Evaluate

[Roxana Strix]

It was weird to be back here. To be speaking English, to be in a place that she had been away from for so long, and to actually be living down here instead of the school. She did have the option to live back at the school if she took a job there, but upon her return she was not certain that would have been a good idea. Yes, it would allow her to keep a better eye on the person she was here for but she didn't want to risk it. Not until she was certain where her feelings and everything else lied.

She didn't want to have to go through another crisis of not knowing where her alliances lied or hating a place because it made her feel emotions, only for them to hurt her in the end. Roxana had just finished picking up and dropping off the very important person down in town so they could take care of a few things. Normally she would have remained by their side but they had a group of other people looking out after her for however long this meeting was going to take. This meant that Roxana was free to wonder and do as she pleased, so she choose to go on a walk.

It was a pleasant day, even if most of the people would have likely called it cold. They didn't know a Russian winter, which was cold. She was slightly surprised to actually see a young girl begging on the streets. Well, perhaps not a young girl but a young woman none the less who managed to get the attention of some while others would walk past. Normally Rox would have been one to walk past, but in this situation she ended up approaching the girl. "What are you doing?" Roxana asked, because she wanted to hear the girl say it.

((Tag: Nonie Savage))

[Nonie Savage]

It was at temperatures like this were the real homeless would come out, and the ones faking it just for money would leave. Luckily there weren't many of those in the city. Another plus for this time of year was that people were usually more generous when they spied Nonie or any of her other forgettable kin sitting out in the cold for money. It was harder, but usually worth the biting chill for the money. Nonie was just one of the more fortunate ones that already had extra clothes to put on when it truly got cold. This wasn't bad though. She was used to far worse, so she stayed dressed normally this time.

She watched some people occasionally drop money into her begging can, hugging her knees to her chest and staying curled up in a warm ball with her hood pulled low over her face. She was people watching again, making up a few stories in her head about some of the ones that passed.

Nolan wanted to hurry up and get home already. The day had been long at the office and he could already feel his weariness biting at the back of his heels like an insistent cattle dog. he pulled his coat around himself even tighter, shivering from the cold. God he hated when it was getting close to winter. it was never cold enough for him to survive wearing a thick coat, but too cold for normal jackets as well. So he would just have to whether to biting chill until h-

Suddenly Nonie's story got cut off as a voice appeared next to her. Yipping in surprise and jolting, Nonie's eyes flashed over to the person who had spoken. it was a girl, and a pretty intimidating one at that. Nonie cowered, curling up even more and holding her knees tight to her chest. "Umm.... b-begging." She admitted. Wasn't that obvious? Why had the girl stopped? Fear was starting to build in her stomach, making her skittish like a deer as she watched the stranger with wide eyes.

[Roxana Strix]

The homeless girl was clearly startled by Roxana's approach, likely having missed that Rox had gotten so close without a sound. That tended to happen and training was to blame for why Roxana moved without a sound. Even if there had been snow on the ground, she was confident that she would have still ended up sneaking up on the girl without even trying to. Rox's piercing blue eyes looked down at the girl, taking in information from the way the girl spoke, held herself, and looked. There was always so much information to gather about her a person and all you had to do was really open your eyes and pay attention.

In her early twenties, clearly has been homeless for a while, likely squats with other local homeless, and likely been through some kind of traumatic event or yelled at enough to fear such a simple question. Roxana thought to herself, her eyes looking over the girl once more as she waited for an answer. She did get one a meek but honest one and it was what she was looking for, but it didn't answer her question on what the girl was doing. Why was she begging when she could go out there and make something of herself.

"Why are you begging? What are you begging for?" Roxana asked, now bending down to be on an even level with the other girl. Or at the very least lower to the ground so she could hear the words the girl would say since she had a feeling the girl was going to get much soft spoken to a whisper. At least the girl didn't look like a prostitute who was what happened to a lot of young woman who had the looks or just in the wrong place. "What is your name?" Roxana followed up with, knowing she had not seen the girl before so needed to collect more information.

