Does it Appraise?

[Epiphany]

Some things, no matter how expensive or how they glittered and shone when hit by light were only simple babbles if their only purpose was to be pretty. For some people that was enough, the value of their valuables lied in how pretty they were. Then there were the other things, rusty and worn with age and would hardly be given a second look, yet they were more valuable than gold to the one who owned it. It could be that how much a thing was worth was merely dependent on said owner. These were some of the thing that Epiphany thought about as she tapped a finger against the top of her mahogany dresser.

Opening the top drawer, and pushing aside the clothing bits and small oddities she saw it and sighed in a moment of reflection. A small crush blue velvet box sat nestled in the back corner where it has always been since she placed it there over four years ago but once she pulled it out, the box was as flawless as the day received. No scruff or worn patches. She held it in the open palm of her left hand as the right pushed the drawer closed. With that done she left out of her room on the first floor.

Even as she made her way down the hall she wasn’t fully committed to asking about the contents of that box. With the element of doubt weaseling, in the contents of the small brown pouch attached to her belt jingled for attention. A perk of her brow and she looked down at it and patted it twice with her hand as she bounded down the staircase. They had no need to worry, they were going to be examined in due time.

On her earlier raid of her cavern those particular items jumped at the chance to volunteer when the request went out to the chest. Brave souls. All the rest of them were too comfortable to want to leave, but not these and that’s why they were on the way to being appraised and after that? Who knows! Her excursion was the reason why she would show up to Rodry’s door in hikers boots, shorts and a vest, with that belt equipped with that pouch and a grappling hook.

The small box was still being held gingerly in her left hand so the right raised up, fingers slightly curled, and she knocked on his door. Hopefully he was settling in all right.

[Rodry Pol]

That was of course why Rodry had rather pointedly mentioned that he could judge an items value in coinage alone. Something that fortunately ... wasn't entirely true. It was honestly why he prefered to appraise things with the owners nearby.

As he had told Epiphany he had gone on to get settled. He had started by changing his clothes, the heavy coat and traveling hood traded for a longsleeve shirt of a soft fabric that would have been a match for the coats hue. It's deep deep blue just this side of being black. Along with a pair of black dress pants and shoes of the same ensured that he offered a put together appearance.

While he hadn't taken the time to put everything away he had at least unpacked some of the things from his trunk, mainly the small lap-kit he had brought. This had been rolled out upon the generic desk, revealing the minutely tipped tools of his trade.

One could almost imagine me a surgeon.

He had also set out the small velvet lined case that held the fragile but powerful jewelers lenses, with polishing cloths and the kid-skin gloves he used while working.

While she lurked in the hallway, calming her belongings and such, she caught whiff of hot tea brewing. Though the first sound she heard after her knock was the tell-tale triple step of someone sporting a cane. It didn't take him but a moment to unlock the door and to pull it open. Shifting back a bit.

"Your just in time for tea, Epiphany."

He gestured her inside, waving to the common area with it's couches and things. He had a good sized fire going in the grate. Making the room feel no doubt comfortably warm to her. Probably glad she had worn shorts now!

"Have our valuables hidden at the bottom of a mineshaft?"

Teasing her good naturedly even while he went back to the kitchenette. Obviously to fetch their tea. Though ... if she thought that she was going to be able to talk him into letting her fetch the tea she was going to find out that apparently he could do without the cane long enough to nudge her back into the other room!

[Epiphany]

When the door opened Rodry was first greeted by a warm that partially split to show her teeth. Glad that he had opened door and to see him. "Hello, Rodry. I can do tea, thank you." So she didn't normally do things like drink tea, or eat much, anymore there was no need to turn his invitation down. Besides, his mention of tea made her remember a friend and that caused her to let out a brief chuckle as she enter the room.

Curious eyes with a mind to follow caught sight of those tools and her eyes sparkled with delight as she made her way over to them. She wasn't going to touch - no, no, she wouldn't. Maybe if she asked... Having been caught up in that she missed him going off to get the tea but the lack of the canes sound against the ground didn't escape her ears.

With care she set the blue velvet box down besides the tools and turned to look over her shoulder at him. "A cavern really," she said in reply to his question about where she kept her valuables. "A mineshaft is a bit cliché." Not to mention that putting one of those miner carts in the cavern may be a little difficult. Then again, well, that was for another time.

Fingers danced over those tools he had set out as she sought to put each to her memory. If she remembered them then maybe she could find the likes of them in town somewhere. "Rodry? What are all these tools for? Do they pick apart the object to say it's value?"

He wouldn't have to worry, while she had manners she enjoyed that he could still get around on his own -and without the cane too! She had thought that there was something more to him, and maybe there was. This didn't mean that she wouldn't help if asked or saw needed.

[Rodry Pol]

"Cream and sugar?"

Though he didn't bother to add it himself, he had the little bowl with the cubes and tongs, along with the miniature pitcher. The tray resting in the palm of one hand while the other lead him along with his cane. He wasn't entirely dependant upon it. At least not yet.

"Most women keep their things in a jewelery box. I can't imagine someone descending into a cavern in an evening dress."

Though his tone made it clear that he wasn't frowning upon her choice. As did that faint smile on his lips. Rodry just found it exotic in comparison to the norm! Seeing her eyeing his tools, he chose to serve tea at the desk rather than the small coffee table. Setting it upon the back of the desk and indicating which cup was to be hers.

"Come now Epiphany. I am sure you can tell what these tools are for. While yes, I could take apart whatever I am to look at into it's components, not many want their things to be taken apart."

He took out a small hook that had a tiny sharp tip. Showing it to her. It almost looked like a dentists probe.

"These tools are mainly used for cleaning and restoring pieces that have been poorly handled. However, I expect they will not be needed."

