Thread: Allure of the Neophyte ::-Haru/whizz-::

As per his hopes, Ryuu's compliments only deepened the colour on Cosette's cheeks, and prompted the young woman to dip her head so that her face might be hidden behind dark locks of hair. The red was still prominent - contrasted, even - and she looked bashful and shy at his attention. After all, while beauty was not why she had fallen into his company, she still enjoyed it all the same. A little nod as much as she could manage while still having her head bowed was given as was a kindly smile in return to his beaming. All the while, her stomach felt as if though it were alive with a hundred nervous butterflies flapping about inside the cage and brushing against the walls. Gods have mercy that she might not die from sheer embarrassment. Her eyes, however, as much as she tried to hide her face, did not avert from watching Ryuu -- and their were alight with rabid fascination as he prepped the last of their dinner. He did not need any utensils or protection against the heat, as his magic ensured protection in how he handled the bread and meat both. Cosette tried to see how he moved how his hands manipulated the bread, any whispering under his breath or something that would hint as a means to make the enchantments fluid and easy. To that end, her gaze only changed when he mentioned the wine cellar, and it was all the witch could do not to blush again at his seemingly limitless kindness. Of course, Master Ryuu, she said softly. Take all the time you need. It was barely a moment before the man reemerged, and fine wine was procured alongside an equally fine meal that hailed her arrival into his company. Even from a distance, Cosette swore she could smell the sweetness, and patience was all she had to give as Ryuu set the table and poured her a healthy glass. Her smile widened to his words, and she finally was able to look up at him proper. To new relationships and friendships. She echoed, taking a long sip from the glass and marveling at its taste. Elves, she quickly realized, knew how to enjoy themselves. And, for that, she enjoyed herself too - especially when it came time for her to sit and eat. Thanking Ryuu as he pulled out her chair, Cosette settled and began to help herself to the food upon her plate. She was ever polite in her eating habits never rushing or overfilling her fork, and she was mindful to engage with the conversation as it came despite her enjoyment of the meal. There was no denying that in any capacity. The bread was crunchy on the outside, but soft and light inside the meat was tender and cooked well and the vegetables retained their freshness without being under cooked. No, Master Ryuu, I completely understand, Cosette began, answering his comment with due haste. It is one thing to be told of one's ability, but it's another thing to see . I can only hope that my skill will be at a level to please you. I know... my reputation as a human is to be little reckless and overzealous, but I hope that hasn't come across thus far. Throughout the meal came the answers to the questions her master so desired to know, though not all contained a great amount of detail due to vagueness from those whom the witch had grown up with. Cosette explained that she was an orphan from the sands of V'a -- a desert, merchant nation that had been besieged almost twenty years ago by the war nation Fariel. It was why Cosette was only known as Cosette, for any last name she held died with her parents who were either murdered or taken in as slaves. Etridus, being a hospitable school as well as a magical one, had taken her in upon her discovery with the intent of sending the girl away to a proper home when she was of age. When her magical ability became known, however, it was all too easy to give her the skills to learn - and Cosette learned masterfully. By the time she was done speaking, the woman was incredibly full. Her wine glass was nearly depleted, and hunger had been replaced with a weariness likely caused by her deep satisfaction.