[Nonie Savage]

The fear only continued to build and squeeze at her insides as the woman seemed to look her over. What did she want?? If she looked at her so carefully she'd memorize Nonie for sure! Dread gripping her heart in cold fingers, Nonie reached out and dragged her can back to her quickly, holding it between her chest and knees so the woman couldn't take it. Nonie needed this money, and she wasn't sure if the woman would try and take it from her.

Why was she begging? What for? Nonie had to blink at that and curl up a bit more into her protective ball. Wasn't it obvious why? But Nonie didn't say that: she was too scared and it was never good to be sassy with people who had money. It could end very badly. She couldn't say she wanted to beg for medical supplies either since they had run out of bandaids and Tylenol. She'd just think Nonie was begging for drugs. So she instead told her another truth. "I-I'm.... I need a new, ah, blanket..." She said. She really did, so it wasn't like she was lying.

Nonie blinked and pulled her hood down lower when the woman got more on her level. Why was she so interested?? Nonie's nerves were screaming at her to run as fast as she could away from this woman. The feeling only intensified as she asked for Nonie's name. "N-N-Natalie." Nonie stammered out, using a fake name as she cowered from the other woman.

[Roxana Strix]

The other girl was clearly scared, and it was growing in fact. She supposed she could understand the girl's fear if she was in uniform but at the moment she was just wearing normal 'winter clothing'. Then again, she was also aware of how intimidating she was without really trying so that likely was always splaying a factor into the girl's nerves. Roxana's real question was how and why someone so young and clearly not insane was living such a life. Was it by choice? Did she not know that she could have a better life out there or was she just being lazy? Rox still needed more information before she could have a solid answer, but all she knew was that she didn't like it.

She blamed the fact that she had been home for so long that her older sister had rubbed off on her again when it came to using people. This girl could be used, made into something new due to her current situation. There would be so many uses for the girl as well since she was young, attractive, and also had that fear about her. Rox noticed the girl moving her little amount of money she had managed to collect, but said nothing. She didn't have any plans on taking the girl's money; she did not care for such a thing. She just wanted her answer, which she soon got that could be the truth but it could be a lie. "A blanket? You know they have shelters and places where you can obtain such a thing for free, right? You would probably have more luck if you just asked for a blanket outright instead of money." Roxana pointed out.

It was a fact that most people didn’t like or always trust to give homeless person money. It really was an up and down thing where there were those who made it worse on those who actually needed help and either could not get it or knew how to. A stuttered name, one that again could be a lie but Rox needed to observe a little bit longer to pick up the girl's 'tell'. "That is a very pretty name, Natalie. It is not very safe for a young woman such as yourself to remain on the streets." Roxana pointed out, but she was sure the girl was aware of this. Rox's blue eyes glanced off for a moment before she looked back to the girl and gave a small smile for a small moment. "I know this might be asking much, but if you would come for me I can ensure you get a blanket and some medication." Roxana offered, knowing it was going to be hard to convince the girl to come with her.

She was going to at least try and if it didn't work, well she would know her sister was better at this sort of thing. “My name is Roxana” Rox said, introducing herself since one step to getting a person to trust you was to give your name as well.

[Nonie Savage]

Why was this woman still here? What did she want? Nonie had gotten very good at reading people over her years on the street, and while she didn't get any of the cruel vibes that signaled a bad person who would want to hurt her, it was impossible for the redhead to miss the calculation in this woman's eyes. She was considering Nonie and that only made the fear in her sing louder, plucking at her muscles to try and get her to stand up and run.

But she stayed as she was even though the girl' swords made Nonie cringe a little. Yes, she knew she could go to get a blanket from the homeless shelter. But she had already visited there for a few other things and didn't want any of the volunteers to recognize her. However she only nodded a little to the woman's words, not knowing what she should say in response.

Her fake name was praised and the obvious was pointed out, but Nonie figured it was more to just continue the conversation. She was glad she gave her fake name, especially as the woman's next words pierced Nonie's heart with ice. "N-n-no that's.... I-I'm ok. I wouldn't want to..... To bother you." She assured her. She couldn't go with this woman. This 'Roxana,' as she introduced herself. Going with her would have her be remembered. It would make it far too easy. And the last time Nonie had given it a try and gone.....

