Linda
Tucked into the corner of the skyline district is a record shop. Bountiful number of records both old and new look from the store in boxes. The safe haven and guilty pleasure of those who love music.
Kathleen
𝕿𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝗼𝗻𝗲 . . . 𝒙

After the blackness of night, Earth's star rises on the horizon, spreading her gold in every direction. She comes in the way natural forces do, needing no invitation yet feeling welcome. The light is her gift, bold and free, for anyone who cares to open their eyes in the dawn and watch the world awake. This is our sun, a fire ignited to bring warmth to the creation and inspire us to seek our beauty within. 

It ignited the world anew with such brilliance, that the sun rose with casual elegance. Each day she shone and the world shone back, joyful to reflect those warm rays. Being the goddess of the moon, Bendis somehow sought out the beauty of the sun itself, amazed by it even though the moon was where she sought her true tranquility.

 In all of her beauty, she lifted her head, the sun's rays captured the striking beauty and refined elegance of the woman. Her flawless complexion, accentuated by a radiant glow, emanated a sense of self-assurance and confidence. Her striking features the sultry, soulful gaze, the sculpted brow, and the full, subtly glossed lips convey an undeniable charisma and charm only an immortal could hold. 

The delicate, expertly-styled coiffure lent an air of sophistication, while the minimalist, yet impactful jewelry choice of silver earrings accentuated her natural allure. Bendis's visage exuded a captivating blend of grace, poise, and an undefinable magnetism that commands the attention of those around her. Those in the same area as her knew something was unique about the woman. 

Her beauty was not merely superficial but radiated an inner strength, intelligence, and authenticity that made her a truly compelling subject.

The record shop was charming, and nestled amongst the historic architecture of a vibrant urban district otherwise known as The Skyline District.

The storefront had been adorned with ornate, gilded details, exuding a timeless elegance that beckons passersby to step inside and explore the wonders that have been resting there. Their rows of neatly arranged records, both new and vintage, spilled out onto the sidewalk, creating an inviting display that tantalizes one's senses. 

The wooden shelves and cozy atmosphere suggested a haven for those seeking to lose themselves in the auditory world while being surrounded by the rich history and culture that imbues the enchanting locale. 

This place itself is a scene that captures the enduring allure of the independent record, a testament to the constant enduring power of music and the enduring human desire to discover, listen, and be transported through the magic of sound.

The woman's presence commanded the space as she stepped inside, her aroma of soothing lavender subtly wafting through the air, captivating the senses of all who occupied the intimate confines. Her movements were unhurried, almost intentionally languid as if she were the sole player in a private performance. Adorned in a simple yet refined athletic pristine white cream top paired with complementary leggings, and freshly white running shoes that bespoke of authenticity. And then, in a voice as velvety and alluring as the finest of silks, she uttered the words, "I love some music..." - a statement that hung in the air, imbued with quiet confidence and an unspoken invitation to those around her. 

✧ ˚ 　· 　　 . . . 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑠
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 :: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧
𝑐𝑜-𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 :: 𝔐𝔞𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔦
𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 :: 
𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑠 :: 
𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 ::
Michelle
The inside of Olympus Record was not as neat and pristine as the shop indicated on the outside; its interior ran down from years of owners who showed no interest in keeping up with maintenance. The brick walls had holes drilled into them in attempts to hang shelving for records but it seemed as someone began the project and forgot. Multi-colored string lights were hung from the banisters in attempts to give it some ambiance. It was quaint. A hotspot for those who were sick of the bright and glamorous new buildings that had popped up within The Skyline District. The newest owner was trying, at least from what locals could see, to spruce it up while keeping the nostalgic feeling that drew them there in the first place. 

Malachai rested in a beat up red chair in the corner of the store with his feet propped up on a crate that had been used as a dollar bin for old records. His hair was messier today than normal due to his hands constantly running through the frizzy brown waves in nervous trepidation. The black trousers he wore matched the grungy Pandemonium tee. He drummed against the black notebook, a new song at the brink of creation. 

He was a frequent flier in the store, often spending a good majority of his weekdays within the harmony of the endless music and people he would easily call family. His inability to be in silence for too long had led to late nights between the recording studio, band practices and the record shop. All as close to the feeling of home as he could find. 

When the bell chimed, he lifted his eyes to the door. The sun landed on the woman's face perfectly, illuminating her beauty as she stepped into the store. Her elegance was a huge contrast to the record studio and he couldn't help but think she looked almost otherworldly. Malachai watched her as she walked in, her gracefulness transcribed by the way she moved in leisurely fashion.