Offering a faint hint of a smile at that. Of course meaning such as a compliment. Though he couldn't help but be amused with this young woman. She had the air of one of experience, yet seemed to be charmingly ignorant of his craft. If he felt she would do such a thing he might have accused her of feigning such.

Once she had taken her tea he helped himself, setting his saucer and cup to one corner of the desk before wisking the tray out of their way. Placing it on that forgotten table before the couch.

"While custom would dictate plenty of chit chat before business, a young woman should never be kept waiting."

He indicated the small wooden tray of ash, polished to a high sheen that ensured no contamination of what he was caring for. Obviously meaning for her to place those things that she had brought, which no doubt included the small blue box that she had been holding tight to throughout the brief talk. Which of course made him feel that it must have been a gift of some great import. Considering her apparent attatchment.

[Epiphany]

Truth to tell, she did know something of the craft but it was in different capacity than shiny tools and well kept cases. Her knowledge came from traveling upon the seas with pirates and they would hold the jewel to the light to see how it refracted and tested against the grit of teeth, glass, and black stones, more primative means than what he was displaying.

She smiled politely when he showed which cup was hers and there was a low chuckle when he made the comment about the evening dress. Tongs and cubes of sugar were not an everyday norm for her but she knew what was to be done with them. “I suddenly feel underdressed,” she stated with a brush to her shorts before picking up the tongs and putting one cube into her cup. It was meant as humor. She started to stir the cube by slow circular shake of her cup and she looked up at him, “Perhaps the next time I am invited for tea I’ll come prepared.” Technically it would be the first time as tea in this instance was more situational than by invitation.

“I could probably show you a few things that may be beyond belief, Rodry.” Epiphany brought the cup up to her lips and took a small sip of the tea before the cup was placed again on the desk.

The wooden try was looked at and considered before she took her blue velvet box and placed it there. “There’s always time for chit-chat,” she said while the tips of her fingers lingered over the boxes top. “Who says it has to be limited to a space of time? But before you look at this,” tapping the top of the box to make sure that he knew that was what she referred, “would you look at these first?”

At this point she took her hand from the box and her fingers opened the pouch on her belt. An enameled gold, amethyst and pearl pendant, about 1880 was the first thing she pulled out of the pouch. A large amethyst rested in the center of an open cross made of dark and light gold, small pearls were at the corners, held with their own golden brackets. At the bottom dangled a tear shape amethyst topped with its own pearl and gold chain. There was small a loop at the very top for the item to be placed on a cord. Next came three faceted red beryl stones, they were unpolished but if a cut were to catch light it would show how that at least one of them was flawless. Epiphany set each of those on the tray in turn, well enough apart so one did not crowd the other. The last thing she produced was a 7 button cut marcasite, antique Victorian/Edwardian buttons bracelet. The marcasite in both silver and golden tones gave diversity to the color and each button had it’s own unique handmade design. To look closely elements of wear could be seen and some of the smaller grooves could do with a good cleaning. The bracelet was stretched out so it could – as she thought – be displayed properly.

“I know they’re not all jewels…” as she remembered what was his forte, “but perhaps they could still be of some amusement?” She was curious to see him work and since he seemed to have passion in this craft hoped that it would bring him some delight as well.

Epiphany wrung her hands together a moment before picking up her tea cup once more.

[Rodry Pol]

"Nonsense. You are dressed quite sensibly for the occasion."

As he had said, an evening dress would be a poor choice for spelunking ones way to their hoard. He just took a different approach for the same result. Save for the fact that his was a little more ... telling.

"Perhaps next time we shall do coffee in your room. You need not entertain the whims of a stuffy old man."

He offered an indulgent smile while she planted the box on the tray, though at the production of the pouch he couldn't help but set his tea aside to cool. Epiphany was just being mysterious for the heck of it now. Parading that plush box, asking after his craft and such. Stalling and piquing his curiosity further. Now she once more played the mysterious part!

"I have no trouble looking at your treasures in the order you present them."

Honestly he didn't have much choice in the matter, but that would hardly be the right thing to say. Rodry returned to his place at her side. Leaning on his cane while she produced each piece in turn. During the reveal, he only briefly turned aside, coughing into that ever handy hankerchief of his, though at such a close distance the faint coppery tang was unmistakable. Even if he pointedly folded the cloth away out of sight. Letting her finish placing each piece out with the care that was evident in the way that she placed and adjusted each piece.

"... For one so young in appearance, you certainly have some fine pieces here. Inheritence?"

Making small talk, even if a hand shifted reflexively to the pocket where the arm of a pair of spectacles hung free, he passed them up in favor for the gloves that he had set aside. His triple-step headed the way of the bathroom while he spoke.

"No apologies, they are fine examples of a jewelers craft. It looks like the bracelet hasn't been as well cared for as it deserves, but I could take an evening to repair that."

Once in the bathroom he stayed only long enough to change his gloves, a little pressed talc assisting in getting the thin kidskin pair into place. The brief foray leaving her there served a dual purpose, to allow him to exchange his cloth for a clean one, but that wasn't about to be admitted to.

[Epiphany]

"I'll be twenty-five soon," Epiphany said in protest to her age. She took no offense to the age comment reallyand the fact that she looked younger than she actually was always brought her legality into question. It also worked in her favor many times.

Coffee in her room. As innocent and easy as that should be the suggestion brought many questions and circumstances to the mind of this girl and she thought over the possibilities. Of course there were some things to compensate for . . .

