Flotsam & Pearl

[Elizabeth Walsh]

Elizabeth was having a wonderful day off today for the children were with Nolan and her parents, thus allowing her the freedom of a few hours to enjoy herself. Nolan promised if anything happened that he would send his Patronus or an owl, to let her know of any danger or issue. However, her Mum was more than capable of taking care of her children for a few hours and had always breastfed her as she breastfed the children. However, that was not important right now. What WAS important that it was a beautiful warm day and she could enjoy it immensely doing whatever she wanted.

Strolling down through the streets of her neighborhood, she noticed a lovely young Asian man, Japanese by the look of him, doing some rather impressive acrobatics in a corner square a few blocks from her and Nolan's home. Since she had helped with the Hogsmeade Expedition AND was now being considered and trained for a position as an Auror, they had the ability to afford a much better home. However, homes were not important to Elizabeth. She watched him ever more curiously, dressed in her outing dress, encased in a gorgeous corset which seemed to emphasize her more curvaceous features that had been given to her after her pregnancy.

She stepped up to the crowd that was watching the young man with enthusiasm, some even clapping to a rhythm as a floating invisible band played a little steady, upbeat tune. She laughed softly and wondered who he was and why he chose to perform tricks instead of making incredible magic. Her mind always wandered....

  

[Raiden Rockwell]

Raiden did not often come to Bartonburg because it was a long, long walk away from his neighborhood in the slums. However, today he was finding that it was very much worth it. Perhaps people out of the slums were just happier in general, but Raiden had never found himself to be at the center of this much enthusastic attention... which was a sad confession to make, considering he was supposed to make his living off getting people's attention. The young man had considerable talent for someone mostly self-taught, but unfortunately never had the right platform. Slumdwellers may as well be invisible when they are asking for tips on the street.

When his acrobatic act came to its grand finale, it which Raiden ran up the wall behind him, apparently defying gravity for a brief moment before kicking off into a backflip and landing gracefully as if it had been the easiest thing in the world. He bowed theatrically for the gasping, awed crowd. Raiden decided to take a little break before moving on, seeing as he was panting from all the energy it took to do his stunts and make it look as if it were easy.

Raiden decided to sit on the floor and do some of his stretches for a while until he caught his breath. Of course, Raiden was a lot more flexible than most people, and his stretches were... intense, to say the least. He contorted his body into strange unnatural shapes, bending his limbs in ways that looked like they shouldn't be bent, and thanked each person who dropped a coin into his hat with a smile.

One particularly lovely woman dropped a token in his hat and Raiden gave her a wink as he twisted his arm in a way that made a passerby gasp loudly. "I'll be back on my feet soon, if you wanna stick around for more," he said.

  

[Elizabeth Walsh]

Elizabeth was most surprised by his acrobatics. It was fascinating and intense, clearly a skill he must've taught himself because there was none of the unnatural fluidity of learned texture towards it. It seemed perfectly natural and coherent to his own perfect movements. Raiden seemed to simply confound and surprise her. She watched, like most everyone, with great enthusiasm and intense interest. It was not often that Bartonburg got such skilled performers and as such, it made for a most intriguing start to her afternoon. She had another couple hours before she had to return to Nolan and pick up her children.

Oh this shouldn't be too difficult, I am certain! she thought fervently with a nod of her head and a drop of a galleon into the boy's hat. She smiled happily and knelt down, curving her legs slightly and flexibly into a way where she was kneeling without compressing or tarnishing her beautiful gown. It was skill she learned from many years of practice and training from her Mother. She noticed as she knelt down that the young man was clearly downtrodden and incapable of giving himself meaningful attire and potentially good food. He was slightly emiciated and clearly needed some more permanent form of shelter by the wisp of his hair and the dirtiness in it.

