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[ { "text": "Flake noted that Raine did not respond immediately, to his surprise. As he wiped a bit of blood off his face, he saw Raine approach him from his peripheral vision. \"What did you do to get thrown in here, and why?\" Raine asked, her tone dripping with curiosity. Flake felt around his mouth with his tongue to ensure he didn't lose any teeth, then he responded, \"long story short: they think I'm a traitor,\" with a nasal voice. He was gradually starting to feel the damages he had taken as his adrenaline drained away, resulting in a lowered capacity to retain a neutral expression.\n\nThe man had taken quite a few hits, but he had taken them well. The only signs of major damage were present in his face, where he had a black eye and a few bruises. His fighting experience and solid muscles absorbed the hits like armor. It was well noted that the hits he took were not made to kill him. His broken ribs were an unavoidable result of getting beaten, but his tunic was still fully intact, thus there was no visible sign that he took any hits below his clothing. He checked to see if his nose was still bleeding as he finished the last words of his comment, but pinched his nose again after a few drops of blood leaked out.\n\nHe then spat out a bit of blood which leaked into his throat from his nose-bleed and paused. Flake needed the time to collect his thoughts and suppress the signals of pain and fear running across his mind. With a somewhat retained composure, Flake looked over at Raine, still pinching his nose, and continued, \"I suppose we are traitors…murderers betraying murderers.\" He then looked towards the ground, where a few drops of blood had pooled, and asked, \"how long do you think they'll keep us here?\" slumping forward slightly to examine the liquid on the floor.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" }, { "text": "Raine was too busy looking at the horrible condition that he was in to completely pay attention to what he saw saying. \"Geeze Flake. Did you let them run all over you or something?\" She mumbled, watching as the blood fell from his nose to the floor. He looked as though he needed medical attention now, but Oruin wasn't going to return from whatever he did during the day until later and she was almost sure that the guards would ignore her if she tried calling for help. Flake would just have to deal with it, but she was sure that it wouldn't bother him that much,...at least she hoped that it wouldn't.\n\n\"They can keep us in here for as long as they want. We're 'traitors' and they do not want to put the public in danger by letting us go...And sit back, you'll make the bleeding worst.\" Raine said as she gently but firmly pushed back on his shoulders until he was sitting upright once more. \"Now, of course we don't*have*to stay in here for the rest of our lives...we can always find a way out of here, ya know?\" Flake was a smart man; Raine knew that he would be able to think of something that would get them out of this mess. \"Also, you'll just have to deal with any pain you're feeling until night falls. Oruin won't be back until then.\" She add, unaware that she had said her friend's name as if Flake was supposed to know who it was.", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "After a slight pause, Flake got an unexpected response from Raine. \"Geeze Flake. Did you let them run all over you or something?\" The bounty hunter looked over at her in confusion, opening his mouth to talk, but instead spat out more blood which was collecting in his throat. His nose-bleed was clotting, but there was still enough blood floating around to pose a minor annoyance. Flake wasn't a doctor by any sense of the imagination, but he knew enough about blood to know that he'd be fine soon. His confused expression returned as she finally answered his question.\n\n\"They can keep us in here for as long as they want. We're traitors, and they do not want to put the public in danger by letting us go,\" she responded. Flake was satisfied with this answer, so he leaned forwards again to stop the blood from leaking back into his throat. Suddenly, Raine continued, \"And sit back, you'll make the bleeding worse,\" as she gently pushed him back, further surprising him.*What is with her? She's acting like…*he thought, his train of thought interrupted as he started listening to Raine continue speaking.\n\n\"Now, of course we don't have to stay in here for the rest of our lives,\" she pointed out, \"we can always find a way out of here, ya know?\" Flake managed to suppress the urge to grin after hearing this: he needed to keep Delta Six a secret for awhile longer. \"Also,\" she continued, \"you'll just have to deal with any pain you're feeling until night falls.\" This point did make Flake grin. He had dealt with pain far worse than he was feeling now. Raine then explained, \"Oruin won't be back until then.\"\n\nAfter Raine had finished her speaking, Flake cleared his throat of blood once more, spitting to the side of the bed, then scornfully responded, \"The only medicine I need right now is rest. I appreciate the concern, but choking won't make my nose stop bleeding any faster.\" He paused for a moment after saying this, pushing Raine back so he could lean forwards once more, then, with an intrigued look, asked, \"who's Oruin? Never heard of him.\"", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" }, { "text": "\"Hm?\" Raine asked, almost forgetting that she had mentioned Oruin's name a few moments before. \"Oh, he used to be a really good friend of mine before I had to escape from The Guild.\" The assassin said with a soft sigh and walked away from Flake so that she could take a seat on the bed opposite from his. The thin mattress sunk slightly beneath her weight and she looked down at her hands before continuing. \"I never expected to see him again...especially not here. He works as the prison medic now.\" She added, summing up all that she assumed Flake needed to know about Oruin. \"Now, I would agree that both you, and I, need some rest until he comes.\" The girl hadn't gotten much sleep between talking with Oruin all night and then being awakened by the sudden appearance of Flake. And with that, she laid down on the bed and turned her back to her cellmate, falling asleep a few minutes later.\n\nUnfortunately, Raine managed to fall back into the same dream she had before. Once again, she was surrounded by darkness, the cold hands of the wind that seemed to crawl all over her skin and was overcome with an overwhelming feeling of loneliness. This time, it seemed as though she would never wake up, making the girl whimper softly in her sleep as she tossed and turned lightly across the bed. This continued on for what may have been hours until a pair of hands began to shake Raine awake. The shaking managed to startle the girl and she immediately punched in the direction that she knew the hands were coming from; when she finally opened her eyes a few moments later she was only slightly surprised to see Oruin kneeling beside her bed, uninjured. \"Raine, are you okay?\" He asked, his voice filled with concern. \"It seemed like you were having a nightmare so I woke you up.\" Raine simply stared at him for a moment, trying to figure out how he managed to avoid her punch.\n\nEventually, she decided that it wasn't that important and sat up before running her hand lightly across her face. \"No, no. I'm fine.\" She mumbled and then moved her hand away so she could look at Oruin, who was giving her a face saying that he wasn't buying it. \"I'm fine Oriun...seriously.\" The assassin said more firmly before gesturing over to Flake. \"Can you check him though? He got his ass kicked before he got here.\" Nodding, Oruin stood and walked over to the other side of the cell. As he kneeled beside Flake, he opened his bag and began to take out a few items that he figured would be best to treat his bruises. He also noticed the blood on the floor and figured that he either had a nosebleed or some type of internal bleeding.*I'll check for both then.*The freckled male thought before reaching over and gently shaking Flake, much like he did Raine. \"Excuse me, but do you mind waking up so I can properly treat your wounds?\" He called to the sleeping inmate; Oruin also kept in mind that some people became violent when they were suddenly awakened from their sleep like this, so he stayed on the balls of his feet, ready to jump away if Flake decided to lash out at him. He had to learn the hard way and did not want another black eye from simply waking someone up again.", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "As Raine responded to Flake, he watched her intently, remaining still as a statue. His cold, grey eyes followed her as she walked over to her bed. He resented how she had not given him a single opportunity to respond as she spoke, continuing to stare at her as she lay down on the filthy bedding. After a few minutes, he sighed and checked to see if the bleeding had stopped in his nose. After releasing his hand and wiping off as much of the red liquid as he could manage, he noted that the bleeding had stopped. With that done, he carefully lay down on his own bedding and closed his eyes, waiting and listening for noise. He knew for certain that he had not a chance at falling asleep at that time a day, so he took the time of silence to think about the past.\n\nBefore long, Raine had fallen asleep and Flake had found a comfortable position on his bedding. The minutes passed like hours. All the same, thoughts of dishes he heard of and fantastic missions he missed out on flooded through his mind, distracting him from the minor pain in his side. As he was dissociating from reality, a few brief noises from the other side of the room alerted him. He instantly shot out of bed and looked around to see Raine tumbling around in her sleep, whimpering. Flake got up, feeling slightly light-headed from doing so as quickly as he did, and walked over to observe her. Without his leather armor and boots, his footsteps were all but silent as he approached her sleeping figure.\n\nOnce he reached her, he loomed over the tossing girl and his eyebrow shot up. Her expression was terrified, the same as a bounty target pinned against a wall.*Sleep, the conversation with one's self,*he thought, grinning slyly. She turned away from him after a few seconds, still turning around in her sleep and whimpering. A sound shot down from the stairwell, calm footsteps following soon after, alarming Flake. He felt his nose once more as he headed back over to his bedding pile, then lay down, relaxed, and closed his eyes, adopting the illusion of sleep.*Best to trick than to be tricked*he mentally recited, awaiting the nearing sounds.\n\nThe noises were not the metallic thuds of a guard's armor, but the pat of leather boots, the soft type a citizen would wear. Flake heard the cell door open and cracked his right eye open to see who it was. The figure he saw wore the garb of an herbologist, so Flake judged that the man was \"Oruin\" the prison medic whom Raine had spoken of. He closed his eye and waited, pretending to sleep as he listened to the interaction between him and Raine. The man seemed to be compassionate enough to trust, but Flake questioned his judgment, especially after waking up a sleeping prisoner by contact.\n\nAgain, Flake felt resentful towards Raine due to the way in which she described the acquisition of his injuries, but retained his sleeping persona. He heard the man approach and also observed the sound of clinking metal and wooden materials, likely the tools of medicine in his bag. Flake planned a response mentally as the man went about assembling his tools. As he finished, Oruin shook Flake and asked, \"Excuse me, but do you mind waking up so I can properly treat your wounds?\" Within a second of contact, Flake's arm shot from under his head to the medic's wrist, breaking his contact, then used the momentum to sit up.\n\nOnce again, Flake felt light headed due to the sudden change in altitude, but the bounty hunter's cold eyes stared into the medic's soul. Flake needed a few seconds for his light headedness to go away, then he asked, \"How do you expect to treat me, 'properly,' Oruin?\" His eyes shot over to the tools on the ground, then back at his eyes. \"Do your tools mend bones and restore blood as well as rest?\" he continued, wiping some more blood from his nose. The bounty hunter saw Raine watching from his peripheral vision after his question and thought to himself for a moment with slightly softened eyes.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" } ]

[ { "text": "As Raine responded to Flake, he watched her intently, remaining still as a statue. His cold, grey eyes followed her as she walked over to her bed. He resented how she had not given him a single opportunity to respond as she spoke, continuing to stare at her as she lay down on the filthy bedding. After a few minutes, he sighed and checked to see if the bleeding had stopped in his nose. After releasing his hand and wiping off as much of the red liquid as he could manage, he noted that the bleeding had stopped. With that done, he carefully lay down on his own bedding and closed his eyes, waiting and listening for noise. He knew for certain that he had not a chance at falling asleep at that time a day, so he took the time of silence to think about the past.\n\nBefore long, Raine had fallen asleep and Flake had found a comfortable position on his bedding. The minutes passed like hours. All the same, thoughts of dishes he heard of and fantastic missions he missed out on flooded through his mind, distracting him from the minor pain in his side. As he was dissociating from reality, a few brief noises from the other side of the room alerted him. He instantly shot out of bed and looked around to see Raine tumbling around in her sleep, whimpering. Flake got up, feeling slightly light-headed from doing so as quickly as he did, and walked over to observe her. Without his leather armor and boots, his footsteps were all but silent as he approached her sleeping figure.\n\nOnce he reached her, he loomed over the tossing girl and his eyebrow shot up. Her expression was terrified, the same as a bounty target pinned against a wall.*Sleep, the conversation with one's self,*he thought, grinning slyly. She turned away from him after a few seconds, still turning around in her sleep and whimpering. A sound shot down from the stairwell, calm footsteps following soon after, alarming Flake. He felt his nose once more as he headed back over to his bedding pile, then lay down, relaxed, and closed his eyes, adopting the illusion of sleep.*Best to trick than to be tricked*he mentally recited, awaiting the nearing sounds.\n\nThe noises were not the metallic thuds of a guard's armor, but the pat of leather boots, the soft type a citizen would wear. Flake heard the cell door open and cracked his right eye open to see who it was. The figure he saw wore the garb of an herbologist, so Flake judged that the man was \"Oruin\" the prison medic whom Raine had spoken of. He closed his eye and waited, pretending to sleep as he listened to the interaction between him and Raine. The man seemed to be compassionate enough to trust, but Flake questioned his judgment, especially after waking up a sleeping prisoner by contact.\n\nAgain, Flake felt resentful towards Raine due to the way in which she described the acquisition of his injuries, but retained his sleeping persona. He heard the man approach and also observed the sound of clinking metal and wooden materials, likely the tools of medicine in his bag. Flake planned a response mentally as the man went about assembling his tools. As he finished, Oruin shook Flake and asked, \"Excuse me, but do you mind waking up so I can properly treat your wounds?\" Within a second of contact, Flake's arm shot from under his head to the medic's wrist, breaking his contact, then used the momentum to sit up.\n\nOnce again, Flake felt light headed due to the sudden change in altitude, but the bounty hunter's cold eyes stared into the medic's soul. Flake needed a few seconds for his light headedness to go away, then he asked, \"How do you expect to treat me, 'properly,' Oruin?\" His eyes shot over to the tools on the ground, then back at his eyes. \"Do your tools mend bones and restore blood as well as rest?\" he continued, wiping some more blood from his nose. The bounty hunter saw Raine watching from his peripheral vision after his question and thought to himself for a moment with slightly softened eyes.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" }, { "text": "Oruin barely flinched when Flake smacked his hand away and stayed where he was once the male finally sat up. He had kept in mind that Flake might not have been truly sleep in the first place, which was something that he was, too, used to at this point. The inmates that he'd known for a while often pretended to be asleep when he would come and check on them to see if they could get a hit in. Once Oruin had took a few defensive lessons from the prison guards, it was rare that he took a punch from a 'sleeping' inmate.\n\n\"I personally cannot mend your bones but I do recommend that you try to lay down and stay still for a while. It will hurt much less if you do. About your lost of blood, all I can truly do is pray that you get more. Now, about rest, I have no control over whether you will close your eyes and*actually*go to sleep.\" Oruin responded before looking up at Flake with piecing green eyes. \"Do you have anymore concerns about injuries that you may have? I can pray about them too.\" As he waited for a reply, Oruin began to take out a simple bottle of water and various sized bandages and wraps to clean the smaller wounds with.\n\nOn the other side of the room, Raine watched silently from her bed with an unreadable expression. While her eyes looked at them, her mind was busy thinking about the nightmare that she had already had twice in the past twenty four hours. She knew what had caused it the first time but to have it again? Raine figured that, since Flake was in the room, then it wouldn't plague her dreams once more, but that wasn't the case. It bothered her more than she was willing to admit but the assassin managed to keep a straight face.", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "As Flake observed Oruin's response to his actions, he felt underwhelmed.*This guy has given me absolutely no help*, he thought, frowning at the medic as he reached down for some supplies.*Then again, I expected as much from a prison medic,*he continued, waiting as the medic prepared a bottle of water and a few healing wraps. Flake had no open wounds, as he well knew, so he figured the medic was pulling out bandages for something else.\n\nWhen Flake briefly looked over towards Raine, he noticed that her expression had not changed in the least. Looking back at Oruin, Flake leaned in towards Oruin and, in a voice soft enough for an ant, whispered, \"the next moon is three days from now. It's bad luck this cycle,\" with a quick, unassuming wink. With this, the bounty hunter stole the medic's bottle of water and flicked out the stopper. He then drank a bit, splashed some water over his face to clean some of the blood from his jaws, and passed it back to Oruin. As he held out the bottle, he commented, \"if you're going to pray, pray for her heritage and for my blade.\"\n\nWith all this said, Flake started to lie down on his bedding once more. As Oruin pointed out, it was his decision whether or not he would sleep, but the bounty hunter could not make a decision. He wanted to rest, but it would leave him unaware of his surroundings, a risk he wasn't willing to take outside of his home-shack.*Although, I will need to sleep eventually…otherwise I'll die of some stupid fault.*", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" }, { "text": "Oruin blinked slightly in surprise as Flake whispered something to him about a moon and a bad cycle. While watching the inmate drink the water he usually used to clean people up with, the male wondered if there was some alternate meaning behind his words. Most of the times, inmates began to loose a screw or two in their heads after being in the prison for long so Oruin would only smile and nod at them. However, Flake had recently arrived so there might be some meaning to what he is saying. Deciding that he would keep it in mind, the medic repacked his bag and stood before glancing over at Raine. It looked as though she hadn't moved at all since she first got in that position. \"Are you okay?\" Oruin voice was soft and gentle as he approached her, peering into her face as he did so. It looked as though she was looking at something on the far side of the room...it was as if she honestly wasn't there, even though her body was. After avoiding getting caught for so long, Oruin figured that she was going through some sort of shock, though there was nothing he could do to cure her but to let her get through it on her own.\n\n\"I'm fine.\" Raine snapped after a few moments later in a much harsher tone than intended. She didn't want people to keep asking her if she was okay when she truly wasn't and she definitely didn't feel like telling anyone why. Eventually, Oruin got the hint and, after saying a soft goodbye, he made his way out of the cell once more. Silence surrounded the two inmates and, despite Oruin's departure, Raine stayed where she was, watching Flake with emotionless grey eyes. She could tell that he wasn't going to sleep anytime soon, even though the medic had told him that sleep would be necessary for him to heal. \"I'll keep watch.\" Raine said as she pulled her knees up so she could hug them to her chest. \"I don't plan on sleeping myself so I'll keep watch.\" She repeated, resisting the urge to yawn. The assassin was still rather tired from the lack of sleep she received earlier but the fear of having those same nightmares again. \"Don't worry about me attacking you or anything like that. I would have no reason to and, if I did, I'm pretty sure you'd manage to realize what I was going to do before I did it.\" Raine added, hoping that it would be enough to convince Flake to sleep.", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "(OOC: ( For Oruin, he is a doctor. At this time, there might not be much he can actually do to help, but if a patient looks somewhat unwell, a medic will do things which might ease a patient's pain, like give the patient some water, or clean their hands if they look caked in filth. Maybe a prison medic wouldn't clean the patients, but Oruin can at least give people he likes a damp towel or some kind of herb to chew on. Just something to add to his character a little.))\n\nUnable to keep his eyes closed, as Flake lied on his matting, he stared at Oruin and Raine. When Oruin checked on Raine's wellbeing, Flake frowned and thought,*Is he asking that to an assassin, or a friend?*as he weighed the man's voice. The medic seemed to use gentleness and ease in his speech, but it also seemed to be rehearsed, as if he said it to everyone he met. The bounty hunter smirked after the two briefly interacted, amused by making a mental comparison of the two.\n\nAfter Oruin rose from his seat next to Raine, Flake watched Oruin flip through a few keys, barely able to see the tooth arrangement of the key the medic used before he put it away. Flake figured that it might come in handy if he needed to pick the lock, in the event that his plans failed. After Oruin opened the door, Flake closed his eyes and relaxed, trying his best to look asleep. He could already feel Raine's eyes on him, so he knew she would not fall for his ruse, however he kept it up nonetheless.\n\nOnce she started to talk, Flake opened his eyes and watched her. The position she took up reminded him of beggar children and sleeping drunks, the position itself shouting loneliness and hopelessness. Flake continued to stare at Raine as she spoke. Her words were quite amusing, but the bounty hunter figured it would not fit the situation to laugh. After she finished her words, he felt that he did not quite understand why she needed to keep watch, but nodded anyways. They were in prison, so nobody was going to try to kill them unless they were condemned to death, and if the guards decided to pop in and beat them up, there was nothing they could do about it.\n\nOf course, Flake did not want to spoil Raine's fantasies. He only barely knew who she was, so observing her in trying times would be a great indication, especially considering she lost her composure.*I had best start talking at sunrise…I likely will not be able to think well at the moment*he thought, closing his eyes. He was not nearly tired enough to fall asleep, but as he relaxed on the mat with his eyes closed, he got fairly close.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" } ]

[ { "text": "After chewing thoroughly on her bread, Raine quietly reached over and grabbed a bowl before settling down on her bed once more. She then brought the bowl up to her nose and sniffed, wanting to see if she could at least guess what was in the brown colored substance.*There's some pork in here...and maybe a few green vegetables, all held together by an interestingly thick paste like substance..*She picked up a spoonful of the mixture before placing it in her mouth, savoring the taste of the food. It wasn't too bad for prison food, though the woman would have suggested that they add more salt. As she continued to eat, Raine's grey eyes fell upon Flake's sleeping form and she raised an eyebrow while swallowing a mouthful of her food. She would have expected him to be awake by now, since he seemed like a light sleeper.\n\nIn fact, she actually suspected him to be awake at the moment, though there was no way of being complete sure just by looking at him. He was really skilled at faking as though he was asleep. With that thought in mind, Raine continued to watch him intently while steadily eating her food, waiting for him to show some indication that he was awake. Maybe his breathing patterns would change or his eyes would flutter beneath his eyelids or he would make some movement that would suggest that he was not actually asleep. By the time she had cleaned her bowl completely, Flake still hadn't moved.*Hmph, he's really intent on staying like that...*She thought and then a smirked formed on her face as an idea popped into her mind. Maybe there was something that she could do to get him moving...\n\nSilently, the assassin slipped the spoon from her bowl and placed it on her bed, alongside the bowl. She then inched herself slowly from the edge of her bed, careful not to make the bed squeak in any way. It would ruin her plan if it did. Once she successfully made it from the bed, Raine slowly got down in a crouch, cutting her eyes towards Flake to see if he had moved yet. When she realized he hadn't, another smirked formed across her face. So far, so good. While keeping her breathing steady, Raine began to slowly creep across the cool prison floor, using her hands and feet much like a cat. All she needed was a tail and ears and she would fit the profile. Thankfully, though, the tray that still held Flake's breakfast was not too far away from her and, soon, she was holding his piece of bread in her hand, slowly bringing the stale thing towards her lips...", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "Having no inclination to stop, Flake continued to motionlessly lie on his bedding, pretending to sleep. He peeked over to see Raine take half of the food back to her bed, then resumed his act. One would say that it was a waste of time, but the bounty hunter had a child-like curiosity to see what Raine would do provided he was still sleeping. He couldn't hear her doing anything beside crunching on stale bread and quietly drinking soup, so he decided to keep his eyes closed and practice visualizing the room some more.\n\nAfter a few minutes, he noticed that her eating sounds had stopped and that she was silent. Instead of peeking over at her immediately, he waited a few seconds, then slowly opened his left eye just a crack to see the lady crawling over to the food tray. He closed his eye once more, fighting the urge to grin as he thought of something witty to say, but halted himself as he heard the door which slammed earlier open up once again, fairly noisily as well.\n\nFrom the door came a guard who looked quite heavily hung-over, with dark rings around his eyes, a slumped figure, and a steady groan emitted from his person. The guard looked over as he passed to see the traitor girl reaching for food, then looked over to see an empty bowl on her own bedding. His expression turned angry, his voice loud and ferocious as he shouted, \"you conniving gundygut! I'll teach ye' a lesson 'r two about stealin!\" as he energetically fumbled through his keys.\n\n\"Stealing?\" Flake questioned, keeping his eyes closed as he spoke, \"she was just bringing me my food.\" The guard, unable to think clearly, stopped for a moment to look over at the other guy in the cell. His anger turned to confusion over a few seconds, then he rattled out curses and continued on his way towards the stairs, mentioning \"thieves\" and \"mudlark bitches\" as he dizzily stumbled up the steps.\n\nThe bounty hunter remained silent and motionless until the guard was long gone, then looked over at Raine with a wry expression and probingly asked, \"so? Are you going to eat that or not?\"", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" }, { "text": "The bread was merely inches from her lips when the guard suddenly came down stairs, looking like hell.*Hm, I guess they got wine while we had water.*She thought with a slight smirk then turned her attention back to the bread, though she flinched slightly as the man began to yell at her, saying that he would teach her a lesson for stealing. They were in an enclosed space and his loud voice echoed painfully off the stone walls. \"Technically, I was permanently borrowing it.\" The assassin commented slyly and made no effort to moved from her spot by the tray but the man's attention seemed to turn towards Flake as the supposedly sleeping male spoke. Raine didn't mind as he seemed to get the guy to go away somehow and it was only then that Flake finally addressed her directly.\n\n\"I was going to ask you the same thing.\" Raine replied with a smirk before tossing the bread to him, watching as it landed on the bed beside Flake. \"You know, that guy saved your breakfast. Any longer and the bread would've been mine.\" Slowly, she stood up from the floor so she could retrieve her own bowl and spoon and place it back on the tray. The assassin then settled back down on her bed, sighing softly as she did so. \"I was kinda hoping he would come in here so I could teach him a lesson myself but I don't think he would've have been able to find the key...\" She hadn't had a good fight in over 24 hours and Raine was getting bored, to say the least, sitting in the cell, thinking about things she didn't want to think about.", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "*That sounds much more familiar*Flake thought regarding Raine's response to his question. He lazily caught the bread after she threw it at him, but set it back down on the floor. As she continued talking, Flake got up, walked over to the tray of food and carried the soup and water back to his bedding, setting it down next to the bread before sitting down once again. Unlike the previous night, he was no longer dizzy, although he was still unable to breath out of his nose due to dried blood. As Raine continued to speak, he quickly downed his soup and looked over at her. As he watched her speak, he was certain that she was disappointed with the result of the previous interaction.\n\n\"You sound like you wanted to get beat up,\" he commented, tossing the empty bowl back at the tray before reaching for the water, \"want some help with that?\" He downed his water much faster than the soup, almost in one gulp, then grabbed his bread and stood up, kicking the cup towards the door. He doubted she would have lost any of her capacity to fight, but it was another opportunity to ask her questions. In his plain tunic and trousers, having been beaten up the previous day, he had lost a significant advantage, but he had also gained a huge advantage by dropping off all of that weight. After taking a bite of bread, he picked up the tray of dishes and carried it over to the door, lazily dropping it there as he continued to eat.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" }, { "text": "\"As much as I would love to have you pummel me until my face swells up, I'll have to pass....my food needs to settle first.\" Another smirk formed on her face and Raine turned her head so that she could watch Flake. He seemed to be just fine, despite coming into the cell bloody and sore the night before. Either he was a fast healer or he was great at hiding his pain...though Raine believed the later to be true. However, as she continued to watch him, Raine found herself wanting more and more to find out if he was truly okay though, instead of asking him directly, the assassin decided that she would take up on his previous offer.\n\nSlowly, she used her foot to gently slide her cup of water closer to her so that she could reach down and pick it up. Raine then made quick work of draining the liquid from inside then pretended as though she was examining the cup itself before quickly chucking in Flake's direction. She purposely aimed at the area beside his head than directly at him and, when it came into contact with the wall with a loud smack, she smirked. \"My food is done settling.\"", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "The bruised bounty hunter acknowledged Raine's response with a nod of his head as he walked back to his bedding.*I wouldn't mind a few seconds to finish eating either,*he thought, eating through the bread. He was used to stale, moldy, and rotton food by that point, however he heard a rumor that burning it after it spoiled ensured that you wouldn't get sick. He could not care less about getting sick in prison, seeing as he would not remain within the bars for an extended stay. Still, even though the stale bread was not warm or partly burned, he was familiar with the taste, and was able to consume it in its entirety before the assassin managed to throw a cup at him.\n\nThe cup came as a surprise to Flake, seeing as he had only just swallowed his last bite and looked up at Raine. As it whizzed by, he felt a few droplets of water hit his cheek and neck. He wiped these droplets off, along with a small bit of dirt, and threw the innocent cup over to the pile of other dishes. Upon hearing Raine's comment, Flake stood up and tilted his head to both shoulders, resulting in popping sounds in his neck. His bruises steadily became more apparent, both visually for others and painfully for Flake, as faint sunlight from the staircase gradually got stronger. He had nine bruises, mostly on his torso and arms, and could localize them all quite accurately in his mind.\n\nHe was not nearly as worried about his nose as an amateur would be. He never fought with head protection, so he was not worried about getting hit in the face. His issue, which he demonstrated by grimacing as he flexed a few muscles in his arms statically as a check, was that he would have to expend more energy in order to nullify the effects of pain completely.*That might be a bit much for a friendly skirmish,*he thought, his grimace fading as he retorted, \"in that case, I guess I'll help you out.\"\n\nBefore advancing to initiate combat, the bounty hunter clenched his fists tightly, resulting in more popping noises, and then adopted a stance next to his bedding. The room was larger than Flake's shack, but that was barely saying anything. He doubted he would be able to get to kicking range after the fight started, so he decided to start off with a kick.*Just to be flashy,*he thought, leaping towards Raine in two steps,*I'll do this.*\n\nAround five feet in front of Raine, Flake dropped to the floor and kicked high, aiming for Raine's head as he slid. When he stopped moving, he placed both hands right above his shoulders and kicked straight up with his other leg, pressing down with the leg which was already out for momentum. This momentum allowed him to press off of his hands and launch himself backwards in a flip with a slight spinning motion, allowing him to land facing his target on his feet, albeit a bit disoriented. He quickly adopted his lazy forward stance after regaining his composure and brought his left arm in front of his chest.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" } ]

[ { "text": "*That sounds much more familiar*Flake thought regarding Raine's response to his question. He lazily caught the bread after she threw it at him, but set it back down on the floor. As she continued talking, Flake got up, walked over to the tray of food and carried the soup and water back to his bedding, setting it down next to the bread before sitting down once again. Unlike the previous night, he was no longer dizzy, although he was still unable to breath out of his nose due to dried blood. As Raine continued to speak, he quickly downed his soup and looked over at her. As he watched her speak, he was certain that she was disappointed with the result of the previous interaction.\n\n\"You sound like you wanted to get beat up,\" he commented, tossing the empty bowl back at the tray before reaching for the water, \"want some help with that?\" He downed his water much faster than the soup, almost in one gulp, then grabbed his bread and stood up, kicking the cup towards the door. He doubted she would have lost any of her capacity to fight, but it was another opportunity to ask her questions. In his plain tunic and trousers, having been beaten up the previous day, he had lost a significant advantage, but he had also gained a huge advantage by dropping off all of that weight. After taking a bite of bread, he picked up the tray of dishes and carried it over to the door, lazily dropping it there as he continued to eat.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" }, { "text": "\"As much as I would love to have you pummel me until my face swells up, I'll have to pass....my food needs to settle first.\" Another smirk formed on her face and Raine turned her head so that she could watch Flake. He seemed to be just fine, despite coming into the cell bloody and sore the night before. Either he was a fast healer or he was great at hiding his pain...though Raine believed the later to be true. However, as she continued to watch him, Raine found herself wanting more and more to find out if he was truly okay though, instead of asking him directly, the assassin decided that she would take up on his previous offer.\n\nSlowly, she used her foot to gently slide her cup of water closer to her so that she could reach down and pick it up. Raine then made quick work of draining the liquid from inside then pretended as though she was examining the cup itself before quickly chucking in Flake's direction. She purposely aimed at the area beside his head than directly at him and, when it came into contact with the wall with a loud smack, she smirked. \"My food is done settling.\"", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "The bruised bounty hunter acknowledged Raine's response with a nod of his head as he walked back to his bedding.*I wouldn't mind a few seconds to finish eating either,*he thought, eating through the bread. He was used to stale, moldy, and rotton food by that point, however he heard a rumor that burning it after it spoiled ensured that you wouldn't get sick. He could not care less about getting sick in prison, seeing as he would not remain within the bars for an extended stay. Still, even though the stale bread was not warm or partly burned, he was familiar with the taste, and was able to consume it in its entirety before the assassin managed to throw a cup at him.\n\nThe cup came as a surprise to Flake, seeing as he had only just swallowed his last bite and looked up at Raine. As it whizzed by, he felt a few droplets of water hit his cheek and neck. He wiped these droplets off, along with a small bit of dirt, and threw the innocent cup over to the pile of other dishes. Upon hearing Raine's comment, Flake stood up and tilted his head to both shoulders, resulting in popping sounds in his neck. His bruises steadily became more apparent, both visually for others and painfully for Flake, as faint sunlight from the staircase gradually got stronger. He had nine bruises, mostly on his torso and arms, and could localize them all quite accurately in his mind.\n\nHe was not nearly as worried about his nose as an amateur would be. He never fought with head protection, so he was not worried about getting hit in the face. His issue, which he demonstrated by grimacing as he flexed a few muscles in his arms statically as a check, was that he would have to expend more energy in order to nullify the effects of pain completely.*That might be a bit much for a friendly skirmish,*he thought, his grimace fading as he retorted, \"in that case, I guess I'll help you out.\"\n\nBefore advancing to initiate combat, the bounty hunter clenched his fists tightly, resulting in more popping noises, and then adopted a stance next to his bedding. The room was larger than Flake's shack, but that was barely saying anything. He doubted he would be able to get to kicking range after the fight started, so he decided to start off with a kick.*Just to be flashy,*he thought, leaping towards Raine in two steps,*I'll do this.*\n\nAround five feet in front of Raine, Flake dropped to the floor and kicked high, aiming for Raine's head as he slid. When he stopped moving, he placed both hands right above his shoulders and kicked straight up with his other leg, pressing down with the leg which was already out for momentum. This momentum allowed him to press off of his hands and launch himself backwards in a flip with a slight spinning motion, allowing him to land facing his target on his feet, albeit a bit disoriented. He quickly adopted his lazy forward stance after regaining his composure and brought his left arm in front of his chest.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" }, { "text": "Raine stood to her feet as Flake prepared himself to fight with her, her eyes watching him carefully as he began to approach her. She wasn't sure what he was going to do, but she knew it wouldn't be too extensive since they didn't have much room in the cell and he seemed to still be in a bit of pain from the injuries he received the day before. However, that did not mean Raine would underestimate him, as she knew that he was more than capable of still fighting as he did when she first met him.\n\nSoon enough, Flake made his move and, in an attempt to avoid getting kicked in the face, Raine leaned back and raised an eyebrow as she felt the tip of his shoe graze her nose. She stood back straight once his foot was out of range, though she quickly brought her arms up to defend herself as his leg came up again. Once they were both on their feet again, Raine took up her usual stance: her hands into fists and her feet moving lightly against the floor as she bounced lightly in place. For a moment, she stayed like that, silently weighing her options. The cell wasn't that big, so she couldn't do more than one or two flips of any kind before hitting a bed or the wall. Kicking also required so extra space and the assassin was sure that Flake probably wouldn't allow her to have enough time to move back and prepare for a kick. So her only option seemed to be fighting up close, not like it was much of a problem for Raine.\n\nWithout warning, she dashed forward and, once she was close enough, Raine used her right arm to quickly push Flake's left arm out of the way so that she could punch with her left. Whether she made contact or not, the assassin quickly moved back and raised her arms to defend herself, figuring that he would counter in some way before trying her method of attacking once again, figuring that she would hit her mark at least once.", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "Where the bounty hunter landed was where he stood. He barely moved at all after his maneuver, despite wanting to move quickly to avoid pain. The bruises on his chest seemed to flare up every other second as he waited, each imaginary needle in his side distracting him ever so slightly. He only barely noticed Raine begin moving as she took the offensive, but quickly focused as adrenaline kicked in. He stood his ground as she approached, however he was unnerved by her approach. As she pushed his readied arm to the side, he feigned off to the outside, retreated a step, and snapped his right arm upwards into an overhead block, easily deflecting her attack.\n\nTo his surprise, Raine then jumped back. He wanted to take the opportunity to counter attack, but he deemed such an action as \"unsafe\" because she barely seemed to be trying. When she jumped forward once more, Flake anticipated that she would push his arm out of the way, so he preemptively brought his left arm up to his head with his elbow out and watched her right arm. She pushed his facing hand out of the way, as he expected, then immediately tried another punch. Instead of blocking, Flake side-stepped as Raine punched at him and brought his clenched fist down towards her back, in the same motion as a person who would stab with a knife.\n\nThe instant after his attack, he shifted his weight to his right side and snapped his right elbow at Raine's right shoulder, side-stepping to her right once again. \"Don't treat me like an amateur,\" Flake commented, shifting to a left fore-stance with his left arm out and ready. A barely-readable frown showed briefly over his face as he spoke, evidencing his disapproval at her previous attack.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" }, { "text": "Flake avoided her attack with ease and made a counter attack of his own, one of which Raine was not able to avoid herself. However, she ignored the stinging on her back and got back into her usual defensive stance--both arms up, hands in fists and her body bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet--saying, \"I would do no such thing.\" She stated, her voice holding no malice nor teasing tones in it. Raine hadn't wanted to do anything that would possibly further his injuries but, as expected, he wouldn't want her to bring light-hearted and simple attacks to the table.*Well, if that's what he wants, then fine...*The assassin thought with a slight, unnoticeable shrug before suddenly closing the space between her and Flake, leaving a few feet between them. She then spun, using the momentum to also kick towards his face at the same time. The process only took a few seconds and, whether or not she hit him or not, Raine moved back about three feet once both feet were on the ground once more, her arms moving up to defend herself from whatever Flake may throw at her in return. However, she did not wait long in this spot and proceeded forward again, attempting to throw a punch at his face once more while using the other arm to shield herself from his attacks once more.", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "The bounty hunter realized that his arms were very tense after his previous attack as Raine responded to his previous command, but ignored his realization.*I'd rather lose form than agility,*he thought, his frown gradually melting away as his opponent started to move. At first, Flake lifted his foot up to counter a low-sweep, anticipating that the assassin wouldn't risk a head-level attack against him. To his brief dismay, his prediction ended up misleading him, however he managed to shift his weight back just in time to avoid her foot.\n\nHe spent the next few seconds jumping back up to his feet as Raine mercifully retreated, giving him time to ready himself once more before advancing with another simple punch. This time, Flake anticipated a high attack. At the opportune time, right before she hit him, Flake dropped to a crouch to Raine's right and kicked low, targeting Raine's right knee with his left shin to catch her advanced leg.\n\n\n\non hit \n\n\n\nFlake twists his leg on contact with Raine's, locking his foot around her ankle, and turns so as to use his other leg to push her forwards, force tripping her. He then releases her leg and calmly gets back up, commenting, \"you almost had me for a second there,\" before offering her his hand.\n\n\n\n\n\n\non miss \n\n\n\nFlake's leg continues through his kick and a hidden bruise sharply lances through his entire right leg, causing him to topple over on the ground. With a surprised squeak, the bounty hunter rolls onto his back and grasps his tense leg, frightened by his inability to move it. He felt a thousand needles shooting into his leg as he forced himself to straighten his leg. After a few seconds, the pain subsided and his leg was fine once again, however he remained seated, looking up at Raine. \"I sure wasn't expecting that…\" he commented, averting his eyes back to his leg after speaking, his cheeks hot with shame.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" } ]

[ { "text": "Flake managed to avoid her attack and counter with his own but as Raine tensed slightly in anticipation of the attack, she was surprised to see Flake suddenly fall to the ground. With wide eyes, the assassin jumped back slightly, thinking that she had done something that had seriously injured him or something when she had wanted to avoid doing something like that. However, the moment was soon over and Flake seemed to be okay again, though he did seem to be a bit embarrassed after his fall. \"Hey, can you stand?\" Raine asked him with a hint of concern in her voice. If he needed help, then she would try her best but Raine's arms were probably not strong enough to lift a man who couldn't use both of his legs to help her. Those thoughts momentarily went from her mind as a familiar voice echoed throughout the cell.\n\n\"While that was quite an impressive fight, it wasn't a wise one.\" Oruin called from his spot across from the cell. He had been leaning casually against the far wall with a concerned frown on his face. He knew that Flake wasn't in the proper condition to be fighting like that but he was sure the man had his reasons for doing it. His green eyes then glanced over to Raine as she spoke to him. \"When did you get in here?\" Raine hadn't heard him come in through the door, which made her a bit disappointed in herself. she had been so engrossed in the fight that she had become completely unaware of her surroundings, despite the fact that they were in a locked cell. While she was sure this wouldn't happen if she wasn't in the jail, the assassin made a mental reminder to be more observant, even when fighting. \"I came down here only a minute or two ago to check on both of you but it seems that you both are fine...to a certain extent at least.\" Oruin stated, his eyes glancing over at Flake for a moment before returning to Raine. \"Do either or you need any assistance?\" His question was mainly for Flake, though Oruin offered it to Raine as well.", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "**\"Hey, can you stand?\"**\n\nThe voice sounded very strange to the bounty hunter, as was noted by his expression. His confused expression, however, were not focused on the assassin, but the medic who was watching them from the other side of the cell.*That food! God damnit!*he thought, his surprise instantly gone, replaced with suspicion,*I doubt the medic would…would he?*The odd, stiffness in his leg gradually returned as the medic started speaking again, but Flake ignored it as he shuffled over to his bedding. He had felt the ungodly sensation already, so he anticipated the feeling and suppressed it as a drop of sweat rolled down his face.\n\nHe was certain that his soup was poisoned. Bounty hunters, assassins, and medics all had at least one thing in common – they were trained in the use of poisons. Sometimes, a poison's effect can be extremely subtle. The first stages of the plague are usually the same. Nonetheless, these three groups deal with poisons quite often, whether in combat, in an infirmary, or in day to day life. As a result, these three groups are easily able to distinguish between common occurrences such as headaches, and potentially life-threatening symptoms such as head pains and dizziness, despite their similarities.\n\nSome poisons, on the other hand, are exceedingly rare. Only the most wealthy of persons – only the strongest of alchemists – only the best of the best can get their hands on these poisons because of their special, almost universally lethal attributes, and because of how illegal they are. Most of these poisons act so quickly that the only way to survive would be to take the antidote prior to taking the poison. On the other hand, some have a long delay, but progress quite rapidly afterwards.\n\nAs the other two spoke, Flake mentally shut off his ears and closed his eyes, thinking as fast as he could. No matter how many possibilities he posed, he could not think fast enough to narrow down the possible range of causes for his symptoms. He could barely focus over the medic as he proposed to offer assistance, so he muted his voice by thinking aloud. \"Lower body paralysis, dizziness, loss of balance, hot feeling, scentless, tasteless – Green! The soup was greenish!\" It was a very faint green, but as he looked over to the soup bowl he threw by the door, it was an undeniable greenish hue. He had gulped down the soup too quickly to realize his mistake.\n\nImmediately after realizing this, he quickly shot his gaze over to Raine, eyeing her wrists. \"You…\" he spat, interrupted by violent coughing.*I wasn't watching her! She could have dropped powder...*he thought, suddenly stopping himself as his coughing worsened,*no, neither of us would be able to sneak poison in here.*His eyes then widened as he looked back over to Oruin, controlling his coughing. \"N-no! It couldn't b-be…\" He pulled his legs in towards himself, then looked over to the bowl of soup Raine had. From what remained, it was a whitish brown. \"He - he c-couldn't have…\" he stammered, starting to shiver where he sat. By this point in time, the bounty hunter could only barely move his legs, and he was totally deaf. A numbness spread through his whole body, dulling the pain from his bruises. By the time it reached his head, his eyes were already closed, and he was unconscious, still seated upright on his bedding.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" } ]

[ { "text": "After having a peaceful rest without any dreams at all, Raine figured that Oruin had actually given her too much poison and that she had died. She would've have minded too much. Dying was a lot more peaceful than her crazy, dangerous life. However, the assassin soon realized that she could feel and heart her heartbeat in her chest, letting her mind know that she was, in fact, still alive. Slowly, the woman opened her eyes, silently wondering why she was looking at the ceiling of some sort of building instead of the forest canopy. With that thought in mind, Raine sat up with a soft groan, trying to determine why there was a dull ache in her belly and why she was dressed in such ridiculous clothes that were actually slightly too big for her thin frame. One sleeve continued to slide down her shoulder, much to her annoyance.*Wait a second...*Raine thought as she jerked the surprisingly soft fabric back onto her shoulder.*Who put this dress on me....?*She may have been asleep for a while but the assassin was quite sure that she had not been wearing these clothes before she blacked out back at the prison. That thought alone was enough to bring a blush to the woman's cheeks, though her embarrassment didn't last long as another change showed itself: hunger.\n\nIt wasn't just any type of hunger, it was the painful kind that you get after going a few days without food. With narrowed eyes, Raine searched around the little area for any thing that could be considered edible and, low and behold, she found a tray full of something other than stale bread and clumpy porridge. Reaching over, she grabbed a few items from the tray and began to nibble the food, knowing that she would only make herself sick if she decided to down it all at once. It was only after she had gotten a little food in her stomach that Raine was truly able to access her situation: someone had obviously brought her here, changed her clothes, and left some food out for her. To be honest, she did not feel like she was in any danger, since the person didn't die her up and leave her for dead like any other sane person would do if they knew who she was. There was also a large collection of weapons on the far wall but, as the assassin got up to examine them, she realized that whomever these things belong to did not carry daggers. At all.\n\nRolling her eyes in frustration, the woman ended up picking out a short sword, since it was the closest thing she could get to a dagger. As she took a few practice swings, Raine realized that her movements were a tad bit sluggish, probably due to the fact that the food in her stomach hadn't broken down just yet into much needed energy. That or some of the poison was still left in her body. It was then that someone began to descend the stairs and, much to her surprise, it was Flake. \"Flake? You're here too?\" Now that she thought about it. there*had*been another bed and tray on the side of her own. The assassin listened silently to his explanation and soon realized that this was not a part of her and Oruin's plan, but it still worked. It worked perfectly, actually. \"Hm, I guess I owe your friend a favor. He or she gave me food.\" Raine stated simply then watched as Flake made his way back up the stairs moments later. Her blue eyes then wandered over to the items that he tossed on her bed. The pants looked a bit too big but it shouldn't be much of a problem since he also gave her a belt. It didn't take Raine any time at all to slip the pants on beneath the dress and secure it with the belt before she headed up stairs with her sword in hand, just before Flake returned from his hunt for fire making materials.\n\nFor a moment, she simply observed him quietly as he concentrated solely on getting a fire going. Flake looked very different in the red robes that he currently had on and, if she didn't know any better, she would've sworn he was a different person entirely. Once he finally got the fire going, Raine walked over to it and sat down a foot or so away from it, holding out her small, chilled hands so that they could get warm. She stayed like this, silently, for a moment before finally speaking up. \"I bet you're wondering what happened after you lost consciousness a few days ago.\" The assassin did not wait long for him to answer, since she planned on telling Flake the details anyway. \"Oruin realized that you weren't completely dead but almost, and realized that it would be a perfect way for us to escape. So, I was poisoned to and we were supposed to be dumped into a pit of dead bodies but apparently, there was a bit of change with that last part.\" Raine stated, referring to the fact that they were now staying in his friend's home for a bit. \"He also told me that he would put a map somewhere on me but I can't seem to find it...It has the whereabouts of our stuff on it...\" The assassin began patting herself down, hoping to find the map on her but to no avail.\n\n\"You haven't happened to see it, have you Flake?\"", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "After a bit of tending, Flake got a tinder fire going and added larger pieces of wood, hoping the logs would catch fire soon enough. Once he figured that the fire was large enough, Flake grabbed his spear and the padlock for the door. He rose from his place in front of the fire and walked over to the door with the two items in hand. He calmly locked and bolted the door, then returned to the fire, sitting on a chair a few feet from the fire. As Raine started to speak, Flake rested the spear against the back of the chair and adjusted his robe to a more comfortable arrangement. His only response to the assassin's initial statement was a slight nod, even though she was not looking.\n\nAs the assassin continued, the bounty hunter closed his eyes and attempted to reenact the scenes which she described. After she was finished talking, ending her brief monologue by searching her figure for unusual objects, Flake opened his eyes once again and looked over to her, reaching into a pocket in his robe. \"I found this map and this key on the ground between our beds when I woke up,\" he answered, holding out the map and key for his ally's inspection, \"the map was edited by my 'friend,' but it seems to be from the prison medic, originally.\"\n\nAfter the two items left his hands, Flake continued, \"there are enough supplies inside the house to last us a week, but there is a river West of here and plenty of deer.\" After waiting for a brief comment by the assassin, Flake proposed, \"I'd wager that two days are enough for us to sneak through the prison and recollect our belongings, but we should scout out the castle and prepare ourselves before assaulting your uncle. The poison will only take a day or two to wear off, but we will not be primed for extended combat until next week.\"\n\nThe bounty hunter paused, then rose from his seat and placed another log into the fire. He determined that the wood in the fireplace would last well into the evening, so he organized the tinder on top of the extra lumber, then returned to his seat once more, listening to the assassin all the while. Once he was seated again, he closed his eyes and relaxed, a hint of impatience on his expression.*I said that we should rest, but I am going to need to keep myself occupied if I am going to put up with staying in this building for more than a day,*he thought, balancing the prospect of scout detection and the benefits of training.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" } ]

[ { "text": "As Raine left, Flake felt a chill shoot across his skin. The chill was a contradiction, because he knew that his skin was too warm, and that the chill was a sign that he was starting to go numb. Flake responded to Raine with a curt, \"Very well,\" and rose from his seat. He picked up his spear on the way over to the door, then took the robe off, leaving his somewhat adequate pants the only apparel on his figure, and left the building.\n\nHe shuddered at the sudden change in temperature, but quickly tuned out his inner voice as it told him to return to the comforting warmth.*I should be more careful, or I might melt,*he thought, grinning at the image as he rummaged through the forest, in search of a small, open area.\n\n---\n\n**Present Day: 1700 hours**\n\nAs Flake sat in his chair once more, surrounded by luxurious fabric and hypnotic warmth, he could almost mistake the sounds of movement behind him for the sounds of people at the town market. Fortunately, as Raine's voice entered his ears, Flake escaped from the grasp of the fire's hypnotic gaze and shot out of his seat to look her in the eye. As she finished speaking, Flake nodded, maintaining his composure, and responded, \"Certainly, but you should probably take a bow. Professional hunters tend to prefer wounding animals before chasing them.\"\n\nHe then collapsed back into his chair and sighed with a frown of annoyance.*I'll need a good meal after today,*he thought, remembering the feeling of needles at each overstressed muscle,*otherwise this might become a trend…*", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" }, { "text": "The assassin blinked slightly as Flake suddenly stood up, stopping just a little ways in front of her. In response, she raised an eyebrow, but nothing more, and then nodded at his statement.Taking Flake's advice, Raine headed down stairs to select a bow that she could easily handle. After searching the rack of weapons for a bit, she noticed one that seemed to made for a smaller male or a woman. As she reached out to grab the bow, the sleeves of her robe slide down and, out of frustration, she took it off, tossing it to the other side of the room.*That damned robe!*The woman was a moment away from tossing the thing in the fire but refrained from doing so, knowing that she could fix it later. Of course she couldn't stay like that, though, as Raine didn't enjoy being this exposed to the elements. She needed to find a solution to her clothing mishap.\n\nA few minutes later, the woman could be seen walking up the stairs with a bow in one hand and a bag of arrows slung over her shoulder. No longer was she wearing that annoying robe but rather a tight binding of cloth that wrapped around her chest and over her shoulders. Raine even wrapped her wrists with the cloth, knowing that the bow string could be quite painful after pulling it. Her stomach and upper arms were still slightly exposed but Raine knew that she wouldn't be able to catch anything with that robe on so she would have to deal with until she got back. \"Can you look for some needle and thread while I'm gone? I can fix these robes so that they fit us.\" She called to Flake, who was sitting by the fire, and left without waiting for a reply.\n\n---\n\n**1830 hours**\n\nAt first, all Raine could find were deer tracks but not the animal that the tracks belong to.*Damn, I can't go back without something for us to eat, though.*She thought to herself with a slightly frustrated sigh, but if she continued the way she was going, she would end up burning herself out before she caught anything. Figuring that she should take a small break, Raine made her way over to the small stream but, just as she was about to kneel and take a sip, she noticed a small family of deer grazing in the fresh grass across from her.*A doe and two babies...but where is the buck?*Raine knew he was somewhere nearby, watching out for danger; she just needed to find him first. Taking a deep breath, the assassin calmed her inner thoughts, focusing solely on her target.\n\n*\"You must silence your mind as you stalk your prey, think of nothing but your prey. Study it, match your movements with it until you practically become one with it, until you know what its next movement will be. Once you get to that point, you're ready to go in for the kill, but don't rush. You may fail to complete the job by getting caught. Proceed slowly, let your steps be silent, your body and mind calm. Focus on nothing but the prey and, when you're in the perfect position to strike, do so quickly and cleanly. It'll be less of a mess to clean up afterwards. Make sure you leave no traces of your presence. \n\nThat would defeat the purpose of calling yourself an assassin.\"*\n\n---\n\n**2000 hours**\n\nRaine entered the door to the cabin, her arms full of clean, neatly sliced strips of raw deer meat and a few pieces of deer hide. \"I figured that we might need the hide for something at some point during our stay here.\" She said as she laid all the items on the table, letting out a heavy sigh as she did so. The woman was exhausted after running through the forest trying to catch the buck and then having to skin and clean the meat as well...but she was more hungry than tired and that thought alone was what was keeping her standing at the moment. Raine then turned to Flake, asking: \"Do you want to cook this, or should I do the honors?\", a small smirk managing to peak through the tired look on her face.", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "**1900 hours**\n\nWith a sudden burst of energy, Flake shot out of the seductively comfortable chair, breaking free from the hypnotism of the fire, and grabbed his spear. After recovering from the light-headedness, he made his way over to the opening to the basement, then jumped down without a thought. Once he reached the basement floor, he walked over to the weapons rack and examined the weapons once again.\n\nThe bounty hunter practiced a few techniques with each individual weapon, being careful to avoid hitting or stepping on any of the furniture. After practicing with each melee weapon, he mentally separated out the unworkable weapons from those which he might appreciate using as secondary weapons. After staring at the weapons for a full ten-minute interval, he concluded that his first observation was inadequate. All of the light weapons were exact copies of the ones which the guards used, standard issue with a few modifications which were likely the result of an over-excited blacksmith. The heavy weapons, on the other hand were original, possibly the favorites used by Drake in the past.\n\nThe ranged weapons were the same, although to a lesser degree. The heavy ranged weapons were all castle guard varieties, such as a heavy crossbow with metal support. Even the throwing knives were standard issue, except Flake only felt that the castle guard varieties would be sufficient for use. After thinking carefully about the different opportunities he would get to use the weapons, Flake grabbed one of the sacks of throwing knives and tied it to the belt of his pants, under his robe.*I'll try them out later on,*he thought, taking the spear back off of the weapon rack.\n\nUpon rising back up the stairs, he noticed that the fire was starting to die down. In the hopes that he would not have to start a fire again if he fed it some logs and watched it return to life. The bounty hunter looked around the room once more, his hunger reminding him of Raine and the complete lack of sewing materials in the house. With a dissatisfied frown, he sat back in the chair in front of the fire and waited a few minutes, his impatience slowly mounting within him.\n\n---\n\n**2000 hours**\n\nA few minutes later, Flake shot out of his chair at the sound of the door and, upon recognizing the trespasser, walked over to her and lifted a few deer pieces from her back. He was about to comment about how she should have brought the entire carcass back, but determined that she was likely too weak to drag it all the way back to the cabin.\n\nFlake managed to listen to Raine, despite the sound of his hunger pains, but only managed to respond by saying, \"go ahead,\" and heading back over to the chair by the fire. He watched Raine out of the corner of his eye, so that he could comment if she did anything interesting, but otherwise watched the fire to pass the time.*I wonder how an assassin learned to cook,*he thought, quickly looking over to watch her search for cooking items in the drawers before returning to his biding occupation.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" }, { "text": "\"Well, I guess I'll get to cooking then...\"' Raine mumbled more to herself than to Flake with a soft sigh; she was beyond tired but she needed food even more than sleep. After moving the hide of the deer off to the side, she laid out the strips of meat she'd brought in and began to cut them into smaller pieces using her short sword so they could easily pop the pieces into their mouths. Afterwards, the assassin searched around for something that she could prop of the fire and succeed in finding a metal rack hidden behind a box nearby...but, she needed something else, too. Raine continued her search around the room, hoping to find a skillet of some kind but only succeeded in finding a sheet of metal that could serve as a makeshift skillet for now. \"This will have to do, then.\" After threading the ends of the sheet through the slits on either side of the metal rack, Raine made her way over to the fire were she carefully assembled the metal object over the fire, but not too close to where it would cook the outside of the meat too quickly. She then grabbed a few pieces of meat from the table and placed them on top of the metal sheet, hissing a bit as her fingers were nipped by the fire. Once done, the assassin pulled out a pinch of herbs that she knew would give the meat a bit more flavor and sprinkled them on top. \"And now we wait.\" She stated to no one in particular as she settled on the floor in front of the fire, her half lidded eyes watching the meat sizzle above the fire.", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "Flake decided to remain silent as Raine carried out her cooking tasks, lacking the willpower required to think of words. He stared blankly at the fire in the furnace as Raine began to build a cooking station, as like a statue.\n\nHis expression had exactly the same eager, yet solemn expression. Despite this, he was beginning to recognize a new sensation within himself. It was a warming feeling, much like the warmth from the fire. It made him hopelessly restless, as if he was overdosed with his own adrenaline, but his muscles were all asleep. The urge was not foreign to him, but his lack of activity, food, and his warmness brought the urge to the forefront of his mind.\n\nSoon enough, Flake was desensitized to his hunger and tiredness, as his consciousness focused on the odd feeling in his chest, this \"urge.\" The more he focused on it, the more memories flashed through his mind, key words of fights and triumphs, important conversations, forgotten and repressed thoughts. It was a fury of excitement, the embodiment of an overwhelming desire to do something, to move, to fight, to destroy. The urge took the form of a fire, the overflowing of emotion and desire, everything he sought to compress for control's sake, simply raging away before him.\n\n*So that's it, that's what it is,*he thought, his senses flooding back as a frown covered his face. He continued to think about the urge for a few seconds, despite no longer feeling it, but determined that he might be going insane and pushed it out of his mind. Instead, he focused on the food before him, which slowly crackled away on the fire. His hunger was nowhere near as strong as his \"urge,\" but he allowed hunger to stay in mind. He allowed hunger to make him even more impatient.\n\nWhen he finally decided to speak, it was apparent to him that his companion was about as tired and hungry as he was. To keep both of them awake, he commented,\n\n\"Tomorrow, I'm going to scout out the area and find the way back to town.\"\n\nAfter this comment, he leaned forward and took a deep breath through his nose, as if to eat the meat through the steam and smoke it released. He immediately regretted his decision, as it made him even more hungry. After finally looking away from the fire, turning his attention to Raine, he continued, \"if I don't do something tomorrow, I'll fall back into a coma…\"", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" } ]

[ { "text": "Flake analyzed the girl's movement as she swayed to either side, but could only tell that she was tired as she nodded at him. He thought to tell her to be careful with the fire, but imagined that the assassin would only respond by taking it as an insult to her skill instead of as concern, and abandoned the thought. Flake imagined that the food could not possibly have been finished cooking by the time Raine pulled the food out from the fire, but was surprised to find that, once she placed a few of the meat cubes on a broken plate, that it was crunchy on the outside and not dry on the inside.\n\nHe took a bite of one of the pieces of meat, then nodded at her and gently commented, \"it's the best food I've had in months…\" then stoically continued to eat the other pieces of food on the plate, feeling as if his comment wasn't actually saying anything. After a few more bites, he re-stated his comment by continuing, \"better than tavern food, even.\"\n\nHe continued to watch her cook the last few pieces of meat, then stood up and walked over to the table in the kitchen and placed the empty broken dish on the table. He ensured to get out of Raine's way when she walked around, and occasionally looked over at the door with nervousness. After the food was finally ready, he dropped the stoic expression and grinned. He quickly shoved a few pieces of meat into his face, but slowed down after this in an attempt to be courteous to the lady. Whilst he slowed down, he declared, \"I'll bring back a gutted carcass tomorrow…we'll need the sinew and bone for scaling equipment if we're going to break into the castle, and we can smoke and dry some of the meat so that we don't have to cook more every day.\"", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" }, { "text": "As Raine finished cooking up the last few bits of meat for herself, she nodded slightly at Flake's statement. \"Okay...I'll dry the meat tomorrow...\" Her hands were slow as she began to pick the cooked meat from the rack and place them on another broken plate that she had found for herself. She then settled down by the fireplace, her back pressed up lightly against the surprisingly cool stone, and set the plate in her lap. Raine was oblivious to the small burns that covered a few spots on her fingers as she picked a piece of meat up and placed it into her mouth, savoring the flavor the flooded her taste buds then humming softly in bliss.\n\nThis food, although not well seasoned, reminded Raine of her father, of times where he would bring back deer to eat and she would help cook it with him. It was almost like Raine was there again, hearing her father's laughter and the scent of fresh herbs found in the surrounding woods. The atmosphere in the house was always so cheerful and loving... Raine felt her heart become heavy in her chest. No, why was she remembering these things? Why now? She didn't want to remember such painful things. As she pulled herself from her thoughts, Raine realized that she had been staring ahead at nothing in particular and her fingers were still to her lips, as if they were frozen there. Shaking her had lightly, she removed her fingers and resumed eating, a bit faster now since she did not want to fall into her thoughts again. Once done, she slowly stood to her feet and made her way over to the stairs, speaking briefly to Flake as she did so.\n\n \"I'm going to sleep now...good night.\"", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "Flake nodded over to the assassin as she responded, then continued eating. He noted that, after a few bites, his jaw was starting to get tired. It's amazing what a few days can do to a man. Upon working his brain a little, he could visit the last memories he had before falling unconscious due to the poison. All he could see was Oruin's worried expression. I guess it's that poison which did all of this… He had already done enough exercise that day to know that his muscles were still numb. He was imprecise, weak, starved, and dehydrated. \n\nBut one thing he knew for sure was that he was awake. He had already dealt with the loose red robes, getting a fire started, and dealing with the urge to eat and to do something. He felt that the urge to do something was still unsatisfied, but that his hunger was satisfied. \n\nWhen Raine walked over to the basement, he analyzed her for a second and nodded. He couldn't quite describe the expression she was giving off… something between depression and lethargy, maybe. He was at least surprised to hear her say, \"I'm going to sleep now…good night.\" The pause was especially surprising, as if she didn't know whether to say it or not.\n\nDespite his surprise, Flake didn't take long to respond. He calmly declared, \"I still have some energy left, so I'm going to do a bit more training.\" With this said, he smirked. Watching her descend the ladder made him wonder how trustworthy she was as an ally. Once she was out of sight, he continued, \"rest well, miss Raine,\" and headed over to the door. Her name didn't quite feel right as he said it – it was almost too formal. They had already skirmished twice now, and even the first time, she didn't seem particularly keen on killing him. The more he thought about it, the less he thought of her as an assassin. Perhaps she's just that good, he thought, grinning widely as he closed the door behind him, then again, if she was, she never wouldn't have gotten poisoned along with a guy like me.\n\nAs he walked over to the training area he had found previously, a small clearing with a bunch of bushes nearby, he paused and looked around. He wasn't looking for something so much as a thought had caused him to doubt his sensory faculties for a moment. How did she get poisoned? She ate at the same time as me, but she wasn't reacting when I did… He frowned and brought himself to a ready stance with his polearm out. She could've survived without food and water for three days if she knew it was poisoned,… Suddenly, a realization: …which means she intentionally let herself get poisoned…\n\nHe slammed the polearm of his weapon into the tree with a soft, angered grunt. He was furious. I managed to waste the only favor I had! He groaned. The more he swung the polearm around, the more he thought, and the more he hated his situation…up to a point. But, that also means that she has no alternative. She would have to be insane to lie at this point. He had seen Raine do one or two things that weren't quite logical, but he could list of more than enough evidence at a moment's notice to prove that she was sane. At least this thought gave him a bit of security that their situation wasn't all bad.\n\nBut now we're going to have to deal with all three of them…\n\n……\n\nFlake arrived back at the cottage at around 2000 hours and padlocked the door. He had made sure to check his surroundings to ensure that he wasn't being tailed, and even got some tinder for the next morning. After drinking from the clean water in the basin, he mused that he'd have to get some more water from the river the next day. That makes four things I'll have to do: Scout, Hunt, Train and Gather. He took a few moments to clean off the polearm with the fancy red robe, then headed downstairs with the polearm in hand.\n\nHe was sure to stay as quiet as possible without inconveniencing himself. If Raine was listening, she'd have already heard him enter, but he didn't want to wake her up if she was already sleeping. He placed the polearm down next to the bedding that he had awoken on earlier that very day. There's a lot to do, now that I have to deal with living in a new home for a few days… he thought to himself, gritting as he laid down on the bedding. The bedding and his robe worked together to make it very comfortable to lie there, despite the floor beneath being stone. He only managed to stay awake for a few minutes before drifting off to sleep.\n\n-------\n\nFlake awoke the next morning rather early, at around 6:20am, about a half hour before sunrise. He looked around after waking up and soon realized that the building he was in was not home. He gradually remembered the events of the previous day and stretched a little before quietly rising to his feet. He picked up his polearm and quietly went upstairs to start a small fire, feeling groggy and bruised. He was still recovering from his injuries and poison, but he at least didn't feel as numb anymore. \n\nOnce he was up the ladder, he walked over to the fireplace, found a straight twig and a flat log, and took a few minutes to start another fire. He was already used to starting fires by using this technique, since he did it at his own house when he wasn't bounty hunting. But that didn't make it any less hard on his hands. \n\nOnce the fire was big enough to cook, smoke, or clean water with, he left it and wandered over to the remaining blocks of meat from the previous night. He ate a few, enough so that he wouldn't feel hungry any more, but not enough to feel satisfied. As he was eating, he saw Raine rise from the basement and greeted her. \"Morning.\" It was a simple greeting. He didn't feel like anything more was warranted. Once he licked his fingers clean and wiped off some of the grime with his robe, he walked over to the door and announced, \"I'm going to go get some water from the river so that we can refill that basin. Do what you want with what's left in there.\" With that, he pulled off the robe, now dressed only in the loose-fitting pants and his belt, and walked out of the cottage with his polearm in tow.\n\nHe looked around the exterior of the cottage for buckets and eventually found a pole with two of the large-sized buckets on it. He also found a bathing trough big enough for the cottage's owner to use. The image of the clumsy hunk of steel diving into the large wooden bowl brought a smile to the bounty hunter's face. But he doubted that either he or his companion would get any use out of it, so he left the trough where it rested and brought both his polearm and the bucket-carrying-pole over his shoulders.\n\nFlake then walked all the way over to the river. Once he got there, he dropped his gear, scouted around for a few minutes, dove into the river, and walked back out, feeling cleaner. He filled both of the large buckets with water and, with a grunt, managed to stand up with the pole on his back. It was hard to walk with both buckets, but he thought of it as a good strength and balance exercise. By the time he got back, he was already fairly exhausted, but there was enough water for a few days in each bucket, so he determined that the effort was worth it. \n\nHe announced his presence right as he walked back in, his hair still moderately damp. He placed the polearm right next to the door and walked over to the water basin. He pulled it off of the wooden cupboard it was resting on and brought it outside. He then cleaned it out with a small amount of water from one of the buckets, filled it up, and brought it over to the fire. Once the metal grill was in place, he put the metal basin over the fire to that it'd boil.\n\nAfter this, he closed the door, put his robe back on, and took a few minutes to rest.", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" } ]

[ { "text": "When Raine finally made it to the bottom of the stairs, she went straight to her bed and laid down, her body still too weak for her to do anything else that night. She commended Flake for being able to train after only their first day of being awake after taking the poison. Then again, she didn't expect anything less when it came to him. Although her mind was relatively active with various thoughts, it took Raine only a few minutes to drift off into a deep sleep.\n\n______\n\nThe following morning, Raine didn't arise from her bed until a few minutes after sunrise. Her body still felt a little sluggish but her mind was a bit clearer than it had been the day before. Deciding that she would do something productive today, she wasted no time and headed up the stair where she was greeted by Flake. \"Good morning.\" She said in response as she made her way over to where the left over meat from the night before was, silently listening as Flake spoke to her. \n\n\"I'm going to go get some water from the river so that we can refill that basin. Do what you want with what's left in there.\" She nodded, showing that she had heard him before silently watching him leave, chewing on a piece of meat as she did so. Her eyes eventually wandered over the remaining uncooked pieces, reminding herself that she needed to get started with drying the rest of the meat. \n\nThankfully, Flake had already started a fire so all she needed to do was find something to hang the meat on, but Raine knew that there wasn't anything she could work with in the kitchen since she had searched the area for utensils the night before. Which means I will have to make something myself... She thought before making a quick trip downstairs to retrieve her dagger then heading outside.\n\nWith the cottage being surrounded by trees, it didn't take Raine long to locate the type of sticks she needed, though she did have to climb a tree or two to get to them. Fifteen minutes and two trees later, Raine was seated on the ground in front of cottage, shaving off part of the outer layer of the bark from the sticks. This didn't require much time at all and once she was finished, she brought the sticks inside and sat them down near the fireplace before heading over to the where the remaining meat lay.\n\n\"I really wish that there was some spices in here...\" Raine mumbled to herself as she began chopping the meat into medium sized cubes. As much as she wanted to go look for some now, she knew that the meat had to get cooked before it spoiled and she didn't want to take that chance. Though the bland taste wasn't much of a problem for her nor Flake.\n\nAt that same moment Flake entered the cottage, almost as if he had heard her thoughts. Speaking of the devil... Raine thought with a slight smirk before she observed him for a moment, noting that his hair was wet. Maybe he had decided to take a dip in the river after he was done? Deciding that that wasn't really important at the moment, she turned back to the table and worked in silence for a few minutes before speaking up. \n\n\"I know I asked you about this yesterday but I can't recall if you gave me an answer: Did you happen to find some sewing materials somewhere in here?\" Sure, she could've also taken a look for herself but it would save her some time if Flake already knew where some was.", "username": "HiddenBeauty13", "char_name": "Raine Starling" }, { "text": "...By the time he got back, he was already fairly exhausted, but there was enough water for a few days in each bucket, so he determined that the effort was worth it. \n\nHe announced his presence right as he walked back in, his hair still moderately damp. He placed the polearm right next to the door and walked over to the water basin. He pulled it off of the wooden cupboard it was resting on and brought it outside. He then cleaned it out with a small amount of water from one of the buckets, filled it up, and brought it over to the fire. Once the metal grill was in place, he put the metal basin over the fire to that it'd boil.\n\nAfter this, he closed the door, put his robe back on, and sat down in the chair in front of the fire. Immediately he was reminded of the other day, and frowned. I shouldn't overwork myself, but... He had a good amount of time to think over his conflicting thoughts about whether or not resting in the chair was good for his mental health before hearing the familiar, but jarring sound of Raine's voice. \n\nHe turned quickly to look at her, as if breaking himself out of a trance. She was still preparing meat from the other day. He listened intently to what she had to say, but gave a shrug in response as he looked back over to the fire. He remembered back to his search of the house for sewing materials: he looked through the wardrobe that he found the robes in quite thoroughly, then started looking through other containers and potential hiding spots. Even with his investigation skills as a bounty hunter, he couldn't find any bare thread or needles. Guess Drake wouldn't care for sewing anyway. His hands are probably too big and clumsy. While the thought entertained Flake, he decided not to smile, and instead replied to Raine.\n\n\"Couldn't find any.\" He paused, then smirked dumbly and continued, \"Well, I didn't find any needles or thread. Can't say I know much about sewing, so that's all I knew to look for.\" He almost felt like cringing after the words left his mouth. Sure, he wanted to clarify, but it left a bad taste in his mouth to reveal a weakness to a person whom he knew almost entirely by means of combat and second-hand information. He eyed her to gauge her response after he spoke, but kept the dumb smirk. After all, if I was worried about people knowing that I can't sew, I would be dead by now.\n\nHe expected her to be disappointed by the news - that there weren't any sewing supplies. Turns out that that's exactly how she reacted. He sighed, feeling as if some of her emotion was radiating over to him. \"What I do when I don't have the right tool for the job is I improvise.\" He gestured over to the polearm that he practiced with. \"Try making what you need. It'll pass the time.\" With this said, he eyed what she was working so hard on and asked, \"speaking of which, anything I can do to help?\"", "username": "icicle", "char_name": "Kenenniah Alphanso I" } ]