And then he coughed and her train of thought was put on hold. Was that, blood? Yes, she was sure of it, there was no mistaking the smell. Her eyes had been slightly glazed over in thought while but now they were sharpened and focused on his mouth from over the rim of her cup. However, they caught no sign of anything as he was doubly quick to wipe any sign away with a quick motion of his wrist and that napkin, but she knew she smelled it and it occurred to her now that she had also caught a hint of it before when she was checking him in. Interesting.

Was he ill? Whatever the case may be it was something he did not want noticed so for his shake she would continue as though the cough were really that. A cough.

"I've had a lot of jourmey's Rodry, where I've picked things up along the way. In fact," she smiled as she liked stories and speaking like this was often the start of one. "Perhaps I shall have to monopolize more of your time for a bit of show and tell." The poor girl was already plotting ways to take up his time, though she would of course let him have time he needed for....what he was suppose to be doing here.

She had thought that the bracelet was in good condition but when he said it could be better that only made her eyes go wide in interest. "Please.. please take all the time that you need." And then he was heading out to excuse himself she stepped closer to the tray and bent down to look at the itemmore closely, even used the tip of her small nail to scratch at it.

[Rodry Pol]

"I meant no harm in my words, Epiphany. I must say, this is certainly the first time I've ever had a woman make comment on being called young."

The faint grin he offered in apology making it clear it had been meant as a compliment. Though she should hardly blanch at being called young by Rodry. He had lived a full life and the iron grey of his hair was in sharp contrast to the rich color of her own.

As some might say, the nose knows. It didn't help that the scent was far from one that was common. It was hard to imagine Rodry sucking on pennies. He listened to her as she told of her own full life. Something that surprised him considerably.

By the time he had returned, those finer gloves were in place, ensuring he wouldn't harm the pieces through any oil on his skin or anything of that sort. Though her scraping with her nail had him shooing her with a light wave of his hand.

"I can't help but wonder ..."

She had already proved to be quite the unusual young woman. Her behaviors and mannerisms were much the same as she. Yet far from offensive!

"A young woman, with a spirit as adventurous as your own ... why are you cooping yourself up here running an inn?"

There had been no point in which she had disillusioned him of that assumption. He just didn't understand how she could shackle herself to a such a sedate life when she seemed so very vibrant! He pulled the two stools beneath the desk out, offering her one to settle in to one side. he finally got to sip at his tea a moment while he waited for her answer.

She was hardly able to truly monopolize his time. Epiphany would be bored to tears of Rodry if she spent too much time with him. Finally he was pulling free the ring of fur lined leather that he slipped over the top of his head, the little bonzed arm swung down before his eye by a little nudge of practiced fingers as he indicated the box that held his lenses. The silent request for her to scoot it this way soon letting him pluck out one of them to fit into place over his eye. Starting first with the free stones. He held it up to the lamp he had placed on the desk. Admiring the facets and the natural form of the gem for long moments through the lens.

"If you have more pieces for me to admire, I would have to heartily agree. Even if I might find spelunking a bit beyond my current means."

He couldn't help but lose himself in the Red Beryl he had picked up. For in all honesty it shouldn't have truly existed. Rodry's brows were coming together slowly, his concentration rather obvious even if the low 'hmm' he emitted was no doubt leaving her eager for his opinion!

[Epiphany]

In the time that Rodry was gone Epiphany had started to chuckle faintly and shake her head, sharing a joke with herself over the situation of being here and the pleasantness of it all and it was very possible that the humor was trailing off to a bright smile by the time he got back. Those gloves he wore were an interesting thing to her as she wasn't quiet sure why he was wearing them aside from an idea. "Rodry? Do you wear the gloves to keep from leaving prints?" When she inquired she spoke in a soft tone as he had already donned on his glasses and was starting the process of examination.

Many years ago she had known an old scholar and whenever he was engaged in his craft he didn't like a lot of noise so she whispered when she spoke. She was doing the same now, only it was a touch above a whisper. "Because, since the jewelry isn't yours, you don't want it to know your imprint and have memory of you?" In essence she was saying that what he was handling would remember him as she believed that things, even inanimate ones, had memories that they would tell if given the chance.

When he indicated the box that he needed her eyes were directed to it and the box was slid to him quickly enough to almost have been a planned cue. Sometimes Epiphany was good at picking up signals and falling to the role of a good assistant. Sometimes. It helped when what she was assisting in was of interest and she wanted to learn.

Quiet for a moment or two as she looked at his hair and the glasses he wore as she sat there upon the stool. "I do own the Inn yet, I don't have the ability to run it proper, I leave that to more capable hands." Like the other girl who was usually at the desk. I... I spend a lot of my day here and there with various things, but I believe that everyone needs a place where they can rest their heads and quiet the hunger in their stomachs, don't you?" And that was really what she did it for. If it had been about money and making a living from the money then payment for rooms would be due at the time of check in, monetary payment at that instead of offering services as an option.

Epiphany turned her head away for a moment to look over at his cane, a considering look crossing over her face as she pondered. "If you were ever to want to go spelunking with me or go through the travels of a cave, all you need is the 'want' and 'desire to', I'll take care of the rest." The how in the taking care of wasn't known to her yet but she never let something as trivial as not knowing how to do something stop her from attempting it.

Then he was 'hmm'-ing and it drew her attention back to him with eyebrows raised. He was looking at the red stone. "Is something wrong with it?"

[Rodry Pol]

Epiphany was actually an excellent client, one who had that wonderfully child-like curiosity and without the overwhelming impatience that usually came with it. That curiosity caught him off guard for a moment when she latched onto his change of gloves, which had him idly holding out a hand. Showing her the palms of the gloves.

"Prints can be of concern, yes. The main reason however is that the oils and things on your skin can have adverse effects upon gems and precious metals. You've seen tarnished jewelery."