She suddenly came up with a most brilliant plan, in her opinion and nodded, "I have a much better idea. How about you meet me at Babblington Road, number 234 in 2 hours? I have a much better plan, far more valuable and profitable for you than street performance. If you are interested, then I shall see you promptly." A smirk drew across those lovely, slightly plump but always soft and gentle lips as she drew up without even a twitch or a shake or a nerve, as though she could perfectly glide. She bowed to the young man and threw her shawl more over her shoulder before continuing down the street to head to High Street to buy a few essentials for the family and, some, for herself.

  

[Raiden Rockwell]

Raiden was caught completely by surprise when the woman crouched to his eye level to speak with him. It could not have been easy to maneuver herself so low to the ground in clothes like that while maintaining them, but she made it look as smooth as could be. Even more shocking still were the words she gave him. The most he was expecting was perhaps a compliment or a question about how he did it. Certainly not... an invitation? Of some kind?

Raiden's lips parted as his jaw fell slack and his eyebrows knitted in befuddlement. "What...?" was all that came out of his gaping mouth while he tried to make sense of what she had just told him. She merely smirked in a mischievous way that he was not used to seeing on women and pulled away without offering any sort of explanation.

"Hey, wait! Plan for what now an' what's it about profit?" But she was already walking away, throwing her shawl over her shoulder as if to slyly indicate she'd heard him, but he would have to find out for himself. Raiden's impulse was to chase after her, but the fact that he had twisted himself into a pretzel made it impossible. By the time he got himself untangled from all his scrawny limbs, she had disappeared into the morning bustle of Bartonburg. "Shit!" Raiden hissed to himself, earning a scowl from an elderly woman passing by.

After that, he could not stop thinking about the curious woman and her even curiouser offer. It was incredibly distracting, and when being lost in his wondering made him fumble and drop a juggling club, Raiden got fed up with waiting and decided to go seek out the address already, even if it was an hour ahead of time. His impatience became a stroke of luck later, when Raiden got so lost in Bartonburg that it took him almost an hour long to find the damn Babblington Road anyway. In this neighborhood, he stuck out somewhat in shabby clothes. Now which number was it she'd said? 233? 232? 223?

Raiden groaned to himself. He forgot the damn number. Pretty sure it was 232 though. What did he have to lose, wouldn't be the first time he's had the cops called on him...

Raiden walked up to the door and knocked. It took a few moments for the door to be opened by a maid, who gave him a completely bewildered look. Maybe that curious woman had a habit of keeping everyone around her absolutely lost at all times. "Good afternoon," Raiden said in what he hoped was a polite manner, "Is... er..." Kicking christ in a soiled diaper, he didn't even know who to ask for. Not that he had to worry about that for long, because the maid promptly gave him an angry look and slammed the door right in his face.

So much for that.

Raiden pivoted around on his heels so that he faced the street and wondered what to do next.

  

[Elizabeth Walsh]

Elizabeth not had expected the young boy to actually show up, but she was most happy that he did. She had gone shopping after meeting him and then returned swiftly home to deliver the goods to her lovely husband and then returned home soon after. When she saw that the young man was lost and looking around, even though he was only two doors down, she pulled out her lovely wand and gently breathed her Patronus into life... allowing her lovely Arabian steed to clamber over to him and alert him to follow it. It was a feminine looking horse, with long flowy hair and a shimmering coat.

When the horse came over to her, having the boy follow bewildered and shocked, she smiled and opened the door, causing the horse to disappear, "I didn't expect you to come, but I am most pleased, my dear. Please, come in. Welcome to my home. I am sure you have many questions." her words continued as she closed the door behind him and began to take his warming clothing off so that he may relax by her hearthfire. Unlike the cold and damp house of Nolan's previous abode, which they sold off the land for someone else to build on and allowed them THIS home, this was a woman's home. It was comforting, warm, inviting and brilliantly colored. It seemed to be full of life and happiness.

It wasn't expensive, but they made it LOOK expensive by how well designed the interior was. She offered a hand over to the den with a courteous smile, "First of all, I will answer your most obvious question: why did I invite a mere stranger into my home with offerings of tidings and wealth? Because, young man, I have observed that you require a benefactor. A person who can help you in this time of personal darkness. I don't know your personal struggle, but I know that I can be of assistance. Please, take a seat, make yourself comfortable. Would you like some tea or water? Perhaps some firewhiskey or bourbon?"

