Aroma Therapy

[Pearce Lockheed]

Lord Lockheed visited the market place often. Sometimes with his boyfriend, sometimes to meet friends, sometimes to shop, sometimes just to enjoy the ambience and the bustle. It was, maybe surprisingly, one of his favorite places on the isle. PArtly for the shopping, of course, but also for the people. Sometimes conversations were stressful but out on the street...serious conversations didn’t happen so often.

This visit, the man didn’t have an objective in mind. He’d spoiled Zander quite a bit recently and between that and the new puppy, he was deciding to give the man a break. Temporarily. Gifts were one of the ways the noble liked to show he cared. The puppy was admittedly rather extravagant and a big step, but it was also a way for him to look out for Zander. And it was a step toward feeling more comfortable being public about the nature of their relationship.

He spent a while walking the stalls of fresh produce and other foods and craft vendors before passing some of the shops. There was a bookseller and press along the road that he owned. Well, the building he owned, the family that ran the business owned their own business. But the arrangement allowed the noble to get a discount on supplies and various books as a return for the lack of rent. Pearce stopped in to say hello and catch up with the family and obviously couldn’t leave without purchasing something. Just a leather bound notebook. Most of his students practiced writing on slate before graduating to paper (paper and ink were expensive to throw away).

Exiting the bookstore put him across the street from the XXX. He recognized the perfumist’s shop and had made a few purchases before but had never visited in person. Perfumes, while typically a feminine product, were valued by a lot of classic nobility as well. It never hurt to smell good, after all, especially when bathing wasn’t common for most people. He took a breath and pushed aside his apprehension at meeting new people and pushed open the door. Maybe there would be something more...therapeutic he could use to help his nerves, rather than drinking all of that tea that he was liking less and less. At the very least, he could get something to cover up the dog smell. Just another reason he preferred cats.

Eleanor Bennett

[OOC: I'll edit the shop name later, just wanted to post this for you!]

[Eleanor Bennett]

It had been a productive morning for Eleanor, which was exactly her favourite kind of morning. She had risen before the sun, it was the best time to harvest the roses before the sun scorched the oils after all, and spent her morning collecting flowers for the next batch of pressed oils. Each and every one of her daily tasks brought Eleanor such joy, there wasn’t even one tiny aspect of her job the blonde disliked. She loved it all, the early mornings, watching the sun rise over her gardens, returning home with a basket full of flowers- stopping at the bakery on the way for breakfast.

    It was all wonderful. Sometimes she couldn’t believe this was her life. She had moved away from home to pursue this on her own two feet, and not only had she managed it- but Eleanor felt as though she was thriving. The rest of the morning had been spent tidying the shop, stocking the new fragrances she had made over the weekend, and generally just making things as presentable and nice as possible for her customers. Sometimes Eleanor thought about hiring some help, it was a lot of work not only running the shop but also producing most of the stock- and the blonde was usually running on three or four hours sleep a day at the moment.

    Perched on the little stool behind the counter, Eleanor had been half-dozing- her cheek resting in her palm as she leaned against the counter- when the tinkling of the bell roused her ungracefully from her snoozing. ”Huh,” She exclaimed softly, shooting upright at the sound. Blue eyes quickly found the source of the noise, a man entering the little shop- and suddenly Eleanor was all smiles.

    ”Good afternoon!” The blonde called out brightly, hopping down from her stool and stepping around the counter to greet the stranger. ”Welcome! Is there anything in particular you came in for today?” Had he been one of her regulars, Eleanor would have almost definitely stepped forward to wrap him in a warm hug and insisted he let her brew him some tea. For now though, Eleanor remained mostly professional. ”We have plenty of perfumes available, or if you’d like something a little more unique- I can blend something to your specific requirements. How can I help today my Lord?”

[Pearce Lockheed]

Pearce hadn't noticed the woman upon his first glance around the shop. It was a lovely little place, filled with bottles and herbs and flowers and the scent was pleasantly fresh. He wasn't much of a gardener, but he certainly appreciated the time and effort and effect of beautiful plants.

When the woman moved suddenly, he twitched and looked over at her sharply, covering his nervous jump with a smile. "Afternoon," he replied, voice not quite matching her cheeriness, but almost. Mostly still out of alarm. He was...a little high strung. She seemed quite cheerful and not very intimidating. Easy to talk to.