[ { "text": "Autharyx knit his brows together in a small frown as he surveyed the goods that were for sale in the small market. He'd spend the morning and a large part of the night before walking, and was surprised by how hungry that had made him. He did eat in his true form, but it was always more a indulgence than anything. Who needed to eat when they were just as much a part of the energy flows that make up the world as the wind or the river? He could still feel the connection, of course, but it was... muted somehow. Probably his sense were dampened by the fleshy barriers that made up his form now.\n\nNot that this form didn't have its advantages, he thought as he took in a deep breath. It still felt weird to actually feel the air rush through him as it filled his lungs, but the scents on the air were exquisite. While the combined smell of hard-working humans going around their business was not that interesting, the myriad of food items they sold were spreading a delicious scent. The meat was sadly out of the question, as it had to be at least several hours old. Autharyx was not quite as particular about his fruit, though, so he walked over to that stall. He had to ignore the various suspicious looks the villagers had been aiming in his direction ever since he walked in on the main road. The disrespect rubbed him the wrong way, but he was willing to be lenient with the humans, since they couldn't exactly see how impressive he*really*was.\n\nHe tuned out the chatter of humans going on around him as he looked over the wares with a critical eye. Nothing seemed quite as good as what humans had occasionally offered before, but then he supposed this was a rather sorry merchant all things considered. He picked up a piece of fruit, took a bite out of it and then quickly laid it back. He had hoped the taste might be better than the appearance, but it was far too sour to be appetising. As he reached out for another piece of fruit, his arm jerked to a stop when it was gripped by a bulky-looking human. Autharyx looked up with a start, only then realising the latest bout of agitated chatter had been aimed at him.\n\n\"What?\" he snapped, jerking his hand out of the offending grip.\n\n\"I*said*, you'd better pay up for that, mister. You can't just take a bite out of whatever you please.\" Autharyx narrowed his eyes. Did the human think he was a common thief?\n\n\"I will pay when it pleases me,\" he said with what he considered considerable patience. He demonstratively turned away from the fuming human to pick up and examine a sweeter-smelling piece of fruit.\n\n\"Yeah?\" the human continued, ignoring the obvious dismissal. \"Well, I'll see some money first, before you decide to snack on some more of my merchandise. Oy, you can't just take that,\" the human snapped when Authoryx put the fruit that had passed his inspection in his bag.\n\n\"I told you,\" Autharyx said, impatience starting to colour his voice, \"you will be adequately compensated once I have decided on the price.\" He did not remember trading as being this tedious. When humans had come to him in the past, they had been eager enough to show him their best wares in exchange for anything he wanted to offer in return.\n\n\"And I told you,*pal*, that I'm going to have to see some money or you can keep your hands off my property. And what's the nonsense about strangers like you deciding on the price? You either pay what you owe or things are not going to look good for you. \" The human had slipped into an intimidating stance, crossing their arms as several other humans were starting to take notice of the situation. A couple of them were starting to gather around.\n\n\"Are you insinuating that you don't value my word?\" His voice was calm on the surface, but there was a sharp undercurrent to it. A bit of his ire leached into the air, causing a few fallen leaves to rustle on the floor. If he still had a tail, it would have been sweeping side-to-side by now.\n\n\"I'm not insinerating, I'm telling. Now for the last time: pay up or get lost.\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Sweat drips down his clothed back as Viltez works hard on the old lady's roof. His arm comes down over and over, the work fading almost into an automatic action. He's repaired several roofs in the past, and this is no different.*'That's how life in this village tends to be'*he thinks, turning to pull another wood shingle into place. Lining it up he pulls a nail from between his lips and holds it in place.*'One day is very much like the next. Anything unusual tends to be unwelcome, and won't be tolerated for long. Like that time those performers came through town with that magic act'*Another board, another nail.*'I mean, I thought they were great, but Old Lady Jinni almost had a heart attack when that ball of fire wend bouncing around the stage. Everyone practically ran them out of town'*\n\nHe chuckles slightly as he grabs the next board.*'I swear, the only people welcome here come bearing gifts of food or other wares, but even they outlive their welcomes eventually'*Lining up the nail he hammers it in with a single strike and reaches over to the nail bag for more. However he spots something out of the corner of his eye that causes him to pause and turn towards the market stalls. The thing that grabbed his attention is a large group of people just standing around a single stall. His brows furrow.*'For the normal flow of traffic in the market to be stilled, something either really good, or really bad must be happening'*His eyes are drawn to the stall itself and he feels a strange sensation as his eyes land on a figure clad in blue.\n\nA warm breeze tosses his hair before his eyes, but so focused on the figure Viltez doesn't even bother to brush it aside.*'What the. . . . No one travels alone on the roads around here, and the caravan are the only visitors we have today. And that guy, is no merchant'*A faint itch starts up on the back of his neck as he watches and he realizes that the stall owner is getting pisses. So too does the stranger seem to be losing his temper. Not wanting a fight to break out while he's watching, Viltez turns and slides down the ladder and almost like a snake darts between the gathered crowd to the front.\n\nHe just gets within earshot when Mr. Warren delivers an ultimatum and with practiced grace Viltez steps between the two men. He can feel a faint but menacing tingle run up his spine as he turns towards Mr. Warren with his hands raised. \" Now now Mr. Warren, there's no need to be getting so upset. This guy here doesn't seem the shifty type, I'm sure he plans on paying.\"\n\nThe owner of the stall, a vein pulsating in his forehead clenches a fist in front of Viltez. \"That bastard needs to pay for what he's already taken, and pay what I say! Did you hear him before? 'You will be adequately compensated once I have decided on the price.' The arrogant ass!\" Fuming he tries to push past Viltez.\n\nFeeling a twitch in his brow Viltez presses a gentle but firm hand against he man's shoulder to keep him from passing.*'Wow, that is very arrogant, but still'*\"Mr. Warren, it could just be the way it is where he comes from. We've had a few visitors that have very different customs, right?\" With his hand still on the man's shoulder he turns to the stranger. Now closer he takes a moment to get a better look at the stranger. He has to look up to meet eyes that look a lot like Viltez's own, and the young half-breed can't help but notice how slender and pale he is for a traveler. Taking a steadying breath he addresses the taller man. \"You're use to picking your own prices, no? That may work if you're buying from someone you trust around here, but as a stranger you should show a little respect for our way of doing things and pay what Mr. Warren asks. You understand, right?\" He cocks his head to the side, raising an eyebrow in inquiry.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Viltez notes the little catch when the taller man apologizes, but it seems to be enough for the merchants. As the large man backs off Viltez steps slightly to the side, keeping an eye on both of them.*'That goodness that didn't escalate. When it's just a misunderstanding. . . .'*His thoughts trail off when the tall man makes a pointed comment about respect.*'A part of me is starting to question his honesty'*A few of those who'd gathered, mostly those who wanted to see a fight, wander off as the dark haired man rummages around in his bag. His hand snaps up to grab hold of Mr. Warren's shoulder, sensing the man's sentence isn't finished.\n\nWhen the stranger produces a gemstone a few of the gathered people gasp. A couple of the girls press closer but pause as Viltez raises a hand. Mr. Warren steps forward and takes the gem carefully. He looks at it for a few seconds before turning to Viltez. Holding it out in his open palm he asks, \"What do you say Tezy? You work part time at Corin's place, you know more about this stuff than I do.\" Viltez nods and picks up the gem.\n\nHolding it up to the light he checks the cut and clarity. As he turns it this way and that an odd feeling comes over him. Pausing his gaze slides over to the stranger. He catches his eye for a second before dropping his gaze and bringing the gem close to check it over carefully.*'I have the distinct impression that he really doesn't want to give this up. Something about his eyes. . . .Like this is really precious or something. Which is odd, it's a nice stone, but this cloudiness. . .'*Looking back up at Mr. Warren he hands it over with a smile. \"I think a fair exchange would be around three pounds of fruit for the ruby.\" He gives the man a sly smile. \"More than fair seeing as you now have something that, of put in the right setting piece, might give you that edge you've been looking for with Miss. Velmina.\"\n\nThe gathered crowd all laugh lightly at the faint pink that raises around the large man's ears at Viltez's comment. Most of them disperse, save for a couple who want to make purchases of their own from nearby stalls, and those who run the nearest stalls. With a cough Mr. Warren walks over to the edge of his stall and picks up a three pound bag and hands it to stranger. He looks the man strait in the eye and says, \"I thank you to be paying like I asked, but no more of this taking a bite and putting it back. That's bad fer business.\" And with that he moves back behind his stall to sort through his produce.\n\nViltez chuckles and looks over at the taller man with a smile. \"You were taking bites? I guess that's the best way to test a flavor, but if you like I can help you pick out the flavors you enjoy.\" His tone is his usual warm and disarming one. Stepping over tot he stall he starts picking up the fruits one by one, smelling the skin carefully. \"So what do you like? Tart? Sour? Sweet?\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx felt a small trickle of pride when the assorted humans seem impressed with his offering, but it quickly faded away when it is actually taken out of his hand. It had been a mighty long time since he'd done any trading with the humans, and he didn't remember it to be this aggravating. Of course, any business had been on*his*terms, and this felt more like being forced to part with his treasures. He did not take well to being forced to do*anything*.\n\nWhen the strange human - Tezy - caught his gaze, he quickly dropped his face into a blank mask. Even from this small exchange, he was getting the distinct impression that this one was far too observant for his own sake. The only thing that was worse than having people think he purposely gave up one of his treasures, was people thinking he gave it up against his own will. This was just how it was going to be amongst humans, and he would have to get used to that.\n\nHe rolled his eyes at the last comment. If this was the best the human could do for wooing a mate, he supposed it wasn't too much of a chore to take pity on the man. At least the declaration had the effect of dispersing the last of the crowd, and Autharyx would be able to get back to his original goal. The bag he was given seemed adequate enough, even though he didn't appreciate the stall-human pretending he had only paid because he'd made a scene. If only he'd been polite, there might have been a pearl in it for him.\n\nHe pushed the last of his sour mood from his mind when the human retreated. 'Tezy' was still there, and though he was acting a little too familiar for his taste, at least he had proven he was willing to help. Plus, without a distraction he might be able to find out what it was about the human that felt off to him. \"Your help would be appreciated,\" he said, looking over the human intently. It wasn't just the impression he got from his energy, there was also an edge to his scent. He was too overwhelmed by the rest of the marketplace to be able to zero in on it, though. If they were to go some place more quiet, he was sure he could figure it out.\n\nAs he watched the human pick up fruit, he realised the silence had gone on a hint too long in his musings. \"I like sweet,\" he said quickly, \"sour is out of the question.\" He tilted his head slightly as he kept his eyes on the human. \"Do you do this often? Stepping in between trade disagreements? I would have paid him, you know,\" he couldn't help but add. \"I am not a thief.\" It was true. Unlike some others, he hadn't stolen a single bit of his hoard. Won in combat, yes, but never stolen.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Glancing over his shoulder Viltez notes the distracted look on the stranger's face.*'He really seems to like doing things at his own pace'*A moment later he chuckles as he fires out his preference. Moving over to the local sweet fruits the young man starts to reach for one when the taller man's question makes him pause. His hand falls slightly before he glances over his shoulder with a warm smile. \"Yes, actually. I don't like fighting, especially pointless fights.\" Turning back to the fruit he picks one up and brings it up to smell it. \"I could tell you were willing to pay, but not everyone is so observant as I.\" At his comment he glances back at the stall owner. The man gives him a sour look before dropping his eyes back to his work. Viltez chuckles again, the sound cut short by the strangers next comment.\n\nTurning around to face the man he looks him up and down with a critical eye.*'His clothes are fine, much finer than I've seen since Trevor's wedding tunic'*His eyes trail over the worn spots, following a few loose threads here and there.*'But either this man has fallen on hard times, traveled a long way, or simply doesn't have a great regard for his clothing'*Finishing his visual assessment of the man he crosses his arms over his chest. His gaze trails up slowly to the mans eyes as he leans back carefully against the stall, fruit in one hand, the other gripping his opposite elbow. His gaze is one of detached assessment, as if he's trying to observe something unseen. After half a minute, Viltez blinks, a smile returning to his lips. Shaking his head he drops his arms and turns back to the piles of fruit.\n\n\"No, you are indeed a very honest man. There is no shiftiness that I can see in you.\" A slight feeling of embarrassment, as if he stepped across a line he should not cross causes him to cough. \"Ah, sorry, it's just. . . No one trusted me when I turned up here years ago as a boy.\" Someone at another stall calls his name and he smiles and waves in return. \"Before they got to know me, everyone in this town was suspicious of me. It was hard to get by, and even harder to feel so much distrusts.\" H looks down the street to where the pack of children have all piled up on top of the ball. He turns slightly so he can look the stranger in the eye. \"After I got accepted I came to understand that it's just the way of small towns. Trust runs so close for each other that there is a shortage of trust for anyone from the outside.\"\n\nWith a shrug he turns back to the fruit. \"Maybe it's because I was an outsider once but. . . .Whenever I see someone getting treated the way I use to be treated around here, especially if it's just a misunderstanding, I feel the need to step in and help.\" Picking up two of the large orange and yellow fruits he holds up both and turns to the stranger. He smirks. \"If you wanna test how sweet the fruits are, and make them unsellable, thus angering the seller, here's a good trick to know.\" Stepping closer so the taller man can see what he's doing, he presses the flesh of both fruits with his thumb and drags it across the surface for half an inch. \"If you do this, you can release the smell of the fruit inside, without actually damaging it.\" Holding up one than the other he takes a sniff then hands one to the stranger. \"That one is defiantly sweeter than this one.\" He turns back to the stall. \"Now we just have to pick out more that smell like that one!\" Viltez moves back to the small wooden structure and begins hunting for more sweet fruits.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "For a moment Autharyx thought his gesture would be rejected, but it seemed to be acceptable after all. He surprised himself by feeling slightly relieved. It was ludicrous to even think he could have an obligation of any kind to the man, but that didn't mean he would be impolite. '*I did not anticipate meeting anyone worthy of respect. That might have been a slight oversight on my part...'*he thought as he watched the other pick through the fruit. Mortals just seemed so much smaller and insignificant when he could feel the rush of the river and the skies as a part of him. Even just taking this human form made him feel strangely contained. The worst part was that he did not mind all that much. He might be smaller in more ways than one, but to experience the world as something separate from him was... not unpleasant.\n\nAutharyx nodded slightly when the man made his excuses. It was inconvenient, but he supposed he couldn't expect humans to drop their business for him when he asked. He was planning to try and blend in after all. He frowned when Tezy stumbled over his words to imply ambiguity as to the coming of the storm. Was it impolite to state a certainty in human society? From the stall-human's behaviour he hadn't thought these humans cared a whole lot about politeness, but then Tezy seemed a cut above the rest of the lot.\n\n\"I agree,\" he finally said, \"though you should have at least several hours.\" He deliberately followed the other's example by leaving in room for ambiguity. In reality he could feel the turbulence draw in over the mountains, water in the air drawing together in thick grey clouds. He doubted the humans could feel the shifts and turns of the air as he could, but they'd have to be dull beyond measure not to feel the pressure hanging in the air.\n\nHe smiled when Tezy offered the location of his house. \"I will find you later then,\" he said as the man walked away. Autharyx turned back towards the marketplace right away. He still needed to get some of the human currency, but he was pretty sure he'd seen a stall that would be able to take some gems off his hand. At least he wouldn't have to be hungry any more and he already found something to keep his interest for a while. As far as first days went, he was off to a good start.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez reaches up and wipes a bead of sweat from his brow. Despite the slightly falling temperature, the work and his inability to remove his shirt causes his temperature to rise unmercifully under the unforgiving sun. He turns towards the village and once again seeks out the figure of the stranger. After returning to the roof over two hours ago, Viltez has kept track of his movements best he can.*'It's not like I'm worried about him'*He'd told himself when he first noticed he'd been looking up every few minutes to find the man.*'I'm just curious. Not many people stay in town who aren't in a caravan. And he said he'd visit later. . . .'*Shaking his head the young man chuckles as his own reasoning. Truth be told, he really is worried about the taller man.*'He's no fool, so I'm confident that he'll be fine around the villagers now. But, I know a few villagers who may cause trouble. Hector for one'*\n\nHis eyes narrow as he spots the stranger again but after a few seconds he looks away.*'I should stop this. Somehow it feels like I'm keeping tabs on a child. He's no child'*Viltez lets out a long sigh and instead turns his attention to the approaching storm. No one in town will have noticed, save for maybe a few of the old men. The young half-breed on the roof though can not only tell one is coming, but has a very good idea how strong it will be, and how long it will last. In his younger years he was prone to telling the villagers about approaching weather, but after a few times, it became clear that his predictions made them suspicious, so he stopped. In later years, some of the young village girls would ask him how he always knew to take his clothes in off the line before the rain. He'd always simply smile and remain silent.\n\n*'It takes a lot of practice to hide one's oddities in a town so small as this. Everyone knows one another's secrets. Everyone is watching everyone else.'*Fixing the last few pieces in place Viltez nails them into place, giving them a little tug on either side to make sure the shingles are holding firm. \"Hyush.\" he huffs with a smile and gathers his tools. As soon as they are back in the shed, along with the ladder, Viltez seeks out the old woman and lets her know her roof is done and that he'll get right on the rest of the chores on her list right away. She smiles and pats him on the head before going back to gossiping with the other old woman sitting with her on her front porch. Pulling out the list he heads to the blacksmiths to puck up a kettle she's dropped of for repairs, then to the baker for some fresh bread.\n\nAll the while he keeps an eye on the skies.*'I should have enough time to get done with this list and get home before the rain starts to fall'*he muses as the baker wraps the old woman's order in a thick cloth. As he steps out of the bakery Viltez spots the stranger through a throng of people heading for the caravan and smiles. He's not sure if the man notices him but after a second he rushes off on his next mission. The rest of the list takes just over an hour, and by then even the villagers are casting wary glances skyward from time to time. After he delivers everything to the old woman she pays him and shoos him off to seek out his own shelter before the dark gray clouds overhead begin weeping.\n\nHe gives a nod of thanks, his charming smile firmly in place as he walks off to the main road and begins walking swiftly towards his home.*'I wonder if the stranger got a place at the inn? It's really small, and with the caravan, most if not all of the rooms will already be booked . . .'*He glances about as he walks, the hairs on the back of his neck and along his tail becoming stiff in anticipation of the rain. His gaze drifts from face to face, seeking the man out.*'If it is full, I can offer him my home. It's small too but there's enough room for two to keep dry and comfortable'*Unable to spot the man right away Viltez curses under his breath.*'I can't even call for him because I foolishly didn't even ask his name'*A sudden thought strikes him and Viltez slows then stops all together.\n\n*'He. . . He said something about having several hours. He. . . .couldn't have guessed what I was about to say? No, his words were as if he himself senses the rains too!'*A chill runs up his spine that has nothing to do with the now defiantly cool breeze blowing genitally down the main road past the still figure.*'I'd been so flustered that I'd almost slipped up. Did I really not notice?'*He stands there for a few minutes, awestruck at his own oversight until at last his mind decides to flat out discard all but the important part.*'He knew it was going to rain, so he'll have figured out how to stay dry. He's had plenty of time to plan for it'*With that comforting thought in mind he continues his trek towards his home. The chilled breeze picks up a bit and Viltez shivers as he walks strait into it.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "His house is the furthest from the center of town, so it takes a while to reach his house walking against the chilled breeze. Looking up at the clouds now rolling in Viltez shivers and wraps his arms around his middle as he quickens his pace.*'This is going to be a good one. I know the farmers have been complaining of not enough rain as of late, and this should help greatly'*His bottom lip slips between his teeth and he nibbles it slightly.*'I hope he's indoors by now. His clothes are not going to keep him warm in this weather for long if he's outdoors'*With a sigh he rolls his eyes at himself for still thinking about the stranger. His thoughts freeze though as his home comes into view and a figure on the porch snares his attention.*'Speak. . .of the devil'*is all he can think as his eyes pick out the features of the stranger sitting outside his home.\n\nHe keeps a steady pace for a few seconds, trying to figure out what he's doing.*'It looks like he's trying to get something out of his hair. . . But as I recall, he's got a lot of stuff in there. But I think that stuff is on purpose. Maybe he's just brushing it?'*Shaking his head he breaks into a run just as the first large drops begin to herald the arrival of the storm. \"Yo!\" He calls out to the man, closing in on the house quickly. Without pausing he gracefully vaults the small stairs leading up to his porch and slides into place beside his door. Placing a hand on the handle he smiles over at the stranger and says, \"It's good to see you again, and I'd be delighted if we could talk a bit, however I think we should relocate before we both get washed away.\" With that he opens the door to his home, and in the same instant the heavens open.\n\nThe downpour is like a thick blanket, covering the ground almost instantly making everything a few shades darker. Viltez stands aside so his visitor can enter first and get out of the rain. He casts a glance inside and silently thanks the gods that he's not a messy person. The front room is fairly large, but sparsely furnished with just a small table set between a cushioned bench and the fireplace on the opposite wall. Back to the left is his small kitchen area with a stove and a little pantry, and tot he right are his indoor outhouse and his bedroom.*'If he's stuck here all night, the bench should be more than enough to rest on. I could even give him the bed and I can sleep on the bench. I've fallen asleep there before'*He chuckles to himself at the thought, reminding himself to light the fireplace as soon as possible.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx smiled as he worked, humming tunelessly in synch with the clouds rolling in as he carefully pulled his hair through the new beads before braiding it in. He could feel the cold of the wind on his skin, and while he knew it would get annoying in a while, for now he just enjoyed the feeling of a building storm. He'd always liked the change of pace that the weather could bring, and it was interesting to feel it on his skin as well. In his true form, lightning storms were one of the few times where he would take through the air, roaring with the thunderclaps as he twisted in and out of the cloud cover. He hadn't even done that for quite some time, now that he thought about it. And not for want of thunderstorms, as they rolled in every year. Strange, how he could just stop doing something that gave him that much joy.\n\nHe was shaken from his thoughts when Tezy came walking up with a shouted greeting. Autharyx quickly tied off his finished braid and stood up to make room for the man. Before he could react to anything he said, he opened the door to invite him in. As if the opening of the door was a sign, the clouds suddenly break to douse the earth in water. The droplets are cold on his skin, but Autharyx cannot help but turn his face back to enjoy the sensation for a second before shaking it off and accepting the invitation into the house.\n\nAutharyx eagerly looked around once he stepped inside, curious to catch his first glimpse of a mortal's home that was not a boat. He found himself slightly disappointed. While the room was clean and warm, it was also very... bare. He knew his own collection would be vastly superior to anything a mortal could scrape together in their lifetime, but it looked like Tezy had nothing to show for his years. There was only wood and stone, and all of it seemed functional rather than ornamental.\n\n\"Thank you for inviting me into your home,\" he said, remembering his manners. He tried to look at least a little impressed. \"It's very... spacious.\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "A faint shiver runs down his spine as he looks upon the stranger. The water falling from the sky seems to strangely hug his body as he casts his face skyward into the torrent.*'I know not if I shiver from the cold, or this odd feeling inside me. I do know that there is something different about this man. I know too that I senses it earlier, but I simply did not know what to make of it'*His eyes trail after the man as he enters and his thoughts cloud for a moment.*'I still don't know what do make of it, but for now, I will endeavor to be a good host'*Slipping inside behind the taller man Viltez shakes off a bit of the rain from his hair and moves past him to the hearth. Out of the corner of his eye he sees the other looking around his home with what looks like a critical eye.\n\nThe faint note of disappointment is not lots on the young man's sharp ears and he can suppress a chuckle as he kneels beside the woodpile. \"No need to be polite sir. I know my home is humble, but it serves me right. I can tell you are use to more beautiful sights and surroundings by the care you give those things precious to you in your hair.\" Pulling out some of the larger logs he sets them on the lip of the hearth before grabbing up smaller ones for the kindling. \"Feel free to make yourself comfortable while I get the fire started.\" Turning he smiles up at the man and points towards the wash room. \"If you wish to wash up or relive yourself, the washroom is over there.\" Turning back to his work he adds, \"I'll start on a meal as soon as I am finished, if you'd care to stay for it.\"\n\nHe chuckles. \"I am no great cook, but I get along well enough on the food I prepare.\" Viltez has never felt the urge to collect things in his life, so other than the bare necessities his home indeed looks rather bare. The only things he owns that have no use save for the value they have inside of his heart are locked away inside his room, beneath a pile of winter blankets.*'It's not like I wouldn't want a beautiful home, I simply haven't figured out what to do with it yet. I have what I need, and for now, that's good enough'*He smiles as he recalls the only other time someone has entered his home save for himself. A young girl, unbeknownst to him at the time, who wished to court him had practically invited herself in. He'd talked her out of the front door quickly enough, but not before she offered to add \"A woman's touch\" to the abode.*'She was such a child then. She's married now. I hope she's happy'*He works quickly and soon there is a roaring fire. Tossing on some of the large logs he pokes it a few times to make sure it will stay lit properly.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "\"I did not mean to cause offence,\" Autharyx said, even though the other had indicated he did not need to be polite. It wasn't a matter of politeness for him, but a matter of respect. And even than it did not have that much to do with Tezy. It was a matter of personal pride to show respect to those he thought deserving. Even the humans that had traded with him in the past had gotten his respect, even though they were so much less than he was. The humans he'd met on his trip thus far had felt... more significant somehow, but Autharyx was certain that had more to do with his current form than the capabilities of humans.\n\nWhen Tezy offered him the use of his washroom, Autharyx gave a small nod before heading in the indicated direction. He hadn't looked forward to the inconveniences that a human body would bring him, but at least he wasn't unfamiliar with any of them. Even without having seen the inside of a human house before, nothing proves to be terribly complicated and he takes the opportunity to peek around a couple of corners. Sadly there are no poorly-hidden treasure piles in sight and Autharyx has to accept that the house is indeed as humble as the human had suggested.\n\nAlthough... not fully a human. Now that he is in the man's house, his scent is present enough that he can discern the particulars of it without too much effort. Tezy may not be fae or dragon, but he can't be fully human either. If Autharyx had to hazard a guess, he would say that he was the product of some kind of interbreeding between species, but it wasn't like he was an expert. It was not inconceivable that there were many creatures he hadn't encountered yet. He hadn't ever ventured too far from his waters, and he knew the world had to be much larger than that. He walked back to the table quickly, not wanting to seem like he was snooping.\n\n\"I'm sure any food will be fine,\" he said, happy for the invitation. He hadn't even properly introduced himself, nor had he exchanged a gift in return for the hospitality, but he was following Tezy's lead in this. He had no real experience with human customs, and even if he had they would likely be antiquated by now.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "With a chuckle he calls over his shoulder as the visitor walks towards the wash room, \"No offense taken.\" As soon as he's sure the fire will stay lit properly Viltez stands and makes his way over tot he small kitchen. He's looking through his well stocked pantry when the man comes back from the washroom and says anything would be fine. He nods and sets about preparing something for he and his guest. Fulling the kettle with some water and tea leaves he swings it over the fire to heat. Turning to the other man he smiles and points at the couch. \"Feel free to have a seat, tea should be ready soon.\" With that he turns back to his work.*'I know he likes sweet things, so maybe I can make something with a sweet drizzle'*Pulling out some various fruits and veggies he begins make up an old dish he learned from one of the local woman years ago.\n\nAs he works he hums to himself for a while before he realizes he's effectively ignoring his guest. A bit sheepishly he looks over his shoulder as the tea begins whistling. His shirt had started riding up a bit from his continuous motion so as he turns to remove the kettle from the hook he pulls it down. \"I'm sorry I'm being so quiet, I'm not use to guests.\" With a faint cough he sets the teakettle on the small table and retrieving cups and a sugar bowl. He smiles over at the man. \"In fact, you are the first one who didn't invite them self in, heh.\" Making sure to leave the hot pads so he can pour his own tea should he want it Viltez heads back to his cooking. \"And since you're my guest, I will offer my name first, seeing as I forgot to do so earlier in the market.\" He turns to the man and gives a little bow. \"My name is Viltez. I have no sir name, but people around here have taken to calling me Tezy for short.\" As he stands back up he waves a hand to indicate he'd like to know the others' name.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Autharyx watched from the couch as Tezy busied himself in the kitchen. He'd never seen someone cook over anything but an open fire before and it was pleasant to not have to make conversation for a bit. The not-human was being remarkably lenient with him, but he still didn't like the feeling of not knowing which customs he should follow. Everything was so much easier when he was the one calling the shots. But then he supposed that the whole purpose of this excursion was to experience something new for a change.\n\n\"It's okay,\" he said when Tezy turned to him again. \"You are under no obligation to 'entertain' me.\" He frowned when Tezy said that people had let themselves into his house. It had happened a few times with him as well, but he'd always managed to eviscerate the thieves before they could get to his hoard. He was just about to say something along the lines of 'I hope they died a painful death' when the other started introductions. He quickly rose to return Te- no Viltez'- bow.\n\n\"I am honoured to have been invited into your house, Viltez,\" he intoned solemnly. \"My name is Aryx.\" The shortening of his true name was the only concession he was willing to do. He just couldn't be sure that there wasn't someone that remembered the great dragon Autharyx that lives in the lake. If anyone asked, he could just insist he was named after... well, himself.\n\n\"I have come from up the river, and am unfamiliar with your customs,\" he went on. This excuse was the whole extend of his back-up plan if he didn't fit quite in. He hoped it would be sufficient.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez chuckles lightly to himself at his guest's hasty response, but stifles it in the face of his obvious discomfort. \"It is nice to meet you Mister Aryx.\" he says with a kind smile before returning to his work. \"And don't worry, I don't think customs here are all that different from up river, though you did forget to do a hand stand after entering my house.\" Pausing for only a couple seconds he turns his head with a laugh. Before his guest can honestly question the validity of his statement he says, \"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Please don't mind my teasing.\" He tilts his head with a wide smile. \"You just seem so uncomfortable, I thought I'd lighten to mood.\" He returns to cooking and after a few minutes serves the food out on to plates. Turning her sets one plate on the table for his guest before moving around to the other side and taking a seat on the floor. The fire is warm on his back, fighting off the little bit of chill left over from the rain.\n\nPouring himself a cup of tea he smiles up at Aryx. \"I hope you like it. It's just some of my sweet vegetables, fried, with a light drizzle of some melted sugar and caramel.\" He hangs his head a bit shamefully. \"I'm sorry, I haven't had the chance to shop for meats lately, so we're stuck with fruits and veggies for now.\" He smiles back up at the taller man, \"But you said you liked sweet, so I hope this is good.\" with a cheers motion with his teacup he takes a sip before digging in. Living alone for so long, he hasn't really learned mush in the way of manners when eating, but he does keep himself from smacking. Drops of the topping drip down his chin on occasion but he uses his fingers to scoop them up, licking his fingers clean afterward.\n\n\"So, up river huh? I hear the fishing up there is really good.\" He murmurs, trying to think of something to talk about. \"I've heard a few people passing through talking about a big beautiful lake with a shrine or something.\" His gaze gets a little far way as he tries to imagine it. \"The water is crystal blue and full of fish that make it look like gemstones moving in tandem beneath the surface. They say the air is so fresh and clean up there. . .\" His voice trails off before he snaps out of it with a faintly embarrassed look. \"Oh, sorry, I'm sure you know all about it up there, being from there.\" Looking down at his food he stabs it a few times.*'I bet it's pretty obvious I'm alone most of the time. I keep basically talking to myself, even with someone here to talk to. I should let him talk a bit'*Putting back on his smile he looks to Aryx, motioning at him with his fork. \"So, is there anything you'd like to know? I have lived here for some time so I can tell you a lot about the area.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx stood stiffly at the mention of a handstand, a frown creasing his brow as he shifted his weight uncertainly. He was spared the indignity of having to answer with a question, though the laughter of his host was hardly any better. He really wasn't used to people being so... comfortable around him. It wasn't even that he*liked*the fear that humans projected when dealing with him in the past, but at least he had understood it. Now he just felt constantly off-balance.\n\n\"Yes, I feel so much more comfortable now,\" he muttered when Viltez turned his back. He still sat himself down, though, and soon a delicious scent came floating his way, followed by Viltex carrying the food. Autharyx was surprised to find his stomach rumbling again. Mortals must have such tiresome existences, scurrying after food for most of their brief lives. But he couldn't deny that hunger gave an extra treat to the food that he'd never really experienced before.\n\nHe kept an eye on the other as he ate, following his example as close as possible. It was... stickier than he would have preferred, but thankfully that did not detract from the taste of the food. It was even sweeter that the fruit from earlier had been, which was a definite plus in his book. He was too preoccupied to do much talking himself, but thankfully Viltez seemed content to fill the silence. The first mention 'up river' sent a thread of anxiety coiling in his stomach, but it quickly switched to pride when the mortal started to reverently describe the lake he called home. He stopped eating for a bit so he could study him as he talked. The bit about gemstones was a really nice image, and if he could he would be preening at the praise.\n\n\"It is indeed a beautiful place,\" he said with a small smile, \"On clear days it looks like the bottom of the lake is just within your reach. People have tried to swim for the bottom only to find out too late it was beyond their reach from the start,\" he continued with a touch of pride in his voice before realising that was probably an inappropriate reaction to those events. To him, they had been just another sacrifice, albeit more involuntary than they usually were. He quickly went on, trying to cover for his momentarily lapse in judgement.\n\n\"The shrine is not nearly as impressive as it once was, though. The ruins stand on a small island in the middle of the lake, but no one goes there or looks after them any more. Most people that travel there, come to visit the town at the northernmost end. It sits close to the river and a frequent stop for traders of all kinds.\" His interest perked up at the offer to answer questions. He had many, even though he had no idea how many he could ask without seeming like the outsider he was. After thinking for a moment, he settled for satisfying his curiosity rather than try and ask about things a human should probably know already.\n\n\"What are the landmarks in the woods like? Are there any shrines, or is it just villages and towns?\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez can feel his tail twitch slightly under his shirt in the back.*'He can't mean they drowned can he? I mean, he almost looked a little giddy at the thought of people being unable to reach the bottom. Maybe he can? That's most likely it, He must be one of those men who do very well under water. We've had a few come through town who work in the ocean, and they can go pretty deep!'*The fire crackles gently behind him as he takes a few more bites of the sweet mixture on his plate and listens to his guest talk about his homeland. In his mind grows a picture of the island, and on it a grand shrine. Almost as if seeing the passage of time it dims and crumbles gradually and he can almost feel his heart drop at the thought of such a thing happening.*'He's obviously sad about it. It must have been an important place at some point to the people up river'*\n\nAt the man's question Viltez chews his lip a bit.*'I haven't traveled far from the village, but I can ell him what I have seen I suppose. Plus the stories, and the maps. . . .'*He takes a moment to gather his thoughts.*'He doesn't need to know it all though. I guess I'll go with the important stuff'*Taking a breath he smiles and sips down some tea before he begins.\n\n\"Well, directly around this village I know of only one shrine, but it's really small, and it's more of a traveler shrine to the forest god. It's about half a mile out of town, through the woods to the south, towards the lake. East of here it's all rolling hills until the town a good thirty miles away, but I've heard that there are some farms for sheep and cows between here and there, but they are away from the main road. After that is the ocean, but that's a way away.\" He stops to think for a moment, chewing on another mouthful of his quickly chilling dinner. \"To the north and west are the mountain, but to the north there's the Havardo cave. A lot of young couples go there. . .\" A faint blush touches his cheeks and with a cough he quickly moves on. \"And, um, west, yes, there is a thick forest between us and the mountains, but along the way there is an old stone structure no one really knows the use of. OH!\" He snaps his fingers remembering one last detail. \"Also to the west is the tallest tree in these parts.\"\n\nHe chuckles slightly. \"Apparently a lot of people have carved their names into it over the years and now it's practically a test of love to climb up and find a place to carve you and your sweetheart's name, heh.\" Bringing his fingers up he slowly cleans them off of the last remnants of the drizzle and stands. \"That's all I can think of for now.\" Turning his back he goes tot he sink and pumps a little water over his sticky dish. \"I mean I haven't seen most of this myself. I don't leave the village much. . . .\"His last comment is quite, but loud enough for his guest to hear.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "When Viltez turned around to stare at him, Autharyx knew he had to have said something wrong. He quickly went through his own words in his mind, looking for anything that might have cause the reaction, even as he tried not to fidget. The other's eyes were roaming over his clothes again, and if he'd known the scrutiny they would attract he might have swallowed his pride and gone with peasant's clothes after all. Probably. The inspection went on for a few more seconds, and then the half-breed dropped his eyes and went back to washing up without a word.\n\nAutharyx felt himself bristle at the insult. So not only did his words merit another close examination, but then this mortal decided he wasn't even worth the effort of explaining himself? Surely this was not normal amongst humans, or he would have noticed something of the sort in the market place. But then... this man wasn't human, was he? He smoothed over his irritated expression when the other turned back to him, and instead tried to see if he could figure out whether his different nature would be common knowledge or not. What he heard was not all that helpful, really.\n\nSo he was 'different' and people didn't mind when he acted 'odd'. That could mean all sorts of things, but in this case it could well mean that the humans were aware of his nature, whatever that might be. He knew the mortals had duller senses than he did, and it had taken him a while to figure out what he thought the man was, but they had years to figure him out. Surely one couldn't hide something like this for that long?\n\n\"Time is of no consideration,\" he said when Viltez had seated himself again. \"And it is good that there is much to see, though I must admit I find it hard to believe that there will be more to experience than the infinite variations my river and lake have to offer.\" This was to be a holiday of sorts after all, after which he would gladly return to the comfort of his own territory. Which had plenty to offer, thank you very much. He tilted his head slightly as he shifted his attention to Viltez.\n\n\"It makes sense they would see you are, as you say, 'different',\" Autharyx said, carefully talking around the issue as Viltez had done. \"I had not expected to hear that people do not mind. I thought that... humans as a whole didn't have such an open mind in things.\" Not in his experience at least. Even when he was well known to the people of the lake, they had rejoiced in placing the blame for all sorts of misfortune on those they perceived to be even slightly 'different'.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "*'I was right. There is something off here'*Keeping his eyes down he listens quietly, practically feeling the offense the man had taken about what he said about travel over water.*'He's lived by that lake, for a long time at least, and has traveled the river. However that river, while long, doesn't exactly have as much to offer as he seems to think'*Biting his lip Viltez chides himself yet again.*'That's a very close minded way of thinking of things. If he really loves the river and lake as much as it seems, then it's rude to judge him for that. Even if I think he's wrong'*His eyes dart back up when Aryx shifts the focus from travel, to Viltez himself. His heart beat quickens slightly even as he tells himself that everything is alright. This man can't have guessed in one day what he's successfully hidden from an entire village for years.\n\nHe swallows hard, his body tensing.*'It's obvious, he can tell something. Maybe the villagers just got use to me. Am I really that obviously different from them?'*His tail twitches again and his heart jumps, He tries desperately to will it to stay still and stands up slowly. Moving back he steps to the side of the fireplace, his eyes downcast. The small niche is big enough, and dark enough, for him to feel a little safer. He takes a steadying breath and looks to his guest.*'I don't want to lie. . . Even if it is to a stranger. It's clear he knows something, but how? What should I do? Will he tell them, will I be driven out. Will I have to be alone?'*Letting out a faint whine he stamps down on his panic and at last manages to pull out a reply for the man. \"One has no chance to mind what one does not know.\" His eyes shine out of the darkness, catching the firelight reflecting around the room.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Even with his limited experience in the ways of mortals, Autharyx can see that the conversation has quickly taken a turn for the worse. The energy in the air doesn't feel threatening though, more like the other is... afraid? While Autharyx tries to think back if he said anything that could be interpreted as either a challenge or a threat, his host is quick to put some space between the two of them as he retreats into a corner. Autharyx cocked his head in a curious manner as he looks into the two bright spots that mark Viltez' eyes.\n\n\"Than it is very fortunate most humans have the senses of a deaf and blind mayfly,\" he finally answered, keeping everything about his pose non-confrontational. He had been planning to masquerade as an ignorant human, but he supposed he could adjust his plans a little. He wasn't quite ready to announce his true nature to just any mortal, human or not, but it would be nice if he could drop at least a little bit of the supposed ignorance.\n\n\"My line has tended to the shrine for generations,\" he said by manner of explanations. \"Most people seem to have forgotten the ways of old, but some have longer memories. Be ensured that I have no intention of speaking about that which it is not my place to speak about.\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez listens to the man's words carefully, his eyes traveling over his face, trying to read him. 'I am usually so good at reading those around me, but there is just something so different about him. Something I can't put my finger on' At his final sentence he locks his gaze on the other man's eyes and looks as deep as he can, seeking out the truth behind his words. He is silent for a time, simply trying to figure out what to do, his eyes unblinking. 'He is sincere, I can tell that much, but what do his words really mean? It sounds as if he would not tell any of what I not wish known to anyone' His head cocks slightly, a faint idea trying to make it's way to the front of his mind. 'He is from a distant place. Not too distant, but far enough away that even if he told folk there, it would have no affect on me here. And even if it did, those here know me, and even if they heard such rumors, I doubt they would believe them'\n\nWith a faint sound Viltez looks down as his tail begins uncoiling from his waist. Still beneath the shirt he glances back at his guest and the fireplace flares, showing his nervous face for a moment before the shadows take it again. Then he speaks. His voice is low, barely loud enough for the Aryx to hear. \"My life hear depends on those around me not knowing what I am. I love them all very much, but I fear they would not accept me if they knew. . .\" Biting his lip the blade at the end of his tail slips out from beneath his shirt behind him and he swallows hard. \"You are an honest man, and since you say you will not speak of this, I will believe you.\" Slowly his tail snakes out against the wall, away from the fireplace until it reaches the light. \n\nSliding out into the light of the flickering flames it curls, curving forward like a man rolling his stiff joints before coming down to settle across Viltez's shoulders. The blade crosses his chest, hooking behind the opposite shoulder so a stretch of the long fury tail settles like a necklace across his chest. Chewing his lip slightly, his eyes on Aryx the whole time his tail did it's own thing, Viltez hums softly. \"If you find this strange, or disturbing, I can put it away.\" He says lamely, unsure of what to do now that his most guarded secret is out in the open before a perfect stranger.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "In truth, Autharyx really didn't feel like talking about himself, as he did not like to lie outright. But he could see that Viltez was curious, and he supposed it would serve him well to make him comfortable. He was delighted that the half breed would share this with him already and the last thing he wanted to do was to somehow push him away again.\n\n\"It's nothing special,\" he said modestly, \"Just a certain... aura around you that is simple to spot if you know what to look for. Most people don't, I guess, but I've grown up learning to sense some of the power that makes up this world.\" He looked off into the middle distance for a bit, rifling through his thoughts for a story that would satisfy the other. He'd rather it wasn't an outright lie, either.\n\n\"I am the last of my family living at the lake, which is why I left,\" he finally settled on. It was true enough, in it's own way. \"I grew up caring for the shrine. Even though there are still remnants of something 'mystical', as you call it, it's glory days were before this lifetime. Once upon a time it was a place of power and wonder, but the times have changed and it would be remiss of me not to change with them.\" Even though his words seemed negative on the surface, there was no trace of sadness in his tone. If you lived long enough, there was no denying that everything changed. This might be a change he hadn't been expecting, but that didn't mean it was particularly bad. It just meant he had to put in a bit more of an effort to find his way in the world.\n\n\"To be honest, I hand't expected to find someone like you,\" he said earnestly, turning his dark eyes to Viltez'. \"I've grown up... somewhat estranged due to my circumstances, and it does me well to find someone with a broader view of the world. You can be assured that I find you very interesting indeed.\" He cocked his head slightly, eyes drawn to the prehensile appendage that was his tail.\n\n\"I haven't met anyone even remotely like you. Do your people hail from the wilds around here, or do you come from further away?\" He wasn't sure if it was polite to question his host like that, but he was rather curious about it all. And since he'd answered a few questions of his own, it was only fair to get to ask some in return.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "*'Wow, that place sounds like it's amazing. He doesn't seem upset about it going down hill though. I wonder if it gave him this opportunity to leave his family's generation job and see a bit more of the world'*His tail wags back and forth happily as Aryx talks about the shrine and island. To him it sounds so beautiful, even if the picture in his mind is vague and shadowy. Having never seen anything like it the best he can come up with, he feels, is a shameful representation of the place his guest seems to love so much. His tail snaps slightly as a faint blush rushes to his cheeks. \"I'm not interesting.\" he mumbles to himself when Aryx turns his attention back to Viltez.\n\nTurning his head he grips his tea lightly with both hands when asked about where he'd come from.*'I suppose, he's told me so much about himself, it's only right I respond in kind'*Taking a deep steadying breath, calming his heart which he hadn't noticed had begun to beat rapidly he begins quietly. \"I do not come from the woods around here. I come from a rather far of place I don't remember all that well. The reason I am so different from those around here is because of the war.\" His eyes dart up to Aryx's for an instant then back down to his tea. \"I. . .My father was a Beastwalker. I can remember him, but just barely. I was twelve when he dropped me off on the outskirts of town. Beastwalkers and human had a war, when I was younger, and not humans and Beastwalkers have so much bad blood between them.\"\n\nWith a sigh he drinks down his tea and pushes himself to his feet. His head hangs down as he moves over to the sink to wash his dish. Raising his voice a bit to be heard from the kitchen area he continues. \"I remember a great forest. He trees were three times as big as the ones around here. Inside was where the other Beastwalkers lived, and a few miles away was a human town. We didn't go to either place. . . Well, I didn't. Papa would go off on occasion when we needed something we couldn't make or find.\" Setting the cup on the wooden rack he returns to the table and sits down. Holding his arms atop the hard wood he settles his head down on them. \"One time he came back and we had to go. We traveled for over a week, barely resting, until at last we came near this town. He said it would be safe for me, and that if I could just \"Be human\" I would be okay. He gave me my first long shirt.\" He smiles, looking up at Aryx and giving his sleeve a tug. His tail comes down and slips around his waist loosely.\n\n\"I just had to keep it wrapped up tight and even if someone saw it I could pass it off as a belt, as long as they didn't get too good a look.\" He chuckles lightly, his tail coming back out. Of it's own free will the tail begins moving towards Viltez's guest when the young man returns his gaze tot he table. It stops withing arms reach and waves slowly back and forth. \"It was rough at first, but eventually I found jobs here, and built my own home. I've had a few close calls, but after finding out about the wars my vigilance wen-. . .\" The shadow of his tail on the table stops him cold and his eyes dart up to watch his tail wave back and forth in front of his visitor. A battle begins inside his mind.*'Should I pull it back? Am I being rude? Maybe he's curious. . .I don't suppose it would hurt if he touched it. But am I assuming too much?'*His tail continues to wag slightly while he watches to see what happens.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx didn't bother to hide his interest as Viltex started to tell about his past. He wanted to ask so many questions, but he didn't want to risk getting his cover blown. Better just to wait and see what the other would tell out of his own volition, than let something drop that would make it painfully obvious he hadn't lived amongst humans in his life. There were plenty of points he could imagine it could go wrong on. The parent thing for example. Sure, he had some vague memories from when he'd just hatched, but overall his species was a solitary one. Eggs were guarded ferociously, but once they hatched they had to carve out a life for themselves. And he'd never even met his sire, so he couldn't even begin to imagine what it would have to be like to live with a father.\n\nStill, he made an effort to try and picture the life he must have lived. The trees he was familiar with were squat, gnarled things overhanging the water, but he'd seen the larger forests from afar. He had walked through something similar on his way to the village, though nothing quit as impressive as Viltez was describing. How small he must have felt, just a young mortal with trees towering above him in every direction. Or perhaps it had been normal to him, and he felt big once he left the confines of the woods. Autharyx might feel quite insignificant at the moment, but that might only be because he remembered what it was like to be a dragon. He still was a dragon, of course, but still. It was different on two legs.\n\n\"It sounds like you've been on your own for quite some time,\" he finally said carefully. Twelve, that was young for a human, right? He was pretty sure they tended to place special meaning on the decades they had lived, so it made sense for that to be a significant portion of their lives. As he tried to figure it out, his gaze was drawn by the tail that was waving in front of his face. At the moment it was hard to imagine anyone could mistake it for a belt, alive as it looked flicking this way and that. The fur looked like it would feel soft to the touch, and Autharyx' hands were itching to reach out where they lay on the table.\n\n\"Still, you seem to have done well... for yourself... with the...\" He couldn't quite help himself. The next time the tail passed by, he moved his hand forward over the table to his fingertips traced the underside of the tail where it passed over them.\n\n\"Er... with the house and the job and all,\" he finished sheepishly, glancing at the other to see if he was being particularly impolite.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez nods vaguely. He has been alone a long time, but it never really bothers him.*'I'm just grateful to be living'*Living this way has brought him to a contentment he can enjoy openly, and even having to hide himself from those he's grown to trust over the years he can not claim to have had a bad life. His attention shifts from his own swaying tail to his guest.*'He's watching it too. Sometimes I wish I had a little more control when it has a chance to relax, but I guess if I was forced to sit still most of the hours in a day, I would not want to listen tot he one giving me that order all day when it was recreation time'*Suddenly his flesh jumps at the feeling of Aryx's fingers. It's only a light brush, but the feeling of someone else touching the sensitive appendage is enough to send a chill up his spine.\n\nA faint rumble rolls in his chest and his tail slips forward to wrap around his visitor's hand gently. \"I can't complain. My life is good enough. Not fantastic, but I feel grateful for what I have. . .\" His words seem distant as he watches his tail flack back and forth a few times across the back of Aryx's wrist. With a sudden shock he realizes that the wayward appendage is being far to exploartive as it begins slipping up the other man's sleeve and with a glare he grits his teeth and forces his tail to let him go and wander somewhere else. Glancing up at Aryx he chuckles uncomfortable and murmurs an apology.\n\n\"So sorry, it really has a mind of it's own when I'm not thinking about it.\" Swatting it away as it begins trying to brush against his cheek he smiles at his visitor. \"Did it feel weird for you? I mean, a lot of people have pets with tails and all, but I've never felt anything quite like my tail. It's smooth, but fluffy. . .\" He shrugs with a sigh. \"I guess if I had to pick one discontentment it would be having to hive from everyone. Having to strain myself every day with the fear of being discovered. . . .\" His smile widens. \"However having you here, for however short the time may be, I feel is more than enough to quell that feeling for quite some time. . .\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Autharyx paused thoughtfully when Viltez offered the bed. He was pretty sure he didn't much care whether he slept on the couch or the bed, but it might be impolite to reject the offer. It had never even crossed his mind to let any of his human guests anywhere near the place he used to rest. In fact, he much preferred they had no idea where he was when they weren't doing their trading. It was a little disconcerting to be trusted this easily. Not that he was planning to hurt the human, but still...\n\n\"I would be glad to accept the offer,\" he eventually said, hoping he didn't misread anything. It seemed to him that Viltez seemed slightly nervous about his presence in the house, but he didn't quiet dare to ask. Thankfully, the other men kept talking before Autharyx would have had to fill up the silence, and he listened with rapt attention. As the tail swept back and forth, his eyes were drawn to the shine of the blade at the tip. He'd assumed it was a weapon of sorts, but Viltez hadn't described it as such yet.\n\n\"That is indeed a fascinating story,\" Autharyx said earnestly when the other was finished. \"And even though it was involuntary, it is still a part of you, right?\" He tilted his head as his eyes flicked to the tail once again. \"If you were to close your eyes it would not know where to move, and if you do not wish harm on anyone, it would probably not react.\" He set his hand on the table, palm facing upwards in much the same position as when he'd touched the tail last. He felt slightly silly about doing so, but if he could tempt the appendage into coming back he would count it as a win.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Smiling wide when Aryx accepts the offer of the bed, Viltez settling more comfortably against the table.*'He thought hard about that, I'm glad he seems comfortable here. I wonder what he's seen that makes me less than weird. He find it more fascinating than freaky. I never thought anyone would be okay with this. . . .'*He nods slowly at the other man's question, still showing signs of worry on his face. With a shrug he murmurs, \"I couldn't see the branch though. I guess a part of my mind could have remembered it was there, but does that mean it makes more use of my mind than I do?\" The tail comes up to peek over the table as he speaks, the blade cutting slightly into the wood as the tip presses into the surface. \"I don't know though. I've never had all that much control over it save for keeping it wrapped. I. . .I don't know if it works to my will or not.\"\n\nCoughing lightly he looks towards the fire. \"I don't believe it would harm anybody, it's more timid than that. It. . .Wow, I guess I'm talking about it like another creature that just so happens to be attached to me, huh?\" The tail moves further forward, skimming the surface of the table as it makes it's way towards the visitor's open hand. \"But that's what it feels like really. It has moods, and seems to do what it wants when I'm not paying enough attention.\" The blade presses flat side against Aryx's palm before snaking back up his arm. So use to the feeling of it wandering over things aimlessly Viltez doesn't notice. \"I'm so scared in public of it doing something to give me away, I don't really worry much, but after that day I spent a week inside. I was trying to get my confidence of my control over it back. I think that's the only time I actually worked with it after I taught it to stay put after being dropped here. . . .\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx did not mind it when Viltez looked away. It only meant he was free to focus his attention on the tail that came sneaking back towards him. When the blade pressed to his skin near his wrist, he felt a light involuntary shudder travel up his spine. This tendency of his body to react without his input was still novel enough to intrigue him for now, but he knew it would become old pretty fast. He couldn't even begin to imagine what it may be like if an entire appendage refused to obey your commands...\n\n\"If you don't know whether it works to your well or not, wouldn't there be ways to find out? \" he asked, watching the props of the tail up his arm with interest. The fur felt soft on his skin, particularly on the delicate pay on the inside of his wrist. He could feel the soft strands pull through his fingers where they lay curled upwards, but he didn't move them just yet, unwilling to risk scaring it off again.\n\n\"See how much you can still do blindfolded, for example, or try if you can keep it down when someone throws something at you. \" Autharyx might not be familiar with trails such as these, but he did love puzzles in whatever form they presented themselves. And figuring out how this worked was nothing if not a puzzle. As he spoke he could not refrain from seeing how soft it would be- the last time Viltez had pulled away before he had a chance to process the sensation. He slowly brought up his hand to trace the tail winding itself around his arm.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Looking thoughtfully into the fire Viltez considers what his visitor is saying.*'I guess I really should work with it more. I'm old enough now, even if I did get thrown out of town I could survive. If my tail could be of use in that survival it's better to know what it can and can't do'*Shaking his head lightly he laughs to himself. \"I feel like a kid who's never made use of one of his arms. I know I should be doing something with it, but I'm still too afraid to do anything about it.\" His voice is low, his eyes falling to the floor as he speaks. Chewing his lips lightly he adds, \"And I've never had someone around to help me figure it out.\" His tongue darts out to lick his lips. \"Maybe, while you're here y-\".\n\nHis voice cuts off as a very odd sensation runs through his body. His tail tightens firmly around Aryx's arm, the blade turning so it doesn't cut him as it constricts. A faint noise makes it's way out from between his lips and after a second his head snaps around to stare at the stranger. His eyes are faintly unfocused as his gaze wanders down to the wayward limb clinging to the other man's arm. Spotting his hand raised above the tail Viltez makes the connection quickly. Blinking his eyes rapidly he looks back up at Aryx. \"You. . . What did you do?\" His tone is confused, no hint of anger, just a vague hint of panic. He doesn't quite know what to make of the new sensation. \"I've never felt that before, it was like. . . .Tickling that ran all the way up my spine. . .\" He continues to glance back and forth between the slowly relaxing limb and Aryx's face.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "As Viltez talks, Autharyx let's himself picture it. It certainly sounded like the other wanted him to stay here. Not only would be have a place to stay, he would also have a person that was interested in his stories about his shrine, and he would have a marvellous puzzle to figure out in the form of this tail and what Viltez could do with it. It sounded like a pretty sweet deal to him, he thought as he carefully ran his fingers over the top of the tail.\n\nImmediately, it tightened around his arm and Viltez snapped his head around faster than he could move his hand away. Autharyx froze, a guilty expression on his face as his hand still hovered in the air over his arm.\n\n\"Er. ..\" he started, \"I didn't mean to hurt you. It's just. ... It was right there, \" he explained weakly. Thankfully Viltez did not sound particularly angry, or pained. When he asked him what he did, a small frown creased his brow.\n\n\"You mean you didn't feel what I did?\" He asked, curiosity coming back when it seemed he wasn't going to be in trouble over this.\n\n\"I, er, I guess I pet it? \" He slowly brought his hand down to show Viltez, fingers threading through the soft fur as he ran his hand over the curve of the tail again.\n\n\"Like so. ..\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez does his best to calm his shocked visage, the guilty expression on Aryx's face making feel bad.*'I'm not angry, I hops he doesn't think I'm mad'*He swallows, his expression turning curious rather than surprised as his tail relaxes a little more. His ears burn a little however when his guest seems surprised that he didn't recognize what happened to his tail. \"No, don't worry, it didn't hurt, it was just, really strange. Like ice running up my spine. Not unpleasant, just very different.\" He ducks his head slightly in embarrassment.\n\n\"It's always wandering over thing, and I don't pay it much mind. I suppose I should start learning such things. I mean, I am a grown man now, I guess it's about time I learn to use this thing. . .\" His voice trails off as Aryx raises his hand over his tail again. The appendage contracts only slightly just before he touches it, but as soon as his fingers run across it it becomes very tight around the stranger's arm once more. Once again the odd sensation runs up the half beastman's spine at the touch, but this time the sound from his throat is muffed with an effort.\n\nSwallowing again, his eyelids drooping slightly. \"That, really is interesting. Your fingers are warm, I can feel that temperature difference, and the skin pulls on the hairs, unlike the stone and wood it's normally touching.\" He looks down to his own fingers, a confused look on his face. \"I've never. . .Pet it before, but on occasion I fiddle with the fur near the base of the blade. It's never felt like this though.\" He looks back at the tail, the blade slowly sifting against Aryx's upper arm. \"I've always supposed it's a weapon of some sort, maybe it's less sensitive next to the part that suppose to strike things.\" he muses.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Autharyx*knew*he should have stopped at the sound, but his hand didn't even pause when the noise seemed all but pulled from Viltez. He could feel the tail twitch minutely underneath his fingers as the half-breed's face slowly flushed dark at the cheeks. He didn't know what it was about the situation that he found utterly fascinating, but whatever it was had crawled underneath his skin and was now buzzing right beneath the surface.\n\n\"Of course,\" he said, voice calmer than he had expected as he waited for the tail to uncoil again. The drag of fur against his wrist seemed somehow amplified this time, and he had to let out a controlled breath to keep from shivering again. By all accounts he would have expected to be uncomfortable with this unforeseen reaction of his body, but then he remembered the slightly breathy noise Viltez had made at the end and he didn't really care any more. It was... intriguing.\n\nHe couldn't quite keep his gaze off his host's face, pupils dilating to take in everything, even as Viltez rambled his way through some kind of explanation before fleeing the room. The moment he left, Autharyx stood up, unsure what to do with the sudden restless energy that seemed to fill him. This was something new, and as he paced back and forth in the small room he tried to imagine where it could have come from. Viltez had seemed rather agitated himself, so perhaps he was simply more sensitive to the moods of others than he had expected? And of course there was still the thunderstorm raging outside. Now that he thought about it, he could feel the turmoil of the air above him, tension building sharply before releasing with a clap of thunder that he felt in his very bones. It was hard to tell if he was influencing the weather or if it was influencing him, but in the end he supposed that it mattered little. Even confined as he was, he was still a part of the world in a way that mortals weren't, and the sound and feel of the rain outside was enough to ground him again.\n\nBy the time Viltez returned he was standing by the window sipping the last of his drink as he watched the play of rain on glass. He turned to look at his host, answering his smile with a small one of his own. There was nothing, now, to suggest at anything like the tension he felt earlier, so Autharyx put it from his mind. If this fleshy shell was going to throw him for a loop like this more often, he might as well try to get used to it.\n\n\"I am fine, thank you,\" he said. He briefly wondered if he should apologise for his liberties earlier, but that would involve bringing it up again and it was easier not to. Viltez didn't seem to hold any of it against him, so he supposed he might as well follow his example and let it go.\n\n\"Settling in for the night sounds great, it has been a long day.\" As he said the words, Autharyx felt surprised by finding he meant them. He knew his body was stronger probably stronger than a human's, but he'd been travelling for a night and a day and it was starting to wear on him.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez nods at his guest, wandering over to take his cup so he can put it int the kitchen with the other supper dishes.*'He doesn't seem to have noticed anything, great. I'm glad. I was hoping that I wouldn't scare him off with my acting weird'*He chuckles softly as he sets the dishes next to the others.*'Although, if my tail didn't scare him off I think I would be surprised if something like my being flustered scaring him off'*turning back to his guest he motions to the hallway with a bright smile before leading the way down the short little distance to his bedroom door. Slipping inside to the modest little room, complete with bed, some shelves, a wind, and a small chest, Viltez wanders over to one of the shelves. Shifting through some clothes on the shelf he pulls out a large tunic made of soft materiel and lays it on the bed.\n\nA littler nervous about what he's about to say Viltez looks at Aryx a little sheepishly. \"Um, I'm not sure if you brought any with you, but here';s something to sleep in. Your clothes are a bit, well, filthy from your travels, and if you just leave them outside the door I'll be up really early tomorrow to do some of my own laundry and I can wash them for you. I, just just cleaned the sheets you see, and normally I don't think I'd have a problem with this, but as it is. . .\" His voice trails off, his gaze wandering about the room, only looking to his guest every few seconds as he speaks. Finally he gives the man a little nod and slips out the door. \"Anyways, goodnight. I hope the storm doesn't keep you up, and good dreams to you.\" With that the young beast man wanders into the washroom to change into a spare tunic he'd nabbed from his shelf.\n\nAfter washing off the best he can without taking a bath he slides on the comfy tunic and sips back into the hallway, leaving his dirty clothes in a wicker hamper inside the washroom. He spares a glance at the door to his room, but somehow feeling like his intruding on something he continues on to the living room and begins preparing the bench for his night of rest. When at last it's set up just the way he wants it he settles on to the now slightly more plushy surface and pulls a set of blankets over himself.*'Today was a good day Father. I met someone really amazing, and I hope that he'll stay as long as he can. He doesn't mind my tail Father. I didn't know there were humans like him. Why didn't you leave me with people like him?'*Curing up a bit over the last thought Viltez soon falls asleep while the fire across the room slowly turns into bright red ember, then eventually dies completely.\n\nThe next morning as he said he would Viltez wakes even before the sun rises and with a long drawn out stretch and yawn he welcomes the day lazily. Flopping back against the bench very haphazardly after his stretch the young man smacks his lips and smiles ay the gray light coming through the window.*'I wonder if he's awake yet'*Sliding off the bench he carefully folds all the blankets before piling them carefully on one end. Then, before he forgets he sets in to do the dishes. Once each one is set out on the drying rack he wanders towards the hall, peeking at the floor beside his bedroom door to see if his guest had left his clothes there like he'd asked.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "It didn't take Autharyx very long to locate Viltez, and he made his way to the front door. He wasn't sure of the protocol, but he figured that saying 'good morning' would be a good start. The half-breed seemed to be an impeccable host, and Autharyx was sure that it would be his best bet to just follow the man's suggestions to appear as human as possible.\n\nWhen he opened the door, his host was turned towards the rising sun, head tilted back to feel the warning rays on his face. Autharyx was just in time to catch the murmur aimed at the heavenly body travelling the air. It was enough to shake the last of his sleepiness away, and he watched Viltez intently, even though he realised that he should probably announce himself.\n\nIt was just... He'd almost forgotten what it was like to have mortals properly appreciate the wonders and parts of the world, and Viltez seemed to do it so effortlessly. It reminded him of the priests and priestesses that had tended his shrine so long ago. He honestly hadn't had all that much to do with them, but he hadn't realised how much he'd appreciated them until they'd been long gone. Now he couldn't help but imagine what Viltez would say of his home, his lake or even the play of sun on his scales.\n\nHe shook of the inappropriate sense of possessiveness that threatened to creep up on him. Just because he'd found an interesting mortal didn't mean he should think of him as something he could scoop up and store away with the rest of his treasures. He could satisfy whatever curiosity he had the human way, by interacting like a proper mortal would. After all, this was Viltez' world and he would play by his rules.\n\n\"Good morning,\" he eventually said, doing his best to keep the intensity of of his eyes as well as his voice.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "A light breeze tosses Viltez's hair about as he keeps his eyes fixed on the dawning day. His tunic makes slight rustling noises, having been left loose for more coverage as always, and he doesn't even notice the eyes on him until he's addressed. He jumps slightly, his arms snapping down to his sides to take hold of the bottom of his tunic. Holding it in place he whips around, a slight touch of fear in his eyes. However when he sees it's Aryx he lets out a tense breath and smiles, releasing his tunic. \"Sorry. I mean, good morning! I didn't hear you come out. I was just. . .\" A little embarrassed at what most would see as a silly ritual he looks down away from the other's face.\n\nIt is then that he realizes that his guest is outside in nothing but a top. To his embarrassment he could tell that the man had not been wearing any unders, and he highly doubts based on his prior actions that he would grab a pair of Viltez's. As the breeze blows by again, threatening to lift the light but durable fabric the young man's eyes snap back up to those of his guest's and he lets out a little uneasy chuckle. Before he can think of anything better to say he squeaks out, \"Isn't it a little chilly out here dressed like that?\" A shot runs through his chest and he brings up his hands apologetically.\n\n\"No, um, sorry, if your comfortable out here like that, then, that's your right. I'm not judging!\" With another laugh, a little easier one now, he wanders over to the clothesline to check the laundry. Running his hands over them he is careful to not look at Aryx just yet. When he'd realized that he was practically naked a heat had rushed up his neck, a strong blush blossoming on his cheeks as for some reason the sight brought back memories from the night before.*'I need to get this under control. He's from a different area, and to each their own, right?*feeling the still rather damp cloth his shoulder slump. His hands come up to rub at his cheeks before he turns around to face his guest. Holding a hand up to indicate the wash he calls out, \"It'll be a little while still, I just got the last of them up. You're more than welcome to wait with me if you like.\" Bringing his arm back in he brings the other up so he can cross them over his chest, a faint smile still in place on his lips.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx' smile slowly droped when it became clear that something was bothering his host. At first he thought that he must have interrupted a private moment after all, but the half-breed's comment made him suspect it was about his clothes. As Viltez looked away, he quickly looked down to check if he had somehow put the garment on wrong. Viltez had been the one to give it to him, so the garment itself couldn't be the issue, could it?\n\nHe'd known humans were very peculiar apt which parts of the body were acceptable and which weren't, but as far as he could tell the most impolite parts were covered. Still, 'I'm not judging' implied that there was something that should be judged, so he told himself that he would strive to be more careful in the future.\n\n\"I did not want to rifle through your stuff uninvited, \" he said by manner of explanation, leaving out the part where he'd really wanted to, but decided not to four politeness' sake. \"It would be nice to wait with you. I am not cold, \" he added hesitantly in case Viltez was actually worried about that. He noticed the man's face had coloured up again, and tiled his head slightly as he tried to figure out what that could mean. He'd done that yesterday, when his touch seemed to have made him uncomfortable. Did it mean he would rather Autharyx headed back inside?\n\n\"Um, or I could head back in, if you'd prefer? \" Autharyx didn't quite like the tentative edge to his voice, but he couldn't really keep it out.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Shaking his head a few times Viltez's smiles brightens and he tilts his head toward the clothes. \"I put yours up first, so they should be done. I would love the company!\" He is very sincere, the look in Aryx's eyes and the tone of his voice making it obvious that he'd slipped up a little more than he thought and he wants a better chance to explain.*'It's not like I think he's done anything wrong, so maybe if I just explain to him about the way things are around town he'll understand more why I was flustered'*Already the heat in his cheeks begins washing away be he even lets out an honest laugh.\n\n\"You really are durable, not being chilly out here like that, it's neat. I know it's not exactly cold, but with the storm last night the air is damp. That combined with the breeze would have most people shivering at least. You really are amazing mister Aryx!\" He speaks in all sincerity and motions for him to come closer. His gaze shifts to the side once more but after a second he brings his eyes back to meet the other's. \"I really am sorry before, if I upset you about the clothes thing. See, around here, unless you're a girl, most people don't leave their house without at least some unders beneath their tops, and most wear pants.\" Moving strait past that he quickly adds, \"However I once read of a place where the people wear nothing**but**unders, even the women!\"\n\nHe smiles wider, leaning back easily against the wall of his hut. \"And, that's normal where they are, and what makes them comfortable.\" motioning to Aryx he adds lightly, \"And if that is comfortable for you then you just go ahead and wear it. Well, around the house and yard at least. If you go into town like that I'm not sure how everybody would react. Most likely not all that well.\" Suddenly he recalls what his guest had said about going through his things and grateful look graces his features. \"Oh! And about going through my things, I'm glad you have such respect for them, but when it comes to clothes your free to grab what you need, well, if you need anything.\" He glances over at the fancy light clothing. \"Well, they may not be as nice, but they'll get one through I a pinch, heh.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "\"I guess growing up near a lake has its advantages, \" Autharyx said with a small smile, even as he decided to pretend to be cooler in the future. The lesson about local customs was useful at least. The humans by the lake had been covered in greater and lesser amounts over the decades. even nudity hangt ben that big a deal, at least during some of the times. It was probably different when they were away from the lake as well, since clothes didn't really tend to go well with water.\n\nAs Viltez was talking about 'unders', it took him a while to figure out what he meant. He probably meant the little pants that humans sometimes wore underneath the rest of their clothes. Since he'd assumed that humans couldn't care about what they couldn't see, he hadn't bothered with scavenging an adequate pair. He supposed he would have to attribute it to 'cultural differences'.\n\n\"If they are almost dry, I might as well wait for a bit, \" he said, still long himself against the wall of the dwelling as Viltez had done. \"It sounds like I should consider myself most fortunate that I encountered a free-thinking person such as yourself. I would hate to cause someone discomfort solely because I do not know the customs. \" his mind flashed back to the stall-human he'd been very nearly willing to... make an example off before Viltez had intervened. Okay, so perhaps he was a little more inclined to cause 'discomfort' when he wasn't interested in respecting that particular human. He wasn't actually*lying*.\n\n\"I appreciate the trouble you're willing to go through on my account. \"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "He keeps his eyes on his guest as he comes over to lean against the wall, happy that he seems to no longer be bothered by his earlier comments.*'Good, he's more relaxed now. I need to be more careful in the future. I know I can relax around him some, but I must never forget that he's from somewhere else with his own set of habits and customs'*He nods and chuckles over the comment about causing an upset because of customs. Reaching over to pat him on the arm softly he almost freezes at his last comment. However he is able to complete his action and draw his hand back without looking too awkward.\n\n\"I don't think I'm all that free-thinking. I mean, I don't even let my tail wander around on it's own out of fear, suppressing a part of my body every day just to fit in.\" His head hangs down a bit but his smile remains firm. \"You haven't caused me any trouble, really. . . And, I'm kinda glad you stirred things up a bit in town. If you hadn't we may have never met yesterday. I would most likely never met someone I can talk to freely about. . .Things.\" A touch of fear enters his voice and he looks around worriedly.*'Can never be too careful. Eyes around every five, or else you might take a dive'*He knows his little rhymes are rather foolish, but they keep him on his toes like they are designed to do.\n\nLooking back to Aryx he grins before stepping forward to check the clothes again. Running his fingers over the fabric he notes that his outfit is still a little damp in the thick places. Giving out a little sigh he returns to the wall and he props himself up, arms over his stomach. He doesn't even notice the extra precaution as he looks off towards the mountain. \"You saw, earlier, didn't you?\" His fingers curl a little tighter about him as he thinks about how weird it must have looked. Becoming too bright to look at directly Viltez instead focuses on the mountains themselves, his tense muscles jumping.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "His body jumps ever so slightly when Aryx calls his silly habit a ritual. \"No, um, I don't mind. . .\" H he mumbles, caught off guard by the odd realization that the man may be right.*'Is it really a ritual? I mean, I do it every possible time I can, and it doesn't feel right if I don't. But that's just weird. No on else does it, and it's not like I'm part of one of those religious sects'*His head hangs a little bit as he thinks. A light breeze causes his clothes to flutter once again and he unconsciously tightens his grip over his waist. \"I've, never thought of it as a ritual, really. It's just something I do, it feels right.\" Looking towards the town he tries to imagine what the others would think of his morning habit. The many faces laughing good naturedly, the chuckling over his foolishness. He's not sure if anyone would out right have anything to say about it, but he does know that they would all laugh about it.\n\nWithout another word he walks out to check the clothes again. It's more a nervous action than an actual curiosity over whether or not they are actually dry.*'Maybe it's that half of me. The beastman half. I could be a part of my heritage. Maybe I'm closer to nature than I thought'*He tries hard to remember if he did it before coming to this little town, but his memories of that time are hazy at best.*'I can not remember even a single sunrise with my father'*The thought stops him, frozen in the middle of the last article of clothing.\n\nAfter several seconds his hands fall to his sides and he looks strait up into the sky. Forcing his arms away from his body he spreads them out wide and takes a long deep breathing. The breeze picks up again but this time he just lets it wash over him for a few seconds before his arms fall once more to the hem of his shirt. Wandering back over to the house he props himself up again and smiles over at Aryx. \"I guess it is a ritual. I never thought of it like that, but you're right, it is.\" His eyes fall to the ground and he adds, \"I don't know when I started to do it, or why, but it is what it is.\" Looking back to his guest he has an apologetic look on his face, but he looks a lot more relaxed now. \"Sorry about all that, I was just, caught off guard by the concept. I'm a simple kind of guy and to think something like that actually is as important to me as I now realize it is was a shock.\" His smile widens and he tilts his head tot he side. \"Thanks for pointing it out for me, Mister Aryx.\" The wind fans his hair as he thanks his guest softly.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx watched wroth open curiosity as Viltez wandered by the clothes before t turning towards the sun again. This time he was prepared, but he could still vividly feel the breeze that ruffled his hosts clothes. He was surprised to find that he looked to join him, but decided to keep to himself, at least for today. His eyebrows went up when Viltez revealed that he'd never even considered it to be a ritual, but he had no trouble answering his smile.\n\n\"There is no need to thank me,\" he said modestly, though he was actually pleased by the courtesy. \"And I wouldn't disregard the importance of paying one's respects to nature. After all, one never knows who or what might be listening. \" He didn't mean goods, of course, though his kind had often been revered as such. In his experience it had always been the smaller spirits that showed the most attention to humans, for better or for worse. He hadn't really noticed any so far though, apart from the ones chattering in the top of the trees. Perhaps he was not the only one that had gradually drifted away from the world.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Pleased that his guest is smiling too Viltez turns his gaze forward as he listens to the man talk about nature. He's a little confused about the comment on who might be listening, but he shrugs it off as a cultural thing he'll want to ask about later. For now however he smile smiles and nos, watching the clothes flutter in the breeze. In the distance signs of the village coming to life greet his ears and eyes as columns of smoke begin to rise from houses here and there.*'It's time for mothers to be waking, preparing meals for their little ones and husbands as they continue to be lost in their dream lands. Some fathers will be rising too, getting ready for a hard day at work, the toil of their backs earning them what they need to keep their families happy and healthy'*\n\nHis gaze turns to the man next to him, his mind trying to make a good guess about his age.*'I wonder if he's got family somewhere. Or if he will have one some day. I mean, he is beautiful, even just in a shirt without his adornments. He could get himself a good wife some day. The children taking after either of them. Maybe one day setting of to foreign lands to explore like their father'*His eyes linger on the man far too long, until at last he realizes he staring and coughs lightly, looking away. Pushing off he checks the clothing one last time, smiling as he finds them now dry.*'Looks like the breeze got them done quickly. I'm glad. I need to get started on breakfast and then I've got some odd jobs in town today'*He glances at his guest before scooping up his basket.\n\n*'I wonder what he'll be up to today. I don't mind him if he follows me around, even if that will be boring for him. But I don't suppose I can assume that. Perhaps I should tell him about some good places to check out around town. Yeah, I'll do that. . .'*Carefully pulling the clothes off the line he resolves to also invite him along on his daily rounds.*'It's only polite to give him the option, after all'*Once all the clothing is in the basket he smiles at Aryx. \"Could you get the door for me? It's harder to get the door open like this.\" He nods towards the basket in his arms happily while walking towards his front door.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "As Viltez busies himself with the clothes, Autharyx can hear the village wake up in the distance. The blessed calm of the morning is starting to get interrupted by the noises that make up the lives of humans, and he knows that by noon it will be hard to escape from the noise altogether. He doesn't know what it is about humans that makes them so noisy, but he suspects a large part of it is that he is simply attuned to it. The great flocks of birds that pass through his lake every year make just as much noise, but he doesn't pay nearly as much attention to it. There always was something about humans, wasn't there? They were both the source of many of his treasures, as well as the source of some of his greatest irritations. Were Viltez' people like that as well, or did they live a less... conspicuous life. His host, at least, was not nearly as grating as some of the humans he'd met.\n\nWhen he looks at Viltez, he's giving him one of his intent stares again, though he turns away when he notices Autharyx watching. The dragon tilts his head thoughtfully, wondering if there was something off about him that his host was noticing. He'd said something to that intent the night before, hadn't he? Whatever is driving the curiosity, Autharyx can't sense anything confrontational about it, so he doesn't really mind. The scrutiny only gives him an excuse to return it in kind. He keeps his eyes on the half-breed as he gathers the clothes. He'd never really held the appearance of humans in high regard, but he has to admit that looking with mortal eyes gives him a different perspective. Where as a dragon might she a body that will be gone in mere decades, now he can see the strength and grace in that body. Viltez moves with grace, even in a task as small as folding some clothes, and Autharyx does not find it a chore to observe him. He opens the door when asked, accepting his own clothes when he is handed them.\n\n\"Would you care to share in my fruit for the morning's meal?\" he asks as he steps into his pants. He doesn't fumble once with the fastenings before closing them, a feat of which he is probably more proud of than is strictly warranted.\n\n\"You provided the food yesterday and I would like to return the favour.\" Viltez' shirt was nice enough, but he doesn't mourn it when he takes it off. While the plain style suits his host, he personally prefers something a bit more... flashy.\n\n\"I could also go to the markets, or perhaps partake in a hunt if you prefer meat?\" He folds the shirt neatly before putting his own back on. As he examines the edges to see if they held, he notices that the texture of it is far more agreeable than it was the day before. Whatever Viltez did to it, it obviously worked better than repeated soakings in lake-water.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "His smile widens as his guest opens the door for him, a slight nod of thanks thrown his way as he walks past the taller male. Setting the basket down in the middle of his living area he carefully removes. Aryx's clothes and hands the sleek fabric over to his now companion.*'I hope I didn't damage it. The stuff it's made of is far finer than I am use to. . . .'*He blinks at the offer of sharing fruit for breakfast, a warm feeling setting up in his chest at the thought of sharing another meal. He has no idea why the offer sounds so pleasing, but he turns away politely when the other begins pulling on his pants.*'Not my place to see such things, even if on accident'*He muses, his hands now busy looking through the now clean clothes to find some to put on for the day.\n\nWhen he hers the shuffle of a rougher fabric he turns to take his shirt from the man. He stares for a second at the other's bare skin, somehow finding the sight very interesting. He's of course seen others without their shirts on, but when Aryx's top is bare, it is almost as if he can smell the man better, and the scent is intriguing.*'It doesn't quite smell like all the others, but I suppose if you grow up in a different place, different things go into your body to make different smells'*Shrugging, he accepts his idea and goes back to his search for his own outfit. Only to pause again when his guest offers to hunt.\n\nHis first instinct it to outright reject the idea, the thought of making a guest work so hard for a meal feeling somehow wrong to him. However after a few seconds he continues digging.*'This may be a good opportunity. I can learn more about myself, and get some fresh meat out of the deal!'*\"Well, the offer is kind, I do not have time this morning for fresh meat. However I would love to share in some fruit with you this fine morning.\" He pulls out some sturdy pants and a long tunic triumphantly before turning to his guest. \"Tonight on the other hand, I would love to got out hunting with you, if I won't be in the way. The best hunting is done in the woods, and no one really goes very far in there. I was thinking perhaps I could do some practice with my tail. . .\"\n\nHe shakes his head a little. \"That is if you don't mind me coming along. I know a lot of hunters hate bringing people with because they scare off the prey. I mean, I would stay back and all, but if you still think I'd be in the way and still would like to have meat I can just stay away in town and let you do your thing. . .\" Realizing he's rambling a bit he crosses his arms, clothing still in hand, and looks off to the side.*'I'm babbling like a fool, I should give him the chance to actually respond. So stupid. . . .'*he chides himself.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Without anything to do, Autharyx just waits patiently for Viltez to finish deciding. He feels... just a little nervous, though he can't really grap why. It wasn't like he's trying to win Viltez' favour, as humans had often tried to do with him. No, this was just an offer of convenience. They both needed to eat, didn't they?\n\nA small smile spreads over his face when Viltez accepts the food, growing even wider when he expresses a desire to hunt together. He was eager to see more of the forest, and'practice with his tail' could only mean he would get to satisfy his curiosity some more. It still left the issue of how he was going to spend his day, but discovering the town some more would do.\n\n\"I think hunting together sounds like a great plan. The woods are different from my lake, but theft seem interesting enough in their own way. I'll go get my fruit. Do you eat it raw or do you want to do stuff with it again? \" He asks over his shoulder as he heads of towards where he'd left his bag in the bedroom earlier.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez's head snaps around with a wide smile when Aryx agrees to take him hunting. He resists the urge to bounce up and down like a puppy waiting for it's mater to throw a stick.*'I'm both excited and nervous. Hunters go in daily, but I think if we go deep enough we should be okay, and no one will be around to see my tail, I just hope I don't get in the way. I wonder what he hunts with, I don't think there are many weapons that would fit into that satchel of his. . .'*\"Raw is good. I've got a lot to do today and the sooner I get to it, the sooner I'll get done.\" he says with a smile as Aryx moves off to where he left his bag.\n\nTaking the opportunity to change he's just making sure his tail is wrapped when his guest comes back. He smiles lightly, doing his best to not blush as he holds up his shirt chest high to make sure it doesn't get in the way, and so that he can see the appendage properly. Once it's in place he hooks his tail in and drops his shirt down. After making sure it's in place he gratefully accepts the fruit offered him with a smile and begins eating.\n\nHis tongue darts out to lick his fingers, trying not to make too much of a mess as he eats the sticky mass. \"I don't know if you have anything planned today, but if not you are more than welcome to follow me in my chores.\" He shakes his head slightly. \"Or if that's too boring, the town has a couple shops with stuff like the things you keep in you hair that you may like. The town is kinda small, and there's not much to do, but . . .\" He doesn't really know what else to say about it. The town is small, there isn't much to do in it, but if he likes drinking at least he'd have something to do. The tavern has games and company, but for some reason Viltez doesn't see his guest as a tavern goer.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx isn't sure if he's supposed to watch as his host wraps his tail around his waist, but he can't really bring himself to deny his own curiosity. The sinuous movement of the appendage bring the night before to his mind when it had wrapped around his wrist and arm in a similar manner. Was the drag of soft fur as distracting to Viltez as it was to him, or was he used to it, as he was slowly getting used to his clothes still?\n\nAs breakfast starts, Autharyx finds that sharing boss food comes easier to him than expected. He even kind of likes seeing Viltez enjoying the offer, rather than feeling resentful for having to give something of his up. It's... novel in a not entirely unpleasant way and he keeps a thoughtful silence as he carefully eats the sticky fruit.\n\n\"I haven't seen all of the wastes yet, so I was thinking of going to the market stalls again, \" he says after licking the last of the sticky juice from his fingers. \"I wouldn't want to impose on your work time,\" he continues carefully, trying really hard not to convey that watching someone do work was only slightly lower on his list off things*not*to do than actually doing work himself.\n\n\"Perhaps we could set a time and place to meet again? \"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez thinks carefully as he eats.*'I'm glad he has something to amuse himself. I just hope he does not tire of this small town too quickly. What time do I think I will be done for the day. . .I don't have over much to do, but all of it will require the sun to be if not high, at least close to it. . .'*His head tilts back and forth as he thinks, murmuring, \"I hope you find something to your liking in our humble shops.\" He smiles, honest in his convictions. When at last he munches down the last bite he picks the most likely time to be done in a safe margin of error.*'Even if it doesn't take me quite that long, at lease Aryx will not have to wait'*\n\nSitting up he continues trying to clean his fingers for a while before shrugging and deciding to just rinse them off in the wash water when he dumps it in a few minutes. \"I should be done no later than four hours after mid day, a lot of my work falling during the pre to mid day hours.\" He smiles softly. \"I kind of try and fill my days with stuff to do so I can keep busy and have some extra cash for when I don't have as much work.\"*'Not to mention my secret little stash for a possible trip one day. I've never really made any specific plans, but it never hurts to be prepared'*With a little nod he stands. \"I should get going now, please close the door behind you when you go. We can meet here because it's on the way to the forest from town after all.\"\n\nWith a little wave he heads outside, wandering over to the wash basin and after rinsing his fingers he dumps it out in the grass several yards from his home. Setting it near the pump he rinses off his hands and rubs down his face to get the last bits of stickiness off it. Looking to the town, the morning is in full swing now, and after a quick check to make sure everything is still in place, he marches off at a brusk pace towards the hustle and bustle.\n\nThe hours pass relatively quickly as first he runs some errands for Old Mr. Jukerman, the large bags of feed for his chickens too much for his aged frame. After that he gets rather filthy changing out a wagon wheel for a trader passing through town who didn't want to pay full price for the work. An hour before mid day Viltez makes his way over to the house of a young woman who has more than once offered to become more acquainted with the half beast man, and indeed many of the times she hires him it is for work that would either be more suited for someone more skilled, or for something she obviously messed up herself and just wanted an excuse to get Viltez to come over.\n\nThis is the case as once again the fence to her small animal pens appear damaged inexplicably, the breaks looking suspiciously like they were made by an ax. Viltez however does not judge her actions and instead, after running to town for supplies, returns and begins work immediately. After about an hour she comes out with refreshments, He accepts a cup of cool liquid but is careful to shift away from her to keep her hands off of him, all the while making it look nothing like he's trying to avoid her. \"Thank you Miss. Ellen. Very refreshing.\" He says with one of his award winning smiles. But just as she's about to move in close once more he hands her back her cup and drops down back to his work. She walks off with a sigh and once she is out of ear shot, he too lets out a long sigh.*'Gotta watch out for her. If anyone's gonna find out about my tail in this town, she is, with those hands of hers. . . .'*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "By the time the afternoon comes around, he at least manages to hit the stump more often than he misses it. Still, it will not be nearly enough to hit anything that was actively trying to get away from him. With this setback he has to have an exceptional stroke of luck or he's simply going to embarrass himself in front of his host. The thought of doing so is more... troubling than he might have imagined. After all, what does it matter how good he is with the bow and arrow when he knows he can alter the course of the wind at a whim or strike the greatest of beasts down with tooth and claw? The opinion of one mortal shouldn't matter. It is illogical of him to want to*impress*Viltez, especially since this form of his is inferior in every aspect to his true form.\n\n'*He might be an interesting mortal, but a mortal nonetheless,'*he thinks to himself as he cocks another arrow.*'I owe him some small amount of respect since he is my host, but I needn't care what he thinks of anything except for the tribute I offer in return.'*He smiles in satisfaction when the arrow strikes true and reaches for another one.*'And any opinion he might have about me is flawed in the first place. If he knew what I truly was like, he would have no choice but to be impressed.'*It's not that hard to imagine what Viltez might look like should he ever see his true form. A mix of respect and just the right amount of fear as he reveals himself- perhaps in his cave surrounded by his treasures. The expression of joy that would surely follow once he got a chance to show off his flying tricks, the questions he would-\n\nSomeone suddenly coughs and Autharyx lets out a completely undignified yelp as the arrow he was aiming flies wide of his target. He turns around with a jerk, ckeeks burning slightly with what he refuses to acknowledge as shame.\n\n\"Ah, Viltez,\" he says calmly, brushing a non-existent spot of dust of his sleeve with the air of a startled cat pretending he was calm all along. \"I was just, er, practising. Brushing up, really.\" He doesn't miss the glance to the arrow stuck on the roof, and he has to mentally clamp down on the blood vessels in his face to keep a blush from spreading. At least Viltez had complemented his shooting, but that is a meagre consolation when faced with the truth.\n\n\"Heading out sounds good,\" he says quickly, before scurrying away to pick up the arrows he'd shot away. It doesn't take long and he gestures for Viltez to lead the way.\n\n\"Was your day agreeable thus far?\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Suppressing a chuckle at the obviously very undignified sound made by the male only moments ago, Viltez chastises himself once more for watching him like that.*'If I had called from afar, I would not have startled him so, and he would not have shot so far off the mark. I have heard many a hunter curse at losing their arrows, and. . .Maybe he will not want me to come with now. Now that I've already disturbed a shot. That really was very rude of me. . .I hope he doesn't want me to stay home after that, I really did not meant to startle him. . . .'*\n\nHis fretting continues even as his guest greets him, stating the obvious while brushing off his near immaculate clothing. He chews his lip, not being able to meet his eyes for several seconds, until at last Aryx makes a statement obviously inviting Viltez to sill accompany him on his hunt. A rush of relief cascades through him and he offers a wide smile, his eyes barely noticing the flush on the man's cheeks and he merrily moves forwards towards the wood. His eyes do however follow him when he runs off and retrieves his arrow.\n\n*'I am glad he was able to find it so quickly and easily. I was afraid it may have been lost, then I would owe him a new one, no matter what he would have to say about it'*As they slowly approach the forest, the sun still high, but definitely pass the high point, the beast man tilts his head to the side, thinking of how to answer the man's question.*'Well, it was not a bad day, however neither was it by any measure better than any other. It was a day, like so many others, passed in a mix of trepidation and contentment, light up points when I completed a task, and relative low points when I was left to think to myself for too long. . .'*\n\nDeciding that his life holds no real interest in it, at least not something that may intrigue his guest from another land, he decides on a simple narrative. \"Nothing too disagreeable happened, though it was by far not the most agreeable day I've ever had. It was an average in my life, a morning of hard labor, a mid day of errands and odd jobs. I suppose one could call a lack of incident agreeable, though I am not sure how you would judge near misses.