"Welcome to Olly's Record House, let me know if you need anything," Gravy called from the back of the store. The sole employee had been doing *Inventory* In the back for about an hour and had left Mal the responsibility for watching the front. Mal was truly awed by Gravy's ability to keep a job but somehow he had outlasted the past three owners. 

 "I love some music..." The voice was sweet, almost sultry against his ears. Mal stood from his chair and stretched, worn from the half hour he had spent in that chair immersed in the songs he still had no words for. He stepped towards her, the scent of lavender slowly mixing with his cedar. 

"Can I help you find something?" The charismatic smile grew upon his face as his coffee eyes met hers of hazelnut and honey. 

||
Kathleen
╭──╯ . . . . . 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬
_ _
 𝕿𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝘁𝘄𝗼 . . . 𝒙 

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍'𝐒 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 into the weathered, yet enchanting confines of Olympus Records seemed to imbue the very air with her captivating essence. The humble, well-worn surroundings - the haphazardly adorned walls, the eclectic mix of lighting and decor - stood in stark contrast to her refined elegance as if she were a bloomed flower admiring amidst the grit and grime of a forgotten urban oasis.

𝐘𝐄𝐓, it was precisely this juxtaposition that lent an intriguing allure to the scene. As Malachai, nestled comfortably in his worn armchair, he could not help but be drawn to the woman's mesmerizing presence. Her voice, rich and velvety, seemed to caress the air, weaving a melodic spell that captivated his senses. However, maybe he was attempting to be a polite business owner. 

𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 of the voice calling out from the back of the store, the woman's gaze lifted, her attention drawn to the source. With a graceful nod of her head, she acknowledged the greeting, a warm smile blossoming across her features and revealing the dazzling allure of her pearly white teeth.

𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇, she sensed the approach of the man seated in the corner, Malachai, she was in no particular haste. Instead, she allowed her reaction to unfold naturally, her movements unhurried and her demeanor radiating a quiet confidence.

𝐀𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈 drew nearer, and their scents began intermingling, her captivating floral essence and his earthy, cedar-tinged aroma created an attractive energy, a sensual aura that aroused the space. There was no sense of unease or discomfort in the woman's bearing; rather, she showed an effortless confidence, as if she were perfectly at home amidst the well-worn charm of the record shop.

𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐆𝐀𝐙𝐄, shown to be warm and inviting, met Malachai's, her eyes gleaming with a hint of curiosity and an unspoken openness to the prospect of their encounter. His warm, coffee-hued irises reflected something simmered within him in Bendis's opinion, while her hazel orbs glimmered with a subtle, magnetic allure. As he approached her with a genuine offer of assistance, her eyes had alight with a curiosity that hinted at the potential for a deeper connection to unfold within these walls, whether it was a friendship or an intimate relationship. 

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍'𝐒 𝐆𝐀𝐙𝐄 remained fixed on Malachai, her poise exuding effortless confidence as she spoke. "Honestly, I came in here just to see what all this shop was about since it's been around for quite some time." She tilted her head slightly, a gesture that lent an endearing air of curiosity to her demeanor.

𝐏𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐘, she ran her tongue delicately along her bottom lip, a habit that had lasted for centuries. "But I'm looking for a record by one of my favorite jazz singers, Sarah Vaughan. Do you possibly have one of her records?"

𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐄 posed the question, a soft, genuine chuckle escaped her lips, not to be rhetorical, but rather a natural expression of her enjoyment in the act of conversation. "Your name, also..." She added, her eyes crinkling slightly at the corners, "Since you'll be helping me, I assume?" The question was posed with a graceful lilt, an unspoken invitation for Malachai to engage more deeply with her.

✧ ˚ 　· 　　 . . . 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑠
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 :: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧
𝑐𝑜-𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 :: 𝔐𝔞𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔦
𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 ::  
𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑠 :: *Apologies for the wait.*
𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 ::
Michelle
The door closed, diminishing the light from the sun but despite the darker environment, the woman was still basked in a radiance Malachai couldn't help but notice. The soft features paired with a distinct refinement put a spell on both him and the store. Customers had grown quiet from the new arrival, even the song playing in the background seemed to change to accommodate the presence. Malachai straightened as her eyes landed on him, he reacted like an invisible string made him lose the lax posture: all while the curiosity and small inclination of mischief sat upon her lips. 