"Ah, actually, yes," he found himself saying vaguely as he got his thoughts back in order. Which seemed fine since she had a bit of an opening spiel that gave both of them a moment to collect themselves and size the other up. Custom blends, huh? Now that was interesting. He wasn't sure he needed to go that far, however. "I'm interesting in what s-sort of lavender perfumes you have? I..." Pearce wasn't sure how to explain, but he wanted to, since he figured that might help. The simpler the better, he supposed. "I'm looking for s-something to help me...relax."

[Eleanor Bennett]

”Hi.” Eleanor chirped brightly in response to his greeting, completely ignoring the fact she had already greeted the stranger. Casually, she leaned against the counter top, giving the man a little space to collect himself and his thoughts. Eleanor was more than aware she could be a little intense sometimes, overenthusiastic was a word that came up a lot- some found it endearing, others found irritating and only time would tell how Pearce Lockheed would find her mannerisms. Right now, she held back the energy that came so naturally to her, at least just a little, until she had a better measure of the man.

    Lavender, lavender, there was a lot she had with lavender as one of the notes- so she paused to think for a moment before answering. Index finger tapping her pursed lips as she mentally ran through her inventory. ”Would you like a more herbal lavender or a sweeter lavender scent? A mix of the two perhaps? Lavender when combined with tonka can be particularly soothing.” Thoughts were running away with her, and the young blond was narrating them as they came. Pushing herself away from the counter, she began to dart around the shop- pulling an assortment of small vials and bottles from their place as she went. ”Benzoin resin will add a sweetness? If you’d like that in a fragrance that is.”

[Pearce Lockheed]

Pearce smiled at her repeated greeting. She seemed quite friendly and enthusiastic even before he made his hesitant request.

It was a lot more chatter than he was used to, but the nobleman quite enjoyed her sunny disposition. He wasn't talkative himself on account of personal reasons, but it was always helpful to have a conversation partner who would pick up some of the slack. That was one of the many things he enjoyed about Zander. While it was a bit overwhelming upon just meeting the woman, Pearce smiled at her as she thought aloud.

The lord was not entirely sure. "Uhh..." he gave her a vit of an embarrassed and uncertain expression. He wasn't uncomfortable - she seemed quite genuinely welcoming - but he really didn't know if he had a preference with which to answer her. He shifted slightly. "I imagine if...if I say I'll try everything that you have a lot of lavender p-perfumes?" He smiled faintlt at the joke. He wasn't joking about buying everything, more about his own lack of knowledge. "Whatever is typically more soothing?" He guessed finally, latching onto the word she used.

Watching her rush this way and that about the shop made him a little more anxious, only because he wasn't in a rush. It was endearing to see how much positive energy the woman had.

"Do you g-get a lot of customes?" the man asked while she worked.

[Eleanor Bennett]

Eleanor would have gone a mile a minute had he been a regular, had he been someone more accustomed to the boundless energy that accompanied the Bennett name (her sister excluded to some degree, at least when it came to perfumes). Even now, she tried to contain her enthusiasm and hardly succeeded. By the time the little blonde woman finally gave the new customer her full attention- she had practically half the shop either laid out before him or nestled within her arms.

Afterall, a new customer meant new tastes, new notes, a whole new experience for the two of them- after all, scents were so personal. Eleanor was honoured as always to be trusted with such a task. ”Oh Sir, don’t say that- it will empty your purse if you wish to try everything with a hint of lavender.” She smiled, still organising the various bottles on the counter before him. ”I would much rather you go home today with one thing you love than several you merely like-”
Even as she spoke, Eleanor was moving the bottles into a scale of sorts- from herbal to sweet, and pushing forward bottles here and there that she thought would particularly suit the man.

Her gift was natural rather than gramyre- but Eleanor had a nose for fragrance- it was why she was so confident. ”The most soothing would be the blends, ylang ylang and tonka are what I would recommend… as a pillow mist perhaps? Though if it’s a temple balm you would prefer… then may I suggest cedarwood?”