Her polite and comforting gestures would definitely throw the poor boy off, but she cared not, because she would do something that inevitably would lead to great things for both. She took a seat in the chair opposite another in front of the fire. It was burning brightly and strong, warming the entire room and partially the hallway with great heat. There was a large platter on the table between the comfortable chairs with various drinks and food, even some candies, "I did not know what you may like, so I thought I would offer an assortment for your pleasure." The den itself was merely something to behold, perhaps, for someone like Raiden. It was easily the size of most people's shacks and homes in the Slums and the room itself had furnishings easily worth a dozen or more of them. However, she was not as wealthy, yet, as some others in the Ministry of Magic. She hoped to be an Auror and not even her love of her children and her duty and desire to be a mother would prevent that.

  

[Raiden Rockwell]

For a split second Raiden wondered what kind of a dumbass leaves their horse clopping about unbridled, until he noticed it was not quite solid as it should be.. A patronus! Raiden had seen one only a handful of times, for he was unable to procure one himself. He followed the stunningly majestic animal to a house a few doors down, thinking he probably just made the biggest fool of himself knocking at the wrong home. The steed dissipated just as the front door opened, and Raiden was warmly invited inside by the very woman he had met on the street just a couple of hours prior.

"You don't have to--do that... okay," Raiden objected feebly as the woman slid his barely adequate winter coat off his shoulders when he entered, but ended up conceding to her when she continued to hang his coat anyway.

From then on he remained mostly speechless as she lead him through her home. Mostly because confusion, apprehension, awe, and shame were all writhing within him and screaming that he better not embarrass himself any further. And he really just wanted to listen to why someone like her would want anything to do with someone like him. He understood that she wanted to help him, but why would anyone bother? It's not as if Raiden had anything to offer for the greater good, he couldn't even read for fuck's sake. She was using some lofty language... it further encouraged Raiden to just keep his mouth shut as long as he could. He probably sounded like such a halfwit speaking next to her.

"I wouldn't say no to any of those," he finally spoke when she offered a drink. He bit his lip nervously, not feeling as if beggars could be choosers, but she looked as if she was waiting for a definite answer... "I ain't had a firewhiskey in a while."

While she poured his drink, he took a good look around. The house was lavish, practically a palace compared to the sad little hutch Raiden called a home. Just one room of this house was the size of his entire home, possibly larger. And for a large space it was so warm... Raiden could not believe they were in the heart of winter and here he was feeling comfortably toasty in just his ratty shirt and vest. His dark eyes lingered over every piece of decoration, so many possessions without any practical function. Yet they did function, he found... they partially created the blissful atmosphere that was currently blowing his mind.

She handed him a glass of firewhiskey and invited Raiden to help himself to the platter of food she had set out, perfectly arranged... He could not believe she was actually worried he wouldn't like any one thing. "Nononono, this is all fuckin' spectacular," Raiden assured her. "I don't think you understand, this is more food than I see in a week." And he mentally kicked himself as soon as the words left his mouth.

She made herself comfortable before the fire while Raiden helped himself to the food that was offered. He had intended to eat it slowly, as was probably polite, but when he tried the first delicious bite he could not stop himself from having more, and more. "Sorry..." he apologized after realizing most of the platter was gone. He wanted to explain that he is not normally a glutton... but admitting he's not accustomed to eating proper food wasn't something he wanted to say out loud to someone like her. He found himself ashamed that he didn't have the discipline to show good manners, that he wasn't even good at talking, that he looked like such a dirty wreck in the midst of such a lovely environment.

Raiden gulped down his firewhisky before putting together the questions he wanted to ask as best he could. "Look, I don't wanna be rude, I mean I've probably already been by accident, but... Just, why me? There's women in the slums, got kids and shit, they probably need more help with personal darkness than me. I just do tricks on the side of the road, I ain't got nothing special. What's the catch here?"