\" His mind falls back to the lady, and then to his later fears and pondering, falling silent as he thinks. They enter the wood moments later, the sun being almost instantly blocked out by the very thick foliage high above. There are many smaller trees, and on some of the giant trees there are branches leading all the way to the top, but for the most part the trees surrounding the path only have branches high above the heads of any traveler seeking to pass beneath their boughs.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "It does Autharys well to see that Viltez thinks carefully before answering. So many humans seem to live in a rushed manner, throwing words around with nary a thought. It makes sense, of course, seeing how brief their lives are, but it seems some mortals at least thinks things through. He's a little curious about the 'near misses', but since Viltez doesn't seem to want to talk about it, he doesn't ask. He had more pressing matters to consider anyway...\n\nLike how he was going to get out of hunting. Sure, he liked the idea at first, but it's not going to be any fun if he isn't actually*good*at it. Not only will he have to hit something with his stupid bow, he'll also need to find something to shoot and somehow keep it from noticing him long enough to actually shoot at it. No, much better to waste enough time 'by accident' that they need to head back to the village empty-handed. It can't be that hard to drag out the practicing of the tail, can it? He won't have to pretend to be interested, at least, and there must be a plethora of ways one could test and practice the amount of control Viltez had over the appendage. If that wasn't enough he would just have to get his host talking, and the afternoon would be over in no time!\n\nWith that choice made, Autharyx was free to enjoy the forest with a spring in his step. The pattern of dappled sunlight lends a certain dream-like quality to the forest around them, casting strange and beautiful shadows over the scattered undergrowth. The most defining feature, of course, are the trees- thick straight trunks towering high above them in all directions. It had given him a sense of being trapped the first time he'd entered a forest, but he had soon dismissed it as a silly notion. He spent a large portion of his time in a cave, after all. No, what the forests are, is*different*. Different from his lake, different from his rivers and especially different from the sky he frequents. Different is not bad though, in fact the whole idea of this mortal venture of his is to experience something different for a change.\n\nThe two of them walk side by side for a while, each engrossed in their own thoughts. When they can't see the edge of the forest any more, Autharyx turns to Viltez with a smile.\n\n\"We must be reasonably out of anyone's way by now, no? What do you say you let out your tail for a bit? See what kinds of tricks you can manage? Besides, one shouldn't stay restrained all the time if it isn't necessary.\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez watches the small internal exchange of the other.*'I wonder if he realizes how obvious he is about somethings. At first he looked concerned, then like he had a sudden idea, and now he looks positively giddy!'*He chuckles softly at the sight of his guest practically skipping along the shaded path. As they pass further and further into the forest, the sunlight has less and less chance to peek through the leaves growing thickly overhead. The sun above is bright enough the set the canopy alight with green light, however at only two hundred yards in only in vary distant patches here an there does the sun actually manage to kiss the forest floor.\n\nEach patch of light lands upon the only wildflowers growing in the forest save for the ones that grow on trees, bushes, and tree bark, the flowers growing thick in patches of grass. A few times Viltez has come to the forest, seeking out these patches for the rare flowers growing in them. The man running the apothecary in town is no longer as young and as fit as he use to be, and he tired of sending his daughter who would take hours upon hours even if he said he needed them quickly. As such, the young beast man has become familiar with what these flowers do, his curious nature leading him to ask about them with each job he takes for the old man.\n\nAs his eyes seek out one of these patches, wondering if Aryx would be curious to learn about the rare flowers, his attention is drawn back to his guest and he can feel his heart skipping a beat. He manages to offer a wary smile of his own, his head swiveling around to look behind, then off into the woods. He chews his lip, worry evident on his face, however after a few calming breaths he feels his tail relaxing. He coughs out a light laugh. \"I'm not sure about tricks, but I can at least let it out to play. . .I'm sure it will be delighted.\"\n\nAs it slides slowly from around his waist Viltez realizes that the way he thinks about a part of his body must sound rather odd, seeing as people tend to have complete control over their bodies for the most part.*'I mean, I don't think about blinking or breathing, but I do it, and when something approaches my face, I flinch. That's almost the same as my tail isn't it? I don't think about it, so it just acts naturally. . . .'*He lets out a long sigh, wondering what he should try doing with it. It curves up, the blade swaying back and forth, like a bird looking around, before seeming to slither through the air towards Aryx. He tries to stop it but it does not listen, coiling around the man's arm once more. He lets out a sigh. \"Sorry. . . But see what I mean? How can I do tricks with t when I can't even keep it from wandering off like this. . . .\" He lets out a defeated sigh. Normally Viltez has more confidence, but as the subject is the control of his tail, he's easily disappointed in himself.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Autharyx watches the play of emotions on his host's face, happy to see that he seems to feel secure enough to 'let it out to play'. It is still rather strange to hear him speak about the appendage as if it has a mind of its own, but he doesn't say anything about it. He's pretty sure Viltez indulges him where he does not know human customs well enough, so the last thing he can do is let the half-breed act however he please in regards to his own body.\n\nThough when the tail slipped around his arms once more, the stricken expression on Viltez' face made him wonder if it didn't have a mind of its own after all. His host obviously did not like what it was doing, so it must act on some other impulse altogether.\n\n\"You do not wish to touch me then- or rather, for it to touch me?\" Autharyx inquired quiriously. He debated taking the opportunity to run his fingers through the soft fur again, but based on that had gone the last time he tried, he decided against it.\n\n\"Perhaps it is some sort of instinct?\" he ventured, though he couldn't for the life of him think of what purpose this behaviour could serve. \"Perhaps it sees me as a... threat or something and in this way the blade is close enough to do some damage?\" It didn't*feel*like a threat, but what else could it be?\n\n\"Maybe if I...\" rather than welcoming the touch as he had done before, this time he carefully tried to pull his arm away, just to see what would happen.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "\"It's not that I'm against it touching you, if you don't mind it, however it's the fact that I wasn't thinking anything like that and it just went and did it. . .\" Viltez mumbles dejectedly as he watches it coil happily around his guest's arm. He huffs lightly, unsure of what to do. Then Aryx tries to move away and his tail responds oddly. Is eyes go wide as the red furry appendage instantly uncoils, only to dart forward and wrap around behind the taller man, pulling him closer.\n\n*'Oh, my, I didn't expect anything like this, is he mad? I mean, I can't'*He ducks his head and almost violently forces his wayward tail to snap away from the man, taking several steps backwards to take him out of range. His head remains down, his arms clasped tightly over his middle. \"I am so sorry, I don't, I couldn't. . .I didn't mean for it to do that. I would never. . .I don't know how to say this without sounding insulting, but I would never try to take such liberties. . .\" When his tail had pulled the other male in there had been barely an inch between them, the distance making the usually distant man very uncomfortable despite the lack of anything actually happening.\n\n\"I'm not use to having anyone that close, and it, shocked me a bit. Forgive me. . .\" He glares down at his tail, watching it thrash some nearby ferns, slicing through the tick stems with each snap. \"I think. . . I think it may be doing it because. . . I've never had anyone around like you, and it's feeding off how lonely that little part of me is. . .\" He tilts his head up, smiling weakly. \"I'm happy, living around the people I grew up with, helping my fellow towns people, making them smile. . .\" His head falls again. \"But as you have said yourself, one shouldn't be restrained all the time. . .I think, it's just being selfish. . .\" He swallows hard, praying for something to happen to defuse the tension even as his tail falls still, laying limp against the ground.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "When the tail suddenly snaps around him to pull him close, Autharyxs can only freeze. Had he been in his proper body, such an act would have been... ill-advised no matter how fond he might have been of the other, but in this frail human body he simply hasn't developed the appropriate reflexes yet. Before he can even think to react, Viltez flinches and retreats as if the proximity burned him. Autharyx might not approve of the contact, but the violent way in which VIltez flinches away is slightly insulting. If he had hackles, they would be up in indignation. In his human form, however, he just raises his chin ever-so-slightly as he tries to regain the balance in their interaction.\n\n\"Good to know you at least try not to sound insulting I guess,\" he mutters. It's not that he even*wants*to touch the other man or anything, but couldn't he at least*pretend*the very idea of it wasn't completely distasteful. He doesn't quite get the meaning of 'liberties' in this context, but 'insulting' tells him pretty much all he needs to know. Do humans enjoy insulting people in general, or was it just once-formidable dragons they enjoy insulting?\n\n\"Well, I'm sorry your tail is so lonely it forced you to telerate my proximity, but rest assured that I won't just up and leave. I enjoy your company, and as long as your permit me, I enjoy your hospitality as well. You don't have to fear that I won't be able to properly repay you, either.\" Autharyx realises he sounds kind of petulant, so he figures it is a good time to change the subject.\n\n\"But anyway, we wanted to test your reflexes, right? I could throw pinecones and we can see how many you can hit?\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez flinches back away from Aryx as he spits out his first response. He does not even hear anything after that, his pent up panic and life long near obsession with keeping people happy slams into his mind, deafening him to all else but the rush of blood in his head.*'I knew it, I was being foolish, I should never had brought it out, I should have known better, all it does is bring me trouble. . .**I hate being me!***He can feel his innards crushing around the pain, the unknown, indescribable feeling of having done something so stupid, and willingly at that, all forcing him to curl in around himself.\n\nAs he curls his tail comes around to mimic the action, but as soon as he feels the brush of the fur on his arms his eyes snap open and he snarls. This noise, the bestial sound, is not something he has ever heard before, however he ignores it as his hand snaps out to knock the appendage away. Somewhere, deep inside, he knows he's overreacting, however he has not survived this long by ignoring his instincts to hide, these instincts that are currently tearing him apart inside.\n\nThe tail falls limp and like a shot he races off into the forest. He does not go far, his good hosting instincts keeping him from laving his guest completely alone in an unknown place, however he does go just out of sight before collapsing against a tree. He crouches down, hugging his knees, watching his tail twitch limply like a scared dog unsure whether or not it wants to comfort it's master, or it if would do better staying away.*'I am so stupid! Even with all the skills I pretend to have around the villagers, all this peace I've enjoyed over the years, I break my one cardinal rule, twice, just twice! And both times, it ruins everything. . .'*\n\nHe can not understand why he is acting like this. Normally he is more collected, calmer, more able to deal with such things. He can not see the invisible threads of magic normally around him, those little tiny bits that still connect him to nature. He can not see the change they have made around the stranger, how the immense connective magic around the dragon turned human has thrown his waning connection all out of sorts. He can not know these thing, so he does not even think to blame Aryx for the changes in his emotions, in his ability to control himself. As his head falls to his knees, hiding his face from the world, he feels he can only blame himself for all the troubles he's feeling.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "A weight he didn't quite acknowledge falls off his shoulders the moment Viltez answers. He still doesn't sound completely fine though, so Autharyx walk towards the source of the voice with caution, not willing to startle his host again. When he walks around a tree, he spots the dejected pile of limbs that is Viltez, tail lying limp on the forest floor. It is disheartening to see the man like that, and even more so to imagine that it is his own actions that put him in that state.\n\nHe shuffles his weight from foot to foot as the half-breed speaks, trying to make sense of what he is saying. He's talking about his tail like it has a mind of his own again, and it wants to... mate with him? He's not sure what's prompted it to think of him as a female, but at least it did not seem to be something he had done, so that was... good, he supposed? Honestly he wasn't sure what to think any more, as he could think of a lot worse things Viltez could have done that touch him with his tail. At least he hadn't accused him of being a thief, like the stall-human had, and neither had he shown him any discourtesy when Autharyx was unfamiliar with the human customs.\n\nAs his host kept talking, Autharyx found himself distracted by the hum of power in the air. The magic that was reacting to him, also seemed to be attracted to Viltez, dancing and buzzing around the half-breed in a way that would drive the dragon mad, had he been in his place. At least he'd used to letting energy ground itself to forge a connection with the surroundings. Viltez, on the other hand, seems consciously unaware of what is happening around him, causing the magic to surge in a chaotic manner. Well, that simply won't do, Autharyx decided as Viltez curls in on himself even further. He slowly steps closer to his host, squatting down once he reaches him.\n\n\"Thank you for explaining this to me,\" he said, feeling how the magic surged up slightly in response to his proximity. \"I feared it was something I did. Rest assured that I do not take offence, though I would appreciate if you'd give a warning next time.\" He's not paying too much attention to what he's saying, but rather on bringing his hand up to Viltez' slumped form. He can feel the power at his fingertips- Viltez seemed to exert quite an influence- but he could not anchor it without touching the other man. Given what had happened when Viltez had touched him, Autharyx highly doubted that any touch would be welcomed at the moment, but neither did he wish for the other to suffer any more. Faced with a choice between attempting to explain, or fix things and hope for the best, Autharyx went for the one that did not have to involve a discussion about how a mere mortal could have any knowledge of or influence over the powers that made up the world.\n\n\"Besides, controlling these 'idle whims' as you call them is the very reason we are here in the first place, so if you would excuse me...\" He brings his hand to rest on the side of Viltez' neck, thumb in the hollow behind his ear as his fingers curl around the back. The touch finally provides a conduit for the energies swirling around Viltez to ground themselves, and Autharyx sucks in a small breath as the magic uses him to establish a stable connection between the half-breed and the forest around them. For a moment there is a brilliant spark of connection between them, but then Autharyx pulls his hand away and the air is still again. From what he can tell, the buzzing should have stopped, but he still cautiously looks over at Viltez as he takes a reluctant step back out of his space.\n\n\"How are you feeling?\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "His body tenses.*'He's coming closer. Why is he coming closer. Why. . . .Why is it making my body light up like this? It's like a bunch of ants crawling across my flesh, scraping and nipping. It doesn't hurt, just. . .He should go, I was rude, why does he stay? I am a bad host, he can find his way out. . .Perhaps I should just lead him out, take him to the inn. There he would not have to worry ab-'*His thoughts are cut short as he feels the man stop beside him, the sound of his body shifting indicating he has come even closer, perhaps even come down to his level by the sound of breathing so close beside him. His flesh jumps slightly as Aryx begins talking, his head tilting ever so slightly to listen better. Even as his skin crawls, he can not deny the man the courtesy of paying attention when he speaks.\n\n*'He has been so tolerant of me, I can at least show him the respect all humans deserve. . .'*Even as it seems he has been forgiven, the stranger ask for warning, warning against these things, these responses, Viltez can neither control nor explain. His tongue is like molten steel in his mouth, sliding this way and that but unwilling to form around words.*'What's wrong with me. . . .'*He suppresses a whine, not wanting to interrupt his guest. After bringing up a very good point, one the halfbreed can not appreciate in his current state, the man asks to be excused, and on impule Viltez prepares to look up, to ask what he is to be excusing, however an instant later he feels fingers on his nect and a sharp shock runs through his system.\n\nA harsh gasp takes the place of words, spilling from the man's lips at the sudden feeling racing through his body. After a moment his head snaps back, a green light sparking in his eyes, though he does not notice it, and all at once, he feels much more himself.*'What did? How? I suddenly don't. . .It's like. . .What?'*His head slowly turns, his eyes finding his guest. His expression is unreadable beyond curiosity, however with his mind back in place, Viltez feels no urge to question what just happened.*'Whatever just happened, I feel better, and if he wants to talk about it, he will, and if not. . .All I can do is be grateful'*His tail twitches, catching the halfbreed's attention, then almost like it really is a dog the young man pats it softly near the tip and just like that, it's back to it's normal wriggling self.\n\nClimbing carefully to his feet Viltez brushes himself off and casts a smile at Aryx. \"Thank you.\" He says simply before pointing back the way they came. \"Perhaps we should get back on the trail before we forget which way it is, or get carried off by forest spirits or something like that.\" He chuckles softly at the idea of forest spirits, a creation of bedtime stories and nothing else as far as he knows, and with a new spring in his step he leads the way back to the path.*'Whatever he did, I feel much better. Perhaps it was something like those medicine men I have heard of, healing people through touching particular place on their bodies, releasing energy or whatever. However, I heard they use needles mostly. . .Perhaps some do not require them. . .Ah well, nothing for it now, I should just enjoy the lack of nerves'*He smiles warmly at the thought and does just that.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx' eyes remain glued to Viltez as he slowly stands up and brushes himself off. As far as he can see, what he did seemed to have worked. Gone is the nervous jittery Viltez, and back is smiley, confident Viltez. Autharys approved of the transition. Did this mean the energy is grounded properly again? Is it gone or is it now flowing into the beast-man as it should, strengthening him and providing him with a more intimate connection to what Autharyx had come to think of as his territory? Maybehe should just-\n\nAutharyx catches himself with a start before he can reach out to touch his host again. Where had that come from? He didn't actually need to touch him again, it was obvious he was much better. Hell, he's still debating whether he should have touched him without explanation to begin with. There is no logical reason for him to want to lay his hand on Viltez again. So he doesn't want to. Obviously.\n\nHe quickly puts the matter out of his mind in time to return the smile Viltez aims at him. See, everything as it should be, he assures himself, just in time to be caught of guard by a fierce surge of possesive jealousy when Viltez jokingly mentions being carried away by spirits. Luckily his host seems to have turned away just in time to miss the scowl drifting over Autharyx' face, followed by an expression of slightly baffled embarrassment. Viktez is his*host*, he doesn't even live in his territory. He doesn't have any kind of claim on him, and neither does he want one, he assures himself.\n\nIt probably has somehing to do with that brief moment of connection he'd accidentally forged, Autharyx muses as he follows the beast-man. Yes, that would make sense. Besides, he doesn't even believe in spirits from the sound of it, and it doesn't feel like there are any in this place. And if there were, none would try to take something away from a dragon as impressive as he is. Not that Viltez is*his*, but, you know, in a general sense of taking some random thing away from him.\n\n\"Back to the trail it is,\"he says in order to distract himself from his thoughts. \"The offer of pinecone-throwing still stands, if you want to train? I can stand out of reachif you think it will help?\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "The halfbreed smiles softly, feeling calm and relaxed now, somehow more at peace than usual. They come to a little bit of a thick patch of bushes as he hears Aryx ask a question and he is forced to slow, bringing his tail within range of the taller male. He can not help flushing slightly as it goes back to it's old antics of touching Aryx, however he does not feel frightened any more by the actions. As it settles on to the man's shoulder gently he says with a smile. \"Well, if you don't mind it, then it's up to you where you stand.\" Getting through the bushes Viltez smiles over his shoulder. \"And maybe stationary targets for now. Maybe, lining pine cones on a log, and then later if it looks like I'm getting better we can. . .\"\n\nHis voice trails off as a sudden thought overtakes him. Stepping out on to the path he turns, his tail sliding down to poke at the ground as his head tilts to the side. \"Actually, if we want to have any success hunting, shouldn't we start on that? I can practice with my tail any time, maybe even on the way home, but we want good light for hunting, no?\" He shuffles his feet, looking between Aryx and the ground in case he takes offense to being told common sense about hunting. \"I mean, I wasted so much time with that fit, we could always wait on me. . .\" He gives the man a lopsided smile and waits for a reply. He knows he acting a little different that usual, however he can not help the slightly giddy feeling that causes him to act a bit younger than his actual age.*'I like this feeling. Maybe he could teach me whatever he did and if I get stressed in the future I can fix it myself. .. That is, if he wants to. . .If he even wants to talk about it. . .'*He exhales softly, head tilting to the other side as he waits.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Viltez sways a little at Aryx thinks, his tail skating around the ground to pick at rocks and branches where it can reach them. The man keeps his attention on the stranger even as his tail has it's own ideas.*'I really hope he no-'*Aryx's reply makes his head tilt, a faint flush catching his cheeks at the clear interest the other has in his little secret.*'It's, I'm. . . Why? It's. Mean, yeah, it's something new and different I suppose, but, I ca-'*Aryx moves in closer, making the beast man come out of his thoughts and turn his head curiously. The light flush is still in place as his tail sneaks in for another exploration session with Viltez's guest. Before it can do any exploring however Aryx shows that he has plans of his own. And seizes the appendage.\n\nThe grip is soft, not a binding one but one that definitely seems to have purpose. His cheeks turns scarlet as those strong fingers comb through his fur, drawing a small sound from him before he's able to bite his lip and look away.*'Have I, did I tell him how that makes me feel? Is he doing it on purpose? I can not believe that he's **trying** to, well, make me feel. . .'*He shudders lightly, turning sideways so that his tail slips away from Aryx's grip and with a light cough Viltez even manages to squeak out a sentence or three. \"Ah, well, whichever you prefer. I do have food, and we can always come back some other time to hunt. . .If this isn't the right time for you, and you are the hunter after all.\"\n\nCoughing again he turns completely away and begins gathering pine cones. \"Yeah, the stationary ones first would be best.\" As he talks be manages to calm down and smile over at his guest.*'He can't know. If he did then either he's coming on to me, or it's some nasty trick to manipulate me. I can't see him doing that. . .I mean, I've only known him a short time, and he's always been respectful, and I'm not. . .There's not way he would be. . .'*He can't even finish the thought, knowing many on town find him desirable, however the thought of a stranger would come into town and enjoy the looks of one of the homely locals.*'And even if he is fascinated by it, there is no way the tail is attractive. . .'*As if sensing his thoughts the appendage comes up and wraps around his neck before letting go to bat around a pine cone he's trying to grab. \"Silly thing.\" he murmurs as he outsmarts it and gets a hold of the cone.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx might have convinced himself he's doing this for a good reason, but he can't deny the small sound that seems to worm itself out of Viltez' throat catches his attention like a hook does a fish. He doesn't object when his host moves away with a slight shudder ( *of disgust? He just can't tell*), even though a part of him kind of wants to. He hasn't missed that he seems to have developed a tendency to find excuses to get physically close to the beast-man, even though the impulse baffles him. It baffles him how a small touch of fingers on fur makes his throat catch and stomach flutter or why such a little sound would make him want to do something that produces it again.\n\nIt is... disconcerting to have these thoughts and impulses come seemingly from nowhere. What is it about the man that keeps drawing Autharyx in like that? Sure, he's interesting, but that doesn't mean he has to be all... stupid about it. He stares at his host as he gathers pine cones, feeling strangely jittery without knowing why. It's only when he turns to smile at him, that Autharyx remembers to pull his face into at least a measure of composure. He manages a small smile back, but there's nothing he can do about the light flush or his blown pupils, especially since he has no idea why this stupid body is deciding to behave like that in the first place.\n\nHe kind of feels like he should say something, but by the time he realises that too much time has passed and he just moves to picking up pine cones as well, his eyes flicking to Viltez every once in a while seemingly of their own volition. He replays the incident in his mind, particularly the part where Viltez immediately jerks away, and once again finds himself feeling uncharacteristically... guilty? He knew Viltez didn't like being touched and he'd gone and done it anyway.\n\n\"I apologise,\" he finally says out of the blue when they've gathered a small pile of pine cones. \"I shouldn't have... reached out. I should have remembered you didn't like it.\" He doesn't meet Viltez' eyes as he speaks, realising that by bringing it up again he was inadvertently admitting it had still been on his mind. Too late to do anything about that now, though.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "*'I wonder if he's doing well. He looked a little flushed when I smiled at him, perhaps he is developing a fever. It did rain yesterday'*Ignoring the obvious possibility of the reason behind his guest's behavior he goes over many more unlikely options until at last they have a good pile of cones and he's ready to find a place to set them up. As he looks around for a good spot Aryx speaks up and what he says makes Viltez smile. It is a genuine smile and when he looks over at the man he chuckles lightly. His tail wriggles around behind him, tapping the pine cones curiously. \"I don't mind Mister Aryx, and I was not offended. I was a bit surprised, but nothing more. After all, these new sensations of having someone else touch it are very new. Like a baby truly seeing it's mother's face for the first time, I imagine it is quite shocking, which is why their eyes are so wide.\"\n\nHe giggles at this, the dismissing of the underlying feelings going unnoticed in his effort to make his guest more comfortable. Overhead a bird calls out, it's cry making Viltez look up, raising a hand to shade his eyes as a small sliver of sunlight is let in from the beast taking off. He follows it with his eyes for a while before turning his attention back to the matter at hand.*'Yes, I was not offended, it just felt odd. . .'*He huffs lightly and begins scanning the area. \"We just need a good spot. . .\" His tail once more snakes over towards Aryx to play while he hunts. With a clap he spots a fallen log about a dozen paces away. Pointing at it he smile sat Aryx, ignoring his tail. \"There, that's a good spot. If we line them up, I think I can start trying to tell it what to do in a more natural way. You could chuck a few at me randomly as well to see if it responds the same as before!\"\n\nThe best man is clearly excited to get started, to move on to something new so he doesn't have to reflect as much. Scooping up several from the pile he smiles warmly at Aryx and walks happily over to the log and sets strait to work. He doesn't notice his tail as it begins to curl and coil happily, almost like a cat's while at play. He even begins to hum softly, his mood from before but a distant memory.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx stays quiet as Viltez blatantly dismisses the issue. He finds it hard to believe the beast-man as he speaks. After all, he hadn't looked 'a bit surprised' when he'd flinched back earlier, and neither had he when he'd run away after his tail had pulled Autharyx close. Sure, he spins a tale about not wanting to 'take liberties' or something, but to be honest Autharyx still isn't sure what he means by that. But hey, if his host is weary of him, he is allowed to spin that any way he wants. He might even sense that Autharyx isn't what he seems, and he can hardly fault a mortal for being intimidated by a dragon, can he?\n\nEventually he decides to just go along with Viltez, pasting a smile on his face and ignoring the tail when it ventures near him again. It turns a little more genuine as Viltez works to set up some pine cones, clearly excited about the whole operation. Autharyx gathers himself a pile of ammunition as well and settles in some small distance away to observe. When his host's back is turned, he quickly chucks a coffee at the back of his head, to see how good hours reflexes are. He won't be able to see it, but should be able to hear it. In the rest of the practice he aims his pine comes high and low, aiming to test the boundaries of Viltez' reach and reflexes.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "As he sets the last couple cones Viltez stiffens as he feels his tail jerk, he whips around just in time to see the two halves of the pine cone his guest threw rolling away in the leaf litter.*'What the. . . .But I wasn't even ready, and still it. . .'*He smiles happily at Aryx before turning almost all the way back around. He can just see the other male out of the corner of his eye as he begins trying to hit the pine cones on the log. At first it just snakes over to them, tipping a few over like a curious puppy sniffing around. \"No, you silly thing, you're suppose t-\" Suddenly then furry appendage whips around and knocks another thrown cone away. This time instead of cutting it the side of the blade strikes it in such a way that it goes flying back at Aryx. Viltez glances over, muttering an apology, but seeing as the cone was not hit all that accurately so it never actually was in danger of hitting the man, he goes on with the training swiftly.\n\n*'Now don't do that. I don't want him getting hurt in this. I've already been enough of a fool in this, I don't need to add being a horrible host to the list of offenses. . .'*With a huff he watches his tail go back to it's old habit of just pushing them and in a moment of frustration he stomps his foot. His eyes go wide as it responds to his frustration by snapping out and knocking a handful of them aside. He smiles, watching it respond by wagging in front of him. \"I need to feel, not think. . .\" he muses aloud. Another cone is whipped his way and this time he catches sight of it out of the corner of his eye. Slightly startled because of how deep in thought he was he actually jumps. However, just like each time before, his tail takes care of it, splitting it in two. He chuckles, and goes back to attacking the still cones.\n\nIt isn't until one flies nearly out of reach that something different happens. Viltez just catches sight of it and wonders if it's too far for him, and like lightning his tail snaps out and. . .Grabs it. His eyes go wide as he stares at the object caught in the coils of his tail. \"Umm. . . .Here.\" On impulse he hols out his hand and waits. The tail hesitates for a second, but eventually it moves in close, dropping it's prize in his open palm. \"Good tail. . .\" he murmurs. Looking over to Aryx his face is lit up with enthusiasm. \"I guess it can also grab things for me when I'm not in danger as well!\" He throws the cone back and motions for Aryx to throw more, the stationary targets behind him now seemingly forgotten.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Viltez hops from foot to foot with a goofy grin on his face at the compliment, however he regains his composure as Aryx goes on to instruct him. Planting his feet he cocks his head and listens, nodding in response. His tail comes up to rest on his shoulder, the blade settling against his chest while the bulk of it wriggles back and forth behind his back.*'I can feel when it moves, it's not li8ke it's some alien thing attached to me. . .But I get what he means. It does what it does, and because I have ignored it so long I think such little details about the feel of it have become unrecognizable to me'*Holding his hand before his face the halfbreed opens and closes his hand.\n\n*'I don't think about wanting my fingers to flex and move, they just do it. I need to pick something up, so my body complies. My tail has only ever had the order to sit still and do what it wants, spending all it's time out of my conscious mind. As a child, you have to think hard to get your body to do what it wants, and with my tail, it's like I'm a child again'*Closing his eyes he concentrates on the appendage. \"I recognized something earlier. When I got upset, my tail struck out. When the cones were in danger of hitting me, it attacked them or knocked them away. When I was curious about my reach, it reached out and grabbed one.\" He speaks in a soft voice, his breathing even and his tail falling still as he focuses on it. \"It reacts, to how I feel.\" A faint flush finds it way to his cheeks but he ignores it in hopes that his guest will as well.\n\nHis tail slides off his shoulder, slipping all the way to the ground where it lays limply as he calms himself down, his body relaxing and his feeling serene.*'If he takes that statement for the full extent of it's implications, he may understand why I was so embarrassed before about my tail. I know I am desperate to keep him around. Someone, **anyone**, whom I can be myself around is someone I feel loath to part with. And the way he teases my tail, and the way it makes me feel. . .'*He cuts those thoughts off, his cheek reddening a touch more while his tail twitches. When he relaxes once more, his whole body still, he opens his eyes and smiles at Aryx. His tail comes up, slowly slithering back and forth in the air. Suddenly, out of nowhere he says, \"I want to play. Let's play catch!\" His tail comes up to arch over his head. \"If it works off my feelings, like I think it does, we should be able to play with it acting like a third arm. He spreads his feet a little wider and holds his hands up, waiting to see if his guest will comply.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "In his true form, Autharyx had always been aware of the impression he was making on the mortals he dealt with, and had done everything he could to shape that impression into what he wanted it to be. In this human body, however, it is getting more and more clear that it likes to act directly on his feelings, with no input from his conscious mind at all. If this is how humans do it, it is probably a good idea to let it happen, lest he be seen as 'inhuman' when he's just trying to fit in. At least, that is the excuse he gives himself when he lets a smile flit over his face with every bit of excitement Viltez shows so easily. Even when the beast man closes his eyes, the dragon still regards him with a smile that could only be described as fond.\n\nLoath to admit it as he might be, he is rapidly getting attached to the mortal. He might be able to write it off as 'fascination', but what good is lying to yourself if you are very much aware that you are doing it? It's not like it actually matters, he tells himself as he listens idly to Viltez' musings about the workings of his tail. It's just some fleeting human emotion that comes with inhabiting such a weak form. If anything, it will help him be more convincing when he needs to be, and when it gets too tedious he'll just leave and shed the mortal coil that causes the weakness. It's not like this entire expedition will actually mean anything to him in a few decade's time, and while he's here he might as well immerse himself in his role fully, so to speak.Whatever he might feel around the half-breed, it's just his body being pesky and mortal, not something he actually needs to analyse and think about. Why bother to put thoughts into something that is probably both irrelevant and irrational?\n\nDecision made, it is very easy for him to smile back at Viltez when he invites him to join in something he calls 'catch'. He doubts it can be more complicated than throwing and catching stuff, so he doesn't bother to ask for the specifics.\n\n\"Don't you sound confident all of a sudden?\" Viltez asks, not bothering to hide the slight smirk that seems to want to be on his face. \"Well, far be it from me to deny you what you want,\" he says, keeping his pose relaxed before suddenly aiming a pinecone at his forehead. Dragons are nothing if not competitive, and this is all still in the guise of 'training' in the end. Let's see if he can't trick that tail into slicing up some cones it ought to be catching.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "When Aryx mentions his sudden confidence Viltez' tail begins lashing back and forth playfully behind him as his smile widens with a nod.*'I do suddenly feel quite confident. I think figuring out this about my tail has made me want to move forward with it. I want to get better, and I'm no longer afraid. . .At least, not of my tail. . .'*The half-breed is definitely curious about the sudden change, however he has little time to think about it as his guest complies with his wishes, with enthusiasm. The first cone comes at him fast but almost as if he could sense the playfulness in the stranger, Viltez is prepared for it.\n\nCatching it with one hand he whips it back at Aryx who whips another one. This time his tail snags it before it hits him. Somewhere in the back of the mind he knows the man is aiming at him on purpose, but rather than being upset, it feels somehow comforting.*'He's testing me, my reactions. I've already shown that it will attack threats, and responds to how I feel, and I may be playful right now, but it would be nice to know it will defend me even when I'm not really sure there is danger'*Just as he thinks this a cone gets split in half with a loud crack as his thoughts distract him from the actual game. With a laugh his tail slips out to pick up another cone and like a bullwhip snaps it at Aryx.\n\nThe game takes them a ways from where they started, Viltez ducking behind trees and climbing rocks to check the rang and angles. He notices that when climbing his tail moves to steady him and when his footing is unsure it acts almost like a third leg.*'It seems when I let it act naturally, and I act with it, we work together towards the ends I'm aiming for. I like that idea. . . .'*Viltez laughs lightly, climbing on to a rise before returning the cone he just caught. He seems almost perfectly at ease now, no fear or nervousness behind his gaze. He doesn't know that it is the forest itself that is part of why he feels better, or that it was Aryx that facilitated it. All he knows is he feels alright, and this man is okay with him, just as he is. It is a good feeling.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx is... slightly miffed to find the game does not come as easy to him as it seems to do to Viltez. Where the other darts around the forest floor as if he was born to it, whipping cones back as fast as he can throw them, the dragon-turned-man actually has to pay attention where he's going. He even manages to miss a couple of cones before he is properly tunes in to the whizz of air just before they close in on him. With only two limbs at his disposal he has to work double time to keep up with Viltez' efforts.\n\nAll in all it is pretty good training, and not just for the half-breed. In order to both stay on his feet and actually catch something, Autharyx has to trust his body to get him around so he can focus his mind on anticipating the pine cones. It is not something he is accustomed to, but after a few missed catches he eases into it almost automatically. His legs seek out the best path with very little input from his conscious mind, and after a while his natural grace starts to show through in his movements. It's different from being a creature made up mostly from raw power and will, but even in this shape his core remains the same and it shines through in the sinuous movements his limbs make as they whip out to catch a cone and throw it back.\n\nOf course, pride becomes before the fall, and it takes only a small lapse of attention for him to miss a branch half-buried in the fallen leaves. It is still slippery from the night's rain, and he regrets putting his foot down the moment his leg slides out from under him. The regret comes too late to save him, though, and Autharyx falls over with an undignified yelp, cones scattering to the forest floor as he tumbles and slides off the incline he was about to chase Viltez down.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Amidst his play Viltez can not help but examine his partner. At first it is a little confusing to see him stumbling and awkwardly trying to keep his footing.*'He is a hunter. How can he be so unsure of himself? Well, I suppose he may have learned to hunt on different terrain. It is quite slippery around here. . .And I do have a couple advantages. I grew up around here, and I do have a tail that's working with me'*He smiles and laughs, doing his best to not laugh directly at the fumbles. However as they continue to play, things begins changing.\n\nSomething about the way the man moves shifts and smooths out. The half-breed can not help but admire how he adapts so quickly to the new environment. There is something so strange about it at the same time however and Viltez can't quite put his finger on it. All around the birds and animals actually come to watch rather than fleeing. Almost as if they sense these two are not a threat right now. Viltez doesn't notice this of course, too intent on the game. With a chuckle he slips down the little hill he was on and whips around, ready for another cone.\n\nHowever instead of a cone he instictually drops to his knees to catch the tumbling body of the man as he comes rolling down the hill. With a little \"Oof!\" he catches the taller male and drops onto his backside. The cones he was carrying joins Aryx's and without warning he begins laughing happily. Trying to stifle them a bit he helps his guest sit up and smiles at him in a way he's never been able to smile at anyone. Still half laughing his tail snakes out and wraps around the man's forearm as he says brightly. \"Well, that was fun. Most fun I've every had really. . .\" His voice trails off a bit. The thought of a simple game of catch being the most fun ever is a bit depressing, but he doesn't let it get it him, instead he looks to Aryx expectantly, wondering if he had fun too.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "After the surprise wears off, Autharyx finds it easier and easier to simply relax in his host's presence. The other seems to be blushing as well, even though Autharyx can think of nothing that might be embarassing him. It might have something to do with the tail that is coiling around his arm, but Autharyx hardly minds that so he says nothing.\n\nIt is... strange to hear a mortal speak about loneliness like that, as they always seemed to bunch together seen from the distance. As for himself, Autharyx has never been bothered by a lack of company. In fact, he had always preferred to have less disruptions to his existence rather than more.\n\nHe supposes it is different, though, when you keep to yourself out of fear rather than out of your own descision. At least Autharyx could be relatively sure he would be able to either fight or shake off anyone that might mean him harm, but if a village were ever to turn against Viltez... Best not to think about it, really, since he seemed to be taking pretty good care of himself so far.\n\nWhen his host speaks again, it is with a wistful voice that has Autharyx lean in slightly without planning to. From what he had seen so far, Viltez seemed to be both liked and respected in town. If he really thought that could all change on a whim just because of the was he was born... It can't be a very comforting idea. \n\n\"I understand the need to be careful, \" he says as he tries to ignore the sense of loss when he pulls his tail away, \"but in my experience at least, humans can be very versatile. It might be surprising just how much can be 'normal' in- What's wrong? \" he cuts himself off as Viltez' whole body suddenly seems hunch in on itself. Within moments he is on his feet as well, scanning the surroundings for anything that might be a source of danger. At Viltez' words he realises the danger is not immediate, and he makes sure to let his body fall into a relaxed, none-threatening stance before turning closer to the half-breed.\n\n\"Viltez,\" he says tentatively, unsure how to approach this. On the one hand he had chased him off before, but on the other hand the man did seem to find comfort in his touch occasionally. In the end he slowly reaches out to cup the side of his neck with a hand, mimicking the touch that he had earlier used to ground him.\n\n\"Viltez, look at me, there is no one here now. It's okay. \" It will be anyway. Autharyx makes sure to keep his attention on the woods around them, feeling out the air currents for any sign of an approach. If anyone is out to get Viltez, they will need to go through him first.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "At his side the stranger snaps to attention. A part of him deep inside wonders if he too could sense the human's presence in the distance however he dismisses this thought quickly. 'How could he know, he just another human. He doesn't have senses like mine. . . .' His breathing continues to quicken and he knows if he does not calm down, and soon, he may actually become ill. However he can not stop the images. All the horrors running through his head of what could happen to him. Travelers would often tell stories, and with his interest in places other than his little village Viltez would always listen. Unfortunately that had also given him the fuel he needed for all his nightmares.\n\nThey would speak at length of some beast man or another coming into town and stealing food or something and go on to say how the people reacted. He'd even heard a few tales of half-breeds like himself who had tried to hide among humans. 'Humans feel so betrayed to find that their neighbor is not what they thought they were. I've heard of whole families burned in their homes in some of the smaller towns. The people here, in my own village, snorting with disgust over beings like me doing such things' The strangers words about how accepting people can be were not completely lost on him, but even his confidence is not enough to shake Viltez's belief that revealing himself would be the worst thing he could possibly do.\n\nHe feels a small wave of shame as he hears Aryx trying to comfort him. 'Here I am suppose to be the host, but he's spent more time caring for me than I for him. . .He is such a sweet man. . .I wish the world were populated by men like him. . .' The sudden touch surprises him and he jerks slightly but he settles an instant later and looks to Aryx with wide, frightened eyes. His tongue feels like lead as he drags a reply out of his throat. \"I-I know, they are far away, the forest is dense, they couldn't have seen me, not at this distance, I just. . .\" His gaze drops to the ground. \"I've never felt so foolish for being afraid. It's always been just my natural state. I'm always afraid, but now I. . .\"\n\nHe lets out a soft sigh, his tail coming up to wrap around the wrist of the hand on his neck. It squeezes tight before letting the other go and sliding over Viltez' shoulder on the other side, the blade pressing gently to his cheek. It takes a moment for the young man to realize that his tail is back out and when he does notice he looks at it with a frown. \"How come you're out already?\" He says softly. Then flushes as he realizes he talking to his own body part. The blade presses more firmly to his cheek before simply resting against his chest, dangling playfully from his shoulder. 'Seems my mood is improving. . .' he muses before a very small smile finds it's way to his lips and he looks back to his guest. \"Sorry, I overreact sometimes. . .\" His hand comes up to touch the back of Aryx's hand with his fingertips. \"Thank you. . .\" he murmurs softly, his eyes earnest.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "When Viltez slowly relaxes, Autharyx feels a tension slip away from his own shoulders that he hadn't noticed until it was gone. It was a slightly disconcerting to find himself caring this much for the state of mind of another, let alone a mortal. He supposes it's just a part of pretending to be mortal, to have this body of his behave in ways that are strange and alien to his more reasonable self. It's probably perfectly normal for squishy mortal bodies to care about what happens to other squishy mortal bodies, lest they are left behind without the protection of numbers. Well, if this is to be an experiment in being a mortal, he should probably just follow along with it, right?\n\nSo he smiles when Viltez does and leaves his hand resting in the crook of his host's neck just because he enjoys the feeling of warm skin against his own. Viltez' tail comes up to curl around his shoulders, seemingly to mimic the point of contact he had created himself. Autharyx feels his smile widen on its own accord as the lethal blade presses against his cheek. See, perfectly normal contact that normal mortals shared. Well, at least if you ignore the part where apparently the tail has a mind of his own.\n\n\"There is no need to be thankful- or feel foolish for that matter. There is always sense in being cautious, and also in being fearful where it is needed.\" The humans that weren't at least a little fearful in his presence were always the one that ended up doing foolish things. Like trying to help themselves to his treasure or attacking him in his rest in the hope of gaining fame or fortune. Needless to say, it hadn't ended well for them. Viltez, however, has little to fear from common peasants. Even less so now that Autharyx is by his side.\n\n\"Only the foolish pride themselves on being without fear or caution. But I think that in this case it is clear that you have the advantage over farmers and traders,\" he says earnestly, trying to make Viltez feel better in his own, slightly misguided, way. \"I have no doubts you could slay a score of them in combat should they ever be foolish enough to attack you.\" It feels a bit weird to compliment a mere mortal in this way, but Autharyx had seen him slice clean through pine cones as if they were made of butter. A few layers of cloth or leather will not protect their flesh for even a moment. If he were inclined to do so, Autharyx is sure Viltez would be able to defend a sizeable piece of territory.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez flushes, perhaps a little too much so, at the man's kind words. 'He really is such a kind person. Brushing aside my foolishness as if it is something normal, something to be expected. . .' He sighs, watching his tail play about the mans neck and shoulders like a happy snake or something. He tries to imagine how his \"friends\" from town to react to such a thing and shudders slightly, biting his lip. However looking back to Aryx brings back his warm smile and he gives the man a sharp nod. He feels more relaxed now and a touch of his playfulness comes back. Just as he's about to suggest they head home for dinner, perhaps making a race out of it, Aryx goes on to say a few things that make him uneasy, and a little sad.\n\n\"But, I don't want to do such things. The very idea of attacking anyone, even if they attacked me first. . .\" He shakes his head, eyes dropping to the ground as his hands come up to clasp the sides of his head. His tail wilts slightly, laying dead across Aryx's shoulder like a limp rag. After a few deep breaths he looks up at the man with a strained smile. \"I'm sorry Mister Aryx, I just, I don't see myself as a fighter, let alone better than everyone else. I'm a cross breed that no one wanted, and despite my skill with my hands I'm little more than a hired hand. I. . . I have no standing, anywhere. No, I'm not better. . .\" \n\nShaking his head once again his smile becomes a little more genuine and motions off towards the general direction of his home. \"Shall we go? It's getting late and I still need to grab a few things for dinner since today's hunt did not quite turn out.\" He smiles, no blame on his face when it comes to the failed hunt. His tail curls carefully away from the halfbreed's guest and takes it's place once more around his waist. He knows it's a little early to put it away seeing as no one's around, but with the way it's been coming out so quickly during this trip he'd rather not take any chances.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Viltez flushes, perhaps a little too much so, at the man's kind words. 'He really is such a kind person. Brushing aside my foolishness as if it is something normal, something to be expected. . .' He sighs, watching his tail play about the mans neck and shoulders like a happy snake or something. He tries to imagine how his \"friends\" from town to react to such a thing and shudders slightly, biting his lip. However looking back to Aryx brings back his warm smile and he gives the man a sharp nod. He feels more relaxed now and a touch of his playfulness comes back. Just as he's about to suggest they head home for dinner, perhaps making a race out of it, Aryx goes on to say a few things that make him uneasy, and a little sad.\n\n\"But, I don't want to do such things. The very idea of attacking anyone, even if they attacked me first. . .\" He shakes his head, eyes dropping to the ground as his hands come up to clasp the sides of his head. His tail wilts slightly, laying dead across Aryx's shoulder like a limp rag. After a few deep breaths he looks up at the man with a strained smile. \"I'm sorry Mister Aryx, I just, I don't see myself as a fighter, let alone better than everyone else. I'm a cross breed that no one wanted, and despite my skill with my hands I'm little more than a hired hand. I. . . I have no standing, anywhere. No, I'm not better. . .\" \n\nShaking his head once again his smile becomes a little more genuine and motions off towards the general direction of his home. \"Shall we go? It's getting late and I still need to grab a few things for dinner since today's hunt did not quite turn out.\" He smiles, no blame on his face when it comes to the failed hunt. His tail curls carefully away from the halfbreed's guest and takes it's place once more around his waist. He knows it's a little early to put it away seeing as no one's around, but with the way it's been coming out so quickly during this trip he'd rather not take any chances.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx' expression falls slightly when his host discounts his compliments out of hand. He feels as if he has committed some kind of social faux pas, but how could he have when all he did was compliment Viltez on his strength? The man said he didn't 'see himself as a fighter', but would that really mean he wasn't planning to fight if anyone were to mean him harm? The very idea seems inconceivable to Autharyx, but it does make him a bit uneasy. With all this talk about 'not being better than anyone', he was starting to think that Viltez might not place his own life above that of some foolish mortals who might attack him. \n\nLuckily for him, Autharyx knows that Viltez is far more interesting than the scores of humans he'd met in his long existence. Of the two of them, surely the dragon is more qualified to judge the worth of his existence against that of another? He can't very well tell the human that, though, so he supposed he should let it rest for now.\n\n\"I apologise if my comments caused you… discomfort,\" he says as they start to walk, swallowing his pride. \"I only meant to say you have shown yourself to be strong and fast, and good company besides that.\" He doesn't mention the failed hunt, as Viltez seems perfectly content to skim over it as well. It wasn't as if her would have failed if he'd actually put some effort into it, after all. \n\nHe keeps the conversation light as they head back, talking about what to get for dinner and other unimportant mortal tidbits. It's not as nice as running around in the forest had been, but he likes it anyway. In spite of his earlier reassurances, he notices he gets a bit more on guard as they near the village. Surely no one had seen them, but if they did it would be good to be prepared. He was paying attention to Viltez, but made sure to keep an eye on their surroundings as well, both with his natural and supernatural senses.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Chuckling slightly Viltez shakes his head slightly at the dragon's words. \"No, no, I. . .It's alright, I understand your sentiment, and I'm. . .I'm honored you think so much of me, especially since we've just barely met, however. . . .Perhaps I just do not see myself the same way you see me.\" He smiles brightly at his companion, patting his tail to make sure it's firmly in place as they approach civilization. He enjoys the little back and forth with the man, smiling readily and for all appearances very calm. However as they cross the threshold into town his voice becomes softer, his eyes sharper, and his smile a little more guarded.\n\nHe remains visibly lighthearted as he talks to the vendors, getting a decent bit of fresh meat and a selection of sweet fruits to go with dinner. He smiles sideways at Aryx as he picks out a particularly succulent bit of fruit and tosses it to the man. Once the shopping is over he walks back to his house, his purchases held carefully in his arms. He insisted on carrying it all seeing as he's the host, and waves off any attempt to help. \"Dinner will take a little while so you should eat that while it's fresh.\" he murmurs, pointing at the fruit with his chin. His sense of being watched has been on high alert since they came within range of people however he manages to stay calm, concluding that his presence with someone else, someone who caused a ruckus no less, is the reason for all the staring.\n\nDespite that he does not relax until they are back in his home, the sounds of the night closing in on the sleepy little town and the warm breeze of spring days gives way to the cool air of the night. Once inside he sets right into making the meal, his stomach almost aching at the thought of food. Looking over his shoulder he chuckles as his stomach growls audibly. \"Looks like all that running around out there has worked up quite an appetite huh?\" He sounds a little embarrassed at this, however moments later his tail slides out and pats his shoulder before wriggling in the direction of his guest. He chuckles again and goes back to cooking.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "It does Autharyx well that Viltez seems to be on guard in the town- a sign that he might still care about his own wellbeing at least a little. Viltez might not want to harm humans that come at him, but perhaps he will act on instinct when push comes to shove. At least Autharyx is planning to be there as well, so Viltez is perfectly safe.\n\nThe drake pays little attention to the humans milling about in the town, though he does spare a small glare for the shopkeeper that had treated him so rudely the day before. He can feel the prickle of their eyes as they make their way past stalls and stores, but as long as no one approaches them Autharyx honestly couldn't care less about them. Viltez' company is more than enough to keep him interested, even if he like to think of himself as similar to the humans that inhabit the town. \n\nThe piece of fruit Viltez throws at him takes him by surprise, and he looks it over with a small smile until Viltez encourages him to eat it. The fruit is sweet on his tongue, and he munches away happily as he keeps ignoring the stares and whispers of the townsfolk. \n\nHis good mood is not diminished by the time they return to his host's house, and he chuckles as he can hear his stomach. Even with the fruit, he can also feel the unfamiliar sensation of hunger in his stomach, and it isn't long before the scents of cooking food encourage that feeling even further.\n\nLast time he'd been content to sit and look through the house, but this time he moves into the small kitchen as well, curious to see how this 'cooking' thing works. He tries to keep out of Viltez' way for the most part, but with the limited space there is a limit to how well he succeeds at that. It's not entirely on purpose, but Autharyx can't deny that he enjoys the little brushes of contact he doesn't try very hard to avoid. It was strange to feel a small thrill shoot up his spine every time from something as basal as a brief point of warmth where he was touching another mortal body, but he supposed it was just the novelty of the whole thing that appealed to him. \n\n\"What are we eating tonight?\" he asks, trying not to look too hopeful as his tail moved ever-so-slightly in his direction.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "His hands move smoothly over the stove as he lights it and begins cooking. The meat is lightly seasoned, some of the fruit soaked in honey and fried along side the meat causing the two flavors to mix. They've just begun sizzling, the smell permeating the room, when suddenly Viltez feels the presence behind him approaching. He tenses for an instant, then relaxed. 'I'm just not used to people walking up like this without naturally moving out of the way. . . .Though in this position, I would be unable to go far' He glances to the side where the counter meets the wall. 'I would be trapped really. . . .It's kind of why I've never let anyone into my house. Too easy to be cornered. . .'\n\nSighing softly he glances over his shoulder at his guest with a smile. Aryx remains quite however, trying to peek over his shoulder as he goes about his work. The halfbreed's smile warms and he returns his focus to the meal. He moves carefully around the kitchen, trying to not bump into his guest but every so often he doesn't squeeze in tight enough, or Aryx doesn't move aside fast enough, and they brush up against one another. Viltez does his best to ignore these, after all, it's natural right? He's trying to see what the tailed man is doing, and in the small kitchen they are bound to run into one another on occasion.\n\nAfter a while however Aryx asks what's for dinner and he turns a bit of his attention on to the man while chopping up the remaining fruit. \"Just some lightly seasoned meat, some salt, some dill, and honey soaked pauma fruit, fried with the meat so they share flavors.\" As he says this he moves back over to the sizzling pan, his smile tweaking slightly as he feels his tail once more attached to Aryx at the wrist. Quickly he flips both meat and fruit before returning to the chopping board to continue what he was doing.\n\n\"And here we have a mix of a few fruits. Chop them up and then put them together in a bowl with one another will mix the juices and we can have them for an after dinner treat!\" He knows he should just ask the man what else he likes to eat, but as he's gotten the impression that sweet, meat, and fruit is okay, he begins planning out more meals with combinations of those three flavors in mind.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Autharyx feels his face break out in a grin before he makes the conscious decision to smile back, but he doesn't mind. Everything seems to be so… simple with Viltez that he's less worried about the reflexes his mortal form might or might not have than he'd originally expected. Although, perhals simple wasn't the right word. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but sometimes he felt like there was something between them that he was missing- something either or both of them seemed to react to but without him knowing exactly what it was.\n \nIt had been like that during the dinner preparations as well, now that he thinks of it. Several times he could have sworn he felt a prickle of attention at the edge of his awareness, but when he turned to look Viltez had been focused on cooking. It's probably just another thing that's different about inhabiting a mortal body, but it still put him on edge a little. Not in a bad way, even though that would probably made sense. He just feels… restless in a way that he often did when thunderclouds were gathering just outside of his reach. As they settle down to eat he pushes it to the back of his mind like the insignificant thing it probably is. \n\nThe food tasted even better than yesterday, and he hums appreciatively at the sweetness of it. He hadn't though he would like the taste of old and burnt meat, but the sweetness of it was even better than the sharp tang of blood in his mouth when he hunted in his true form. He couldn't say anything like that, of course, so he just sticks to a generic compliment as he digs into the rest of his plate.\n\n\"It's really good!\" The story his host tells is also good, although he doesn't so much care about the woes of mortals as he does about the obvious joy the other finds in the beauty of the forest. It's something he can relate to: he is exceptionally proud of his lake and the surrounding woods after all. From what he has seen so far, Viltez has the right to be proud of his territory as well. He knows the half-breed can't be as connected to it as Autharyx was (is?) to his own lake, but it still feels proper to pay his respects. \n\n\"I've had a lot of fun as well,\" he says with a genuine smile. It feels really easy to relax around Viltez, even after only knowing him for such a short time. It's almost sad that he hasn't told him his proper name. It's probably silly, but there is a part of him that wants to hear it from the mortal, in spite or perhaps because of the power there is in a name. It's an insignificant urge, of course, and he discounts it as such. Besides, he doesn't want to tell Viltez that he… misrepresented the truth a little. \n\n\"It's been… nice,\" he continues, slightly distracted by the way Viltez is deliberately not looking at him. The restlessness from before had come back full force when he had caught the half-breed's eye over the last comment, buzzing under his skin as if there was something he ought to be doing. The tail is back as well, flicking just enough to catch his attention whenever he looks away from it. Or, so he's probably imagining. It must be because he still has that inconvenient urge to drag his fingers through the soft fur every time it comes close, but he's determined to be a good guest so he just keeps eating his food.\n\n\"You're very light on your feet,\" he says instead. Complimenting physical prowess is nearly as good as complimenting his territory after all, and he wants to make sure Viltez knows he is being respectful. \n\n\"Your tail too- it's hard to believe you never let it out with how well you can use it.\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Flushing a little deeper as Aryx compliments his cooking, Viltez looks down at his own meal and eats slowly, his eyes wandering back and forth over the plate as he tries to think of something else to talk about. Luckily, his guest provides him with a short reprieve as he expresses his enjoyment of the day's activities. \"I'm glad you had fun too. I've never been able to do anything like that before, and. . .somehow it felt almost natural.\" He looks down at his hands, then up at the man across from him. \"I know my kind tends to live in the woods, but until today I had no idea how much it actually seems to be in my blood to run around like. . .Well, almost like an animal. . . .The freedom. . . .\" He looks back at his hands, embarrassed.\n\n\"Sorry, I didn't mean to imply you were animalistic or anything. We were just having fun, like kids. . .Not that. . . .\" He trails off, feeling like he needs to stop digging himself a hole while he can. 'What can't I just stop talking? Why do I go on and on around him, like a chattering bird in the high branches, babbling at the world just because I can. . .' Aryx's reply is not what he expected and as he looks up at his guest wide eyed he can feel himself swell a little bit, a strain of honest pride wrapping around his heart.\n\nThe pride is tempered by a slight ache as he thinks of having to keep his tail hidden all the time, but instead of expressing this he looks down at his food and takes a few bites. \"Sadly, having nowhere else to turn, no other place to call home,\" he murmurs quietly, \"leads to the necessity of keeping it hidden.\" His tail sides across the table and wraps around his arm, settling it's blade on his cheek comfortingly and for a moment, a crazy little moment, Viltez imagines it saying 'it's okay', or something like that as it pats his cheek.\n\nChuckling softly he gives it a light squeeze and slither back out on to the table, scratching to wood lightly as the furry length twists and writhes, reveling in it's freedom. In the past, when it would wander about, the beastman would never really pay attention to it, simply letting it do what it wants and occasionally grunting at it when it would hook on a door frame and refuse to let go. This usually happened when it was cold and the room that he was walking out of had the fireplace. 'Almost like a cat' He would think, then shake off the silly thoughts.\n\nHowever, now, as he watches it, he tries to actually feel it, to understand it. He knows now that it's intentions are on par with his own, for the most part at least, though he will not acknowledge the desire to attach to his guest, and so as he watches he wonders why it's doing what it's doing. What is the equivalent with his other limbs. It doesn't have fingers, so it can't do what his hands do, so why? Why does it scrape, why does it twist? Shaking his head at it he looks up at Aryx and smiles softly, his flush settling as he finishes most of his meal. \"I think, after you go, I'll miss you Mister Aryx, but what you've done for me is something I can never repay, so, feel free to return any time.\" He nods slightly, then tilts his head to the side. \"And of course you're free to stay as long as you like now, I'm not trying to rush you on your way or anything. I. . . .Like, having you around. . .\" He flushes again but ignores it, determined to look at the man this time. To actually see the effect of his words on this exotic stranger, and to perhaps learn a little more about just what is passing between him and the traveler.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Even though he has a suspicion that there are layers beyond the surface conversation that he is missing, Autharyx is feeling pretty good about it all. Viltez has given no indication that he has been offended by something Autharyx has said, and now his host's tail even makes his way around his arm again. It is weird how comforting the press of the appendage is, given that it is just about as novel to him as the rest of this venture into humanity, but as long as Viltez seems okay with it he's not going to press his luck by questioning it too much. At least he knows not that trying to pet it will make Viltez pull away, so he just enjoys the contact as he waits for the beast man to speak.\n\nWhen he does, the sense that he's missing something grows, especially when Viltez starts blushing and stumbling over some of his words. Autharyx tilts his head a little as he listens and tries to project a polite sort of attention rather than the concentrated focus he's currently applying. The bed thing seems to be a bit of a tender issue with his host, and Autharyx supposes he should treat it as such if he wants to come across as a well-adjusted human, instead of reveal that he actually really likes the idea of sharing the bed.\n\nIf he was in his natural form he would have preened at the thought. Back home he spent most of his time slumbering on top of his most precious possession, ranging from gold and gems to tapestries and gifts he'd gathered over the ages. It is probably… disrespectful to want to gather Viltez up for his treasure trove, though, so he does his best to banish the image from his mind and keep from looking too eager. \n\n\"That seems… very practical,\" he finally says, careful not to fluster Viltez any further, even though there is a certain appeal to watching the spread of red across his face (and down his collar? Can all the skin on a human body blush like that or is it confined to the head?). \n\n\"I really like the idea of staying longer,\" spending more time with you, \"and I'd hate to think my presence would be cause for your discomfort. In fact, you being stiff and not well-rested would be far more distasteful for me than the idea of sleeping together. I was very fortunate indeed to happen upon so kind a host, and it would be terribly impolite for me to repay that favour by providing you with sleepless nights.\"\n\nHe smiles in what he hopes is a reassuring manner, ignoring the thread of anticipation curling in his gut. It will be nothing like curling around Viltez in his natural form, of course, but that doesn't stop him from looking forward to it. He continues with his meal as he observed Viltez to see if he handled this well. He feels he's gotten better after startling him badly in the forest that afternoon, but he's running blind here in regards to 'normal' human reactions so it'll always be a bit of a gamble.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "It's one of the hardest things he's ever done. Sitting and waiting for his guest's verdict on his outrageous request. He knows it's the best for both of them, and that he doesn't intend to do anything that will make Aryx uncomfortable, but for all he knows he's had bad experiences in his home town, or maybe he grew up being taught to hate such things as sharing bed space. So many things race through his head that would have the man reacting badly that he almost misses Aryx's real reply. His eyes light up as the first thing he has to say about his idea is that it's practical. He nods vigorously in agreement and smiles at his guest, his tail squeezing the man's arm again.\n\nHe lights up even more when Aryx expresses that he really wants to stay, but moments later he can feel his face lighting up again. 'I honestly an not tell if he's doing this on purpose. . .If he's really, saying these things out of pure innocence, or if he's trying to make my blush. . .Is he teasing me? Is he!?' he bites his lips, keeping his eyes on his guest as he speaks, trying desperately to come to terms with all the possibilities of the man's words. When at last he is finished he goes back to eating, and Viltez follows suit. He keeps his eyes down for a short time, watching himself eat as if it's the most fascinating thing he's ever done.\n\n'He seems a very straight forward guy. I bet he was just speaking truthfully. I mean, it wouldn't be the first time he's done or said something that was suggestive, and, and he didn't sound sarcastic, so even if he meant it, he actually meant it, as in he has no inclinations towards such things. . . .' That last thought makes him sad more than anything else, but with a calming breath he looks up at his guest with a smile and says, \"Well then, that's good. Glad we got that settled!\" Humming softly he finishes his meal, waiting for Aryx to finish as well before gathering up the dishes and heading for the sink. His tail obliges the action and slips from the man's arm as he moves too far away to be connected and Viltez silently thanks the appendage.\n\nAs his hands work to cleanse their evening meal from the dishes however he nerves begins humming again as he realizes: it's almost bed time. 'It's okay, we worked it out. We'll just be sharing the space, no big deal!' Even inside his own head he doesn't sound very convincing. His hands tremble ever so slightly, but he manages to relax them enough to not drop his dishes. He works carefully, methodically, until at last they are all done. His tail curls and coils as he works, reflecting his high emotional state, but he doesn't notice it. Turning to face his guest once more he smiles warmly, tilting his head to the side. \"So, anything you want to talk about, or sh-should we head off to bed?\" He silently smacks himself inside his head at the stutter but shows no outwards sign of finding himself silly. . . .Other than his tail with is twitching in irritation.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "It does Autharyx a world of good to have Viltez assure him he did nothing wrong. Now that he knows his host's nervousness has nothing to do with Autharyx' manners, it becomes a little easier to enjoy his flustered state. He makes a fair attempt to hide a smile- no need to be impolite after all- but his eyes aer still glued to the beastman as he stammers through his explanation.\n\nHe can't help but see a bit of fear as a compliment, especially when it is coupled with the admission that he is looking forward to it. Autharyx is thoroughly unfamiliar with the concept of being nervous when thing are going well, but he is very well acquainted with his presence invoking fear or nervousness, so he can work with this. \n\n\"Thank you for telling me, Viltez,\" he says solemnly. There is vulnerability in admitting to weakness, and AUtharyx never knew he could feel flattered by such a thing rather than feeling the smugness such a realisation usually brought him.\n\n\"It seems that what 'should be' is not something that applies to our situations as often as it might to others. I propose we have both grown up to be… different-\" he very carefully did not say 'better' \"-from most people, and as such I propose we ascribe more value to what feels okay to us rather than what everyone else has decided 'should be'.\" It's not like he ever had any intention to pay attention to the opinions of insignificant little humans, but he doubts saying so will go over well with his host. And if letting go of 'should be' might entice him to say more about how he likes the idea of sleeping together or having his tail pet, Autharyx is more than happy to listen to those admissions. \n\n\"As it is, I also find myself looking forward to the new experience of spending a night with someone other than myself.\" He tried for a smile, hoping it wouldn't come over too eager. \"If you are worried for me, I would appreciate to hear it so that I can assuage your worries. I can assure you I am quite sturdy.\"\n\nAfter those words he considers the shirt in his hands for a while, before discarding it with the rest of his clothes. It was going to be hard enough to sleep with pants on, so he might as well not make it any more difficult for himself. He made sure not to move into Viltez' space as he walked over to the bed, and just made himself comfortable on one side of the bed while still leaving room for his host. The instinct that wanted him to gather his possessions close so no one could try to take them away, was one better left ignored in this case.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Relaxed slightly from getting out his worries, Viltez is able to look at Aryx as he speaks, taking in the man's words fully so he can turn them over and over in his brain. 'I suppose he's right. I mean, I feel I am different, and that means I will be different, but, does he really consider himself different too?' Tilting his head to the side he tries to imagine anyone finding Aryx anything but enchanting and the only thing that comes to mind is the incident with the vendor when they first met. 'However, that was just a cultural different, I'm sure. . .Though, there is the not caring about pants, and the shiny things in the hair, but again, is that not just a cultural thing? He looks perfectly normal to me, and pretty. . . .'\n\nHe flushes at that last thought and moment later his mind is waylaid by his guest's admission that he's is also looking forward to sleeping in the same bed and his heart skips several beats. His faint flush burns deeper red but he doesn't let himself respond by hiding his face or anything. They're just talking here. Aryx is just curious, that's all. He would be interested in sleeping next to anyone. . . Or so Viltez keeps telling himself to keep his hopes from getting too high. He nods slowly. \"I-I understand, Mister Aryx.\" he curses his stutter silently, wishing he would stop that. \"So, um, yeah, we should. . .We should get to sleep. . .\" He waves an arm towards the bed. \"You can, um, take what side you want. I'll w-wait for you to get comfy. . .\"\n\nAryx walks over to the bed, discarding the top he had been holding before climbing on to the small sleeping area, settling to one side with his front facing the middle of the bed. Viltez tries to ignore the images in his head about how this will look, them sleeping so close like this, and follows his guest on to the bed, turning so that his back is to Aryx. A part of him had been positive they would be sleeping back to back, and somehow that seemed less blush worthy a position in his mind, but as he carefully settles in, touching Aryx as little as possible as he does so, he figures this will actually give them both more sleeping space and may even keep them from having to smush together to fit right.\n\nAfter finally getting as comfortable as he can, Viltez lets out a long sigh, the feeling of the plush mattress and fluffy pillow beneath him a very comforting one, the familiarity of it all tainted only slightly by the scent of Aryx emanating from the pillows. 'Not that I mind the smell. . . .I've been smelling it near constantly since he arrived. . .It's hard to believe it's been such a short amount of time that he's be-' His thoughts are stopped cold as his tail slithers about under the covers. He can feel it slipping over the warm body behind him, and, much to his embarrassment, sliding up Aryx's back, tightening as if to draw him closer. Bitting his lips, Viltez stays very still, waiting to see his companion's reaction before either pulling it back, or letting it be. At this point, he's honestly not sure which he would prefer.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "It doesn't take long for his host to settle in, and Autharyx is aware of every little movement. Even though it is pretty clear that Viltez is making an effort to keep contact to a minimum, Autharyx still enjoys the proximity. This room might not be 'his' in the way his cavern is, but the bed smells of him and that is enough to feel at least a bit at home.\n\nThe sheets also carried the beast-man's scent the night before, of course, but it is still different to have the man next to him for real. Apart from their brief contact after the collision in the woods, his host hadn't been terribly tactile. This quiet togetherness is a welcome change from the more... hectic nature of his dealings with humanity so far. The bed is meant for sleeping, of course, but for now Autharyx doesn't feel all that tired. Not bored either, though, as he takes a simple joy in simply feeling the slight warmth coming off the other man and breathing in their slowly entangling scents. \n\nViltez seems to settle down a well, as his body relaxes further into the mattress with a sigh. Or is he? As Autharyx feels the silky fur of the beast-man's tail slide past his skin and over his back, he feels equal parts surprised and delighted. He might have decided not to touch Viltez' tail on his own accord any more, but that doesn't mean he doesn't welcome the touch in return, especially when it seems to be an invitation to come closer.\n\nHe starts to curl in closer with a contented hum, but stops when he notices the line of tension in Viltez' back and shoulders. Right, he was talking earlier about his tail wanting something else, right? Or was the problem that he thinks Autharyx is the one who wants something else? \n\n\"Um... is this all right?\" he asks quietly. He still doesn't like admitting he doesn't know things, but it is better than inadvertently causing his host discomfort.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Without the slightest hesitation, Aryx moves closer, and Viltez once more feels a thrill run through him. A myriad of possible responses to the action of his tail passed through his mind as it happened, but the actual reaction blows them all away and settles in him into a very comfortable place. In his mind at least. He still feels a little tense, the proximity still something he's not used to, but as his insides shiver at the sound of that hum from the other man he knows that he could get used to these. Maybe even enjoy it.\n\nHe starts trying to relax, but then the body pauses. There's a moment of fear, a shock of hurt, but then he hears his guest asking if it's okay for him to move closer and he smiles faintly at the dark wall across from him. Nodding slowly he murmurs, \"A-as long as you are comfortable, anything is fine really. . .\" With those words said he lets out a long exhale and forces himself to relax. With all the practice of making his tail stay still, convincing his body to relax is considerably easy. Especially given how a pleasant warmth rushes through him as the man settles in rather close behind him.\n\nHis tail coils tighter before relaxing into a gentle grip over Aryx's shoulder, the blade settled against his back and the bulk of his tail settled along the man's side and looped under his arm. Once it relaxes he's able to fully relax and he settles more comfortably into the bed, his back warming against the other man's body. He tries to ignore the implications, to ignore his body's joyous response, and most of all, to keep his hopes and imagination from rising and leading him into fantasies that will never come true. 'He is giving me a lot. I should stop trying to convince myself that there's more. There is not, and I should stop insisting. . .' Letting out a slow breath he stretches his arms out a little before pulling them tight against his chest for comfort.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Up close, Viltez is fascinating even in his sleep. For a while his breathing is deep and slow, but then it starts to gradually speed up a bit, which Autharyx presumes is a sign of waking. Surely enough, his host's fingers flex where they are warm against his shoulder, followed by a slightly indefinable murmur that might be his name. Autharyx hums a little in reply, turning his face a bit more into the other man's chest as he subtly shifts around. \n\nSomething sends a small shiver through Viltez' body, but he soon relaxes again, to Autharyx' approval. He was afraid he missed all the cuddling by sleeping all night, but this is nice too, even though he feels his brain might be a bit too foggy to appreciate it properly. He breathes in deep through his nose in an attempt to clear his head of sleep, but only succeeds in getting distracted by Viltez' scent. He's not sure if he had just not been paying attention earlier, but it seems like there is something... heavy and warm about the beast-man's scent that hadn't been there earlier.\n\nBefore he can try to find out though, Viltez is shaking his shoulder gently and calling his name. Right, he got up early yesterday as well. Of course he wouldn't be interested in lazing about in bed with him. He somewhat reluctantly starts to pull away.\n\n\"Yeah, yeah, 'm aw- ah~\" the tail flexes around his thigh, and Autharyx makes a noise somewhere between a gasp and a moan at the sensation. \n\n\"Heh, that... tickles,\" he says a little uncertainly, as if unsure 'tickling' is the word that fits the best for the sensations skittering under his skin. It's helping him wake up a bit more, at least, even though it is starting to get a little warm with the both of the beneath the cover.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Smiling slightly as Aryx begins to respond, moving back a little, a shot of liquid fire races through his system at the sound that cuts off the end of the man's sentence. He swallows hard, his body reacting readily to the sound, but his mind screaming that he needs to get ahold of himself. Impulsively, his tail flexes again and he whimpers slightly, feeling absolutely no control over it at the moment.\n\n'I've got to pull myself out, I can't stay this close. My body, I can feel, and it's too warm, and. . .' Aryx speaks again, the uncertainty in his voice forcing the beast man to swallow a whimper before trying and failing to reply with a steady voice. \"Um, hey, looks like we got a little tangled up huh? I hope it didn't wake you up or anything. We should, um, y'know.\" A shot of fear runs through him as his tail wraps a little tighter around it's prize, sliding against Aryx's smooth skin, unwilling to let go willingly. 'Oh, this could not get any worse. . .' He lament silently, his heart now racing to match the \"tickle\" rushing around under his own skin.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The second time the tail moves Autharyx is not caught of guard and all it does is send a little shiver up his spine. He feels... heated up in a way he hasn't before, not even under the midday sun and it's intriguing to say the least. He feels like there's something he's missing, but it's not something bad and he wants to... wants to...\n\nHe's not sure actually, but it involves staying in bed and seeing where this strange new thing leads and that isn't an option. Because Viltez is looking quite miserable with the whole situation, body tensing up as he stammers through his words with a strained-sounding voice. Autharyx might be curious, but he won't make his host uncomfortable to satisfy his silly whims.\n\n\"It didn't, I woke up on my own,\" he said with a smile, injecting some calm into his voice in an attempt to make Viltez more comfortable. The tail around his leg had felt nice, but it is a bit of a bother now that they are trying to move apart. It wraps tighter and Viltez' expression drops even further. Autharyx only hesitates for a moment. Touching the tail in the past had not always gone well, but it had at least gotten a reaction out of the appendage and it is the only thing he can think off to do. Other than waiting, of course, but thus far that had only led to the miserable look on Viltez' face and he doesn't want any more of that.\n\nSo he reaches down a bit to run his fingers through the fur of the tail where it starts coiling around his leg. He pets it lightly before threading his fingers into the fur and scratching it a bit, offering his arm in an attempt to get it to wrap around that instead.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "'Well, he sounds calm at least. Not disturbed, not scared. . .' Taking a slow breath he replies softly, \"I'm glad. I hope you slept we-\" his voice is cut off however as suddenly he goes very stiff. His body trembles and a sharp gasp steals his ability to breath. No thoughts come to his mind as that hand continues to caress and pet the willing appendage and his grip on the dragon's shoulder tightens. His eyes snap shut and he bites his lip hard enough to draw blood. With the state his body has been in since he woke he is helpless against the feelings now coursing through his body and he begins to tremble as the tail loosens it's grip, moving towards the good feeling.\n\nHis breath finally returns to him but comes only in small gasps, punctuated by small whimpers and moans as every part of him seems ready to follow behind his tail's example and just enjoy tis other man's presence. He resist however, the only part of him really moving besides the tremble his tail, and that is doing it's best to make sure he has to put all of his effort into keeping himself from shamelessly crawling on top of the man. Tears squeeze their way out from beneath his tightly closed lids as he begs his body to not act on his impulses and assume that the man is trying to do anything but get the tail off his leg.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The two slowly talk to one another and eventually come to an agreement of shared interest. Together they explore one another's bodies for a short time, each reaching their peaks one after the other and leaving them both relaxed and satisfied. . .For now. Afterwards Viltez fetches a bucket of water and some rags for them to clean up with.\n\n~*~\n\nViltez works carefully, wanting to make sure he's fully clean before getting ready for his day. Being apart from Aryx is enough to keep him relatively calm, even if his tail continues to wriggle and sway in the man's direction. 'Well of course you want more, you've been acting like this from the beginning you sex fiend. . .' Shaking his head at the wayward body part he flushes lightly as he turns to re-wet the rag for another pass and catches sight of his guest looking his direction. He keeps his eyes high, not ready to take in the man's full figure just yet, and turns back quickly, still hiding himself from view.\n\nOnce he's satisfied he pulls on his clothing for the day, turning back towards Aryx once his private bits are secured behind two layers of fabric. His tail is coiling into it's usual position when Aryx addresses him. The beastman pauses, thinking over his day. Smiling at the offer to go get some meat Viltez nods slowly. \"Yes, that sounds wonderful Mister Aryx. Anything you can bring in I will cook to the best of my ability!\" He smiles wide, pulling on his shirt. \"I have a fence to repair this morning, and then I will be going to Mister Mullion's for lunch, he likes playing a game with me and he gives me free food. Then after that Mister Russel has asked me to work at the mill, and I will be there all afternoon, returning here around sun down.\"\n\nHe gives Aryx a sympathetic look. \"Sorry I do not have more time to spend with you today. I have things set most of this week to do. People ask for my aid weeks in advanced, and it is how I keep food on the table and a roof over my head.\" He smiles faintly, motioning for them to move their conversation to the living room. Once out of the bedroom Viltez heads for the kitchen and begins making a simple breakfast of vegetables and bread.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "It's a bit disappointing to hear that they will not be spending a lot of time together, but now that it is clear Viltez will come back to him at the end of it, Autharyx finds he doesn't care too much. Of course it also helps that the beast-man himself seems unenthusiastic by the idea. It's strange how this relatively insignificant and small mortal has so easily wormed his way under his skin, but then perhaps it is easier for him since he is mortal himself as well? \n\nAutharyx frowns a little at that thought. It's a bit... disconcerting to think that all his interest in Viltez might scatter like leaves on the wind if he sheds his mortal form. Surely that doesn't make sense? He is still himself after all, even with this mortal shell, and he finds Viltez interesting for perfectly legitimate reasons that will still exist whether he is in his true form or this smaller one. \n\n\"I completely understand,\" he says, smile back now that he made short work of that insignificant line of thought. \"I only makes sense that there are plenty of people who enjoy your company as well as your skills.\" He's still figuring out whether compliments are an acceptable substitute for a proper tribute, but even if they aren't, they can never hurt. Besides, it is not as if he would stoop to lying about this, and it only makes sense to let Viltez know he is appreciated.\n\n\"I am sure I can find things to occupy myself with until sundown,\" he follows Viltez into the kitchen, though he makes sure that this time he doesn't get in the beast-man's way in the confined space,\n\n\"What kind of game has your preference? If I have the whole day to track, I might as well try to hunt us up something special.\" He add's the 'try' for Viltez' sake, but of course he has no doubt he will be able to get them exactly what the other wants.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Still a bit flushed from the compliment the beastman makes sure to keep his mind on what he's trying to accomplish and not to simply use his hands as a pathetic way to hide himself from them. 'I know he is just being nice, and that he's probably just teasing me, but it's still nice to hear. I like the feeling of someone wanting me around, and he. . .Perhaps likes me around in, a different way' He flushes still deeper at this, though his looks pleased rather than upset. 'I guess he's right. People find me useful, and tell me so, and that is good too. . .'\n\nTaking a deep breath he adds a little honey to the bread before placing the sliced veggies on top of it. 'Sweet things, he likes sweet things. . .' Reminding himself to buy more sweet things for his guest he turns to him with a broad smile and nods, handing over Aryx's portion to the man. He tries to think of something he likes specifically but as he tends to simply buy whatever's cheapest in the market he's not even sure if he has a preference. Looking at the man however it's clear he wants to try and get something specific so with a warm smile he says brightly, \"Elk, would be nice. . .\" 'It will also keep me in meat for months, depending on how long Aryx stays and how much he can eat'\n\nHe's not noticed the man eating overmuch, and recalling the previous day with them bumbling about in the woods he doesn't have too high of hopes, but he feels that if the man is going to do his best to bring in some serious meat to the house, he'd better be ready to take it in. Finishing his bread and veggies he checks his knives and wonders if it would be better or worth it to let the actual butcher in town do the butchering and curing. 'It would take a couple of days, and we could cut off a bit to eat tomorrow. . .Eat some fresh. . .'\n\nWhile doing his plotting he finishes checking his knives, washes his prep dishes, and begins doing his checks for leaving the house. He's jolted out of his thoughts as he runs his hand over his coiled tail to make sure it's properly in place and a strong sensation races through his that normally doesn't happen during checks. He flushes again, getting a vague idea why it's so sensitive. Glancing over at his guest he smiles softly before covering his tail once more and smoothing out his shirt. \"Well!\" he says brightly, \"Is there anything you need before I go? I can make you a lunch you can carry along with you while hunting or something. . .\" He tries to think of other useful things and comes up with nothing, so he simply waits to see what the man has to say.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The smile falls off Viltez' face as soon as he opens the door, but the beast-man starts pulling in him right away, so it's probably not a bad thing. Autharyx lets himself be drawn in easily, leaning in just a bit more before he catches himself. Is it a normal impulse for humans to want to press in close and breathe in each other's scent? He hasn't seen it happen before, so best not to chance it. In stead he lets Viltez lead him into the next room, hands and tail all very welcome points of contact, grounding him further into this moment, this body. \n\nHe wants to melt into the attention, to let go of the coil of worry that has been building for the entire trip back, but he doesn't quite dare. He's more shaken by this all than he's willing to admit, and the last thing he wants to do is to alert Viltez to that fact.\n\n\"It's okay,\" he brings out, smoothing his face out a little before attempting a smile. \"It's nothing really, I just...\" he breaks off for a small moment, gathering his thoughts. He can't very well say that he almost let himself flow out of human consciousness and into the forest around him. What did human hunters usually have to deal with?\n\n\"I had to take a small detour around a bear, and the slope was steeper than I had imagined. It took some time to find the way back to the path.\" He perks up at the sigh of the bath, feeling better already now that he's come up with what sounds like a reasonable excuse.