I Told You About Me The First Night We Met

[Magda Eisenhardt]

All you need is a little faith and trust

Magda owned a little tea shop. It was hard for her to believe that she would eventually let roots grow under her feet, but as she grew older she began to want to stay in one place. To build something with meaning. To do something that mattered. So, she found a warm place in the world, not too hot, not too cold--and began making it home. It had taken a while but she had managed to find a little place int he world that she could call her own.

Hearing the chimes out front in her shop she called up, "I'll be right there," in the local language but her voice still help her Polish accent. She lifted a heavy box of new flavored teas in fancy tins, and carried it through the beads that served as a wall from the store room to the shop. Without looking at her guest she spoke as she paid attention, instead, to the counter so she could sit it there. "I'll be right with you." She lifted the box to the counter and pushed it back. Looking down she brushed off the dust from her shirt before turning to greet her the customer. "Hello, welcome!"

Faith and Trust and Pixie Dust

_{tag: Erik Lehnsherr}

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

Erik was used to laying low. Being inconspicuous when he chose to be. This time, it was to a whole new extent. He was deemed one of the most wanted men in the world and because of that, he had to be extra cautious. Careful with every country he set foot in, every accommodation he made. There were mutants along his path who recognized him and were willing to help, more so because of their shared belief in the cause, but Magneto was certain not to heavily rely on any of them. Until things got better, he just couldn't take any reckless risks.

It was why he was seldom scene without his hat and sunglasses in the streets. Blending into the crowd was of paramount importance. But not everything was strictly business. A casual stroll on the street brought him to a quaint little tea shop. Something compelled him to go inside and trusting instincts, he opened the door. The chimes immediately went off and a woman's voice acknowledged his presence. He couldn't help but pause and give a slight smile. He travelled around the world enough to recognize accents. And hers, was one very close to home . . . it was home itself. Erik took off his glasses -- it was after all the polite thing to do -- as he walked around the shop. He knew that every person he encountered, posed a risk of recognition but so far, in this part of the world, he seemed to be ok.

Seeing her approach, Erik turned to meet her, the smile growing a little as he took in the sight of her. She was rather beautiful; fair and delicate features, and there was just something very . . . pleasant about her. It caused him to watch her, eyes locked onto her though she was distracted with what she carried in her hands. He met her at the counter, the smile still in place. Just because he was a mutant on the run, didn't mean he hadn't the appreciation for the finer, more beautiful things in life. "Thank you," he greeted in return, acting on assumption as he spoke in Polish, words expressing his gratitude for her welcome.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

All you need is a little faith and trust

Magda looked up at the customer and took in his appearance. Handsome, tall, kind face. She was a good judge of character, and she decided that she liked this one. Then he spoke, and she decided that she really liked this customer. Her face split into a surprised grin, and her eyes lit up in a happy feeling! Oh! What a wonderful surprise! "You are Polish?" She asked walking up to the counter, and resting her hands on it.

With her being closer she noticed just how tall he was, and she liked it. "It's been a long time since I've met anyone who speaks Polish or from there." And it was a pleasure to speak in her own language. Though she was good in a few languages she wasn't an expert in them. She didn't understand the importance of being multilingual until later in life.

Magda lifted her hand out to him in greeting, "I'm Magda." She kept to Polish since she began speaking in Polish. Magda was not only a good judge of character, she was also good at reading people. He had a clean way about him, with clothes that were not overly worn. He liked ordered. Part of her culture was about reading people and using it in readings. She wondered if he'd come for the tea or the readings.

Faith and Trust and Pixie Dust

_{tag: Erik Lehnsherr}

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

Erik smiled in return, rather liking the way her face lit up. It just added to her already beautiful state. "I am," he confirmed, glad his own assumption had been correct. It had allowed them to break the ice a little easier. "I know the feeling," he agreed, as there was truth to her words. He had not returned to Poland for some time. It held far too many dark memories and yet, he was fully aware that his travels might very well lead him upon that path. When she extended her hand out, he of course returned the gesture, taking her soft hands into hi sown.

"Erik." If she didn't recognize him thus far with the close proximity . . . then she certainly wouldn't simply by a name. Of that, he was fairly certain. He raised her hand to his lips, lightly kissing the back of it before slowly releasing it. "It's a pleasure to meet you," he added, continuing to speak in what seemed to be both their native tongue. "This is a lovely shop," he complimented. "Are you the owner?" It seemed to suit her in many ways, and he wasn't entirely sure why. It was just the impression he got . . . and it was very much a good one.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

All you need is a little faith and trust

His hands were strong, and warm. Magda found she thought a little too much on them when shaking his hand. Then he lifted her hand to his lips. Magda felt her cheeks heat softly. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Erik." She said, her smile staying on her lips, and her words playful. He had mannaers. Manners were not rare in this town but his stood out a little with how they were just there and not emblished. Subtle. Honest.

