16262/Roaming bots and Fleur-de-losts

Roaming bots and Fleur-de-losts
Date of Scene:	11 May 2024
Location:	Fontainebleu Antiques, Yonkers
Synopsis:	Nick swings by Henri's shop to return a lost item. Nikki goes shopping for a gift
Cast of Characters:	Phantasm (Drago), Nikki Hawkins, Hellequin

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Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
It is a nice EARLY Saturday afternoon in the city and people are moving about running their respective errands. It stands some would be out and about shopping, which does lead to Nick having to weave around some people on the sidewalks near Fontainebleu Antiques.

But he eventually bypasses the crowds, opening up the door to the store. Oddly enough he doesn't seem to being paying much attention to the wares being offered here and instead moves towards the main register. Hands rest upon the straps of his bookbag, seemingly ready to slide it off should it be necessary.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Early Saturday mornings are amazing because one can get all their errands done and maybe get home before lunch time even! Nikki's wandering through New York's many little suburbs, following the directions on her cellphone that direct her to the address on the card she was given about a week ago. Wanting to see this antique shop and hopefully find something that Tim will like. Along side her is her companion of the robotic variety, Squishy. He rolls on wheels which are his feet, has two arms, a decently crafted with random spare parts body and semblance of a head.

When she finally comes to the dot on her map she looks up and around before seeing the antique store in question where she moves through the small street crowd, keeping Squishy nearby and then opens the door for them to both walk in. A quick cursory glance around as she makes her way further inside before the robot of hers makes a series of beeps and boops (kinda like R2D2). "Just don't touch anything and it'll be fine. Mister Fountain Blue said that Nikki could maybe find a good gift for Tim here. Now hush."

Hellequin has posed:
Mid-afternoon, and Fontainebleau Antiques is quiet. For those used to visit the renown shop, they would notice that the decor has slightly changed lately. Contrary to when it opened, the walls inside are not all covered with medieval weapons and the halberds, long swords and pikes have been contained to a single wall, behind the register.

There is still the rare books display, with its incunables, at the back of the store. The other glass display counters are full of exquisite antique jewelry, of which there is more than usual, as if a feminine mind had taken over the inventory of the store. The large room is filled with relaxing music and fresh coffee smell.

Upon hearing the small bell at the door - closely followed by a strange sound - indicating that a customer came in, Henri de Fontainebleau enters from the back store. Upon recognizing his visitor, the Frenchman smiles, "Nick, what a surprise. How are you doing? Feeling better?"

Henri's attention is then focused on the mechanical automaton, a frown appearing on his face as he is stopped in his tracks. "Bon Dieu," he starts, before realizing that the robot is accompanying Nikki. Clearly, the mean has not seen a lot of robots in his life. "Oh, Miss Nikki. And this must be Mister Skirmy."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Still breathing." Nick replies, giving a small smile in response as he starts to slide off his backpack. "So there's the potential for a good day. I think you left something behind at the shelter..."

Resting the bag against the counter, he starts to open it. Pausing as he hears the utterance, Nick turns his head to see the robot and the one traversing with it. "Afternoon Nikki." Nick greets.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
"Heya Nick! Hello Mister Blue!" Nikki says this as she makes her way through the shop. Some things are glanced over, but when she spies the jewelry, that's almost where she begins to head. Though she does stop when she gets close enough to Nick. "How is everything? Did donations at the shelter go okay from the other day? Nikki was happy to help, and may be back soon with another round of some things..." She offers this much with a smile.

"Oh! Mister Blue! The robot's name is Squishy." Which is a complete misnomer if anyone ever heard one. How can a robot be squishy? ...Actually...maybe don't ask Nikki that question. She just might have an answer. "Nikki's come to look over some of Mister Blue's items and maybe find a gift for Tim! Are there maybe watches for sale?"

Hellequin has posed:
Left something at the shelter? For a moment, Henri frowns, raking his brain. What could he have possibly left behind? A hand instinctively reaches for his collar, to make sure that the silver chain is still there, hidden from view. Upon confirmation that it is indeed still attached, the Frenchman shakes his head. His hand then quickly pats his left side, as if to verify that something in his inside pocket is still there. The frown deepens.

"What did I forget at the shelter?"

Walking towards the main glass display, Henri opens the sliding glass panel to grant access to the jewelry, keeping a wary eye on Squishy. "Watches?" Being specialized in Medieval antiques, chances to find a watch are quite limited. There's one, though. "Here, Miss Nikki," Henri says, extracting the only watch available from the display case, "Late 19th Century, silver engraved pocket watch, in working order. I am afraid this is the only one I have." There is no need to mention that it was taken from Aleister Crowley. "If you do not like it, there are also many rings and even some Celtic crosses with their chains." No pentagrams, no.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
I think donations went well." Nick confirms, "We actually had a surplus of a few items that I got to run over the extra to another shelter that was running low on them."