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "A faint tug in the back of Viltez' head tells him that Aryx isn't being completely truthful, but he shoves the feeling even further back, not really caring at the moment. For now, all he really cares about is that the man did what he could to get back to the house. Back to him. That thought puts a smile on his lips as he squeezes the man's hand. \"Well, I am glad you made it back safe.\" he murmurs, letting go of Aryx's hand to check the water and make sure it's still a good temperature. His tail continues to coil around the man's arm, the blade stroking gently across his collar while his hands are busy.\n\n'I'm. . .So happy that he's back. I can feel him here, like he's a part of this house. It felt. . . .So empty with him gone' He swallows, still turned away. 'But I can't keep feeling that. He will have to move on at some point. He's just a visitor, he's not. . .I can't. . .' Steadying himself with a breath he pulls back, the faint smile back on his lips. Holding out his arms he murmurs, \"I can take your clothes if you like. The bath is a bit warm, but it should help with the cuts and scrapes.\" His tail retracts reluctantly so the man can remove his clothing. \"I was about to begin on dinner. Is there. . .Something I should grab from outside? It's okay if there's not, I got enough just in case. . .Not that I doubted you, I just know the woods around here can be difficult to. . .\" He flushes, realizing he's babbling and suddenly cuts himself off, looking down at his feel, arms still outstretched to take the tattered garments.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "\"I'm glad too,\" Autharyx says as he lets himself relax into the comfort of Viltez' presence. It's becoming harder and harder to remember that just a few hours earlier he'd been at risk of zoning out and leaving Viltez behind for who knows how long. It's not like he hadn't known about the brief, fleeting lives mortals lived, but he hadn't really known. His fingers twitch at his side, but he keeps from reaching out to Viltez, keeps from touching him to reassure himself that he is still there and Autharyx is still with him. It doesn't matter. He's not going to take stupid risks again. \n\nViltez' tail is a by-now familiar pressure on his arm, and the tip of the wicked blade at the end is moving in a way that sends a small shiver over his skin. Where the unintentional reactions of his mortal body had annoyed him at first, they are now a welcome reminder that he is here, in this body in this moment. He doesn't let his mind skip forward to the future, all to aware that he has no way of predicting any of is. Sure, Viltez seems to want him around for now, but Autharyx is pretty sure that the possessive edge his thoughts take when he's not paying attention is... frowned upon amongst humans. He'll just have to figure this thing out as he goes and take what he can get.\n\nA bath sounds good, and the promise of hot water dulls the sense of disappointment he feels as the tail retracts again. He already has his shirt pulled over his head when Viltez begins about 'grabbing something from outside' and he's glad for the distraction when he can feel his fate heat up in shame. Not only had he not caught anything, Viltez had anticipated him not catching anything and had taken precautions. A part of him bristled at that insult, the fact that it had ended up being necessary only heightening his indignation. \n\n\"That's... There is not anything,\" he finally manages, words stilted and awkward as he forces them out. The promise that next time will be better- will be more impressive- hovers at the tip of his tongue, but he swallows it back down. Sure, he can take down anything with ease in his true form, but he's not in a hurry to try something like this again. And since he has no way of doing anything of the sorts in this weak, clumsy human body with it's soft nails and blunt teeth... He's not sure how to deal with that line of thought quite yet, so he shoves it to the back of his mind as well.\n\nHe recovers by stripping off his pants as well and then moving in closer than strictly necessary to hand his host his clothes, settling his hands briefly on the beast-man's arms. \n\n\"Thank you,\" he says, uncomfortably aware that he has little control over how strongly his emotions shine through in his words. \n\n\"I had a brief fear that I might not see you again. It was... unpleasant.\" The words were more truthful than his earlier excuse had been, but he couldn't really bring himself to care if he was giving too much away.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "'Mister Aryx is clearly embarrassed. . .Maybe I should have waited until he brought it up?' He feels a faint pang. 'I just won't talk about it any more now. Let it pass, let the idea move on. . .' The tattered shirt settles across one arm and he smiles faintly at the dragon, glad that he seems to be glad for the bath he'd prepared. Viltez can feel his body shiver slightly as he takes in the other man's form, flushing as his guest removes the last bits of fabric. He feels it would be polite to look away, but at the same time something about their interactions before tells him he shouldn't feel bad about looking.\n\n'I mean, we weren't completely nude when we. . .did that. . .I. . .' His thoughts trail off as Aryx moves in close. The pants are placed on one of his outstretched arms but as Aryx steps between them he can feel the shiver returning, urging him to hold the other man. In response, before he can think about it, his tail slides out to wrap around the dragon's waist, trying to pull him in closer. Viltez flushes deeply, both the actions of his tail and his guest's words bringing the heat to his flesh. The touch is soft, comforting, but still rather foreign feeling. He likes the idea that, maybe, one day, it will become a familiar feeling, but the easily depressed part of his mind reminds him that Aryx won't be here forever.\n\n\"I was a little worried to.\" he whispers. \"I thought of you all day. I hoped you were well. . .\" He flushes deeper, eyes going to the floor as he feels embarrassed admitting such a thing. Swallowing hard he tries to get his mind back to normal, tries to smile and brush his own words off, but as he looks back up at Aryx he instead lets out a shuddering breath and leans in to place a soft kiss on the other man's cheek. \"I am glad you've returned. . .\" The soft words tickle the dragon's cheek and he pulls his face back a moment later, worried that he's invading Aryx's space.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The second he pulls back slightly it's clear that Aryx isn't a fan of this idea. Viltez shudders as he feels his guest's face against his neck, the tickle of him inhaling making him feel a little weak. Letting out a small noise his eyes slide closed and he lets the feeling wash over him. The moment is brief, just a passing instant of heart pounding closeness, then Aryx is pulling back and the beastman is forced to come to his senses. \"Yes, it is good that you are back.\" he murmurs, flushing deeply at his momentary lapse and with a force of will he makes his tail retract itself. Holding up the clothes he murmurs something about taking care of them before shuffling awkwardly out of the room, flashing the dragon a warm smile so he knows he's not mad or anything before closing the door and scurrying over to where he puts the dirty clothes. \n\n'I will have to wash these first thing tomorrow' he muses, the light feeling in his head making him wander a little before he winds back up in the kitchen, the clothing tucked away in with the rest of the filthy things that need washing. His breath still isn't quite settled as he sets back to the task of finishing dinner and he doesn't quite get his bearings until a bit of hot food jumps out and \"bites\" him on the arm. Cursing softly as he comes fully back into focus, he licks the burned spot and whines at it, his focus fully back on the task at hand.\n\n'I really need to get control of this' he thinks with a scowl. 'I mean, it was just a little contact. . .What am I, an animal? I'm not some dog in heat, I can't be letting every little thing affect me like that. . .Even if it feels so good, and he doesn't seem to mind. . .Well, almost, he did pull back, but he was the one that moved in after I pulled back, and. . .Why is this so complicated!?' Letting out a huff, he finishes with the more active part of the cooking and settles against the counter to wait, keeping an eye on the sweet soup. When he hears Aryx leaving the bathroom he can feel his heart jump but he keeps himself still, calling out instead of rushing over to greet him. \"I hope the clothes fit you well enough. I will take care of the wash in the morning so you don't have to put up with them for long, I promise.\" He smiles warmly as the dragon comes into view, his tail coiling happily this way and that at the sight of him.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx stands still for a while after Viltez has left the room. He still feels unsettled by how close he was to losing track of himself, but being back in the beastman's house is doing wonders for settling in. Everything smells like Viltez, or at least reminds him of Viltez. There's nothing like the clean crisp tang of ozon on the air, or the earthy scents of the woods. Those are familiar to his past life, whereas he never smelled anything like the inside of a house when he was still a dragon. It's not exactly that the scent of home is better per se, but it is far enough removed from his previous life that Autharyx is able to relax a bit.\n\nThe hot water helps too, when he thinks to get in the tub. The heat sinks into his muscles, and it's only now they start to relax that he realises how tense he was before. The cuts and scrapes he got from trudging through the underbrush without regard have already healed, but it still feels good to wash away the last traces of blood and mud that had still been clinging to his skin. His hair is a bit more of a problem, but with a bit of patience and some soap he manages to untangle it before it gets a chance to become too unruly.\n\nHe's not sure how long he's spent in the bath, but by the time he clothes himself in the simple outfit Viltez left behind, it seems the food is already done. His hosts smiles at him as he enters the room, so he's pretty sure he's not delaying the dinner.\n\n\"The clothes are fine, I'm not 'putting up' with them,\" he says honestly. Sure, they seem to fit a little more snugly than his other set of clothes, but they are soft and comfortable and smell of Viltez- so now he kind of does too. It reminds Autharyx of lying in Viltez' bed, and those memories are hardly unpleasant. \n\nHe knows where to find the plates and cutlery this time, and goes to set them out. A few days ago he would have probably seen work like this as beneath him, but now it just feels like he's contributing something to a shared meal.He takes care not to brush against the beastman more than can be explained by the cramped kitchen. Though it pains him to admit it even in the privacy of his own mind, he is aware that it's probably a bad idea to follow his own impulses when it comes to contact with Viltez. With so much unknown social rules, it seems best to follow the example of the one who actually lives amongst humans. \n\n\"So, how has your day been? More fruitful than my own, I hope?\" \n\nSelf-deprecation does not come naturally to him, but it is still preferable to any amount of pity from the other man.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Pleased to hear that the clothing isn't uncomfortable for his guest Viltez smiles a little wider and hums softly. His tail clearly wants to get back to being around the slender man, but Viltez knows he needs to pay attention so as to not burn the soup so he does his best to keep the appendage in check. It's a little harder when Aryx comes closer to grab the dishes they will be using for the meal, but he manages to keep it from completely wrapping around the other man with a decent amount of effort. It does however slip out to brush against Aryx when it can reach and Viltez hopes he's not being a bother.\n\nFrom what he can tell, Aryx doesn't seem to mind and indeed, seems to be in a relatively good mood. \"No more than usual.\" he responds with a smile, nodding as he stirs the soup. The little bits of contact fill his mind with distractions but he manages to talk about his day without stuttering or pausing. He talks about the hard labor, the simple tasks, the mad dash to get the last minute ingredients for the meal near sundown. \"The soup took some preparation, so other than the bath I've been working mostly on making sure it turns out okay.\" He flushes a little. \"I've never had opportunity to cook for anyone but myself before you came, so I'm doing my best. Not sure how well I'm doing, but. . .\" He flushes a bit more, giving Aryx a sideways smile before removing the soup from directly over the heat.\n\nDividing it into two bowls he brings them to the small table along with the sides he prepared, setting the meal out on the dishes Aryx had prepared for them. He smiles, settling down opposite his guest, the fireplace at his back as he settles on the floor so Aryx can use the bench. His tail stretches out almost like a happy dog in front of the fire as it would be awkward to reach around to the guest while they eat. Trying to find a subject to talk about, Viltez decides to turn the question around a bit. \"What job did you have where you come from?\" he asks innocently.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "If Autharyx is honest, Viltez' day sounds dreadfully boring. Hearing him talk about it, however, is not, so he just hums and nods at what he hopes are appropriate places as he get the dining area ready for their dinner. He turns around just in time to catch Viltez' smile and blush, and surprises himself with how... endearing that small action seems to him.\n\n\"As I see it, you are doing great,\" he cocks his head, curious to see if the compliments will make him blush even more. \"Far better than I ever made for myself, that's for sure.\" He pauses a bit, then quirks his mouth in a slow smile. \n\n\"Or perhaps it is just the company that is far more pleasurable in this instance.\"\n\nThe ritual of sitting down together to eat is becoming familiar by now, and Autharyx finds himself genuinely enjoying it. So much so that he doesn't even really get nervous from having to come up with a plausible answer to the question about his past occupation.\n\n\"I took care of the shrine, as my family has done for generations. But where people used to come with the seasons to give praise and leave offerings to the protector of the lake, it has fallen into disrepair in the recent years. I am not even sure how long ago it was that anyone other than a fisherman sharing part of their catch has come to the shrine. I figured that I might as well get out a little and see beyond the lake and its river, though I do plan on returning there eventually.\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Compliments do indeed cause more of a flush to blossom on the man's cheeks, and the blush lingers as the meal begins. He's surprised to hear that Aryx was some kind of shrine guardian and smiles wide at learning something new and very interesting about the man. \"That sounds like it was a big job. It's sad to hear that people stopped coming. I've never been to a shrine before, but I know from travelers that there's a long history of people relying on them for temporary shelters, for guidance, and for peace of mind. Worship is important to a lot of people.\"\n\nHis tail drifts back and forth as he speaks, enjoying the calm, relaxing talk and peaceful atmosphere. His flush fades a bit as he thinks about what it must have been like growing up with such a grand purpose. He's just a random half-breed, born to a nobody mother and father, and abandoned in a random village. He eats slowly, enjoying the food a bit before a question occurs to him. \"Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't even think to ask, but what being was worshiped at your shrine?\" He knows the standard beings of worship are gods, but sometimes beings of immense power or historical significance have taken that place of honor.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Autharyx smiles as Viltez talks, both at the words and the blush on his face. It is good to hear that Viltez seems to see the importance of worship. He hadn't really expected otherwise, what with the greeting of the sun and all. Mortals these days seem to take everything for granted, and it is good to see one that knows how to appreciate things. \n\n\"It was a big job, or at least it used to be,\" he says easily. Of course there hadn't been human attendants to the shrine for a long while, but back when they were there they were useful enough he supposed. They certainly helped keep the place clean and beautiful, which was nice when he thought to look at it.\n\nThey eat in comfortable silence for a bit, when Viltez' next question grabs his attention. Her tries to keep at least a bit of a casual air around him, but his gaze is intent as her considers what he want to say. \n\n\"The shrine is to... the guardian of the lake. A great spirit that lives in the shrine and has dominion over the lake and the woods around it. Its spirit flows in the water of the river that feeds it and in the clouds that dance at the cusp of a storm,\" he sounds proud, of course, but that would make sense even if he weren't talking about himself, wouldn't it? He kind of wants to stop there, but he can't quite help from mentioning the next bit as well.\n\n\"I was named after it, actually,\" he's trying for 'casual', but he's pretty sure he's missing the mark.\n\n\"Autharyx. Its name is Autharyx.\" Somehow, with all the lies he's told Viltez, this one feels like the worst. Because it is not a lie. It's not justified by needing to seem human, its just a calculated untruth because he really wants Viltez to know his name.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez listens with rapt attention as his guest describes the spirit that's worshiped at his shrine. He knows the spirit seems to have lost his following a bit, enough that Aryx felt it was okay to just leave the shrine and travel for a while, but he's still in awe of hearing about a real, actual being of worship from a man he's grown to trust. There's always a lingering doubt when he hears from travelers about the gods and spirits worshiped in other places, but with Aryx, he trusts the man enough to feel that he must be speaking of a being that is very, very real.\n\nAryx talks about how the being is connected to the would around him, and the beast man feels in awe of someone being able to connect with the very elements around them. 'Well, he's a being of worship, not a person, so they can do anything, but it still sounds like it must feel amazing. . .' His back straightens a bit, his interest piqued when Aryx mentions that he was named after the being, and his tail comes up to curls over his shoulder, almost as if it wants to listen as well.\n\nAs the name rolls off his guest's tongue, Viltez can sense something strange, and powerful, behind his words. The look in the man's eye, his tone filled with self pride, and the name itself combine to send a shiver down the beastman's spine. \"Authuryx. . .\" he echoes, feeling the name on his own tongue as he thinks of a being that has dominion over lake, woods, and whose spirit can dance in the clouds before a storm. He lets the name linger a bit before smiling wide at his guest. \"It sounds like a great being to be named for. I bet it feels great to share a namesake with such an incredible being.\" Grinning brightly at his guest, Viltez completely doesn't catch on to the fact that Aryx is talking about himself. Looking down at his plate, he pokes his food a bit. He doesn't know what meaning his name has, if any at all, since he never got the chance to ask. A flicker of longing to know passes through him, but then like every other thing in his life that has to do with a selfish desire, the desire passes and his focus returns to his companion with a bright smile.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Whatever inkling of shame he might have felt at the lie falls away at hearing Viltez say his name. Even cut off from everything as he is compared to Autharyx, Viltez seems to know the weight there can be in a name and the sound of it on the beast man's lips cuts right through to the core of him. For just a moment, he feels seen- feels known- and that thought send a shiver of delight down his spine. \n\nHe wants to hear it again- wants to have Viltez know that it is him that he's praising as an 'incredible being'. He wants to show Viltez what he is, what he can do. Wants to take him to his chambers under the lake and show off his vast collection of treasures, to set him up amidst jewels and gold and silver and have him look at him with awe. To pin him down with his arms, or his claws until Viltez cannot but realise that he's his.\n\nThen he blinks and the moment passes, leaving him feeling slightly off-balance in the wake of it. Never in his long existence has he felt bad about indulging in his whims and desires. Who was anyone to stand in his way if he had the power to take what he wanted? And yet... while the thought of stealing Viltez away for himself was undeniably a good one, somehow he couldn't help but try and picture how Viltez would look at finding out Autharyx had been lying to him. He wouldn't even be all that angry about it, would he? Just... resigned. Even though he was easily the most interesting creature in this village, the beast-man had seemed surprised every time Autharyx stated that simple fact in one way or another. \n\nLogically, the feelings of mortals just didn't mean as much as his own- not even a mortal as fascinating as Viltez was proving to be. And still the thought of somehow... hurting him sat wrong with Autharyx. As did the thought of failing to consider what he himself might want. It was... a novel kind of feeling for him, and he was pretty sure he didn't like it. \n\nWith Viltez still right there and smiling brightly at him, though, it was simple enough to push these complicated thoughts aside to smile in answer.\n\n\"It does,\" he finally says, \"I am very lucky indeed. And what about 'Viltez'? Do you have a namesake or are you the first of your name?\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "As if partially reading his mind, Aryx turns the conversation around and asks him about his own name. Wincing inside, feeling his name is not nearly as interesting, he smiles back at his guest and shakes his head. \"I don't know. My father, before leaving me, game me my name, but since I was. . . left here, so young, if he ever did tell me about it I have long forgotten it.\" His tail shifts forward from resting on his shoulder, brushing against his cheek as if trying to comfort him. Viltez smiles at it and gives it a pat, willing it to go back to relaxing in front of the fire.\n\nThe tail obliges slightly, sliding off his shoulder, but instead of going back to the fire to relax, the appendage slithers under the table to settle in his guest's lap. Flushing slightly, Viltez chooses to not acknowledge the action and instead talks a little more about himself as a distraction. \"I was old enough to care for myself, so nobody thought to rename me or anything. . . It's all I really remember from the time before the village. I can. . . Kinda, remember my father's face, but not really. I don't even know if the name came from the human side of me, or the beastman side of me.\" He pushes his food around a little more, somehow feeling lost even though he's sitting inside his own home.\n\nA twinge of fear that he's being to \"down\" and boring passes thought Viltez and to shake himself form the feelings he smiles back at Aryx and tries to change the subject. \"What does Authryx look like? I've heard about several different deities and great creatures before, but I've never heard of Authryx.\" He gives Aryx a 'I'm sorry I don't know about them' look, knowing it might be rude to not know, considering the being is so important to his guest.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "\"That... sounds like a lot,\" Autharyx says, putting on a face that he hopes is suitably sympathetic. He's kind of at a loss at this topic of conversation, sharply feeling all the cultural connotations and context that he's missing. What do fathers even mean in mortal culture? Autharyx himself certainly never gave much thought to who he came from, but viltez certainly seems... sad? About being left? He did say he was old enough to care for himself when he was, though, so perhaps this was a normal part of the mortal coming of age process? \n\nThankfully he was saved from having to continue a thread of conversation he knew absolutely nothing about by Viltez' next question. He really should have seen something like that coming, but it still caught hims off guard. If the beast-man had asked him what he 'was like' he would have been able to talk a little about his strength and his connection to the world- perhaps even the treasures he collected. But 'looked like'... that was not something he'd ever really thought about in mortal terms, beyond the impression of awe and fear he liked to leave on mortals. \n\n\"It's a dragon,\" he starts out slowly, trying to remember what he'd heard humans say about him in the past. \n\n\"They say its scale shine like the reflection of sun on water, and its mane is dark like the heart of a storm cloud. It is wingless, but that does not matter when one is part of the energy flows that make up the world, and when it storms it twists through the clouds and catches the lightning with its horns.\" That sounded like something humans might say, didn't it?", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez' eyes brighten and shine as Aryx reveals that the deity he follows is, of all things, a dragon. Beast shaped deities are not unheard of, but for humans, they tend to be human shaped. Or at the least, mostly human with perhaps animal heads. He doesn't know about his father's race and the deities they follow, but to him a dragon sounds completely amazing. He looks on in awe as Aryx describes the dragon's body, and how it literally dances through storm clouds. \"That sounds so beautiful. . . And powerful. Catching lightning!? That's amazing!\" Viltez is clearly delighted at the description, his tail slipping up to wrap around his guest's arm and squeeze it in his excitement. \"Did you ever get to see them? Did you ever see them dancing through the clouds? Did Autharyx ever talk to you? Did you have to ask permission to travel?\" His face flushes as he realizes he's pouring down question on the poor man, leaning forward in his desire to hear more, and he sits back, clearly embarrassed.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "As if partially reading his mind, Aryx turns the conversation around and asks him about his own name. Wincing inside, feeling his name is not nearly as interesting, he smiles back at his guest and shakes his head. \"I don't know. My father, before leaving me, game me my name, but since I was. . . left here, so young, if he ever did tell me about it I have long forgotten it.\" His tail shifts forward from resting on his shoulder, brushing against his cheek as if trying to comfort him. Viltez smiles at it and gives it a pat, willing it to go back to relaxing in front of the fire.\n\nThe tail obliges slightly, sliding off his shoulder, but instead of going back to the fire to relax, the appendage slithers under the table to settle in his guest's lap. Flushing slightly, Viltez chooses to not acknowledge the action and instead talks a little more about himself as a distraction. \"I was old enough to care for myself, so nobody thought to rename me or anything. . . It's all I really remember from the time before the village. I can. . . Kinda, remember my father's face, but not really. I don't even know if the name came from the human side of me, or the beastman side of me.\" He pushes his food around a little more, somehow feeling lost even though he's sitting inside his own home.\n\nA twinge of fear that he's being to \"down\" and boring passes thought Viltez and to shake himself form the feelings he smiles back at Aryx and tries to change the subject. \"What does Authryx look like? I've heard about several different deities and great creatures before, but I've never heard of Authryx.\" He gives Aryx a 'I'm sorry I don't know about them' look, knowing it might be rude to not know, considering the being is so important to his guest.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "\"That... sounds like a lot,\" Autharyx says, putting on a face that he hopes is suitably sympathetic. He's kind of at a loss at this topic of conversation, sharply feeling all the cultural connotations and context that he's missing. What do fathers even mean in mortal culture? Autharyx himself certainly never gave much thought to who he came from, but viltez certainly seems... sad? About being left? He did say he was old enough to care for himself when he was, though, so perhaps this was a normal part of the mortal coming of age process? \n\nThankfully he was saved from having to continue a thread of conversation he knew absolutely nothing about by Viltez' next question. He really should have seen something like that coming, but it still caught hims off guard. If the beast-man had asked him what he 'was like' he would have been able to talk a little about his strength and his connection to the world- perhaps even the treasures he collected. But 'looked like'... that was not something he'd ever really thought about in mortal terms, beyond the impression of awe and fear he liked to leave on mortals. \n\n\"It's a dragon,\" he starts out slowly, trying to remember what he'd heard humans say about him in the past. \n\n\"They say its scale shine like the reflection of sun on water, and its mane is dark like the heart of a storm cloud. It is wingless, but that does not matter when one is part of the energy flows that make up the world, and when it storms it twists through the clouds and catches the lightning with its horns.\" That sounded like something humans might say, didn't it?", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez' eyes brighten and shine as Aryx reveals that the deity he follows is, of all things, a dragon. Beast shaped deities are not unheard of, but for humans, they tend to be human shaped. Or at the least, mostly human with perhaps animal heads. He doesn't know about his father's race and the deities they follow, but to him a dragon sounds completely amazing. He looks on in awe as Aryx describes the dragon's body, and how it literally dances through storm clouds. \"That sounds so beautiful. . . And powerful. Catching lightning!? That's amazing!\" Viltez is clearly delighted at the description, his tail slipping up to wrap around his guest's arm and squeeze it in his excitement. \"Did you ever get to see them? Did you ever see them dancing through the clouds? Did Autharyx ever talk to you? Did you have to ask permission to travel?\" His face flushes as he realizes he's pouring down question on the poor man, leaning forward in his desire to hear more, and he sits back, clearly embarrassed.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Autharyx feels his chest puff up with pride at the deluge of compliments and interest. It is exhilarating to have Viltez show admiration and curiosity towards, well, him. It makes him want to preen and gloat and show Viltez exactly how beautiful and powerful he is. And he will, just not quite yet. \n\nEven through his pride he realises that 'actually I was talking about myself the whole time' is probably not the best way to go. It's not even about whether Viltez will believe him- of course he will. It's more that... well, that will be putting their acquaintance in a bit of a different light, won't it? It will mean owning up to lying up until now, and it will probably mean the end of this sense of... equality that they seem to have going. Autharyx would have never guessed he would prefer equality to lording over someone, but that's the position he finds himself in right now. Best to take a bit more time to let Viltez get to know him, and then when he does show his true self it will be a bonus rather than a shock!\n\n\"Sadly, it hasn't interacted with humans directly in many generations,\" he says in response to the beast-man's enthusiastic questions. Pretending he spent a lot of time talking to himself felt like stretching the 'lying by omission' a bit too far. Instead he chooses to talk as truthfully as he can manage, carefully talking around all the bits that would reveal more than he is willing to part with right now.\n\n\"The shrine has fallen into disrepair over the ages, and in the end I did not want to be chained to a place rooted in a past gone by when there was a world beyond the lake for me to explore. I do intend to go back eventually, of course. I suppose in the end I will always be tied to that place.\" He turns to glance out the window in contemplation, the sky looking small and distant from this still-unfamiliar perspective. \n\n\"It seems the world is no longer one of dragons and spirits, as it was long ago.\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Autharyx" }, { "text": "Viltez gives his guest an understanding, slightly sad look, hearing about the shrine basically being abandoned. The sureness in his voice however makes him feel like he must have seen the dragon at some point, or simply truly believes, so he holds no doubt that this god figure is still alive, and real. His tail slides forward to rub against Aryx' arm as he speaks of the world changing and Viltez shiver a little at the feeling. His words about going back some day gives a sting to his heart, a touch of sympathy stained by his sorrow at thinking of his guest leaving him, but the bigger pang comes from Aryx' clear desire to \"See the world beyond the lake\". He knows how close the lake he spoke of is, relatively speaking, and there is so much more world to see and take in.\n\n'And here I am, keeping him in one place rather than encouraging him in his dream to see more. . . I truly am a selfish being. . .' His heart threatens to drop, but with a slow breath, he pushes his thoughts on. 'But, we're both young. It's okay, to take a little while with him, right? He still has plenty of time to see the world. . . A small slice of that life he wants to live isn't horrible right? And. . . And he seems happy here. . . He seems, happy, to stay for now. . .' He gives Aryx a gentle smile, fighting though his warring thoughts.\n\nComing out of his thoughts, a small voice in the back of his mind tries to draw his attention to how odd Aryx had sounded when he talked about the world long ago, a kind of knowing that normally he saw in old men talking about 'the good old days'. It tries to point this out to him, but he doesn't hear it, his mind distracted by his tail's activity mixed with his own deeper thoughts about making sure that Aryx stays happy for however long he's going to stay. \"I am sure the time is not over so much as it's moved from a roar to a whisper.\" he says softly, not wanting Aryx to mourn the master of his shrine's absence. \"A whisper that carries across the land, on every strand of breeze, and into the hearts of those willing to believe.\" He flushes, knowing he's getting a bit poetic, and turns his attention on to his food so he can finish eating quickly. \n\nHe knows he wants to wash up after the meal, since he will be sharing a bed with his guest once more, and doesn't want to stink horribly. He doesn't let his mind linger too long on the actual sharing part however as he's still rather unable to quickly accept that Mister Aryx likes him like that. It's still so new, so strange, and so unexpected, but despite the dream like thought not settling fully, he knows he wants to at least not be a filthy mess when sharing such a small space.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The rain was not particularly heavy, but it did not show any signs of relenting even after two hours of pouring. It had certainly drenched Zach completely as he came walking from the other side of town. At first he had worried that the rain would make his injuries seem less severe, as it had washed away most of the blood. Thankfully, a few stains had already set into his clothing and he had some impressive bruises to boot. The attack would have left a human unconscious, but the force of their blows hadn't even manage to break any of his dense bones. He did have some strains though, and an impressive amount of cuts and bruises. It would be tedious, but he should be able to keep up a human healing factor throughout the healing process.\n\nAs he neared the church, he looked for the little building where he knew the priest would live. He hadn't even needed to ask about the man, as his name was on everyone's lips in the right areas of town. He seemed to be a proper do-gooder, which was what Zach was counting on to provide him the opening he needed. Sure, some narrow-minded people might think a bruised and bloody body would do nothing to seduce a target, but Zach knew to take his time. He only needed to make sure he got to stay with the priest, rather than be sent to some shelter where he couldn't work his magic on the man. Once he was in, wounds would heal, and from what he had heard this 'Kiel' was a sucker for a sob story.\n\nHe slumped over a little when he reached the door, and raised his hand to rap on the wood. By that time he didn't need to fake a wince of pain, as the long walk over hadn't done his ribs any good by the feel of it. He might be stronger than humans, but that didn't mean he couldn't feel pain. He would deal with it, though, especially if this ploy turned out to work...", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "The patter of rain on the roof brings a smile to Kiel's lips as he turns a page in his newest book. Propped up against his knees the hardcover's pages flicker slightly in the candlelight as he reads. His eyes dart across the page, fully captured but his latest read. Around him his small room if covered with books and papers, leaving only a few small paths to get around from one side to the other, and a final little path to the door. Spending most of his time either in church or out on the streets, Kiel has never felt the need to keep his room clean. The small side bedroom attached to his is mostly free of clutter, but a few stacks of books have found their way into the doorway, blocking it from being able to close.\n\nAs the rain continues he looks up from the book, his eyes trailing over to the window. With a sigh he notes that the rain has partially found it's way inside and the edge of his bed now has a fine mist on it. Tilting forward on to his knees, the bed creaking in protest to the sudden action, he reaches out and pulls the window completely shit, latching it's large old fashioned hook. Looking back to his book, now settled face down on the bed he lets out another sigh and saves his place before placing it on his nightstand atop an ever growing pile of books.\n\nStanding the young priest starts shedding his layers to get ready for bed. Kiel has always enjoyed his life at the church. The simple life, the doing good, it all leaves him with a very content feeling every night. However, his mind shifts often to all the people he's unable to help. All the children still lost and in need out there. He bites his lip softly as he clears a chair to sit on so he can get his shoes off. Just over a week ago, he'd lost a young girl to an overdose. The teens that are constantly at his side when maneuvering the slums told him that they'd found her, and given her her last rights and the like. He had wanted to see her, but they had already taken her in to the police so they could give her a burial.\n\nStretching Kiel pulls off his top and is just about to grab his nightgown when a knock at his door causes him to freeze.*'No one visits at this hour. All the others are either asleep or working on tomorrow's sermon'*A jolt goes through him.*'Maybe it's one of the kids'*With that thought in mind he makes his way to the door and cracks it open slightly. The sight that greets him causes him to throw the door wide. \"What?! Are you alright?!\" He cries, reaching out to pull the young man inside. The patches of blood on his clothing make his stomach turn. He doesn't even seem to notice that he's getting soaked as he pulls the boy inside and kicks the door shut behind him. Guiding the boy over to the recently cleared off chair he encouraged him to sit while trying to get a look at the boy's wounds. \"What happened? Who did this? Does it hurt? Where are you hurt?\" The questions keep tumbling from his lips as heart beats loudly in his ears.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach was leaning heavily against the door frame when the priest opened the door, and the next moment he was stumbling inside, supported by the taller man. His eyes flicked briefly over the assorted books littering the floor, but most of his attention was on the man leading him across it.\n\n\"I... I'm sorry,\" he rasped, slightly exaggerating how difficult his ribs made it for him to talk. \"I didn't know where else to go...\" He winced as he sat down in the chair, hand coming up to clutch at his ribs. He could feel the priest turning his head this way and that to get a good look at the bruised littering his skin, and he made sure to gasp when a tender area was touched.\n\n\"There was... I was,\" he swallowed, as if he couldn't bring himself to say the words. \"I did something wrong. I thought they were going to kill me and I didn't know where else to go,\" he choked up a little, voice breaking as he let tears spring to his eyes. \"I heard that you are a good man, and I don't want to be... I didn't know where else to go,\" he repeated, softer this time.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "His fingers move swiftly over the boy's body, desperate to assess his injuries quickly. There's a catch in the back of his own throat as the boy stumbles over his word, tears coming to his eyes. Kiel bites his lip and bites back a string of curses aimed at whoever hurt him. \"It's alright, you're safe here.\" he murmurs, his voice soft and soothing. \"You don't have to be afraid. No one will hurt you here.\" He stands up and coaxes the boy's arms over his head as he pulls off the kid's soaked top. He feels his stomach drop as he sees the fresh wounds on his now exposed torso. Noticing his own bare chest he reaches over to where his nightgown lay settled atop the books on his small table beside the chair before stepping across the room to grab a towel out of his closet.\n\nMaking his way back to the young man's side he place it gently atop his head and he moves his hand softly across the plush fabric in an attempt to dry the boy's hair. \"Don't worry little one. I won't let anyone lay a hand on you again.\" His voice is soft but fierce.*'I can't stand this. Why does stuff like this happen!?'*Despite his inner turmoil his voice remains soft. Kneeling down in front of the kid he tugs the towel slightly so that it settles on the boy's shoulders.\n\n\"I'm going to put some tea on and get some hot water ready so I can clean up these wounds. Try and dry off a bit more while I get the stuff ready, kay?\" His hands drop down to settle atop the boy's own and he flinches internally at just how cold they feel. He stands quickly and slides over to the thermostat. Cranking it up so that the heat kicks on he moves over to the hot dual plates on his table and plugs them in. Pulling out a pot and his kettle from beneath his little sink he fills them both with water and sets them to boil. All the while he keeps half an eye on the boy in case he needs something. While he waits for the water to boil he turns back to his closet and pulls out a pair of pants for the kid to change into once the wounds are treated.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach hid a small smirk as the priest crawled around the messy house. He had expected at least a bit of a challenge from the reputation the man had in the village, but he doubted this priest could offer any kind of substantial resistance. He didn't seem completely stupid though, he had to admit when he noticed the looks the man was giving him as he patched him up. It was a good thing he'd spent some time building a bit of a background in the town, even if it was only a few weeks old. There were quite a few people coming in from the big cities, even if a lot of them only passed through. Even for a human, it would not be inconceivable to have no past.\n\nWhen the priest asked for his name, he pretended to think for a while, before averting his eyes and summoning a light blush to his cheeks. \"My name is Zach...\" he held on to the gauze as the other taped, and followed any other orders as well. \"I'm sorry to come here at this hour of night. My apologies if I woke you up, Kiel.\" He looked up with a start, dark eyes seeking out the priest's paler ones. \"Er... I meant Father, of course...\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Finishing up with the large bruise Kiel looks up with a faint smile.*'I'm glad he feels safe enough to tell me his name, or at least a name'*He pauses slightly as he notices the boy's flushed cheeks but looks away quickly with a cough when Zach uses his first name so openly.*'Oh my. Seems he's done more than hear about me'*Standing he turn to the young man and smiles down at him as he corrects himself. \"It's alright little one. Kiel, Father, or Father Kiel are all just fine.\" He chuckles slightly. \"A lot of the kids call me just Kiel, though I ask that they call me at least Father Kiel when around the other clergymen.\" Reaching out he pats the boy on the head affectionately, smiling warmly.\n\n\"You're hair's still a little damp.\" Kiel murmurs, stepping close. Pulling the towel back up he does his best to dry the dark shaggy mop without aggravating any injuries. His fingers move slowly and gently, pressing the soft fabric close to the scalp to get the moisture hidden near the roots. The dry air for the heating grate travels from it's slot on the floor up around the table to the ceiling, creating a kind of hot down draft above the chair. Kiel can feel his body warming up under the direct heat and after a minute he drops the towel back around Zach's neck and steps back. \"There you go, that should be good.\" Gesturing to the pants on the back of the chair he adds, \"And as soon as you slip into those you should be able to dry off the rest of the way.\"\n\nStepping further back he looks around the room, seemingly to avert his gaze from the boy.*'From what he said earlier, he most likely doesn't have a crash pad. I should get the spare room ready'*He glances at Zach before moving over to the doorway to the spar room. Placing his hands on either side of the door frame his shoulders slump at the amount of dust coating a few places in the room. Most importantly, the bed itself. Turning his head slightly so the youth can hear him better he says, \"This is the spare room. I'd never put anyone out in this weather, and until we find out who attacked you the slums are not safe.\" He turns back to the dusty bed and sighs. \"It isn't much, and there's enough dust in here to gag a cockroach. . . .\" He turns his head again, \"But at least it's warm, and dry.\" He lets out a little laugh. \"Just head in here when you're done changing and I can take care of the rest of your wounds.\"\n\nWith that he wanders into the room, moving aside a few stacks of books so that the path to the bed and dresser are clear. Pulling open a few dresser drawers he smiles with relief that the stock of spare clothes is still in place. Over the years Kiel has helped many teens and young adults in need, and part of that has always been providing basic necessities. Most of the kids he's dealt with lately haven't needed clothes, so he has had no need to check his stock. Shifting through the selection of t-shirts, jeans, long sleeves, and sweat pants he nods sharply in approval. \"Looks like a good selection.\" He murmurs, moving over to the bed.*'I've only had a few kids stay here before, and most were runaways wanting to go home. Last one wanted to join the clergy and now serves under Father Wraith. That was. . . . .Quite a while ago'*Picking up the pillow he coughs slightly as he beats off some of the dust with his free hand.*'But even so, I shouldn't have let it get this bad. . .'*With a sigh he sets the pillow aside and starts beating the bed itself, shaking out the covers.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zack frowned internally at 'little one', but let it slide for now. He might have gone for an older look, if he hadn't felt he needed to work on the priest for a longer period. He doubted someone much older would be invited to stay there though, so he needed to look at least plausibly young. It didn't matter. Once he started healing, there would be enough time to let it sink in he wasn't a 'little one'.\n\nWhen the priest worked on drying his hair, Zack subtly leaned into the touch. His small sigh when the heat started to seep through didn't have to be an act. After several weeks worth of cold nights in damp places, it was a joy to be in a warm place again. He didn't know how all those humans living on the streets dealt with it. Poorly, he imagined. When the priest stepped away, he took the dry clothes with a smile and a muttered 'thank you'. He longed to finally feel dry again, so he wasted no time peeling off his soggy pants and under pants. It would be out of character to check if he was watching, so he kept his attention on getting dressed, making sure to move slowly as if his wounds were actually bothering him.\n\nAfterwards, he hung his wet clothes out over the back of the chair to dry before following the priest into the spare room. \"You are very kind,\" he said quietly, letting a little disbelief seep into the tone. \"Er.. I mean, not that I thought you wouldn't be,\" he followed, eyes wide. \"The others said you were kind. I just... I'm not really used to it I guess.\" He looked the priest in the eye for just a second too long, before averting his eyes with a small blush. \"The room is great, I'll make sure to keep it tidy. Er...\" He looked around at the books littering the floor. \"I won't move anything,\" he eventually settled on.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "A warm smile spreads across the priest's lips as the boy stumbles over his words.*'He's so awkward. It's rather cute.'*He holds back a laugh as he finishes shaking out the sheets and turns to look at the boy. His words die in his throat as he meet's the young man's eye. His smile wavers ever so slightly as they gaze at one another.*'There's something odd about this child. Those eyes. . . . .They look . . . . .Old somehow'*His smile returns just before the boy looks away and he silently chides himself for doubting the young man.*'Of course he seems older than he is. Most street kids grow up far too quickly'*Shaking his head he almost misses what Zach says about the room. However when what he says registers he chuckles lightly and pats the boy on the arm.\n\n\"It's alright. The books aren't suppose to be in here anyways. I'll get them moved out tomorrow.\" He squeezes the others arm before leaning in to give him a brief hug. \"Don't worry about anything. Just get some rest.\" He murmurs quietly before pulling back with a final squeeze if his hand. Reaching up he ruffles the boy's hair and steps past him towards the door. Pausing at the doorway ha carefully pushes a few stacks aside so that he can pull the door closed behind him. Just before the door shuts he reaches in and switches the light off.\n\n*'That poor kid. I have to go out tomorrow and figure out what happened to him'*Kiel lets out a sigh and turns off the light in the main room before wandering over to his bed with practiced dodging moves.*'It doesn't seem like he'll want to go back to his parents. He may even be old enough to live on his own'*Pulling up his gown a but he slides out of his pants and hangs them off the end of his bed. With another sigh he climbs slowly into bed, sitting up so he can look out the window.*'I wish this world would just come to it's senses. Stuff like this is pointless. The children are our future, and as long as we keep setting them up to fail, the cycle will repeat forever, until the world collapses in on itself'*Stretching his shoulders carefully he slides down slowly until he's settled comfortable beneath the covers. Despite the now hot atmosphere in his room, he curls up under his sheets and blankets, and within moments, passes into the dream world.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "***~The sun shines down from high above, it's rays red and fierce. ON the planet below a small figure moves through vast jungles, trying to find the compound. He knows it's here, he just need to make his way there. It's been his home for many years, but for some reason, this day, it seems to hide itself from him. The jungle is hot, large insects swarm through the air, the buzzing sound like a constant hum of life. They're out of sight, but their shadows behind leaves are enough to make ones skin crawl. Large pants, some moving almost with a will of their own, pull at his clothes, scrape across his skin. How did he get here? Why can't he get home?\n\nWait. Through the foliage, he spots it. Outside, around a large swimming pool. It's his family. He moves closer, trying to reach them, but the plants. They won't let him go. He cries out for them, reaching, straining, a prayer on his lips for the strength to get to them. To get home, to be safe by their sides. The plants cling to him harder, drawing him down. A final cry escapes his lips as he is engulfed in green. He can feel the stink of their little barbs cutting into his skin, but before he can respond, he falls. Falls further and further down, into the darkness. He does not know how long he falls through the never ending blackness, but he does eventually land.\n\nThe second his feet reach the ground, many colored lights explode around him. He is blinded fro a moment. He's larger not, he can feel his boyish clothing of t-shirt and shorts now replaces with more familiar clothes. Around him are many people. He's at a club, the pounding beat of the music erupting into his ears. He's on the dance floor, bodies move all around him. He can feel his body, moving to the music. His hand reaches up, touching the collar at his throat. He shakes his head, he shouldn't be here. He moves slowly towards the exit, the glowing red sign just barely visible above the dancers' heads. He can feel himself being drawn into the dance even as he seeks to escape it.~***", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The colours in the dream were vivid, but sounds and scents were muted. It always took him a bit off guard how dull his senses felt in the dreamscape. But all that existed in here came from a human mind, and their senses were not as good as his own. It meant there was nothing for him to pick up on beyond the human range, but it also gave incubi like himself a valuable insight into the capabilities of humans. Of all demons, his kind were most at home in dreams, which made their input valuable to the higher-ups.\n\nOnce the priest's world came into focus around, it took Zach a while to figure out where the priest was in the mass of green. By that time the scene had already changed, but it didn't matter. When left on their own, dreams were usually fragmented and disjointed. Interacting with the dreamers usually had a stabilising effect, but thankfully it didn't really seem to carry over into the waking world too much. Unless he forced something really out of character, it took a lot of training to be able to recognise involvement in a dream. When the mass of bodies presented itself, Zach decided to just jump in. All he got from the priest so far fas the feeling of being lost, and that wasn't going to help him any. He closed his eyes and let himself be pulled into the narrative of the dream.\n\n~**He was moving effortlessly through the press of bodies, Kiel's presence a beacon in the less-than-real world around him. He let the priest's unconscious come up with his attire, but made sure that his body was unharmed in the dream world. He kept a slightly alarmed look on his face and made sure the priest saw him several times before he finally bumped into him. His hands came up to the human's arms to steady himself and he let his face break out in a relieved smile. \n\n\"Thank you,\" he said in an echo of their earlier conversation. He muted the sounds and sights of the dance floor, leaving room for the priest's subconscious to fill it in with a different location. He wasn't planning on pushing anything just yet, as he first needed to find out what his target was like in the first place.**~", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "***~The exit sign grows more distant, his eyes seek out desperately for some way out. His heart skips, is that? His eyes trail through the crowd, the throb of the music matching the beating of his heart as his eyes catch glimpses of the boy in the press of bodies. The little one looks frightened, he must reach the boy. He must keep him safe. He wades through the bodies, somehow able to move more easily now. His own body moves with the sway of the music. There, through the crowd, he's there again. His wounds are gone, but he's still upset. The muted dark colors of the crowd's attire make the boy's vibrant red shirt stand out against the darkness. Again, there, just a few steps away. His hands reach out, brushing aside a few dancers who dissolve into a carnal mass of bodies. He can only see the boy now. \n\nThe boy reaches up, grasping his arms. The touch feels warm and Kiel smiles as the boy thanks him. He can feel his heart pounding to a new beat now, the joy of the young man looking happy and uninjured causing his joy to thrum through his veins. Leaning his head down so his forehead rests atop the boy's head he feels the music fade as he murmurs, \"As long as you are safe, and know you have nothing to fear, I have all the thanks I need Little One.\" Bringing his head back up he feels a new beat in the air. He inhales, the scents from the garden around them calming his spirit. His hand comes up to ruffle the boy's hair before sliding down to cup the back of his head.\n\nThe thick ivy vines growing on the gazebo keep the steady rain falling in the garden off the two figures and Kiel looks out one of the arches with a smile still in place. The garden looks like an oil painting, the edges unclear, the movements leaving behind faint trails of color, but the view makes him happy none the less. He turns back to the figure before him and whispers, \"This is the safe place, where no one can ever get to you. This is where I am, and where God shows the world his love.\" His hand drops from the back of boy's head, coming to rest on his shoulder instead.~***", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "**~Zach would have rolled his eyes at 'little one', but he managed to keep a straight face as the scene slowly changed around them. He had known the man had a bit of a saviour complex- had been counting on it in fact- but the dramatics still came as a bit of a surprise. He was used to judging humans on their dreams alone, but he was starting to realise he never had a chance to see what they were like in the physical world. It was both interesting and slightly disheartening to see how much he still had to learn about human nature. This priest, for example, had a very modest home and spent his days on the streets, and yet his dreams were filled with plants and vibrant colours. He supposed the only way he could learn more about him, was to keep watching...\n\n\"You brought me here?\" he said, letting a little quiver into his voice. Seeing as the priest obviously still viewed him as a helpless 'little one', it couldn't hurt to play into that a little. He needed to change his opinion eventually, but that would have to be in the physical world rather than in his dreams. Any ideas he planted here had to come at least close to his own subconscious, or he would eventually get suspicious.\n\n\"I did not think anyone would do that for me,\" he continued. With the sense of helplessness in his voice would trigger a memory and he could observe some more. Otherwise he should slip out of focus for a bit again and see where it went. Unless his subconscious focused on him, Zach couldn't risk taking up too much of his attention this first night.~**", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "***~The quavering of the boy's voice causes his heart to sink. \"Yes.\" He murmurs at the boy's question. When the boy speaks again a shot of pain fires through his chest and his face contorts slightly in pain. Around them the beat of the rain on the gazebo grows louder and louder. He tries to reassure the boy, but his voice is gone. Around him the garden fades, and in it's place cold stone and cement. The boy slips from beneath his fingers and seems to fade from his eyes. All he can see is coldness, the dampness, he's all alone. He can hear his voice again but all it does is cry out to the night. The darkness closes in, the gray sky fading from view, the world escaping his sight. He falls to his knees, his gaze dropping to the ground beneath hm. So cold, lifeless, the icy rain pools around his legs and his eyes open wide in horror as a faint stream of red joins the clear waters around him~***\n\nWith a sharp gasp Kiel sits up, his heart racing in his chest. Gasping for breath over and over his hand comes to his chest and he squeezes out tears as he clamps his eyes shut. The images fade quickly from his mind and after a moment the memory of them fades too. Again the rain outside brings him peace rather than terror and he lets out a very wet sounding chuckle through the tears. \"I really wish I knew what this meant.\" He mutters to the empty room. Glancing at the clock he lets out a long sigh. \"Little early, but I guess it's close enough.\" The sound if the rain is much fainter than it was when he went to bed, signifying that it may be letting up soon. Tossing the covers aside the priest stretches and throws his legs over the side with a grunt. Many mornings have for him like this over the years. It use to happen a lot more when he was younger. He would wake early, sobbing into the darkness over some pain that soon leaves him with this feeling. Somewhere deep inside, he can't quite figure out where, is the answer to his questions.\n\nShaking his head he slips out of bed and begins getting dressed. Starting some tea he pulls out a frying pan and some pancake mix that he'd prepared the night before. Shaking the bottle he looks at the amount and nods. \"Should be enough for both of us. Just in case I'll make extra eggs.\" Use to being alone Kiel doesn't think twice about talking to himself with the boy in the next room. Shifting some books aside he opens his mini refrigerator and pulls out half a dozen eggs for breakfast along with some cheese to melt into them. Tucking the cheese in the crook of his arm he grabs a plate of bacon strips before closing the door and setting it all out on the table next to the frying pan. Settling the bacon in the pan he smiles as it begins to sizzle. The smell permeates the entire house as he hums happily and continues to cook breakfast.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach keeps still when the priest steps in to inspect his injuries, glancing at the man's face through his thick eyelashes. He makes sure to wince ever so slightly when his more colourful bruises are touched, but in reality the injuries are mostly cosmetic by now. Since he doesn't have the experience to mimic a broken bone or something similar, he would have to rely on a sympathy ploy to spend some more time with the priest, rather than just physical reasons. Once he plays up the fear of running into his attackers again, he should be all right.\n\n\"I don't really mind the silence,\" he says as he goes over to the cupboard to grab a cup. \"It's always noisy on the streets. It's... nice to be able to hear yourself think,\" he casts his eyes down shyly as he seats himself at the small table. He grabs the fork, piles some bacon and eggs on it, then pauses when it's halfway to his mouth.\n\n\"Um... Should we say grace or something? I mean, since you're a priest and all...\" In truth, a blessing would likely spoil the food for his palate, but he has to keep up the image of a timid youngster for a while longer. He'll be able to open up a little once the priest starts making an effort to coax him out of his shell.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "With a chuckle Kiel pours the first pancake on to the the freshly melted butter. \"Yes, I can see how the quiet is comforting. After being out on the streets all day, I always get to come back to my nice quiet house. I guess I've never had to deal with the noise too long, heh.\" The butter sizzles as he flips the pancake and glances over at the boy as he stabs up some bacon and eggs.*'He seems to be feeling better today. I'm glad. He'll have to stay here until I find out who has it out for him. I hope he's not too opposed to being cooped up in this little house. I suppose he can explore the grounds a bit, but he should be careful not to be in the front where he could be spotted from the streets'*Kiel is brought out of his musing as he notices the boy is staring at him.\n\nAfter a moment the question registers and he chuckles again. \"Do what feels right to you. Just because I'm a priest doesn't mean I think everyone needs to think like I do. I know a lot of youths who have lost their faith, or never had any, but I will help them all the same.\" With that he scoops up the pancake and settles it on a separate plate. Next to the plate is a bottle of maple syrup which he taps with the spatula. \"Syrup for fee use.\" he says happily, glad that he thought to get a new bottle recently. As he pours the next cake he glances over at Zach.*'I think it's a little too soon to ask about his home life, but maybe I can get some clues to where to start looking'*Looking back to his cooking he asks, \"So, Zach, where did you take to bedding down when you got to town. I've been on the streets long enough to know all the locals. I hope you didn't have to travel too far.\" He winces slightly at his slip-up and hopes the boy doesn't see his statement as a way to fish for information he wasn't ready to give yet.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "\"It's a nice house,\" Zack said, sending a tentative little smile the priest's way inbetween bites of bacon and eggs. The food was a lot better than anything he'd managed to get his hands on since he came to the town. If it had been up to him, he would rather have forgone eating human food entirely, but since it was such a big part of life on the streets he'd decided he needed to keep up appearances. Appearances that led him to stand in line for ages in the freezing rain for a bowl of stew of indeterminate origin that he then had to pretend to*want*to eat. No, at least this food wasn't a chore to swallow and it left him with a pleasantly warm feeling.\n\nHe lets his eyes light up when the priest brings out the syrup. He wasn't particularly fond of sweet things, but humans seemed to thrive on it. He smothered his pancake in the sticky substance and made sure not to show a smile on his face when the priest tried to pry some information out of him. This was exactly why he had spent those miserable weeks building his cover story, and he didn't hesitate to spin his tale in between sickly-sweet bites of breakfast.\n\n\"Well, I moved around, really,\" he said hesitantly. \"Not that easy to find a place that'll have you, let alone for more than one night.\" He casts his eyes down to his plate for a moment, as if overtaken by memories. There were more than a few nights spent huddling in in some alcove, of course, and plenty of other tramps should be able to tell the priest about that. The more tragic part of his story would be formed by the nights where he had traded his body for a place to sleep, a meal to eat. To him it had been the most natural thing he'd done for the past month, but to a human it would probably seem like exploitation of the worst kind. Even as an incubus it wasn't optimal. Sure, he could take what he need from the arse end of humanity, but their energy was... tainted. He lived off desire, and those people didn't do what they did out of desire.\n\n\"It... it was fine, really,\" he said weakly before starting on his pancakes again. He put on a brave smile as he looked at the priest again. \"I'm not a kid or anything and I know how to take care of myself.\" He paused, considering the vivid bruises that were still adorning his head and body. \"Heh, well mostly anyway. Besides, I managed to get here, didn't I?\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Something about the haunted look in his eyes as he speaks of his experiences seems a little off, but Kiel ignores the feeling.*'Most kids start off lying about one thing or another. I can't expect him to be truthful right at the get go. I mean, on the streets, a good spin can be better than a pretty face when looking for shelter'*His hands work quickly as he turns out another pancake, throwing another dollop of butter into the pan and swirling it around so it will melt quicker.*'And he has the kind of face that could get him a lot out there. He doesn't seem to be too hesitant about it, so I'm guessing he's be on the street for quite some time, poor thing. . . .'*His thoughts trail off as Zach puts on a brave face, claiming not to be a kid. He chuckles at the boy's joke and pours the next cake.\n\n\"I know you're not a kid, but that doesn't mean I won't accidentally treat you like one on occasion. I kinda do it without thinking.\" He chuckles again. \"A lot of the kids in the street tease me about it. 'The youngest father they never asked for'.\" He smiles down at Zach as he finishes up the last bit of breakfast an turns off the hot plate. Dumping the cookery and utensils in the sink he plops the last cake on to a separate plate and scoops on some eggs and bacon. With a wink he pours syrup over the whole mass and begins cutting the cake into pieces. \"The nuns all thought I was gross as a kid, pouring syrup on anything and everything. Half the time think I did it to make them gag, but eventually I just fell in love with the taste.\" He smiles warmly and begins digging in. Between bites he does his best to tell the boy his plans.\n\n\"I have to go to morning mass in a little bit. You're free to come or to stay here. On that string, you can stay here as long as you like.\" He takes a sip of milk before going on. \"I don't want you to feel as if you have to stay, but I think it would be best if you stick around here for now. Whoever attacked you may know the neighborhood and will have guessed where you came after the beating. As such, it would be best, if you decide to stay, that you stay away from the front gate, or even the front yard. If they spot you, there's no guarantee that they won't be able to take you out of here before me or my order notice.\" He gives the boy a reassuring look. \"You're safe, as long as you stay out of sight. But you don't have to stay cooped up inside. There's a garden out back. It isn't much, but you can get some fresh air back there, and look at the flowers.\" Spearing some eggs he points at his shelves with a fork. \"If you promise to be careful, you can even take some books back there and read.\"\n\nHumming softly he turns to look out the window on the other side of his bed. The rain has almost stopped, the faint drizzle of rain off the roof making a curtain of little lines across the window. \"It looks like the rain will stop soon, and once it dries there's a nice stone bench out there to sit on.\" He turns his face back to his guest, a vary fond look in his eyes. \"I've spent many a day and night back there lost in the little worlds in my beloved books. The sounds and smells really add to the experience.\" With a cough he comes out of his revery. \"Well, to me at least, heh.\" He gives the boy a little sheepish grin.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach answered the priest's smile with a small one of his own, nodding at the suggestion to take it easy. He suppressed a small shiver at the sound of the church bells, and waved the priest off with yet another smile. He waited carefully until he was out of his sight before relaxing his pose and rolling his shoulders in relief.*'That went really well,'*he thought with a satisfied little grin. He decided to take a look through the small house, movements loose and fluid now that he wasn't pretending to be an injured human for a bit. He'd gotten a chance to look at most of it already, but now he was picking up books here and there, reading through them a little before putting them back exactly as he found them.\n\nAfter going through the living area, he sneaked into the priest's bedroom, carefully memorising exactly how everything looked. While he supposed it wouldn't be out of character for 'Zach' to snoop around, he would rather the priest trust him as early as possible. Which probably meant he had to start going to mass at least a couple of times. He made a face as he pulled open a few drawers to see if he could find anything interesting. It wasn't like it would*harm*him, of course. There was little to no chance that an unimportant little place like this would be warded against the like of him. Demonic protection was both expensive and hard to maintain, but when applied it was distressingly effective. Which was where he would come in, when he passed this test. As with everything, the weak link in the church' defences were the humans involved. And if there was anything Zach could work with, it was humans.\n\nSadly, there didn't seem to be any obvious secrets stashed in the priest's quarters, at least not somewhere he could easily get to them. All in all the man seemed to be quite genuine. Zack smirked slightly as he made his way back to the door before closing it behind him, leaving the room as he had found it. On the one hand that would make his job more difficult. One the other, however, it would make his victory so much sweeter once he earned it. It had been a while since he'd preyed on a pure soul, and he knew he was going to savour it.\n\nHe could still hear the voices of humans raised in song when he walked into the garden, so he supposed he would have to wait a bit for the priest to come back. He settled himself onto the stone bench, which was thankfully sheltered from the worst of the rain by the vines and plants growing overhead. It took some time to get himself comfortable on the cold stone, but when the sun started to come out he ended up lying on his back, small beams of sunlight warming up patches of his skin as he dozed. Wounded humans needed a lot of sleep, right? Plus, he knew he looked completely innocent with his face slack as if in sleep. It would be the perfect position for the priest to find him in when he came back.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "The small house is silent as he makes his way around the main room. Deciding that if the boy is asleep he shouldn't disturb him until the last minute for the bandage change.*'The more sleep he gets, the better, and if he can sleep through the cleaning. . .'*He chuckles lightly, cleaning up the little mess left over from the morning and the night before. Picking up the boy's blood splattered clothing he gazes at the dried red patches for a bit. With a sigh he tosses them, unsure if the boy will still want them, but feeling that they should be trashed none the less. Running his hand through the pants pockets before adding them to the rest in the garbage he makes his way to the back, into his own room. After picking up his own laundry he glances out the window at the garden before turning to go check on Zach.\n\nSuddenly he pauses, his hand on the handle, and his brow furrow. Turning he looks out the window again and with a smile he heads tot he front room. Scooping up his first aid kit he leaves the house and heads around it to the back garden. He walks slowly, not wanting to startle the boy by rushing up. When he comes into view he stops, a warm smile on his lips.*'He looks so peaceful. Even with the bandages and bruises, he looks almost innocent'*He shakes his head lightly with a sigh.*'The only thing taking away from him seeming completely innocent is my knowledge of street kids. All of them have something they regret. Something they've done or had done to them, that takes it away'*After watching for a few more seconds he strides softly forward and kneels beside the bench. Setting the kit down carefully on the grass Kiel reaches out and touches Zach's shoulder gently. \"Zach. . . Zach wake up, it's time to change your bandages little one.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach kept quiet as he heard the priest's footsteps get closer, breath coming slowly and evenly as he keeps his body relaxed. When the human came closer to wake him up, he frowned slightly and groaned a little before fluttering his eyes open sleepily.\n\n\"Huh,\" he muttered, blinking himself awake as he pulled himself upright. \"Kiel? Wha-\" he broke off into a yawn for a moment before trying again. \"What time is it?\" Once he was sitting up straight again, he slowly stretched himself out, shirt riding up to show a sliver of skin as he raised his hands over his head. He let them down slowly, mindful of his injuries.\n\n\"I didn't mean to fall asleep,\" he said sheepishly. \"Heh, guess I was more tired than I thought. How was mass?\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "*'So cute. Like a big cat'*Kiel laughs silently inside his head as the boy stretches and leans up to sit next to Zach. \"Mass was mass, not much different from most other masses.\" He says with a smile. Reaching down he tugs on the hem of the clean shirt. \"Seems I may need to find you a longer one, that one seems a little short.\" he murmurs. Shaking his head he reaches up to ruffle the young man's hair. \"And don't worry about falling asleep back here. I know how comfortable one can get in the garden. . .\" His voice trails off as he looks around to all the plants. Each bush, flower, and tree feels like an old friend, even if they are new this spring.\n\nA ghost of a memory flashes behind his eyes but he's far too concerned with the task at hand to take in anything more than a warm feeling.*'I should hit the streets as soon as possible'*With a nod to himself he turns to Zach. \"We should get those bandages changed.\" His gaze becomes soft an understanding. \"If you like we can head inside to do it, but if you'd rather stay out here in the garden I have the things I'll need right here. Don't worry about being seen, the only window other than my own that looks upon the garden is the head priest's and he doesn't ever look out of it. Wherever you are more comfortable Zach.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach patiently let himself be fussed over, and even tilted his head into the touch a bit. He didn't need to fake that he liked the attention. His kind were tactile by nature, and it was rare to get touches like this without some sort of agenda behind it. Rare enough that he still took the opportunity to enjoy them when they came by, at least.\n\n\"That doesn't sound like fun. Aren't you supposed to be all... happy about religious stuff, being a priest and all?\" he asked, watching the priest watch the garden. He still didn't have a concrete plan or anything, but he always preferred to work on instinct anyway. Right now the first priority would be to stop the priest thinking of him as a 'little one'. Zach doubted there was a shortcut for that one, so he would just have to see if he could find some common ground with his target.\n\n\"I'm comfortable here,\" he answered the question with a small smile. \"It's very... peaceful. There's not a lot of green in the city, unfortunately.\" He helpfully took his own shirt off so the priest could get to the bandages. It was a bit of a challenge to get it over his head considering his ribs, but he got it off soon enough.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Kiel chuckles at the boy's comment about mass. \"Yes, well, you're a boy. Shouldn't you be all macho and tough and not admiring something so 'girly' as a beautiful garden?\" He shakes his head. \"I'm sorry for teasing, but just like the races are different, and we all like different things, not all priests are the same. In fact, a few of us could even be considered kinda cool.\" With a sigh he reaches out to help him with the last bit of getting his shirt off. His fingers brush lightly across the boy's arms as he does so, but he doesn't seem to notice. Once it's off he places it on the bench beside Zach and kneels down on the grass in front of him.\n\nSnapping open the kit he begins checking each bandage, figuring out which ones need changing and which ones will be fine until he gets back. As he begins working,cutting away the dirty bandages and cleaning them with the antibacterial cleanser he hums out a soft tune for a bit.*'These wounds seem to be doing very well. They must still be very stiff, but I think if we keep up with them they should be healed in no time'*Glancing up at Zach his humming stops and he says, \"I'm almost done here. I can bring home dinner tonight. Is there anything in particular you like? My treat!\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach smiled as if the thought of priests watching his every move was a comforting one. He figured it didn't matter is he looked a little sceptical, since he doubted boys off the street were a lot more comfortable with the clergy than demons were. When he'd waved the priest off, he wasted some time sitting out in the sun before going for a cursory round of the grounds.\n\nHe made sure to walk carefully as he slowly made a round of the church grounds. He tried to look like just another harmless human, but in reality he was checking out the more supernatural defences in the area. He didn't actually search anywhere per se, but even from just walking around he could feel nothing more than a faint aura of holiness lingering around where he assumed was the altar. The most he would get from going in the church was goosebumps, and perhaps a light rash if he felt the need to actually touch the altar. It meant he could easily join the priest in mass if the occasion called for it, even if that wasn't how he would like to spend his time.\n\nAs he walked around he was pretty sure he could feel eyes on him occasionally, but no one seemed interested in approaching him. It occurred to him that he had very little idea how many people actually lived on the church grounds, and he decided to see if he could bring it up in conversation sometime. He muct have taken longer than expected, because by the time he came back to the cabin, the cook had left a plate of food on the table. It wasn't particularly inspiring as far as food went, but it was still better than anything than he'd eaten the past few weeks, barring perhaps the bacon from that morning. He took the plate out to the bench in the garden en enjoyed his meal in silence.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "\"Thanks Kiel.\" The twin's voices resonate in unison as each clings to him and smiles. The priest rolls his eyes but keeps an eye on the man who had been getting a bit rough with the girls. The tall man stalks off, shouting about how 'It just wasn't worth the trouble' and 'he can find cheaper tail'. As soon as he's out of sight Kiel gives the girls a hard look and they both simply giggle back at him.\n\n\"One of these days. . .\" he starts, however they both lean up to kiss him on the cheeks.\n\nAs they drop back on to their heels, still clutching his arms they say together, \"you're gonna end up in a hard trick and I'll be the one carving your grave stones.\" They giggle again and the priest can not help but smile back for a moment.\n\n\"We know Kiel.\" The one on his left chimes.\n\n\"But hey, at least we'll have someone at our funerals now. Right sis?\" the other adds. The one on his left nods and they both give him a squeeze before moving off to continue working their beat.\n\nWith a sigh Kiel scoops up his shopping bag and continues towards the church. The rest of the day had been a bust.*'No one seems to know anything about this new gang. I really hope my contacts can find m some leads soon. Zach needs time to heal, but if the gang gets a hold of anyone else. . .'*He shakes his head, chewing his lip lightly. As he passes through the archway leading on to the church grounds he heads straight inside. A couple of the regulars are cleaning the front hall and wave at him as he passes.*'I almost forgot it was cleaning day. They are so good to volunteer. I hope some of my kids will try it again this year'*\n\nMaking his way down the stairs to the basement he takes in a deep breath and smiles at the smell coming from the kitchen. As he slips inside the cook and her assistants give him smiles. The head cook wanders over, tasting the food as she passes and ends up standing in front of Kiel. He gives he a happy look, but her eyes go to the bag in his hand. When she looks back up with an eyebrow raised he holds up his hands in the 'Don't shoot me' position. \"It's just something my guest asked for. Don't worry, I'm not trying to step on your toes sister.\"\n\nSister Caroline has only been the cook for the parish for six years, but she has become fiercely protective of what she refers to 'Her turf' and doesn't even let anyone so much as use the microwave without telling her first. She rolls her eyes and behind her Mrs. Henasi chuckles good-naturedly. \"Good, because it's too late for me to be taking requests Kiel.\"\n\n*'No one really calls me father around here'*he muses, giving the sister a pat on the arm.*'I suppose my age doesn't help that'*\"So, Sister, would you be able to set me up with two plates? I'm sure my guest is hungry, and I know I am.\"\n\nShe raises an eyebrow at him again. \"Oh, so you actually WANT my cooking now. I thought you were all into cooking for yourself now.\"\n\nMrs. Henasi makes a tutting sounds. \"Now dear, don't pick on the poor dear. He just wanted to learn a new skill! Isn't that right Kiel?\" The young priest nods vigorously and Caroline just snorts as she turns away. Mrs. Henasi gives him a wink as the younger woman stalks around the kitchen preparing what Kiel asked for.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "After he'd finished the meal and washed off his plate, it didn't take long for Zach to get bored. The last few weeks had been a constant string of making, executing and reajusting plans, and though he had occasionally found it tiresome, he missed it now that it was gone. He might be where he wanted to be, but his mark wasn't. He supposed he could try to read, but he didn't feel like putting up with the itch that handling some of the religious texts would bring. Besides, he was trying to play illiterate and it was far too risky to start moving books around.\n\nEventually he scrounged around for some paper and pencils, before making himself comfortable in the garden. The weather hadn't turned yet, and the priest had truely cultivated a wonderful collection of flowers. It wasn't long before he was absorbed in his drawing, tracing the outlines of intricate little flowers in crisp lines, petal by petal. If pressed, he would have to admit that it wasn't a very demonic type of hobby, but he'd always enjoyed it. It was in his nature to appreciate beauty, after all, and putting what he saw on paper grounded him. He was so absorbed that he didn't even notice the shadows lengthening, or the light getting dimmer in the evening.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Humming softly to himself Kiel place one trays atop the other, the convenient covers allowing for easy stacking. With a wave to the sisters he makes his way carefully out the back door, his plastic shopping bag swinging back and forth from his wrist. The cool evening air hits him and he welcomes the little chill that runs across his skin.*'I love this time of year. The day are not too hot, nor the evenings too cold, and every moment can be appreciated in a different way'*He continues to hum an old hymn to himself as he makes his way towards his house.\n\nThe hard stone beneath his feet makes sharp clicking sounds with each step and he smiles at the faint echo of the noise off the stone walls of the church.*'Some sounds are so nostalgic'*Humming a little louder he pushes his way inside carefully. He calls out to Zach but receives no answer.*'Not panicking, not panicking. . . .'*he assures himself as he sets the trays down on the table. Knocking lightly he peeks inside the small side room. Not finding his guest he moves to his own room and peeks out the back window.\n\nHis face curls into a warm smile and with a chuckle he crosses his arms over his chest.*'He looks so relaxed. Makes me happy to think he's already so comfortable here. I've had so many nearly jumping out of their skin at the slightest sound or refusing to leave their room. . . .Perhaps I'm getting better at this, heh'*Shaking his head he moves back the the door and slips outside. Moving around to the back garden he pauses at the corner of the building. Watching the boy for a few seconds he takes a step back before calling out. \"Time for eats Zach! I brought chocolate!\" Turning on his heel he moves back inside quickly and sets the table up so they can both sit at it.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach's head jerked up at the sound of the priest's voice. When he heard the human get back inside, he allowed a frown to come ove his face. He hadn't even noticed him coming back, so absorbed had he allowed himself to become. That just wouldn't do, even if the first phase of his plan had gone well. He simply couldn't take any chances with this assignment. Any other time it wouldn't matter if he screwed up. 'Plenty of fish in the sea,' as the human saying went. He couldn't forget that he actually needed to catch this particular human this time.\n\n\"Are you a priest or a ninja?\" He said with a chuckle as he let himself back into the house. \"I didn't hear you come back.\" He tilted his head as he watched the priest set up the table, hugging the papers he'd drawn on to his chest.\n\n\"I left the plate on the sink, I hope that was okay? Um... I also took some papers to draw on...\" he said slowly, trailing off uncertainly. He still wasn't quite sure how to approach the priest now that he was in, but playing on his sympathies seemed a safe bet to start with.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Kiel chuckles lightly. \"Feel free to use as much paper as you like, I have plenty.\" Peeking into the small sink he nods as he grabs a couple cups from the shelf above it. \"The sink is fine, I can bring them back to the parish with the dinner dishes.\" Moving back over to the table he sets down the cups and wanders over to the fridge. \"I assure you, I am no ninja, just a humble servant of God.\" Glancing towards the boy he adds softly. \"Perhaps you were just too interested in your work? I find that when I'm concentrating on something hard enough a herd of elephants could stampede by and I would notice nothing.\" He chuckles again and kneels by the fridge. Opening his mouth to ask what Zach wants to drink he pauses before closing it again.\n\n*'I'll just grab everything. Not like it's the widest variety'*Pulling out a carton of milk, orange juice and a small jug of ice tea he stands and moves back over to the table. \"Have a seat.\" he murmurs, gesturing with the tea to a newly cleared seat. Setting down the drinks he takes a seat himself and smiles at his young guest. His eyes trail over all the visible injuries, his over protective nature making him ache slightly at the sight.*'I can not imagine what it is like to go through the pain these street kids do. How they survive at all still remains a mystery to me. Not physically of course, but living in the constant danger of not only the evils of this world, but of each other and their battle for survival'*He lets out a sigh and turns his eyes to the meal.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach tensed up when the priest touched him slowly let himself relax in stead of pulling away. He glanced at his own hands as the priest talked, letting a bit of doubt show on his face. Privately he didn't agree with the human at all. Sure, it took strength to trust, but that strength was used to fight tooth and nail to keep everyone from taking advantage of your trust. Humans liked to act as if they were so trustworthy and kind, but Zach had seen humans be more ruthless that many a demon. More inventive too.\n\n\"Um, I guess...\" he saidbefore trailing off. He reached for the food when the priest did, letting the silence drag out into an uncomfortable one. He threw a couple of glances the priest's way as he slowly started to eat as well. At first he made an effort to cut the meat in bite-sized pieces, but he soon followed the priest's example and started to eat a bit more messily.\n\n\"It's really good, \" he said, before chasing a stay bit of gravy with his tongue. \"Another preconception about priest's shattered: I thought you were supposed to live a sober life and stuff? \"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Sighing internally Kiel chides himself.*'I've made him uncomfortable, I'm being too foolish. The last thing he needs is someone treating him so delicately. I suck'*He smiles at the boy's question and takes a moment to think about it.*'I suppose I am a bit unconventional. I'm young, a bit of a slob, and I don't quite have that disapproving glare down yet'*He chuckles lightly, using his finger to clean the gravy from his chin. His tongue snakes out to clean the finger before he replies. \"I'm glad you like it. I'll pass it on to the chef, it'll make her day.\" Tilting his head to the side he gives the boy a lopsided smile.\n\n\"I don't believe in one person being the same as another. No matter what a priest \"Should be like\" the fact remains that I am the way I am, and the way I am is perfectly suited for the job I need to get done.\" Straitening up he chuckles lightly and after another bite he adds, \" If all of us were exactly the same I do think the entire thing would fall apart. There wouldn't be any new ideas that we all wouldn't agree on, and growth would cease. I think being different gives us the chance to explore more avenues in life.\" Sipping his tea Kiel looks at Zach questioningly. \"What do you think?\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach let his eyes follow the flick of the priest's tongue, but didn't linger. it wouldn't do to come on too hard, but it was never too early to lay in some ground work. As the human talked, he privately wondered what his fellow members of the clergy thought of his attitude. He might not have come in contact with a whole lot of them, but he hadn't gotten the impression that the church was very impressed with any kind of flexibility. Not if the jobs that needed doing were things like 'kill the demon' or that kind of stuff. Still, he made a show of thinking his words over carefully before answering.\n\n\"I guess that makes sense,\" he started with doubt in his voice. \"I mean, sure, everybody is good at stuff, but at the same time not everyone belongs everywhere, you know? it's just... Some people have these 'rules' they make up abput what people should and shouldn't be, and I know I wouldn't want to stay somewhere where there are people that think the kindof person I am is wrong, you know?\" He looked at the priest for a few moments before averting his eyes, cheecks colouring slightly as he seemed to realise that he'd said more than he meant to.\n\n\"Um, hypothetically of course. On the streets it doesn't matter anyway, it's just about you and what you can do.\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Kiel watches the boy carefully while he contemplates his answer doing his best to not weird him out by staring.*'Many of the kids have told me that on the streets a lingering gaze normally means trouble.'*Over the years Kiel has become a master of watching people while focusing somewhere else. It's always seemed to calm the street kids down a bit when they aren't the direct focus of attention, leading to a lot of the saying he's very easy to talk to.*'Even if he is a little different from most'*he muses, looking jut off to the side of the boy,*'Doesn't mean he doesn't have all the same troubles and fears that the rest of them have'*Setting his tea down he smiles when Zach finally responds.\n\n*'I'm glad he agrees, but something about his response makes me worry that he may be afraid of my fellow priests'*His brows furrow slightly as he talks and he can feel his sympathy growing.*'I think I'm right. I think he doesn't want to be preached at. I know a lot of my fellows seem to be nothing more than walking soapboxes, casting judgment and damnation like stale popcorn to pigeons. Perhaps he's already met a few of them'*He takes another sip of his tea, making not of but visibly ignoring his blush as he tries to figure out what to say next. Setting down the drink he picks up his fork in one hand, but just as he raises it to grab another bite he seems to hesitate, looking over to the young man once more.\n\n\"You will find no judgments in this house.\" His voice is soft, but his tone is resolute. \"I may live on church grounds, but this is my home. None of my fellow priests would dare speak out against my rules in my own home.\" He shifts his gaze to look directly at Zach. \"If you'd rather not hear from those of the church all you need to do is come inside. This is your sanctuary. The Head Priest has given me leave to do as I please, and it is my fondest wish to help kids like yourself.\" He smiles wide, a slight smirk on the edge of his mouth. \"And if that means fighting off each and every one of my fellows to defend a single one of my kids, I'll do it.\" He turns to his food, his smile softer but still in place. \"You are who you are, and all I want to do is help you become what you want to be, and keep you safe all the while.\" He chuckles lightly. \"I know you kids are tough, the coddling is an insult, but I can't help how I feel. . .\" With that he goes back to eating, the small smile still playing at the corners of his lips.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach could feel the priest's attention on him, even as his eyes seemed to miss him. He had to hide a smile, keeping an earnest face as he listened to the man speak. He was good. He had all the hallmarks of an experienced manipulator, only he seemed to be using his skills to help people rather than serving his own interests. Or perhaps he got a kick out of feeling like he did the right thing? He didn't seem quite as smug as Zach knew some of the clergy to be, but then he hadn't interacted with him all that long. It didn't matter. He had time enough to figure him out, whether it be in the proper world or in dreams.\n\nWhen the priest started his impassioned speech, he met his gaze for a few moments before darting away with a self-conscious expression. He poked at his food thoughtfully, even after the man had stopped talking.\n\n\"It's okay, I'm not insulted or anything,\" he eventually said at his plate. \"I... I appreciate the gesture, really, and I could use some time to heal up... Just...\" he poked at his food a bit more before hesitantly looking up at the priest again. \"You can't keep everyone safe, you know? And I know I owe you and all, but I don't want you to get into trouble on my account. There are plenty of better people out there, best to spend your energy where you can make a difference, right?\" He let a self-deprecating tone slip into his voice again as he went back to picking at his food.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Out of the corner of his eyes Kiel watches Zach poke at his food. He eats at a steady pace, the silence not feeling too uncomfortable. For him at least. Dragging a finger across the plate he scoops some errant sauce from the edge, slipping his finger in his mouth just as the boy replies. He sucks on his finger gently as he listens, a stifled sigh coming out of his nose at one point but as his finger slides out of his mouth with a little pop he smiles. Munching down the last bite of his food he stands up and places the cover back over the platter. His smile warms as he looks to the young man and he reaches out to gently ruffle his hair. \"I'm glad you don't mind,\" he says softly, \"and you are right. I'm not perfect, and I won't always succeed.\"\n\nLeaning down a bit he rubs a thumb over Zach's forehead and chuckles. \"Only god can truly claim perfection, but that will never stop me from striving with all my might for each and every one of you young ones.\" Stepping back as to not crowd the boy he moves over to the sink, his hand coming up to his collar. Snapping the fabric open he removed the mark of his office and sets it on a shelf above the sink. \"As for you worrying about me wasting my time, I think it's up to me to decide who is worth my time young man, and nothing to can say will move me from that ideal!\" His tone is an overly dramatic stern tone, obviously full of mirth, but just in case he give Zach one more wide smile before turning the water to cool and leaning down to splash some on his face.\n\nWith a little huff water sprays from his soaked lips as he exhales after the thorough soaking by the water. Reacting over he grabs a towel hanging close at hand, bringing it to his face to pat it dry a bit before standing up strait to look over at his guest. \"Oh, and don't worry. I'm not going to get into trouble. Like I said, I have special permissions. I think the Head Priest favors me a bit, which is unfair to the rest, but for my line of work with youth he thinks it's worth giving me a longer leash.\" Wincing slightly at his own use of words he sticks out his tongue in fun. A few drip of water splash down on to his cheeks and he realizes he'd gotten his hair wet. Rolling his eyes at his own antics he turns off the water, then reaches up to dry his hair. With his free hand he points to the table where he left the bag. \"Chocolate, as ordered, feel free to dig in when you're ready little one.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "*Pokes* Site says I didn't post. . .", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach could see the priest was trying to hide his emotions, but of course he could still feel the sharp sting of them hanging in the air. He just focussed on keeping his expression neutral as he waited, until the priest started speaking in a quiet sort of voice. Zach knew that what was being told had to hold some significance, but he couldn't place it. Instead he was taken by the change of the priest's usual upbeat manner to this almost hesitant demeanour. When he finally summoned up a smile, Zach wasn't ready to let the moment go.\n\n\"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up memories, \" he said earnestly. He was very serious about breaking through whatever defences the priest might have up, after all. \"I guess things can be very different for different people. I guess it's hard for me to feel your meaning behind the words when other people have used it... differently. I'm just tired of being treated like I don't know anything, like I'm just a stupid kid, even by the people who-\" he caught himself, an awkward stumble before he continued. \"It doesn't really matter. I just wanted to say I'm sorry, I guess. \" He summoned up a slightly shaky smile.