The last was said with the casual air of fact, not question. Everyone had seen an old well worn ring grow discolored. At least everyone he had ever spoken to on the subject! When she went deeper into detail on why she thought he might not wish to leave behind any traces of himself, she found Rodry glancing her way, one eye obscured by the jewelers lens while the other settled upon her. Intense sapphire hue of his eyes as pure as any gem.

"You speak as if you have experienced such before, Epiphany."

His tone wasn't at all disbelieving, though at the same time it wasn't condescending either. Yet he didn't give her a direct answer, mainly because he had little fear of being remembered.

Many more were afraid to be forgotten.

Rodry was one more giving that gem his attention, even if he found his own curiosity piquing considering this was the first time he had heard her sound less than completely confident. It left him raising a brow, even if by now the gem had given up it's ... unusual qualities. He reflected upon them silently a few moments.

Her almost reluctant tone in asking if there was something the matter with the gem left him setting it down on the tray, to one side to ensure that it was set apart from the others. His hand freed the leather band from around his brow, offering it to her.

"How much do you know about the Beryl?"

Sounding entirely serious. He would of course assist her if she had any issue with getting the band into place. He intended to allow her the liberty of examining the gem as well. A little nudge had the arm that held the jewelers lens centering over her eye.

"Here, roll the gem in the light. Look through it. What do you see?"

It had honestly surprised him, to find that the gem had been flawless. Flawless. Something that was .... that just didn't normally occur.

"You should be able to see tiny bubbles in the gem or flecks. Inclusions. During the formation the gems growth and the gradual coloring .. usually this process would leave many minor defects that in a semi-precious gem aren't as big of an issue as they are in precious gems, like your diamonds."

Educating her even while he let her see. Perhaps she might wonder if she were looking through the lens incorrectly. After all, the things he told her she should be seeing, weren't there!

[Epiphany]

Was he actually letting her use his equipment? He was! When he started to take the band off from around his own head her light blue eyes lite up and could have very well sparkled. "You're serious? I can use these?" He could have been like other people she knew and not share the things they have - especially if they happened to be expensive things - but he was even helping her to put them on properly. Yes, she was defiantly going to have to go and find one of these sets now for she couldn't merely learn how to use something and never use it again. That would defeat the whole purpose.

She treated the lenses with care as it was on her face for no matter how 'wild' or 'spontaneous' this girl may be she always took care of the things that were important. "I don't know much about it to be honest, other than it's pretty...," said while she reached to pick up the stone with the tips of her thumb and forefinger, remembering what he said about the oils from one's finger causing damage to things like this. "I was with the Buccaneers during the raid of some mountain of other and found some stones and metals. I found these and they were really excited." She said it casually and even added in a small shrug of her shoulders. That was a little over a decade ago now and she had been to young to really care about the real value of objects like this gem, she only knew that it had a pretty color and sparkled.

She was looking closely at the gem and for the things that he said that she should see. but she held it closer to the lens, she twisted her wrist, she even squinted her eyes to see if that would make any difference but no matter what she did she saw nothing.

Epiphany shook her head. "I must not have an eye for this stuff, I don't see anything like that in this gem." Lowering her hand and settling it down on the table once more. "It was all smooth and clear to me." She could have been looking at it wrong.

"Perhaps this beryl didn't want to be like the others so it cleansed itself of imperfections unknowing that its pursuit to be perfect resulted in it being an oddity?" Thinking that she should perhaps give the lens back before she forgot - not that he would let her - she started to pull it off slowly. "So that it can be remembered for something else other than what it was when it was imperfect."

That too could be related to the question of prints on jewelry; that question of his that she didn't quiet answer. Some things would rather be forgotten then remembered.

[Rodry Pol]

The sudden excitement in her voice at him taking off the headband made him offer a brief smile. Epiphany had that wonderfully child-like appeal in her behavior. Which had him offering that low chuckle of his while he helped her put it into place.

"I would hope that you would think better of me than to toy with a young womans heart that way. Besides, I know that if something happened that we could work out the cost in covering my room arrangements for a while.""

Rodry gave a nod and a wide smile before filling her in on the development of the stones, though she might have left that mention of the stones being excited deliberately vague, considering it left Rodry believing she had meant the buccaneers had been excited not the stones. Though perhaps that had been her goal in phrasing it that way.

"Consorting with pirates in your formative years? Yet you seem so well mannered."

Though if she had pointed out that she had been with pirates in her early teens, he might just have to wonder how it was she had managed to leave them. Though he didn't ask further on it, not sure how well his curiosity would be received, even if she did seem quite the friendly young lady.

He let her set the gem aside, knowing that she would spot nothing that his own practiced eye had not, which she soon verbally pointed out.

"There is naught wrong with your eyes. I saw not a single imperfection during my own glance."

While her explaination pointed out how great her imagination was, he couldn't help but lift a gloved hand, resting the side of one finger across his lips in thought. There was the idea that it could have been artificially made, but he had a knack for spotting such things. This had none of those tell-tale feelings about it.

He took a moment to wrangle up that teacup again. Taking a deep drink from the cup in order to think on it.

"That is an intriguing idea Epiphany."

After he finished off his cup he set it aside, leaving him lightly retreiving the lens from her, placing it back upon his brow. He took less time looking at the other two beryls, which of course conformed more with the norm than their errant brother. Something that left him only thinking upon the other more intensely.

He took a moment to admire the bracelet, though he set this aside for looking over after he had cleaned and cared for it a bit more. Which of course left him moving on to that beautiful pendant. Unable to help but to sigh softly. He laid it out in his palm, letting the hanging pearls rest over the base of his palm.

"This is a beautiful peice. Thank you for giving me a chance to admire it."