"From someone who spends almost every chance he can here, it was the best choice you' could have ever made." The cheeky smile grew as he looked at her. Up close she was even more beautiful, the golden glow of her skin matched with plump magenta lips and eyes that could easily pull him under if he was not too careful. He matched the tilt of her head with his own. If he were none the wiser to a pretty girl's feigned innocence he would have been wrapped around her finger just by that look alone. "Olympia Records has about every album you could imagine. Their inventory has grown with every new owner." Malachai put his hands in his pockets and turned, moving his head in a motion for her to follow him. 

"You've got a sophisticated taste. Sarah Vaughn is a classic that I feel rarely gets picked up," He walks towards the back. A small table full of cases sat on the table in a neat row. The Jazz section was always easy to keep clean, the classic and sultry tunes not nearly as admired as they should be. He pulled a hand from his pocket and ran it over the records, many popular blues and jazz artists at the front of the case. John Coltrane. Billie Holliday. Louis Fitzgerald. "We don't have many Jazz albums out front but I'm sure they have something in the back. We can ask Gravy if we can't find what you are looking for."

He leaned against the table and looked at the woman. "My name is Malachai, I don't necessarily work here but next to Gravy I'm your best best at finding what you are looking for." He lifted a hand towards her as if to shake her hand. "And may I ask, who I have the pleasure of helping today?" His eyes spoke of mischief, a man who had dabbled before on the line of flirtation and charisma.

Ping: 
Notes: I'm in love with your formatting and I wish I had the patience. Also, no biggie, I'm obviously the one keeping you waiting longer.
Kathleen
╭──╯ . . . . . 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬

 𝕿𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 
 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝘁𝘄𝗼 . . . 𝒙 

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐭𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 shifted subtly as Bendis returned Malachai's gaze, her presence effortlessly commanding yet curiously engaging. Her smile, slight and enigmatic, only hinted at the depths of her intrigue. "Malachai, is it?" She said, her voice carrying a melodic quality that seemed to harmonize naturally with the jazz records lining the walls.

"𝐈'𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐬. And I must say, your reputation for knowing your way around Olympia Records seems well-deserved."

𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐢𝐦 through the aisles, Bendis's eyes flickered with a burst of silent laughter, appreciating both the ambiance of the store and Malachai's easy confidence.

"𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐕𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐧 is indeed a rare choice, but sometimes the rarest things hold the most value, don't they?" Her tone suggested a double entendre, her own rare and sophisticated tastes aligning with the treasures she sought.

𝐀𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢 leaned against the table and extended his hand, Bendis took it, her grip firm yet warm, her skin soft but with a strength that belied her delicate appearance.

"𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞 might be more of a challenge than you expect, Malachai. But I'm curious to see if you're up to it," She teased lightly, her eyes locking onto his with a playful yet penetrating stare. "I'm looking for something that transcends the usual music that not only entertains but also resonates deeply. Do you think such a thing exists here?" 

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 was both a challenge and an invitation, testing his expertise and perhaps inviting him into a deeper conversation than he might have anticipated.

✧ ˚ 　· 　　 . . . 𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑠
𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 :: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧
𝑐𝑜-𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 :: 𝔐𝔞𝔩𝔞𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔦
𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 ::  
𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑠 :: 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧!
𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 ::
Michelle
Malachai watched the woman, her gracefulness very different from his chaos and grunge. He was the epitome of a musician. The dark background mixed with a reserved hurt and an over-inflated ego to hide it all. As he stood next to Bendis he felt as though he had no business standing next to her but it was when she spoke her name he felt even more at loss. 

" Bendis, as in the goddess?" His smile faltered slightly. He hadn't been in Olympus long but meeting a goddess when he hadn't even met his father was a shock. The elegance and beauty making far more sense. "I admit I spend far to much time here than I should. Its hard to leave the comfort of music." 

Her hand was soft, the delicate skin to atone for the radiant glow that she naturally possessed. He couldn't help but think of the callouses that lined his fingers and palms from years of playing guitar and other stringed instruments. " I suppose you are right. A rare ruby in a pile of diamonds tends to show its worth." 

He turned from her and started filtering through the records again, partially so that he would not stare and partially so that he could try to keep his cool. He shuffled through, pulling the two albums he had in mind from their places. Mark Murphey's "Timeless" Album and Gary Bart's "There goes the Neighborhood", are both different in their own way but underappreciated. He handed them to her and smiled. 

"Neither of these are like Sarah, where she is more soulful these are in their own subgenres. Mark is more of a skat artist, his song transitions in Parker's Mood is phenomenal. Whereas Gary is a saxophonist, I've always loved the saxophone and he has a skill I wish I could possess. Not that it goes with my music." He shrugged before putting his hands in his pockets. "Was it just jazz that you were interested in or are there other genres that pique your interest?"

`End Scene: Player Inactive`