\n\n\"But dessert sounds great. Chocolate, right? ''", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Kiel's smile widens and he nods. Pushing off the sink he begins walking over to the table. \"Yeah, I found some cheap but very tasty mini cakes the kids showed me once. It's what they normally use to celebrate birthdays when they can.\" He stops next to the table, his head reaching out. At first it looks like his hand is going to got for the boy's hair, as it had before, but he corrects himself mid motion and instead pats him gently on the shoulder. \"And don't worry about it Zach, I'm not upset. I understand, well as well as one can in my position, how you feel. It's my own fault for not asking if it was okay.\"\n\nSitting down he reaches across the table and pulls the bag forward. Reaching inside he pulls out two pot pie sized plastic containers with clear lids. Inside is indeed very small versions of chocolate cake and smiling wide Kiel hands one to his guest with a little plastic fork that came with it. \"Hope this is something you like!\" he chirps, his chipper mood back in place as he pops the top of his own little cake. He makes a yum noise, the smell catching him off guard. \"I don't have chocolate often. Not in the church's budget and all, and I myself don't really crave it that much. I forgot how good it smells.\" He's being completely honest sand as he takes the first few bites he simply enjoys them in silence.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach accepted the plastic container as if it were a little treasure. After taking off the lid, he closed his eyes to just revel in the smell for a bit. It seemed a bit sweet for his taste, but he wouldn't have to act as if he liked it. If his kind believed in the concept of 'guilty pleasures' chocolate would be his. It was one of the things he looked up whenever he was walking amongst mortals, and it had frankly sucked that he hadn't been able to do so for the entirety of this 'operation'.\n\nHe carefully carved out a chunk before lifting the fork to his mouth with something as close to reverence as he might manage. As the taste his his tongue, his eyes fell closed and he let out a low, but heartfelt moan. When the bite was finished, he immediately went back for seconds- and thirds, savouring each bite. He only played it up a little, making sure he wouldn't look like a pig, and licking the spoon and his lips to chase after crumbs. He seemed completely oblivious as he slowly worked his way through the little cake, abandoning the fork when he got to the bottom so he could scoop the last of the sticky crumbs from the bottom with his fingers. When he'd gotten the very last crumb, he lingered with his finger in his mouth, slowly drawing it out as he cleaned the last of the taste off with his eyes closed.\n\nWhen he only had the tip of his finger in he seemingly absent-mindedly opened his eyes, hoping to catch the priest's gaze. As he did, he promptly let his cheeks flush a bright red while he quickly pulled his finger out the last bit.\n\n\"Er...\" he mumbled, making sure his lips would be just a bit flushed as well. \"That was really good. I, er... really like chocolate,\" he sheepishly chuckled, blush still present on his face.\n\n\"Did you like it as well?\" He dragged his eyes away from the priest's face to peek into his container, briefly checking if he'd left any crumbs.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Kiel chuckles lightly as he watches Zach reveling in the smell of the little cake. Fork still sitting in his mouth he pauses for a but just to watch.*'Not wanting to be treated as a kid, and yet he eats that thing with all the passion of a five year old having been told to \"Dive in\" to their favorite food. It's so cute!'*He hums lightly, returning to munching on his own little portion, the while while watching his guest.*'It's almost like he's making love to the cake. . .'*He flushes slightly at the filthiness of his own mind, coming up with such an analogy out of the blue. He pauses, the tip of the fork once more griped by his teeth as he does a quick prayer.\n\nThe flush however does not fade by the time Zach is finished eating. As their eyes meet his blush seems to darken at the sight of Zach's and with a slight cough he pulls his fork out and hands over his cake. \"I noticed, no worries, here, there's a couple bites left.\" His voice sounds a little distant and as he leaves the cake with his guest he wanders towards his room, scooping up he collar as he passes it.*'I need to pray'*is all he can think as he falls to his knees beside his bed.\n\n*'Dear lord, please help to guide your young follower as his heart begins to stray from you path. May you blessed light keep him from filling his head with the sins of the world, letting them influence his daily life in all that he does. Forgive him for what trespasses he may have against you as his young heart seek to heal a broken soul. Father, in your grace, my he dwell always'*After his prayer Kiel feels himself relaxing, his thoughts from earlier no longer bothering him all that much. Carefully closing his door he changes quickly into his night gown before returning to the front room with a smile. Looking to his guest with a smile he points at the trash bin. \"If you're done you can just throw away the containers. I'm going to return all the dishes now.\"\n\nLooking towards the windows at the falling darkness he murmurs, \"If you want to see the garden again before bed I suggest you do it now, we'll lose the light soon.\" With that he throws on a overcoat, scoops up all the church's dishes, and makes his way outside. It doesn't take him long to make his delivery, a few utensils thrown his way for showing up in his nightgown, but other than that the operation goes smoothly. Stepping back outside he pauses. The fresh evening air is too tempting and for a time he just stands there, breathing it in.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach gratefully accepted the cake, hiding his smirk until the priest had retreated to his room. It was good to know he was at least not barking up the wrong tree with this one. It meant that all he would need was time, he thought rather smugly as he finished the second cake rather more sedately. He might even try if he could get away with a bit more in the dream realm this night. Nothing big, but just enough to keep the priest's mind occupied.\n\nWhen the priest returned, he was in his nightgown. It was strange to see him like that, Zach mused as he threw the containers in the trash as instructed. It made him seem younger in a way, probably because he was missing the layer of authority-by-association that the church uniform provided. Not that it matters much to Zach, it wasn't like his actual age was even comparable to that of a human, after all.\n\nHe didn't go out in the garden again, but instead pulled off his shirt before picking up some sleeping clothes and seating himself at the table again. The pattern of bruising had spread out from underneath his bandages, but he didn't look to sickly. When the priest came in, he gave him an embarrassed look.\n\n\"Er. .. Do you think you could help? \"he asked, hesitation clear in his voice. \"It doesn't hurt as bad as yesterday, but everything feels really stiff and I didn't want to reopen my wounds. \" He trailed off, avoiding the priest's gaze. \"I should probably do it myself. ..\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Having his fill of fresh air Kiel lets out a long breath and wanders back to the house. Not bothering to check the garden for the boy since even if he is out there it'll be up to the boy when he wants to come inside he instead heads right in the front door. The sight that greets him brings sympathy welling up from deep inside and he closes the door softly behind him. Shaking his head he moves in close to the young man and takes the shirt from his hands gently. \"No, you're right. You should be careful for the next few days if we want those to heal properly. I have no problem helping you out.\" Starting by carefully lifting one of the boy's arm's he begins working the shirt on, taking care not to move the limb around too much.\n\nAs he works he doesn't even notice all the times his hand skim across Zach's bare flesh, not really one to pay attention to those types of things. As he begins working to get the large t-shirt over his other arm after getting his head through the right hole he also doesn't notice how close he's standing as he works. He breath, coming out in light huffs as he half mumbles to himself about how to get the job done, lands directly on the young man's neck as he leans in to his work. Finally he gets the shirt on without bringing Zach any more pain that he could avoid and he moves around to stand once more in front of the boy. Looking down at the pants he smiles lightly. \"Need help with the bottoms too?\" His tone is light, not betraying in the slightest any form of emotion other than a willingness to help.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach wishes the priest goodnight with a small smile of his own, before retreating to his room as well. Only when he closes the door behind him he lets himself chuckle at the comment about the 'wonderful world of dream'. If only the priest knew how accurate he was being. Well, if he knew he would probably be stocking up the holy water by now, but that was beside the point.\n\nHe quickly and effortlessly changes into the pyjama pants before lounging on the bed until the priest saw it fit to go to sleep. Thankfully it doesn't take too long and when he can feel the pull off a mortal's dream, he wastes no time before stepping between the world's and slipping into the dream.\n\n*~The grassy hill is bathed in golden light when Zach slips gently into Kiel's consciousness. He takes a moment to enjoy the warmth of the sun seeping into his skin, before walking up to the priest from the direction of the town. He's wearing shorts, the vibrant red of the fabric contrasted against the tan expanse of his bare chest. There's an oversized floppy straw hat perched on his head, and a melty popsicle in each of his hands. \n\n\"There you are, \" he says brightly, as if it was the most normal thing in the world for them to spend time together, \"I brought ice cream.\"~*", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "*~Someone is coming. He looks towards the bright color, a curious expression on his face. There is another here? Is this not where he is when he wants to be alone? No one else comes here any more. The great tree is no longer something of import that many people love to visit.\n\nHowever his curiosity changes to shock as he realizes just who it is approaching. How come he is here? Why would that little one be here?\n\n\"No, not a little one. Zach. He doesn't like being called that.\"\n\nHis voice is soft but carries on the wind. He climbs slowly to his feet, coming to them just as the young man comes within reach. He is still shocked and confused, but the happy place rubs slowly at those feelings as he reaches out to take the popsicle. It's blue raspberry, his favorite. He smiles at Zach, the light breeze playing with his hair, making it fly out to the side to catch the warm sunny rays.\n\n\"Ice yes. It's missing the cream though Zach, heh.\"\n\nBringing the icy treat to his lips he takes a lick while reaching out to tap the straw hat gently. \n\n\"It's good you're wearing that. You wouldn't want the sun burning you bare skin. It has a hard enough time with what it's been through.\"\n\nThere are not marks on Zach now, but he does not forget them so easily. On impulse he reaches out to touch where one of the wounds normally lays. His tongue continues to work the cooling treat as a sadness comes to his eyes, his fingers barely ghosting over the area on Zach's chest.~*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "~*Hmm, that was not the welcome he'd been hoping for. He can feel the priest repelling his presence in the dream, even as he chuckles sheepishly over the correction. He smiles before following the priest's example and licking the popsicle from bottom to top to keep any of it from dripping onto his fingers. It seems he is not quite ready to disconnect his dream-self from his waking memories. There's not a lot of ground to be won on the 'little one' front then, so he switches to a different technique.\n\nHe lets his smile go blank when the priest touches his skin, the bruises he has during the day blooming into existence in the path of his fingers. Lets see what will come up if he engages his worry directly.\n\n\"I know,\" he says calmly, without even a trace of pain in his voice. \"It will heal.\" He lets the bruises exist for a few seconds where Kiel's fingers have passed, and then fades them away again.~*", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "*~A light gasp escapes his lips. The sight of the wounds spreading from beneath his fingers stabbing strait to his heart. The sun begins to fade as the boy speaks, a dark cloud passing across it's face. His hand draws back but a few seconds later the wounds vanish once more.\n\n\"I wish. . .\"\n\nHis voice echoes lightly, a shiver running across his back. The wind has changed. The once warm flow becomes a cool trickle of air across the hill. \n\n\"I wish. . .\"\n\nHe can not find the words. Reaching up he gently pulls the hat from Zach's head, the strengthening breeze catching it and tossing it out over the rooftops. He moves in slowly before wrapping his arms around the smaller male. A hand come up to wrap around the back of Zach's head as he holds the boy close. All around then, storm is breaking.\n\n\"Sometimes, I wish, I could just make them all go away. All the ones who cause pain to others. It's so hard to forgive them every time. Sometimes. . .The pain feels almost too much.\"\n\nHis hold tightens as a bolt of lightning strikes out over head. The ground beneath them shifts. The once soft grass is now cold stone. The world around them like a cheap apocalypse movie set, but somehow, far more realistic looking. The fires burn even under the torrential rains. And Still, he clings to the young man, trying to shield him.~*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "~*Zach plays along as the scenery around them changes, his arms coming up to cling to the priest as the air and world darken. The scene is vivid and rich in detail-he can feel individual drops of water trailing over his back as the rain pours down on them. For the most part, dreams are made up of impressions and sensations rather than detail, but Kiel didn't do anything by halves, it seemed. \n\nZach had always been a small demon with small ambitions. He does what he is good at, but has no illusions about changing the world one way or another. even this 'promotion' he's angling for will only involve doing more of the same. Kiel, though...\n\nAs the priest's words ring in his air, he can feel the conviction behind them and he briefly wonders what the man could do if he had some real power in his hands. Perhaps this assignment is not so much about proving he could tempt a priest, as making sure this soul will be ready for whatever the top has planned for him next...\n\nwhatever it is, it has little beating on his task. So Zach carefully pulls back a little as the world rages around him to look Kiel in the eye. He's not smiling, but there is warmth in his gaze regardless. \n\n\"I trust you, \" he simply says, no room in his tone for even a hint of doubt whether the priest will keep him safe. ~*", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "*~The warm hands on his back draws a sigh from the trembling priest. Something so comforting about the young man accepting his protection, or so it would seem. The rain continues to fall, the lightning still flashing through the sky, but somehow the sound is muted. All around, somehow, it all feels so familiar. However such thoughts fade as Zach pulls back and looks into his eyes.\n\nThe feelings there, as he speaks those words, settle a part of the man, and once again the scenery around them changes. This time however the change is more subtle. The rain, it lessens, the the lightning stops, replaced by the occasional roll of thunder only. It is still dark, the over cast sky letting little light through.\n\nHe smiles down warmly as the young man in his arms, the lightening in his mood evident on his face as he leans down, pressing his forehead to Zach's. \n\n\"Thank you, Zach. Thank you. . .\"\n\nHe lets the boy go and begins looking around the area. His fingers drag along crumbling cement torn off of nearby buildings. Great long gouges in the stone looking almost like claw marks. He shivers as he looks at them. \n\n\"I think. . .This is a bad place. We shouldn't be here.\"\n\nHe backs away, digging it's way to the surface. He moves away, the darkness deepening as he tries to escape. He reaches out for Zach, trying to get him to realize how dangerous it is. His memories, his dream, they begin to shift. Fear threatens to draw him away completely, crawling up his spine like a scorpion, just waiting to strike.*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "~*From the way the priest is looking around, Zach finds it hard to believe that this landscape comes solely out of the human's imagination. It seems. .. too real somehow. Not that it matters any to his plans, he supposes, so he gets his head back in the game and focuses on his plan. There is a darkness clawing at the edges of the dream, the kind that has little to do with threats of any kind, and more with primal, distilled fear. The only thing it can do is turn the priest further inwards, and that's useless to Zach.\n\nHe watches for a while, following the priest as the darkness curls around his ankles. There are a few things in the dream realm that can harm him, but nameless fear is not one of them. When the priest reaches out for him, he sees his chance to try and snap him out of it. He lets the man catch his hand and focuses on making the sensation as vivid as possible- making the skin-to-skin contact feel more* real *than the dark closing in on them. When he feels the priest's attention on him, he carefully adds a little dog to their surroundings, hoping the man's mind will go with it and give them a new locale. ~*", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "*~The hand in his own feels warm. So warm. Not like the cold world around them. He shivers slightly, just now realizing how cold it's become. The rain turns to mist as a sound echoes out in the dull light. He looks to Zach, the young man so strong and solid before his eyes.\n\nThe sound rings out again, and he looks. A movement, he stares, a little dog trotting up. Not letting go of Zach's hand he scoops up the little fluffy beast. \n\n\"We should not be here.\"\n\nHe looks around the area, the mist obliterating the sight of the destroyed building s and torn up streets.\n\n\"We should go somewhere nicer.\"\n\nHe holds tight to the two other figures with him as he begins walking, and moments later the arrive at a doorway. This doorway has very colorful glass doors in it, the light from above becoming brighter until at last a rainbow seems to stream out from behind it. The man's grip becomes tighter on Zach's fingers as he walks through the door without opening it. \n\nOn the other side is a beautiful park, with flowers growing in bunches all over the place. Setting the dog down and releasing Zach the priest rushes forward, his clothes ripple off into a casual pair of cargo shorts and a very loos fitting white t-shirt. He laughs light, the fear from before now completely gone as he runs across the plush grass before collapsing happily against it. He lays on his back, the sun above somehow dimmed as to not be bright in his eyes while still lighting up the entire area warmly. He looks over to Zach with a smile and motions for him to join in the fun.~*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "~*Zach closes his eyes and leans into the touch with a small sigh. He doesn't need to act in that regard, of course, as it had been quite some time since someone'd touched him without any motives behind it. There was a reason his kind were drawn to pure people rather than sinners, after all. The greatest power was found where affections were freely given, even if people were not aware of what they were offering. If power could simply be taken, why would demons be known as tempters rather than conquerors? No, taking was what humans did, be it to their own kind or Zach's.\n\nWhen the priest's hand falls away, Zach slowly lets his eyes blink open again, catching the other man's gaze. He can see the anguish behind them, as he can always see the minds of mortals in the dream world. There is no answer he could give that would satisfy the human, of course. All he can offer is what he already knows, as he has no intention of revealing this to be anything other than a dream.\n\n\"I'm not alone,\" he says instead, shyly bringing his hand up until he can lay it over the priest's. While there can be merit to delving into the darker parts of the mind, for now Zach just wants the priest to feel good about him. He spends enough time obsessing about whatever happened to the 'little one' that washed up on his doorstep in his waking hours.~*", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "*~A warm feeling races through the older male as Zach speaks. His words are few, and simple, but they fill the priest with enough hope that his gaze brightens and he lets out a long sigh. As the smaller hand comes up to rest in his own the priest closes his fingers gently and hums softly. The world around them seems to pass by, figure in the distance fading until they look almost like old time motion capture figures made from oil paint on a backdrop of clouds and grass. His mind relaxes, his eyes falling closed. Here he can be content. The boy is unharmed and happy, and he can see the day around him fading as the light grows pleasantly brighter. . .and brighter. . . .~*\n\nKiel wakes slowly, the light of the day coming through the window still dull and dark. The rain from the days before seems to be ready to make another appearance, the sky overcast and gray. The young priest stretches, his body feeling very relaxed and refreshed. \"I must have had a good dream last night.\" He murmurs to his empty room, and he can not help but smile at the warm feeling in his chest. It is not often that he wakes in such a good mood. Normally he is content with his life, and his sleep reflects that. But something about his dream, or so he's sure, has left him with this pleasant him across his skin. He says a quick morning prayer before hopping out of bed, stretching once more with a \"Hup!\" of enthusiasm.\n\nPulling on his clothes quickly he peeks out into the main room. Not seeing Zach there yet he slips out, scoops up the trays from the night before, and heads out. Taking in the cool morning air with several deep breaths Kiel makes his way over to the church, dropping off the platters as quietly as possible so that the staff isn't interrupted by his presence and can go about their morning duties. Once back outside he heads strait for his house, but pauses as he catches movement out of the corner of his eye. Turning his head eh spots a hand waving at him from the front gate. He cocks an eyebrow curiously, adjusting his course in a U-turn motion so he can check it out.\n\nAs he approaches the hand vanishes. Once under the arch he looks around the corner and spots one of his east side street kids hiding beneath their usual bright red hoodie. Looking around to make sure no one else is about he walks over slowly and slips an arm around the smaller figure. It twitches slightly, but doesn't pull away. \"I heard you was lookin' for who it was roughed up some newbie few days ago.\" The voice issuing from beneath the hood is rough, gender neutral, and Kiel knows that even by the church the child does not feel safe. He squeezes the shoulder beneath his hand gently to confirm what they said.\n\n\"I don' know much, but I heared that some team a guys took down some loud mouth who din' know what's good for 'im after he talked some serious smack. I don' know if it's yo boy in there, but, I ain't seen no newbies with fresh ass handed to 'im face, so, who knows.\" The figure shrugs, turning to leave.\n\n\"Thanks. Get yourself inside somewhere, okay? I think it's going to rain today. . .\" The figure pauses, nodding without looking back at Kiel. A moment later that red hoodie vanish around a corner and Kiel lets out a long sigh. \"Poor Daniel. . .\" The only time he hides like that is after a bad trick and the soft hearted priest can not help his sympathy going out tot he young one. After a few quiet moments of prayer, he heads back on to the church grounds and into his house.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach decides not to push his luck this time, and it isn't long before the dream started to fade. He makes sure to get out in time, leaving a shade of himself behind so he won't disturb the priest by disappearing. Outside the sky is slowly starting to brighten and he makes his way back to 'his' room before checking that all the bruises are still in place. He waits quietly until he could hear the priest leave, and then makes his way to the kitchen, an idea forming in his mind.\n\nIt only takes a bit of searching before he manages to scrounge up some eggs and bacon, which he sets out on the counter so he can look for a frying pan. The gas is easy enough to figure out, and after a while he iss well on his way to making some breakfast for him and the priest. Or was at least making an attempt to do so. The bacon is simple enough, if a little crispy in the end, but the eggs keep sticking to the pan. By the time he realises that he should have used butter or something, he had already scraped and mixed several blackened bits into the scrambled eggs. Ah well, it probably helps his disguise that he was a bad cook, even if it did mean he wouldn't enjoy his own breakfast as much as yesterday...\n\nBy the time the priest comes back in, he's laying out the results of his cookery on two plates. He looks up with a startled expression on his face, but it morphs into a small smile when he sees the priest.\n\n\"Morning! I made breakfast,\" he says, letting a bit of vulnerable eagerness seep into his voice. \"or uh... Tried to is more like it,\" he continues sheepishly. \"I hope I didn't ruin anything...\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Kiel looks at the food presented to him on the plate and simply chuckles and takes it gratefully before sitting down at the table with s smile. Looking up at the young man he chuckles softly. \"Thank you very much, Zach. It looks fine, and it smells divine.\" He is telling the truth, much of his first cooking experiences ending as the boy's has, and in the end the food was always eatable, and with the predominant smell properly prepared bacon, the smell is enough to cover up any other scent that may hang in the air. Motioning tot he empty spot across from him Kiel stands only long enough to serve the drinks, then with a soft sigh, retakes his spot and begins consuming the carefully prepared meal.\n\n~~~~*~~~~\n\nThe days pass in relative peace, Kiel learning very little about his guest, but being a patient and kind man, he takes solace in the young man's speedy recovery and praises the lord that he does not seem apt to run right back out on to the streets to get revenge or some such silliness. As they pass near a week and Zach is now able to walk more easily, Kiel makes plans to take him away from the church on an outing. Perhaps somewhere with something the boy may wish to draw. He sits down in his spare moments alone away from his duties and while Zach is otherwise occupied, to look over brochures and the newspaper, trying to find a suitable place.\n\nIt isn't until he comes across an announcement in the paper about the opening of a new cafe in the local aquarium which allows the diners to be almost completely surrounded by fish while they eat that he decides that**that**is the place for them.*'We can go for a meal, maybe catch a show, pet some animals, which helps in the recovery of the soul, and there are plenty of lovely things for him to sketch should he want to sit and rest at any time'*Looking out the back window to where once more the young man sits peacefully in the priest's small garden Kiel lets out a happy sigh.*'I can not wait to tell him'*\n\nHe twirls around, heading towards the door with long strides. His mind goes to preparations, it being only a few hours into the morning they can go this very day.*'I should pull out bag for him to carry his papers in. I do not want him to have to carry them in hand the entire time. I really think this will be good for him'*Chuckling at the thought of watching one of the many animal shows with the young man filling him with a delight he does not recognize. Having mostly given up his own childhood to preserve those of others, this simple childish happiness is quite foreign to him. As he comes around the house he stands still until he is sure the young man is no longer in need of great focus before making himself known.\n\nWith a light cough he steps out and waits for Zach to meet his eye. His eyes sparkle with delight not only at the news he has to deliver, but also for the sight of undamaged flesh on the young man.*'He recovered quickly. I am so glad he is this resilient. It gives me hope for other parts in his life'*He has not pressed for information from the young man, sensing that to not be the right track for Zach's type, but it does not stop him from being curious. Brushing that aside however he smiles brightly. \"I have planned a trip for us, if you are up for it. I would like to go today, unless you would rather wait. I assure you, it's away from any trouble I can think of. You will be safe there. You can even bring your drawing materials! I am sure you can find something there it spark your creative genius!\" Having only seen his drawings at a distance, Kiel can still say with confidence that the young man is talented.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach spends his days biding time and buttering the priest up for a further approach. So far he hasn't tried to push anything, but focusses mainly on making sure the priest is as comfortable as possible with him, while making it seem like it is due to his own efforts. He's stopped jumping at the man's approaches, even when he seemingly isn't expecting him, and makes sure to always greet him with a smile. He laughs more freely and sometimes lets himself 'fall asleep' in random places in the house. When the priest is around, he slowly starts to initiate more touches- simple things like a hand on the elbow to catch his attention.\n\nIt's harder to keep himself amused when the priest is gone. He's been snooping in some of the books, but nothing manages to catch his interest for long. In the end he usually ends up drawing. It feels a little weird to do something solely for his own benefit while he's technically on a job, but the priest seems interested in it as well, so he supposes it all works out. Everything is quite comfortable, which pretty much means he should probably be moving into the next phase soon enough. How to do that, of course, was a far more difficult question...\n\nHe's absent-mindedly sketching flowers again when Kiel approaches him, and he looks up with a bright smile, shuffling his drawings away. He liked keeping the priest curious about them, but still gave him plenty of opportunity to catch glances of them. At the priest's words he summoned up a small blush while looking down shyly.\n\n\"I'm not a genius,\" he muttered, before looking back with real curiosity. \"What kind of trip?\" He asked, scooting away a little to make space for the priest on the bench. There was a note of eagerness in his voice that he didn't have to fake. While Kiel had a lovely place here, it was starting to get old after a while and he relished the chance to get out for a bit. He still had to keep up an image, though, so he followed with a tentative question.\n\n\"Is it... in the city?\" Layering emotions was second nature to him, so it was simple enough to project an air of covered-up anxiety.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "With a light chuckle Kiel tries to keep the mood light. Motioning for Zach to follow him he begins walking back around the building towards the front door, completely oblivious to the subtle offer for him to take a seat beside the young man. \"No, it's on the edge however, but we will hop a bus not a block from here and be dropped off right at the front door, so you do not have to worry about walking the city streets.\" The worry and faint fear in the boy's voice tugs at the priest's innards, however he refuses to let it show on his face. Over the past several days Kiel's learned more and more how the young man does not appreciate the open pity the priest often has on his face and has instead taken to expressing his joy or satisfaction in any given situation, keeping his sadness to himself to better win the young man's trust.\n\n\"The destination itself I would like to be a surprise, however I am quite sure you will enjoy yourself. I know I'm looking forward to it greatly.\" As they walk back in through the front door Kiel walks over to a closet and begins rummaging through it for a bag of some sort for Zach to put his stuff in, maybe even a few souvenirs should they find something cheap that he likes. The priest, quite obviously isn't rich, however he likes the idea of bringing something back with them to remind the young man of the fun they had there. He harrumphs softly as he has difficulty finding what he's looking for.*'I know it's in here. Even if we do not go today, it would be good to have this thing at the ready. . .'*\n\nFrom his place half buried under thing he calls back, \"There is a special event running today and tomorrow, so if you'd rather go tomorrow, that will be just fine.\" He smiles in victory as he finds what he's looking for. Sitting back he looks over the leather messenger bag carefully to make sure it us undamaged. \"That being said, if you'd rather wait, the place will always be there. We can go when you're ready, Zach.\" standing up with a warm smile he hands the bag to the teen. \"Here, you can put your drawing supplies in there. Even if it rains, the stuff will be safe!.\" He chuckles as he recalls the boy's humility about his drawing skills and reaches out, ruffling his hair gently. \"Can't have them getting ruined. You may be famous some day and those things will sell for big buck you know.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach gathers up his drawing supplies before following the priest inside. There's no way he was going to wait until tomorrow to get out of the house, but he plays the part of hesitating anyway.\n\n\"Well, if it's not any trouble,\" he says slowly as he tries to think of the place Kiel could be taking him. He was quite familiar with the city centre, but there hadn't really been a reason for him to look into the rest of the city. It's hard to come up with a place that has 'special actions' and also has something to do with creativity. Perhaps some kind of museum? In the course of his travels to the human world there never really is the occasion for him to go sightseeing, but he enjoys learning about the world of humans.\n\n\"I guess it would be good to get out for a bit, and it's not like I had planned anything,\" he finally agrees, accepting the messenger bag and tucking his pencils and papers away.\n\n\"Should I bring anything else to this ~mystery location~ of yours?\" he asks with a small grin. He was looking forward to the rest of the day, and perhaps the change in scenery would even give him a chance to shake things up a bit between them", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Kiel smiles warmly as Zach jokes about 'having plans' or the lack of having them in this case. He wanders towards his room, glad he was able to convince the youth out of the house for the afternoon.*'It is not good for a young man like him to spend so much time alone, his only company someone older than him. I may not be much older physically, but I am most definitely more mature due to my profession'['/i] \"I can't think of anything you will really need other than your drawing supplies.\" he calls over his shoulder just before vanishing into his room.\n\nClosing the door he digs into his wardrobe, setting a few stacks of clothes aside only to reveal what looks to be the wooden bottom of the structure. Making sure Zach isn't peeking in or anything he pulls on a little loos string laying along the bottom and with a little scraping noise the wood bottom pops out from it's place revealing a little compartment beneath. Setting the wood side the priest removes his strong ox and begins dialing in the combination.\n\nKiel trusts his kids, but after all is said and done, he knows that he can only trust them so far. While he would have no trouble helping them financially, like helping them get some classes or training for a job, only a complete fool would leave their money where a street kid could easily get a hold of it. He always keeps a few bills in his wallet, and every so often they go missing, but his little trove he always keeps hidden away unless he needs it. [i]'I only need enough to pay for the ticket and a meal, but I'm going to take a few extra bucks for those souvenirs. . .'*\n\nPopping the lid he pulls out what he needs before putting the whole thing back, checking once more to make sure no one is looking before covering it all with his pants and closing his wardrobe. Slipping back out into the main room he smiles once more at the young man before making his way over to the front door and opening it wide. \"After you, Zach.\" he says cheerfully, motioning the teen forward. Once he is through Kiel closes his door. He never locks it, just in case one of his street kids need to get in for a nap or a meal while he's away.*'I am glad, in part, than none have needed to stop by while I was away and had to leave Zach alone. I am not sure he's ready to be confronted by one of my little ones wondering what he's doing in my house. . .Most of my kids get along, but they also know what each other look like'*He sighs softly making his way towards the archway leading to the sidewalk that will take them to the bus stop.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach can tell that the priest enjoys dangling the secret in frontof him, so he tries to not-so-subtly enquire as to their destination. Predictably, the priest lets nothing slip, but he doesn't really mind. It's nice to get out of the house for a bit, but he doesn't expect to much of the outing. It will be through no fault of the priest, of course, but it's not easy to surprise a being like himself. He's seduced humans in many countries and in all walks of life. It's not like you can get anything impressive from a priest's wages after all.\n\nStill, Zach had fun playing along with the excitement. He's been behaving less and less skittishly and it will be good for the priest to see him at unburdened for a bit. He shpuld probably start coaching the human his way in dreams pretty soon, and it will help if his mind has somehing to work with. Zach is pretty sure that Kiel is the type to behave all 'honourable' when presented with the affections of someone in his care, so it will be important to plant some seeds of longing in his mind before making a move for real. Of course he also isn't above u ding the mans compassion to his advantage, but one can't make longing out of pity alone.\n\nIt isn't long before they reach their destination, and Zach puts up an excited front as they reach the building, even though he has to admit it's not what he had expected. The letters above the entrance spell out 'aquarium', which only brings to mind some overpriced fish swimming in a small tank that a previous mark of his had been far too proud of. Still, the priest had presumably thought hard about this outing, so he is going to at least pretend he was-\n\nHis train of thought grins to a halt the moment they enter the main hall. Blue light throws flickering shadows on the walls and people as the visitors are dwarfed by the sheet size of the tranks. Tanks that contain a greater variety of fish than Zach had ever thought to imagine. His jaw all but dropped when a giant sheet of a fish gently flew through the water, scattering a small school of colourful, iridescent smaller ones. The incubus might have been all over the world, but he'd never had any reason to look below the surface of the water.\n\nHe is torn from his wonderings by a question of the priest, and it takes him a few moments to drag his gaze away from the majestic creatures moving behind the glass. He should probably be worried that he'd forgotten to keep up a mask for a few moments, but seeing as amazement is a pretty appropriate reaction, he lets it slide.\n\n\"It's. ... amazing, \"he saus quietly, but honestly, not wanting to embellish needlessly when he is so impressed. He has to hand it to the priest:it's quite an accomplishment to impress a70-year old demon whose lives work it is to experience as many worldly pleasures as he possibly can. \" I love it, \" he continues, aiming his most brilliant smile Kiel's way, \"it's perfect! \" He impulsively moves in for a quick hug, before darting away again and pulling the priest with him. \"I want to see everything!\"\n\nHe knows the priest will enjoy seeing him enthused about something, so he doesn't hold back as he moves from once aquarium to the next. underwater life is more alien than he'd thought, and Zach delights with every strange and wonderful new creature he sees. Of course he always keeps his goal in mind, and it takes no effort at all to Mold his enthusiasm in a shape he knows will light his face up in the most attractive manner. He keeps touching Kiel in little ways, dragging him to a next exhibit and putting a hand on his arm to alert him to a particularly bright specimen. He laughs often and freely, and in the excitement the time flies by.\n\nEventually even Zach agrees they need to take a rest, and they sit down on a bench next to the water-themed food stand. He his still smiling ear-to-ear, chatting happily about the critters he'd seen that day.\n\n\"And the wavy ones were great as well! I didn't know fish could look like really weird plants. Turns out, there's a lot of things about fish I didn't know, actually.\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "The look on the youth's face is priceless, and the priest takes a mental snapshot of the moment to treasure.*'He looks so taken aback, it's adorable! I wonder if he was expecting something different. I have to admit, for this part of town, this is rather impressive. I wonder who forked out the cash to give the youth of the area access to something so amazing. . . .'*He thinks on this for a moment before Zach catches his attention. He smiles warmly at the boy, his tone indicating he's not just saying he likes it for the priest's benefit. He accepts the hug graciously and laughs aloud as the boy drags him down the stairs and into the building proper. He feel elated that his little lost sheep is so excited by his gift and allows Zach to direct them across the area.\n\nKiel too enjoys the sights around them, the aquariums lining the walls having larger fish while the ones running through the middle house mostly shoals of bright colorful fish. After a while however the priest realizes something a bit out of character from his experience.*'I have had many youth cling to me after trauma, but their touches are always for reassurance and the like. He on the other hand. . .The touches are different, as if he's trying to express how happy he is. I suppose it's understandable, but I don't know enough to. . .'*Zach grabs his arm, looking up at him brightly before pointing out some fish or another. Kiel smiles back, nodding happily and patting the boy's hand.*'I don't know what it is, but it just feels different that usual'*Many eyes follow the two of them around the room, the sight of an excited teenage boy leading a priest around by the hand not something they see every day.\n\nIgnoring the stares however Kiel places all the focus he can muster on the fish, and of course, his ward. He notices after a time that Zach seems to be tiring out and suggests they take a seat at the food court. When the youth complies and they head into the decent sized area, Kiel is delighted to see that a slightly smaller strip of glass runs across the ceiling, allowing for the occasional school to wander overhead moving from one side of the tank to the other. E listens intently to the boy, nodding in agreement every so often. When he spots an opening he says, \"Yes, the underwater world is an amazing and relatively unexplored place. I have heard that we know more about the moon than we do the ocean depths. Isn't that funny?\" A server walks up a moment later and offers them menus. Kiel takes one with a nod. \"Feel free to order something, just try and keep it under ten dollars.\" he murmurs, opening his menu to find something to snack on.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Now that he's sitting down. Zach is somewhat surprised to find he is actually feeling tired. It made sense of course. He'd spend pretty much all his time either laying low or working on the priest, and hadn't taken the time to go looking for something that would actually provide him with any lasting sustenance. He smiles and nods absent-mindedly at what the priest is saying, before taking the menu and staring at the letters without actually paying attention to any of it.\n\nIn the weeks before he'd come to the priest the pickings had been plentiful, but not particularly... satisfactory. It will take quite a bit more time for him to weaken to a significant degree, of course, but if he wanted to to be at his best, he would need to figure something out. It shouldn't be too difficult. After all, with all the sexually repressed priests and such around, there are bound to be a couple that don't have Kiel's integrity and will be easy enough to coax over in a dream. It's not ideal, but he's not going to risk physically running off when he's just starting to gain a bit of trust from the priest.\n\nWhen the time comes to order, he just goes for the cheapest item on the menu, not really feeling like putting an effort into his choice. Now that he is aware of the urge in the back of his mind, it is hard not to notice the press of humans around him. Usually he enjoys the company of humans, playing tricks on them not so much a job as a way of life. But now the crowd just felt as a distraction.\n\n\"So how did you learn of this place?\" he asks Kiel after ordering, in an attempt to distract himself.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Kiel watches as his ward becomes lost in thought, looking with eyes that are not seeing. He dies his best not to stare, only catching the near blank expression through glances, however the look is unmistakable.*'Most of the time I see this look, they are recalling something unpleasant. I get lost in thought too, however with street kids it's normally not a good idea. . .But in this case . . .'*The Father really has no idea what to make of this boy. One minute he's like every other lost lamb he's ever helped, showing all the signs and signals, being familiar even if they are disturbing. And others, like this moment, he looks like a completely different beast.\n\nWatching the look in the youth's eyes as they move around the room. It's clear he is not looking at the fish any more. The waitress comes back and Kiel smiles warmly, giving her his order. Once the boy's order is in she leaves, giving them both a sideways glance before moving on to her next table. Kiel's gaze then settles on Zach. Without the menu there is no need to pretend not to look at him, since he is here with the youth. He smiles gently at the question posed. \"It was an accident really. I normally thumb through the paper in the morning, see if there's anything I local I should check out, like fires in warehouses that I know my kids sleep in and such, when I found out about this place opening!\"\n\nHe chuckles. \"Since this is their opening week, admission is half price, and more affordable for a poor church man like me.\" His smile widens and he glances off to the side where a colorful poster shows the time of their daily shows.*'We could catch one of those before we go. . .'*Pointing at the poster he says, \"Looks like the dolphin show is soon, and after that a second smaller show but with harder tricks.\" He tilts his head to the side cutely. \"We can catch one of those if you like. The first one would mean we'd need to eat fast, but we could make it, but if you'd rather we can spend some more time with the fish now and hit up the second show.\" His smile stays in place and his suspicions fade back like always as he looks at his wounded charge.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach seems to almost freeze at the question and Kiel waits silently to assess the damage.*'It's obvious he doesn't want to go. If he agrees to go I should suggest perhaps not. I don't need him feeling uncomfortable or anything. At least not any more than usual'*His suspicions are confirmed as the boy talks about the crowds and the priest smiles warmly. \"No, no, it's alright. We can hang out together here, watch the fish talk. I could just sit and watch you sketch of you like. I'm open to whatever you wanna do.\"\n\nHis smile shifts ever so slightly as the waitress returns with their order, the expression a bit less welcoming and more polite. Kiel may love all of God's children, however he has a special affection for those abandoned by society like Zach. Once the dishes are in place Kiel says a silent prayer before shooting Zach a half smile. \"I wonder if the food here is any good.\" he murmurs softly giving the boy a wink before digging into his fish based dish. He eats slowly, keeping an eye on his ward, hoping to catch a little hint to his mood.*'I hope he isn't upset about the show idea'*Kiel is a bit easily flustered when it comes to upsetting his kids, however he almost always can maintain a look of calm even when falling to pieces on the inside. He always tells his kids it's okay to be upset, however he rarely lets them see him upset.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach smiles at the priest, making sure to let genuine warmth into the expression.\n\n\"I'd love to draw some more, yeah,\" he says quietly, before tucking into his meal as well. The food tastes bland to him, but everything does when he's hungry, so he makes sure to eat with enough enthusiasm. *t might be a little harder to focus on habing fun now that he's realised he needs to 'feed', but if any of that shows it can probably be attributed to being tired.\n\nAfter the food Zach leads them away from the larger press of people, so he can look at some of the fish without the constant hum of humans at the edge of his mind. He sketches some of the more interesting fish, but mostly he just wanders around in companiable silence with Zach.\n\nHe's just about to suggest heading back home, when they round a quiet corner to find a young couple using the dark spot for a round of making out. Zach can't help but freeze, the charge of lust in the air setting the hair on the back of his neck on end, even as he forces himself to take a step back so that he's half behind Kiel. Thinking fast, he turns his initial shock into an expression of embarassment, and gives an embarrased cough that has the couple breaking apart to glare at them.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "The warm smile is reflected on Kiel's lips as he nods slightly. A light feeling races through him seeing the boy smile like that and the father is grateful he was able to steer away from whatever about his suggestion had upset the youth. 'I think I may be getting a little eager in my old age' He laughs silently inside him mind before glancing once more at his ward. 'He is a strange one, but it's understandable. I can tell he's had it rough. . .' Once they are finished Kiel lets Zach drag him around, a light smile playing on his lips at the boy's enthusiasm. When they would pause for him to draw anyone would think that they were a couple with the way Kiel watch would watch Zach work.\n\nHis eyes remain soft and caring, even as his gaze would drift to those dancing fingers as sketch after sketch would jump from the end of that pencil. Often he would prop himself up against the tank, pretending to look at the fish while keeping half an eye on his ward. More than once he'd lost a ward on an outing, something upsetting them and causing them to flee before the father would catch on, so now a days he is far more attentive. 'No matter what we are doing however, I get the feeling he's distracted. Perhaps this trip was not the best idea, but it seems like he's at least got some enjoyment out of it. And that makes me glad'\n\nMoving through a quieter part of the facility they come across a not uncommon sight and Kiel pauses with a faint sigh. However, before he has the chance to call out to the carnal couple his gaze is caught by Zach's response to the sight. The boy stands stock still, his eyes locked on the couple and for a moment Kiel could swear that something is going on behind those eyes that goes beyond what is being echoed on the surface. His smile widens though as Zach ducks behind him and flushes slightly. Turning to address the couple he chuckles at their glares turn to looks of shock. Their eyes dart down to his collar and for an instant they look ready to bolt, however Kiel smiles warmly and holds up his hands. \"Do not fret my children, love is a wonderful thing.\" \n\nHe chuckles again. \"However I think you may want to find a better place for such activities. . . And wait until work is over.\" The young man jumps slightly, slapping his hand over his name tag and flushing furiously. His girlfriend stares at her feet before they share a fleeting kiss and the boy races past and heads towards his abandoned souvenir cart. Turning slightly Kiel reaches up and pats Zach's hair gently, running his hand down to cup the back of his neck before asking softly, \"Are you alright? Bit of a shock for you there, hmm?\" His voice is laced with concern. The girl heads off in the other direction looking very much like she'd never kiss another boy again. Kiel however keeps his eyes on his ward, looking close to see if he can catch anything that will explain the boy's initial response.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach is beyond grateful that Kiel takes the time to talk to the interrupted lovers as he composes himself. He's been careless, letting himself get too comfortable with his assignment and now he was paying for that. He knows the priest can see something's up with him, and it is essential for the success of his assignment that the priest doesn't start suspecting that he is not the 'lost child of god' he is pretending to be. Sure, he won't get offed for failing a mission, but blowing this chance will ensure he is negated to grunt work for at least a century. \n\nHe manages not to roll his eyes at 'love is a wonderful thing' and even schools his face in just the right mix between closed-off and vulnerable by the time Kiel turns his attention back to him. The hand in his neck was unexpected, and he stiffens to keep from leaning into the touch. No matter. It'll fit with his story anyway.\n\n\"Yeah, shock,\" he mumbles, avoiding the priest's eyes with a practised air of 'obstinate youth'. \"Though I don't understand why you were so nice to them. I mean, you're a priest right? Shouldn't you have told them to 'wait for marriage' or some shit?\" He lets a hint of anger leak through before shrugging off his hand and taking a step back. It will mean a small step back in his plan, but it's important to play this right.\n\n\"Isn't that what you religious types get off on? Judging people?\" He puts enough venom in his tone to make it seem genuine, but a bit of a wobble at the end to make sure the priest knows this isn't so much directed at him as it is a part of his 'fractured soul'. He catches Kiel's eyes again, making sure his own are shining with just a hint of unshed tears. \"Telling them what they do is wrong and that they are sinful?\" He lets the last bit hang in the air for a few moments before visibly deflating. \n\n\"I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lash out. It's just... Some people can have everything, you know?\" He lets his voice catch slightly. \"It's not that simple for all of us...\" He trails off for a bit before composing himself again, sheepishly plucking some imaginary lint off his sleeves as if he's trying to cover for accidentally letting slip too much. \n\n\"I think I'm done,\" he says as he slings the bag holding his art supplies over his shoulder. \"I'm tired anyway, can we just go ho-\" he catches himself, embarrassed, letting the silence go on just long enough that is was clear he was going to say 'home' but short enough that it is plausible he's trying to cover it up. \"- to your place. Let's get back to your place.\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "The harsh, somewhat angry words wash right over the young priest as he has heard them many time before, even from his fellow clergymen. He does not resent the youth for thinking such things about him, even if has has proven a few times that he's a slightly different flavor of priest. 'He's upset about something, and I think it goes beyond this little thing here. If only he would talk to me, let me in a little. . .' He remains still and calm as Zach steps away, his hand dropping slowly to his side as to not look like he's disappointed. The words keep coming harsh, venomous, and backed by such deep rooted pain that Kiel once more feels the urge to gather the youth up in his arms and soothe all the pain away, if that were a possibility.\n\nHis fingers twitch slightly, the only sign of his desires, but the movement is small and inconsequential. The pain, the hurt, the damage, it all races through the man and he feels more and more that there must be something he can do for the boy. He lets out a soft sigh, his eyes remaining kind and understanding through it all, a faint smile jumping to his lips at the faint slip about \"home\". 'I do not mind my little ones thinking of my place as home while they stay there, but I don't think that this would be the best time to mention it' His smile widens ever so slightly and he nods, not rebuking the young man for his thoughts, nor trying to disprove them, knowing that many times when you fight an opinion directly you end up casing the person to latch on to their beliefs, no matter how misguided, even more strongly.\n\n\"Yes, let us head back.\" He motions for Zach to follow as he turns and begins heading slowly towards the front door. He keeps an even pace, keeping an eye on the boy least he decide to run off after his upset. Kiel's hands slip behind his back and he grasps his elbows in opposite hands. The walk to the bus stop is spent in silence and when at last the rumbling beast arrives Kiel motions Zach on first. He knows it's a little paranoid but he would rather not give the young man an easy opening for escape.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach slowly relaxes as they move away from the aquarium and Kiel is glad to see it. By the time they reach the bus he can feel himself relaxing a bit, a soft smile on his lips so that the boy knows he's not upset. On the bus he sits close to Zach, watching him out of the corner of his eye. He doesn't want to crowd the boy or make him feel like he's being watched. 'He is free to leave if he wants. Not that I won't chase him if he does run, but it's not like he's a prisoner, and I have to be careful it doesn't end up feeling like that for him' The bus coming to a stop seems to shake Zach out of his silent funk and he actually lets a small smile grace his features as they exit the bus.\n\nThe sight is enough to relax the worried priest and reach out to ruffle his hair as he replies, \"It was my pleasure Zach. I'm glad you had fun.\" Finishing up with a pat on his back Kiel walks alongside the boy silently for a few seconds before asking, \"So, is there anything you'd like for dinner? I'm sure I could talk my dear friend the cook into finding something fun to end the day with.\" Listening to Zach's reply he opens the door to the shack and motions the boy in before him, however as he steps in something feels a little off and he gently moves the young man aside and stands in front of him.\n\nFrom the corner there is a soft sobbing and in an instant Kiel realizes that it's one of his little ones. Closing the door quickly he moves towards the dark corner only to get a sudden armful of teenager. The young dark skinned girl sobs and clings to him, no words coming from her lips, just pathetic sounds of hurt and sorrow. Petting her hair he tries to comfort her, looking over to Zach apologetically. \"Forgive me Zach but would you grab me a glass of water? This is Sarah, her home life is a little rough. . .\" He feels terrible asking one of his little one help him out soothing another, but maybe, just maybe, helping another will be just the thing to get help Zach relax and open up. 'Many of my little ones adopt pets or younger \"siblings\" and that helps them keep their noses clean and gives them someone to talk to' He knows the chance of Zach adopting her is low, after all, she does actually have a home to go back to, but the chance is still there that this will help Zach as much if not more than Sarah.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zack the smile on his face grow, making it hopeful rather than smug. The priest is obviously happy to see him relax again, and he is reasonably sure that by talking about the fun stuff for the rest of the evening, he can make this a good memory in the priest's mind. And they've spent so much time together, that it won't be a stretch to give the man's dreams a nudge to start including Zach. From there on he can start placing small suggestions to slowly but surely lead the man's thoughts to where he wants them to be.\n\n\"Oh, can we have pasta again?\" he says without having to fake his enthusiasm. \"I really liked it when-\"\n\nThere was someone in the room. Zach only has a moment to see someone backed up in a corner before Kiel is pushing him gently but firmly aside and then the air is filled with strangled sobs, enough to push away all chances of a productive evening for Zach.\n\nSomething dark flashes over his face, but he quickly buries it in favour of an expression of awkward indecision. It's not difficult to summon a sense of feeling out of place, and when Kiel asks him to get a glass of water he is grateful to have something to do. \n\n\"Em, of course, I'll get it,\" the kitchen is familiar to him by now, and when he brings the glass of water he also has a cookie in his hand that he cautiously offers to the girl. Now that he has swallowed his initial disappointment of having his plans foiled, the girl's sadness is pushing at the edge of his mind. It is in his nature to be in tune with the emotions of mortals. While extremely useful in his line of work, it can also be a spot of trouble when strong emotions hit him when he's unprepared- and it tends to be even more pronounced when he's hungry. \n\nAs it is the girl's pain feels raw and jagged against his mind and he's filled with an irrational urge to help her soothe it. No one would accuse demons of being kind, but Zach had nothing but contempt for those that willingly caused harm to children.\n\n\"There you go, Sarah was it?\" he said softly, easily falling into a pose and speech he knows will register as unthreatening. As a creature whose existence depended on being able to read and adapt to mortals, it was simple to go on instinct when it came to soothing frightened children.\n\n\"I'm Zach, and I'm staying with Kiel for a bit. You know Kiel, right? He's a good guy, and now that there's two of us you're going to be even safer here.\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Kiel feels bad, making Zach work when he himself is going through something hard, not to mention turning his slowly brightening emotional state into one of worry, and maybe even fear. IN the dark of the room it's hard to see the youth properly but with the trembling girl in his arms his focus is split, causing him to berate himself for not being a better man. One who could deal with both at once without compromising either. 'However I just don't know enough about Zach to gauge his responses, to be able to tell if , and if so, how much, this is bothering him!' After a sound self berating he looks up to see Zach handing Sarah a cookie along with the water he asked for. 'Almost forgot I had those. Oh, so sweet of him. . . .'\n\nThe priest swells with pride and joy, looking at the youth with the pride shining clearly in his eyes. \"Thank you Zach.\" His voice is soft, but confident. Sarah takes the proffered food and drink, looking at the young man with bright, teary eyes. As Kiel watches he sees a change come over Zach and he feels something tugging on the back of his mind. 'It's so strange. This isn't anything like the young man I've seen so far. . .Does he have a younger sibling? I know that some kids with siblings change when they are with them,. Feeling protective of them. . . .Maybe he's seeing a younger brother or sister in Sarah. . .' His stomach drops at the thought despite it being a positive swaying of emotion for Zach. 'Does this mean he left them? Or did they die and that's what prompted him to leave, or. . . .'\n\nHe shakes his head, he can't think like this. Not now. They need him, and he needs to be there for his little ones. He looks at the girl in his arms. Zach is talking to her, calm, soothing, and he can feel her relaxing. He smiles at this and after a little while longer she lets him go and shuffles into a cross-legged position to sip at her water and eat her cookie. Kiel rubs her back soothingly, smiling once more at the young man before standing slowly and petting her hair with one hand. She looks up at him, wide eyed. \"How about some dinner Sarah? Does that sound good?\" He nods towards Zach. \"Zach here wills stay with you while I go pick it up!\"\n\nShe looks between the two males before nodding slowly. There is a faint edge inside Kiel, the idea of leaving the two of them alone making him slightly uncomfortable despite the fact that Zach does not seem like any fashion of a threat to her, and Sarah is little more than a kicked puppy right now. He gives Zach a kind look, holding his shoulder gently as he gives the youth a faint smile. \"I'll go get that pasta you liked.\" he murmurs softly, heading out once he's sure Zach is okay with the situation. He moves more quickly than he usually does after leaving his shack. It isn't that he does not trust the inhabitants per se, but getting back to them quickly with food simply seems like a good idea.\n\nEntering the kitchen he has a stare off with the head cook after making his request. It takes a full minute of staring before she seems to read what she needs from him and consents to making the dish special for him and his wards. He thanks her profusely before sitting off to the side to wait. Once he has his orders he makes his way back to the shack quickly as he can with arms full of food trays, and has to knock on the door with his foot to gain entrance to his home.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach can all but feel Kiel's approval radiate from him as they get ready for dinner. It's enough to make up for his slight lapse in control with the sketchbook earlier. He should have known to be more on guard: kids like Sarah are all too well-versed in picking up on the little things- they have to be to survive. Fortunately the girl does not seem interested in making a scene, but just enjoys the attention from the priest. She seems to like Zach well enough as well, and he shoots her an impish smile during Kiel's prayer to improve her opinion of him even more.\n\nWhen the priest has his eyes closed, he crosses his eyes and sticks out his tongue, expression melting back into an innocent smile before Kiel is done. Sarah has to bite her lip to keep from giggling, and when he shoots her a wink later on she has to dig into her food to keep her composure. There, now they share an insignificant little 'secret' that makes her laugh and paints him in a fun and approachable light. And if he feels a warm glow at the increased brightness of her smiles, he chalks it up to professional pride.\n\nKiel seems satisfied as well over dinner, and eating and cleaning up is an amicable affair. It wasn't what he had in mind originally, but he supposes it's good for the priest to see him act as an adult towards a smaller child. With Sarah in the house, perhaps he loses the 'little one' stamp at least for a little while. \n\nThe child has to go to sleep right after dinner, and when she's sent into 'his' room, Zach has to hide a smile at the implications. The priest immediately confirms his hopes with an apologetic tone. While Zach knows this is better than he could have planned, he still keeps a serious look on his face as he nods. When the priest mentions sleeping on the floor, however, he allowed himself to roll his eyes and huff in indignation. \n\n\"Do you really think I'd sleep well knowing I put you out on the floor? If anyone's used to sleeping on the floor, it would be me.\" He makes sure to look Kiel in the eye. 'See, I trust you now. Are we not equals?' Getting the priest to warm up to him was all good and well, but he would need his respect as well if the man was ever going go along with his intentions.\n\n\"The bed is plenty big. Believe me, I've slept in smaller.\" He grins as he goes on, \"Slept next to train stations too, so I don't care if you snore or whatever.\" He bumps his shoulder into the priest's affectionately before making his way to the man's bedroom. Kiel has shown he cares about his charges' well-being more than 'propriety', so Zach is not worried he's going to try and talk him out of it. Not when he's dangling a show of trust in front of him like this. \n\n\"I don't want to disturb Sarah to get pj's, so I'm just going to borrow some of yours, ok?\" He pulls the door closed just soft enough that it bounces open to a crack again rather than clicking shut, giving him just enough of a space to casually undress in to allow the priest a glance of his now-healed torso. He might be shorter than the other man, but there is no mistaking him for anything other than an adult now that the bruises have faded. \n\nThe pants he finds are too long, but the way they hang low on his hips make up for he has to roll up to sleeves at the bottom. The shirt that goes with it is both too tight across his shoulders and too long in the sleeves, so he just sticks with the shirt he wore for the day. That it just happens to leave a narrow strip of tan skin uncovered every time he moves is a happy coincidence.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Zach rolls his eyes at the priest's suggestion for him to sleep on the floor and Kiel smiles softly at the gesture. 'Well, turn it back around on my why don't you?' He is glad to see that he's not upset at all at the prospect of sharing a sleeping space and he wonders vaguely if it isn't time to start talking to Zach about his pains so that they can work through them. 'Not now of course, not right before we're about to go to bed, possibly making said more uncomfortable by bringing up painful, frightening memories. . .' With a nod he chuckles softly at the bump, patting him on the back as he heads for the room first.\n\n'That's right, you've had it hard. Doesn't mean I want you to ever have to do anything like that ever again. Especially directly under my care' He follows after, pausing at the doorway as Zach slips inside to change. \"Of course Zach.\" he says softly, fingering the sleeve of his robe while he waits. After a moment he realizes the door did not close all the way and curiously he peeks inside, keeping his eyes high so he can look over the boy's wounds without Zach glaring at him for \"babying\" him. He did initially accept the help with his injuries, but as time went on Zach seemed more and more upset over Kiel's gentle treatment of him.\n\nStands to reason, he's not only nearly an adult, but he's also very mature for his age. . .' His eyes travel over the nearly unmarred skin and he nods happily to himself, glad that there is little to no sign that the wounds were ever there. Letting out a sigh he looks away before Zach drops trow and waits until the sound of shifting cloth fades before peeking again. Seeing Zach fully dressed he knocks lightly before slipping into the room and giving the youth and approving once over, giggling lightly at the rolled up pant legs. \"Looks comfy.\" Is the only comment he makes before shooing Zach out the door so he can also change.\n\nHumming softly to himself he slowly undresses, pulling off his robe and hanging it back in his closet. Stretching slightly he continues humming, going about his nightly routine quickly as he knows after such an active day, Zach is likely quite tired. Pulling out his pajamas he finishes stripping down before sliding into them, tossing pants and underwear into the hamper in the corner. 'Today had it's ups, and it's downs, but I think I'm making progress with him, and Sarah normally goes back after a night or two. It's good to see them getting along. He was very much like a big brother. . .' Letting out a soft sigh he kneels at the edge of his bed to offer his nightly prayer before standing and pulling on his top, doing half the buttons before calling out, \"Zach, you can come in now.\"\n\nHe had not noticed the door being slightly open and even as the young man enters it doesn't even cross his mind that he may have been being watched. Instead he simply smiles at the slightly comical sight of Zach in his too big clothing, the little slice of midsection sowing with every little movement more cute than alluring to the still pure minded priest. Sitting on the edge of the bed he pulls the tie from his hair, shaking out his crimson locks and taking his brush to them as he addresses the youth. \"Would you prefer the outside or the wall side? I am comfortable with either.\" Looking up at the youth he smiles softly, his bright green eyes almost seem to sparkle in the dimly lit room, the single bedside lamp the only illumination.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The night passes with the demon teasing him in his sleep, making a little progress towards his goal, but ultimately failing. Kiel slips, ever so slightly, but by the time he begins to wake for the second time, he's once more in control of himself.\n\n~*~\n\nKiel shifts slightly as he comes slowly into the waking world. Feeling a body against his own his mind flashes to the last time he felt it and he takes a moment to say a pray to remain calm before opening his eyes and letting out a soft sigh. The youth is still laying flush against him, but Kiel no longer feels the urges to get closer, to touch him more, and instead he simply hums slightly and stretches a little, doing his best not to disturb Zach right away. 'Thank the heavens he didn't wake up last night. The way my body was acting, I would have lost him' Despite how mild his action had been, his own memory of the event comes into his mind like an image of a mad hound trying to tear into the boy.\n\nHumming softly he eventually reaches out and shakes the boy's shoulder gently. \"Zach, time for me to get up buddy.\" He smiles warmly, patting the arm beneath his hand. \"You can sleep in a bit more if you want, just let me sneak past you here. . .\" He carefully moves the covers and shifts so he's kneeling over the youth before sliding out of the bed. He's careful to keep his eyes of the young man as he climbs over him, turning his warm smile on to his guest only after getting upright at last. Tucking the blankets back around Zach he chuckles, looking at him sheepishly. \"Sorry, habit.\" Giving the young man's arm a squeeze he throws on a house coat and moves out into the kitchen to make breakfast.\n\nSecuring it carefully closed he resolves to get dressed and say his devotionals as soon as Zach is out of his room as to not make the young man uncomfortable and begins putting together a meal he's seen his guest enjoy before. Singing quiet hymns to himself, he moves around the kitchen with a smile on his lips and in his eyes, turning both on Zach when he eventually leaves the room some time later. \"Good morning Zach, I pray you slept well. I didn't snore did I? I've never had a complaint before, but, you never know.\" He's as cheery and friendly as he normally is, setting the table and excusing himself to do his morning tasks in his bedroom.\n\nHis prayers are a bit more fervent that usual, banishing the last of his thoughts from the night before before getting on his usual garb and making his way back to the table. Taking a seat he smiles over at Zach, humming happily as he begins eating. With an interested smile he asks, \"So, what's on the agenda for you today Zach? Anything special?\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The rest of the night passes quietly enough, with Zach simply lying there and enjoying the comfort of another warm body beside him. It might not be quite the comfort he usually aims for, but at least tonight hadn't been a complete disaster. This continued 'little one' business is starting to be a quite insistent thorn in his side, though, so it might be high time he focuses his efforts on removing that particular obstacle. The wounded bird routine might have given him his in, but now it is clearly impeding further progress.\n\nIn spite of his brooding, it is simple enough to keep his body loose and relax and when the priest finally awakens, Zach makes a convincing display of yawning and slowly blinking awake. He pointedly ignored the tucking in, turning over sleepily until the door closes again. When Kiel is out of sight, all traces of sleep are gone as he sits and stretches for a bit before getting out of bed. There is no real point is staying in here for much longer, so he exits the room not long after the priest, with another yawn and stretch for effect.\n\n\"I slept really good actually,\" he answers, injecting an air of surprise into the answer. \"I didn't even have a single, er, dream,\" he went on, with a small pause intended to make it clear he isn't talking about the good kind. He's not quite sure if he'll be able to talk his way into the priest's bed any time soon again, but it never hurts to lay some ground work. \n\n\"How was your night?\" he asks. He lets the priest get comfortable with his morning rituals as he finishes setting the table, frying up some eggs to go with the food Kiel had already put out. He scoops some onto the priest's plate when he sits down, before joining him at the table as well.\n\n\"Same old, same old,\" he quips with none of the usual grogginess he normally displays in the mornings. \"Actually, the weather's looking up so I thought I might take Sarah out around the gardens? Ah, there she is now.\" He waves a daunty little wave at the small face peeking out of the second bedroom, hair sticking up from one side and completely flattened on the other. \n\n\"Morning sleepyhead. You up for some breakfast?\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "'Well, at least nothing of my own little mishaps from last night disturbed the poor boy's night' Kiel comforts himself with thoughts of Zach sleeping peacefully, glad he didn't have any nightmares as he settles in for breakfast. With a sigh he murmurs, \"My night went well enough. No complaints.\" Focusing on his meal he watches Zach with interest. 'He seems pretty alert this morning. Must be the good night. . .I wonder how bad the nightmares really are for him. . .I know kids like him have it rough. Being plagued, even in their sleep.'\n\nAt the idea of taking Sara outside Kiel brightens up even more. \"That sounds wonderful!\" He follows Zach's gaze and smiles brightly at the peeking girl. She nods at the question before shuffling out of the room in her over long night shirt, a brush clutched in her fingers. \"Good morning Sara!\" he says cheerily and she smiles back at him before plopping down in front of the priest, holding the brush over her shoulder. Chuckling Kiel turns, taking the brush and setting to work.\n\nShe looks over at Zach, her eyes bright. \"Outside?\" She crosses her arms over her chest. \"Not too far, right?\" She blinks her eyes, gazing at him with them opened wide in question and worry. Kiel runs his fingers through her hair comfortingly as he works on removing her tangles, smiling softly.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "\"Of course not far,\" he says easily, gesturing with a piece of food on his fork before popping it in his mouth. \n\n\"There's plenty to see within the church walls,\" he talks with food in his mouth, a few tufts of his hair standing up from the back of his head. \"Someone here has green fingers, because the must be over a gazillion different flowers!\" He winks at Sarah, the very picture of casual nonchalance that can only be achieved through practice and precision.\n\nHe still isn't quite sure how he'll get rid of the 'little one' label, but Sarah has at least given him the opportunity to distinguish himself from a proper 'little one'. He'll just have to take care of her a little, be all mature and everything and before he knows it Kiel will realise he's not a kid any more.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Watching the exchange with a faint smile Kiel brushes her hair quietly, glad to see Sarah interacting with someone so calmly, besides himself. 'Before she was afraid to even talk to my brothers of the cloth, but here with Zach. . . .It's almost like he's her big brother or something' Giggling softly at the thought he covers his broad grin with a hand, his eyes dancing as he looks between them. He continues working diligently on her hair, smoothing the soft curls down into something cute and manageable. Once it's done she stands up happily and gives the priest a hug before settling into her seat at the table to eat. She looks to Zach and smiles, nodding shyly at the idea of walking around looking at the flowers.\n\nKiel turns and goes back to eating, setting aside the brush to clean out later as he watches the two little ones interact. Humming happily he looks towards the church, the sliver he can see of it through the window calling to him as he reminds himself of how foul his mind had gotten during the night. 'I should spend some time in the chapel today, praying. I need to wash this from me if I am to continue being around little Zach. . .' Nodding to himself he looks back at the other two, smiling cutely. \"That sounds wonderful you two, and while you're enjoying God's creations I can get to some work I have to do in the church!\"\n\nSarah nods, not looking completely thrilled that Kiel won't be coming with, but clearly not considering it a deal breaker. She looks back at Zach with a half hidden smile, tugging at her hair out of habit. The priest recognizes the nervous action and reaches over, giving her hand a squeeze. \"I shouldn't be gone long Sarah, and Zach will look out for you, okay?\" She looks back at Kiel, then nods again, squeezing his hand back before digging into her food. The priest does likewise, giving Zach a look clearly reading 'sorry to put this on you like that'.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach's very skilled in observing the people around him from the corner of his eye, without appearing to do anything of the sort. He's never used to look after a child before, but he supposes there's a first time for everything. Getting closer to Sarah can still broadly fall within the parameters of his assignment, after all, and a bit of practice is never a bad thing.\n\nThe child has a tremor in her hands when she draws. He might chalk it up to her being nervous, had her face showed anything other than intense concentration at getting the lines right. Of course there is always the chance that it is a genetic thing, but from what Zach could tell those kinds of things are relatively rare in humans. Plus there was the way she flinched and turned her face away every time Zach makes even a small unexpected movement. Humans are fragile things, and prone to accumulating injuries and defects when they get hurt bad enough.\n\nSomething dark flashes over his face at those thoughts, but he smooths it over into a guileless smile when the child peeks up at him. He knows the things humans do to each other, and it really shouldn't phase him. But the thought of someone harming a child, and harming her bad enough and often enough to have her come seek out a priest on her own... It's more disquieting than he likes to admit to himself.\n\nHis eyes widen slightly in surprise at the questions she's asking. They're quite astute for such a young human, but then again he supposes she needs to try and stay on top of things, if her life is as dangerous as it seems it might be. He feels another thread of unease at that observation, but ignores it. Humans are humans, and they have done horrible things to each other since before her came into existence and will continue to do so until long after he's left this world. It is none of his concern.\n\n\"He didn't find me, I kind of found him,\" he tells the girl, still sketching out the flowers as he does so. \"I did some things... bad things that made people mad and they hurt me pretty bad. I had heard in town that he was a good man, that he could be trusted. I didn't really believe it at first, but it felt like there was no other place for me to go...\"\n\nHe looks at her now, letting the smile on his face go a little brittle at the edges. He doesn't know for certain whether this will reach Kiel, but he's nothing if not thorough.\n\n \"He didn't even as me what happened when he took me in, so I guess he really is a good man. I... think he's great too. It's almost sad that I'm getting better because that means I will have to go soon. But I guess it's for the best, because if he knew what I'm really like he would want me to go away anyway and that would be even worse than leaving by myself.\"\n\nHe lets his his voice crack a little at the last bit, and quickly looks back to his paper while letting his eyes tear up. \n\n\"Um, yeah. But like you said, I'm big and strong and I'll be more careful in the future so I'm going to be all right. And you'll have Kiel all for yourself again.\"\n\nHe throws that last bit in to test the waters on where she stands with him. He thinks she's taken a shine to him, but it seems equally likely that she's only attached to him because he's with Kiel at the moment.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Kiel creeps in slowly once he spots the little ones in the distance, intent on seeing how they are fairing and to not interrupt should they be doing fine on their own. He manages to find his way behind a rose trellis near enough to see and hear the youth and smiles softly as they seem to be both calm and talking quietly. He can hear her question to Zach, asking about how anyone could pick on him, and finds himself more curious for the answer than he thought he would be. He's wanted to work with Zach, to help keep him from winding up a bloody pulp again once he takes his leave, and thinks that perhaps he can gain a little insight if he listens carefully.\n\nWhat the boy has to say however makes him a bit sad inside, his heart calling out as he hears the crack in his voice. 'I would never reject you little one. Please, don't think like that. I'm here for you, just as I am for all my children. I am sorry I've made you feel this way, please, forgive me. I will right it all with you, I promise. . .' His own eyes tear up a bit and his betrayal of the past night seems even worse inside his heart as he sees the boy ready to cry and he moves away from the garden, taking to the path so he can enter the scene properly and not just appear from out of nowhere. He knows eavesdropping is bad, but when it reveals vital information Kiel needs to help his little ones, he can accept that the lord will forgive him his behavior.\n\n~*~\n\nLooking up at Zach sadly Sarah shakes her head hard as Zach's claim that Kiel would reject him, biting her lip as he talks about her having him all to herself once he's gone. \"Father Kiel won't hate you. He's not like that. No matter what!\" She feels almost affronted that Zach thinks that the \"perfect\" father would be anything but completely accepting and loving of anyone. \"No matter what you think, Father Kiel doesn't push anyone away, not ever!\" She looks down at her hands, watching them shake more now that she's upset. Clasping them together she speaks a little softer. \"None of us have him all to themselves. I. . .I know I'm just another lost little kid to him, but. . . .I'm not gonna be mad that I have to share.\" Her voice drops to a whisper. \"It's better to have a little love from a friend than living unloved. . .\" After a beat, she goes back to trying to draw her flowers, feeling very embarrassed at having spoken up so firmly and kind of afraid that Zach will be mad.\n\n~*~\n\nReaching the garden proper Kiel calls out softly, alerting the little ones to his presence and giving them both a big smile and wave. After a moment's hesitation Sarah stands up, setting the sketchbook down, and races over to give Kiel a hug. He's worried for a moment that she's upset. Looking to Zach questioningly he tilts his head, then turns his gaze back to her, his warm smile quite soothing as he pets her hair gently. \"Something wrong Sarah?\" he murmurs kindly. She shakes her head against his middle and pulls back, looking both nervous and happy.\n\nShe leads him back towards the bench and picks up the sketchbook, holding it in front of her chest for a moment. \"Don't laugh.\" she demands softly, then holds it out to Kiel without waiting for his promise not to.\n\n\"I see no reason to laugh.\" he says softly, looking over the shaky lines with the same reverence one would a finely carved work of art. \"It's beautiful. I can see how hard you worked on it.\" She squirms, but looks happy. Kiel shifts his focus on to Zach, tilting his head. \"Did you work on something as well?\" he asks, his gaze going to the sketchbook in the boy's hands.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "It's a bit of a surprise how strongly the little girl reacts. Zach had expected her to push back a little, certainly, but from how softly he had to coax her out of her initial timidity, he hadn't quite expected a passionate rebuttal of his morose thoughts. He allows some of the surprise to seep into his eyes as he adjusts his already quite high opinion of the girl upwards a bit more. Kiel sure knows how to pick them, or perhaps his care just has a way of bringing out the best in people. His first instinct is to ruffly her hair, but since he doesn't want to spook her he just gently bumps his shoulder against her's.\n\n\"I don't think you can ever be 'just' anything to Kiel,\" he starts, but before he can finish his thought the priest calls out to them as he comes strolling up the path. 'Speak of the devil..,' Zach thinks by way of a private little joke, smiling gently at the way Sarah runs up to the man. He doesn't have to pretend very hard to care for the little squirt. Children have never been his domain, and most of them haven't yet picked up the nastier sides of humanity. That this one might help him work into Kiel's good graces is just the cherry on top. The smile is still on his face when Kiel asks to see his drawing, and he turns his sketch pad so the priest can take a look. It's still in the sketchy stage, with just a few of the flowers starting to take shape in the middle. \n\n\"A little bit, nothing concrete yet,\" he says, \"Did the work go well?\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Kiel looks over the emerging bushel of flowers and smiles. \"It is coming along very well. I like it.\" he murmurs, handing the sketchbook back to Zach with a warm, encouraging smile. \"My time in the church was well spent.\" he says with a nod, giving Sarah a quick squeeze as she comes to stand next to him. \"We can stay in the garden if you two want to keep working on your lovely artwork, but if you'd rather head inside I was thinking we could do some bible studies before lunch. I got a look at what they were preparing, and it looks to be chicken and rice!\" he announces the meal plan cheerfully knowing that home cooked meals are not something these two likely have had a lot of. Sarah gives Kiel a look when he mentions bible studies but doesn't say anything, clearly not enthusiastic about the idea. She does however perk up at the idea of some real meat for lunch and smiles up at the priest happily.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Zach does his best not to wince at the mention of bible studies, but he does allow himself to share a dubious look with Sarah over the idea. A simple bible will do nothing to hurt him, of course, but he doubts he can get away without at the very least an annoying itch with Kiel reading passages and talking about god in that earnest way of his. \n\n\"I think I'll stay to finish my drawing,\" he says, aware that he's not being terribly subtle about his avoidance. \"I'd love some company, Sarah, but I understand it if you'd rather head over to bible studies with Kiel,\" he adds with a smile, offering the girl an out if she wants it. \n\n\"After all, isn't it the best kind of piety to witness and enjoy the creation, in all it's forms?\" He adds with a little wink at the priest. Zach doesn't spend much time thinking about the big guy upstairs, but when he does it's to wonder why he would make the world with such pleasures and then tell the humans to lock themselves up in cold churches and enjoy precisely none of those pleasures. Either something got lost in translation, or the G-man is a sadistic bastard.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "It's clear that neither child is in the mood for bible studies as Sarah gives Kiel a big, pouty grin and scoots closer to Zach. \"Alright, alright.\" he murmurs with a little pout of his own, ruffling her hair gently before taking a seat on the grass by the bench. The older priests would not be able to accomplish this so easily, and would likely disapprove of him plopping down on the ground like this, but as he is trying to connect with children and youths, he's more than used to sitting in such an undignified manner.\n\nSarah is happy to see she doesn't have to leave the garden and slips down off the bench to sit with the father. He smiles at her and watches with a smile as she goes back to drawing what she's been working on Kiel can feel the peace of the moment wash over him and he enjoys the feeling of God's creations all around him. The peaceful breeze, the soft sounds of birds, the light scratch of pencil on paper. It's all very relaxing. Time passes like this until Kiel catching the telltale sound of the church's side door opening. \"It seems the food is ready. We should head inside now.\" he murmurs, helping Sarah up gently before holding out a hand to Zach.\n\nAfter his prayers, he feels ready to be himself around the young man once more and feels nothing inappropriate when he helps the youth to his feet. Sarah half hides behind him as they make their way inside, the sister delivering the meal smiling and waving as she passes. 'I am so sorry Sarah that you have suffered so much as to be afraid of such a kind person' Letting out a sight, he opens the door for them and waits for both to enter before slipping in behind them.\n\nThe smell of food is already permeating the small house and Kiel takes a moment to breath in the scent. He grins at how tasty it smells and instructs them both to wash their hands while he prepares the table. Once they are ready, he washes his own and takes a seat. Prayers are brief and Kiel lets them dig in without much of a wait. He can tell that Zach is still less than enthusiastic about \"The whole God thing\" so he keeps to more earthly talks. Sarah chatters on happily about her budding interest in art, and Kiel turns the talk on to Zach, eventually asking if he has any interest in looking for local art classes. \"Perhaps we could look into the classes offered at the free centers. I have heard of art teachers coming down in their off time to teach stuff like music and art. Sometimes even math and reading!\" He looks at the older youth merrily, hoping he's found something of interest to offer the young man.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "\"Hmm,\" Zach hums non-commitedly around a bite of food, pretending to think about the art classes the priest had obviously thought of just for him. He could probably make a bit more of an effort to act happy about it, but he was still kind of bummed out by the renewed sense of priestly distance Kiel had managed to conjure in the few hours they'd been apart. At least Sarah was warming up to him, as he'd smugly noticed when she was more afraid of some soft-faced human nun than him. At least he could still charm some humans into his good graces.\n\n\"It could be fun?\" he eventually said, feeling like he should probably throw the priest a bone. Being around the man the entire time didn't seem to be helping, so perhaps it would be good to get out of the house from time to time. \n\n\"Are those free centres a church thing?\"", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Kiel lets out a little chuckle, shaking his head. \"No, the centers are community run. The church helps out on occasion but. . .\" Kiel still, his eyes snapping to Sarah. The girl has gone rigid, her eyes wide with terror. While instinct tells him to comfort her, the priest instead stands and tilts his head, holding up a hand to shush Zach. After a moment, he hears what Sarah did and with a determined look he pulls a key from his pocket. Kneeling down in front of Sarah he speaks softly. \"You know what to do little one.\" he murmurs, pressing the key into her hand. The touch of the sharp metal seems to shock her out of her fear and with a cry she rushes to the spare room. Another sound from outside, definitely an angry voice this time, spins Kiel on the spot, a determined look on his face. \n\nSome time ago, when she first came, she knew her father was a strong man and might be able to get the key to the room from Kiel, so to comfort her when her father comes looking for her, he took to giving her the key so it will be her choice to unlock the door and let people in. Kiel doesn't have time to instruct Zach and leaves it to him to act responsibly as he hurries out to confront the angry man who can now be clearly heard outside on the church grounds. The man is just coming into sight of the small cottage as Kiel Exits and with swift, firm steps the priest moves to meet him before he reaches the building proper.\n\nUpon spotting him, the man goes off like a bomb, his dark face getting right into Kiel's to begin screaming. \"Fucking you! It's god damn fucking you again, isn't it!?\" he hisses, the smell of drink and meth hanging off the man clearly marking him as not in his right mind now, if ever. Kiel doesn't move despite the man having a hundred pounds on him. He doesn't get the chance to speak, as the man continues to yell in his face. \"You're fucking keeping her locked up in there like some little slave girl aren't you?! You fucking pervert! Takin' my little girl, telling her it's okay to run away from her family, that it's okay, that you're there for her. You fucking pedophile!\"\n\nKiel can see his fellow priests out of the corner of his eye, and he knows they will call the police. He can't give them any attention however as he stands his ground, not giving the man a clear line to the cottage. \"Sir.\" he begins as politely as he can manage. \"Sir, I am not keeping your daughter against her will, and I've not laid hands on her in that manner. I've only offered her a safe place to stay under the lord's care while your family settles down from whatever scare-\" Kiel stumbles back as the man shoves him hard in the chest.\n\n\"I've read about you fuckers, don't give me those fucking lies! You fuck little kids because that's all you can get, you fucking perverts! Pedophiles all of you!\" He screams this at the top of his lungs, taking the couple feet he got from shoving Kiel who is once more standing steady and not looking to move out of his way.\n\n'He's clearly in the middle of some nasty trip here. . . I hope the police come soon. When a person is this deep in, there's no reasoning with them. I know she can hear every word of this, and poor Zach. . .' Kiel shakes his head, not backing down as the man shoves his face into his once more and continues to scream that Kiel is \"raping his baby\". Kiel is unhurt by this accusation normally, but faint flickers back to his foul dream leaves him a touch vulnerable and despite his prayers before, he can feel the man's words cut him ever so slightly.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The yelling and screaming seems to go on forever, but Kiel stand strong. The sound of police sirens in the distance seem to set the man off however and with a cry he falls back as the man punches him hard in the chest, knocking him down. Kiel takes barelyt a moment to regain his breath as the man rushes towards his house before climbing to his feet and chasing after him. A handful of other priest join him, shouting as the man hits Kiel again, this time in the arm, as he braces himself in the doorway to keep the enraged man from passing. Not ready to put up with an actual attack on one of their own, the handful of younger priests grab hold of the man and work on pulling him away from the house. He is once more screaming obscenities and accusing them all of raping children when the police finally arrive. The men of god hand him over to them, and begin giving their statements about what's happened.\n\nKiel himself slumps against his door, taking in pained breaths. Every inhale makes his chest ache and he wonders if something got cracked. As an officer approaches to question him however he breaths through the pain and speaks softly about the situation. Eventually, the head priest talks to the police about their sanctuary laws and they agree to not drag the girl off as long as she's willing to come out and tell them in person she's there of her own free will.\n\nInside, Sarah had listened to Zach's voice, listened to his question, and felt her pain ease as his voice became so sweet in her hears. Somehow, despite her hearing being damaged, his voice sounds so clear to her. His question is a bit scary, but for some reason it doesn't make her feel afraid. Instead, she just takes it in, thinking about it, and nodding as he says she doesn't have to answer right away. The small quiet between them is broken as the shouting fades, and she can feel her tears coming back.\n\nKiel steps in, spotting Zach sitting in front of the door to Sarah's temporary room. He smiles faintly and helps the boy carefully to his feet. \"The man's gone now. I'm sorry if that scared you.\" He takes a moment to comfort Zach, grasping the back of his neck in a gentle sign of affection, then turns to kneel beside the door Sarah is hidden behind. \"Sarah, the police are here. They want to make sure you want to be here. They want to know, if this is what you want. . .