She pushed a bottle and tin, one with each hand, towards him then. ”Try them, if you don’t like them tell me why and I’ll find something better… As for customers-” The blonde said without missing a beat, ”I have a few who come when they’re low, others who come every week hoping to keep up with fashion- you know how it goes m’lord”

[Pearce Lockheed]

He was pleasantly surprised by the variety she had to offer, watching the collection on her counter grow as she flitted this way and that. It was hard to shake all of his nerves, especially considering how quickly she moved, but Eleanor seemed very sweet, a bounty of perfumes nestled in her arms, and the conversation helped.

Pearce was tentatively excited by the new experience as well. Shopping was quite delightful after all. And he really need the help relaxing. Was this something he shojld probably take to physician or apothecary? Probably but the tea that had got him wasn't very helpful anymore. At least he was doing something, right?

A faint blushed graced his features. "Ah, I s-suppose you have quite expensive wares but..." he trailed off. But that wouldnt be a problem. No, best he didn't boast like that. He was well dressed and clean and certainly looked well enough off already that he was already bragging. Not to mention he agreed with her point.

The way she sorted the lovely colored bottles was fascinating. He was quite willing to accept her suggestions. "Both, I should think," he said, a bit more comfortable and distracted by the bottle and tin she slid toward him.

He didn't have such a nose for scents but he did know lavender and other aromas were very soothing for him personally. He wasn't about to question why it worked. Pearce carefully picked up the tin and popped it open, testing the scent. The lavender carried a richer, warmer scent he supposed was the cedar. It did smell sort of woodsy. "I like this one," he noted before removing the stopper on the other. It was a lot sweeter and while he didn't dislike it, he attenpted to take her note about 'love' to heart. "Something less...sweet?" He liked floraland woodsy aromas more than fruity.

Which, speaking of things he liked...he suddenly recalled something he had meant to ask Zander about. "What about oils? For a mmmassage?" Pearce asked, stumbling he way through the word with a blush. Or something he could mix into one, at least.

[Eleanor Bennett]

Eleanor knew the shop like the back of her hand: each and every bottle, jar, and vial had its place and was in its place just where she left it. Things moving, shifting, being re-’organised’ on her days away (sometimes even overnight) had been one of the multitude of reasons the young blonde had decided to try her luck on her own- keeping the Bennet name and reputation of course, but having her own space to work. So she could run things her way. It was just much more efficient. Too many cooks spoil the broth after all, and perfumery was so much more delicate than just chucking things into a pot (though she would never say that to a cook’s face.

But, the woman wasn’t thinking about her family or the perfumery in which she had grown up right now- her focus rested squarely on Pearce Lockheed . Bright eyes not leaving his as she pushed the bottles slightly forward. ”Some expensive, yes.” The blonde admitted with a small sigh, completely missing his meaning. ”But there are lots of fragrances that are much cheaper- lavender is very affordable at the moment, though it isn’t Tresterian lavender I’m afraid, Aralorian lavender is much more herby in it’s scent- almost woody. Tresterian lavender is sweeter, softer.” As she spoke, Eleanor popped open two vials and held them out for the man to take and smell along with the balm and bottle.

”Olibanum perhaps then? For the pillow mist?” She suggested, swiftly returning the bottle the lord had not been so fond of back to its place and presenting a second spritzing bottle. ”It has a similar relaxing effect as lavender but is more incensey in fragrance add a little sandalwood for warmth and longevity and the fragrance will last right through the night.”

If Eleanor had noticed his stumbling over the word massage- she didn’t show it. Continuing brightly as though nothing had happened. ”Of course my Lord, lavender again for relaxation? Or something a little more sensual?”. Still, her voice was bright, as though they were discussing the weather. ”If it’s for muscle or joint pain, I’m afraid you’re best to visit an apothecary though.”

[Pearce Lockheed]

Her intense eye contact was mildly intimidating, but her knowledge and quick words gave him something else entirely to focus on. It was a tad overwhelming to catch up, but Pearce much preferred that feeling to being nervous. He nodded as she spoke a bit about prices, not wanting to appear entirely uncaring (though he was) but also not wanting to seem caught up by cutting pennies here and there. As far as he was concerned, whatever he purchased would help her continue to supply him and others on the island.

"I sort of like that, though," he offered. He wasn't picky about the type of lavender so much, his pallet not quite that refined, at least not at the moment. Pearce took the vials one at a time, politely wafting the scent to his nostrils and considering them. "I enjoy both, though I do prefer the local lavender." Just because something was 'exotic' or fancier didn't mean he needed to buy it. Well, unless it was silk. That he definitely needed to buy.

