Thread: A new land, a new life, a new love. (Shiningknight x MercuryRisen)

colorFFCC99So this was the stranger she had been hearing about around town. His demeanor gave him away far earlier than his accent ever did. Maple was one of those towns where everyone knew everyone else, and gossip of a new person in town spread like wildfire. The opinions of him were dripping with speculation on why he was here, as well. The old couple that ran the diner were the most kind when describing their most unusual patron, but the gal who ran the front desk at the motel was just buzzing with stories about him. He was handsome, she would give him that, in an English sort of way. Dark hair, bright eyes, and a smattering of stubble over a sharp jaw. He was dressed sharply as well. Not the blue jeans and cowboy boots sort of outfit that most men around here wore. When he accepted her offer for something to drink, Leilani was not surprised that he requested the tea. There really were no known details about this man that had not been spread across town his preference of tea over coffee being one of the first things that been speculated over in depth. Nodding once, she strode right past him and into the small country kitchen. I believe Nana has some Earl Grey in here somewhere. Leilani herself didnt look like anyone else in this town, but she still had that sense of belonging. Naturally olive skin darkened by hours in the sun denoted an islanders heritage, along with the silken black hair that fell down between her shoulder blades in a thick braid. She had almond-shaped eyes that were nearly black, they were such a deep, rich brown. Opening up one of the cupboards by the sink, she pulled down a box and began rifling through some small boxes before finding the earl gray she had been looking for. Pulling the kettle off the stove top, she filled it with water and then placed it back over one of the burners turning on the gas and then turning the dial to light it. Adjusting the flame, she turned back to Elliot as he introduced himself. Those scrutinizing eyes danced over him again before she reached over and shook his hand quickly, and then began preparing some coffee as well. Leilani Hart. That is my grandmother, Dolores. A small voice sounded back from the living room. But everyone calls me Nana, dear. When Elliot inquired about the old mother-in-law apartment that Leilani had put up for sale six months ago, she turned her eyes to look at him again. This time, her gaze was a little more curious. She licked her lips and turned her attention back to his tea pulling the bag from its container and placing it in the coffee mug she had pulled from the hooks overhead. Wrapping the tag and string around the handle to keep it from sliding inside, she turned her back to Elliot to approach the stove as the kettle began to whistle. Pouring the hot water over the teabag, she set the kettle back down on a different burner and turned off the flame. Turning around again, she gestured to the small dining room table for him to sit before placing the tea in front of him. Milk or sugar? She didnt acknowledge his question about the apartment. Not yet. The two-story town house set behind the main house on the property. It was separated by enough space that privacy was completely assured, but it had no kitchen or laundry of its own. Space within this house would need to be shared, but more importantly than all of that, Leilani needed the money from the sale to get the ranch out of debt with the bank. Leilani also knew that the apartment needed some work. The piping was old, her grandfathers father having built the small second house by hand back in 1890. Now, nearly 150 years later, the house just needed a complete overhaul, but she couldnt afford it. Fixing up herself a cup of coffee, she offered a drink to her nana before settling at the table across from Elliot. Sipping her coffee with just a splash of cream, Leilani rose those dark eyes back up to Elliot and laid it all on the table. The house is old, but sturdy. The plumbing is occasionally a problem but if anything happens youll have access to the main house to shower or use the restroom while the apartment is being repaired. There is no laundry or kitchen in the apartment, but again, we share the kitchen and laundry here. You are responsible for making your own meals and washing your own drawers, though. I wont be playing maid for you. Some of the windows stick, and the locks need to be replaced, but you wont find any trouble makers here in this town that have the guts to mess with anyone on this property. You can have it for 1300 a month until its paid off, or 50,000 outright. She realized he had not seen it yet, and she also was asking for far more than she was willing to sell it for. Jacob had told her to start high when shed put the property up for sale, knowing that most folk would haggle a price that would be closer to what she was willing to sell it for. Ill show you the property before you make your decision. Finish your tea, I think I have a spare jacket in the mud room thatll fit you. color