\" He knows she has very little choice in her life, and he hopes that presenting their requirement this way it will inspire her to come out. With a soft smile, he listens to her shift, coming to his feet as the click of the key being turned in the lock tells him she's coming out. Still smiling, he looks at the crack of the door where her face appears and holds out a hand to her. After a long moment, she comes with him outside to tell the police she wants to stay.\n\nIt takes another half an hour for things to settle, the head priest wanting to check on Sarah before letting her return to where she feels safe. Once back in the cottage, Kiel settles the stressed girl down for a nap. Closing the door to her room, he returns to the main room and settles for making he and Zach some tea. \"I'm sorry you had to listen to all of that.\" he murmurs, giving the youth a sympathetic look. His movements are stiff and he doesn't use his left arm as he shuffles around, trying to make the tea. His arm and chest are still paining him, but he wants to wait until Zach is settled in to slip off to the bathroom for some painkillers.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach is stiff and uncomfortable under the priest's hand as he comforts him, and he forces himself to relax at least a little at the touch. He stays back as the humans shuffle around, the police offers taking statements here and there and the priests fussing rather more uselessly. He focuses on looking closed-off and upset in case someone looks at him, but inside he is seething. \n\nThe priest got hurt. He hadn't even noticed, but somewhere in the whole mess the priest got hurt and now there's a roil of anger inside of him that he can't do anything with. It doesn't even matter. He's just some dumb mortal who can't even take care of himself apparently. Dumb mortals hurt each other all the time, and this doesn't even make the scale of the bad shit Zach's seen over the years. It shouldn't rattle him. It doesn't. \n\nIf anything, he's just... annoyed. That idiot came blundering into his house and messed up his priest- er, his mark that is- and Zach did bloody fuck-all. There's a shiver under his skin that he stubbornly ignores, a reminder that this young and harmless form is not the only one he could possess. It would be so easy to catch the brute unawares some time, without the pesky complexities of witnesses and busybodies blathering about 'the sanctity of life'. Hell, there was plenty of damage he would be able to do without leaving even a mark.\n\nBut the girl is out of the room again and looking like she might crumble at the slightest provocation, so Zach doesn't let any of his darker thoughts make it to his face. He just stands around in the background, looking slightly shaken yet still encouraging. Just some harmless human thinking worried thoughts. \n\nThe priest, of course, is a self-sacrificing idiot who doesn't stop fussing over others even when he is in obvious pain. Does he really think he's fooling anyone with those careful movements and aborted twitches every time his body tries to move its left arm before he remembers he shouldn't? Then again, none of the assorted humans outside seemed to have made him sit down and take it easy, so perhaps they really just were such big idiots. \n\n\"Oh no you don't,\" he says when the priest starts making tea, gently but firmly taking the tea pot out of his hands. \n\n\"No more fussing over others until you get checked out. Did you honestly think I wouldn't notice?\" He abandons the teapot on the sink and waves the priest over to a chair.\n\n\"I don't know whether to feel offended that you apparently think I'm stupid, or to worry whether that asshole gave you a concussion as well. Take off your shirt.\" He's taking out the first aid kit from where he'd seen Kiel grab it before.\n\n\"Oh, don't give me that look. Someone's going to have to make sure you're not going to puncture a lung with a broken rib, and you lost your chance when you didn't ask for a doctor to check you up earlier. Don't worry, I'm not going to assault your virtue or whatever.\" He rolls his eyes.\n\n\"Or would you rather take the chance that Sarah will find you drowned in your own blood in the morning? Because I'm sure that would go over real well.\" It's a low blow, and he knows it. He just doesn't care. Honestly, the chances of it being that bad are pretty slim, but he's not feeling very charitable towards the priest at the moment.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "His eyes snap up as Zach comes over and he can't help the faint smile as the youth takes the pot from him. 'Busted. . . I'm sure the others thought I just wasn't very hurt, but Zach is very attentive. . .' He'd done his best not to move munch in front of the others, his history of getting hit on the street from angry addicts, parents, and gang members giving him a good idea of his injury's severity and telling him that he's just severely bruised. Feeling \"caught\" he doesn't object to sitting down and with a long sigh settles into the chair, wincing as the expansion of his lungs still pains him. He opens his mouth to tell Zach he doesn't think the boy is stupid and that he should be fine with some rest when the young man demands he remove his shirt.\n\nA painful twinge having nothing to do with his injuries passes through him and on impulse he reaches up to hold his collar closed, eyes wide. Zach is having none of it however and insists that if he's not going to at least talk to a doctor, then he himself is going to make sure the injuries aren't that bad. The added bit at the end about \"assaulting his virtue\" catches him and his eyes drop to his lap. 'He just wants to help, right? That's natural. . .' His eyes squeeze shut as the upset youth puts a sickening image in his head and with reluctance he lets out another sigh, looking up at Zach sadly.\n\n\"I'm sorry Zach, I don't think you're stupid. I'm pretty sure that these are just bruises, but if it will put your mind at ease. . .\" Using one hand he carefully undoes the top of his robes, sliding them down carefully until they've settles around his waist. With even more care, he tries to get his under shirt off, but the T isn't willing to cooperate with one arm limp. He has to get some help from Zach to get the bit of fabric all the way off, and settles back against the back of the chair after, the strain on the bruises during the activity tiring him out a bit.\n\nThe left side of his chest as a slightly larger than fists sized bruise just below his peck, while a lighter, barely visible bruise settles around square on it. His arm looks a bit worse, the dark color showing the man put more weight into his punch aimed at it and showing clearly why he doesn't want to move it. Kiel looks down at his own injuries and then smiles faintly at Zach. \"I'm pretty sure they're just bruises. As you can probably see, I've been on the wrong end of misdirected ire a few times before.\" He points to the small handful of scars here and there from times he stood up for those who needed standing up for and didn't come out unscathed. Still smiling, he gives Zach a bright look. \"My breathing is fine, and I'm sure if there's any real damage it's just a crack, and even that's unlikely. I don't feel any burning.\" He had to learn to self diagnose a long time ago. He prays Zach will be satisfied quickly, not wanting to remain uncovered for long. Despite feeling he's no longer a danger to Zach, he doesn't want to accidentally spook the little one should the boy need comfort after the ordeal.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The priest is all but radiating a patronising sort of concern for his feelings, and while it should by all accounts annoy the shit out of Zach, he can't help but crack a bit of a smile at the familiarity of it. Annoying as it is, he can't help but be endeared by the sheer persistence of the man in the help he wants to offer his 'little one's'. There's probably quite a few humans that are genuinely honest in their motives, but Zach usually doesn't have the pleasure of meeting them. Not to say that he doesn't enjoy the more sinful and depraved side of humans- on the contrary! It's just interesting in it's novelty, if nothing else.\n\n\"Yes priest, you are very caring and selfless and all that shit- no need to convince me even further.\" He rolls his eyes and helps the priest get his arm in his sleeve with a care that belies his words. \n\n\"You probably believe what you say too, all you religious types seem to do. But don't think I didn't notice you being all... stiff and weird after tonight. I don't know if you guessed or if you talked to someone, but I know what you 'good' book says about... people like me. You don't have to force yourself to be all forgiving and shit if you're just going to be weird about it later.\" He makes sure to inject just enough covered-up hurt to make it all the more tantalising for the priest to want to break his wall down again. \n\nOf course the man has no idea what he's talking about. He is pretty sure Kiel hasn't figured out yet that Zack had cheerfully slept his way through an impressive list of guys in the months before he ended up on the priest's doorstep. And if he wasn't going to figure it out on his own, Zach would have to tell him himself. And what better way than to pretend to assume he already knew?", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Despite how upset Zach seems to be at being \"babied\", his hands are gentle as they help guide his arm back into his sleeve. Thanking the boy softly, he works on closing up his top at the youth continues speaking. His movements still as what sounds like accusations seem to flood out of the young man, and he turns to look at Zach fully with his top few buttons still undone. The hurt behind his voice stings, and Kiel thinks wildly that his unconscious depravity somehow has caused the youth some hurt. He thinks back over thew day, trying to pinpoint being stiff and standoffish, and he realizes he has been a little less close to the young man since waking.\n\n'But I don't know what that has to do with Zach himself. . . He's acting like I found out some secret about him that is causing me to stand away from him, but I can't imagine any such thing. I mean, I know why I have been acting a bit different, but he. . . He's not acting like he knows of my failing. . .' Shifting slightly, he gives Zach a gently confused look. \"Zach, I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about. I. . . Am not perfect, and I have some issues that I realize now caused me to act strangely this morning, but that had nothing to do with you. It was a fault of my own, I swear.\"\n\nShifting again, to take some pressure off his ribs, he finishes buttoning his top. \"If there's something bothering you however, please, I am here to listen. If you feel I've dome something wrong or inappropriate, please, tell me. I don't want you to feel unwelcome or uncomfortable here. I am here for all of my Little Ones, and if you feel I am not doing my best, I want to know what I can do better for you Zach. I want to be someone you can talk to, you can trust. . . Please.\" His voice in sincere and full of warm feelings for the young man in front of him, his desire to help full and clear even as the talking makes him wince in pain.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zack frowns, making sure to give the expression a suspicious edge as well.\n\n\"You... don't? I thought you... You're not fucking with me, are you?\" He says carefully, mind working quickly as he tries to figure out how to spin this. If he tried to wave it off, perhaps the priest would get curious and try to figure it out a bit more. Of course he might very well get some sort of noble idea in his head about 'respecting his privacy' and then there would just be the spectre of a secret hanging between them creating more distance. No, perhaps he should just out with it and take the chance to give the priest the sense that he is being trusted with something. Showing vulnerability will probably reinforce the 'little one' bullshit for a bit, but at least there would be the appearance of a foundation of trust to work from. \n\n\"You don't have to do anything to make me feel unwelcome here,\" he starts off haltingly, \"there's been plenty of so called 'holy men' before who made that exceedingly clear to me.\" He crosses his arms in front of him, as if to steel himself for rejection. Kiel seems to like breaking through emotional barriers, so lets give him one to break through. \n\n\"The truth is, I don't belong here. I'm headed straight to hell and perdition or whatever. Supposedly.\" He shifts uncomfortably in place, breaking eye contact for a moment then looking back at the priest as if steeling himself for rejection. \n\n\"Yeah, your fellow priests were always very clear on the 'hell' part. On account of all the sleeping around with men, you know? Really bad for my eternal soul or whatever.\" He's staring at Kiel now, face hard and brittle underneath- the very picture of someone expecting rejection but still hanging onto a little sliver of hope.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Shaking his head, Kiel stays silent instead of verbally reinforcing that he is, indeed, not \"fucking with\" the young man. He can tell Zach is thinking hard, and lets the youth think rather than rushing past the issue and possibly hurting him further. He listens close as Zach reveals it's not he himself that may be causing the issue, but past interactions with men of the cloth. He knows many of his brothers under God can be very extreme, and he worries that perhaps Zach has run into the less understanding kind. He keeps his expression kind, and neutral, showing that he's listening, and not judging, willing the youth to keep speaking.\n\nIt makes his heart ache to hear Zach speaking of going to hell, especially with such certainty. It takes some will power to keep from comforting the young man right away, assuring him that it's not true. He can feel them on the cusp of what's bothering the teen, and doesn't want to derail his outpouring. \n\nAnd then the secret falls, and Kiel. . . Shows no reaction. He can feel a bit of relief passing behind his heart, but doesn't respond immediately. He knows that responding too quickly sound insincere, even if he means what he's saying, so instead he just smiles a little wider and sits carefully on the nearest chair, lowing himself so he doesn't loom over the young man. 'So, he is like that. . . Not surprising. I've had a lot of youth like him pass under this roof, but each one is different. I need to figure out, what route is best, for Zach. . .' Letting out a small hum, he tilts his head slightly to the side, showing no signs of rejection.\n\n\"Zach. . .\" he begins softly. \"I do not condemn you, know that. Nor am I disgusted by you. . .\" He smiles softly. \"You are not the first who's passed through that door with such a past, with such. . . Desires. And I doubt you will be the last. If I were such a judgmental person as to reject youth like you, do you really think I would have the reputation I do?\" Shifting to relieve some weight on his ribs once more, he winces as they throb a little. \"I have read the words of our lord, and heard the teachings, but. . . But I can not see the loving God I worship condemning people for things they can not help\" He smiles a little wider. \"I've heard enough from poor children thrown from their homes by cruel parents, for so many years now, to know that if it were not natural, they would renounce such feelings in a hot minute.\" Looking towards the wall, behind which lays the church, he lets out a sigh. \"Just. . . Don't tell my brothers. Such enlightenment still eludes them.\" \n\nHis gaze returns to Zach, looking at peace, and not at all repelled by the youth. He is silently delighted that Zach has brought this fact into the open so they can discuss it. Knowing it will help him be a better guide for the youth, and will keep him from being cruel unintentionally.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "The crack in Zach's voice twangs across Kiel's heart, and he can feel his emotions shifting. Zach has been hard, self sufficient, and strong. Hearing him let his emotions out, even a little bit like this, makes Kiel feel warm and happy. The happiness is tainted a bit as he knows the kind of suffering a boy like Zach may have gone though, especially with members of the church being how they tend to be. However, Kiel knows he can be here now, for Zach, and hopefully make up for the shortsightedness of his bothers under God. \n\nSeeing the boy squirm a bit as he thanks him, Kiel smiles a little wider and stands carefully. Moving over to the youth, he wraps his ward in a gentle hug, petting his hair gently as he pulls Zach close against his chest. He knows he can't be so distant with his approval. Zach has made it clear that standing off, or standing away makes him feel rejected, so Kiel lets himself comfort the young man properly, like a big brother would, and gives him the best squeeze he can manage with his wounded ribs. \"Yes, well. . . People take from the bible what they wish, and unfortunately the word from the top is now leaning more towards number than charity unfortunately. . .\" He continues to pet Zach's hair softly. \"But, we're not all like that. . . I want to help.\"\n\nLeaning back a bit and tilting his head to the side so he can look at Zach's face properly he grins a little. \"I will always be here to talk to. I promise.\" Patting his hair a little longer, Kiel gives Zach one last squeeze before hobbling back to his chair. Giving the young man a teasing half smile he asks, \"So, have you ever made tea before?\" He wants to give Zach the chance to contribute, and help, seeing as that's what the youth seems to want to do at the moment.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Zach is pleasantly surprised when the priest moves in for a hug, especially when he was so uncomfortable with the touching before. The hair-petting is a little condescending, but he supposes he will take what he can get. He makes sure to stay tense for a few long moments, before eventually relaxing into the hug. He even brings up his arms to return the hug, though he keeps it light for now. It's good that Kiel still wants to help, even though that help seems to come with a heap of infantilization for now. As shown by the slightly teasing question that follows. \n\n\"Yeah priest, I know how to make hot leaf juice,\" Zach rolls his eyes. He knows it won't make him look any older, but he can't be perfect. When he heads to the kitchen area, Sarah appears in the doorway of the spare room, eyes wide and haunted. She makes a beeline for Kiel, burying her face in his shirt without saying a word. \n\nZach takes the opportunity to busy himself with putting the kettle on. He makes a hot cup of tea for Kiel, and then a smaller one that he cools with milk and a little honey for Sarah. She also gets a cookie to go with it when he brings it to them, but he doesn't stick around while the priest works his calming magic on the girl. He likes using her as a contrast to make the priest see how he is not a 'little one', but that can wait until she feels better.\n\nInstead he sets to taking out some sheets and pillows to make up a bed for himself on the couch. He'd enjoyed the chance to get close to the priest before, and the bet had payed off. It had also made it clear just how much he was not ready to see Zach as an equal. So distance it would be, for now at least. Just until Kiel was in the right frame of mind to actually enjoy the closeness Zach would eventually pursue. \n\nHe's still going to slip into his dreams, of course. Just because he's changing his tactics, doesn't mean he can't satisfy his curiosity along the way.", "username": "Merula", "char_name": "Zach (real name Enoiziach)" }, { "text": "Chuckling at the young man's description of tea, Kiel settles more comfortably into the stiff old kitchen chair and just relaxes a little, letting Zach work peacefully on the tea without his nagging behind him. 'I know I coddle and nag a bit, but a lot of the Little Ones need that kind of care. I should work on letting him be a bit more independent. He has my acceptance, but I get the feeling he wants something else from me than someone like, say, Sarah. . .' His thoughts trail off as the girl herself appears and runs into his waiting arms. Kiel shushes her softly, petting her hair and humming softly to soothe her. Her shaking is not something that is going to pass quickly however, and he thanks Zach softly when he provides a little distraction for her.\n\nHelping her settle into a chair beside his own, he offers her the drink and speaks softly about how things will be safe while she's here. How god is looking down on them and making sure his children stand together to keep her safe. He knows a lot of abused kids have a hard time with the abstract of \"God\" as a being that never actually reaches down to help, like a glowing hand or something, so he tries to remind her that there's an entire building full of men and women that will jump to her aid no matter what tries to assail her. She sniffles softly and sips at her tea, nodding as Kiel talks and slowly, ever so slowly, calming down enough to breath without huge hiccups threatening to spill her drink.\n\nOut of the corner of his eye, as he speaks to her, he notices Zach making the couch up as a bed and for a fleeting instant he worries that he was wrong, and that Zach had been awake the night last. He mentally shakes the thought however, quite sure with Zach strong will, he would have had something to say about it and had more of an issue to deal with than just worry over him thinking less of the boy for his orientations. 'I just hope he's not worried about my reactions to finding out. I mean, it is better for him to have his own space. . . I'm sure DCS will come by soon, after this incident, and try to place Sarah somewhere, and if he's still here, he will be able to have the guest room. . . .' A true worry that Zach might leave before he's ready wells up in Kiel, but as Sarah looks at him with her haunted gaze, he turns all of his focus on to her until after the evening meal when she seems to be feeling a little better, if exhausted.\n\nOnce she's tucked in, Kiel once more turns his attention on to Zach. Still in pain, and having only had a brief look over from one of the brothers when he went to fetch the evening meal, he recruits Zach's help to clean up. He winds up letting the young man do most of it as his side has gotten rather stiff and forces him to move much more slowly now. He silently laughs a bit as his own hobble as he walks, letting himself favor the side now that Sarah's asleep, and double checks Zach's outfitting of the couch while the youth himself is finishing the last of the dishes.\n\nAs soon as he's satisfied, he asks for a little help getting on his nightgown, having Zach wait outside the room until he'd at least gotten on his sleeping pants before calling him in for assistance. He makes sure to show no sign of bother at the proximity and his own lack of decent dress, and smiles in thanks as he shoos Zach off to bed. Saying his prayers, Kiel waits to hear his ward settle in the next room before laying down himself, and despite the pain, he manages to find a comfortable position and drift off to sleep.\n\n~The windy landscape or a wheat field embraces Kiel as he walks slowly among the waving grains. The whiskered tops tickle his elbows as he wanders aimlessly. The field is out of place, surrounded on all sides by forest, no civilization in view. A deep feeling of memory cuts through him, but he turns away from it, instead wandering in a new direction every time it hits him. The air is fresh, and the sky filled with drifting rainbow clouds and dandelion puffs the size of dump trucks. Despite the clear borders, the trees never seem to get closer, and he wanders on and on, enjoying the peace between the moments that force him to change directions.~", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "With the, thing, finally off of him he shifts to slowly sit up and stretches first one, then the other arm across his chest. \"Mind if I get up?\" He didn't wait for a response though and slipped from between the covers which fell away like a ripple of water revealing his near pristine flesh. Near. There was a scar on his back about the same size and shape as a cane like those a teacher might hold. There were a couple on his knees and a jagged one that seemed to have healed rather poorly above his left hip. With his back to his assassin he stretched his arms above his head and worked the kinks out of his body, yawning quietly and ruffling up his own hair as he relaxed from the stretch. \"I can't think on an empty stomach, looks like I have grapes and water, oh wait. Or wine.\" He poured them an a glass and placed it in front of him with a small bunch of the black grapes before kicking back into his chair and pouring himself some water, savouring the first cool sip of it.\n\n\"So, who is it who hired you to kill me, I think if I'm going to...hold on.\" Lifting a hand to shush the hit man there was silence then a a couple of seconds later footfalls and a rap on the door. A timid voice shouted through, \"Are you alright mi'lord?\" To which the Prince called back, \"I am, I can't sleep so I'm going to read before bed. Run along now or you'll never be up early enough to help me dress in the morning.\" There was a quiet eep and a hurried 'yes sir' before the foot steps retreated back down the hall and away. \"You lay one hand on that boy and I swear I'll haunt you.\" For a moment the jovial, unbothered appearance became as hard and keen as a Lion's predatory gaze, his eyes like a hawks honing on a target. Then like a shadow on the moon it had passed and he was relaxed again. \"Where was I? Oh yes. So who hried you? I think I have the right to know if I'm not going to see the sunrise don't I?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null }, { "text": "The young Fae watches the other closely.*'He clearly doesn't see me as a threat. Curt, dismissive, he must really be use to my kind'*Shifting slowly to the edge of the bed so he isn't too far from the target Rei remains silent. His body remains faintly tense, ready for action, but he takes his eyes from the target's head to trail over his body.*'I've seen marks like this before, but never on one of such a high station as this. He is indeed not treated as well as other princes I've met'*His eyes trail back to the young mans face as he takes a seat with his food and drink. When the sound of footsteps approaching reach his ears Rei's gaze doesn't waver. His body remains at the same level of awareness as before as the prince speaks with the one outside his door, sensing the young man has no intention of actually calling for help.\n\n*'He is indeed different, it's vaguely entertaining'*When the prince threatens him he slides carefully off the bed so he can rest his feet on the ground, leaning back against the poster at the closest corner to the prince.*'He cares for that one. It must be the one I see most often around him'*Slipping his arms behind his back so that he's holding his opposite elbows Rei blinks slowly. \"I am no killer. I take the life I am paid to take, no more, no less.\" His voice is low but easily heard in the quiet room. His eyes examine the princes as he speaks. \"For you to think another is in danger from me then you have met very poor assassins in you time.\" His gaze passes to the door for a moment.*'There is no harm in speaking one's mind to one who will not live to repeat it'*With that thought in mind he adds, \"Though I do find your worry for his life over your own either very insulting, or rather endearing.\" His tone is even and completely lacking of any real emotional notes.\n\nLooking back to the prince he blinks slowly again. \"I can tell you find me little to no threat, so it is pointless to try and convince you of the fact you are still well within my grace to either kill or let you live for a little longer.\" Tilting his head to the side he continues. \"However I will reply to your question with one that you should get from any good assassin. Their name shall not pass my lips even upon my death,\" He pauses with a nod, \"Least they bid me reveal it, or I receive a better offer.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "With a roll of one shoulder he took a grape from the stalk and turned it in his hand as he responded, \"I have met very poor*people*in my life time.\" He uttered, punctuating the 'people' comment with a small squeeze to the grape. \"He is one of the few people I've met who isn't a shallow empty shell driven by little more than self service and arrogance.\" A far better person than he was for instance, he popped the grape in his mouth and with a couple of chews, he swallowed it. \"If he came in you'd have little choice but to kill him. Which is why I am telling you now, do not touch him.\" There was a vague smile on his lips. \"If you find it insulting or endearing his hardly any of my business mister killer. The only one who can determine the worth of another's words is the listener after all.\"\n\nAs the creature speaks the prince chuckles, \"Is that what you think? I think you are very much still a threat. A fae murderer is out to kill me, I can not be more scared, for a start my father has told the Kingdom the fae have long since left our shores and none has been seen for hundreds of years. An assassin got into my room and attacked me while I slept and now like a cat toying with a mouse is waiting until he grows bored to end it.\" He wasn't being sarcastic, he was being quite genuine, with a sip of his wine he sat himself up from his half lounge and ran his fingers through his hair. \"I simply don't care if you decide to kill me or if you decide not to. I am rather sick and bored of playing this game over and over again putting the people I care about in danger just to prolong my life until the next murderer turns up wanting my blood. Any moment now my sweet little sister could come running in as she sometimes does if she has nightmares, my loyal servant might decide he has forgotten some small detail and come to fix it, the guards, my father, any number of people who live here could die tonight just so you can kill me and I don't want that on my conscience any longer.\"\n\nWith a deep breath he nodded when the fae said he would not reveal his employers name, \"Quite right too.\" He uttered quietly, shifting up from the table and taking a final grape between his lips, \"Well then here are my last words and then you better get on with it. You can dress it up anyway you like to but the simple fact is you're nothing more than a common killer and the money you get will never be enough to fill that ever growing abyss in your heart. You probably don't even know what it is so I'll tell you, it's despair and loneliness and you can throw all the money and jewels in the world at it but it'll only get bigger and deeper and blacker and colder until every time you kill is the only time you can escape it. You might be killing me tonight Fae, but in the end, you're killing yourself as well.\" He gave a sorrowful smile to the blond haired creature on his bed, one of true pity almost and then, with hands behind his back, he waited.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Not really caring what the boy thinks of him as far as what he is, Rei stops trying to convince the prince that he is not a murderer.*'There is a big difference, but at this point the whole thing is moot. However. . .'*The boy's words about something black and cold inside him passes over him like a breeze. Instead of responding right away he looks to the door, then to the room.*'This place is far more than most could ever ask for. Just this room could house entire families far more comfortably than most of the meager homes I've seen in my travels'*His eyes wander back over to the boy sitting rather stiffly in his chair with his arms behind his back.*'Despite what I've learned of him and his treatment, he has it better than even the richest commoner'*His arms relax, one falling to his side, the other sliding down to grip the handle of his weapon gently.*'And yet, the one thing, the only thing, he seems to care about is the safety of others. I have met many in positions like his, and all placed themselves first. All offered anything to keep their lives, or tried to fight me'*His head tilts tot he side and a finger begins stroking over the weapon handle.\n\n*'But not him. He's different. He's interesting. Like the people in the books I read. But real. He's here, with those eyes I've seen so often on poor towns. The ones worn by those people who pity the poor. Yes, pity, that's the look. He pities me'*His grip tightens on the handle and in a smooth slow motion he draws it. His eyes remain locked on the prince as he does so. He settles the blade in his opposite hand and rolls it thoughtfully. After a few quiet minuets his shifts the blade up so the point is pressing into the flesh in the middle of his hand. It does not draw blood, but as he concentrates the spot begins glowing. A moment later the light goes out and he drops the hand, bringing his other down at the same time to rest his blade at hip level.\n\nHe blinks a slow blink and takes a breath before finally speaking. \"You are different.\" Those words hand for a moment as he comes to a decision. \"A lot of what you say makes no sense to me, as I do not feel as humans do, but I have become curious.\" Pushing off the bed post he takes a step towards the prince. \"I have never met one as you, though from what I've read you are as a ruler should be. You concern being first for others rather than yourself.\" He takes another step. \"I don't understand it. I find you interesting, and I. . . .\"His mind casts about for the right way to put his thoughts. \"I. . . .Do not think it would be to my benefit to kill you.\" He takes another step, standing right in front of the prince now. He nods, \"It is true, I live for my own benefit, thinking only of me. But for me, I am the only one I have, so thinking of others is pointless.\"\n\nSlowly he brings the blade up, keeping a tight hold of the handle. He settles the tip directly over the boy's heart, the tip barely a hair's breath from touching him. \"I have no obligation to fulfill my contract, seeing as I haven't spent the money yet. However I think letting you live would not be good enough to fulfill my selfish wanting.\" Reaching down with his free hand he pulls one of the prince's arms from behind his back and settles his hand atop his own on the handle of the weapon. He blinks slowly again, his face expressionless. \"You say you don't care anymore, and that you are tired of 'playing the game'. So here I will give you a choice. If you truly have no care for you life anymore, I do not see a point in you living it, so I will help you end it.\" His head tilts gently tot he side. \"But if there is any part of you that is willing to live, I will stay my hand and return the money. In exchange for permission to stay and observe you, I will pledge on my life to keep you and any others you wish me to safe and alive.\" He pauses for a moment then adds, \"Though for every life I have to take in that pursuit I expect compensation. One can not live on slaked curiosity after all.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Making short work of the hunk of meat Rei is soon licking his fingers clean, drying them on the clean parts of the cloth in his lap. Moments later he stiffens, feeling the prince moving to his door. Sliding off the bed and directly into the boots he's made ready earlier that morning he takes only a moment to adjust them on his feet before striding quickly over to the door.*'By his speed he does not plan on stopping'*Without a thought he pulls the door open bare moments after the prince passes and almost as if it's the most natural thing in the world he begins trailing a fair distance behind the taller male, the door swinging closed with s small click behind him. His boots are uncomfortably loud to his ears but years of practice walking softly makes his steps nearly silent to the duller human sense of hearing. Despite the wig Rei finds the man before him very recognizable. Something about the way he moves and the way he holds himself screams that he is none other than a prince on the edge.\n\nAt the bottom of the stairs he spares a glance at the gathered lords and ladies at the other end of the hall. Most do not even seem to notice the prince's passing, but one girl looks to him with a sad expression on her face. Before he looks away he sees her gaze shift and for a brief moment their eyes meet. Rei can not read the expression behind her gaze as he passes along behind the young royal, but something about it causes him to make a note in his head to get to know more about her.*'I have the distinct impression she may be related to him'*Unable to confirm his suspicion at the moment, the concentration and time it would take to send out his magic to check would have him falling too far behind his charge. As it is the prince seems intent on not being seen, moving through the area like a shadow behind the servants until at last he moves outside.\n\nWhen he vanishes into the light Rei quickens his pace, the sound of his boots bothering him, but other than the servants already looking after the prince none seem to notice him passing by. Once outside he slows again, not sure how close his ward wants him to be. A few guards on the wall look down at him, but he pays them no mind. Even this early in the morning he can already feel the air warming with the sun, still not very high in the sky.*'This will most likely be the extent of my connection to nature for a while, plus the gardens on the grounds. I wonder if a part of me will crave the nature it's grown accustom to'*As they move to the stables Rei takes the opportunity to once more stretch his boots a bit, curling and uncurling his toes with each step. The motion is unnoticeable, and the only difference it makes in his stride is a slightly slowed pace.\n\nAt the stable door he stops. Even at that distance, all the beasts inside seem to become a little edgy. He watches a large black horse shake off a stable boy trying to get his harness fixed properly.*'This may be a good time to tell the prince about how animals feel about me'*Looking over to where the young man is he finds himself curious about his the animal at his hands is acting. The young filly doesn't seem bothered by Rei at all, nickering happily while the Alessandro feeds her an apple. Something like this has happened only a few times in his life. Some animals that are different from most. For some ineffable reason they don't seem to be bothered by him.*'If the prince is to ride, I would say that one would be best. There is no telling what would happen if he mounted a horse with me around. At a safe distance they are unaffected, but I would have to travel a little closer than that to do my job properly'*\n\nRisking setting off the entire barn Rei moves across the straw strewn floor to the young lord's side. The filly looks to him, shaking her head before reaching out to nibble at his shirt in an effort to find more treats. Around them the other horses begin snorting and stomping, a few kicking out at their stall walls. Raising his voice about the din he looks up at the prince. \"Most animals do not like me, so if you are planning on riding today I would ask you use this one. She does not seem to mind me.\" As if to further his point she headbutts his arm before chewing on his sleeve a little. He steps carefully back out of her reach before retreating to the stable door once more not wanting to start a stampede.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "it seemed odd that the horses began to grow riled, the dogs often slept in the barn and as most were used for hunting and war it was a rare thing to see them agitated if not scared, glancing up with briefly narrowed eyes he attempt to find the source of their discomfort. It was his sweet girl who alerted him to Rei and glancing at the fae boy he listened closely to get his words above the din being created. His own horse seemed utterly unruffled by the fae's presence, going so far as attempting to find treats in the boys own pockets which caused a light-hearted grin to form on Alessandro's face. The heaviness of Rei's words not hitting him until the fae had backed out and the animals started to calm themselves once more. This was going to be a problem.\n\nAlessandro would love to heed the advice of his heart and of Rei but a prince, least of all a crowned prince, could be seen doing such a dishonour to any one who had given them a gift such as the Stallion, let alone his own father. The politics behind the gift were half the reason behind his constant despair of birthdays and other celebrations. If one did not honour their gifts then they were seen either as ungrateful or worse still unhappy with such a gift, wars in the past had been started over gift giving though few sides would admit to such in history books. An ungrateful King was one who did not respect their allies and was seen as to think he was somehow better than them. An unhappy King would be considered as to be thinkign the gift unworthy of their time, perhaps not lavish enough and thus considered greedy for something worthy of more money. All this was intensified with the children of a king, oh girls had it easy with their ponies, dresses and jewelry, they rarely rode so it mattered little which they rode and dresses were circulated more than the town criers news. A boy though, Alessandro, had standards to uphold, things he had to do or use or be seen using to be considered doing his father right.\n\nWith a sigh he kissed the dappled horse again and called to a stable hand to saddle her up as well, if he was going riding he'd ride the black one, his father would never let him hear the end of it if he did not. Judging by the reactions of the other horses only she would allow him to ride her without throwing him off. While the stallion had seemed uncomfortable and agitated he'd have to take that chance and remember to be ready for it to throw him off. With the horses being saddled Alessandro slipped outside to find his guardian, leaning upon a bale of stacked hay once found, \"You will be riding today, you will treat her gently she is my favorite.\" Alessandro took a deep breath, \"Have you ever ridden before?\" Hopefully the fae would not ask to many questions about his choice, so much as speaking of it in the presence of the 'wrong' ears would be disastrous.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Standing in the doorway for a few seconds, Rei decides to give the animals a break and moves a little further away. Still close enough to be in the bard in two seconds flat at any sign of trouble he hops atop a small pile of hay bales set up against the stable.*'I've always wondered why animals do not like me. I mean, most of my race are really close. I have tried asking before but I'm never welcome around those fae who keep animals, and no one else seems to have an idea on the matter'*He turns his eyes to the brightening sky overhead and hums a little.*'I wonder if he will acquiesce to my request. Perhaps he can not? I'm not sure about royalty and stuff like this'*Feeling the prince moving closer to the stable door he slides off the bales, the leather pants keeping the hard dead foliage from poking him, and lands with a tap beside the stacks.\n\n*'I guess that is one advantage of these clothing, but then again, the pokes do not hurt all that much'*His thoughts trail off as he leans back against the bales, waiting for the prince to appear. Once he comes into sight Rei stops his wondering, tilting his head to the side slightly as he listens to what the man has to say. His head tilts to the other side at the question, then shakes slowly. However before the prince can say anything he brings up a hand. \"I will be alright. Since she is not afraid of me I am sure we will understand one another.\" He blinks a slow blink, hoping the prince gets the hint so he doesn't have to say the word Magic aloud. In a slightly quieter voice he adds, glancing down to somewhere around the man's navel, \"Besides, I have always been nice to animals.\"\n\nBehind the prince a couple of grooms bring out his stallion, it's tack gleaming in the pale light. They both hold one side of the now agitated beast's reins. \"I don't understand.\" One says tot he other past the dark one's head. \"He's always been strong, but I've never seen him this jumpy.\"\n\nThe one on the other side of the beast, the one with a clear view of the prince and his new \"bodyguard\", points at them with his chin and murmurs, \"He was fine until that child came into the stable.\" They both glance over at the two of them before he goes on. \"How can the prince seriously believe that that little thing can protect anyone? Let alone anyone taking him seriously as a bodyguard. I'm sure many will see him as a disgrace.\" He keeps his voice low so that the prince can not hear him, but his companions shushes him anyways.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Having stopped beneath the trees a couple paces in front of the prince Rei had stopped and turned to show off his scar, and now as he waits, straitening his sleeve the best he can, he lets the faint breeze cool his body. Despite the light nature of the clothing he is wearing it is still difficult for his body to adjust to the loos fabric, his body heat trapped far more by them than the skin tight stuff he's grown use to wearing. He recalls wearing normal human clothing as he grew up, however even then it had always felt a little uncomfortable.\n\nAs his eyes come back up to the young man before him Rei blinks slowly, a bit confused by the look in his eyes. It is one he is not quite familiar with.*'It is almost as if there is nothing there to see, but it feels as if I am missing something'*He tilts his head slightly to the side, unbeknownst to him making him look much like a curious puppy. His gaze snaps down at the movement of the prince's hand, but other than that he stays completely still, waiting to see what happens. Then the hand is atop his head, the firm yet gently feeling rather new to him. Not sure what to make of it he remains still, wondering what is meant by the action.*'I could ask him, but he seems so intent on something. I will ask later'*When at last the silence breaks, a grin splitting his stoic expression from before, Rei listens quietly to what the young man has to say.\n\n*'He does not sound upset, but I am unsure if he is being. . .Sarcastic. I know many a noble who would be insulted to be spoken to thus, and as he put it, put in his place'*However with the man's thanks in place he takes him at his word that he is truly grateful and falls into step beside him as they continue their trek. His eyes follow Alessandro's actions as he plucks a sprig and tucks it into his own hat. Rei stills for a moment, making the action easier for the young man to do, even as his mind wanders to wondering what it sounds like to hear the flower dying without any thanks being given to it. Many fae grow and pluck flowers, as the prince had, however for each one plucked a thanks is given to it to set it's energy to rest, allowing it to die peacefully. I is why the flowers around town are so beautiful after being plucked. The energy left behind brings peace to the one viewing them.\n\nHowever, Rei has never understood such things, the flowers around his home never picked and just lazily swaying in the breeze. However, he feels the prince growing tense beside him and decides that perhaps he should say something. Looking up at the taller male he murmurs a soft, \"Thanks.\" Not sure if anything else would fit there, he turns his attention instead to their path. Eventually it opens up into a very beautiful field of grasses and flowers, around a happily babbling stream. As the prince once more asks for his opinion Rei moves through the grass wanting to get a better look at it all before responding and laying down his judgment.*'Not many have ever wanted my opinions on such things. Ask me the best way to get into a locked house or how to find one's way to a hidden cabin, and I have answers. I still have to observe the area, but I am unused to judging such things as beauty'*\n\nThe simple answer in his head is that the place is indeed beautiful, however he is never one for such short simple answers, so he continues to look about, staring down into the water as the fish dart by. Casting out his senses he detects no one around other than the prince so slowly he pulls off his hat and bandanna, allowing the breeze to ruffle his slightly flattened hair. He runs his fingers through it gently, the fluffy fringe up front quickly springing back up into it's natural bushiness. Finally he looks to the prince and nods, \"It is lovely, and peaceful. This feels much like the fields at the edge of my people's homelands, though it is clear that humans still tread here.\" Moving to the edge of the stream he kneels down, dipping his hands in before wetting the back of his neck with them. The sun does not damage nor darken a fae's skin, however it will warm them uncomfortably if they are not careful.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "It was rather refreshing for someone to actually think about their answer before they say it, too many people in the castle, lords and ladies mainly, sprouted off whatever half heard piece of information they thought to be witty, intelligent or interesting and rarely expressed themselves. Or did so so abruptly and explosively that it left a person rather shell shocked, his father being a prime case there. While Rei thought the prince wandered through the wild flowers, running his fingers across the top of the long grass and flowers as he once had as a kid, he and his siblings used to play here when they were younger, hide and seek mainly or sometimes it would be tag. It was one of the few times he and his brother had ever got along, occasionally he had thought that he had purposely been left hiding but both he and his sister assured him that they simply couldn't find him.\n\nWhen finally Rei came to his conclusion Alessandro nodded, \"I like it, though you are making it hard not to probe you with questions.\" He teased, slinking to the water with Rei and removing both footwear and socks, rolling up his trousers and allowing his feet to rest in the water, much to the fishes surprise which darted in every direction like a firework. \"I've often wondered what the fae lands are like, if they are accessible to humans, some people say they're on a separate plane. A world like this one and joined to this one but at the same time different and separate. Like drops of water in a pond.\" Alessandro fell silent and glanced over to the fae with that light-hearted youthful look to him, for a moment his eyes fell and lingered on those pointy ear tips, briefly reaching over, hesitating, then running one warm thumb across the edge of the lobe. \"I'm sorry.\" He stated, pulling his hand away when his curiousity was sated. \"It's still rather hard to come to terms that you even exist.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Not willing to pass up the opportunity to take those constricting boots off Rei pops down next to the prince when he sees him begin pulling his off and start wrestling the footwear off. To golden haired male's comment he murmurs, \"I will answer what questions I can. . .\" Mimicking the prince he pulls his pant legs up, rolling them so they will not fall down, then sinks his considerably shorter legs into the cool refreshing stream. What the prince says next, while not sounding exactly like a question, still prompts Rei to think and consider how to answer. After only a few seconds of thought he tilts his head slightly, coming up with what is hopefully a satisfactory reply.*'I know I can give no real indication as to the village's location, however I can at least tell him a bit about it, and assure him it is on this plane of existence'*\n\nHowever as he opens him mouth to speak the feeling of warm fingers once more caressing his sensitive ear causes him to pause. His mouth closes softly and his eyes fall to half mast. Not as tense as he was last this occurred he responds quite differently this time. The feeling from it is warm and a bit unsettling, having never had felt such a way before. However the touch is brief and the feeling flees as soon as the prince pulls his hand away. He looks to the young man curiously, his comment giving him even more to think about. Deciding to speak on his comment about the village first he looks back over the water and sighs.\n\n\"The fae villages are indeed on this plane. It is how they fell under attack by humans long years ago, and how I was kidnapped. While the lands around them are enchanted to keep humans away, all one needs is one skilled in illusion and enchantment to find your way through the befuddlement spells.\" His head tilts to the side, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tries to figure out how best to respond to the prince's comment about he not being real.*'I am here, and I know I exist, as well as all those in my village. . .I do not understand how one can touch something and not know that it is real. He has laid hands on me a few times, and I him, and yet he still expresses doubt'*His thoughts take less than a moment to race through his mind and in his next breath after falling silent he continues speaking.\n\n\"We exist, out of sight, and for the most part, out of mind. Our lands are rich, drawing from us what they need to stay healthy and fruitful. The village I live in is deep in woods, the thick foliage keeping our diet to meats and vegetables for the most part, the rare fruits in fall from a small stand of fruit bearing trees a few miles away, and berries that grow wild in the surrounding forest.\" His head tilts to the other side, turning so he can look at Alessandro. \"I am not sure how more to ease you mind of my existence than to be here for you to see and touch. I am sorry if that is not quite enough for you to believe in me or my kind, but it is all I have to offer without betraying them and bringing you to the village with me. . .\" His gaze returns to the water, kicking his legs gently as the fish come back, causing them to scatter once more. His feet are well above the stream bed allowing for free movement.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Rei is given but a few moments of silence before the prince's reply, and in those brief seconds he lets his magic trickle out, one more seeking out anyone who would dare threaten intrusion upon the pair relaxing by the stream side. However he finds none and once more he finds himself listening intently to what the young man has to say.*'That is a fine practice, especially for one in his position. In the books, the good kinds rules with grace, but the great one rules with an ear to his people. As long as he keeps listening, perhaps he will not end up as one of the evil kings from the story books'*\n\nHis arm falls away from his eyes in time to see the prince looking out across the field and for a brief moment he follows the young man's gaze. However not a breath later he once more feels eye upon him and he returns the prince's gaze. As he speaks on his father's probable attitude toward unicorns Rei nods softly. While not understand the sentiment, he has observed it often enough in those of the upper crust of society to know that assessment is most likely accurate.*'For humans, it is not enough for there to be a beautiful thing they can drink in with their eyes, they must hold it in hand or else it seems to have naught but envy from the beholder. I wonder if this is true of all humans, or simply most. I can not claim to have met them all, nor have I met many from other parts of the world, so I will reserve judgment in this for now'*\n\nWhen the subject turns to flowers Rei readies himself to to reply however the subject swiftly shift to the Alish, then to the war, and he is unsure of what to say. However after a moment the prince discards the thoughts and Rei is at a complete loss as to what to say. He nods slightly, his head still against the grass, when the prince speaks of returning to the palace, wondering at how there could be a wrong way to sit in a padded chair. Lifting his feet swiftly from the water the spray drips across his body as he does a back roll on to his feet. Shaking the little bits of grass from his hair he lets his feet dry while he re-ties the bandanna and pulls on his hat.\n\nAfter flopping back down to pull on his stockings and boots Rei once more looks to the prince, a vaguely curious expression on his face. He holds his tongue for now though, wanting to get under way. The young noble's comment about upsetting his father strikes a cord with the fae, recalling what happened when he was not where he should be. This thought brings the first question to his mind he feels intent on asking. However he keeps silent until they are back well under the trees. Glancing up at a nest near the upper branches he lets out a soft sigh before looking to the prince. \"Would you mind answering a query from me? I find you interesting as well, which is why you still draw breath, and would like to learn more of you.\" He does not mean the statement as a threat, it is simply how Rei's mind works to bring words to his lips.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "With both redressed and heading back towards the treeline and the ruins beyond he felt rather refreshed, certainly capable of dealing with another bout of parental 'love' from his family. Oh he knew it to be a serious matter, ruling was of course but since his brothers death his father had thrown so much his way, giving him barely time to grieve before expecting him to fill the shoes his brother had left behind. It wasn't easy, his elder had been born to rule, he had a head for war, he knew how to stand almost naturally, how to ride, how to fight. He was popular with the people and he was respected among the guards, he should have been king, everyone said so and he fully agreed. Though the Kingdom was stuck with him lest he fell before his fathers death. Of course, after his earlier talk with Rei he wondered how much work his brother had put in to look that perfect, maybe he'd gone through the same as he was now, shoved into a mold he had no desire to fill. It was so hard to tell now he looked back and he no longer had the option to ask.\n\nBefore becoming too melancholy the dappled light from the leaves hit him and distracted him, the patterns upon the ground pretty enough to blow away the cobwebs of faint memories and future concerns. Rei's voice soon catching him off guard and causing him to pay attention to the fae, \"I think it only fair if I answer a query of yours, or ten.\" The Prince clearly didn't take it offensively, or threateningly, when Rei had spoken of his breathing ability only in tact due to the curiosity the fae felt. Though it did remind him that he was dealing with a murderer for hire that may change his mind should he not be satisfied with his treatment. It was hard to believe it while looking at this awkward teen standing in the clothes of his people, his hair mussed by wind and grass, only the pointy ears and sharp eyes, the blade at his side really serving as reminder ot the truth beneath the disguise.\n\nDespite this Alessandro felt no more threatened or concerned than he did in his bed chamber the night they met and showed no attempt to pull away or disengage from the boy. In fact the prince put his fingers together and behind his head to stretch out his chest and arms which had grown to feel sluggish with the relaxation at the streams edge and with a deep breath and contented sigh from his lips he unwound those taut muscle without concern at how vulnerable that made him or the ease in which one could take advantage of the situation. \"Ask away Rei, you do not need to guard your words around me. Though do try to around my family and servants, they are not so...understanding.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Rei nods his assent to holding his tongue in check around the prince's family member, intending not only that, but to speak with them only when necessary. It is clear by the young man's statements throughout their short time together that the fae is now an integral part of the princes life, whether he wishes such or not, and he feels no need to make his job more difficult by committing some social faux pas he has no knowledge of in the first place.*'If at all possible, I hope to have this young man at my side at all times possible. If there is need to talk to his family, I am sure he can pass on my words in a way suitable to their liking'*\n\nHis eyes once more travel to the trees, his hand coming up to make sure his hat is secure. \"Before, when I showed you the scar upon my arm, you took pause, your countenance changing greatly from one moment to the next. I could not read you, though when alone with me you are mostly simple to understand. This pause reminded me of a question I posed to myself the night we met, and again last night when I went to check on you in the night.\" He glances over at Alessandro, explaining himself quickly, but with an unhurried tone. \"I did not sneak in, I walked in from the secret passage, my own natural light step keeping you from noticing me.\"\n\nHis eyes flit from those of the prince to his shoulder then back to the trees. \"As I was saying, my scar seemed to have affected you, reminding me of the ones I saw upon your own flesh. I recognize several of them as cane marks, having seen many an example of them not only in books, but with my own eyes on nobles and the like I have slain in the past. The man who raised me closest what the first to explain them to me, after a kill where first I saw them.\" His gaze comes back down to look towards the prince.\n\n\"I would like to know who has authority to use a cane on you, the crowned prince of this land. Not only so I do not kill them on accident thinking them a threat, but for my own curiosity over why one such as yourself, the second highest station in the land, not including you mother, would be struck thusly. One wrong swing delivered harder than intended and you could be crippled, even killed on accident. . .\" His voice trails off, his gaze resting steadily on the young man. The light plays across his face in patches, making his skin almost seem to dance to the fae's eyes.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "With little knowledge of what was said behind him the Prince simply hands over the Beast and dashes off towards the front of the castle, he pauses only long enough to register his father at his window and offer him a bow, to which the Regal father turns away, no doubt to return to the council or accounts he was tending. With grace that is made to look steady and not overly hurried he vaults the stairs two at a time until he is inside and then quick walks down a corridor to the main throne room. It had been emptied aside from a rather serious looking man with a squirrel like face and beady little eyes. Over his hooked nose he glowers at the Prince and tuts shaking his head, Alessandro heaves a brief sigh when the cane in hand is put ot the table and instead the large book before him is picked up. It is easily as thick as an arm and the man has a struggle to grip it at first.\n\n\"Again master Dravnos?\"\n\"Again. Until it is perfect.\" The man had a shrill voice, much befitting his looks but no ounce of kindness dripped from his thin lips as Alessandro took the book and put it upon his head, getting it to balance with some effort. \"I don't understand how walk-\" The Cane was struck against the desk and Alessandro gave a sigh, \"Yes My Lord.\" He replied, setting his shoulders square and keeping his chin held level with the ground. Slowly he made his way down the length of the hall, the book wobbling only a little from time to time but each time producing a tut from the mentor. \"Faster boy, faster.\" Hissed Dravnos and Alessandro upped his pace just a little, when it came to the end of the hall and his turn the book fell and the man tutted again. It seemed Alessandro knew what to do, picking up the book and starting again, the second time went better but the tutor didn't seem pleased, instead he barked \"Faster boy you aren't a snail.\" Followed later by \"Now turn properly, you look awkward like that.\" Encouragement did not come in verbal thoughts or words, only tuts and criticism's for two hours before, as with every lesson, Dravnos declared Alessandro ill-suited for the throne, unlike that brother of his and left, exclaiming he'd return in a few days, if he could find his optimism in that time.\n\nWith a huff Alessandro glanced from the book to the carpet and took the book up once more, placing it on his head and closing his eyes. He walked the hall with the book balanced and his turn was smooth and graceful even his return was pretty good albeit a little slow for a normal walking pace. It wouldn't be good enough though, the tutor wasp aid to teach not hand out compliments and so Alessandro was not foolish enough to expect one.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Moving swiftly and smoothly Rei follows behind the prince as he dashes along into and through the palace.*'He really is in a hurry. I wonder how late he is. . .'*The fae had not looked up when the prince had stopped, instead taking the opportunity to get close to the young man without looking hurried. As they step into the throne room Rei tenses, sensing hostility, but as Alessandro walks towards the source of it without hesitation Rei keeps his hands in check.*'This must be one of his tutors'*He eyes the cane.*'Yes, I am sure of that now'*He remains on edge, just in case the rodent looking man decides to take out his hostility on the assassin's ward, however he relaxes a moment later as the cane is put down.\n\nWhat follows confuses the hell out of the fae. He takes up a place about halfway between the tutor and the end of the hall where the young man does his turn, not even bothering to look for something to sit on, simply sitting on the cool stone floor as if it is the most natural thing ever. When he first does this he notices the instructor looking to him now and again with a sneer, however as the session goes on Rei begins ignoring the man completely save for when the prince is near him. The hours pass, and the fae begins to understand**what**the man wants out of the prince, however it is still a mystery as to**why**he wants it.\n\n*'Is it some royalty thing? Is it really important for him to carry a book on his head if he is to be king? I have never seen a king with a book on his head, let alone making it look natural. How is he expected to carry that thing like that on his head, his head is pointed, like that of most humans. . .Perhaps if his hair was thicker, but that is not something once can really change, and with that slick black wig, he really is asking a lot'*He tilts his head this way and that, curiously trying to figure things out, until at last the man leaves with a few choice declarations. As soon as he is out of sight Rei stands and moves closer to the prince.\n\nFollowing along side of him for a few seconds he examines the activity closely until, with a sharp nod, he wanders off to the table. There are a few other tomes on the wooden surface and after thinking a bit, he grabs the one closest to the size of the one the prince has. The book feels light to his fingers, however he has an unfair advantage over the prince. His small frame hides a lot of power. Walking over to where the prince was practicing he plops the book on his head and starts walking. His hair packed under his hat helps a little, however his natural grace mixed with his training at walking silently helps him to master the skill in only one pass.\n\nHe walks along at his normal speed, tucking his hands into his pockets, having never had them before he finds it slightly entertaining, and walks as if he's putting no effort into the task. Once he pulls even with the prince again he carefully removes the book from his head and looks up into the taller male's eyes. \"What is the point of this training?\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "The book teetered and he opened his eyes enough to reseat it, in doing so he spotted Rei had started to copy him and without an issue the fae was walking, with hands in his pockets, up and down the hall with a flourish. He was not usually a jealous or envious man but it was too much at that moment and Alessandro took the book from his head and dropped it onto a table. Even a fae could do it better than he could and honestly what hope had he of ever emulating Rei? The question actually annoyed him, the fact Rei had done that, had basically humiliated him and then asked why he had done so was almost too much and he walked from the room biting back his tongue lest he say something he couldn't take back. The fae had no doubt no intention of humiliating him and he had done nothing wrong, even still Alessandro suddenly felt very small and very stupid and he rather did not like that feeling at all.\n\nWhen finally he had enough composure to speak he kept it short and clipped, a strain to keep the anger from his voice and hide the hurt beneath it, \"father says a King should walk with grace and pride, by balancing the book on my head when I walk it will prove I'm walking correctly and yes that is a thing.\" The halls were bustling with servants and with some negotiation the Prince found himself in the Kitchen pilfering a red apple before walking out towards the kennels. He needed to cool down and one thing that always made him feel better were the castle dogs.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "He looks up curiously into the princes face, glancing at the book tossed carelessly on the table as he'd walked over.*'He seems upset. Perhaps I was not suppose to touch these tomes'*Carefully he sets the book upon the table before turning to trail after the young man. He stays in close, content that the prince does not feel the need to answer him and not really expecting one at this point. He feet shift inside his boots as he tries to stretch his toes, the act of balancing the book having changed the way he walked and how he feet rested inside their unfamiliar sheaths. As he follows behind the prince, his steps are quiet, but by no means as quite as they had been when he had been working with the book. His head tilts to the side when the prince suddenly speaks and he logs away the information while taking in more about how he spoke the words than what he said.\n\n*'I think I understand now. Humans and their pride, it is easily wounded. Perhaps, by my mastering the skill easily, I somehow insulted him. . .This is why I do not hang around others, such things as wounding pride and bruising ego are far too easy'*The tenseness coming off of the young man in waves makes Rei feel as if he should do something to remedy the situation. As they pass into the kitchens the sudden press of people makes him hold his tongue however, not wanting to say something to further embarrass the young man. They are not in there long and as they pass out onto the grounds, the number of people around lessening significantly, Rei moves in a little closer to the taller male.\n\nHis head tilts this way and that, but he quickly figures out just what he wants to say as the wind brushes over his body, the feel of it helping him to think. \"I did not mean to insult you Alessandro, I was simply curious. I often do things to learn more about them.\" He pauses for a moment, looking up at the taller male. \"The ease in which I accomplished the task has more to do with my training and natural talents than anything else. When every step one takes could mean the different between life and death, one learns to walk smoothly and silently as a second nature.\" He looks towards the kennels they seem to be heading towards and he continues on before they move too close and he will have to stop, least he spook the beasts.\n\n\"That man who was teaching you, was doing it wrong. He only told you when you were doing it wrong, and not how to correct yourself. I doubt he even knows how to explain it, unless he has told you before and just expects you to recall every little detail even in the middle of a lesson.\" He shakes his head lightly. \"Your steps were too hard, your focus on your legs and on remaining still, if I was reading your movements correctly, however that is not the best way. At least, not the best way I can see.\" He looks up once more at the prince, stopping far enough from the dogs so they are not disturbed by his presence.\n\n\"To move the way you seem to want to, you need to train one part at a time, as I and others like me do. Trying to master all parts of a skill all at once. . .Often leads if not to failure, to at least the skill taking far longer to learn than it need be.\" He blinks one of his slow blinks, unsure if the prince is even listening at this point, however he adds in his last two cents. \"I still do not understand why this skill is necessary, however I find it interesting. If you like, I can teach it to you, the way I learned. I have never taught anyone anything before, however I think not only will it be interesting, but it may make both our lives far more interesting.\" His hands slide once more into his pockets as he waits for the prince's answer. In the distance the sound of dogs barking happily draw his eyes for a moment before he looks back to the young man before him.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "He looks up curiously into the princes face, glancing at the book tossed carelessly on the table as he'd walked over.*'He seems upset. Perhaps I was not suppose to touch these tomes'*Carefully he sets the book upon the table before turning to trail after the young man. He stays in close, content that the prince does not feel the need to answer him and not really expecting one at this point. He feet shift inside his boots as he tries to stretch his toes, the act of balancing the book having changed the way he walked and how he feet rested inside their unfamiliar sheaths. As he follows behind the prince, his steps are quiet, but by no means as quite as they had been when he had been working with the book. His head tilts to the side when the prince suddenly speaks and he logs away the information while taking in more about how he spoke the words than what he said.\n\n*'I think I understand now. Humans and their pride, it is easily wounded. Perhaps, by my mastering the skill easily, I somehow insulted him. . .This is why I do not hang around others, such things as wounding pride and bruising ego are far too easy'*The tenseness coming off of the young man in waves makes Rei feel as if he should do something to remedy the situation. As they pass into the kitchens the sudden press of people makes him hold his tongue however, not wanting to say something to further embarrass the young man. They are not in there long and as they pass out onto the grounds, the number of people around lessening significantly, Rei moves in a little closer to the taller male.\n\nHis head tilts this way and that, but he quickly figures out just what he wants to say as the wind brushes over his body, the feel of it helping him to think. \"I did not mean to insult you Alessandro, I was simply curious. I often do things to learn more about them.\" He pauses for a moment, looking up at the taller male. \"The ease in which I accomplished the task has more to do with my training and natural talents than anything else. When every step one takes could mean the different between life and death, one learns to walk smoothly and silently as a second nature.\" He looks towards the kennels they seem to be heading towards and he continues on before they move too close and he will have to stop, least he spook the beasts.\n\n\"That man who was teaching you, was doing it wrong. He only told you when you were doing it wrong, and not how to correct yourself. I doubt he even knows how to explain it, unless he has told you before and just expects you to recall every little detail even in the middle of a lesson.\" He shakes his head lightly. \"Your steps were too hard, your focus on your legs and on remaining still, if I was reading your movements correctly, however that is not the best way. At least, not the best way I can see.\" He looks up once more at the prince, stopping far enough from the dogs so they are not disturbed by his presence.\n\n\"To move the way you seem to want to, you need to train one part at a time, as I and others like me do. Trying to master all parts of a skill all at once. . .Often leads if not to failure, to at least the skill taking far longer to learn than it need be.\" He blinks one of his slow blinks, unsure if the prince is even listening at this point, however he adds in his last two cents. \"I still do not understand why this skill is necessary, however I find it interesting. If you like, I can teach it to you, the way I learned. I have never taught anyone anything before, however I think not only will it be interesting, but it may make both our lives far more interesting.\" His hands slide once more into his pockets as he waits for the prince's answer. In the distance the sound of dogs barking happily draw his eyes for a moment before he looks back to the young man before him.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro was soon proven right in his assumptions, the fae honestly didn't' know what was wrong and it was further proven as he continued to talk on about the lesson and how it was taught wrong. Oh his tutor was a real demon that was for sure but to learn from an assassin seemed fundamentally wrong. What next? Rei would teach him how to sneak up and slit someones throat? The very thought bought a shiver down his spine and he shook his head lightly. While the look on the old mans face would be priceless if he suddenly walked in doing the lesson perfectly, it would raise suspicion. Rei's footfalls were silent, a Kings weren't supposed to be, it was just creepy. What worked for the fae who had spent a lifetime -as far as he could tell- learning how to murder people without being seen and being naturally gifted with grace and agility, was unlikely to work for a much taller, stockier built human. The same way what had worked for his sister and mother would not have worked for his father or brother, each person was different, it was finding the natural rhythm that was key, or so he'd been told by his sister. His problem was that try as he might as he took his etiquette lessons he could not concentrate, the idea of being King a foreign and unsettling feeling.\n\n\"I appreciate the offer Rei but I will be declining it for the time being. While the man's approach is less than perfect it raises a whole lot less questions than if I ask for tutelage from you. Thank you. \" Spoken in a calm and level headed tone the fluster and embarrassment from before forgotten the time being, while still annoyed with himself, out here in the sunshine and fresh air it hardly mattered. With the dogs yapping happily at the sight of him the last cobwebs left by the lesson were blown from his mind and he gave Rei a polite little nod of his head before heading to the kennels and slipping over the gate to be more or less pushed down by the large wolf hound crosses. Hunting dogs the lot but all yips and barks and slobbery tongues running over the princes face. They snuffled his pockets and his wig, they headbutted their way under his arms and legs or onto his lap and finally, with a lot of encouragement, they settled down enough to be lightly petted, their ears being stroked before tickled behind and a quick caress from neck to tail base of each of the mighty hounds. As he'd thought the water dish was empty again, often times the large, boisterous dogs knocked it over and often times it was left empty for the better part of the day. Though on a day such as this it was unacceptable in his mind and so slipping over the fence again; among whines and yips, he fetched a pail from the nearby water trough and placed it into the kennels where the dogs quickly set to trying to barge for head space so they could get a drink.\n\nWith them suitably distracted he returned to Rei, \"I have to go to the tower for history lessons, please do not correct the teacher.\" Crossing the courtyard proper one could seem a looming tower, it was not very much bigger than the castle but large and central enough to be of some importance. Alessandro had been taught -and now informed Rei- that it had been built to serve as a refuge during any war crisis. If the castle true should fall the multitude of archer windows and stairs would deter most attackers. There was a basement pantry and simple cooking means on the bottom most floor and tucked out the way and the spiraling staircase lead to a large room, with a secret passage for quick escape that only the royals knew of, where the women and children would hide during times of war. It had since been turned into the records and history room where most of the intellectual tomes were kept.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Rei nods in calm acceptance as the prince turns down his offer. He is unofended, though he does lament the chance to learn something new. The amusement of such learning would have been quite satisfying, or so he presumed, but it has been denied, and he accepts that without a second thought. He returns the youth's nod with a slow blink and settles into standing and waiting for the boy to finish playing with the hounds. Knowing that simply standing still and watching would look weird to the rest of the staff, humans finding such things odd, he moves over to lean against the corner of the castle closest to the kennels. He is close enough to defend the prince should he need defending, one hand on his dagger while the other goes back to playing with his pocket. The feeling of the rough cloth against his thigh amuses him and he slides it around, messing with the sensation.\n\nHis thoughts never leave the prince however, the openness of the area making him a bit vulnerable, however the assassin knows that if he starts trying to interfere with the young man's life, he will likely lose his job.*'I can not count the times those in my group would come back, cursing and screaming about losing a job because that insisted that their charges be more careful. It would take a good assassin to get him here however. I will just have to be better'*While never really thinking about it, Rei knows this way of thinking could be taken as arrogant or at least pompous to a point, however he has never lied to himself about his limitations. He knows he has them, he knows he's not the best, however he's also never been tested against any other assassins after taking out the ones who killed his parents, and even after meeting a few others in his years after that, they all fell far below his skills.\n\nThe dogs piled atop and curled around his charge draw his attention and once more he wonders what it would be like to be liked by animals, however that thought soon passes as the young man stands and hops over the fence around the kennels. He pushes off the wall, ready to follow him should he be leaving the area, however he grows once more curious as Alessandro fetches a pail of water. As he drops it in with the dogs then turns to approach the fae, Rei drops his hand from his dagger, the closeness giving him plenty of time to draw should he need to. He ignores the eyes staring at him from various places around the grounds, all the servants seeming to have some great interest in this new oddity, and instead focuses on his charge as he drops some information, and instruction, them immediately moves off towards the castle tower.\n\nHe listens as the prince tells him about the tower, and uses his own talents to begin assessing the building.*'I did not leave the building during my first run through of the palace. I should scope out the grounds more thoroughly tonight. Perhaps, as the prince suggested, I should have him escort me on this venture however. Out here, there are many more factors to take into consideration'*At the foot of the tower a thick door made of hard wood stands open presumably to get a decent breeze moving through it to keep the place fresh. A servant with a broom stops in her cleaning to bow as the prince passes, flinching back as Rei looks to her curiously. He tilts his head, but forgets about her a moment later as they begin ascending the stairs towards the top of the tower. His hands come up, stretching out so that he is touching either side of the stone stairwell. His magic trickles out, unseen, taking in everything, assessing what it can while they move further and further up.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Not really needing to chew Rei munches down the hunk of meat rather quickly, his gaze first traveling back and forth between the two before him, then on to the rest of the room. He still listens closely to the humans, curious about the interaction, however feeling unable to just keep staring.*'It is an old habit, and one I do not intend to break. Even humans can tell when they are being stared at, so when scoping one out, it is good to not look directly at them for very long unless speaking to them. It puts them on edge'*He is soon addressed however, his gaze going back to the youth with a faint questioning glint.*'Surrogate father speech? I do not even know what a father speech would be like, let alone a surrogate one'*As he listens he gets the general idea, nodding softly in the affirmative.\n\nHowever, as they go on to talk about the things the old man is willing to do to protect the young prince, Rei reaches for another cut of cold meat, musing to himself.*'It seems that this man is very protective of Alessandro, however this is not to say that he is not also one of those who have struck the prince. From his own words, most all of hi teachers, if not all of them, have struck him at one point or another'*His head tilts to the side, once more curious.*'Is it just in human nature to strike children? The king strikes him even though he is his son. The tutors strike him to make him a better king one day. And this old man, beloved by the prince if I am reading this relationship right, may have also struck him despite his over protective nature of the youth. . .'*\n\nHe lets out a faint sigh, shrugging to himself.*'Humans are weird, though no more weird than a fae who kills people for a living'*Finishing with his hunk of meat Rei decides to get as much reading done as he can while in the tower, his ward's safety more secure with the old man around so he can relax more. The Meister looks over to him, a faint smile on his lips before he turns once more back to the prince, a gleam in his pale eyes.\n\n~*~*~*~*~\n\nThe fae youth reaches the edge of the woods, the sunlight beyond brighter than he has ever seen. As he moved away from the village, he could feel the life force of the forest waning, becoming almost dead to his senses, even though it is very much alive. Having lived his life in the overflowing life of the village his entire life makes anything less feel dead and dull. He swallows hard, looking out into the light, his eyes taking some time to adjust. When at last his eyes stop stinging he hikes his bag up a little higher on his shoulder, and begins making his way slowly into the tall grass, and towards his goal.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "For a while he and the meister spoke, going over their lessons both recent and in the past, curious and intellectual questions from Alessandro about the fae and the wars and then more mundane things. Eventually the elder man settled down for a proper nap and Alessandro sat himself in the chair opposite,allowing Rei as much time to read as he cared for. Several hours passed and there was the sound of a knock on the door, Alessandro stood from the chair he'd been in and walked across the room, it was a servant calling him for dinner with the family. She gave Rei a cursory look and catching the meaning Alessandro said, \"He will be joining me yes.\" The maid blushed and bowed before leaving quickly and he turned to Rei, \"Time for you to meet the family, I apologise in advance.\"\n\nWith that the Prince gathered his coat, said his goodbyes to the meister's resting form and slipped easily down the stairs, the kitchen was all a bustle and even the dogs seemed to know it was dinner time, barking and woofing happily at the fence closest to the kitchen, sniffling and snuffling at the scents rising from the kitchens open door. From inside the sounds of shouting and sometimes the odd cursing rose with the smell of the food. Alessandro tried to ignore it for the most part and lead Rei and himself around to the side entrance of the castle, slipping through the heavy wooden door and into the main hall, it was here they received guests, held dances and other formalities, though largely ignored as Alessandro made his way to the far end where the hustle and bustle continued as serving staff began decorating the table with flowers, whole cooked hog, chicken, fish and an assortment of other dishes, dabbled between the candelabra's that were evenly spaced across the length of the table. there were many chairs at the grand table, it could seat a dozen but there were only three seated, the King and his wife were at one end, his sister sat to their left already toying with the finger bowl placed before her.\n\nAlessandro took a deep breath and let it out quietly before approaching the head of the table, missing out a chair beside the King's side and sitting at the second down. The first seat was his late brothers and no one was allowed to sit in it, well, he wasn't anyway. \"So you finally grace us with your presence.\" The king uttered giving a disapproving glance to Rei, his sister sighed and looked into the bowl, distracting herself from the situation as did the queen. \"I didn't see you at breakfast this morning.\"\n\"I was breaking in the birthday gift you got me honourable father.\"\n\"Ah, the horse, he is a fine stallion, tell me, what did you name him?\"\n\"The Beast.\"\n\"What?! That is no name for such a fine horse, do you dare mock me! Do you have no respect!\"\n\"It is a name most befitting of such a horse and it suits him.\"\n\"Why you ungrateful- and you dare bring your servant to the table? Even your sisters handmaidens eat in the kitchen with the staff!\"\n\"He is my body guard not my servant, he'd do a very poor job of guarding me if he couldn't see me.\"\n\"And what do you expect will happen herewith your family?!\"\n\"With all due respect I was attacked in my very own room, is it not more sensible to keep my guard close.\"\n\"Why you! Why did the gods not see fit to take such an incorrigible son and take the only good son they gave me I don't know.\" The King was red in the face with anger and banged his fists upon the table. With a silent but almost violent aura, Alessandro stood. \"I will take my supper in my room.\" With that he turned to leave his father muttering and the queen trying to console him as best she could, placating him by saying what a good father he was and how he should not get so worked up over the boy. His sister remained silent but glanced up at his retreating form with a silent sorrow.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Rei zones in and out as the human's chat, odd little tidbits of their conversations of interest to the fae, while most of it more or less he's heard before. He reads quickly, finishing two books before the old man finally settles int to sleep. He casts a glance at Alessandro before shuffling off to grab another tome. Seeing no objection, he settles down to read. Time passes, pages flip, and eventually Rei has gone through over a half a dozen books by the time there is a break in the near silence. His hand slides smoothly to his blade, having heard the human approaching but always at the ready. His hand slides back to the pages of the tome as the door opens to reveal a servant woman. When she announces that it is time for dinner Rei swiftly closes the book and wanders over to the shelves, placing it back in it's proper place.\n\nAs he returns to the prince's side the smaller male looks up at him, tilting his head curiously.*'He apologizes for them? But, he would have no reason to do so, he is not at fault for their actions. . .And does this mean he believes they will do something that will require apology?'*He decides to hold back a response for now, figuring the answers to his silent questions will likely be answered in time. He walks silently behind the young man, keeping a weather eye out for anything suspicious from any of the many people now bustling about. A few people stop to look at him, a few even jumping back when he looks at them despite his permanent look of disinterest and nonthreatening manner.\n\nWhen at last they arrive in the hall with his family in it Rei keeps his eyes down respectfully as he can while still keeping an eye on everything. Of all things he's learned about royalty it is that those who serve, need to act like it. He spares a glance at the king and queen when they are not looking, however as they draw close to the head of the table and he looks to the sister, she looks back at him curiously, giving him a look different from all the ones he's received thus far. He shows no response to this, instead trying to take what cues he can from the prince. It is clear to the fae, and indeed, anyone with eyes, that the prince is not thrilled to be with his family at this time. Rei himself can not help his heckles silently rising at the clear near threat in the kings voice from the get go, however he remains calm on the outside, his fingers flexing softly as they always do.\n\nAs he watches the lashes fall back and forth between the two males Rei's curiosity grows, and the answer to his second question is answered.*'It is clear the prince anticipated his father acting less than respectable at this encounter'*he muses, his eyes moving slowly over to stare somewhere over the king's shoulder so he can observe the man's face without looking as if he is doing so. At the sudden explosion of anger however the fae visibly tenses, his eyes landing directly on the king. He keeps his hands down, knowing that the motion his hands long to take could land him with them attempting to take his head, however his eyes narrow and he does not look away when the man looks to him. Rather than angering the man he seems confused for an instant before his anger at his son once more takes it's place at the forefront of his mind.\n\nHe turns on his heel, following the prince out of the hall. He thinks over the exchange, wondering how the name could be thought shameful, and how the princess seemed to just ignore it all. When at last it seems the prince would hear his words the fae moves up a little closer and says quite plainly, \"That man is a horrible father. I grew up with a killer for a father, and I can honestly claim him better than that man.\" His head tilts this way and that and he adds on, \"I am not use to giving comfort, so forgive me if I am failing, however I thought I should at least pretend to be what you call normal while I am here among you all.\" He is careful to avoid anything too damning, not using the word assassin to describe the man who raised him, and avoiding mentioning race. He has no problem discussing such things when alone with the prince, however they are still out in the open and he does not wish to chance it.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "As they walk along Rei once more finds the prince's hand on his head. For a moment his mind reflects on the act as if it is a puzzle.*'I know I have seen people doing this before, to friends or children, but for the most part patting the head is reserved for pets or other domestic animals.'*He glances up at the prince. He listens to the man's words even as his brain continues working thing out.*'So, does this mean he sees me as one of those? I suppose, he is a prince, and many royals see any non royal as less than they, which would mean I can see him seeing me as a pet. After all, I am technically his personal guard dog, but at the same time there are those times where he seems to look at me strangely. Looks at me in a way I do not recognize, but at the same time I know one would not look at a pet that way'*\n\nAt the last part of what the prince says his eyes go to the flag stone and his brows furrow slightly. He walks even with Alessandro, entering the room without coming out of thought.*'By his words, he likened me to his sister, however he can not see me as family. If that is the case, that leaves friend, however just two moons ago I was in this very room, ready to kill him. I do not see that being conducive to a friendship, and that aside, we barely know one another'*Looking up as the prince once more speaks he listens, still lost in thought.*'He has been liberal with his hands, if I am any judge of such things, ever since he first caressed my hair. Perhaps he is just fascinated with laying hands on me? I find that a very confusing prospect. . .I do not normally have to think on such things. Perhaps as I am around him more, and around humans other than assassins, I will learn more of all these odd interactions, and what they mean. . .'*\n\nTaking a seat as he is bidden Rei lets out a soft sigh, his mind returning to it's blissfully smooth and 'in the now' state of being, the deeper thoughts sliding away like butter on a hot skillet. Setting gently on the string of information Rei decides to address it all in order. \"Going over your plans beforehand will be useful, and give me a chance to check some things. I can think of a few tomes that I would like to review, but eventually I would like to read them all. I like books. . .\" His voice trails off an for an instant he looks like the young man he is before going back to his normal disinterested self. \"Now that I am here and under this unwritten contract, I can not leave here and return to the village. Not until you release me, or I fail. I will not risk leaving you alone, not with the dangers even within your own home.\"\n\nHis mind drifts back to the well used secret passage and the eyes of those in town that had appeared ready to take the prince's life at any time.*'I can not leave him. Even his own family is a threat, with these \"Replacement Sons\" and so many assassins willing and able to at the least get within a dozen paces of him. No, I may be here for many years'*Rei does not lament this fact. He has a long time to live, and Alessandro will be dead long before the fae will even be considered fully grown. He may be mature, and by his species' standard what one would call breeding age, however majority is still years off for the little fae. \"There is far too much danger around you at this time. I saw at least three of my profession as we rode through town, all with eyes for you. It would seem my employer had a redundancy plan. Smart when you want someone dead.\" He does not sound as if he is giving a compliment to the person who hired him, simply stating the fact.\n\nThe final question leads to a pause for the young fae. He stays silent as a pair of servants come to deliver the food, his mind wandering over the possible responses to the query. There is a very simple answer, a less simple answer, but for Rei, he feels as f the full answer may be more entertaining to tell the young man.*'After all, he listens to me. When I returned to the village after the last kill, none really wanted to hear from me, sensing my taint, but unwilling to just turn me away. I have never told anyone the full truth of it, and perhaps this one will actually enjoy the telling. . .'*Unable to come to the decision on his own he looks to the prince, blinking one of his slow blinks before inquiring softly. \"Do you really wish to hear of my 'father'? I am eager to speak on it, if you truly wish to listen, however it may prove to be a long story, and if you would rather not hear the story of a. . .Murderer as you call me, then I will understand.\" He looks down, not really feeling what his face and body is showing, but all the same not being dishonest in it either. \"None have wanted to hear of him, nor of my life, corrupt as it is.\" He looks back up. \"You liked the tales of my kind, or so it seemed. I am not so sure you would like to hear of my human upbringing. After all, it is what made me into this monster you see before you.\" There is no hurt in his tone, and he does not know why he is carrying on, however as those last words leave his lips, he at last falls silent, waiting calmly for his answer.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro certainly didn't see Rei as a pet, though it was truly bizarre to think that Alessandro thought of him as anything other than a body guard. There was though a sweetness, a sort of naive charm that radiated from the fae man. His soft, good looks and his wild white hair made him something the prince was happy to call beautiful but he regarded a good many things beautiful. In truth Alessandro had thought little about Rei aside his profession, then his race, then his services and only now that things were calming down could he reflect on the man himself rather than his various backgrounds. Alessandro was not gay, as far as he knew, he had had a crush on and lusted for many a woman in his younger days, unlike some men he had not acted on any of these impulses and aside being kissed 'for practice' by one of his sisters hand maiden's he'd not truly experienced a woman. It was far too confusing a topic and so it was kept locked away as he listened to the fae with that same quiet patience.\n\nWhen he had finished speaking the Prince smiled and nodded lightly, \"I had noticed you were rather keen on them ,that is why when we are out in town tomorrow -I have to make a speech of thanks to the citizens for their support, their generosity and so on- I thought we could visit the local book makers? We will be leaving the castle shortly after breakfast to deliver the address which in all should take an hour at most. After which I'd like to go to the book makers, while you are here I think you should write your own book, if it suits you and if it does not they sell some good children books and light novel readings. Though nothing as extravagant or in depth as you find here in the castle. After that we are to dine with the local merchants, their trade is important to my father and keeps the city itself busy with customers in and out of the city. Then I have a few free hours in which we can do as we desire until supper here. The evening I have to meet a Lady named Christiana from one of the neighboring strongholds, my father thinks she will make a good match for me and if she and her father consent by the end of the matchmaking then it could solidify our position against any potential enemies.\"\n\nWhen the food arrived he fell silent and quietly took a few bites from his meal, once again listening to Rei as the fae spoke, \"Rei, I'll always listen, it's the least I can do right? I'm interested, he's part of you, part of who made you and you interest me.\" The Prince grinned that same grin he had before for Rei and only ever for him or the meister, warm and carefree rather than burdened and caged. \"Besides you've seen my Father, aside the killing people how bad can yours be?\" With that Alessandro pulled in his chair, cut his food so it was in bite sized chunks and lowered his knife to just eat with a fork, which left his gaze squarely on Rei , engaged, interested and without judgement. \"Don't force yourself though, we've got all night.