A slow roll of Rodry's palm let the light dazzle it's way through the central stone, the lustre of the pearls giving him plenty to look over. The intense way he placed his attention on that pendant was something that might have marked him as a one time artist. It took him a long time to lay it flat upon the tray again.

"Why did you bring these things to be appraised, are you looking to sell them? To simply know their value in coin or simply out of curiosity?"

[Epiphany]

Pirates. 

Thinking about them made her chuckle though at the time she did it may have it mistaken to go along with anything. All in good humor. "I've found that being able to adapt and change to fit whatever the situation calls for to be quite the skill, especially if a person can do so and stick to their own moral code." She said as she gave a slight nod. "Pirates are like anyone else, they like a good deal." despite the fact that she had been given to a savvy lot, if her personality was different life with them may not have been as 'pleasent' as it was. 

"And what of you, Rodry?" Grinning as she watched him and continued to speak, "You have an eye for jewels, treasure, might make for a pirate yourself." Part jest and part honest observation, everyone knew that a good pirate had to like treasure. And his limp and cough? Two attributes that would fit in perfectly, especially for one that was retired. She wouldn't dwell too much on it before the thought turned into more of a solid idea. If he thought that she had quite the imagination the truth to tell is that that was only a tip. 

"These items," Epiphany said, her hand gesturing over the items on the tray - all but that blue velvet box, "I was going to give to the church where I volunteer. They are going to have an auction to raise money for their ongoing projects: the orphanage, city aide, relief and trade; things like that." They had asked for items to sell -material or consumable- and as she was no great cook... "I thought that these would catch a fair price from those that may be there from the wealthy sector of the city." 

"Cept for this. I guess. I don't know." Sounding insecure as she looked at the blue box. "It only has one memory. Not the box." saying the last part in a bit of a nervous rush, "What's inside of it I mean."

[Rodry Pol]

If she was lucky enough to bump into some 'gentlemanly' pirates, then she had certainly been a lucky one. Who knew might have happened to her had she not adapted and proved that a young girl had uses beyond the base.

"So, you consider yourself a mimic then?"

Playing the part of pirate but retaining their morals and self characterizing values was quite the skill, one that would come in handy in nearly any walk of life. Which made Epiphany quite the oddity. How much of her was simply response to what she thought he expected of her and how much was genuine? He would hardly know unless he asked and Rodry had already shown a remarkable amount of restraint when it came to pressing for details on Epiphany's personal life.

She might be pleased with herself for the look he gave her when she implied he would make a good pirate. A mixture equal parts disbelief and amusement. Yet she had put a faint smile on his face, one that remained as well as it could throughout his words.

"I would make a poor pirate, I have no fondness for ocean going vessels of any sort."

Yet his hand had settled briefly to the handle of his cane where it leaned against the desk. As if touching that item for some memory it might have brought to mind in him. The brief look of meloncholy quick to shift away as he gave his head a faint shake. Clearing his throat a bit, avoiding a coughing fit for the time being. Even if the moistness in his breathing was irritating.

He listened to her words, nodding slowly in thought, once more resting a finger across his lips. He held that pensive position for several moments while he mulled over her words. Did she realize just what it was she had on her hands? Yes, these would fetch more than a fair price.

"Epiphany, they would no doubt dub you a saint if you were to bring these items in for auction."

This said while he plucked up the two 'normal' beryls. Weighing then in his hands individually. Briefly reflecting upon what he knew on current prices for the gems.

"If you were to have these natural stones cut, then you could receive several thousand dollars for the resulting jewelery grade gems without any haggling at all. In their raw form they will fetch quite a bit more considering they can be cut to choice. As for their odd companion...."

This of course said with a pointed nod towards the gem that he had found no fault with, something that he had already told her was unusual beyond the norm.

"I am not sure that anyone who purchased it would be trusting of it. Especially if shown to another jeweler. People are dishonest enough now that they will go to elaborate lengths to fake such beautiful stones."

He now set the beryls together once more, watching her as she finally began to allude to some object that may or may not have been within the box. Yet her words finally had him speaking up in response. Perhaps it was more the tone of her voice and the faintly vulnerable way that her behavior made her seem that drew it from him or maybe her coy behavior with the object had finally gotten the reaction that she seemed to be waiting for from him.

"I figured as much, but what memory might that object be holding for you?"

Rodry lightly patted her hand where it rested on the box, that silent gesture that the old had to say that things were alright or that they would be. He could only wonder what memory could possibly fluster this unusual young woman that he had the providence to meet.

[Epiphany]

"A Storyteller," she corrected with a tap of a finger in the air and a smile on her face. "Not a mimic for I doubt I can do all the roles perfectly, but I do so ever enjoy a good tale and how can i create a story if I don't get into character?" She may have had a point there. "Of course there are some things that I simply won't do. A girl's got to have her limits. Some things can be put into story without having experienced them. " If she wasn't going to to them she wouldn't, even things she would not want to put into memory.

"But I can make a story without much effort. It's...." here she paused for a moment and her face took on a contemplative and yet far away look. "It's breathing life into something that didn't exist. Even if it's given new life to a thing or a person that thought there was nothing more to them. A mimic can't do that." She tapped on the table with a single finger. "A mimic can only reflect."

Epiphany philosophy.

As for the price of the objects she showed him? She knew that they had some value and they looked pretty, she assumed that they would catch a fair deal and price but when it came to handling money and things of that nature this poor girl was a shabby student.

"It is good to know that they are worth something." The happy smile upon her face as she spoke. "I was going to take them anyway but I feel better about it now, perhaps I'll do something with the perfect one." She could always use it in something. "And you could drop of the bracelet when you're done? I'm on the floor above this one. The large medieval castle style door slightly propped against the wall at the end of that hall." She referenced her room as being a door, a non-typical door at that for all the rest of the doors in the Inn were quite like his own, a normal style of wooden door.