The noble only partly noticed it, distracted by the various aromas she gave him to evaluate, but he did appreciate the order she applied to her space. It reminded him of how he liked to keep his desk and office. Everything had a place in the small space that was his kingdom.

Olibanum wasn't one he knew well, not from personal experience at least. He raised an inquisitive eyebrow, happy to hear her describe it. "Yes, I shall try that one." One item down, at least.

When she carried on like it was business as usual, he supposed it likely was. Pearce tried to match her ease but he was, much to Zander's infinite enjoyment, rather easily made uncomfortable talking about personal...sensual matters. "Ah, yes. S-sensual, yes," he confirmed with a blush. While he was certainly attempting a bit of self medicating with the desire for help relaxing, he was not in a physical need for such a thing, at least as far as he understood. Exercise and relaxation, and something to make him...less worried. More...at peace. Not that that tea was really doing much of anything. Perhaps he could convince Heather to make it stronger? Not that that would help with the taste.

[Eleanor Bennett]

”The local lavender it is.” Eleanor said brightly, slowing down a little as she allowed him time to examine the vials one by one. The man was quiet, polite, and the young woman could see herself growing to like him should he become a regular customer. She liked all of her customers of course, although some more than others. Her favourites were the polite ones, the ones who showed interest, the ones who gave her a challenge without being too demanding. ”I’ll blend it with a little thyme to purify, a little chamomile to soothe. If you leave an address my Lord I can have a sample vial sent to you within a day or two for your approval.”

As she spoke, she continued to put away the vials she deemed ‘done with, for now’ and retrieved the thyme and chamomile- setting them to one side for later, along with a pot of jojoba wax to blend or whip into a balm. If the man thought she spoke a mile a minute, he had no idea how quickly her brain fired when she had work on her mind. Olibanum oil found its way into the little collection, along with ho wood oil and sandalwood for good measure. ”I’ll get right on that and have it sent over as soon as it’s ready, just a sample of course- I wouldn’t want you to pay for something you may not like, if you like the sample then I’ll blend a full sized bottle.”

They moved onto the massage oil, and the slight flush that came to the Lord’s face didn’t escape her- though as usual, Eleanor didn’t comment on it, merely carried on as though nothing had happened, as though they were discussing the weather. ”Jasmine and ylang ylang are famed throughout the known kingdoms for their properties as aphrodisiacs, or clary sage? It has slight warming effect that some find pleasurable.”

[Pearce Lockheed]

"That sounds lovely," he replied to her offer of blending with an easy smile. It too the marquis a bit to warm up with people before he was comfortable enough to talk. But he had never been the demanding sort. "Ah yes, Brighthollow Estate. I can leave a note," he added helpfully. He didn't expect her to remember after all. "I am sure I will enjoy it," he assured her sincerely. He had rrally liked the small sample he had smelled and she seemed quite in tune with her work.

He watched her openly as she organized and prepared and once again found himself admiring her work ethic. He was curious about some of the other oils she collected and watched with interest but still wasn't quite confident enough to ask.

At her continued insistance that he try samples and not pay for something unless he liked it, Pearce relented this time. While he most certainly would pay her for the sample too, he wasn't about to start a pointless confrontation about it. "Thank you, Miss Bennett," he said instead.

They were decidedly not discussing the weather but her ease of conversing helped Pearce almost believe as much, even after throwing the word 'aphrodisiac' around. It was impressive. The former was most certainly not necessary though he wouldn't say no. The later sounded like it would be much more appealing. Especially because he did in fact intend it to enhance the massage first and foremost. "The sage, I should think. At least this time around," he hinted. She certainly made him want to come back and that just from talking to her.

"You're very knowledgeable on aromas and herbs," he observed.

[Eleanor Bennett]

”Brighthollow.” Eleanor echoed once, as though committing the name permanently to her memory. ”If you could leave a note, that would be appreciated.” She added warmly, though it was unlikely she would forget, it was always a good idea to have a back up plan. Or maybe she would be able to send a runner with the samples rather than making the trip herself, she would have to look over the books to see if she could afford it. ”I hope you will, but if not- do tell me my Lord, and I’ll blend you something else that you’ll hopefully like more.”