She would never do that again. She might not be as lucky next time.

[Roxana Strix]

Roxana could see this not going so well in her favor, but she was not just going to give up. She was tempted to behave like her sister would, but it was a bit too late now. The other girl had already seen Roxana being so very calculated and distant almost. Thus, she was going to have to stick with how she had been doing things and just see how it went from there. At the worst case she at least tried and didn't really lose anything besides time that she was trying to kill anyways. If things worked out, well she gains a connection and someone else to interact with in a country and now city that was not her home.

In that aspect, Rox could relate to being homeless but not in the literal sense. As expected, the girl was very resident to the idea. Clearly she had to have gone through something that she did not really trust other people. Or that she was smart and new the danger of being a young, attractive, girl living on the streets. Rox could not say for certain which it was, but she had a pretty good feeling. "It is alright, I assure you. I would not have offered if I did not have the time to do so." Roxana pointed out. She hesitated a moment going putting her hands into her pockets for a moment, only to pull out a crystal swan.

She didn't know the girl’s favorite animal so could not make her one just yet. However, she did have a few crystal swans in her pocket after having made them for the young women she had brought here, since swans were her favorite. "Here, this is for you. Free and is real crystal. At the very least you can try and sell it to get the money you need. My offer still stands to take you to a place to obtain the goods you need for yourself..." Roxana said. She paused then, debating if she wanted to bring up the fact that this would help the people the other girl was staying with. Rox was aware there had to be people because of a hair strand that was not the girls she spotted on her clothing.

[Nonie Savage]

Nonie's heart was pounding so hard she swore Roxana could probably hear it. She was just so scared. She could hear Roxana talking, registered the words that Nonie wasn't being a bother Nonie only nodded a little, unsure what to say. Unsure if she could say anything anyways. Roxana seemed to hesitate for a moment before reaching into her pocket. Nonie had a flare of panic and was actually shifting to move when the girl pulled out a crystal swam that actually made Nonie pause and stare, her fear temporarily numbed as she looked.

It was so beautiful. Like those little glass figurines she could see inside the shops those few times she could manage to sneak into the mall without getting thrown out. She was fascinated, and it made the voice in her head telling her to run shut up for just a moment. She vaguely heard Roxana, and had to look up sharply. "F-for me?" She asked, slightly disbelieving. If Roxana was telling the truth and this was real crystal, she probably could get a decent price for it!

And yet.....

If she took this, wouldn't the girl remember her somehow? That was enough to halt the hands that hesitantly extended out to take it, pausing halfway and retracing a little as Nonie looked terribly unsure and still afraid.

[Roxana Strix]

It was all so clear that the other woman was not in the most relaxed state while around Roxana, it was clearer than a large billboard right in front of your face. Everything from how the girl held herself, breathed, and just existed. Not that Roxana had a problem with the other girl being so fearful since she was used to that being one of the reactions that people would show her. It did make her curious as to if her prediction on why the girl behaved this way was correct or not.

However, at this rate she didn't think the other girl would be sticking around very long and who knew if the other girl would come to trust her. It was all still very dependent on time, which Rox didn't always have. There was a slight chance that things could be better by how the other woman reacted to the gift Rox held out for her. That confirmed that the girl was the type of person who was doing something to help out others. Despite in her situation she really should have been more worried about herself.

"Yes, for you. Well for you to sell and help out those you are worried about." Roxana corrected the girl. The other female should be able to get a decent price off of the creation, she just needed to come up with a good story on how she obtained it and possibly look a little less homeless so people didn't think she stole it or something along those lines. "If you tell me what your favorite animal is, I could give you another crystal animal that you could keep for yourself. Or perhaps have as a backup." Roxana added.

