[h2][color=#543b72][center]Nora and Etienne Cont.  [/center][/color][/h2][@Sterling]
[hr]

The carter gestured for Nora to come along with him, easing out of the main flow of the crowds and towards a less populated (But by no means empty) street. [color=#00a651]“Well my mother says I was born ass first...So perhaps that is something special. Not many can claim such a feat.”[/color] Etienne chuckled at his own joke and fate. But he felt as he weren’t answering the real question. The unspoken one. 

Licking his fingertips of the last little tastes of apple fritter Etienne tilted his head examining the interesting girl before continuing. [color=#00a651]“I’m not really special. I mean...yes I have a mark but really in this city, at this point that’s not special. So, my mark is the only particularly interesting thing about me… And of course my abilities but I’ve never really used them.” [/color]

Nora perked up a bit at the mention of abilities. She had only gotten so far with self-teaching, never having met another with the mark before. It was disappointing to hear that Etienne had not worked on his abilities before. Half of the reason she came to the Royal City was to learn how to improve and do more than the pitiful lightning pulses. [color=#543b72]“Well I find that hard to believe. I’m sure there are things that are interesting about you,”[/color] Nora said with a warm smile as she put a gentle hand on his arm reassuringly. [color=#543b72]“I’m still learning how to use my own ability. I’m hoping I can find someone at the festival who knows how,”[/color] Nora said as the pair idly walked down the street. [color=#543b72]“So you’ve never really used yours? Do you know what it is at least?”[/color]

Etienne frowned slightly, his face mirroring the remorse in Nora. [color=#00a651]“I’m the only marked one in my village so… I’ve not met anyone else to compare talents. I know I’m marked but…”[/color] He shrugged self consciously before nodding towards Nora. [color=#00a651]“I’m sorry to disappoint you. What is your talent then?”[/color] He asked, trying to steer the conversation back into more upbeat venues. 

It was all Nora could do not to sigh or frown. It seemed she was wasting her time after all. The first marked guy she came across wasn’t from nobility and definitely wouldn’t be able to help train her ability. Despite her irritation though, she decided not to find an excuse to cut and run. There was no telling how many marked individuals there would be, and giving off bad impressions to someone who was so friendly could mean trouble down the line. No, she would continue to befriend Etienne, but she doubted that there would be much she could use him for. Maybe connections later on, but she had to be careful not to waste her time. The festival wouldn’t last forever.

[color=#543b72]“Oh you could never disappoint me,”[/color] Nora said with a cheeky smirk, nudging the man playfully a little bit. [color=#543b72]“I’m still learning, but I can play around a bit with lightning. Little sparks and such,”[/color] Nora said, more than happy to talk about herself. [color=#543b72]“I’d show you, but I’m afraid that might cause a bit of a riot.”[/color]

Etienne felt a wave of confliction before smiling. They could be friends surely. [color=#00a651] “Lightning? That sounds very exciting and dangerous…”[/color] He winked. [color=#00a651]“It suits you Ms. Bellwood. If I ever find out what my power is I doubt it will be as alluring as yours...As for riots…”[/color] He let out a breath looking around at the crowds of people pressing in on them, the city so full. [color=#00a651]“I doubt you need lightning to do that. Looks, charm, or vastly outrageous and untrue rumors should do you just fine.”[/color] He teased. 

[color=#00a651]“How long have you been in the City? Do you already know some good places to steal a meal or just recently arrived like myself?”[/color]

[color=#543b72]“How quickly you can go from complimenting me to wounding me. Stealing? I’ll have you know that I’m not a petty thief. Stealing is for those not clever enough to get what they want through other means,”[/color] Nora said, feeling a bit defensive. [color=#543b72]“I merely convince individuals that they want to help a poor girl out.”[/color] Nora realized her tone had turned a bit harsh, and she gave a small chuckle to try to lighten the mood. [color=#543b72]“I’m afraid I took the last room at the Ivory Inn down across town. But, we already found the best place for food. I plan on living entirely off those apple fritters for the duration of my stay,”[/color] Nora joked. [color=#543b72]“I just got into town though. Took the most awful boat ride here.”[/color] 

Touched a nerve. Etienne was glad that she was keeping things headed towards a better direction. [color=#00a651]“I had heard as much, about the inns all being full you know? I suppose I should have planned ahead more. Oh well…”[/color] He’d slept in worse places than a stable loft or on the road outside the city. He’d be alright. 

[color=#00a651]“I’ve never been on a boat before.”[/color] Etienne admitted, glancing up at the sun before coming back to level his gaze on Nora. Looking closely at her clothes he wondered at the mixed messages. Attractive clothes but claims of no money. 

[color=#00a651]“Well… If you know of a second best place for a meal Nora I would be happy to share one with you. I don’t have enough to pay for two full meals but we could share a plate. I’m skinny and you’re a lovely little thing...Surely we’d be doing well enough?”[/color] Brushing his locks out of his eye the carter smiled invitingly. This was a gesture of goodwill on his part for bruising her pride. 

[color=#00a651]“Perhaps meet for a dinner or lunch or something?”[/color] 

[color=#543b72]“I’d be honored to,”[/color] Nora lied, returning the man’s smile. In truth, Nora was feeling antsy, wanting to go find other marked individuals, perhaps one that could afford two meals. But she kept reminding herself not to be rude. She had to be smart about the friends she made, and her time. [color=#543b72]“Why don’t we meet for dinner tonight. Let you get settled in to find a place for the night. I can meet you by the pastry stand at sundown?”[/color] she asked. She wasn’t sure if she would return, especially if a better offer came her way, but a back up plan never hurt. 

[color=#00a651]“Perfect.”[/color] Etienne seemed delighted by the prospect, offering his hand for Nora to shake goodbye. It wasn’t until he was walking away from the woman that he had a nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach. With no reason to explain this Etienne glanced over his shoulder at Nora’s retreating form.