She noticed the man watching her work from the corner of her eye and felt a nervous prickling of heat beneath her collar. Eleanor was good at her work and skilled in her craft, she knew that, but it still made her just a little nervous to have someone watch her- particularly when they were a stranger.

”You’re welcome, my Lord.” Eleanor said brightly, trying to ignore the nerves. ”I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch your name earlier.” Had he introduced himself? Had she introduced herself? It didn’t really matter, she felt a little guilty at not knowing his name.

More bottles and vials joined the assembly as he spoke, finally he seemed to be relaxing somewhat as they spoke. ”Sage it is, this time.” Eleanor felt herself relaxing somewhat too, it was always a relief to know her enthusiasm hadn’t already chased him away and the blonde could only hope that whatever she blended would also encourage him to come back. ”Oh thank you, my father taught me, it’s kind of the family business.”

[Pearce Lockheed]

He nodded and if provided writing utensil and parchment, would make a note. If not, he kept a small note book and pencil on his person for personal use and would tear out a page there. "I will," he answered as a sort of catch all to her concerns of him liking her product. He certaonly hoped so but his experience thus far as been reassuring enough that he could certainly see himself returning for adjustments or simply more orders.

Pearce noticed her discomfort and quickly turned his attention else where in the shop. Those vials, these herbs, that vase...he hadn't wished to make her nervous with his curiosity. "Oh, my ap-p-pologies!" He stammered, blushing. They had gotten caught up. "That was...f-forward of me. Pearce Lockheed," he said and offered a short bow. "I have made a few small p-purchases via servant before and am familiar with your n-name but I shouldn't have. Forgive me, my lady." So much for relaxing or veing polite. Not that she had seemed concerned but he still felt awkward.

"And a wonderful business at that. You're father is to be commended. And so are you," he said, trying to get back to where they had been. "I've always liked plants but...never was much at a craft or trade." He was in his own family business of course. It was just...more managerial.

[Eleanor Bennett]

She pulled out one of the drawers behind the counter with her left hand, barely glancing as she rummaged around for a pencil and a piece of paper. As much as she preferred the use of a quill and ink, it was just easier to keep a pencil around for quick notes. Much less messy and much less prone to spill and splatter her workspace- Eleanor had picked that particular habit up from her father. She slid both over to the waiting lord without a word.

”No need to apologise! Nice to know I’m making a name I suppose…” Eleanor chirped brightly, offering the lord- who she now had a name to match the face- a small shrug. ”I hope your previous purchases were suitable.” She wasn’t truly fussed , Eleanor had felt a little guilty for not knowing her patron’s name. ”It’s a pleasure to meet you, formally, Lord Lockheed.” Now they were chatting again, now he was no longer watching her work quietly- Eleanor felt the nerves disappearing into the air. She liked the silence when it was her alone, in company however, Eleanor felt the need to chatter.

”Why thank you m’Lord.” The young woman said, turning to him with a warm grin. It came so easily, so effortlessly, but then again- flattery had always agreed with Eleanor Bennett. ”A hobby can be just as rewarding as a craft or a trade- if you have the time for them of course. And having a way with plants is a good skill to have.

[Pearce Lockheed]

Pearce made a quick note with his name and address in his eloquent handwriting. He too preferred a quill and ink, but he would be the first to admit that a well made pencil was much easier for quick notes. He simply liked the look and feel of ink, as well as the permanency much better.

He nodded quickly. Yes, names to faces was much nicer. Though he was a bit embarrassed still, it wasn't such a burning feeling. Things like that happened, he supposed. "Yes, they were," he said with a smile. It had been small lotions and perfumes mostly. As she said his name, Pearce inclined his head politely. "And you as well, Miss Bennett," he agreed.

He had meant it to flatter, but he had also meant it honestly and encouragingly. "I agree. I turn most of my efforts to t-teaching when I can. Reading and writing." He had quite a few students. Mostly lower class citizens at the moment including soldiers and all sorts, but he tutored a few nobles children as well. He was hoping to lend his skills to the monarchy here soon enough as well, which between all that and his family mines, he'd be rather busy. "Business has been rewarding for you, I hope?" Clearly she enjoyed the craft, but the noble wanted to be sure her business had everything it needed. He worried that more than just the farmers might be struggling.