Her free hand went back into her pocket, ready. While the other still held out the gift, not making any movements and still leaving it to the other girl to take the gift or not. There were a few things that could happen now and if Rox were the kind of person that gambled, she would be placing money down. Still, she waited in silence and did smile just a little bit more to try and reassure the girl that this was not trick or trap.

[Nonie Savage]

Real. Crystal. Real Crystal. She really could get something for that. Something to really help with supplies. So wouldn't it be good to take it? Meribel and the others would've taken it in and instance, but then again they didn't care as much when it came to being remembered. Yet Nonie did. It was why her hands paused and fear crept up her spine as the girl kept talking, insisting that this was for her. Would that mean Nonie was in debt? But the girl probably wouldn't find her again, right? And she had a point with it being able to help her friends.

Slowly, carefully, like an animal trying to steal the food from a trap, Nonie took the swan with slightly shaky hands. She still couldn't believe it, yet she could feel it with her fingers. She really was holding it. "T-thank you." She managed, mumbling as she brought it close. Then there was another question and Nonie blinked. "I-oh! Oh no you don't have to!" She insisted. She was already risking so much for one thing. Although she probably should answer. Nonie's mind flew before she bit her lip and finally decided.

"Ah.... A m-mouse." She said. The were so small and so easily forgettable. Half the time Nonie wished she were one.

[Roxana Strix]

Roxana was still waiting for the girl to vanish into thin air or make some kind of mad dash to a place she could hide. The damage that had been done to the girl had to be serious with how she was acting and it could have also been a factor of her personality. So much information to go off, so many speculation, and only so few ways to get the answers that poked at the back of Roxana's mind. If the other girl was worried about Roxana remember who she was, it was already too late for that. Rox never forgot a face, she forgot very little thanks to the kind of memory she had. It was a curse and a blessing at times but she was not going to forget this girl and if she really desired it would be easy enough to find her again.

The real question was if it would be worth trying to find this girl again or if it was best to not try and be like her older sister in this situation? Rox didn't know, but she was here and trying so far so saw no point to just drop the matter and go. Not yet anyways. She at least wanted the girl to accept the swan and maybe a personal gift. It was all a part of the plan to get the girl to trust her more. Help out her friends and give something two her were two large parts to it and of course there was more to the plan. It all just involved steps that Rox was in no rush to complete all at once. It would not work if you rushed it.

"You are welcome." Rox responded at the girl's thanks, pleased that the girl actually ended up taking the gift. Admiralty the girl took time and it was clear she was still uncertain but it was a step in the right direction. Then stuttered words that were expected after Rox offered to give her something else. Roxana didn't say anything, giving it a moment, because she knew the girl was not going to fully outright refuse a gift. Not when she had that look in her eyes. Thankfully the animal she wanted was something Rox could create pretty quickly and was already working on it inside her pocket as soon as she heard the name of the animal.

"A mouse, huh? Not many people like them and I honestly would not picture you liking one either. So would you say it’s more so your spirit animal?" Roxana asked. She was making conversation again, partly because she needed time to finish her work since she was doing it without looking directly at it and also because she was curious. By the time she got some kind of answer from the other girl, the creation would be done, and soon Rox was holding out a crystal 'mouse'. "Apologies if it is not as realistic like the swan ..." Rox spoke up, almost saying more but she didn’t want to give away what she was just yet so just waited for judgment on the creation.

[Nonie Savage]

It really was pretty, when Nonie looked at it up close and scrutinized it. Maybe she could get an even better price then she thought? Already she had a few ideas running through her mind on what she could do depending on the amount of money she could get out of this little thing. But then the girl had asked her for her favorite animal and Nonie panicked while trying to think of something. She was getting scared again, and the temporary block from the fear was quickly dissolving as Nonie said mouse. This was starting to become too much, and Nonie's heart was pounding much like the little critter she had named.

"U-um.....I-I don't know...... M-maybe?" Nonie replied. Honestly, she wished she could turn into a mouse right now and scurry away. Maybe it really was her spirit animal. It would make a lot of sense. But then Roxana was pulling out another crystal structure that had Nonie pausing for a brief moment. It was just so..... Cute! "Oh......." Was all Nonie could manage, staring at the little creation in slight wonder, the fright barely held down.

