Picnic Blankets (open)
It had been exactly five days since her encounter with Amir, and today she was determined -not- to look for him. She'd roamed the Manor every evening,on the pretense of learning more about new home, but in actuality had been looking for him. It was silly and childish, and she knew he had better things to do than spend all of his time with her.
So tonight she had gone to the library and found a book about the native flora and fauna of Nachton. Then she'd found Rupert and he'd provided her with a wicker basket filled with, "Everything you might need, Miss."
Now she made her way to one of the many parks, this particular one was nothing more than a wild flower meadow. She walked to the very center of the space, and set down the basket and book.
Squatting, she opened the top flaps and pulled out a soft white quilt dotted sporadically with small purple flowers. After laying it out, she rifled through the remainder of the contents, finding a silver thermos, three different sizes of silver tins, a small pillow and a lantern.
She opened each container, finding her favorite tea, strawberries, biscuits and her favorite little chocolates. With a soft smile, she set the pillow on the blanket, lay back and opened her book.
The dress code amused him, at least it did until she decided to suggest he wear a dress. Bao shifted so he could hold a leg out in front of him. He pointed and flexed his foot, complete with highly polished dress shoe, experimentally trying to look at it critically.
“I have never had any complaints about my legs.”
He said quite seriously before her light giggle coaxed him into a smile.
“However, I still think I shall forego little black dress. I’m certain it will look much better on you.”
She sighed softly, letting the laughter settle down. "So, Bao, since I'm fairly certain playing games is not an every day occurrence for you, what is it you do?"
It was something she decided she wanted to ask everyone she meets. Having had no real occupation of her own, and hearing of how Amir spent his time, she wanted to know what others did. Lady Erin owned many businesses and the like, and had helped Dana make investments, so the money she used was her own, but mostly the women had spent their time in less serious pursuits. Dana had a desire beginning to take shape, of actually using her time in a way that would benefit her clan.
“I find I’m not good at being idle so I do what ever needs to be done.”
If he stopped to think about how many assignments he’d carried out over the years it would be… daunting. However, the variety had kept his skills, all of them, sharp and he certainly was never bored.
“Currently, however, I am working as a lawyer. Which, I’m afraid is less exciting than it sounds.”
"On the contrary, functioning as a purveyor of the law when one of our people is fascinating. Do you find you conflict with the the expectations of your office often, or is that a concern for you?"
"Currently I'm dealing more with corperate and contract law. Some one has to keep track of investments and companies and such. But of course what ever the clan needs I'm happy to handle."Â?
He briefly considered if any of it conflicted with his expectations or concerns.
"Frankly no. I'm not overly worried about it. When dealing with corporations it is dealing with entities not people. Of course, if you were to bring the law to a more personal level, humans simply wouldn't see things the way we do. I doubt there would ever be agreement."Â?
By the same standard he doubted that should cows become sentient that humans and cows would ever agree on a mutual law. As it was humans would never be able to think long term, not in spans of hundreds of years. No they were hopeless, better to not even try.
Realizing he was about to start orating he made his own inquiry.
"And what brought you to our fair city? Business or pleasure?"Â?
"Pleasure mostly, but I'm thinking that it is time I find a vocation with in the Clan."
She had no idea of his capacity with in the Clan, but since she'd had occasion to read about the elders, she knew he was not one of them. She wondered if she'd ever meet them, Lady Erin said the last she'd heard they were here in Nachton. The whole of the Clan could live in Nachton, and she doubted she'd ever run into them all.
She brushed the thoughts aside, considering them unimportant to the conversation at hand.
"I just haven't any idea what I'd do."
"Ah excellent, excellent. There are the three orders but I've never felt a calling to any of them and that does not make me any less useful."Â?
In fact, in some ways it might be thought to make him more useful. That, however, would depend on who you asked.
"Wishing to contribute is the first step."Â? He smiled in an encouraging manner. "Have you not given the matter any thought at all?"Â?
Bao suspected Dana was not an impulsive creature and to have reached this point in her reasoning she must have ideas what she'd -like- to do even if she wasn't certain what she -could- do. For his part he wondered how she could contribute to the over all plan, but that was a decision he wouldn't make on his own nor impulsively.
"I've not thought much beyond the desire to contribute something, and it took me nearly a week to get there, weighing pros and cons, listing my strengths that sort of thing."
She gave a soft shrug with one shoulder. "I know what I can do, but not how to apply it nor where to offer my services."
“I still think you are moving in the right direction.”
Hmmmm it was a bit of a risk but he could use a hand some times. He’d have to be careful about things. Finally, he decided it couldn’t hurt to offer, she might not even be interested.
“Perhaps some evening we could discuss what it is you can do. Occasionally I can use some help. That would give you a starting point and possibly expand your contacts. It would also give you a chance to find your true calling.”
"I would like that. In the mean time I'll continue to make my lists, and try to categorize my skills so it will be easier to see where I fit."
She'd not missed his glance at his watch. "Please, Bao, don't let me keep you from your work. I must say, I've quite enjoyed your company. It has made what had been a bit of a lonely evening lovely."
Bao kept an office down town for appearances sake; he certainly wasn't looking for new clients. However, it gave him a place to work away from the rest of the clan and to bring those people who had no business knowing about the clan. He gave her the address, which was in an upscale area of the business district.
"I shall ensure I have plenty of time in my schedule so we can get you settled where you will be the most effective."Â?
He hated having people under employed and was even less fond of having them in over their heads.
Having been caught clock watching Bao smiled, slightly sheepishly.
"You must think me terribly rude. I do apologize for making a hasty exit. I've quite enjoyed speaking with you and look forward to seeing you again."Â?
He rose to his feet with an unconscious grace and half bowed to her.
"I thank you for your company this evening Dana."Â?
With a final soft smile Bao took his leave. He had enjoyed the evening thus far and hoped very much to find a place for Dana that she would feel comfortable and grow.
((OOC... Bao out pending response))
"I shall keep that in mind, though a bit of tedium now and again never hurt anyone."
She smiled again, rising when he did "I don't think you rude in the least."
Her body automatically returned his bow, an unconscious reaction bred by years of courtesy.
"It has been an absolute pleasure, Bao"
Returning his smile, she watched him walk away. She had learned a little about another member of the clan and had set in motion a plan which had only just begun to hatch. It was an exciting day, and she now had lists to make.
With a lightness she felt down to her toes, she gathered her things and after dropping the basket and blanket off with Rupert, headed to her room. It was close to noon before she put down the nearly full notebook and made herself get some rest.
((ooc Dana out. Sorry it took so long, real life aggro-ed!))