, but this often gave an awkward appearance, leading those around him to assist, occasionally. Such kindness was brought by a man who opened the door to the cafe Deimian was gladdened to have found.

The atmosphere he entered was no different than that of the one he departed. The room was alive with many voices, all following the unspoken rule of cafes by flowing in a softened tone.

Upon ordering a steaming beverage his tongue anxiously awaited, Deimian began the most difficult part: finding a table. Tables with people that carried on conversation were easily avoided, but tables with kind souls that sat alone were often victims of his blind searching.

To his dismay, the first booth he explored had a body in it, as he discovered when his cane came across a leg. His heart skipped a beat in embarrassment, and immediately his speech showed it.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, my apologies, I did not know anyone was here, is your leg okay? Did I cause it any pain?"

His posture made his inner turmoil evident also, as it lowered altogether and his hand outstretched in fret.

[Gene Sarda]

Gene's head snapped up as something hit her leg. Then a kind voice followed, apologizing for something that wasn't as painful as a pen dropping on her foot. 

"Oh, please don't apologize," Gene laughed. "I hardly even noticed. Please, would you like to join me? There aren't any other tables available and... Well I'd hate for you to not have a place to sit. If you're looking for company, I'm only slightly starved for companionship. And if you're not, I've had my fair share of being quiet. Your choice, but I can tell you there's a right and wrong answer."

Gene thought about throwing in a charming wink after she was done talking, but remembered, again, that it wouldn't make a difference what she looked like to this man. If he spoke with her, he would only offer friendship because he liked speaking to her. And that.... That was a very unlikely chance.

[Deimian Kyrikk]

Upon the kind woman's invitation, Deimian began to accept. "Well-"

Then she quickly continued, explaining to him the current status of table availability. "Oh that's-"

Once more, before Deimian could thank her for the very helpful information, her words continued to flow, speaking about her personal take on the options. The blind man gave a soft chuckle.

"I do believe a friend to talk to would be lovely," he stated with a smile as he lowered himself carefully into the booth. He would lightly lay his can down behind him in the plush seat.

"Oh!" he said as the thought came to mind, "Excuse my forgetfulness, my name is Deimian Kyrikk, and I am of the Kingdom of Aedria," he introduced as he reached out a friendly hand across the table.

[Gene Sarda]

Gene was embarrassed as she interrupted the man several times, not even noticing until she was done. But all of that faded when she heard his words and saw his hand.

"You... You're from Aedria? Really?" and then the fear began to set in. 

"My grandmother sent you didn't she? She knew if she sent someone pretending to be blind that she could lure me away. That's it, isn't it? She just hired you?" Gene's eyes were fearful and large, though if the man was really blind I suppose he had no idea of that.  

[Deimian Kyrikk]

The girl's fret bewildered Deimian, and truly he wasn't sure how to respond. This would show on his face. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you. I assure you however I know nothing of your grandmother. And I have nowhere I wish to lure you, nor any means of doing so." His hand slowly set itself down on the table.

[Gene Sarda]

Skeptical was written all over Gene's face. I'm sure even if this man was blind he could hear it radiating off of her skin. 

"I see," Gene stated. She noted the look on his face, and how genuine and confused he truly was. 

"I suppose... I'd have no way of proving you're telling the truth. But I believe you. You don't seem like the kind that my grandmother would hire anyways. I'm sorry I jumped at you, I kind of ran away from my grandmothers house. Running away sounds so childish, but I suppose that's the only definition for it. " Gene's eyes lowered to the table, guilty and ashamed that she accused an innocent man. 

Careful not to interrupt him again, Gene took a minute before asking, "What... What brought you here from Aedria?"

[Deimian Kyrikk]

Deimian smiled a relieved and pleasant smile, a smile that hinted at forgiveness and grace. "There is no harm done, Madame. And worry not, running away sounds not childish, but unfortunate. Running away only comes as an option when the runner sees no other."

The Aedrian began to slip into a reminiscent state when he was interrupted by an approaching figure.

"Here's your order, sir," a happy woman's voice said softly.

"Oh, my goodness you're so kind. Thank you, so much," Deimian gave gratitude with a shining polite smile. His entire body moved to accept the beverage that had been unnecessarily brought to him.

She replied in turn with an, "Of course!" before returning to her ever moving station.

With his cup wrapped in his hands' hug, Deimian's posture returned to face his new friend. As he delighted his tongue with a long awaited first sip, the lady posed her question, returning Deimian to the mental track of reminiscence.

"Ah, well.." the young man thought a moment as his hands guided the cup to land gently upon the table. It was a strange position he was in; he was proud of his family, proud of his origins, and proud of his territory. What he wasn't proud of was everything that happened in that kingdom, and why he ventured to this side of the continent. "Our stories share resemblance there, I suppose," he began with a friendly grin. "I sought that which you found: escape. And I, too, have found it." Deimian paused briefly to decide whether he wanted to release the sentences that awaited at the back of his mouth, listening for orders.

"Though," he began unsurely, clearly saying each word as he found it. "Not.. from a place, or person. But rather," Deimian chuckled at the words that came to mind. "An inner demon, as one might say."