Suddenly remembering his cane she added, "Or I can get it, or you can leave it at the front desk.. whichever works for you."

While it was sad to hear about his dislike of boats she wondered if that pertained to the water as well. Some liked to swim, but not be in something while in the water. Which brought her around to the box again, maybe because it was blue like water, and the happy expression turned slightly solemn. "It's the memory of a person who died near five years ago. I've never worn it."

Unlike the other pieces that she showed him, she had collected those, picked them up on treasure hunts and raids, but this object she had been given. There was a difference.

[Rodry Pol]

So that was her angle. He was glad to know that she would leave some things to her imagination, even if he couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself at the thought. After all, it was quite an idea. It certainly kept her from ever 'growing stale' especially if she was practicing her characters! Which would make her outfit make just that much more sense.

"Such as journeying to the center of the earth. This is your female adventurer costume then?"

Hopefully she didn't take offense to the fact that he had called her a mimic, though from her quick response, he could suspect she had waited for him to come to that conclusion in the first place! Though his brief lifting of his hands showing empty palms may or may not be amusing!

"I give my apologies, your not a mimic then."

She certainly was a shabby student in such respects then, he felt that she didn't quite understand just what these gifts were worth. Rodry could only offer a series of slow, almost stunned looking blinks.

"I think Epiphany, that you may be surprised how much these may fetch. Is it an auction or simply a sale?"

Curious about it really. Yet he was offering little nods in response to her words. There was much she could do with the flawless gem. It was unusual, he didn't have any doubt that a collector would gladly purchase it. Yet he had nodded in response, though her quick almost apologetic tone in response to the bracelet only had him shaking his head faintly.

"I think I can manage the stairs. I plan to see the entire inn at some point."

His tone made it clear though that he appreciated her consideration for him and his limitations. Something that he was going to push whether it was something he might regret or not. Rodry hadn't agreed to come because he would be more comfortable here, that was for sure! The change in Epiphany was ... it was striking.

It had him tipping his head faintly, his hand coming up to rest with a knuckle against his lips. There it was again, that nasty spectre rising up. Even this bright young woman wasn't untouched by it's grim hand. It was sad how a memory could change someones attitude so suddenly.

"You have held onto it for a long time. For something you've never worn. Certainly it reminds you of happier times as well?"

Unfortunately he hadn't a clue who had given it to her, which called for some interesting verbal gymnastics, at least in his mind.

[Epiphany]

Hands away from the box she gave a tug to the vest she wore and then proceeded to pick up her tea cup, as there was still drink inside she had to finish. She would drink a bit as she thought about the boxes contents and how to answer about happy memories. Perhaps to answer other questions would be easier.

One hand on the cup as she drank the other brushed over her attire to display it. When the drink was done she pulled it from her lips to speak. "There is more to this." The outfit that is, "but I thought that coming to see you with a grappling hook hanging off my belt, a hard hat and pads might have been a bit imposing?"

The first time he saw her she was in a dark colored Lolita so she didn't want to do a total turn on him and scare him off? Sometimes people gave her odd looks.

Here was a happy thought: that he was going to go to her room. Or.. at least the door. Fingers tapped against the cup - now empty- before setting it down. "Now.. when you go to my door, I should warn you to not boldly display anything shiny or sparkly," Was there anything else she should say? Thinking it over for a second she continued. "Also, there are not any hinges or a handle, it's a door. The Door. Be clear on your purpose for while I will make sure it knows you are coming......eh, well, I'm sure you'll be okay."

Clearly it was no ordinary door.

She shifted a bit. Truthfully, what was in the box was never shown to other people, at least not that she knew. While it may have been vaguely passed over in conversation the actual object was kept secret. "There are happy memories with everything, I would say. It's handmade and...when I look at it, I get sad because of what never was. I found the box, just like I was suppose to while I was going through his things; it came with a note. It was to be mine but he knew he'd be dead before he could give it."

She gave a small smile that faded with a shoulder shrug. "I've never known if I should keep it or not. It's mine, but ... I think it's more tragic than happy."

[Rodry Pol]

For some reason, he considerably unsurprised at the fact that she had apparently discarded some pieces of her costume before coming here. Which was perhaps a hint that Rodry had come to understand Epiphany, that or he was starting to become overconfident in his ability to judge his guest!

"I think that I would find that quite charming. Even if I might ask you to leave the grappling hook by the door. It wouldn't do to have you hooking the furniture or my cane."

Chuckling quietly, lifting the mentioned shaft of wood enough that it thudded softly on the floor. While Rodry was dressed in much the manner that he had been when she first met him, there was nothing to say that he would frown over her choice of clothing. He did have children after all.

Now there was something interesting. The description of the door hadn't left it sounding overly impressive, but now she was warning him of some sort of danger to do with this door of hers? Of course then came Rodry's curiosity again, something he didn't show well, but reguardless it left him wondering!

"I will be sure that I make my intentions clear. To The Door."

While it wouldn't at all be the first time he had seen a mixture of magic and the security of these days, but he wouldn't expect such from Epiphany. She seemed the trusting and friendly sort, why would she want to put some sort of barrier between her and others?

Then again, if she had anything like what she had shown him in her room ...

Someone who had given her a gift before they had died? Well, that certainly made it clear that it had plenty of bad memory to give her! He watched the box for a long moment. Seeming almost as if he were feeling suddenly less enthusiastic about the prospect of dealing with this item than he had before!

"One cannot lament what wasn't meant to be.... the two of you were close I trust? It should be a reminder of whatever fond memories you had."