"It is my shop! I opened it six years ago." She explained, "But I brought some of Poland with me! I have herbata! It's free for you today, because you remind me of home." At least the good parts of it. Not the parts she left to forget. Her words were a tease, maybe even a little bit f a polite flirt. She'd named a famous tea that often had rum or vodka in it. It was popular with a lot of men back home. After giving him a chance to agree or change the order, Magda turned to put the kettle on and begin making the tea. "Tell me, Erik, Did you come to my shop for the tea or for the readings?" She asked as the show did both. Sold hot teas as well as did palm and card readings. Sometimes she faked reading tea leaves but that was only for the ones who didn't understand.

Faith and Trust and Pixie Dust

_{tag: Erik Lehnsherr}

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

Six years was quite an accomplishment. And the zeal in which she spoke about it made it clear that she was passionate about what she did. Magda spoke of giving him complimentary tea and Erik smiled in appreciation. "I will only accept your generosity if you join me for a drink," he stated, as he would rather enjoy the beverage in her company rather than take advantage of just a free cup.

Though, he supposed in his offer, it was a win-win situation for him. She then asked him if he came for the tea or the readings. Ah yes. He should have known. "I did come for the tea," he answered truthfully. "But there is a certain temptation to engage in a reading." There was no fear about her hitting too close to home. To him being exposed. He didn't disbelieve in this but nor was he overly superstitious. Truth was, he wanted to see her in her element.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

Magda began making the tea. She pulled down a cup as he said he would only take it if she joined him. Magda watched him for a moment, smiling at the handsome Erik. After a moment she reached up and pulled down a second cup. "Sounds nice." She told him, meaning that it would be nice to join him. She hoped that the conversation would be as pleasant as it had been so far.

While the tea boiled, Magda reached for her cards and walked them over to a cloth cover table. All her tables where covered to help give it a more at home, and comfortable feeling. "What are you about today, Erik?" She asked, still having a smile in her voice. Magda continued, "Are you in town for business or pleasure?" She didn't ask why he wasn't in Poland, because she herself knew of many reasons to not be in that place. Memories. Missing people.

[/div][/blockquote]

Faith and Trust and Pixie Dust

[/font]_{tag: Erik Lehnsherr} [/blockquote]

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

Erik was glad when she accepted his request to join him -- though he was prepared to do more convincing if need be. But fortunately, she took two mugs out, put the tea on and then joined him at the table, asking what he was in town for. Business of pleasure.

Neither answer was a simple one; both responses posed complication. Erik would not blatantly lie about his response, so decided to give the less, complicated one. "Please," he answered with ease and poise. "This place seems to provide quite a bit of that," he continued with a smile. He glanced at the cards, before meeting her gaze again. "You are Romany," he concluded, knowing it was an assumption based on what little he knew of her, but one he made none the less.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

All you need is a little faith and trust

He asked about her culture, and Magda smiled. "What gave me away?" She teased, knowing that the place had a strong air about it. She never hide her culture, even though she'd traveled and picked up so much other things. "It's been a long time since I was back in Poland and with the people." Not many happy memories there, and she wasn't about to ask him about his own, so she skipped the reason she left. "But whenever I go, I bring a little of it with me."

Magda put the cards on the table between them and them pushed the desk toward him. "Mix them, and split the desk where you please." She got up while he did, and poured the hot water into the cups. She put the tea leaves in a squeezer and let them soak int he water. Carrying the cups to the table she put one before him and one at her seat. As he sat the deck back on the table she reached for his hand, and put her's over his. She kept her eyes on his as she turned his hand over, and then looked at his palm. "Your right hand shows what will be, and your left hand shows what could be." She reached her hand out and waited for him to put his other hand in her's.

Holding his hands, she felt a little warmth touch her cheeks in the slightest blush. They were strong hands, and warm. She liked touching them. She pretended to think for a moment, letting her touch linger on his. "Your life line is very long. So you will live a long time." Looking up at him she smiled, before looking down at his hand, her smile soften. "You've lost a great deal." She couldn't see above his wrist because of his jacket, but knowing he was from Poland, and that he'd lost people--she could guess what would be there. Numbers. Like the ones she had on her arm under her own shelve. "This line here," She pointed to the line of loss, and how it touched his fate line. "You can't let the loss go. It echos through your whole life." Then again, didn't it do that with everyone who had been int he camps? How did one escape that?

Faith and Trust and Pixie Dust

_{tag: Erik Lehnsherr}

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

Erik did as instructed, taking in her words of it being a while since she was last in Poland. He knew the value of culture among her people; it made sense. Splitting the deck just in time for her to join him, she took his hands in hers. They felt soft, comforting. "Thank you," he commented in regards to the tea she had brought. His attention was then fixed on what she could read of him. The first stating that he would have a long life. He couldn't help but give a slight smile at that. While he knew he was a survivor, he also knew the dangers he got himself into . . . and the risks involved in that.

