Who: Lysander and Melanie What: A first meeting When: Earlier in the week Where: Lysander's shop Rating: Low Status: Complete
Melanie was on the hunt for a gift for Wanda, though she wasn’t sure exactly what it was she wanted to get her. But she knew it had to be something special. Wanda had been great the past few days while Mel had been leading hikes, each time she’d gotten up her sister had already made coffee and breakfast for her. Mel knew Wanda was missing spending time together as they were both so busy with school and hobbies, Melanie herself was as well.
So she had decided that she’d find an awesome gift and take her sister a surprise picnic one lunchtime. Wanda would like and appreciate that.
As she wandered down the street she noticed a little shop which had some wood carvings in the window, now that could be an interesting gift. She decided to have a look and see what she could find, she entered the shop with a small smile on her face.
Lysander was inside as usual, working on a project in wood, his wood-knife flickering in the light. he looked up with a smile when she came in and waved with his other hand. “Hello, miss. Welcome to Lysander’s place. How can I help you today?”
“Hi” Melanie replied as he looked up, offering a smile of her own, “Well I’m not really sure” she admitted, “I’m looking for a gift for my sister”
He set the knife down and nodded, hmming. “Well, you can look around if you like, see if anything catches your fancy. I also do commissions, both in wood and stone, painted and unpainted, if you see nothing you like, but still would like something in those mediums.” His eyes danced.
“Thanks” Melanie nodded, “Is this all your work?” she asked as she started looking around. There were a number of pieces, all different yet all beautifully crafted.
Lysander nodded. “With the exception of the supplies section and the kits, yeah. I mostly do normal pieces and some work for those who want something special.”
“You’re very talented” she told him smiling over her shoulder before looking back at his pieces, “I can’t imagine how you get such detail”
Lysander blushed. “Well, ah, I try my hardest to achieve realism, and a touch of fantasy. I think it just happens.”
“It’s very impressive” Melanie smiled; natural talent then, she thought. As she looked around she realised that Wanda would definitely appreciate something that had been handmade with such care and attention like these had. So now it was just deciding on something.
She noticed some tealight candle holders, now that could be a nice idea. Moving closer she looking for something with stars around it, they had often sat on the roof - Melanie much closer to the edge than her sister - and gazed up at the stars.
Lysander had several such items. There were starsigned wood and stone holders of various cuts and styles, He liked making things, and making them pretty.
“Okay, I’m going to need your help” Melanie told him after a few minutes of staring at the range of star engraved items, “I just can’t chose on my own” she smiled at him.
Lysander rose and made his way to her. “Which ones have you narrowed it to? What does she like?”
“These” she said, pointing out five candle holders with different star designs on them, “I’m struggling to chose between them”
Lysander hmmed and nodded at her. " I think the one on the left is the best of the two of them. It's got a nice pattern to it. " He nodded.
She nodded too, “I like that one” she agreed, “But I like that one too” she added pointing to one of the others on the right hand side, the stars were different sizes and scattered like they were in the sky.
Lysander's face softened, and he nodded. "I made that one while camping at Lake Tahoe. It's a good one. "
“Oh really?” Melanie said her smile brightening, “I’ve heard that it’s a beautiful place to camp and they had some wonderful hiking trails that I want to try one day”
“You hike? It’s a good place to walk. Lots of quiet and peace.” And nature, and sometimes no people, which Lysander appreciated.
Melanie nodded, “I love hiking” she told him, “I’m trying to get a monthly group together around here, if you’re interested you should come along” Melanie also appreciated the peace and quiet of nature including the lack of people, she often went off on her own when the city became too much. “Or I know a few routes not many people use if you prefer to walk without a group”
Lysander listened. “I’d like that. I definitely am interested in both.” He grinned at her. “The group walk and the route without too many people. Might need a guide at least once, though.”
He grinned wider.
Melanie gave him a grin of her own, “I think that can be arranged” she told him, “Wouldn’t look good if I sent you off to get lost on your own now would it?” she teased lightly.
Lysander chuckled. “What’s your next time free then?” His heart pounded faster as he considered her.
“I’m free this weekend” she offered smiling at him, “You can save me from studying the whole weekend away”
“How does Saturday morning sound? I’ve been meaning to take a few days off and get out to stretch my legs again. And you sound like good company.” He grinned, feeling bouncy.
“Saturday morning is great” she said nodding a slight blush across her cheeks at his compliment, “I think we’ll have fun” she agreed.
"It's a date! " He blushed. "Er, I mean... That is... "
“It’s a date” she agreed softly blushing herself.
"Now, ah, we should find what you're looking for. " He was still blushing but now he was looking forward to seeing her again.
“Well I definitely have to buy the one you did at Lake Tahoe” she smiled, “And I think this one too” she added picking up the first one she had been looking at.
“Good choices.” Lysander nodded and took the items to the counter, wrapping them for her and putting both in a bag. He grinned at her, eyes dancing. “And I do look forward to the hiking.”
"Thank you" she said paying for the items and taking the bag from him, "Me too" she smiled, "I'll see you on Saturday"