The tone in his voice was different than it had been before, while it wasn't anything so obvious as discernable as a radical change, it was as if a vein of steel had been inserted. Though why the idea of her having lost someone special to her would cause such a change in Rodry was, needless to say, unknown.

[Epiphany]

"Some lamentations last longer than they should," came her first response as her eyes settled back over on to the box. "I mean.. far be it for me to walk around with chains on my back and shackles on my feet," as visualizations for carrying around emotional weight. "I've done it before and that's pretty cumbersome. Definitely not something for the everyday."

Though it was good to hear that he had an understanding about the Door, she had done her best -more or less - to prepare him for it whenever it was that he went there, and it was better than nothing. It could be a form of security... or it could simply be something to keep others away, for the things that were behind that Door were ever changing. Some have been known to enter through the Door and never return for a significant length of time and, when they came back, what they saw was never said. It was important that the Door knew a person was coming or who knew what would happen to them .

Her finger touching the lid of the box she inched it closer to him, only a bit, nothing that was too imposing. Epiphany turned her face towards him again and there was a small smile across her features. Rodry was older than she was so there wasn't any question in her mind that he has experienced lost in his life - or if he hasn't then she would love to know how he lived his life without that experience.

"Yes. He and I were very close. Almost engaged." That may give a hint as to what was in the box. She took in a breath and let it out as a slow sigh. "But healing comes in sharing does it not?" Trying to adapt the more perkier attitude about it. "Perhaps I shall give it away and make another person happy."

[Rodry Pol]

"As are all that have to do with matters of the heart."

What was one to do with this odd young gal? She certainly was a strange one, though that wasn't a mark against her in Rodry's book. The thought of her chains and shackles was far from an appropriate thought, or point of conversation, even if Rodry didn't dwell on such.

"I would not think you one to carry saddness Epiphany. You seem incredibly blithe. At least what I have seen of you."

Hopefully Rodry wouldn't be one of the 'unfortunates' to go dissapearing! While he had lived through much there was no telling how well Rodry would handle such! At the sudden proffering of the box, he had allowed her a few moments to explain how she had known the man who gave her the object within.

Honestly, the objects nature had already been guessed at more than once, even if he was only now getting a confirmation by opening the box slowly upon the tray. Gloved hands ever so gently unnestling the object within from the pillowed folds.

"Perhaps, then again perhaps you should save it for a day when you could use it for it's intended purpose."

That tone was almost counciling, as if he had some knowledge that she was ignorant of. Far from forthcoming, Rodry simply adjusted the jewelers lens so that he could better inspect it. If her former possible fiance had known what she had, perhaps he wouldn't have thought so much on giving her jewelery.

"If that is you asking for my hand Epiphany, I am flattered but I must decline. After all I hardly know you."

Simply smiling, hoping that she knew that he was kidding. About implying that it had been what she had meant by mentioning giving it away and such!

"You seem incredibly attatched to it, even if it has a sad memory of yours upon the surface Epiphany. Just since you have walked through the door I have seen you act protective and possessive over it, unlike these other items. You seem truly attatched to this one. I just don't think it is wise to make a decision on something when you may not be ready to do so."

Offering a sage dip of his head slightly her way.

[Epiphany]

"One can't be happy all the time, although I do think that time shouldn't be spent too much in those that make you unhappy," she said as she started to wring her hands, trying not to make it all too apparent that she was a bit apprehensive. "Often takes more energy to be sad."

Eyes watched him expectantly as he opened the box. There would be no traps there, nothing to spring out unexpectedly and take him by surprise, unless he was taken back by what he saw. As he may have expected, it was a ring. It looked, and was, very old. Antique silver etched in a small, thin circle with a strap of gold that twined around it. The stone on top was a lovely onyx diamond, flanked on both sides with smaller clear diamonds. Three stones on each side, the middle of the three begin an emerald. Though it had never been worn and spent its years housed inside the casing of the box this ring was in perfect polished condition, the same as if it had been placed there only hours before.

"While it is impossible to never be sad and the object of that emotion is acting as crutch in your development, then is it not wise to remove yourself from it?" Asking him honestly for his opinion on the matter.

As he was looking at it she stepped in a bit closer. "I don't have tools like you do to keep objects clean and in their mint conditions but every year, on the day, I'd take care of it in my own way." And read the note that had come along with it, but that was not needed to be said. "Don't you think that can be damaging to a person in hindering their ability to move on?"

Perhaps that made her sound ritualistic, but there were a few things that this girl made sure to do every year around a certain time. She was a generally happy person - yes - but she had her storehouse of memories both good, bad, and some in between.

[Rodry Pol]

"One can hope that the happy moments outshine the painful ones."

If only life truly worked like that, right? Anyone who had experienced life learned quickly that each good day had it's twin on the far side. There was no reason to let such troubled thoughts further poison their conversation however!

Rodry had already picked up on her hesitation, something which he had hoped would relax as time went on, yet she still seemed as reluctant to either give up control over it or to trust another with it. Though he could understand that fact. Since this seemed to be a small token of that significant other that she had lost.

The ring left him mulling it over. He could see the signs of having been formed without the sophisticated tools that were used now adays. It left him looking over it for the makers mark. Curious to say the least, even if he found the ring to be a beautiful and fine piece of work! His attention settled on the gems. Giving them that careful once over.

He couldn't help be surprised by how well it had been preserved.

"What reason would you have to keep this as a crutch? Surely you aren't using the memory as an excuse not to live your life to the fullest."

That would be a shame, to rob people of the chance to know Epiphany as well as they could, simply because she felt that this small ring of shiny metal was more of a shackle than a representation of everything that she might have gotten had her better half not passed on.

Wonder whatever happened...