The subject turned a bit more serious as she commented on how he had lost a lot. "Haven't we all," he stated. Considering the history of their country, many had suffered. Many had lost their families. He listened to her speak of how he could not let the loss go. No. In many ways he couldn't. It wasn't just about killing Shaw. What happened in the camps defined who he was; who he became. Whether it was a monster or a freedom fighter.

He only knew that it exposed him to the terrors of humanity, and the cost of not fighting against persecution. Never again. "My hands seem to tell you a lot," he said, not allowing his emotions over the content to surface. He'd spent so many years remaining stoic and composed. Now was not the time to compromise that. He leaned forward a little, looking into her eyes. "Is that all they tell you?" An invitation for her to go deeper, the proximity more along the lines of flirtatious rather than threatening.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

[q

All you need is a little faith and trust

He leaned forward, and Magda found herself doing it as well, leaning closer as her words grew a little slower. Without thinking she was making herself open--mentally--to his advances. "This one," She began, tracing another line on his palm, this time slower as her fingers lingered over his skin openly. "Is your heart line."

"It's curved here, which tells me you are a generous, and sensual nature." She smiled slyly and looked up at him. "It's unbroken, so you are faithful to your friends and lovers. It's a think line, which hints to a passionate nature. . . . are you a man of passion, Erik?" She asked, being more forward in her flirting now, and a little inviting him to continue. While the line meant more about their personality then about his bed room action, Magda left the double words linger between them. Her fingers traced the line while she spoke, drawing over it one way and then the other. Teasing him palm while she spoke in Polish to him.

Faith and Trust and Pixie Dust

_{tag: Erik Lehnsherr}

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

Erik was rather enjoying where this conversation was going. The flirtation, the suggestion. It was what prevented him from thinking too deeply on her words. Generous. Sensual. Loyal. He knew what loyalty was, but he also held firm in his own beliefs. It was what parted him from friends and lovers both. But, he knew this was not exactly the topic he wished to steer the conversation into. Especially with the way she spoke, the questions she asked -- how she asked them -- and the way her fingers traced the line over the palm of his hand. Yes. He was very much liking the direction of this indeed.

"I suppose that entirely depends," he began to answer in a similar tone. "On whether there is a cause to be passionate for." He paused for a moment, a slight smirk playing upon his features. "Or someone." Just as he knew about loyalty, he too knew about passion . . . sometimes to a fault considering the paths it led him down. But once again, he was not about to get into the deeper -- and darker -- implications of her words. This surface level flirtation was suiting him just fine.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

All you need is a little faith and trust

His words were welcome, and Magda wet her lips as she thought about the double meaning. OH! It had been years since she'd had this much fund talking to anyone! She didn't think she'd ever felt this sort of instant attraction, but the fun just talking with him right now made the attraction grow. She didn't want this end too soon. She wanted this conversation to last. Magda hoped no other customers came in for she wasn't about to stop to make more tea right now.

Her fingers moved from the heart line to the next line on his palm. "And is there someone in your life?" Was there a Mrs Erik? or a girl friend he had? Magda knew if there was she would back off quickly. Looking down at the line she smiled as she returned her gaze to his face, and her fingers traced the line. This time the line led her to his wrist, and he brushed over it as she kept talking. "If this line is faint, or blurred then it means lack of health and stamina. You're is neither. It means you are in good health, and . . . have a strong stamina." Which could mean anything from ability to work tasks, or stubbornness--but again she let the double meaning hang.

Faith and Trust and Pixie Dust

_{tag: Erik Lehnsherr}

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

She asked if there was someone in his life, and the faint smirk, unwavering smile remained. "You did say I was faithful to my lovers," he said, reiterating her earlier words. "Perhaps right now, I just don't have anyone to be faithful to." It wasn't entirely a lie. When it came to lovers, it held true. He had no one romantically in his life that he was committed to. Mystique was perhaps the last person he had been with but that was long over. Her next words were . . . enjoyable to hear.

To know that she was engaging in these flirtations and enjoying it as much as he was. "I wonder . . . " He began to say, a light air of playfulness in his voice. "If you ever, test your readings." In this case, the subject of stamina, hoping she understood the insinuations behind his words, not that he was trying to be subtle about it. "To see how much truth they hold." A further playful comment. "Unless there is someone in your life who prevents you from doing so." He wasn't entirely sure that would cease the flirtations. If she was with someone, clearly they weren't doing a good job of making her happy if she was willing to flirt with a stranger while being committed to another.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

All you need is a little faith and trust

He began by reminding her that she had just said he was faithful. Yes, but she liked that he had admitted to no one else holding his attention. "If you ever, test your readings." Magda laughed softly, in an light manner as she could almost feel his next words. "To see how much truth they hold." Passion. Stamnia. He was a stranger, and she'd never done this before. Did she dare? "Unless there is someone in your life who prevents you from doing so." Ah yes, she needed to answer her own question too.