His brown eyes glowed golden in the firelight, burning with questions.

  

[Elizabeth Walsh]

The behavior of the young stranger in her home was to be expected and assured that it was commonplace. Elizabeth did not see a reason until he was done speaking and eating to even bother to correct him. T'would be rude and obscene in her opinion and thus, she waited. When he finally was done, a smirk crept upon those sweet lips once more and a nod came forth, "First of all, I understand your position. Second, to answer your specific question, I also take my time and resources to help those families less fortunate. Just because you do not see it, doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Thirdly, I do this because I sense a strength in you Raiden. A desire, a yearning. There is greatness within you and I believe with the right amount of training, effort and care, you could become much better than you are now."

Her flowing gown seemed to never look out of place or unbecoming of her station. It was as if every movement seemed to perfectly match the others. She stood up in a fluid, unbroken motion and stared at the fire, "I will be an Auror, but before I am, I must tend to the first years of my children's life and my husband." There was fire of her own within her eyes even from the slight incline that Raiden would need to see them. She burned within, a deep desire, a love and treasure for those around her to be freed and saved.

A small house-elf, potentially female, apparated into the room, peering around the corner from the hallway to watch her Mistress and the young stranger. She wore a lovely little shirt and some pants with matching socks. The House-elf was most curious as to the events going on. Elizabeth knew she was there but was focused on speaking to her guest, "Unless you would rather go back to the streets and starve some more, I see no reason why you should disregard my most generous offer, young man."

She turned towards Raiden with a mischievous smile and then indicated for the house-elf to come into the room. She smiled down at her lovely little friend, who made a murring type noise and smiled herself, "Raiden, this is my house-elf and my friend, Linky. She has many more freedoms than most house-elves are akin to and she understands that I allow them because I believe house elves should be given more. Now, she will be your protector and your companion. Anything you need or want, she will obtain for you."

Little Linky smiled and nodded hard, slightly twirling and spinning on her heel in a little bit of embarrassment and excitement, "So... what do you say Raiden?"

  

[Raiden Rockwell]

Raiden was left speechless once again by how much hope she had in him. She was right, he had never seen someone with money helping out the poor in such a personal manner. The most he'd seen the higher classes do for his slums was the occasional weekend soup kitchen or clothing donation, nothing that was anywhere near getting on such a personal level with the poor. But she was clearly not an ordinary person in the slightest, and Raiden believed that she had no ulterior motive when she offered to help him for the sake of helping.

"I didn't know women could be aurors." The words came out of his mouth before it was too late to wonder if that would be a dumb thing to say. "But I think you would make a damn fine one," he added.

And he meant it, watching the determination in her eyes and the way she composed herself. This was a woman who chased her goals until she owned them. It was very different from Raiden, who did not ever really go after any goals besides just surviving the week. He wondered what greatness she could possibly expect him to achieve... and frankly, felt a lot of pressure. Good thing Raiden was not one to crack under pressure. "Nonono, I wasn't disregarding at all! No one's ever done anythin' like this for me, nothin' even close. I don't even know how to begin sayin' thanks, honestly."

She smirked mischievously at him and he wondered what it was she had in store for him. From the corner of the room, she beckoned a small elf. Raiden had never seen one before, but he heard rich families kept them around as servants. That was the extent of his knowledge about house-elves, so he thought nothing odd of the fact that Linky was wearing clothes. He listened as Elizabeth introduced them, wondering what Linky had to do with him, until it was explained that the elf was now his "protector and companion."

"Wait, my what?" Raiden stuttered, becoming flustered once again by the sheer generosity of Elizabeth. "I know I'm poor as dirt, but I can't take your house elf, where I live hardly even counts as a house..." He trailed off upon seeing how enthusiastic about it Linky seemed, spinning and smiling bashfully. Okay, the elf was pretty damn cute and he didn't want to hurt her feelings or offend Mrs. Walsh. "I ain't complaining, I'd love to take Miss Linky with me. But what if I can't take care of her, ya know? I hardly manage to take care of myself."