[Roxana Strix]

It was easy enough to see that the other female liked the swan that Roxana had given her. It was not like she would make a thousand dollars off of it, but she would get a couple hundred if she knew the right place to go to sell it. Rox would help with that, but only if the girl asked. She doubted that she would. All the same, Roxana still felt like she could give another gift to add to building the trust of the other girl. It was still going to take time and Rox was not certain if she would be able to pull it off but she was trying. It was hard when she was not a police officer and this girl was homeless.

Seeing someone and building their trust was so much easier when you saw them on a regular basis. While she could in fact see the other girl often due to her job and having to do patrols, she could already bet that the other girl would likely run even sooner if she saw Rox in her uniform. She was still half expecting the girl to vanish right there or run off but still the girl stuck around. Not one who was very good at conversation which made it difficult to interact with her due to Rox not being much of a talker in general.

Rox didn't say anything as the other girl said that she was not really sure about the whole mouse thing. Well, that defeated that chain of conversation. How does my sister manage such a task? Rox wondered to herself. All she got was an 'oh' when she handed the mouse over. That was not much feedback at all, which made it hard for Rox to know if the other girl liked it or not. She was guessing that she did by the way the other girl looked at it, but Rox didn't know if it was because she was thinking about how much money she could get from selling it or if she actually liked it for herself.

"Do with it what you like." Rox added before standing up and taking a step back. "I suppose I should leave you alone now then. Would you like that?" Rox asked, having a tactical reason for saying it that way.

[Nonie Savage]

Nonie slowly took the mouse too, gently plucking it from Roxana's grasp with her fingers hesitantly. She was so surprised the girl had a mouse figure with her. It was almost like.... magic! Could it be coincidence? Nonie had no idea which to write it off as, although she was admittedly a tad distracted by the little statue. However she did manage to look up and give Roxana a tiny smile and a blush. "T-thank you..." She managed, glancing back down at the little statues she held in her hands. She wondered how much she could get for both statues. But then her attention was drawn back as Roxana continued to speak.

When she asked if Nonie would like to be left alone, the redhead's eyes widened. She instantly felt bad that the girl asked that, even if Nonie would've liked that very much. "N-No! N-no I mean... Y-you don't have to go if you ah... don't want to? I just... I-it's not all that warm out and I wouldn't want you to get cold..." She said, mumbling a little at the end. it was true though, she wouldn't want the girl getting cold just to talk to her.

[Roxana Strix]

Roxana watched closely how the girl reacted to the next creation. She liked feedback after all and since she doubted she would be getting much in the way of a verbal critique, she had to read it based off of the other girl's body language. She could tell that she liked it and that there was likely some debate on selling it. Rox didn't mind either way what the women chose to do what she gave her because she could always make another if she really wanted to. It was not all that difficult of a thing for her to do and while her hair did change color a little bit she had a hat on so it was not like anyone would even notice.

"You are welcome." Roxana responded to the other girl's thanks. There was a small smile on her face for a moment, to yet again show an emotion to better help the other girl relax around her. The real test on if all of this had gone over well would soon show itself. If things went well then Rox would be able to tell her sister about it and possibly receive some praise for it. If not, well it was not that big of a deal at the end of the day. There were other people she could try this on and others that she could use for a greater benefit to her organization and herself.

If anything, Rox was surprised the girl didn't even ask questions on where she was getting things crystal creations from, but perhaps the girl lived by the model it was best to not ask questions when someone was giving you something for free. Then there was the test and to Rox's half surprise it actually was a success. Rox smiled a little yet again, being even more friendly now that she had gotten through 'gate 1'. "Would you like to relocate with me to somewhere a bit warmer? Perhaps a cafe or at the very least I could bring you a blanket if you promise to not run off while I go to retrieve it." Rox said, again her words were chosen for a reason and this was yet again another test. Still, she would not bother the girl for too much longer either way.

((Tag:Nonie Savage))