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "As his mind goes over the prince's schedule his thoughts grind to a halt for several long seconds on the idea of he himself taking up the pen. However, like many things that cold replace his current profession that he, undoubtedly would be good at, the idea of actually trying at such a thing quickly falls by the wayside and silently he concludes that entertaining such thoughts are folly. He continues tumbling over the schedule, a wonder at this thing he's heard of, this, matchmaking. Somehow humans believe that they can decide what person is best for another, and this common practice among the short lived beings is all but a joke among the fae. Rei had spent many long hours reading the history in the archives, and more than once he came across the fact that many times the humans tried to bring about peace through the wedding between races, only to fail as they refused to understand the heart of a fae.\n\n*'I do not understand it myself, not that understanding it would be of use to me, however I can understand that part about the bond'*He blinks a few times, looking forward to the next day a bit. He has a little gold with him and if he can, while at the book makers, he hopes to hunt down one of the books he's been seeking.\n\nHowever as the smell of the meal begins permeating the room, Alessandro's open face and willing tone once more has his mind slipping from one thing to the next, and at last his mind settles on where to begin. Having decided to not give the short answer he mulls over various ways to go about his tale, until at last he feels comfortable. Carefully he removes his hat and sets it on the table beside his plate. Plucking a few bits of some sort of cut fruit cluster he downs them carefully before beginning the story of how he came to be.\n\n\"When I was not yet walking there was a raid on my home. My parents lived near the edge of the woods, not in the main village, so it was less protected, and easy target. My birth father, as I understand it, made amulets, of metal, stone, and wood, that my mother, and enchantress, would then turn into forces of magic.\" His tone is a little softer than usual, but still the cool disconnected tone. The hush only to keep from being overheard by any who may pass by the prince's room. \"They would trade with the outside world, none really knowing what they were, just that they made masterworks worth a king's ransom.\" He takes a sip of his drink, the cool liquid soothing his throat. He didn't even realize how dry it was until now. \"So, as it would so happen, a local lord wanted my birth parent's entire stock, but they would not sell.\"\n\nRei looks to the window, his gaze distant. \"So, he hired a group of assassins, thinking them able to take care of them more readily than normal guards or soldiers, and for the most part, the lord was right. As it was told to me, my father was taken out first, then my mother. A nearly clean kill with only my mother's dying eyes seeing her and her husband's killers.\" His gaze, still distant, moves to Alessandro. \"It was then I was discovered, crying. No doubt at the time I was able to feel their passing, those who gave me life. I know that is the way of the fae children in the village. The family ties of blood are very very strong.\" He looks to the table, snagging a bit of bread to nibble on as he continues. \"At first, it was to be a clean sweep, however one man realized that my life givers were not human, and imagined the potential I may harbor, and as such, took me with at their retreat.\" His head tilts to the side as once more he looks to the prince. \"So ended my first life, my first father, and my existence as a fae.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "The tale seemed to trip off the young man's tongue as if it meant nothing, as if reached no more beneath the surface than anything else had since they met. He wondered idly if every fae was like that, Rei was like ice in the Prince's mind, unreadable, unemotional, he didn't want to say unfeeling for the fae could look confused and thoughtful but the emotions seemed almost skin deep. It almost seemed like a person was reading from a book of another's life from generations before, it was, disconcerting to think that any person could speak so casually of their life, their occupation in such a carefree manner. Though it was refreshing to just be spoken the truth of a thing rather than be lied to or be led astray.\n\nHe listened intently to the end of the story as he had all the rest with a quiet and interested eye but he was rather distant as his thoughts tumbled around his mind, the kind of life Rei must have had where speaking as he did was as natural as the Prince reading the laws of his land, what was perhaps the most perplexing, though perhaps not entirely unexpected, was as he spoke of his 'second father' the assassin that raised him's last words and how they were something he could not understand. Why of course he hardly approved of the man the mans intentions with those words was clear to Alessandro, as clear and obvious as Rei was, sitting right there before him. For a moment he left the conversation hanging, listening to the story of how he went back to the village and was left feeling as far from home as he ever had.\n\nAfter a substantial pause the Prince leaned back, stretching his arms and shoulders to relieve the tension that had built there over the last few minutes, he took a deep breath and released it, allowing himself to remove the black wig and stand so he might go place it upon the mannequin head on which it belonged. Fluffing up his now flattened and slightly limp blonde hair until it resumed the naturally light bounce he took a seat back at the table and finally spoke. \"Well, I thank you for sharing that with me, it couldn't be easy despite your...\" It was hard for Alessandro to describe exactly what Rei was like without it sounding insulting in his mind. \"...detachment from your emotions.\" It seemed the best way to put it, it was as if emotions and Rei existed in the same space and yet they stayed separate from each other with the very occasional brief meetings resulting in the confused looks and the deep concentration.\n\n\"I think your father, forgive me if it is outside of my rights to say so, said that out of love. While he was not your biological father he was human correct? While it was in awful conditions it was a home in his eyes and he raised you. Over such an extended amount of time it is only natural that in such close proximity that a person will grow attached to another, especially if he sees that other growing up. While he was not able to show it for fear of the jealousy and wrath of his men being inflicted upon you. Even if he didn't realise it himself until the point of his death. What else do you call a person you spend your life caring for but a son?\"\n\nAlessandro was still between touched and disconcerted by the assassin and his son but on the whole he thought he could not judge the man too harshly for at the end he had, in his opinion, showed the fae true love, even if the understanding of such had been beaten out of the fae years prior. Despite the way the boy was raised and his dislike for the subject material he found he thought nothing different of the fae, he felt instead he had a deeper understanding of the male. Again the compassion in the Prince demanded he moved and showed Rei some affection but the knock on his door had his head lift and his eyes narrow in thought.\n\nStanding he slipped across the room to the door and opened it to the rather portly bustling servant who bought in a bed warmer and ignored the pair as she set about readying the room for Alessandro for the night, though swift at her heels was his sister who offered her brother a gentle smile, a proper princess in her gait and gestures which were dainty and as graceful as a swan. \"Hello my darling brother, I do hope I am not disturbing you and your new guard, I thought we could all chat together, if such pleases you of course?\"\n\"Of course, you do not need to be so formal with me.\" She gave a shy smile and slipped into the room.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "The assassin's eyes follow the prince as he gets more comfortable, his natural hair fluffing up after only a bit of fuss. He raises an eyebrow at the assessment of his emotions, though he can find no fault in it.*'I have them, but I rarely feel them. When I do feel them, I have no idea what do do with them'*In a soft voice he says, \"I can not attest to the ease or difficulty of my life, but I think in this case appreciation is in order. Your feelings about my life. . .I suppose would bring many comfort.\" He tilts his head slightly, watching a spot over the prince's shoulder. \"I think you are right about my emotions. . .I have them, I know I do, I simply have no idea how to feel them properly, and I have, as far as I can tell, only acted on them a handful of times.\" His head tilts the other way and he nods. \"Such as when I took interest in you and spared you, to feed my curiosity.\"\n\nWhat the prince has to say about Rei's second father makes sense to the fae up to a point.*'Even if I can not feel what was meant, the prince is human and I can trust that he would know what another human meant in such a situation. Indeed, many of the tomes I have read also support this ideal'*Slipping his fingers along the brim of his hat he makes sure it is well in place before rising from his seat and backing towards a wall.*'A servant does not sit with it's master like an equal'*he muses, not understanding it, but having observed it enough to act accordingly.*'It is also good to have a wall at your back, as long as one is not trapping themselves. Though I doubt a danger would knock on the door, one can never be too cautious'*\n\nHis mind settled he rests his back against the cool surface and takes up a casual position, his arms crossing his midsection, hands grasping his elbows. His eyes latch on to the brusk servant, watching it for a few seconds before sliding over to the other body in the doorway. Rei watches her closely, with the same scrutiny that he would any standing so close to his ward. With Alessandro having said that even his own half brothers are ready to take his place, there is no small touch of trust the fae can afford any member of the boy's family.*'I may not feel it, but I can recognize it's absence. I did not see even a touch of natural family fondness in his parent's eyes, and even if this girl seems to look upon him with kindness, she obviosuly has her own distastes for him'*That last assessment of her comes from the ocassional flick of her eyes towards the prince's hair, then away as if seeing something she fears or even hates.\n\nAs she comes in, here eyes find Rei standing near the window and she starts at first, the youth blending into the shadows quite well. Hand on her chest she laughs lightly, looking over at her brother with a smile, \"Well, I don't suppose anyone will see him coming, being so good at hiding like that.\" Her eyes then slide over to the servant, obviously waiting for it to leave before she says anything else. The heavyset servant soon finishes, the princess wandering over to the table where Rei's meal still sits half finished. Rei watches as she continues glancing at him until at last the servant is gone and she whirls around with a smile. \"Dear brother, must you sit around in such dull dim surroundings? How about some more light?\" She giggles softly, obviously waiting for her brother to comply while once again so looks towards Rei, who hasn't stopped staring, almost without blinking. She bites her bottom lip a little nervously, moving close to he sibling to whisper, \"Does he have to stare like that? It's unnerving.\"\n\nAt these words Rei blinks one of his slow blinks, knowing that she most likely thinks he can not hear her from across the room. He also is sure that the right thing to do when overhearing such is to look away, at least briefly. However Rei does not feel the need to do so.*'I have rarely seen a princess this close, not much business in killing woman in this society, and most of the time they are attempting to scream when I see them. I may not be observing proper etiquette by watching the way I do, and will switch to glancing if my ward calls for it, but for now I will watch as I am able'*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "At the other end of the castle a curly haired princess sat with her maid brushing her hair,\n\"Your brother ma'am?\" The hand maiden asked,\n\"I'm afraid so, I love him dearly, perhaps too much so.\"\n\"That will likely end when they find him a suitor, every little sister's first crush is their big brother.\"\n\"No...I feel its more than that...It's silly I know.\"\n\"I suppose so ma'am. Yet he is rather attractive with his jet black hair and pale eyes.\"\n\"Yes and it is not unknown for a king to marry off two siblings to keep the bloodline pure, especially in uncertain times.\"\n\"I suppose that is true ma'am\"\n\"Thank you Constance, now leave me.\" The hand maiden gave a dip of a bow and slipped out the room while the Princess sat alone with her thoughts, oh she knew it was stupid, ridiculous even to harbor such childish feelings for her brother. She'd always had mixed love and hatred for the boy but wasn't hatred just an extension of love? You couldn't hate someone you didn't love as it was such a powerful emotion. She brushed her curls one last time before using a ribbon to tie them neatly behind her and off her shoulders. She was a beautiful woman, everyone said so, with her milky white pale skin and her slender features, she was nicknamed 'the swan' among many of her suitors and yet the only person she really wanted to see her was her brother. When they were younger he had no friends and he always looked forward to her company, he bought her flowers and sang her poems he'd written, they we re never any good of course but they were hers none the less. He'd always been around when it was convenient for her and now they were older he'd spend less and less time with her, this year it was almost as if he had no time for her at all and when he was married he'd see her even less, it infuriated her, the very idea made her angry enough to scowl.\n\nSometimes she wondered if it would be better if he were dead, she could grieve him then and get on with her life, find a man who would worship her like he had once and not think again on her silly crush. Only, she wasn't sure if her heart could take his death either, it was such a confusing feeling. So slipping on her robe and soft slippers she waited until all was quiet outside her door and quietly she slipped from her room and down the corridors, clasping a letter opener in her gowns pocket.\n\n____\n\nThe king paced his room while his doting wife sat in her gown and night clothes with her embroidery. The Steward sat at the table as the King paced, a mass of papers before him and a look of intense concern on his face as he watched the King.\n\"Darn it all, this is no good, no good at all!\" The King stopped his pacing to glance to the Steward, \"What about Helena, the daughter of King Harold?\"\n\"Helena is betrothed, m'lord.\"\n\"Damn it. That boy has never been easy, what am I to do? I can not marry him off to just anyone, they will find out his secret in due course and then what?! Gods above this would be easier if he just died.\"\n\"Yes m'lord.\" The steward uttered, slightly nervous of the King's legendary temper.\n\"Shut up! Oh if we could just get rid of him and marry his sister, she'd make a far better ruler too and we'd not have the issue of legitimacy from her.\"\n\"No mi'lord.\"\n\"Even if we sent that damned fool of a boy away though, the people would talk, they'd lose faith in us and god knows they are restless enough as is.\"\n\"True mi'lord. We need to select someone who we can trust to keep the boys hideous secret and not try and extort you for it.\"\n\"Oh but who outside of these four walls is that loyal?\"\n\"That does seem to be the issue mi'lord.\"\n\"Evangeline.\"\n\"Your daughter mi'lord, what about her?\"\n\"In the days of old, when the Prince's couldn't be found a suitable suitor the eldest youngest sister was married off to them...if Evangeline marries that boy, then the secret would be safe, she would never betray me, further the Kingdom will have the strong leader it deserves, her and we can slowly faze the boy out completely.\" It was the first time the Queen had looked up from her sewing and she looked mortified, her precious daughter married to -that- boy, it was an awful notion.\n\"Mi'lord you can't possibly mean that!\" The Steward was struck hard across the face with the back of the King's hand,\n\"Silence boy, respect your King. No, we can't do it right away, it'd look suspicious. We'll have him court the other women on the list, entertain them, then before the new year we shall announce that no suitable match has been made and we have, after much thought, decided the only way forward is to pair the Prince and Princess together. We'll make some speech about strengthening our lands first before trying to help other lands, make something up about making the people our first priority. They'll like that. It'll go smoothly as long as we play it right.\"\n\n____\n\nEvangeline had made it to the other side of the castle mostly unnoticed, the hour was drawing late but still some people milled about and so she was careful, if she was seen sneaking to see Alessandro there would surely be trouble but she had to see him. With all the gossip between her and her handmaiden her heart felt full of love that would only stop aching upon viewing her brother. Perhaps then she could figure out what her heart truly desired.\n\nOf course the further down the hall she got the less the idea appealed to her, at first it had seemed so romantic and innocent but now her mind was wrecked with paranoia's and worries, what if he was awake? What would she say? What if he was asleep? There were too many risks and yet she hadn't convinced herself to turn and leave. She hovered long enough to watch, with some dissatisfaction, as Alessandro's chamber boy loped into his room, it angered her to think a commoner could get to be so close to her brother, the boy did everything for him. After ten long minutes she crept from her place and slipped down to her brothers room, her hand hovering near the handle, she could hear nothing but the soft snores beyond the heavy door. For a moment she stood there and then with her oft slippers quietly sounding on the rug she fled back to her room, overcome with embarrassment and shame at her actions and her feelings.\n\n____\n\nAlessandro had slept soundly, through both Rei's visit and his sisters and aside the two visitations the night was still, his boy came in to freshen his water and take away the dirty clothes and stoke the fire in the hearth. A metal basin was dropped and there was occasionally the barking of the dogs in the kennels but the night was still until the morning sun fell on his face as his boy busied abouth is room throwing back the shutters to let in the light and arranging the new clothes for the morning.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Rei wakes up briefly when he feels someone enter his ward's room, and again when they leave. The second time he stays awake a bit longer, his magic detecting someone right outside his room for a short period of time. In his half sleep state he easily identifies both person's as nonthreatening and manages to fall right back to sleep after the second person leaves. He has a fleeting though of how disturbing it would be growing up with people constantly coming around when one's asleep, however that thought is quickly muffled down by a mix of sleep and the understanding that every person is different. In other words, it is normal for a man in his station.\n\nThe final invasion into the prince's room rouses Rei from his sleep for the day and with a light sight he rolls about a few times before practically slithering out of bed. Making sure his headband is in place the fae pokes at his clothes and wonders how often he is expected to change clothes during the week. Most humans perspire a lot more than a fae, so they change clothes at least once a day, however other than the time under the direct sun Rei has as of yet to actually sweat in his clothing.*'It would be interesting to try on something different however. I should ask if I could obtain more clothing like this, perhaps in different colors. . .'*\n\nAs he thinks about the color it occurs to him that the tunic matches the colors he sees hanging on the walls all over the castle and on most of the guards.*'Well, perhaps he would not permit other colors. I have seen that wearing the colors of a particular family marks them as property of the family and this affords them some kind of protection'*His head tilts this way and that, wondering over things of no real consequence until at last he decides it's time to climb into his clothes and wait for breakfast. Once everything but his boots are on he wanders over to the window and opens it wide. The smell of the air and the feel of it on his skin reminds him that he needs to ask the prince to spend a little time in the garden on days that they do not go to the countryside.\n\nAfter a few bland minutes of staring a knock comes on his chamber door and he is snapped back out of his mind. Wandering over he once more startles the servant carrying his morning meal. It is a different servant this time, a middle aged male, and by his motion as the door opens it is easy to surmise that he'd been listening against the wood. Once the man recovers he's struck dumb for a moment as he catches sight of Rei's wide staring eyes. Without a word Rei steps back, keeping his eyes on the man out of habit and after another handful of second he manages to get his feet moving and walks it to deliver the meal.\n\nOnce out of the room the servant all but dashes down the hall and for several long seconds Rei looks after him wondering if he's going to have to ask the prince how**not**to terrify the help unintentionally.*'Not that I mind, it makes me more intimidating, however if this keeps up they may run out of people who are willing to deliver my breakfast. I could always go down to the kitchen, but I do not think that would be well received. Also, it would take me too far from the prince so early in the morning'*With a slow blink he slips back into his room and wanders over to the table. Once more he takes the meat and sets it aside to cool, this time focusing on the fruits first and foremost.\n\n~*~*~*~*~\n\nThe small fae clings to his bag tightly, eying the human sitting next to him with both curiosity, and a healthy dose of mistrust. He's only been riding with the man for about an hour, the driver having spotted him walking down the road barefoot and taking pity on him. Though he feels grateful for the help, he does not trust the man. He reaches up often to the floral wreath he made himself to cover his ears, knowing that humans hate his kind. He knows this. Humans hate fae, it's just a fact, and a part of him seriously wonders just what would happen to him if this seemingly kind man found out what he truly is.\n\nThe man on the other hand, slightly intoxicated but sober enough to drive his cart in a straight line, finds the little boy's actions quite amusing. The way he clings to his bag, like it contains all his possessions in the world. The way he touches the wreath, like it would be a downright tragedy if it so much as slipped slightly out of place. He finds the whole thing quite funny. After about an hour on the bumpy road, the sun slowly creeping over the horizon, the driver reaches over and tries to playfully ruffle the boy's hair, with quite surprising results.\n\nWith a yelp the boy practically flies off the cart. The man tries to call him back, to apologize, however without warning the boy seems to vanish from view. It's not completely impossible, there are a few large rocks and some tall grass to hide in, however to his slightly buzzed mind the driver mutters something about it being unnatural before snapping his team back into motion. Meanwhile the child watches him leave from within a tuft of grass just large enough for him to vanish into, his breath slowing as he manages to get a hold of himself. He knows he over reacted, however his fear overrode his sense and in that instant, he couldn't stop himself.\n\nWith a light huff he stands up carefully as the cart moves too far off to possibly be a threat any more and with a steadying breath he feels out which direction he should go. His head turns this way and that like a radar dish searching for a signal, and when at last he finds his direction he's off at a slow but steady pace. Figuring he would have had to get off the cart eventually anyways he consoles himself in that fact and heads out over the grassy plain and away fro the road.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Rei wakes up briefly when he feels someone enter his ward's room, and again when they leave. The second time he stays awake a bit longer, his magic detecting someone right outside his room for a short period of time. In his half sleep state he easily identifies both person's as nonthreatening and manages to fall right back to sleep after the second person leaves. He has a fleeting though of how disturbing it would be growing up with people constantly coming around when one's asleep, however that thought is quickly muffled down by a mix of sleep and the understanding that every person is different. In other words, it is normal for a man in his station.\n\nThe final invasion into the prince's room rouses Rei from his sleep for the day and with a light sight he rolls about a few times before practically slithering out of bed. Making sure his headband is in place the fae pokes at his clothes and wonders how often he is expected to change clothes during the week. Most humans perspire a lot more than a fae, so they change clothes at least once a day, however other than the time under the direct sun Rei has as of yet to actually sweat in his clothing.*'It would be interesting to try on something different however. I should ask if I could obtain more clothing like this, perhaps in different colors. . .'*\n\nAs he thinks about the color it occurs to him that the tunic matches the colors he sees hanging on the walls all over the castle and on most of the guards.*'Well, perhaps he would not permit other colors. I have seen that wearing the colors of a particular family marks them as property of the family and this affords them some kind of protection'*His head tilts this way and that, wondering over things of no real consequence until at last he decides it's time to climb into his clothes and wait for breakfast. Once everything but his boots are on he wanders over to the window and opens it wide. The smell of the air and the feel of it on his skin reminds him that he needs to ask the prince to spend a little time in the garden on days that they do not go to the countryside.\n\nAfter a few bland minutes of staring a knock comes on his chamber door and he is snapped back out of his mind. Wandering over he once more startles the servant carrying his morning meal. It is a different servant this time, a middle aged male, and by his motion as the door opens it is easy to surmise that he'd been listening against the wood. Once the man recovers he's struck dumb for a moment as he catches sight of Rei's wide staring eyes. Without a word Rei steps back, keeping his eyes on the man out of habit and after another handful of second he manages to get his feet moving and walks it to deliver the meal.\n\nOnce out of the room the servant all but dashes down the hall and for several long seconds Rei looks after him wondering if he's going to have to ask the prince how**not**to terrify the help unintentionally.*'Not that I mind, it makes me more intimidating, however if this keeps up they may run out of people who are willing to deliver my breakfast. I could always go down to the kitchen, but I do not think that would be well received. Also, it would take me too far from the prince so early in the morning'*With a slow blink he slips back into his room and wanders over to the table. Once more he takes the meat and sets it aside to cool, this time focusing on the fruits first and foremost.\n\n~*~*~*~*~\n\nThe small fae clings to his bag tightly, eying the human sitting next to him with both curiosity, and a healthy dose of mistrust. He's only been riding with the man for about an hour, the driver having spotted him walking down the road barefoot and taking pity on him. Though he feels grateful for the help, he does not trust the man. He reaches up often to the floral wreath he made himself to cover his ears, knowing that humans hate his kind. He knows this. Humans hate fae, it's just a fact, and a part of him seriously wonders just what would happen to him if this seemingly kind man found out what he truly is.\n\nThe man on the other hand, slightly intoxicated but sober enough to drive his cart in a straight line, finds the little boy's actions quite amusing. The way he clings to his bag, like it contains all his possessions in the world. The way he touches the wreath, like it would be a downright tragedy if it so much as slipped slightly out of place. He finds the whole thing quite funny. After about an hour on the bumpy road, the sun slowly creeping over the horizon, the driver reaches over and tries to playfully ruffle the boy's hair, with quite surprising results.\n\nWith a yelp the boy practically flies off the cart. The man tries to call him back, to apologize, however without warning the boy seems to vanish from view. It's not completely impossible, there are a few large rocks and some tall grass to hide in, however to his slightly buzzed mind the driver mutters something about it being unnatural before snapping his team back into motion. Meanwhile the child watches him leave from within a tuft of grass just large enough for him to vanish into, his breath slowing as he manages to get a hold of himself. He knows he over reacted, however his fear overrode his sense and in that instant, he couldn't stop himself.\n\nWith a light huff he stands up carefully as the cart moves too far off to possibly be a threat any more and with a steadying breath he feels out which direction he should go. His head turns this way and that like a radar dish searching for a signal, and when at last he finds his direction he's off at a slow but steady pace. Figuring he would have had to get off the cart eventually anyways he consoles himself in that fact and heads out over the grassy plain and away fro the road.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro dressed and was groomed, his blond locks tamed and pinned down so his wig might fit better and smoother, it was then brushed until it looked like liquid night and the rest of the preparations were made for the morning. When asked if he wanted his breakfast bought up he shook his head and rose from his seat, brushing at the few loose hairs the wig had lost, not that it was in any way noticeable. The boy bowed and left, knowing better than to question his master and once he'd made sure his 'hideous' hair was fully out of sight Alessandro left his room and made his way down to the main hall, he had promised Avangeline that he would join her for breakfast and he couldn't very well let her down. Letting himself from his room he was tempted to inform Rei of his intentions, hovering in the hall way a moment he wondered if there was really any need. The fae seemed to have clear knowledge of the Prince's movements most of the time and it was unlikely anything was set to happen when he sat with his sister for breakfast. There was a royal food taster so poisoning was out of the question and with his parents not in attendance there was no likelihood of arguments.\n\nNot wishing to disturb the fae he decided to let Rei figure it out himself and with that he turned and made his way down the hall to the dining area. He spotted his sister as soon as he came upon the feasting hall, sitting in her favoured spot where the sun lit her hair until it seemed to shimmer with starlight. Offering a smile as he approached the hall the smile, and his steps, faltered when he saw his father sat at the head of the table. Giving a side long glance to his sister she offered a sheepish smile and returned to washing her fingers before the meal. Alessandro contemplated leaving, however his father had already seen him and it would have made for a much more awkward conversation later if he just left. Giving his father a respectful bow and waiting for a nod before taking his seat, \"Good Morning my King.\" Alessandro uttered, slipping his fingers into the lemon water bowl sat before him by one of the servants. \"I had heard you had business this morning.\" He shot another longer glance at his sister who blushed deeply and looked away.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Rei's head come up much like a dogs as he senses the prince heading for the door to his room. Slipping into his boots easily he wipes his fingers on his napkin before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and making his way to the door. His table lay in disarray, an incident with a falling nut leading him into a little game with the rolling parts of his breakfast while he waited. His hand pauses just above the handle of his door.*'He stopped. I wonder why. . .'*Unlike the day before where the prince just breezed past, no doubt expecting Rei to fall in line like he did, this time the boy stops in the hall outside the fae's door. Curious, once the prince moves on, Rei waits for him to be out of earshot before slipping silently into the hall.\n\nCareful to make sure Alessandro stays in sight he stalks far behind the prince, observing him on his way, taking in not only the youth but how the servants around him act.*'I am finding it hard to figure out what to believe here. I am no master of reading positive emotions, but I can recognize when they are present. As the prince, should they all not at the least have respect for him?'*Seeing mostly down cast and averted gazes Rei remain befuddled until they reach the dinning hall. The boy is seated by the time his bodyguard reaches the doorway.\n\nOne glace at the king once more solidifies his thoughts on how much the man seems to hate his own progeny and leaves Rei to wonder about the king as a possible suspect. Slipping into a servant alcove he manages to stay out of sight and observe for a short time, wanting to assess the situation before entering it. His attention is caught by another thing he's never understood. Watching the boy wash his hands he lets his mind fall back to the few times he's seen the action before. It was almost always among rich families. While most poor families would \"go out back\" and wash up before a meal, the rich seem to feel the need to be almost constantly with clean hands.\n\nOr so he has observed and surmised. In all his reading, he's never had much of an interest in human customs and their reasoning so etiquette books are not something he's acquainted with. After the tense words from Alessandro, Rei decides that standing aside so far from the boy is not a good idea and pretending as if he'd just walked in the door he slides up the the prince's side with expert grace. He stands just off to the right and a little behind the youth's chair, as he has observed this being a respectful position, and after a light bow to both the king and the princess he lets his gaze wander, mapping the room like a good bodyguard.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Rei's question roused him from his thoughts, \"Only when they won't let me ride somewhere, a carriage is much more formal and what the people want to see, or so the Steward says. I can't remember how he puts it as it sounds a lot like he's lying when he says it.\" Alessandro shrugged briefly before glancing over to Rei, \"I shouldn't have to for the next few days at least, I'll be too busy meeting the women my father has lined up for me to meet. Though if you like, you can ride my Lady the next time i have to take the carriage, I'm sure she'd let you, she seemed quite placid with you after she got over the initial shock.\" Alessandro didn't go into much more detail, while the carriage was indeed loud and it was no doubt difficult to hear anything aside the sound of voices he did not want to risk Rei's identity on the hope no one would over hear. Being a fae in this Kingdom still meant persecution, death or exile at the very least and honestly, he didn't want to see the boy go, Rei was, strangely, comfortable to be around and Alessandro couldn't remember the last time he'd felt comfortable in someone's presence. Not since his Sister had lost those glossy eyes that loved and looked up to her brother for the eyes of a young woman, if even then.\n\nThe journey back was uneventful and Alessandro was shuffled in and straight up to a bowl of scented water in his room, fresh clothes had been laid out for him and he was told to change quickly and wash for his guest. With a nod Alessandro shut the door, though had some strange half glances at Rei when the Prince allowed him to stay, and removed his shirt to sponge down his body with the scented liquid before drying himself and redressing, \"I am not sure the King would permit you to be with me on the jaunt around the garden, if you can keep out of sight however he will have nothing to complain about, is this alright?\" Alessandro tied the cravat, straightened his wig and brushed down his jacket. \"How do I look?\"\n\nHe was dressed as typical of higher born, in a fine burgundy velvet jacket with wide embroidered cuffs and brass buttons shone to a shade of gold, a half cloak hunt by a golden chain about his shoulders, the fur white, no doubt some kind of arctic fox or white rabbit fur. He wore a white shirt and a cream cravat with the pin of his family's emblem to hold it in place. Black pants fell fashionably long into the typical white stockings and smart shoes -unlike his usual dust brown travelling boots- which had been shined up nicely. \"I feel like an idiot I must say.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Scratching at his ear the assassin thinks for a minute before shaking his head. I would rather ride on the outside of the box. Riding Lady would make it more difficult to keep an eye out as I would have to guide her a bit, it would take some of my attention away from my job.\" He tilts his head the other way. \"If you would not mind, I will simply ride outside unless I am needed in here for some reason.\" Falling silent his gaze returns to the window, however he stays in his seat now, tucking the gloves away in his belt as he tries to not slide around. His light frame makes him bounce up over larger than average bumps and he finds the motion quite bothersome.\n\nOnce the carriage stops he is the first out. A boy is waiting just inside the castle and without hesitation he strips off the extra covering and hands over both the cape and the gloves. It is a different boy from before and this one does not seem to be as bothered by Rei's presence.*'It feels very odd to be waited upon like this. I mean, sometimes those from the council would come over to deliver something or to check and make sure I am still alive but they never acted like servants do. It is an interesting feeling'*Following close behind the prince Rei stretches once they are alone, scratching at his hands and flexing his shoulders. He is not use to the extra weight however he is glad it did not get in the way when he needed to move.\n\nWhen addressed he pauses mid stretch and looks to the prince. His eyes are drawn to the bare flesh he's seen plenty of but still is mostly a mystery to him. His own flesh is paler, and more scared. Most human skin he sees he is thinking of how to best puncture it so it is interesting to just look at it without seeing the killing spots marked out in him mind's eyes. \"I can remain out of sight quite easily in that garden and still be close enough to act should I need to.\" Popping his shoulders he lets his arms drop and yawns slightly. When asked the second question his eyes roam over the prince, unsure of how to answer. He has observed that when most women are asked anything less than \"Perfect\" or \"Beautiful\" tends to enrage them, however he has never heard a man ask it before so aside from not knowing his own opinion, he's unsure if this is one of those cases where he should say what the other wants to hear over the truth.\n\nHowever the longer he thinks about it the more he recalls that the prince seems to value honesty so after a long moment he replies with, \"You look much as you always do when in that wig. Uncomfortable, unsure, and not yourself. If you are asking if you will look fetching to the eyes of the woman you are meant to see. . .\" He tilts his head, blinking slowly as he looks over the male slowly. He gives a faint nod. \"From what I have seen when it comes to humans, you would be considered attractive. I personally do not understand the concept when it comes to looks as the closest thing I understand that comes close to attraction is when I becomes curious about something, but you are interesting to me no matter what you are wearing.\"\n\nHis head rotates around until he spots a mirror. Intent on not embarrassing the prince, as apparently a shabby servant is an embarrassment from what he's seen, Rei slips over and makes sure everything is straight and free of dust and other particles. Licking his finger he rubs away the last faint redness of the blood that had gotten on his cheek and after one last look he turns to the bowel on the table. He doesn't quite get it, but as flowers and other light scents seem to be important he plucks out a petal and uses his magic to create a kind of scent barrier on his skin. It is faint, as there is not much scent to hide as fae do not have much of a scent to begin with, however the light fragrance would be noticeable if one were standing really close. Adding on as an afterthought he says, \"I do not know how one feels like an idiot. How does that work? I mean, you are not an idiot, so how does one feel like something you are not?\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "As he's never heard about \"Hitting on\" someone, Rei looks quite confused at the phrase and wonders if his words some how acted as blows against the man. However as the prince continues to smile and seems quite please at the concept the fae keep his thoughts to himself and turns around to face Alessandro fully. He continues listening, watching with curious eyes as the man seems to drop into deep thought over his final question. The beginning of the youth's explanation does not help the fae at all as he's never been embarrassed as far as he can recall, nor has he ever been nervous since starting his new life.*'Perhaps this is one of those things that will simply never make sense to me. I can see that there are many things they take for granted that I lust. . . .Do not get. . . .'*However as he goes on and things he can better relate to come up and he goes from confused about one thing, to confused about yet another thing.\n\n*'Falling, and about to hit bottom. I understand that. I have dropped from some damaging heights before and got a feeling deep inside that were highly unpleasant. . .However, if dressing like this makes him feel like that. . . .How does clothing make one feel like falling? I just. . .I do not understand. . . .'*His brows furrow as the prince goes to address his servant and he quickly sorts out the important fact of everything the boy told him.*'Dressing up like that makes him feel negatively. It is unpleasant for him'*With a faint not to himself he looks up just in time to hear the servant say that the prince must leave him behind. He doesn't quite get the rest of the conversation, other than the fact that Alessandro has no younger brothers, and he watches the prince leave with a blank expression. The servant goes to close the door behind him before stopping. He just remembered that the bodyguard was still in the prince's room.\n\nPushing the door back open slightly he looks to the smaller male and says with slightly more strength in his voice than what was there when addressing the prince, \"Sir, if you would, I don't think it right for you to, um, wait here in the prince's room. . .\" Rei stares at the youth, trying to figure out what is right or wrong about being in someone's room, but as this is not Alessandro he does not voice his queries and instead exits the room silently. Once the door is closed the servant casts one last glance at the tiny male before moving off to some other task quickly and quietly.\n\nOnce more Rei's interpretation of things runs in his own favor and while the prince was ordered not to bring him with, Rei was not ordered to not come of his own volition. So he does just that. Careful to stay out of sight of eyes that may get he or the prince in trouble he makes his way into the main hall unseen by all bot the normal staff who look far too meek to think to tell the king he is there. He watches the last bit of the exchange from a corner, the noise in the room making it impossible to hear what was said up in the dais, then slips around to a side door and is in the garden before the prince and what he presumes is the suitor he's suppose to be meeting even get there. Carefully he slips into some of the deeper foliage he will be able to move around in freely and watches as the two of them emerge.\n\n*'They are walking close together, so if she tries anything I will have to react quickly'*He glances back towards the castle.*'With so many visitors today, and so short a time around them, I did not have a chance to check the feeling of the room. There may be yet another in there, ready to finish up what the other failed to do earlier'*Despite the serene surroundings Rei is as keyed up as ever, though if anyone could actually see him he would look perfectly relaxed. His hand is on the hilt of his blade and while he does not like throwing his weapon he is nearly as deadly with it at a distance. His magic trickles out and though it takes a good thirty seconds, covers the entire garden in it's web like tendrils and allows Rei to listen in more easily to the strolling couple.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro doesn't need to look for Rei to know he is watching, the little, fine hairs on the back of his neck begin to prickle with that odd sensation when someone is watching you intensely. It is a disconcerting feeling to say the least but in this castle there was a fair chance it was only one person, Rei and if it wasn't, it was likely another assassin -or so he reasoned- and thus Rei would be close at hand anyway. Some in his position might think him foolish, unwise to put such trust in a man who was hired to murder others and did so with such ease, an ease he had seen first hand in the town square but for some reason, something even Alessandro could not quite place, he trusted the Fae with his life, more than he'd trust most of his guard whom he had grown up knowing.\n\nThe Lady he was with was indeed lovely, she spoke eloquently but without the usual emotionless tone that most Sister's managed to stamp out. Her eyes lit up and her nose gave a cute wrinkle when she was excited or confused and she walked with all the gentle grace of a deer in the woods, barely disturbing the stones beneath her feet or the grass her dress hem brushed against. she was lightly doused in a scented oil though it was faint and fleeting so Alessandro barely managed to catch the hints of jasmine before it drifted away on the gentle breeze. She laughed at his jokes though not long or loud and she spoke little of herself until asked it of her. Alessandro imagined it would have been quite easy to fall for a woman such as her if her smile didn't give her away, it was empty and false and every now and then he caught a chill in her gaze. No doubt she'd spent her young life hoping to be married off to the King's eldest son, like many girls -or so his sister had said- she probably hand fantasised about the day they met, their wedding day and their life afterwards. With the war and the death of the eldest her dreams had been shattered.\n\n______\n\nThe princess watched all from her place at the window, she saw her brother laughing and walking arm in arm with the Lady her father had dragged in and she felt a stab of hatred for both the woman and her brother. They had not been walking together for some time now, of course Father probably wouldn't disapprove but since the war it was so hard to guess his moods and with the lessons she was subjected to day in and out it was almost as if they were being kept separated on purpose. Perhaps her father feared she would be corrupted by Alessandro, though to what end she had no idea, her brother was a lot of things she was sure but she doubted he could ever bring harm to a woman willingly. There had been times where she had contemplated asking her father to allow her time with him, she believed she could change him into a better man, more like their deceased brother but with less cruelty. Though every time she got the courage to ask it waned and her mouth went dry. It was dry now but from dainty white teeth digging into it silently so those who also watched from the Window's would not see her distaste.\n\n____", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "The words passing between the two as they stroll casually through the garden ring hollow in the fae's ears. Like all the inane babble of courtiers and noblemen that he's learned to filter out when on the job, what they are actually saying becomes a simple buzz of sound, only observed for possible dangers or hints of nefarious intent. _'So strange to know that the prince is not really like this. To listen to a tone I have heard a million times before coming from a man I actually know sounds very different'_ He travels in the shadows of the foliage, moving closer when he can, staying back when they move towards his location. _'And her. . .I do not know her, but the tone I know. She is a hunter, after a prize. It is strange what humans see as prizes. . .'_\n\nHis focus shifts slightly to the eyes gazing down from above. His movements have also been hampered but a need to keep something between him and a window up above. He spotted the princess as soon as she came to the window, however it was a split second decision in that instant on whether or not he should stay hidden from her gaze or not, and in that instant he decided to hide. There is no real concrete reason in his head to do this, she has not been shown to be a threat as of yet, however he has always trusted his instincts, and that look in her eyes when first he spotted her told him all he needed to know in that moment. Glancing up at her he grants himself a few seconds to examine her face closely before turning his attention back to the prince and his lady.\n\n_'So angry that child. She may not have been proven a danger thus far, but she is capable, without a doubt'_ He had seen that expression many times, in the eyes of those who hired him as they thought of the one he was to kill. They would practically spit fire, hissing and snarling in their rage, sometimes even getting angry at him for not backing up their emotions with encouragement. His father had often said that it sometimes netted you more coin to pretend that you agree with your client, but Rei had never felt the need. His head perks up a little bit as the woman expresses a desire to sit down and gestures towards a bench. Rei waits to see if the prince will indulge her, his gaze skipping over a row of bushes that would be a good hiding place for him to listen in.\n\n~*~*~*~*~\n\nWalking over the rough, stony ground of the countryside is harder than the young fae had thought. Especially when he keeps finding the need to duck out of sight. So many little things that put him on edge. Little sounds, faint movements, even the taste in the air occasionally brings him to his knees. He does not complain however, not that there's anyone around to hear his complaints. The determination in his gaze never wavers and with each step he takes, his decision feels more and more right. He needs to do this, it's the right thing to do, and more than anything, he wants to see it through to the end.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Out of the corner of his eyes he catches sight of Alessandro ruffling his servant's hair and a new question pops into his head over it. 'I believe he really likes his squire. He is. . . .Affectionate I think is the word. He shows kindness due to some feeling, some gentle, kind feeling inside. It is what I have read about in those books about love and friendship' He glances at the prince. 'I know we share a mutual interest in one another, finding the other interesting and the like, but I have little understanding of how our views of one another differ. I want to protect him, not just for the pay but also for my own personal reasons, and he wants me around, protecting him and those he cares about. . .'\n\nLooking at his hands, still stained with blood, and his brow furrows ever so slightly. 'He protects. . . .Those he cares about. . .He warned me against hurting this boy upon our first meeting. He cares for him, and he. . . .' His thoughts tumble round and round, trying to make sense of things. Before he can even begin to fight his way through the solid bloody stamp on his soul to begin exploring the idea of affection directed at him the prince is moving and without a word Rei is on his feet, his mind and body back in the world so they can do their job properly. His swirling thoughts are immediately shut down, locked away, to be perused later should he feel them important enough to revisit.\n\nNodding at the offer to return to the old man's personal library the following day the small male remains carefully out of the way as Peter does his best to help the prince move about. 'Sometimes too many helping hands simply ends with more harm than good' he reasons, moving ahead of the prince and keeping an eye out for any new dangers. He must look rather menacing as he does this as many a servant chooses to either turn and go the other way quickly or skirt the halls as they pass. He doesn't mean to frighten them but Rei knows his craft. Despite the danger seemingly having passed he knows that an assassin, a good one, could very well be in the castle now.\n\n'Using the men as a diversion, no one would think it possible to get onto the grounds now that an attack has happened, heightened security and all, however if they got here before hand then it is completely possible for them to be laying in wait to act now that everyone thinks that the attack is over. . . .' He doesn't sense anybody nearby, but he remains on high alert as they slip into the prince's room. He checks every corner, both visibly and magically, for any sign of danger. He wanders about the room while Alessandro converses with his manservant and gets comfortable in the bed. At the window he surveys the grounds, eyes keen, his other senses tuned towards danger for several seconds before pulling back, snapping the shutters closed.\n\nThe red headed youth eventually leaves and Rei moves closer to the bed. He wants to tell the man that he will likely spend the evening in this room to keep a closer eye on the prince however the man has something very confusing to say before he has the chance to speak up. Tilting his head slightly to the side he looks at Alessandro, both confused and understanding at the same time. Crawling carefully on to the foot of the prince's bed he continues looking at the man, trying to find words for his thoughts. \"I. . . .Do not have pride Alessandro. I do not operate off of shame or pride. They get in the way, make one foolhardy or cocky. I feel no shame for you having stepped between me and my target.\"\n\nHe takes another long moment, his eyes moving about the room as he tries to form his question. \"I am however. . . .Confused.\" his eyes fall back on to Alessandro, deciding to be forward. \"I am curious as to just why you did it. I take from your words you did not think me incapable, and that you responded perhaps on automatic. However, that still leaves my question of why? Why did you feel the urge to defend me?\" He gestures towards the door. \"I understand that, for the youth, he is someone you have feelings for. You are bound to him, have affection for him, as your friend however I. . .\" He points to himself. \"I am a man who tried to kill you, who now defends your life for reasons even I do not understand. I am nobody to you, so why. . .\"\n\nThe door opens and Peter's head peeks in. It's clear he did not hear the part about Rei trying to kill the prince however he can tell that the strange boy is talking about something and doesn't want to interrupt. Rei's eyes go to him anyways as he shuffles in, a tray in either hand. Rei looks curiously at them. One is smallish and holds tea. The other is larger and looks like the one that was dropped off at his room for breakfast. In a quiet voice he murmurs, \"I found this outside your room. Seem the maid sent to drop it off didn't quite make it inside your room to deliver it. . .\" In truth, she was told to leave it inside the room if Rei was not there, however she had not been able to find the courage and instead left it outside his door.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro was going to gesture Rei further up the bed but instead the fae began speaking, questioning and Alessandro fell silent before the words had formed in his mouth. He listened to the confused fae speak. At the mention of the attempt to kill him Alessandro faintly smiled, a strange thing indeed to do such a thing for a would be killer. Before he could respond Peter was back in the room and Alessandro's eyes went to the youth, it didn't seem he'd heard what the fae had said, he would likely have had an issue with it and gotten himself hurt. Instead he settled one tray on the table, explaining it was for Rei and carried over the tea tray with the medicine inside of it. \n \n\"Rei, go eat.\" He uttered to the boy, a small smile on his face as he gestured to the tray, it wasn't a request but it wasn't an order either, not really. The Prince sat himself upright and took the tea offered to him by Peter. \"I put the medicine in already, drink it slowly though and if you need be I won't be far away...alright? Is there anything else you need?\" Alessandro shook his head and sipped slowly on the tea, he pulled a face at the bitterness the medicine had caused in it and Peter looked sheepish. \"Thank you Peter, go to bed, get a good night sleep, alright?\" The squire nodded and shuffled out awkwardly with a goodnight ushered to both the Prince and Rei before the door closed behind him.\n\nOnce sure he was alone Alessandro finished the tea and gave a strange face, putting the cup aside he glanced over to Rei, \"To answer your question.\" He started, gesturing to the bedside and hoping Rei would approach, if he did Alessandro's hand found the brim of the hat and lightly lifted it off his head. He then ran a finger over Rei's elongated ears outer edge, his finger tips brushing against the soft fluff of white hair. \"I guess I am a fool because Rei, I care for you. When I saw that man I didn't think, I just knew I wanted to keep you safe, even though I rationally knew you'd be fine. It's...strange right? But I can not help the way I feel and I won't apologise for it.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Peter Bareni." }, { "text": "Hearing the instruction to go eat Rei slips off the bed and makes his way over to the table to comply. He knows it wasn't an order, but after the combat and near constant use of his magic for the past hour he's ravenous. He eats with vigor, somehow managing to not make himself messy in the process, almost all of the food reaching it's intended target. In the end half the meal is gone by the time Peter leaves and Rei is cleaning his fingers with his tongue. When Alessandro motions him over however he takes up the napkin and wipes both hands and mouth before complying.\n\nHe's curious as to what the prince wants and, sitting on the edge of the bed, he watches the man's movements with curiosity. With a light tug his hat comes off, taking the bandanna with it, and he watches Alessandro put it aside then reach for him again. At the touch his whole body shivers slightly, a tingle running from the place the prince touches to the tips of his fingers and toes. He doesn't really pay the feeling any mind however and continues looking at the man, wanting to hear his words. He knows that the response likely means something, but as he's more interested in having his question answered than asking more he lets the shiver pass, the pleasant hum that lingers under his skin completely ignored.\n\nListening carefully his brows furrow in confusion. 'Cares for me? Really? But I just explained who I am. I am not one who deserves such feelings. . .Perhaps if I defended him out of caring of my own, or if I was someone else who could understand such feelings, however I. . .I am just me. Just an assassin doing a job' The fae can not fathom that his opinions and reactions to how Alessandro is treated have had any real affect on the man. He can not see how his constant presence and honorable way of viewing the world influences how the man sees him. He can not see all the kindnesses he's shown the man, his eyes clouded and dull to such things when it comes to himself. \n\nHe can not see that he indeed cares for the prince, in his own detached, loyal way.\n\nTilting his head to the side, still curious and wanting answers he hums softly, blinking his slow blink. \"I do not understand why or how but I will accept that you care. I know the rest of my kind would understand this better than I, but my upbringing has left me a bit hollow to such things. I will keep it in mind however for later.\" His head tilts to the other side, his eyes questioning once more. \"I am curious however as to why one would apologize for feelings. They are what they are and feeling them is not something one should be ashamed of, or so I understand it. It make sense to me as the few feelings I do have never lead me wrong.\" He continues watching the prince, not moving away from the touch, nor trying to move closer to it.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "It was the colour that Peter turned that confused Alessandro, right up until he noticed the bare fae's rear swaying unabashedly across his room. What the hell did I do last night? Dear god I didn't violate the poor thing did I? Of course, I'd probably be dead if I did, Rei's hardly defenceless. Still, why has he got nothing on? Alessandro turned a shade of pink in the cheeks and turned to instead focus on Peter and his administrations. \"Did you sleep well?\" He asked, trying to keep his embarrassment from his voice, \"Yes sir.\" Peter answered shortly, lifting the Prince's shirt and carefully removing the bandages, they were lightly soiled with blood but the herbal poultice used had coagulated the blood and stemmed the bleeding. There was a wicked ugly bruise coming out and the cut, while clean, looked vicious but not deadly. \"Your father wants to see you when you are up.\" Peter mumbled to himself, dunking a cloth and looking to the fae as he spoke. \"I'm not sure, I think the maids are still deciding who should bring you your meals.\" He stated, turning back to Alessandro and carefully beginning to clean the wound. \n\"Rei you can have some of mine if you're hungry.\" Peter looked up, shocked and pouted slightly, \"My Prince, if you don't eat properly how do you intend to heal properly?\"\n\"The great care of my squire and a sneaky roll from the bakers in town?\" Peter flushed again and fought a smile. \n\"That is not good enough, you will have to take better care of yourself than that.\" He tried to sound chiding but came across as slightly desperate. He'd seen his master act careless before but this was taking the biscuit. He finished cleaning the wound and with some fresh cut linen he smeared a yellow-green paste, carefully, over the wound. \"Sometimes you worry me, you seem to care more about everyone else than you do yourself.\"\n\"That's not true Peter.\" The Prince, answered and for a moment Peter glanced up, hoping to hear something selfish if only so he'd know Alessandro would keep himself safe. \n\"It's only a handful of people, not everyone.\" Peter groaned but couldn't help a small smile, his Prince wouldn't be his Prince if he didn't have such a large heart, it worried him though how far people would go to break it. He finished tending to the wound, covered it and then offered Alessandro his tea, \"There's a small amount of the drug in there, so be careful when you get up. I'll organise you some clothes to wear and see if the kitchen can't spare a roll and some stew.\"\n\"You're too good to me Peter, thank you.\" Peter beamed and went to the wardrobe, pulling it open to find loose fitting garments for the Prince. Not an easy feat since the Kings and Queens seemed to feel a need to showcase their childs 'assets' to potential wifes. Not that Peter complained usually, he'd often thought about Alessandro's assets when blowing a client, or taking their load. he found a baggy white shirt easy enough, it had a string closing which would make it easier for the man to handle. The pants were proving the problem and he finally settled on a black pair that he hoped would be loose enough for comfort. Then true to his word Peter slipped out, taking his little present with him, if only absent mindedly. \n\nOnce the door was closed Alessandro shifted and carefully removed his sleeping shirt, it fell easily to the bed but he winced at the pull ith ad on his bruising and the wound. grabbing up the fresh shirt he glanced over to Rei. \"We didn't, you know...there wasn't any... I didn't act...rudely, last night did I? I can't remember much after we got back here.\" Saints preserve him, he was hoping to hear nothing happened.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Peter Bareni." }, { "text": "Nodding at the report that his meal is not yet in his room Rei is about to ask if he could have a bit from Alessandro's plate when the prince offers to share, unsolicited. With a nod he accepts the offer, wandering over to the table where the tray rests and taking a seat cross legged on one of the chairs. His mind goes over what he knows of the castle thus far, working out whereto stand should the king not want him around, or if the prince insists on talking to the man alone. He knows a bit about nobles and their habits, given his career a must He knows that sometimes it's better to be just out of sight, to give the assassin a feeling of comfort at not seeing any guards, if you're trying to catch or kill said assassin.\n\nHe munches slowly on various bits, leaving most of the food and taking only enough to keep him going for now. He listens to the exchange between the two with mild interest, the prince's words familiar to him, though not from the prince himself. 'I believe I once read a passage where a knight said something like that. Not exactly, however I do recall liking that character. . .' Once Peter leaves Rei's eyes go to his ward and he watches the man move painfully. He wonders if the prince needs any help, but before he can ask, Alessandro has something to ask him.\n\nTilting his head to the side he listens to the stumbled question curiously and tries to figure out what exactly the man is talking about. He thinks back over the prince letting him share his bed, pulling him into a hug, and he can't really see anything rude about either, but he decides to present them to Alessandro for assessment. \"Last night after we returned I asked to stay in this room for your safety and you complied. After I was finished doing my checks I got ready to sleep then joined you in bed. Once I was there you pulled me to you and said you just wanted to stay like that for awhile, and since I saw now real reason to move, when you fell asleep, I did not move away.\" He tilts his head to the other side. \n\n\"I was not uncomfortable, and in fact the warmth was pleasant in its own way, so I do not see anything rude, but as I am rather inexperienced in social exchanges I am not sure if any of that was rude on either of our parts.\" Setting down the roll he was nibbling on he blinks his slow blink. \"Honestly it was simply different, and more comfortable than usual. I have come across people sleeping like that with others before and I never understood how one could be comfortable like that, but that could have to do a great deal with the way I was raised, to always have your back guarded, or at the least, not exposed, when in a compromising position. . .\" He shrugs, getting up to begin checking the room again, sending his tendrils of magic beyond the walls to keep an feel on things, waiting until he's given something else to do, or the conversation continues.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Alessandro was thoroughly relaxed. Despite the beating he had just taken the ministrations of the fae, the medicine and the magic had left his back rather cool and refreshed. Yes it was still injured, of course it was but the pain, for now, was gone. So once the fae had moved and started stating his confusion the Prince very gingerly pushed himself up, careful not to undo the good work of the fae but wanting to face the other as they spoke. He left his shirt off just like he had instructed Petre to do and sat with his own legs folded and his hands on his thighs. \n\nThere was no denying some small mirth as the Prince listened to Rei confusedly stumble about the complex emotional structure of affection and compassion. It was still awful to Alessandro that the fae had been denied such simple gestures of affection and love and yet he couldn't deny that it was cute watching the other man stagger through them. In some ways he was a child learning to walk, he even ran his fingers through his hair to illustrate the point that the touch was not the same as Alessandro's. \n\nThe Prince smiled softly, listened intently and said not a word to Rei until he was done. He doubted Rei even knew that the feeling he was describing was the affection he thought he could not master, or that perhaps, it was even a spark of something even more complex. For a moment Alessandro fell into quiet, contemplative thought. How would one broach the subject of emotions with a person who thought himself so thoroughly wretched they'd been locked off to him? Alessandro couldn't just say what he thought the other was feeling, it was something Rei would need to come to understand, for while he'd believe Alessandro to an extent until Rei knew it in his own heart it would not be a fully awakened thing. Rei would find ways to deny it, refute it even.\n\nOnce again he felt slight anger rising, that someone who was supposed to care for Rei would make him feel like such an empty shell, like a dog who deserved nothing more than whatever scraps his master threw at him. More than ever Alessandro wanted to gather Rei up and show him the affection and tenderness he was refused but he withheld for now. He didn't want to over load the young fae, even if he desired to see the other male's reaction if Alessandro kissed him for real. \n\nWith a long, slow breath he finally looked at Rei and took things from the beginning, \"You have a good eye for affection, yes those are the people I care most for in the world, in different ways. The Meister is like the father I wished for, he's done so much for me. My little sister will forever be one of my best friends, the boy in the book shop has had feelings for me for so long, he's risked a lot though I doubt he knows it, so I care for him. Peter, he had such a rough start to life but I've never seen him without a smile on his face and a good word for people.\" He paused, contemplating the next person, \"I do care for you.\" He stated that bit bluntly, \"You tried to kill me yes and many would never see passed that. They would not see the man I see in you.\" He unfurled his hands and thought for a brief moment how to explain it best, \"When you were to kill me that night, you didn't want to. It was your job and you would do it because you are professional. You didn't want to though, I could see it in your eyes.\" He paused a moment, \"You could have asked for anything of me but you asked for knowledge, a pure pursuit of greater understanding is an incredibly beautiful thing. You have since been a great source of company, of honest and forthright opinion, you get offended on my behalf, angry for me. That is a noble emotion, one few others in this world share with you, Meister, Peter, the book shop boy and my sister are perhaps the only ones who would agree with you. You are...good to look at as well, pleasing.\" \n\nHe paused again, trying to figure it out himself, though moved onto Rei's own emotions, \"You thought that you could not heal but you can. Rei, is it so hard for you to think you can care for someone? You are protective? You admire me? You get angry for me? That is affection, or how all affection starts and then grows into different things.\" Alessandro reached out slowly, in case Rei didn't want to be touched by him right now, his fingertips ran into the fae's hair, his palm gently against his cheek as his fingers ran across the scalp of the fae. \"This relaxes you because you have affection for me. Do you feel like trying a small experiment? Something to help you understand I hope.\"\n\nIf Rei should any sign of agreement the Prince leaned in, the hand in Rei's hair holding him gently in place, the other hand coming up to cup the other side of his face and the hairline and gently he placed his lips against Rei's. They lingered there for a long count of five before Alessandro leaned away and asked quietly, \"Now, did anything happen for you? Did your body feel weird or different? Like a pulse of energy running through you, starting in your belly perhaps?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "'He is smiling. I suppose I can take that as a good sign that he will be able to explain all of this. . .' Rei muses, watching the prince closely as he waits to hear what the man has to say to sate his curiosity. E listens silently, nodding as the prince assures him that he's been correct in his assessment of the people he likes most in the world. He feels a small hint of comfort that he was able to do so without any help and waits patiently to hear more. He blinks slowly as Alessandro flat out says that yes, indeed, he has affection for him too, and waits to hear his reasoning behind it. He is neither a father, nor family of any kind, nor has he – in his opinion at least – risked himself for the man. He can't even claim what Peter has aside from the rough upbringing. Smiles are not a think for little Rei, and he knows it. Nor has he, as far as he can tell, ever really had a kind word for anyone.\n\nHe nods in agreement, about his lack of desire to kill, and thinks back to those he grew up with. Those who came out of training with a lust for blood. They had seemed a little mad to Rei, but it had never been his business to judge. He blinks slowly as Alessandro calls his pursuit of knowledge a beautiful thing and wonders is something as silly as that can really be considered for such a thing as beauty. He's come to understand, though perhaps not recognize, beauty in the physical world. Metaphorical beauty is completely lost on him.\n\nHis head tilts slowly to the side as he begins describing attributes Rei isn't quite sure he has. 'Well, I do get angry about the injustice around him, and I am honest with him. However, other than that, I do not see how how I could be considered a good companion for company. I lurk. I slink about. I stand around looking frightening. I scurry about like a child hunting down candy on occasion. . .Unless of course that is what he enjoys in a companion. . .' He doesn't feel particularly noble, thinking that all people should act as he does in the fact of such cruel and selfish things at the prince has to put up with, but before he can voice this the man goes on to call him physically attractive, or at least pretty to look at.\n\nGlancing down at himself he think about it for a moment before dismissing the thought. 'People either look at my with terror, or disgust, or simply look disturbed around me. . .' He pauses in thought, looking up at the prince. 'Well, I suppose, those people he has mentioned have looked at me differently, however I have not seen that expression on their faces that I have come to recognize mean someone is attracted to another person' In all his people watching, he's learned a few things, and so far, he's never seen anyone looking attracted to him. Hehas seen some interesting expressions on the prince's face, but he's yet to place them in his mind, and doesn't think about them.\n\nThe prince then goes on to tell him that he, Rei, has been expression affection completely without realizing it. His brow furrows and he feels the urge to disagree. He knows he doesn't feel these things. He knows what each of those feelings are, and they are not affection. He hesitates however, reminding himself that he's the one who asked Alessandro to teach him about such things. That the prince himself has these feelings and always has and would be more well equipped to recognize them. Blinking slowly he tilts his head to the other side, his face pressing softly into that hand as it caresses his face and hair.\n\nHe feels the familiar feeling of warmth and calm trickling through him at the touch and lets it dance around his veins, trying to get a good feel for it in his need to understand what it really is he's feeling. His eyes go to the prince as he nods, willing to give anything a shot at this point. He wants to know, to understand. 'He is right, I can heal, and I was told I would never be able to. . .If an elder can be wrong about something so important, perhaps I too can be wrong about what I can and cannot feel. . .' Keeping his eyes on the prince as he moves closer, guessing moments before it happens what he's going to do.\n\nA spark strikes him making him shiver slightly. Starting from the place where their lips meet it seems to trace along where Alessandro is touching him before slipping down over his heart and ending as a coiled knot around his spine. His body feels warmer and his eyes alight at the unfamiliar feeling, a strange feeling of something alive in his stomach making him wonder if Alessandro had used some kind of magic on him. 'No, no, I would be able to tell if this was magic. . .' The flesh upon his own lingers, and another shot runs through him, making his fingers twitch as it rushes about his extremities.\n\nWhen Alessandro pulls back Rei's breathing has become slightly irregular and his skin stills seems to dance from the strange energy given off by the kiss. His tongue comes out to cross his slightly dry lips. The feeling of that slick muscle running over them produces and odd sensation and he's not quite sure he likes this lack of understanding and control of his own body. Then, he firmly reminds himself that learning is sometimes uncomfortable, and he does his best to give the prince his attention, wanting desperately to be given some understanding of what's happening to him.\n\nBlinking slowly he shakes his head. \"No, not my stomach. . .\" He reaches up, brushing his lips with his fingertips. \"Here. . .As if it was passed from you, to me. . .\" He shivers, his fingers eliciting some pleasant feelings before he drops them to his lap once more. \"It felt like. . .Energy, warmth, racing through my body, making it tingle.\" He blinks again. \"It was not unpleasant. . .Is it what you thought would happen?\" His hands come up to rest on the prince's wrists, gripping them softly. \"Can you tell me what it is?\" He wants now more than ever to understand things, to understand himself, and his fingers moving of their own accord seem to be trying to encourage Alessandro to respond. \"You can do that again, if you think it will help.\" He knows that experimentation is many times the best way to learn, and he doesn't really mind trying that particular experiment again.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" } ]

[ { "text": "Stirred from his slumber his eyes flicked up to the hand, the knife and he quickly assessed his situation. There was no struggle, no attempt to call for help, even his eyes were clear of fury, or fear or hate, there was just a grudging acceptance in those tired deeps. The fatigue didn't seem of the physical variety, nor bought on by the alcohol, of which his breath smelled sweet but by the clarity of his features he was far from intoxicated, perhaps as far as a young man could get. He listened in the quiet dark to the strange looking creature that sat astride him and he remained silent even as the other finished. He almost seemed bored but it seemed the young man was indeed contemplating something, the manner his lower lip was wet by the tip of his tongue, ultimately it would cause the dryness to worsen but for now his mouth felt too dry to form words.\n\nSarcasm ought to be avoided and despite his lethargy in the face of this attempt he decided it was better not to tempt fate by speaking the first thing that came to mind. While it would be easy enough to throw this man -his weight barely seemed anything and he had spent time wrestling with far bigger people- there was always the chance that even if he did throw the other off of him his neck would be sliced. Of course where the blade was held was off to the side anyway so it would be unlikely he could strike deep enough for a killing blow should Alessandro decide to throw this man off of him and dispatch him himself.\n\nThough part of him wondered what on earth the point was, this had been the sixth or seventh attempt in as many months and no matter how many times they took out the assassin they never seemed to stop. Of course such information was kept out of the public's eye, the King didn't want panic on the streets and it would be panic that was caused. Either the prince had one persistent enemy or many who were unaware of the moves of the others involved, surely it would just be more peaceful if he let this cretin do it. of course, he couldn't do that to his little sister, nor to his mother, they had grieved enough this year and Alessandro didn't want to see either grieving again where he could possibly help it.\n\nWhich meant he had one of two options, risk the wound or beg, the latter annoyed him significantly. Begging was just such a repulsive act, one he thought all humans -not just royalty- were above the need to do. He had never begged for a thing in his life, even as a child he had not begged for a toy or a pet of any kind, he took what came his way and he dealt with the rest.\n\nThe problem with this would-be-murderer was he was so confident he had already won, that the Prince was just a hapless little prick like any other mark he'd ever dealt with. He held the blade in such a way that sure, he could strike true to a precious vein and he'd bleed out quickly, but the awkwardness of the angle such as it was would mean anything that jostled the bed, the target or the killer himself would mean the blade would slip and it was unlikely to do much but produce a shallow wound, if it nicked his flesh at all. It was this kind of arrogance that usually caused the mild mannered Prince to lose his patience with people, it was perhaps the one good piece of information Torric had ever given him 'As long as you are drawing breath you haven't lost' likewise of course an enemy who still drew breath was a threat but that wasn't quite Alessandro's cup of tea.\n\nFor now he was going to play it careful, as the last thing he needed was for his own confidence to be his downfall. \"I do not appreciate being sat upon, it makes it hard to think.\" Came a growl, his voice a low baritone but not so low as his fathers, it had a rumbling quality that in most cases would seem warm but right now would seem anything but, he eyed the cretin carefully, \"If you are going to ask for last words then how about you do so with a level of decency instead of like a common whore.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Rei watches with vague curiosity as the boy seems to assess his situation much in the same way he himself would go about doing it in the same situation. Something dull and almost bored behind his gaze makes him feel a little odd. He's heard of a few assassins who have been hired to kill someone who was very use to having attempts made on their life. ~\"Like this was just another thing in their day they had to deal with. It's freaky!\"~ While he is not freaked out, Rei acknowledges mentally now that the look is indeed disconcerting. The low town accompanied by a growl sets Rei's nerves alight.*'A fighter'*However, his final statement gives the assassin pause.\n\n*'Different'*He stares for several seconds, gauging everything quickly, calculating what he can and can't get away with should he withdraw. Finally, more out of curiosity than anything else, Rei blinks one slow blink before nodding slightly and leaning back. Making sure to keep his blade tight in his grip, out of the path of the boy's hand should he decide to try and knock it aside, he leans slowly tone one side and dismounts his target.*'He must think his last words are important indeed if he wishes to think about them thoroughly'*Rei has no problem with waiting, knowing that no one actually checks on the young man from his research. Settling back so he's on one knee, the other leg up so he's in a kneeling position and ready to act, he stares at the boy, eyes standing open and alert, without being creepily wide.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "With the, thing, finally off of him he shifts to slowly sit up and stretches first one, then the other arm across his chest. \"Mind if I get up?\" He didn't wait for a response though and slipped from between the covers which fell away like a ripple of water revealing his near pristine flesh. Near. There was a scar on his back about the same size and shape as a cane like those a teacher might hold. There were a couple on his knees and a jagged one that seemed to have healed rather poorly above his left hip. With his back to his assassin he stretched his arms above his head and worked the kinks out of his body, yawning quietly and ruffling up his own hair as he relaxed from the stretch. \"I can't think on an empty stomach, looks like I have grapes and water, oh wait. Or wine.\" He poured them an a glass and placed it in front of him with a small bunch of the black grapes before kicking back into his chair and pouring himself some water, savouring the first cool sip of it.\n\n\"So, who is it who hired you to kill me, I think if I'm going to...hold on.\" Lifting a hand to shush the hit man there was silence then a a couple of seconds later footfalls and a rap on the door. A timid voice shouted through, \"Are you alright mi'lord?\" To which the Prince called back, \"I am, I can't sleep so I'm going to read before bed. Run along now or you'll never be up early enough to help me dress in the morning.\" There was a quiet eep and a hurried 'yes sir' before the foot steps retreated back down the hall and away. \"You lay one hand on that boy and I swear I'll haunt you.\" For a moment the jovial, unbothered appearance became as hard and keen as a Lion's predatory gaze, his eyes like a hawks honing on a target. Then like a shadow on the moon it had passed and he was relaxed again. \"Where was I? Oh yes. So who hried you? I think I have the right to know if I'm not going to see the sunrise don't I?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "With a roll of one shoulder he took a grape from the stalk and turned it in his hand as he responded, \"I have met very poor*people*in my life time.\" He uttered, punctuating the 'people' comment with a small squeeze to the grape. \"He is one of the few people I've met who isn't a shallow empty shell driven by little more than self service and arrogance.\" A far better person than he was for instance, he popped the grape in his mouth and with a couple of chews, he swallowed it. \"If he came in you'd have little choice but to kill him. Which is why I am telling you now, do not touch him.\" There was a vague smile on his lips. \"If you find it insulting or endearing his hardly any of my business mister killer. The only one who can determine the worth of another's words is the listener after all.\"\n\nAs the creature speaks the prince chuckles, \"Is that what you think? I think you are very much still a threat. A fae murderer is out to kill me, I can not be more scared, for a start my father has told the Kingdom the fae have long since left our shores and none has been seen for hundreds of years. An assassin got into my room and attacked me while I slept and now like a cat toying with a mouse is waiting until he grows bored to end it.\" He wasn't being sarcastic, he was being quite genuine, with a sip of his wine he sat himself up from his half lounge and ran his fingers through his hair. \"I simply don't care if you decide to kill me or if you decide not to. I am rather sick and bored of playing this game over and over again putting the people I care about in danger just to prolong my life until the next murderer turns up wanting my blood. Any moment now my sweet little sister could come running in as she sometimes does if she has nightmares, my loyal servant might decide he has forgotten some small detail and come to fix it, the guards, my father, any number of people who live here could die tonight just so you can kill me and I don't want that on my conscience any longer.\"\n\nWith a deep breath he nodded when the fae said he would not reveal his employers name, \"Quite right too.\" He uttered quietly, shifting up from the table and taking a final grape between his lips, \"Well then here are my last words and then you better get on with it. You can dress it up anyway you like to but the simple fact is you're nothing more than a common killer and the money you get will never be enough to fill that ever growing abyss in your heart. You probably don't even know what it is so I'll tell you, it's despair and loneliness and you can throw all the money and jewels in the world at it but it'll only get bigger and deeper and blacker and colder until every time you kill is the only time you can escape it. You might be killing me tonight Fae, but in the end, you're killing yourself as well.\" He gave a sorrowful smile to the blond haired creature on his bed, one of true pity almost and then, with hands behind his back, he waited.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Not really caring what the boy thinks of him as far as what he is, Rei stops trying to convince the prince that he is not a murderer.*'There is a big difference, but at this point the whole thing is moot. However. . .'*The boy's words about something black and cold inside him passes over him like a breeze. Instead of responding right away he looks to the door, then to the room.*'This place is far more than most could ever ask for. Just this room could house entire families far more comfortably than most of the meager homes I've seen in my travels'*His eyes wander back over to the boy sitting rather stiffly in his chair with his arms behind his back.*'Despite what I've learned of him and his treatment, he has it better than even the richest commoner'*His arms relax, one falling to his side, the other sliding down to grip the handle of his weapon gently.*'And yet, the one thing, the only thing, he seems to care about is the safety of others. I have met many in positions like his, and all placed themselves first. All offered anything to keep their lives, or tried to fight me'*His head tilts tot he side and a finger begins stroking over the weapon handle.\n\n*'But not him. He's different. He's interesting. Like the people in the books I read. But real. He's here, with those eyes I've seen so often on poor towns. The ones worn by those people who pity the poor. Yes, pity, that's the look. He pities me'*His grip tightens on the handle and in a smooth slow motion he draws it. His eyes remain locked on the prince as he does so. He settles the blade in his opposite hand and rolls it thoughtfully. After a few quiet minuets his shifts the blade up so the point is pressing into the flesh in the middle of his hand. It does not draw blood, but as he concentrates the spot begins glowing. A moment later the light goes out and he drops the hand, bringing his other down at the same time to rest his blade at hip level.\n\nHe blinks a slow blink and takes a breath before finally speaking. \"You are different.\" Those words hand for a moment as he comes to a decision. \"A lot of what you say makes no sense to me, as I do not feel as humans do, but I have become curious.\" Pushing off the bed post he takes a step towards the prince. \"I have never met one as you, though from what I've read you are as a ruler should be. You concern being first for others rather than yourself.\" He takes another step. \"I don't understand it. I find you interesting, and I. . . .\"His mind casts about for the right way to put his thoughts. \"I. . . .Do not think it would be to my benefit to kill you.\" He takes another step, standing right in front of the prince now. He nods, \"It is true, I live for my own benefit, thinking only of me. But for me, I am the only one I have, so thinking of others is pointless.\"\n\nSlowly he brings the blade up, keeping a tight hold of the handle. He settles the tip directly over the boy's heart, the tip barely a hair's breath from touching him. \"I have no obligation to fulfill my contract, seeing as I haven't spent the money yet. However I think letting you live would not be good enough to fulfill my selfish wanting.\" Reaching down with his free hand he pulls one of the prince's arms from behind his back and settles his hand atop his own on the handle of the weapon. He blinks slowly again, his face expressionless. \"You say you don't care anymore, and that you are tired of 'playing the game'. So here I will give you a choice. If you truly have no care for you life anymore, I do not see a point in you living it, so I will help you end it.\" His head tilts gently tot he side. \"But if there is any part of you that is willing to live, I will stay my hand and return the money. In exchange for permission to stay and observe you, I will pledge on my life to keep you and any others you wish me to safe and alive.\" He pauses for a moment then adds, \"Though for every life I have to take in that pursuit I expect compensation. One can not live on slaked curiosity after all.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "As he watched the emotionless boy he thought back to a doll his sister had, it was a darling little thing but always gave him the creeps, it's large expressionless eyes on such an innocent and pure face, that's what this little fae child reminded him of. Honestly of course he ought to be screaming, proclaiming the thing wasn't real and calling guards to burn it, he should be panicking but he was both too tired and still too far under the affects of alcohol to over react in such a way. Not of course, that he had ever heard of anything good about the fae people but he saw little need to be afraid and cower openly. The fae child made it blatant that emotion was not his forte and spoke as one might if a character from a story book had suddenly begun answering back. \"A person can not live for themselves alone that isn't living, thats just not dying.\" Though he doubted the fae would understand that either for he only just understood it himself.\n\nApproached he remained where he was and listened to all the fae had to say and allowed his own hand to be moved over the handle of the blade. \"I have not given up on life, I have given up on making others suffer so I may keep surviving.\" He dropped his hand from the handle and, half in a daze, reached up to touch some of the oddly fluffy hair atop the fae child's head, running it carefully between his fingers, \"If you help make certain that those I need to protect get their protection I will pay you in whatever it is you desire, I will, much to my father's despair, one day be king but I have no use for jewels and trinkets, though by your words you seem more interested in a different form of power. We have a library, if that better takes your fancy?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "As he watched the emotionless boy he thought back to a doll his sister had, it was a darling little thing but always gave him the creeps, it's large expressionless eyes on such an innocent and pure face, that's what this little fae child reminded him of. Honestly of course he ought to be screaming, proclaiming the thing wasn't real and calling guards to burn it, he should be panicking but he was both too tired and still too far under the affects of alcohol to over react in such a way. Not of course, that he had ever heard of anything good about the fae people but he saw little need to be afraid and cower openly. The fae child made it blatant that emotion was not his forte and spoke as one might if a character from a story book had suddenly begun answering back. \"A person can not live for themselves alone that isn't living, thats just not dying.\" Though he doubted the fae would understand that either for he only just understood it himself.\n\nApproached he remained where he was and listened to all the fae had to say and allowed his own hand to be moved over the handle of the blade. \"I have not given up on life, I have given up on making others suffer so I may keep surviving.\" He dropped his hand from the handle and, half in a daze, reached up to touch some of the oddly fluffy hair atop the fae child's head, running it carefully between his fingers, \"If you help make certain that those I need to protect get their protection I will pay you in whatever it is you desire, I will, much to my father's despair, one day be king but I have no use for jewels and trinkets, though by your words you seem more interested in a different form of power. We have a library, if that better takes your fancy?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "Rei stands silent for several seconds, listening to the boy speak. His eyes follow the hand as it reaches up and caresses his hair. The feeling is odd, but not unpleasant so he does nothing to stop it.*'It is strange. I recall a few of the men and woman I was raised around toying with my hair from time to time, but this feels different'*He blinks, looking back down at the prince.*'He looks almost distracted, but he truly hasn't given up'*His blade drops slowly. \"Time in your hall of books would be nice, but I have a collection of my own I would like to expand as well.\" He looks down at the young man for a little longer before stepping back, sliding his blade back into it's scabbard. Walking back to the bed he reaches out, touching the nearest bed post.\n\nHis fingers trail down in, feeling the grain of the wood slide against his fingers before they wander across the foot of the bed. Heading towards the window he makes his way to the other post before stopping. Turning to look back at the prince he tilts his head to the side. With a slow nod he looks to the door then back at the boy. \"I will protect all whom you point out to me to protect, and I assure their safety as long as I draw breath.\" He looks over his shoulder at the window. \"It will take me a day and a half to return to this place.\" His gaze returns to the other man. \"I will come here night after next to find out what arrangements you have made for my being here. I trust your word in this matter,however if you are speaking untruthfully to me now, I will simply pick up the contract again if it is still available. If not, I will leave and you will never see me again.\" With that he moves over to the window, turning so he can sit on the sill, waiting for the boy's response.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "With a small smile the prince nodded and then gave a bow. \"By the night after tomorrow eve' I shall have had it all arranged with the staff and my father, the library is rarely locked lest the gates are open and so you will find you can come and go there as you please. Though I urge you not to take any of the books there out of the library. If you find one you like or desire for your own I shall try and find a copy. You will, if it suits you, live in the castle, I shall have a room made up close to mine so bring with you whatever you desire to have or I shall furnish the room as I believe will suit you. If you desire an abode away from the...finery. Of the palace I shall inquire into the various houses outside the castle.\" For all the Prince was he was efficient, come the sunrise he would speak with his parents, though he would leave out the assassin part and make them aware he had hired a body guard who needed a place nearby to lay his head. He would speak to the library meister to make sure that the white haired ragamuffin was allowed access to the library and he'd arrange and set up room or quarters with the necessities a man like him would need. A bed, wardrobe, chair, table, and book case would seem adequate for the time being.\n\nOne, after all, didn't make it far as the prince of this place without being organised and honestly the sooner the boy was nearby- though he'd never admit as much- the safer he'd feel and perhaps he'd finally get a good nights sleep. Glancing to the boys peculiar ears he uttered, \"It would be best if we covered those.\" He rose a finger to gently, if permitted for should the fae flinch he'd drop his hand to his side, \"We have been told your kind are extinct, gone. If the people find out that isn't true...if my father does.\" The Prince sighed lightly, \"You don't have a glowing reputation among the people. Maybe a change of clothes as well, to keep their suspicion at bay. Will that be okay by you?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" } ]