Raiden was not even sure how such a little thing could protect him, and was certain he would end up playing the role of protector instead since he knew nothing of elf magic. His knowledge of house elves was extremely limited, until now he was not even sure if they weren't just a tale the paupers had made up to tell about the rich.

  

[Elizabeth Walsh]

Elizabeth didn't really need a reason to be helpful, she just was that way. It came so naturally to the young woman that it was as if she breathed and helped at the same time. The boy was more than clearly confused by everything she just told him. Linky blinked gently amid confusion about why he didn't understand, but Elizabeth would soon explain exactly what Raiden was missing from the entire conversation.

"You must understand, Raiden, that you will not be TAKING my house-elf, she will be helping you do whatever it is you need doing. A house-elf is bound to the person that owns them, a magical contract forbids them from disobeying their master in a direct way. If told specific orders, that house-elf cannot perform that action without severe repercussions. However, Linky is trustworthy and I know that she and I have an agreement. She already knows she is to follow your orders as long as they do not put herself, you or anyone else into direct harm. But for now, this is how it will go. I will be securing a private lodging for you in town, something much better than a hovel. You will have fresh food, water and a warm place to sleep every night."

She puts her hand in her extended bag and pulls out a small bag of galleons, shaking them gently to awaken Raiden to their presence. She nods toward the bag, "I want you to go out and buy yourself a suitable wardrobe. Suits, ties, proper shoes, a proper set of jackets and a walking cane, fit to fight with as much as walk with. Linky will help you shop to make sure you don't get lost or gamble my money away. Linky is capable of apparating and disapparating at will, meaning, she can go where she wants however she wants. Do you understand me?"

When she felt that he had sufficiently understood her, she handed the bag of Galleons to him, approximately 100 and smiled graciously. She placed a warm hand on his shoulder, continuing the smile, "The reason I have chosen you is because I believe you would be a powerful wizard someday, my dear... and I want you to give me the chance to prove that anyone, from any social class and anywhere in the world can be better than society thinks they are. Now, go with Linky... and most importantly... have fun!" Linky grabbed Raiden's hand and they suddenly apparated outside of High Street... off to buy wonderful things to enjoy and experience.

  

[Raiden Rockwell]

Raiden listen carefully to the lady's explanation, which included information about house-elves that he did not know before. He imagined this was common knowledge to most, and he possibly seemed foolish for not knowing it. But it's not as if anyone else in the slums knew anything about what went on the homes of the rich, mostly rumors and hearsay were all Raiden had heard about elves until now. And suddenly he would have one following him around and letting him order her? The entire day had turned into a surreal trip the moment Elizabeth first spoke to him, and Raiden would not be surprised if he woke up at any moment to find it had been an outlandish dream. Being handed a bag of gold and told he had a home now--a real home--did not do anything to ease Raiden's sudden suspicion that this couldn't be real.

He protested gently, "Good christ, I cant take anything else from you, you've already--"
"Linky will help you shop to make sure you don't get lost or gamble my money away," the lady cut him off and talked on over him, knowing full well that Raiden was in no say no. He truly wasn't. If a week ago someone told him he would someday (try to) politely decline a bag of galleons, he would have thrown his head back laughing.

When she asked if he understood, Raiden's mind was reeling, but he tried his best to sound more composed than he actually was. "God damn, you're almost too good to be true, Mrs. Walsh. I don't think there's a thing I can do as a proper thanks besides make you proud of taking a chance on me. I'll do my best not to let you down."

She smiled, and he realized she believed in him far more than anyone ever had. Including himself. He never gave himself any goals because he figured someone with the unlucky lot he given in life wasn't going to make it out of the slums no matter how hard they tried. So he spared himself from disappointment by aiming only to survive and have a little fun while he was at it. Today the most important gift he had been given was a purpose, something he never had before.

And when Linky's small hand wrapped around his fingers, the last thing Raiden saw was Elizabeth's hope-filled smile before he dissaparated.

  

[Elizabeth Walsh]

(( Thread is Fin! ))