Turning their hands over his his were on top, and her palms where up she gently took his finger to trace her lines. "There is no one." She admitted, "This line, like yours, says that I too am loyal." Which she always found odd, since she had left her people and gone out into the world. Yet she assumed it was meant that she was loyal to herself, and maybe one day a family? "I have not tested it. I don't normally let readings get so . . . " Her fingers moved over his hands as she tried to think of the word to describe this in Polish or English. "personal." Flirty, fun, interest in a physically way. "Yet is does make one wonder how accurate they are," she teased, letting him know she was open to things. She wasn't even sure what he was asking, but she wasn't afraid to find out.

Faith and Trust and Pixie Dust

_{tag: Erik Lehnsherr}

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

She confirmed that there wasn't anyone and that certainly made this entire situation less, complicated. Taking out of course of his current status of being a fugitive. None the less, he wasn't about to let it interfere with the conversation, or the direction it seemed to be heading it. He gave a bit of a smile as she adjusted the position of her hands, saying that she was unused to readings getting this personal.

"I don't normally let readings get so personal either," he said teasingly, a playful hint in the comment that getting readings wasn't at all a frequent occurrence for him. This was in fact, the first time he done this. "So why don't we finish our tea, and perhaps see whether it takes us on the path of discovery." Meaning discovering the accuracy of her readings, without saying it in a less than charming way. He was not worried about putting some work in. Even if this may be not only the first, but the last time they meet. "So, tell me about yourself Magda, as you seem to already know a great deal about me," he said with a continued smile, not removing his hands from her touch quite yet.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

All you need is a little faith and trust

Magda liked his warm skin on her hands, and his words were so welcome that her skin heated under her cheek. She liked that he was forward but wasn't rushing this. They would sit and talk and let things happen naturally. It was pleasant.

She hadn't even read his cards yet, having started with her palm but she wasn't about to let him go to read for the cool desk just yet. Instead she answered his question in Polish, staying to their native language. "Well, after Poland--" she didn't pause after saying these words, but she knew they both understood what 'after Poland' meant. After the camps. After the war. "--I decided that I wanted to see the world. I was alone, but I met people everywhere I went. I ended up following my stomick here, as I tried to find the best foods I could." That was the short, non-emotionally story of how she ended up here. "And you, Erik?" She asked, "Tell me about you."

Faith and Trust and Pixie Dust

_{tag: Erik Lehnsherr}

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Tag: Magda Eisenhardt
Note: Better layout coming soon!

Peace

WAS NEVER AN OPTION

Erik listened attentively as she answered his question, speaking of how she left after Poland. After the war. For some, the memories were too painful and even if Erik had not been through what he had at the camps, he doubted he would have stayed. "That sounds nice," he told her, genuinely meaning it. "Did you find it?" He further inquired.

"The best food I mean." Basically asking what her favourite meals had been from all the places she had visited. It was a shame circumstances were not different. While his past relations with women hadn't been in the traditional sense of dating, leading to more . . . it would have been rather nice to find out Magda's preferred culinary dish and found a nice restaurant to take her too. But alas. His life had been far from normal and traditional. When she returned the question to him, Erik knew that the answer was far more complex.

"After Poland, I too left and set on a path of self discovery and closure." The words came out with ease, composure. Neither were a lie, but the full story was rather, dark. Self discovery referring to his mutant abilities. Closure being hunting down Nazis and ultimately killing Shaw. And that didn't include the recent past that led to his current fugitive status. Casually taking a sip of his tea, he nonchalantly smiled. "A path that seemed to have led me here." To her shop.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

All you need is a little faith and trust

Did she find it? Could one ever find it? It was the journey that mattered more then the destination. "No, but I don't think I ever plan to give up on it. Even if I come close." Thinking back to the foods she'd tried she smiled up at him. "I think I am starting to favor the pastas of the south though. Though breakfast has become my favorite meal!" Italy's pastas or Belgium's breakfasts! She loved the travels that had taken her there! The sights the smells, and the adventures she had. "Especially if there is good company to share it with." She teased him.

He spoke of his path of self discovery and she laughed softly, "Some paths we are meant to take." Magda liked the idea of a path that brought him to her door, and the Rom in her did too! Made it seem like this meeting was meant to happen. Especially since she liked him. Erik was fun to talk to, and she enjoyed the energy between them. "Have you discovered yourself yet?" She asked in a teasing voice, "Or will your path take you from town very soon?"

Faith and Trust and Pixie Dust

_{tag: Erik Lehnsherr}