He could only hope that she didn't seriously mull over this ring that much. After all .... it had been five years ago. Five years of her keeping herself reserved and without having the fun that she should? Five years of missing someone who had died ... it was considerably saddening.

"Yes, it could be very detrimental, if they let it."

Rodry reached out to lightly rest his hand on her shoulder.

"You can't dwell on the negative aspects of your past Epiphany, he obviously loved you, enough to ask you to be his wife. He wouldn't want you to reflect on such a thing painfully."

Which was true, right?

[Epiphany]

It was a sad tale of what happened, with very few people actually knowing what happened and that was fine with her. Just as this ring possession was just as unknown. There was a small smile on her face as she looked at the object in his hands and if he looked hard enough there would be three initials -P J L - in triangular on the inside of the ring. Easy to miss but it was there.

"I don't know, if it's a crutch in a bad way, or in a good way." Started to explain even if it wasn't that clear. "Can I have more tea?" asking even as she left the spot where they were and went to pick up the kettle - she didn't expect him to stop what he was doing and give her more, she could do it herself. Not to mention that getting tea was something to busy herself.

It was a bit hard to explain. "There were things possible with him that have not been possible sense." Epiphany tapped her finger tips against her cup before bringing it to her lips and taking a drink. "When I think about it, it's not dwelling on the negative as negatives, but the positives, all the good things that it represents, that act as a negative, because you miss those times. "

She had never been good when it came to dealing with being alone and death was another story of its own. "I suppose you're right in saying that I shouldn't give it away, I'm only not sure what to do with it."

Pausing and looking into her cup she smiled and ventured a short chuckle. "I like to think that I live everyday but I don't have anything else like that," said while nodding to the ring. "Not everyone can keep up, or understand me." There was one but he was away more often than not and she didn't mind that either.

"So that's . . . that."

[Rodry Pol]

No doubt Rodry's serious face as he inspected the ring made it clear that he was thinking. Even if that inscription made his lips pale faintly as his jaw tightened. The ring was a fine piece of work, not even including the stones that were set in it. Either her companion had been very well off or had collected the stones from someone or someplace. It certainly wasn't a ring that would be found on an average jewelers shelves.

She almost acted as if she couldn't bear to stand there and watch him looking over this small reminder of her late 'fiance'. Which of course begged the question on how it could possibly be a 'good' crutch.

"Never before have I heard anyone mention a crutch being a good thing. The kettle is on the table. You might need to reheat it a tad."

While the room was quite warm it would hardly have kept the pot boiling and there was little in the world less palatable than weak tea. Rodry had set the ring down, tucking it back into it's place in the velvet box, closing it as well as to dispel any passing thoughts on removing it again. It was certainly a beautiful ring and one that would have fetched a price that might have rivaled those stones.

"He must have been special to have reigned in a spirit as free as your own. There is no doubt in my mind that you should keep the ring. If for no other reason than to perhaps put it to it's proper use one day. It deserves a second chance to be a happy thing, as do you."

Rodry was soon enough pushing to his feet, his cane keeping him stable while he plucked up his saucer, moving sluggishly over to join her, where he would settle into one of the ambiguous chairs that had come with the room. He leaned forward to set his cup onto the tray, still undecided whether he would venture another cup.

"I gathered that from the lack markings on your fingers."

She certainly didn't have the telltale marks that a woman who wore a ring for any length of time bore. At least none that he had noticed during their first meeting. He leaned back in the chair, his cane resting across his thighs as if to hold him in the chair.

"Well that is hardly charitable of you Epiphany. Some people are just not quite as quick witted as you may think."

The wetness of his words betrayed the coming fit, even if his hand was still a tad slow in getting the kerchief free of his pocket. The harsh sound of him hacking was slow to stop, more persistant than the last, leaving Rodry taking shuddering breaths against that cloth for a few long moments after it had passed.

Speaking from behind the veil of the folded kerchief, his voice was slightly muffled, but better to perhaps be misheard than to chance the fit coming back and having just put the cloth away.

"Wouldn't Phillip have wanted you to use it rather than give it away anyhow?"

[Epiphany]

Epiphany had never worn a ring for any considerable length of time. She may have dawned one or two as accessories for an outfit for a play but that was never long enough for any lasting impressions. She had an offer before, once, for such a thing as a ring represented, but had turned it down. There was only one person she would think to accept a ring from at this point and that possibility.... wasn't much of a possibility and she was sure that didn't bother her at all.

She didn't mind the tea being at room temperature, that was fine for her and she waved off the reheating comment with a small smile. "He was human, and he made me feel human." Saying something like that may be a bit odd and out of place especially since she looked just as human as he did or any others out there. This was Rhy'din, surely Rodry knew that everything wasn't quite as it seemed. Then again, it could have been a metaphor.

"Lots of people say that I'm to full of complica....tions..." She had started trailing off because he had started to cough again and she couldn't help wondering if that smell would occur once more. Not only that but she was concerned for his health.

"Sometimes the air up here can take a bit getting use to...." Putting that out there as an excuse for him to use if he wanted one to explain the coughing. It made sense. They were on a hill and the air was 'fresh' do to the many trees and vegetation around on the outside and some people needed to adjust to the climate.

She eased her cup down and went for the kettle for she was going to heat it up for him so that he'd have tea to help with his cough. At least, this is what she was going to do but her entire actions stopped, froze suddenly where she was at the last thing that Rodry said. It was the name he used. Epiphany thought back through their conversation this afternoon and tried to think back to the first time that they met and on neither occasions did she remember using the name of anyone.

For a moment she didn't breathe and disbelief was all over her face. Perhaps he missed it. She licked her lips and and drew a breath before she spoke softly. "How did you know his name was Philip?"

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