He glances back to Henri, as the confused look upon the shop keeper's face gives him a bit of doubt to the reason for his visit. "Oh...I don't KNOW for sure that it is yours but considering I found it around the donation desk and the design..." Fishing out a small object from one of the inside pouches, he holds it out to Helle. It looks to be a charm piece. A metallic fleur-de-lys. "No one else claimed it so I thought I would check. Would you own something like that?"

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Despite the bouncy energy that usually is Nikki, when Henri presents the watch to her, she handles it with utmost care. Turning it over a couple times and then flipping it open carefully just to see the inside details. "This is a lovely piece. Nikki thinks Tim will love it. So she'll take it." Saying that much before glancing over to the rings and necklaces that he also pointed out. "Oh! Nikki spies a ring she would like to take a closer look at. That one, the claddagh? Perhaps Mister Blue has one that is sized more for a male's hand?"

It is at this point, Squishy makes another round of beeps and Nikki looks down at him. "Squishy cannot wear rings...it's not for him." Sternly saying this as if she can totally understand what the robot is saying. On one hand, she DID create him...so maybe she knows the series of sounds and what they mean. On the other...it could all be in her head. Looking back to Henri she smiles. "Nikki might be in trouble here. Mister Blue has a lot of neat stuff!"

Hellequin has posed:
Taking the fleur-de-lys charm from Nick, Henri studies it for a moment, turning it over. It sure matches one from his collection. One that he was carrying in his pocket the other day. It might have been part of some royal ornament, but this detail is left aside. After a moment, the antiquarian nods, "I believe it is one of a pair I had with me the other day," he finally states, not adding any detail about which day he is referring to. "Thank you for bringing it back to me, Nick. You only found one, correct?" Which means that another one is missing. "Could I offer you a coffee in return? And maybe miss Nikki would like one as well."

Which turns the Frenchman's attention back to Nikki and the automaton. "Please, call me Henri," he says, grinning. This will spare his ears and savoir-vivre without correcting her pronunciation of his name. "It is a one-of-a-kind watch, you have excellent tastes, miss." And it has even been properly cleansed! "This ring?" Yes, most wonderful claddagh. "It is part of a pair, actually. For a couple to share. The one for the male hand is in the box behind, let me get it out for you."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods. "It was by itself." He confirms. "I assumed it fell off a chain or something." He frowns, "You're missing more?"

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki smiles and nods. "Okay Henri." Saying that much since a new name has been offered to use and she will use it. As the man then brings out the one Claddgh ring and goes to get the other, she looks over the one and smiles softly. "Nikki thinks Tim will enjoy wearing a set ring with her..." She thinks out loud and then something catches her mind so she glances up. "Does Henri take credit card or debit card? Or does Nikki need to go and pull some cash out from the bank?" She's not dumb. Putting a few pieces together and she's realized that maybe for some reason Henri isn't too caught up with the times. There have been subtle clues after all.

She glances back to Nick and gives the man a little smile. "It's good to see Nick again, and so soon! How has Nick been?"

Hellequin has posed:
"I will have to double-check, indeed, to see if I am missing more," Henri replies, pocketing the charm, the frown vanishing from his face. There is no need to worry too much about it now since there are very few places he might have lost the other charm. And one of these places, he better not think about for now. "I might require your help to look for it, Nick," he finally states, "Since we went to some place together and I might require you assistance in returning."

Smiling at Nikki, the Frenchman can't but answer to her question with a chuckle, "Payments are only in gold," he grins at that, shaking his head, "This is a joke, indeed," he feels like making sure it is heard as one, "I accept whatever form of payment, cards, cash, but no livestock."

Pointing to a wooden crate on the side of the door, with the word /KIDS/ written on it, he adds, "And if you look over there, you will find quality reproduction of gorgets, I am quite certain that one would fit Squishy."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Oh Nick is do-" Nick pauses, shaking his head. "I'm doing okay. About the same as when you last saw me."

To the general implication of needing to help Henri return to a certain location, he gives a slow nod. "Sure...I suppose it's about time I head back there as well."

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
"Nikki will look. She will also take the watch and the rings. And one of Henri's celtic cross necklaces. For herself." Nikki smiles and then shifts to walk over to the box that has the word KIDS written on it. Perusing it for a moment, likely holding things up at Squishy who makes beeps and boops each time. "Just let Nikki know how much it all is and she can pay with card. She would also like everything packaged if possible. If not, it's okay. She knows a place." And she smiles.