[ { "text": "The Prince smiled faintly from under his own arm as he heard the familiar voice and slowly sat himself up. \"That i believe would be my father's way of trying to soothe his bruised ego.\" Alessandro rubbed his lower back and stood up. \"If anyone asks by the way, you stopped and disposed of the assassin that tried to kill me last night. My father isn't big on second chances. Shall I show you to your room or would you like to discuss things some more before we go?\" Alessandro ran ah and through his hair and crossed the room to pull on his shoes once more, there was a faint shuffling of feet passed the door but he had already informed his own servants and those that worked here he would have a guest so they didn't linger long. \"I do only have two rules, don't kill anyone unless they're trying to kill me or my family and try not to sneak into peoples rooms in the middle of the night. It's a little bit creepy.\" He offered a good natured wink and with a coat settled on his shoulders, for the castles hallways often got cold even if a log fire burned in each room, he waited by the door.\n\n\"Everything has been arranged as I said, you will have access to the library as early as tonight should you wish it until the foreseeable future. The only wing you are not allowed in is my family's west wing where my father, mother and sister sleep. Only disobey that if they are in trouble. Until my father makes an announcement to all the guards you are considered neither hostile nor part of the guard so keep your behaviour appropriate. If you happen to run into my parents please use manners around them, my father doesn't tolerate fools and while my sister has a slightly better humour it is not easy to temper my father when he's angry. I...hope this is all alright? I don't mean to bombard you but things here are quite...strict.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "Rei watches the young man rise, his eyes watching his movements carefully.*'He seems far steadier today. I have heard of egos before, and the danger of bruising one. I pray his father does not seek out to sooth it by giving me a hard time. That would be counter productive'*Instead of replying to the man's question his head turns towards the door where the sound of shuffling feet draws his attention. It isn't long before they move off but Rei still listens carefully until they are a goodly distance away.*'I suppose I will have to get use to knocking if I can not simply walk into rooms as I have always done. Though this will prove to make defending people more difficult'*\n\nFollowing behind the prince several paces behind he reaches into his bag to retrieve the scarf. Stopping a good yard and a half away from the young man his listens silently as he turns the headscarf into a headband and slips it under the bristle of his bangs and around his head.*'Defending these people sounds like an interesting challenge. It sounds as if I will have plenty of time to observe many different kinds of people'*His gaze comes up to meet that of the prince.*'However I am confident he will remain the most interesting'*Blinking slowly he formulated his responses to the sudden pouring of information.\n\n\"I will most likely map out the palace tonight, keeping to myself to make the job go more swiftly. I understand this rule about the west wing, however I will need to see it as well, however I will be more stealthy than the rest of my tour if it would please you. No one will see me.\" Slipping his fingers beneath the headband he settles it into a comfortable position, curving his fingers over the tips of his ears to make sure they are covered before pulling the fabric tight so he can tie it. \"I will do my best not to be rude, however I have very little practice with social graces seeing as I was raised by assassins and after killing them and returning home the majority of my kind avoid me like a plague of boils. Perhaps it would be best if I avoid speaking unless absolutely necessary as I do in my home village.\"\n\nSecuring the knot in a comfortable place Rei turns his head from side to side serving the dual purpose of making sure it isn't pulling any hairs and showing the prince that his ears appear completely human now. \"As for being strict. . .\" His voice becomes a little distant. \"I understand rules. I grew up with a lot of them, and breaking them meant death so I have become quite skilled at following them when they are important.\" Blinking again he turns to look back at the young man who is now essentially his master. \"My room would be a good place to go. I assume the clothes you picked out for me are ready? From your own words, the sooner I change out of these, the better. Lead the way.\" His tone is soft and exacting, his methodical nature coming through loud and clear.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro chooses not to argue with the fae, he seems to know what he is doing and as long as he remains unseen he is certain that things will turn out alright in the end. With a small nod and slightly amused smile he turns and leads the way out of his room and the short walk to Rei's new abode, it is a maximum of about twenty meters from Alessandro's own and is in a direct line to it with few adornments on the walls on this side of the palace. There are staff moving about quietly down the halls and about various points in the palace but all seem content and polite offering gracious nods and smiles. \"You could always survey it tonight.\" Alessandro utters quietly when they are alone in the halls, \"Or you can allow me to take you on a tour of the more prominent regions of the castle and examine all else tonight. It might be slower for you but it will make your profile better known to the servants so if you are spotted they can dismiss it as an accident rather than an intruder.\" He offered before pushing and holding the door open to Rei's room.\n\nA bookcase had been bought inside and filled with books that ranged from geographic survey audits to the history of the kingdom, books on the various natural resources of the land and local wild life including just one book about the old fae and human wars. There was among these also story books, novels rather than the picture books of children, most of which were more stories meant to frighten children to behave where the antagonists were usually fae. The table had been covered with a pitcher of water and bowl of fruit, at some point a roast quail and potatoes had been placed under a silver bell shaped lid and a clean goblet sat to one side of it with utensils to eat with. The bed had been made up with a few extra pillows and a throw as well as the duvet while the fire had been lit with a hickory log at it's core so it both warmed the room and freshened the scent within. One of them aids had seen fit to put a small vase of flowers above the fire place to help rid the room of any bad smells and there on the bed were the laid out clothes that Alessandro had chosen earlier, including a soft cloth hat which he'd rustled up for his ears.\n\n\"What do you think? Is it acceptable?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Alessandro chooses not to argue with the fae, he seems to know what he is doing and as long as he remains unseen he is certain that things will turn out alright in the end. With a small nod and slightly amused smile he turns and leads the way out of his room and the short walk to Rei's new abode, it is a maximum of about twenty meters from Alessandro's own and is in a direct line to it with few adornments on the walls on this side of the palace. There are staff moving about quietly down the halls and about various points in the palace but all seem content and polite offering gracious nods and smiles. \"You could always survey it tonight.\" Alessandro utters quietly when they are alone in the halls, \"Or you can allow me to take you on a tour of the more prominent regions of the castle and examine all else tonight. It might be slower for you but it will make your profile better known to the servants so if you are spotted they can dismiss it as an accident rather than an intruder.\" He offered before pushing and holding the door open to Rei's room.\n\nA bookcase had been bought inside and filled with books that ranged from geographic survey audits to the history of the kingdom, books on the various natural resources of the land and local wild life including just one book about the old fae and human wars. There was among these also story books, novels rather than the picture books of children, most of which were more stories meant to frighten children to behave where the antagonists were usually fae. The table had been covered with a pitcher of water and bowl of fruit, at some point a roast quail and potatoes had been placed under a silver bell shaped lid and a clean goblet sat to one side of it with utensils to eat with. The bed had been made up with a few extra pillows and a throw as well as the duvet while the fire had been lit with a hickory log at it's core so it both warmed the room and freshened the scent within. One of them aids had seen fit to put a small vase of flowers above the fire place to help rid the room of any bad smells and there on the bed were the laid out clothes that Alessandro had chosen earlier, including a soft cloth hat which he'd rustled up for his ears.\n\n\"What do you think? Is it acceptable?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null }, { "text": "Rei follows the young man quietly out of his room and down the hall. As they pass those who appear to be servants of the house,Rei keeps his gaze clear and disinterested.*'Many servants are underestimated when it comes to their powers of observation'*He cocks his head a bit at the offer to show him around first, but wonders what the prince means by \"Tonight\".*'Is it not already tonight? The sun is down, it is dark out, so it is indeed night. Perhaps he means the early morning hours where most are asleep. That was the plan for the restricted sections, but if he wishes to accompany me until them, I have no real objections'*\n\nStepping into his now abode he gives it a cursory look, his gaze lingering on the partially stocked bookshelf.*'There should be room for mine'*With a faint nod he walks towards the bed and sets his bag down beside the clothing. \"It is at least twice the size of my house. I am sure it will be fine. Thank you for the bookshelf.\" As he finishes he pulls out the few books he grabbed and moves over to place them on an empty shelf. \"About what you said before. If you wish to accompany me before this night grows into morning, I would have no objection. When most of the house is asleep though I would prefer to travel alone.\" Moving back to the bed he looks over the clothes, tilting his head this way and that before nodding. \"They look to offer sufficient movement.\"\n\nReaching up he pulls on the flexible material of his outfit at the neck and like peeling off a tight sock, he pulls the entire thing off in one go and leaves it in a pile next to his feet. Testing each item with his fingers first he pulls the outfit on over his nude body until he he is faces with the last two pieces Wrinkling his nose at the boots he glances back at the prince before pulling them on slowly. \"I fear your servants will be finding these left around the castle and ground quite often. I will wear them to avoid suspicion, but I will not hesitate to remove them when necessary.\" Once they are on, he wiggles his toes, staring down at them for a moment before scooping up the hat and looking it over.*'Never hurts to be double cautious, however if the hat goes over the bandanna and the hat is pulled off, so too may be the bandanna, so perhaps it is safer without it. . .'*He thinks about it for a moment, his body unmoving as his mind weighs the pros and cons. Finally he decides and pulls the hat on carefully over the cloth wrapped around his head and turns to the prince. Tilting his head he holds his hands out. \"Do I look sufficiently human?\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "The prince remained standing and kept his eyes sufficiently averted as the fae went about examining then changing into the new sets of clothes, he was glad the fae seemed happy with the accommodation he'd provided, it was not much more than a personally decorated servants quarters but even that had seemed to be rather over the top in the opinion of the fae. He had thought about what the fae had said the previous night about how they had it easy while others suffered, he'd never thought about it before, aside passing thoughts, that there was just so much pointless space in the castle. Of course when it was built it was probably intended for keeping the villagers or nobles safe if there was a siege or war as that had been done several times in the history books but it was still strange that it was built so large. Perhaps it was also the way, back then, a person proved their wealth by having larger homes?\n\nAlessandro nodded lightly to the fae's words about the viewing of the castle, it made more sense that he show the bodyguard around, while he was certain the fae had amazing skills the Prince had learned no one was perfect and no one was infallible. Fae or not there were going to be things he overlooked, things that the prince for instance wouldn't as he knew where to look and what to look for. Like no doubt if Alessandro visited the fae's own abode he would know more than the prince about the ins and outs of it no matter how talented Alessandro thought he was. There were secret passages and peepholes, there were alternate routes and squeaky boards there were so many twists and turns it could make a man dizzy and one false step, even for a fae, would find a person with their head upon a chopping block. His family were not fools, foolish at times perhaps but they were not fools and they were well prepared for most eventualities, the guards on top of which were loyal and hard to corrupt and even the queen and princess had learned how to use a sword.\n\nThe prince though remained quiet accept for his nod of understanding to the fae, he would show the fae what he could before the hours grew too late and then he would hope and pray to the gods that the fae didn't go and get himself caught in a place he ought not to be. Soon the subject of matter was the clothes, he had personally chosen such an outfit with what the fae had had in mind and was glad to hear they met his exacting standards. When the peripheral of his vision caught the undressing fae the prince made a more obvious act of turning away and keeping his eyes closed until he was asked for his opinion on the outfit. Turning around he glanced over the fae who was now donned in the Kings colours and gave another nod, \"Yes, you look quite human now and less like you intend to kill me. Which i must say is a relief. Would you care to finish settlign in or shall I show you around?\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" } ]

[ { "text": "Making short work of the hunk of meat Rei is soon licking his fingers clean, drying them on the clean parts of the cloth in his lap. Moments later he stiffens, feeling the prince moving to his door. Sliding off the bed and directly into the boots he's made ready earlier that morning he takes only a moment to adjust them on his feet before striding quickly over to the door.*'By his speed he does not plan on stopping'*Without a thought he pulls the door open bare moments after the prince passes and almost as if it's the most natural thing in the world he begins trailing a fair distance behind the taller male, the door swinging closed with s small click behind him. His boots are uncomfortably loud to his ears but years of practice walking softly makes his steps nearly silent to the duller human sense of hearing. Despite the wig Rei finds the man before him very recognizable. Something about the way he moves and the way he holds himself screams that he is none other than a prince on the edge.\n\nAt the bottom of the stairs he spares a glance at the gathered lords and ladies at the other end of the hall. Most do not even seem to notice the prince's passing, but one girl looks to him with a sad expression on her face. Before he looks away he sees her gaze shift and for a brief moment their eyes meet. Rei can not read the expression behind her gaze as he passes along behind the young royal, but something about it causes him to make a note in his head to get to know more about her.*'I have the distinct impression she may be related to him'*Unable to confirm his suspicion at the moment, the concentration and time it would take to send out his magic to check would have him falling too far behind his charge. As it is the prince seems intent on not being seen, moving through the area like a shadow behind the servants until at last he moves outside.\n\nWhen he vanishes into the light Rei quickens his pace, the sound of his boots bothering him, but other than the servants already looking after the prince none seem to notice him passing by. Once outside he slows again, not sure how close his ward wants him to be. A few guards on the wall look down at him, but he pays them no mind. Even this early in the morning he can already feel the air warming with the sun, still not very high in the sky.*'This will most likely be the extent of my connection to nature for a while, plus the gardens on the grounds. I wonder if a part of me will crave the nature it's grown accustom to'*As they move to the stables Rei takes the opportunity to once more stretch his boots a bit, curling and uncurling his toes with each step. The motion is unnoticeable, and the only difference it makes in his stride is a slightly slowed pace.\n\nAt the stable door he stops. Even at that distance, all the beasts inside seem to become a little edgy. He watches a large black horse shake off a stable boy trying to get his harness fixed properly.*'This may be a good time to tell the prince about how animals feel about me'*Looking over to where the young man is he finds himself curious about his the animal at his hands is acting. The young filly doesn't seem bothered by Rei at all, nickering happily while the Alessandro feeds her an apple. Something like this has happened only a few times in his life. Some animals that are different from most. For some ineffable reason they don't seem to be bothered by him.*'If the prince is to ride, I would say that one would be best. There is no telling what would happen if he mounted a horse with me around. At a safe distance they are unaffected, but I would have to travel a little closer than that to do my job properly'*\n\nRisking setting off the entire barn Rei moves across the straw strewn floor to the young lord's side. The filly looks to him, shaking her head before reaching out to nibble at his shirt in an effort to find more treats. Around them the other horses begin snorting and stomping, a few kicking out at their stall walls. Raising his voice about the din he looks up at the prince. \"Most animals do not like me, so if you are planning on riding today I would ask you use this one. She does not seem to mind me.\" As if to further his point she headbutts his arm before chewing on his sleeve a little. He steps carefully back out of her reach before retreating to the stable door once more not wanting to start a stampede.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "it seemed odd that the horses began to grow riled, the dogs often slept in the barn and as most were used for hunting and war it was a rare thing to see them agitated if not scared, glancing up with briefly narrowed eyes he attempt to find the source of their discomfort. It was his sweet girl who alerted him to Rei and glancing at the fae boy he listened closely to get his words above the din being created. His own horse seemed utterly unruffled by the fae's presence, going so far as attempting to find treats in the boys own pockets which caused a light-hearted grin to form on Alessandro's face. The heaviness of Rei's words not hitting him until the fae had backed out and the animals started to calm themselves once more. This was going to be a problem.\n\nAlessandro would love to heed the advice of his heart and of Rei but a prince, least of all a crowned prince, could be seen doing such a dishonour to any one who had given them a gift such as the Stallion, let alone his own father. The politics behind the gift were half the reason behind his constant despair of birthdays and other celebrations. If one did not honour their gifts then they were seen either as ungrateful or worse still unhappy with such a gift, wars in the past had been started over gift giving though few sides would admit to such in history books. An ungrateful King was one who did not respect their allies and was seen as to think he was somehow better than them. An unhappy King would be considered as to be thinkign the gift unworthy of their time, perhaps not lavish enough and thus considered greedy for something worthy of more money. All this was intensified with the children of a king, oh girls had it easy with their ponies, dresses and jewelry, they rarely rode so it mattered little which they rode and dresses were circulated more than the town criers news. A boy though, Alessandro, had standards to uphold, things he had to do or use or be seen using to be considered doing his father right.\n\nWith a sigh he kissed the dappled horse again and called to a stable hand to saddle her up as well, if he was going riding he'd ride the black one, his father would never let him hear the end of it if he did not. Judging by the reactions of the other horses only she would allow him to ride her without throwing him off. While the stallion had seemed uncomfortable and agitated he'd have to take that chance and remember to be ready for it to throw him off. With the horses being saddled Alessandro slipped outside to find his guardian, leaning upon a bale of stacked hay once found, \"You will be riding today, you will treat her gently she is my favorite.\" Alessandro took a deep breath, \"Have you ever ridden before?\" Hopefully the fae would not ask to many questions about his choice, so much as speaking of it in the presence of the 'wrong' ears would be disastrous.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "Holding the reins loosely Rei touches the neck of his beast and she bobs her head once before following the prince and his horse out on to the city streets. She stays several paces behind the black one, Rei's usual look of disinterest masking his keyed up body and his senses now working overtime. Passing so close, to so many people, and for such a long period of time is dangerous no matter who you are. Killing someone in crowds is not as hard as one would think. Rei himself would find the prince an easy target, a good head an shoulders above the rabble on his gigantic beast. He catches whispers here and there, most of which are relatively harmless, even if they are disrespectful to the prince, but a few voices draw his gaze from the young man's back and into the crowd. He keeps his expression blank, but his eyes seek out the source of what caught his interest.\n\nThe tone of the voices indicate real and true loathing, but it is more the reply to those kinds of tones that are of interest to the assassin.*'There are at least two like me less than twenty feet from here. They are not primed to kill, so he is safe, but them being so close. . .They are scoping Alessandro out, getting to know his face. The ones with him. . . They are the ones most assassins get their information from. The ones who hate, but are too cowardly to do the deed themselves'*As they pass, when people get a look at Rei a kind of hush falls across the crowd. This makes it easier for the fae to hear what is being said about the prince, but he knows that despite their silence, he is drawing almost as much attention as the prince himself.\n\nOnce past they begin a whole new line of whispers, all of which are either questions as to what Rei is doing with the prince, or ideas of who Rei is. Rei has to close his eyes to filter is all, but eventually they reach the edge of town and he is able to open them again. Looking up at the male astride the large stallion Rei tilts his head, noticing that the prince looks much different in the saddle than he does when they are alone together.*'His body is ridged and stiff. I wonder if he is uncomfortable up there? But, he rides horses all the time, no? He seems familiar with the beasts. Perhaps one of the grooms did not put the saddle on right'*Rei, despite his time spent around high society and human beings, has grown very little understanding in the ways of human nobility. He has seen the prince stand eye to eye with an assassin, the assassin being him, and not even flinch when knowing that his life could be ended any moment. The though of someone's words actually seriously bothering him doesn't even cross his mind after such a display.\n\nThen suddenly, under Rei's watchful gaze, the prince he'd met that night seems to return. That smile more true than any expression he'd seen all morning. Even the smile offered him after stilling the beast between his legs did not hold such things behind it as the one he has now. Rei does not even notice the horse beneath him leaping to keep up with the taller animal, instead he keeps his attention on the man astride it.*'Strange. It is as if he can not relax around his own kind. I know that when I am with the fae I am in no real danger, but then again, they are fae, not human. Perhaps the prince fears the deviousness of humans. No fae would dare hurt another fae, it is not their way'*Rei does not even notice his disconnection from his own people. Not aware that he always keeps himself separate from them en-mass. He may live with them, but they are not his people. Rei does not fit in anywhere, and deep down, beneath his conscious mind, he knows that.\n\nHis hands let go of the reins as he bends low over the female's neck as she bids him to. One hand slips to the front edge of the saddle while the other goes up to hold on to his hat. The speed at which they travel is a new experience to Rei and for a brief moment he takes his attention off the prince and looks around. However he has seen many rolling hills just like the ones flashing past so it does not take long for his eyes to come back to his ward. Eventually the horse in front of him slows and Rei sits up. He looks around at the area, many old bits of stone and wild flowers stretching away in every direction. Once slow enough Rei dismounts, letting the gray walk along beside him as once more his hand goes to his blade. If the prince can not get down and quite the beast, Rei is still resolved to kill it should it pose any threat.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Beast seemed to move like liquid night across the landscape, his hooves pounding the dirt relentless and kicking up grass blades with the wanton nature of a large beast. It was a different ride to his sweet mare, who seemed to barely touch the grass or dirt at all and whose ride was as smooth as silk. Beast was a whole other matter, he felt every hoof fall, every lump in the ground every jump of those powerful legs that kept the landscape a blur. It was intense in a whole different way to the freeing sensation that riding his filly was. When eventually they began to come upon the ruins he attempted to slow the beast down, his first command ignored and the beast raced yo against the stones until at a second firmer command the animal slowed and finally halted. It stamped impatiently and angrily a moment before it settled to the petting of it's mane and the soft cooing words in it's flickering ears.\n\nIt was as the fae approached the beast began to rear and stomp his hooves once again and Alessandro took a further moment to try and quell the beast, uncertain that he could from atop its saddle he slipped freely off of the horse and narrowly missed a swing of the powerful creatures head. With reigns in hand he stilled the horses head and with his weight against the horses shoulder he attempted to calm the animal again. Unhappy and agitated but still the prince tied his horse to a slender stone arch that seemed fit to hold it and allowed him to snuffle at the fresh grass and moss beneath his hooves. \"This place.\" He announced to the fae, as if not yet aware of his somewhat 'threatening' behaviour. \"Houses all the great families, right back to the man who laid the first stone of our castle. Very few people come here anymore, which is a little sad but it does mean I have a space to be free and by myself for a while. What do you think?\" It was then he turned and then he saw the hand on the hilt of the blade, the look in the fae's eyes. \"You will be on edge a lot of you suspect everyone of attempting to kill me, even my horse.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Having stopped beneath the trees a couple paces in front of the prince Rei had stopped and turned to show off his scar, and now as he waits, straitening his sleeve the best he can, he lets the faint breeze cool his body. Despite the light nature of the clothing he is wearing it is still difficult for his body to adjust to the loos fabric, his body heat trapped far more by them than the skin tight stuff he's grown use to wearing. He recalls wearing normal human clothing as he grew up, however even then it had always felt a little uncomfortable.\n\nAs his eyes come back up to the young man before him Rei blinks slowly, a bit confused by the look in his eyes. It is one he is not quite familiar with.*'It is almost as if there is nothing there to see, but it feels as if I am missing something'*He tilts his head slightly to the side, unbeknownst to him making him look much like a curious puppy. His gaze snaps down at the movement of the prince's hand, but other than that he stays completely still, waiting to see what happens. Then the hand is atop his head, the firm yet gently feeling rather new to him. Not sure what to make of it he remains still, wondering what is meant by the action.*'I could ask him, but he seems so intent on something. I will ask later'*When at last the silence breaks, a grin splitting his stoic expression from before, Rei listens quietly to what the young man has to say.\n\n*'He does not sound upset, but I am unsure if he is being. . .Sarcastic. I know many a noble who would be insulted to be spoken to thus, and as he put it, put in his place'*However with the man's thanks in place he takes him at his word that he is truly grateful and falls into step beside him as they continue their trek. His eyes follow Alessandro's actions as he plucks a sprig and tucks it into his own hat. Rei stills for a moment, making the action easier for the young man to do, even as his mind wanders to wondering what it sounds like to hear the flower dying without any thanks being given to it. Many fae grow and pluck flowers, as the prince had, however for each one plucked a thanks is given to it to set it's energy to rest, allowing it to die peacefully. I is why the flowers around town are so beautiful after being plucked. The energy left behind brings peace to the one viewing them.\n\nHowever, Rei has never understood such things, the flowers around his home never picked and just lazily swaying in the breeze. However, he feels the prince growing tense beside him and decides that perhaps he should say something. Looking up at the taller male he murmurs a soft, \"Thanks.\" Not sure if anything else would fit there, he turns his attention instead to their path. Eventually it opens up into a very beautiful field of grasses and flowers, around a happily babbling stream. As the prince once more asks for his opinion Rei moves through the grass wanting to get a better look at it all before responding and laying down his judgment.*'Not many have ever wanted my opinions on such things. Ask me the best way to get into a locked house or how to find one's way to a hidden cabin, and I have answers. I still have to observe the area, but I am unused to judging such things as beauty'*\n\nThe simple answer in his head is that the place is indeed beautiful, however he is never one for such short simple answers, so he continues to look about, staring down into the water as the fish dart by. Casting out his senses he detects no one around other than the prince so slowly he pulls off his hat and bandanna, allowing the breeze to ruffle his slightly flattened hair. He runs his fingers through it gently, the fluffy fringe up front quickly springing back up into it's natural bushiness. Finally he looks to the prince and nods, \"It is lovely, and peaceful. This feels much like the fields at the edge of my people's homelands, though it is clear that humans still tread here.\" Moving to the edge of the stream he kneels down, dipping his hands in before wetting the back of his neck with them. The sun does not damage nor darken a fae's skin, however it will warm them uncomfortably if they are not careful.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "It was rather refreshing for someone to actually think about their answer before they say it, too many people in the castle, lords and ladies mainly, sprouted off whatever half heard piece of information they thought to be witty, intelligent or interesting and rarely expressed themselves. Or did so so abruptly and explosively that it left a person rather shell shocked, his father being a prime case there. While Rei thought the prince wandered through the wild flowers, running his fingers across the top of the long grass and flowers as he once had as a kid, he and his siblings used to play here when they were younger, hide and seek mainly or sometimes it would be tag. It was one of the few times he and his brother had ever got along, occasionally he had thought that he had purposely been left hiding but both he and his sister assured him that they simply couldn't find him.\n\nWhen finally Rei came to his conclusion Alessandro nodded, \"I like it, though you are making it hard not to probe you with questions.\" He teased, slinking to the water with Rei and removing both footwear and socks, rolling up his trousers and allowing his feet to rest in the water, much to the fishes surprise which darted in every direction like a firework. \"I've often wondered what the fae lands are like, if they are accessible to humans, some people say they're on a separate plane. A world like this one and joined to this one but at the same time different and separate. Like drops of water in a pond.\" Alessandro fell silent and glanced over to the fae with that light-hearted youthful look to him, for a moment his eyes fell and lingered on those pointy ear tips, briefly reaching over, hesitating, then running one warm thumb across the edge of the lobe. \"I'm sorry.\" He stated, pulling his hand away when his curiousity was sated. \"It's still rather hard to come to terms that you even exist.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "Rei keeps his gaze on the water, watching the fish dart this way and that, seemingly the only thing other than bugs that don't automatically freak out around him. While he watches them however his attention is firmly on the young man beside him. Now able to better understand what he meant by not believing in fae he settles him mind on the subject, perusing it no further.*'It is good that he has no such wishes as to come to the village, however knowing the fae as I do, I really do wonder how they could be viewed as evil. I know with out magics there are some evil things that could be accomplished with it, however there is not a fae I know of that would enact such evils willingly. . .*He glances over at the prince, catching his wink without really catching it's meaning.\n\nA moment later a long string of questions tumble forth from the human and Rei turns a little more so he can more easily look upon the curious man. He had an inkling before that something like this was coming, so as query after query tumbles fro his lips Rei slowly begins formulating the answers, the questions not all the difficult to remember. Rei has a head for detail, as is expected of a good assassin, so something as simple as recalling several passing queries is child's play. He blinks slowly, a little curious as to why he sees asking questions as childish, however he decides to answer the prince's questions before asking his own.\n\nAfter a full minute of silence, all the while the fae looking at Alessandro with a rather impassive expression, he at last takes a deep breath. \"A healthy fae can live for several hundred years, we are innately magical which is why despite my lack of formal training I was able to learn and implement magic, however certain kinds of magic require study, and at times, charms and potions. There are certain magics humans can learn, however, from my studies, the true magic blood that humans inherited by breeding with magical beings has been horribly diluted over the years, so certain levels of magic are unreachable by all but the most talented and magically inclined members of your race.\" He pauses to take a breath, his fingers playing idly with the grass.\n\n\"Fae are indeed born with a strong spiritual connection to plants and animals, which is why animals do not like me, the taint on my soul repels them for the most part, and why I can not hear the plants when they try and speak to me. My fangs are sharper than a humans, as they are for all fae, thought I would not call them razor sharp. I have never personally killed a child, though I have been in the group when others have, however the fae in general revere the innocence of children and I do not see them laying a hand on a child in a vicious manner. In fact, there are records of human children being abandoned by their parents and raised by fae, which is how fae blood was once mixed in with humans, however after the war there have been less and less incidents of fae raising humans.\"\n\nHe tilts his head to the side, trying to figure out where the last rumor came from even as he answers the question. \"Fae do not go out of their way to obtain human children, though during the war, if a family was killed and only a baby remained the fae would take it in and away from the human village for the child's own good. Often times a baby left alive would be demonized and killed by the humans, thinking fae so evil that the only reason they would leave a baby alive is if the child itself is as evil as they. After several instances of this, the fae took to taking all babies away with them after battle, to keep the babies alive. Sometimes they would drop of the human babies off in other towns, ones outside the war, in hopes that this more passive village would take care of the children, and this was often the case. Often enough that after a while that became standard practice.\"\n\nDipping his hand in the water he once more wets the back of his neck, cooling off a bit. \"Human children raised by fae live a little longer than normal humans, but other than that, nothing about them changes, and I know of no instances where fae babies were given to human families, unless said child was the child of a fae and a human, and the human parent wanted to raise their child in the human world. However that has not happened for a long time.\" Flopping back on the grass Rei covers his eyes with his arm and lets out a sigh. \"I have never seen a unicorn, but they are still spoken of in the present tense by my people, so I'm sure they exist somewhere out there. As to you sounding like a child. . . .I do not think you sound like a child, only curious, and as no one every really cares what I have to say aside from \"The job is done\" I think it's kind of refreshing to talk to someone like this.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro turned, one leg bent in an L shape with its still damp heel against the grass and close to the thigh of his other leg which still dallied in the cool waters. His arms were lightly rested upon his knees with the hands clasped lightly in between them. Alessandro remained quiet all the while that Rei spoke but there were times where his brows furrowed in what might have been confusion or disbelief and other times they hiked up in surprise or potential concern. There was also a time where it was a clear struggle for the human not to blurt out something but with a small cough behind the back of one hand he kept himself composed and listened to it's climax, one thing that didn't change though was the dancing in his blue eyes. One could perhaps liken it to a fire but such was not a fire that burned or smoldered, this was a fire that hinted at passion and excitement, Alessandro for the most part was a curious person, he hid it well and often due to the fact such things were frowned upon often at court but he had a desire to learn, any new knowledge was, to him, a wonderful thing, better than a massive black horse or heavy golden trinkets any day.\n\nAlessandro offered the fae a small smile at the last sentence and then rolled on broad shoulder, \"Why would I not listen? A person can not learn a thing if all they do is talk and if a person dismisses another often enough they soon forget**how**to listen. I do not want to be the kind of man who forgets how to listen.\" He paused a moment himself then carried on, \"Besides you are very interesting. Even if you were not a fae I have the feeling I'd still think that, the best way to understand someone interesting is to have a conversation with them and conversations take two parties.\" There was another brief pause where Alessandro glanced across at the wild flowers and then to the flower in the man's hat that he had earlier plucked before finally back to Rei's face. \"I am not ashamed to say, I'm a little excited at the prospect of real unicorns still out there. Though Father must never find out. I can hear the decree going out now that his daughter must have a unicorn or he it's horn. Some people can't appreciate beauty from a distance, they have to catch it and destroy it.\" Realising he was rambling about things the fae likely wouldn't understand he cleared his throat and glanced out over the stream.\n\n\"You can't hear the flowers? Flowers speak? I remember once reading a tale about trees that spoke and move but when I asked about it people laughed and said they were just stories and it had never happened...The way you descrbe fae...it's not how they are depicted in my home, or anywhere much that I know of. I can imagine the war was hard fought but...\" Alessandro shook his head and shrugged, moving to stand up and dry his feet in the grasses beneath them. \"Lets not think about that for now, we should probably start heading back soon, Father will likely grow angry again if I miss another lesson on how to sit on a throne properly.\" There was a note of disdain but a larger note of playfulness in his tone as he pulled back on his woolen socks and shoes and stretched out his warmed muscles.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Rei nods his assent to holding his tongue in check around the prince's family member, intending not only that, but to speak with them only when necessary. It is clear by the young man's statements throughout their short time together that the fae is now an integral part of the princes life, whether he wishes such or not, and he feels no need to make his job more difficult by committing some social faux pas he has no knowledge of in the first place.*'If at all possible, I hope to have this young man at my side at all times possible. If there is need to talk to his family, I am sure he can pass on my words in a way suitable to their liking'*\n\nHis eyes once more travel to the trees, his hand coming up to make sure his hat is secure. \"Before, when I showed you the scar upon my arm, you took pause, your countenance changing greatly from one moment to the next. I could not read you, though when alone with me you are mostly simple to understand. This pause reminded me of a question I posed to myself the night we met, and again last night when I went to check on you in the night.\" He glances over at Alessandro, explaining himself quickly, but with an unhurried tone. \"I did not sneak in, I walked in from the secret passage, my own natural light step keeping you from noticing me.\"\n\nHis eyes flit from those of the prince to his shoulder then back to the trees. \"As I was saying, my scar seemed to have affected you, reminding me of the ones I saw upon your own flesh. I recognize several of them as cane marks, having seen many an example of them not only in books, but with my own eyes on nobles and the like I have slain in the past. The man who raised me closest what the first to explain them to me, after a kill where first I saw them.\" His gaze comes back down to look towards the prince.\n\n\"I would like to know who has authority to use a cane on you, the crowned prince of this land. Not only so I do not kill them on accident thinking them a threat, but for my own curiosity over why one such as yourself, the second highest station in the land, not including you mother, would be struck thusly. One wrong swing delivered harder than intended and you could be crippled, even killed on accident. . .\" His voice trails off, his gaze resting steadily on the young man. The light plays across his face in patches, making his skin almost seem to dance to the fae's eyes.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "As soon as the subject of the marks on his back are bought up he seems to grow quiet, a little sullen perhaps and definitely withdrawn. The smile fades from his lips and his eyes all the same and he averts his gaze back to the clearing and the gap they were heading for. It was all he could do not to reach around and touch the marks and keep his composure, looking straight ahead to the gap in the trees and the wall beyond was enough to distance the reminders from his mind a little. Despite his discomfort on the subject he waited, as he always did, until the fae was finished speaking and then he took a deep breath, stopped walking and leaned himself against a tree, sinking to his knees to be nestled between it's roots.\n\n\"It is very hard to spy on a man you're body guarding Rei, I don't mind.\" He stated first of all, his eyes briefly cast to the ground and his knees drawn up so his elbows could rest upon them, \"I would have you sleep in my room if it did not set the staff a gossiping.\" Which would lead to more caning no doubt, \"As for...my Father, my mother, My Brother when he was alive, god rest his soul, my teachers, the house carl, the weapons master, the meister, the cook once, though she was beaten and thrown out afterwards.\" He leaned his head against the trunk of the tree, \"Most of these are before my brother died, when I was nothing more than a second son. Though I honestly do not think my father much cares if I become crippled, he'd find a way to make one of his bastard sons the legitimate heir, or produce another.\" Alessandro spoke with a vague disconnection rather than the usual animation in his words and voice.\n\nThe beatings hurt of course but the reality of them, the ruthlessness behind them, that hurt more and for longer. For a while his father had loved him, they'd been close but the boys hair weighed on him year after year and the beatings began when it was clear the colour would not change. The yelling began, them uttered words and accusations. The idle comments one thought a child would miss, 'I should have strangled him as soon as he came out of me.' Or 'we should have thrown him into the water and let the river choose his fate.' Far worse besides with is brother calling him bastard before the boy even knew what the word meant. For a time the Meister was his friend, he dabbed the wounds and cleaned him up, even took him on as an apprentice for a while but even the old man had cause to beat him when he dropped a vial or misplaced a book. When his brother had died everything was a lot worse and his little sister was the only one who looked at him without the eyes of disdain. More than once he caught his mother weeping in her rooms 'why not take Alessandro, why did the gods take**him**.' Sometimes he often wondered that himself, surely it would have been better for all involved but he'd not been allowed on the battle field that day, if he had perhaps he'd not be sitting here with a fae feeling sorry for himself.\n\nShaking his head he rose and brushed off the grass, the smile took a while to reach his face again and the light in his eyes was dimmer but he tried his best. \"It would be rather funny to see you discipline my family of course but probably for the best if you don't.\" He offered a wink and stretched slowly, hesitating a moment before continuing on towards the clearing. \"I can be a handful so it's not like I don't deserve it some of the time, I like to fence, I like to see the country side, sometimes I go to the local tavern and just sit and listen to the people talking, they never recognise me without the wig. Of course a Prince shouldn't be associating with their people like that, they shouldn't be out taking the air like some woman and fencing isn't the way of our household. Then there's the times I'm late, oh they really don't like that.\" A slight amusement sparked in his eyes as he thought about all those times he'd been too busy to remember his lessons, or hadn't concentrated as he was thinking on other things. \"Still, like you said, everybody has their suffering right?\" A genuine smile flashed from his lips then, \"Come on, if I'm late I'll get another lash or three and I don't intend to spend another uncomfortable night on my stomach.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "*'He was tense, however he did not tell me to stop. I have heard, and even seen on occasion, cases where repeated actions cause automatic reactions in animals, however I have never seen in it a human. I mean, any down trodden underling will flinch back if a hand is raised against them, however this was different. I find this all very strange, and different, but then again if I did not, I would not be here, no?'*He keeps his focus on the black even as he finally manages to release the lady. His hands do not sooth over the horse's neck as he has seems most riders good to their mounts do. He does not know such soft touches, nor their power, having never felt them himself, least as he recalls. She however does not seem to mind, the faint hum of his magic in so close to her serving the same purpose as a stroke, though he does not know this.\n\nHe does not know the comfort his magic brings to those beasts that trust him, believing that the taint runs so deep that even his mystic energy is laced with the blood spilled across his soul, however since he can not converse with the beasts, he will never know that he still has a part of himself that is untainted, even if he does use it to help him kill from time to time. Stepping away from the other horse to try and give it some space the fae's eyes slide over to the young man donning the hair not his own. He looks at it curious for a time, a part of his knowing the reason for it, but his being not understanding it in the slightest.*'I know any family I may have left is far too ashamed of my life to claim me, but with the things I have done, that is completely understandable, however from the rumors the only thing the prince has done to warrant this is something about his hair color'*\n\nHis head tilts from side to side, watching as the young man approaches his mount. Rei's hand goes to his dagger, even after the words from the prince earlier he still will not tolerate the horse bringing him harm. It is not until the beast settles that Rei drops his hand and leaps lightly into the gray's saddle once more. He looks at the young man curiously, unable to respond to the offer as the prince almost immediately moves off towards the town.*~Same as before lady, just keep up but stay back~*With a soft knicker she nods and moves into an even pace with the black several paces ahead. Rei thinks on many things as they make their way back to the prince's home, some bits about society's oddities, other bits about familial ties, however his mind keeps coming back to the idea of how the prince is not treated as he should be.\n\n*'I have known him not long, however I have come to believe that he is one to be honored far more than it seems. His voice is soft, when speaking to me at least, and his eyes are keen, taking in subtle things I can see but not understand, however he understands them and knows how to get what he wants. I do not sense that greed and evil I have found in many human leaders over the years, though I have not live as many as some, I have dealt with his kind enough to know, he. . .is. . .different'*Rei knows that different is not always a good thing, but that is not the only thing that makes him confused about the young man's treatment. As they move through town he once more looks to the peasants and the like, their eyes showing a very small range of emotions from envy to anger to small gleams of admiration here and there.*'All of these people, no matter how they feel about him, even if there is no one around to order it, treat him as the crowned prince and move from his way without word or qualm. This is a normal way for him to be treated'*\n\nHis eyes travel to every side, even looking to the roofs to keep an eye on those who use the thieve's highway even at this hour of the day.*'I have watched the families in my village, the love and trust laying light a thick fog across every interaction between parent and child, and every child I have seen listens to their parent without question. True, I have not been there long, far shorter a time than any other my age, however that does not change the truth of what I have seen'*As they move through the front gates and back into the castle yard his focus returns to the large black stallion even as he dismounts.*'Perhaps it is just in a human's nature to strike what does not obey. To teach through pain'*His gaze shifts to the prince for a long moment. \"Perhaps one day even you will no longer believe as you do, and come to strike your own offspring. . .\"\n\nHis words are soft, too soft for any other than the mare at his side to hear him, however he meets the prince's eye for a moment and in that instant, he is sure that his eyes are speaking, the conviction of his idea both confusing and disturbing him ever so slightly. Normally, Rei does not show his emotions, finding them useless in his line of work, and not having really found time to develop them, however every so often his own mind will conjure such things that affect him so, and in these moments he looks almost normal, almost like the young fae he is, and not the cold assassin he's grown into.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "With little knowledge of what was said behind him the Prince simply hands over the Beast and dashes off towards the front of the castle, he pauses only long enough to register his father at his window and offer him a bow, to which the Regal father turns away, no doubt to return to the council or accounts he was tending. With grace that is made to look steady and not overly hurried he vaults the stairs two at a time until he is inside and then quick walks down a corridor to the main throne room. It had been emptied aside from a rather serious looking man with a squirrel like face and beady little eyes. Over his hooked nose he glowers at the Prince and tuts shaking his head, Alessandro heaves a brief sigh when the cane in hand is put ot the table and instead the large book before him is picked up. It is easily as thick as an arm and the man has a struggle to grip it at first.\n\n\"Again master Dravnos?\"\n\"Again. Until it is perfect.\" The man had a shrill voice, much befitting his looks but no ounce of kindness dripped from his thin lips as Alessandro took the book and put it upon his head, getting it to balance with some effort. \"I don't understand how walk-\" The Cane was struck against the desk and Alessandro gave a sigh, \"Yes My Lord.\" He replied, setting his shoulders square and keeping his chin held level with the ground. Slowly he made his way down the length of the hall, the book wobbling only a little from time to time but each time producing a tut from the mentor. \"Faster boy, faster.\" Hissed Dravnos and Alessandro upped his pace just a little, when it came to the end of the hall and his turn the book fell and the man tutted again. It seemed Alessandro knew what to do, picking up the book and starting again, the second time went better but the tutor didn't seem pleased, instead he barked \"Faster boy you aren't a snail.\" Followed later by \"Now turn properly, you look awkward like that.\" Encouragement did not come in verbal thoughts or words, only tuts and criticism's for two hours before, as with every lesson, Dravnos declared Alessandro ill-suited for the throne, unlike that brother of his and left, exclaiming he'd return in a few days, if he could find his optimism in that time.\n\nWith a huff Alessandro glanced from the book to the carpet and took the book up once more, placing it on his head and closing his eyes. He walked the hall with the book balanced and his turn was smooth and graceful even his return was pretty good albeit a little slow for a normal walking pace. It wouldn't be good enough though, the tutor wasp aid to teach not hand out compliments and so Alessandro was not foolish enough to expect one.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "He looks up curiously into the princes face, glancing at the book tossed carelessly on the table as he'd walked over.*'He seems upset. Perhaps I was not suppose to touch these tomes'*Carefully he sets the book upon the table before turning to trail after the young man. He stays in close, content that the prince does not feel the need to answer him and not really expecting one at this point. He feet shift inside his boots as he tries to stretch his toes, the act of balancing the book having changed the way he walked and how he feet rested inside their unfamiliar sheaths. As he follows behind the prince, his steps are quiet, but by no means as quite as they had been when he had been working with the book. His head tilts to the side when the prince suddenly speaks and he logs away the information while taking in more about how he spoke the words than what he said.\n\n*'I think I understand now. Humans and their pride, it is easily wounded. Perhaps, by my mastering the skill easily, I somehow insulted him. . .This is why I do not hang around others, such things as wounding pride and bruising ego are far too easy'*The tenseness coming off of the young man in waves makes Rei feel as if he should do something to remedy the situation. As they pass into the kitchens the sudden press of people makes him hold his tongue however, not wanting to say something to further embarrass the young man. They are not in there long and as they pass out onto the grounds, the number of people around lessening significantly, Rei moves in a little closer to the taller male.\n\nHis head tilts this way and that, but he quickly figures out just what he wants to say as the wind brushes over his body, the feel of it helping him to think. \"I did not mean to insult you Alessandro, I was simply curious. I often do things to learn more about them.\" He pauses for a moment, looking up at the taller male. \"The ease in which I accomplished the task has more to do with my training and natural talents than anything else. When every step one takes could mean the different between life and death, one learns to walk smoothly and silently as a second nature.\" He looks towards the kennels they seem to be heading towards and he continues on before they move too close and he will have to stop, least he spook the beasts.\n\n\"That man who was teaching you, was doing it wrong. He only told you when you were doing it wrong, and not how to correct yourself. I doubt he even knows how to explain it, unless he has told you before and just expects you to recall every little detail even in the middle of a lesson.\" He shakes his head lightly. \"Your steps were too hard, your focus on your legs and on remaining still, if I was reading your movements correctly, however that is not the best way. At least, not the best way I can see.\" He looks up once more at the prince, stopping far enough from the dogs so they are not disturbed by his presence.\n\n\"To move the way you seem to want to, you need to train one part at a time, as I and others like me do. Trying to master all parts of a skill all at once. . .Often leads if not to failure, to at least the skill taking far longer to learn than it need be.\" He blinks one of his slow blinks, unsure if the prince is even listening at this point, however he adds in his last two cents. \"I still do not understand why this skill is necessary, however I find it interesting. If you like, I can teach it to you, the way I learned. I have never taught anyone anything before, however I think not only will it be interesting, but it may make both our lives far more interesting.\" His hands slide once more into his pockets as he waits for the prince's answer. In the distance the sound of dogs barking happily draw his eyes for a moment before he looks back to the young man before him.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro was soon proven right in his assumptions, the fae honestly didn't' know what was wrong and it was further proven as he continued to talk on about the lesson and how it was taught wrong. Oh his tutor was a real demon that was for sure but to learn from an assassin seemed fundamentally wrong. What next? Rei would teach him how to sneak up and slit someones throat? The very thought bought a shiver down his spine and he shook his head lightly. While the look on the old mans face would be priceless if he suddenly walked in doing the lesson perfectly, it would raise suspicion. Rei's footfalls were silent, a Kings weren't supposed to be, it was just creepy. What worked for the fae who had spent a lifetime -as far as he could tell- learning how to murder people without being seen and being naturally gifted with grace and agility, was unlikely to work for a much taller, stockier built human. The same way what had worked for his sister and mother would not have worked for his father or brother, each person was different, it was finding the natural rhythm that was key, or so he'd been told by his sister. His problem was that try as he might as he took his etiquette lessons he could not concentrate, the idea of being King a foreign and unsettling feeling.\n\n\"I appreciate the offer Rei but I will be declining it for the time being. While the man's approach is less than perfect it raises a whole lot less questions than if I ask for tutelage from you. Thank you. \" Spoken in a calm and level headed tone the fluster and embarrassment from before forgotten the time being, while still annoyed with himself, out here in the sunshine and fresh air it hardly mattered. With the dogs yapping happily at the sight of him the last cobwebs left by the lesson were blown from his mind and he gave Rei a polite little nod of his head before heading to the kennels and slipping over the gate to be more or less pushed down by the large wolf hound crosses. Hunting dogs the lot but all yips and barks and slobbery tongues running over the princes face. They snuffled his pockets and his wig, they headbutted their way under his arms and legs or onto his lap and finally, with a lot of encouragement, they settled down enough to be lightly petted, their ears being stroked before tickled behind and a quick caress from neck to tail base of each of the mighty hounds. As he'd thought the water dish was empty again, often times the large, boisterous dogs knocked it over and often times it was left empty for the better part of the day. Though on a day such as this it was unacceptable in his mind and so slipping over the fence again; among whines and yips, he fetched a pail from the nearby water trough and placed it into the kennels where the dogs quickly set to trying to barge for head space so they could get a drink.\n\nWith them suitably distracted he returned to Rei, \"I have to go to the tower for history lessons, please do not correct the teacher.\" Crossing the courtyard proper one could seem a looming tower, it was not very much bigger than the castle but large and central enough to be of some importance. Alessandro had been taught -and now informed Rei- that it had been built to serve as a refuge during any war crisis. If the castle true should fall the multitude of archer windows and stairs would deter most attackers. There was a basement pantry and simple cooking means on the bottom most floor and tucked out the way and the spiraling staircase lead to a large room, with a secret passage for quick escape that only the royals knew of, where the women and children would hide during times of war. It had since been turned into the records and history room where most of the intellectual tomes were kept.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "Rei nods in calm acceptance as the prince turns down his offer. He is unofended, though he does lament the chance to learn something new. The amusement of such learning would have been quite satisfying, or so he presumed, but it has been denied, and he accepts that without a second thought. He returns the youth's nod with a slow blink and settles into standing and waiting for the boy to finish playing with the hounds. Knowing that simply standing still and watching would look weird to the rest of the staff, humans finding such things odd, he moves over to lean against the corner of the castle closest to the kennels. He is close enough to defend the prince should he need defending, one hand on his dagger while the other goes back to playing with his pocket. The feeling of the rough cloth against his thigh amuses him and he slides it around, messing with the sensation.\n\nHis thoughts never leave the prince however, the openness of the area making him a bit vulnerable, however the assassin knows that if he starts trying to interfere with the young man's life, he will likely lose his job.*'I can not count the times those in my group would come back, cursing and screaming about losing a job because that insisted that their charges be more careful. It would take a good assassin to get him here however. I will just have to be better'*While never really thinking about it, Rei knows this way of thinking could be taken as arrogant or at least pompous to a point, however he has never lied to himself about his limitations. He knows he has them, he knows he's not the best, however he's also never been tested against any other assassins after taking out the ones who killed his parents, and even after meeting a few others in his years after that, they all fell far below his skills.\n\nThe dogs piled atop and curled around his charge draw his attention and once more he wonders what it would be like to be liked by animals, however that thought soon passes as the young man stands and hops over the fence around the kennels. He pushes off the wall, ready to follow him should he be leaving the area, however he grows once more curious as Alessandro fetches a pail of water. As he drops it in with the dogs then turns to approach the fae, Rei drops his hand from his dagger, the closeness giving him plenty of time to draw should he need to. He ignores the eyes staring at him from various places around the grounds, all the servants seeming to have some great interest in this new oddity, and instead focuses on his charge as he drops some information, and instruction, them immediately moves off towards the castle tower.\n\nHe listens as the prince tells him about the tower, and uses his own talents to begin assessing the building.*'I did not leave the building during my first run through of the palace. I should scope out the grounds more thoroughly tonight. Perhaps, as the prince suggested, I should have him escort me on this venture however. Out here, there are many more factors to take into consideration'*At the foot of the tower a thick door made of hard wood stands open presumably to get a decent breeze moving through it to keep the place fresh. A servant with a broom stops in her cleaning to bow as the prince passes, flinching back as Rei looks to her curiously. He tilts his head, but forgets about her a moment later as they begin ascending the stairs towards the top of the tower. His hands come up, stretching out so that he is touching either side of the stone stairwell. His magic trickles out, unseen, taking in everything, assessing what it can while they move further and further up.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "The tower was old, there was a basement at the bottom of the stairs that seemed to lead to a hidden room though what was in there once was hard to tell as it is now partially collapsed. A staircase seems to lead straight down the other side of the wall no doubt belonging to the secret passage that Alessandro had spoken of which seemed to lead outside the walls of the castle and partially underground.\n\nWhen they reached the top of the tower Alessandro was greeted with his first human smile of the day, an old man, over a hundred no doubt, was drowned in thick woolen grey robes and weighted down into a hunch by a set of thick iron keys about his neck. He smelled of lavender and opium, his skin wrinkled and paper thin and his eyes that were no doubt once a strong blue or grey were now milky and almost white. He squinted at the sound of people and frowned very faintly at the sight of the wig. He said nothing of it of course but one could get the impression he wasn't the biggest fan of the wig the Prince was forced to wear. \"Sorry I'm later Meister.\" The old man simply waved a hand and took himself back to a chair with shuffling steps. As he fell into the wooden seat he looked as if he might disappear beneath his robes or at the very least fall apart beneath their weight. However he simply folded his hands easily across his chest, closed his eyes and took a long, deep breath.\n\nAlessandro walked among the rows and rows of books that lined the walls of the tower in book cases that seemed to strain under the weight. Tables were filled with scrolls and open books, ink wells and quills and loose pieces of parchment. He came upon the one he was looking for and moved to take the seat opposite the Meister. \"This is my new guard, Rei. Do you mind if he sits and listens?\" The meister opened one eye and looked Rei over, a knowing grin and a keen glint in those old milky eyes that would suggest he knew more than he should and without saying a word he closed his eye again and nodded lightly. Alessandro glanced to Rei and then back to the book opened upon his lap, he thumbed through the old pages that consisted of the writings of every Meister from the beginning of the city and found where they left off. \"And so it came to pass that the kingdom fought to push back the evil force known as the fae to keep them from destroying all that was good and right. The battles were long and bloody and we saw three Kings crowned before the end. King Leonard the Second, King Isaac and King Midian the first. King Midian was only a slip of a boy, freshly grown his first hairs but fiercely took to the field and slew our foe as if blessed by the gods...\" And so the lesson continued, the fae depicted as a murderous force whose foul magics polluted the earth and threatened all life and the human counterparts valiant and heroic. The Meister remained quiet and listened to Alessandro read but after an hour the old man had fallen asleep and Alessandro, noticing this, came to a stop.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "Alessandro had slipped into the kitchen and had begun to gather up plates to set a tray, however a kitchen hand had caught the Prince and with a shriek more befitting for a murder scene than a kitchen she came scurrying over. \"No no no my Prince!\" She squeaked in a high pitched voice, \"You can't do that, you'll get dirty!\" Dirty? From plates and cheese? The Prince had intended to ignore the woman but her plump frame shuffled almost expertly between him and the plates and her hands began moving. \"why are you even here milord, we usually bring your lunch to your room. I...I'm sorry, I don't mean to presume...its just...\"\n\"It's not for me, its for the Meister, we have completed our lesson and I intended to lunch with him in the tower.\"\n\"Oh I see, he is a good man isn't he? Though with his age and his tendency for naps I don't know how much longer the king will keep him on.\"\n\"He'll keep him until the end of his days Madaline and it will do you well not to repeat what you just said again.\"\n\"I'm sorry Milord, I meant no harm it's ju....I'm sorry milord.\"\n\nAlessandro nodded lightly and with three plates organised he reluctantly allowed the woman to carry them, the large pot of infused herbs that the eastern peoples called tea and three mugs the Prince lead the way back through the courtyard and up the stairs to the tower. He idly wondered on the woman's words, servants were awful gossips but they usually got their information from some grain of truth, he truly hoped his father was not considering getting rid of the Meister, the castle would be virtually unbearable if it were not for the kindly old man. It was hard to put into words but the man had such an easy aura, so gentle and somehow so strong all at once. He decided that if his father intended to fire the meister then Alessandro would just rehire him as his personal tutor. His father would likely take offence to such, the meister might even refuse at first but he'd talk them both around if he had too.\n\nWith the door opened and held so for the serving woman he allowed her to scoot into the room, her eyes falling on Rei, widening a little and then quickly dropping to the ground. Alessandro watched her a moment then shook his head and moved to check on the meister. \"Don't touch his papers, he has things how he likes them.\" The woman looked surprised but bowed her head in response, a smile on Alessandro's lips in reply to her nod. He took the mans hand as she struggled to find a place to put the tray before dismissing herself with another paranoid look to Rei, once the door shut behind her the prince gently rubbed a thumb over the meisters. \"Meister, it's time for lunch.\" He quietly announced. Though rather than force the man awake he released them ans hand and stood to walk over to Rei. The plates were made up of sliced read, fruits, cheese, slices of cold roast ham and a fist full of grapes. \"Sorry. So what did you read while I was away, anything good?\" He took a seat closer to the table, one foot hooked on the supporting rung and rear only half and took up the handful of grapes from one plate, picking one and popping the whole fruit into his mouth, chewing politely and ready to listen to Rei's revelations.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "Rei continues reading while the food and drink is being situated, his expression notably more subdued from the last time the prince saw him thanks to the presence of the woman who clearly isn't too trilled to be in his presence. The last time she looks to him he looks back and watches as she nearly flees from him.*'Such easily spooked people. How does the king expect anything to get done around this place if just one odd looking 'child' puts them on edge?'*When at last the prince takes a seat Rei relaxes ever so slightly and looks up, his head tilting to the side as he tries to figure out what he means by \"good\".*'He could be asking if I took interest in any of this, or if the book was written well, or any other number of factors. Should I ask?'*Mulling it over silently for several seconds he at last decides to just provide the answer to the most likely implication.\n\n\"I find it interesting, the views of the writer, on the exploits of the human hero of the tale.\" He looks back to the book. \"At least in this his foes were human also, save for a twisted mystic who was likely an undead, though the writer may not have known that.\" He closes the large history book and looks to the meal.*'There are three plates, does this mean one each?'*He gestures to the man slouched in the chair. \"I also read a bit of his magic and intentions. He does not sleep by the way, it is a form of meditation I recognize from elder mystics.\"\n\nA moment later the old man chuckles and opens his eyes slowly. He meets Rei's gaze and for a moment they look to one another, silent thoughts passing between them before at last the man looks to the prince, sitting up a little straighter and motioning for one of the plates to be moved closer. Rei finally decides he's hungry as well and reaches across the table, grabbing up a slice of cold meat and sitting back in his seat, keeping the food away from the books and papers more out of his own desire not to soil them than any respect for the man's work. As he munches silently he decides to just sit and watch the two for a while, wondering what the old man will have to say now that the fae has outed him, and also wondering if he will tell the prince that he knows that Rei is a fae.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro glanced from the fae and his interesting take on their historical documents to his mentor ans Meister, taking one of the gestured too plates and approaching, \"So you've played me for a while now huh?\" He uttered, handing the man the plate and sitting by his side, before the old man could answer Alessandro grinned, \"and I knew you had magic.\" Even the meister looked momentarily surprised as the glanced to the prince.\n\"How di-\"\n\"You're not as careful as you think you are.\" Alessandro uttered with a wink, \"Don't worry, no one else knows.\" The meister smiled faintly, shook his head and started eating, Alessandro grinned back and looked at Rei, \"Did he give you the whole surrogate father speech? I've seen him do it to my other body guards, they were always so nervous after meeting with you. Do you remember Raoul?\" The meister nearly choked on his food as Alessandro spoke, swallowing quickly to lightly chuckle back, \"All I said was would he like to fly?\" The old man confessed, Alessandro's grin spread, \"From the top of the battlements, while holding his arm, I've never seen someone wet their pants so quickly.\" Both chuckled and Alessandro turned to Rei. \"I had this...issue with another nobles child. He used to love tormenting me when I wad younger, he'd push me over, say things abou-\"\n\"He was a bully.\" The meister cut in, \"and he got what was coming to him. Of course I was much younger then, I bet I couldn't throw a piece of parchment from a window, let alone a horrid little rat from one.\" The Prince stood, touching the old mans hand. \"Well you wont get big and strong like me if you don't eat your food.\" Alessandro teased with genuine love and concern before taking the cheese from his plate ans sandwiching it in the bread.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Not really needing to chew Rei munches down the hunk of meat rather quickly, his gaze first traveling back and forth between the two before him, then on to the rest of the room. He still listens closely to the humans, curious about the interaction, however feeling unable to just keep staring.*'It is an old habit, and one I do not intend to break. Even humans can tell when they are being stared at, so when scoping one out, it is good to not look directly at them for very long unless speaking to them. It puts them on edge'*He is soon addressed however, his gaze going back to the youth with a faint questioning glint.*'Surrogate father speech? I do not even know what a father speech would be like, let alone a surrogate one'*As he listens he gets the general idea, nodding softly in the affirmative.\n\nHowever, as they go on to talk about the things the old man is willing to do to protect the young prince, Rei reaches for another cut of cold meat, musing to himself.*'It seems that this man is very protective of Alessandro, however this is not to say that he is not also one of those who have struck the prince. From his own words, most all of hi teachers, if not all of them, have struck him at one point or another'*His head tilts to the side, once more curious.*'Is it just in human nature to strike children? The king strikes him even though he is his son. The tutors strike him to make him a better king one day. And this old man, beloved by the prince if I am reading this relationship right, may have also struck him despite his over protective nature of the youth. . .'*\n\nHe lets out a faint sigh, shrugging to himself.*'Humans are weird, though no more weird than a fae who kills people for a living'*Finishing with his hunk of meat Rei decides to get as much reading done as he can while in the tower, his ward's safety more secure with the old man around so he can relax more. The Meister looks over to him, a faint smile on his lips before he turns once more back to the prince, a gleam in his pale eyes.\n\n~*~*~*~*~\n\nThe fae youth reaches the edge of the woods, the sunlight beyond brighter than he has ever seen. As he moved away from the village, he could feel the life force of the forest waning, becoming almost dead to his senses, even though it is very much alive. Having lived his life in the overflowing life of the village his entire life makes anything less feel dead and dull. He swallows hard, looking out into the light, his eyes taking some time to adjust. When at last his eyes stop stinging he hikes his bag up a little higher on his shoulder, and begins making his way slowly into the tall grass, and towards his goal.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "For a while he and the meister spoke, going over their lessons both recent and in the past, curious and intellectual questions from Alessandro about the fae and the wars and then more mundane things. Eventually the elder man settled down for a proper nap and Alessandro sat himself in the chair opposite,allowing Rei as much time to read as he cared for. Several hours passed and there was the sound of a knock on the door, Alessandro stood from the chair he'd been in and walked across the room, it was a servant calling him for dinner with the family. She gave Rei a cursory look and catching the meaning Alessandro said, \"He will be joining me yes.\" The maid blushed and bowed before leaving quickly and he turned to Rei, \"Time for you to meet the family, I apologise in advance.\"\n\nWith that the Prince gathered his coat, said his goodbyes to the meister's resting form and slipped easily down the stairs, the kitchen was all a bustle and even the dogs seemed to know it was dinner time, barking and woofing happily at the fence closest to the kitchen, sniffling and snuffling at the scents rising from the kitchens open door. From inside the sounds of shouting and sometimes the odd cursing rose with the smell of the food. Alessandro tried to ignore it for the most part and lead Rei and himself around to the side entrance of the castle, slipping through the heavy wooden door and into the main hall, it was here they received guests, held dances and other formalities, though largely ignored as Alessandro made his way to the far end where the hustle and bustle continued as serving staff began decorating the table with flowers, whole cooked hog, chicken, fish and an assortment of other dishes, dabbled between the candelabra's that were evenly spaced across the length of the table. there were many chairs at the grand table, it could seat a dozen but there were only three seated, the King and his wife were at one end, his sister sat to their left already toying with the finger bowl placed before her.\n\nAlessandro took a deep breath and let it out quietly before approaching the head of the table, missing out a chair beside the King's side and sitting at the second down. The first seat was his late brothers and no one was allowed to sit in it, well, he wasn't anyway. \"So you finally grace us with your presence.\" The king uttered giving a disapproving glance to Rei, his sister sighed and looked into the bowl, distracting herself from the situation as did the queen. \"I didn't see you at breakfast this morning.\"\n\"I was breaking in the birthday gift you got me honourable father.\"\n\"Ah, the horse, he is a fine stallion, tell me, what did you name him?\"\n\"The Beast.\"\n\"What?! That is no name for such a fine horse, do you dare mock me! Do you have no respect!\"\n\"It is a name most befitting of such a horse and it suits him.\"\n\"Why you ungrateful- and you dare bring your servant to the table? Even your sisters handmaidens eat in the kitchen with the staff!\"\n\"He is my body guard not my servant, he'd do a very poor job of guarding me if he couldn't see me.\"\n\"And what do you expect will happen herewith your family?!\"\n\"With all due respect I was attacked in my very own room, is it not more sensible to keep my guard close.\"\n\"Why you! Why did the gods not see fit to take such an incorrigible son and take the only good son they gave me I don't know.\" The King was red in the face with anger and banged his fists upon the table. With a silent but almost violent aura, Alessandro stood. \"I will take my supper in my room.\" With that he turned to leave his father muttering and the queen trying to console him as best she could, placating him by saying what a good father he was and how he should not get so worked up over the boy. His sister remained silent but glanced up at his retreating form with a silent sorrow.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "Alessandro certainly didn't see Rei as a pet, though it was truly bizarre to think that Alessandro thought of him as anything other than a body guard. There was though a sweetness, a sort of naive charm that radiated from the fae man. His soft, good looks and his wild white hair made him something the prince was happy to call beautiful but he regarded a good many things beautiful. In truth Alessandro had thought little about Rei aside his profession, then his race, then his services and only now that things were calming down could he reflect on the man himself rather than his various backgrounds. Alessandro was not gay, as far as he knew, he had had a crush on and lusted for many a woman in his younger days, unlike some men he had not acted on any of these impulses and aside being kissed 'for practice' by one of his sisters hand maiden's he'd not truly experienced a woman. It was far too confusing a topic and so it was kept locked away as he listened to the fae with that same quiet patience.\n\nWhen he had finished speaking the Prince smiled and nodded lightly, \"I had noticed you were rather keen on them ,that is why when we are out in town tomorrow -I have to make a speech of thanks to the citizens for their support, their generosity and so on- I thought we could visit the local book makers? We will be leaving the castle shortly after breakfast to deliver the address which in all should take an hour at most. After which I'd like to go to the book makers, while you are here I think you should write your own book, if it suits you and if it does not they sell some good children books and light novel readings. Though nothing as extravagant or in depth as you find here in the castle. After that we are to dine with the local merchants, their trade is important to my father and keeps the city itself busy with customers in and out of the city. Then I have a few free hours in which we can do as we desire until supper here. The evening I have to meet a Lady named Christiana from one of the neighboring strongholds, my father thinks she will make a good match for me and if she and her father consent by the end of the matchmaking then it could solidify our position against any potential enemies.\"\n\nWhen the food arrived he fell silent and quietly took a few bites from his meal, once again listening to Rei as the fae spoke, \"Rei, I'll always listen, it's the least I can do right? I'm interested, he's part of you, part of who made you and you interest me.\" The Prince grinned that same grin he had before for Rei and only ever for him or the meister, warm and carefree rather than burdened and caged. \"Besides you've seen my Father, aside the killing people how bad can yours be?\" With that Alessandro pulled in his chair, cut his food so it was in bite sized chunks and lowered his knife to just eat with a fork, which left his gaze squarely on Rei , engaged, interested and without judgement. \"Don't force yourself though, we've got all night.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "As his mind goes over the prince's schedule his thoughts grind to a halt for several long seconds on the idea of he himself taking up the pen. However, like many things that cold replace his current profession that he, undoubtedly would be good at, the idea of actually trying at such a thing quickly falls by the wayside and silently he concludes that entertaining such thoughts are folly. He continues tumbling over the schedule, a wonder at this thing he's heard of, this, matchmaking. Somehow humans believe that they can decide what person is best for another, and this common practice among the short lived beings is all but a joke among the fae. Rei had spent many long hours reading the history in the archives, and more than once he came across the fact that many times the humans tried to bring about peace through the wedding between races, only to fail as they refused to understand the heart of a fae.\n\n*'I do not understand it myself, not that understanding it would be of use to me, however I can understand that part about the bond'*He blinks a few times, looking forward to the next day a bit. He has a little gold with him and if he can, while at the book makers, he hopes to hunt down one of the books he's been seeking.\n\nHowever as the smell of the meal begins permeating the room, Alessandro's open face and willing tone once more has his mind slipping from one thing to the next, and at last his mind settles on where to begin. Having decided to not give the short answer he mulls over various ways to go about his tale, until at last he feels comfortable. Carefully he removes his hat and sets it on the table beside his plate. Plucking a few bits of some sort of cut fruit cluster he downs them carefully before beginning the story of how he came to be.\n\n\"When I was not yet walking there was a raid on my home. My parents lived near the edge of the woods, not in the main village, so it was less protected, and easy target. My birth father, as I understand it, made amulets, of metal, stone, and wood, that my mother, and enchantress, would then turn into forces of magic.\" His tone is a little softer than usual, but still the cool disconnected tone. The hush only to keep from being overheard by any who may pass by the prince's room. \"They would trade with the outside world, none really knowing what they were, just that they made masterworks worth a king's ransom.\" He takes a sip of his drink, the cool liquid soothing his throat. He didn't even realize how dry it was until now. \"So, as it would so happen, a local lord wanted my birth parent's entire stock, but they would not sell.\"\n\nRei looks to the window, his gaze distant. \"So, he hired a group of assassins, thinking them able to take care of them more readily than normal guards or soldiers, and for the most part, the lord was right. As it was told to me, my father was taken out first, then my mother. A nearly clean kill with only my mother's dying eyes seeing her and her husband's killers.\" His gaze, still distant, moves to Alessandro. \"It was then I was discovered, crying. No doubt at the time I was able to feel their passing, those who gave me life. I know that is the way of the fae children in the village. The family ties of blood are very very strong.\" He looks to the table, snagging a bit of bread to nibble on as he continues. \"At first, it was to be a clean sweep, however one man realized that my life givers were not human, and imagined the potential I may harbor, and as such, took me with at their retreat.\" His head tilts to the side as once more he looks to the prince. \"So ended my first life, my first father, and my existence as a fae.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro remained quiet as Rei began his story, he was rather hard to read until the first pause from Rei at which point he let out a gentle sigh. It honestly sounded an awful way to start ones life, taking a drink and a mouthful of his plated meal he contemplated on just what to say. 'I'm sorry' was neither going to help matters or really address anything except his own guilt at his rather lavish upbringing. So he offered Re a reassuring smile and motioned for him to continue with his tale, surely it got better at some point, right?", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "Alessandro remained quiet as Rei began his story, he was rather hard to read until the first pause from Rei at which point he let out a gentle sigh. It honestly sounded an awful way to start ones life, taking a drink and a mouthful of his plated meal he contemplated on just what to say. 'I'm sorry' was neither going to help matters or really address anything except his own guilt at his rather lavish upbringing. So he offered Re a reassuring smile and motioned for him to continue with his tale, surely it got better at some point, right?", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." }, { "text": "As he waits for the prince to mull over the first part of his tale, Rei downs a bit of his meal. The expenditure of magic for the day has been higher than usual and as such he feels a little drained, however a little food is all he needs to replenish for now, and later, a trip to the garden. When motioned to continue he washes his mouthful down before going on. \"From that day on to my fifteenth year of life, I lived in an assassin's guild. The man who stayed the blade on my life became my unofficial caretaker, however the entire guild had a hand in raising me. I. . .Do not recall too much of the youngest years, however after the age of five I recollect the coldness growing inside me.\" He looks to the prince. \"I am sure it is still there, though I can no longer consciously feel it.\" He looks to his hands as he continues.\n\n\"I trained in many weapons, each member insisting that I would be best with this or that, until at last we found the perfect weapon. Due to my speed and reaction time, along with the precision I learned from my second father while practicing on the easy marks he would pick for me, my current weapon is what I am most efficient with.\" On instinct his hand falls down to the handle of his blade, lifting it slightly to make sure it is clear of it's scabbard. An old habit, and one that has served him well. \"At first, I was a bit obstinate, I recall many beating for not listening, and for the most part they did the trick in getting me to do as they wanted of me. However, I was able to stand fast on not killing the people they brought in for the other young ones like me to practice on. If it was not a mark with a contract on them, I would not take their life.\"\n\nHe lets out a low hum as he thinks about it. \"The other children would, and it was a note of shame on my second father for quite some time that I would not obey him in that. However with my excellent performance on the easy missions that shame soon was forgotten.\" He looks at the prince, and with a slow nod he says, \"By the age of twelve, I no longer needed direction, or correction. I could hold my own against almost any other assassin in the guild, my magic having awoken and given me quite the edge, as he would put it.\" He now keeps his eyes on the prince, wanting to see his reactions, unsure of what to expect. \"However, holding my own was not good enough. As I said, family bonds among my race are far stronger than it is for humans, and with my violent upbringing, I did not seek to mourn their passing. Indeed, I consciously felt nothing for them by the age of ten, but by then my instincts had enveloped them, and I reacted to the need the only way I knew how.\" He tilts his head to the side. \"I sought to repay them those lives they took.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Once more Alessandro remained silent as the fae spoke, he tried not to register emotions upon his face but with no practice of hiding anything but his own upset it was rather obvious when he was surprised, confused and perhaps a little concerned. It was not a normal upbringing at all for a child and it sounded both ruthless and cold and yet Rei spoke of it as if it were nothing different from the normal. Of course, to Rei it was nothing outside of the unusual, when the fae came to another pause the Prince allowed his unwavering attention to drop to his plate, a soft sound leaving his throat indicating his uncertainty on what to say. He finished his meal and then took his goblet in both hands, swirling the liquid in the glass for a moment before taking a swig. Words still seemed to fail him and after a moment of trying to figure out a polite way of saying 'so you killed your adopted family?' he decided to take another sip and gesture for Rei to continue.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": null } ]

[ { "text": "Rei wakes up briefly when he feels someone enter his ward's room, and again when they leave. The second time he stays awake a bit longer, his magic detecting someone right outside his room for a short period of time. In his half sleep state he easily identifies both person's as nonthreatening and manages to fall right back to sleep after the second person leaves. He has a fleeting though of how disturbing it would be growing up with people constantly coming around when one's asleep, however that thought is quickly muffled down by a mix of sleep and the understanding that every person is different. In other words, it is normal for a man in his station.\n\nThe final invasion into the prince's room rouses Rei from his sleep for the day and with a light sight he rolls about a few times before practically slithering out of bed. Making sure his headband is in place the fae pokes at his clothes and wonders how often he is expected to change clothes during the week. Most humans perspire a lot more than a fae, so they change clothes at least once a day, however other than the time under the direct sun Rei has as of yet to actually sweat in his clothing.*'It would be interesting to try on something different however. I should ask if I could obtain more clothing like this, perhaps in different colors. . .'*\n\nAs he thinks about the color it occurs to him that the tunic matches the colors he sees hanging on the walls all over the castle and on most of the guards.*'Well, perhaps he would not permit other colors. I have seen that wearing the colors of a particular family marks them as property of the family and this affords them some kind of protection'*His head tilts this way and that, wondering over things of no real consequence until at last he decides it's time to climb into his clothes and wait for breakfast. Once everything but his boots are on he wanders over to the window and opens it wide. The smell of the air and the feel of it on his skin reminds him that he needs to ask the prince to spend a little time in the garden on days that they do not go to the countryside.\n\nAfter a few bland minutes of staring a knock comes on his chamber door and he is snapped back out of his mind. Wandering over he once more startles the servant carrying his morning meal. It is a different servant this time, a middle aged male, and by his motion as the door opens it is easy to surmise that he'd been listening against the wood. Once the man recovers he's struck dumb for a moment as he catches sight of Rei's wide staring eyes. Without a word Rei steps back, keeping his eyes on the man out of habit and after another handful of second he manages to get his feet moving and walks it to deliver the meal.\n\nOnce out of the room the servant all but dashes down the hall and for several long seconds Rei looks after him wondering if he's going to have to ask the prince how**not**to terrify the help unintentionally.*'Not that I mind, it makes me more intimidating, however if this keeps up they may run out of people who are willing to deliver my breakfast. I could always go down to the kitchen, but I do not think that would be well received. Also, it would take me too far from the prince so early in the morning'*With a slow blink he slips back into his room and wanders over to the table. Once more he takes the meat and sets it aside to cool, this time focusing on the fruits first and foremost.\n\n~*~*~*~*~\n\nThe small fae clings to his bag tightly, eying the human sitting next to him with both curiosity, and a healthy dose of mistrust. He's only been riding with the man for about an hour, the driver having spotted him walking down the road barefoot and taking pity on him. Though he feels grateful for the help, he does not trust the man. He reaches up often to the floral wreath he made himself to cover his ears, knowing that humans hate his kind. He knows this. Humans hate fae, it's just a fact, and a part of him seriously wonders just what would happen to him if this seemingly kind man found out what he truly is.\n\nThe man on the other hand, slightly intoxicated but sober enough to drive his cart in a straight line, finds the little boy's actions quite amusing. The way he clings to his bag, like it contains all his possessions in the world. The way he touches the wreath, like it would be a downright tragedy if it so much as slipped slightly out of place. He finds the whole thing quite funny. After about an hour on the bumpy road, the sun slowly creeping over the horizon, the driver reaches over and tries to playfully ruffle the boy's hair, with quite surprising results.\n\nWith a yelp the boy practically flies off the cart. The man tries to call him back, to apologize, however without warning the boy seems to vanish from view. It's not completely impossible, there are a few large rocks and some tall grass to hide in, however to his slightly buzzed mind the driver mutters something about it being unnatural before snapping his team back into motion. Meanwhile the child watches him leave from within a tuft of grass just large enough for him to vanish into, his breath slowing as he manages to get a hold of himself. He knows he over reacted, however his fear overrode his sense and in that instant, he couldn't stop himself.\n\nWith a light huff he stands up carefully as the cart moves too far off to possibly be a threat any more and with a steadying breath he feels out which direction he should go. His head turns this way and that like a radar dish searching for a signal, and when at last he finds his direction he's off at a slow but steady pace. Figuring he would have had to get off the cart eventually anyways he consoles himself in that fact and heads out over the grassy plain and away fro the road.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro dressed and was groomed, his blond locks tamed and pinned down so his wig might fit better and smoother, it was then brushed until it looked like liquid night and the rest of the preparations were made for the morning. When asked if he wanted his breakfast bought up he shook his head and rose from his seat, brushing at the few loose hairs the wig had lost, not that it was in any way noticeable. The boy bowed and left, knowing better than to question his master and once he'd made sure his 'hideous' hair was fully out of sight Alessandro left his room and made his way down to the main hall, he had promised Avangeline that he would join her for breakfast and he couldn't very well let her down. Letting himself from his room he was tempted to inform Rei of his intentions, hovering in the hall way a moment he wondered if there was really any need. The fae seemed to have clear knowledge of the Prince's movements most of the time and it was unlikely anything was set to happen when he sat with his sister for breakfast. There was a royal food taster so poisoning was out of the question and with his parents not in attendance there was no likelihood of arguments.\n\nNot wishing to disturb the fae he decided to let Rei figure it out himself and with that he turned and made his way down the hall to the dining area. He spotted his sister as soon as he came upon the feasting hall, sitting in her favoured spot where the sun lit her hair until it seemed to shimmer with starlight. Offering a smile as he approached the hall the smile, and his steps, faltered when he saw his father sat at the head of the table. Giving a side long glance to his sister she offered a sheepish smile and returned to washing her fingers before the meal. Alessandro contemplated leaving, however his father had already seen him and it would have made for a much more awkward conversation later if he just left. Giving his father a respectful bow and waiting for a nod before taking his seat, \"Good Morning my King.\" Alessandro uttered, slipping his fingers into the lemon water bowl sat before him by one of the servants. \"I had heard you had business this morning.\" He shot another longer glance at his sister who blushed deeply and looked away.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "Rei's head come up much like a dogs as he senses the prince heading for the door to his room. Slipping into his boots easily he wipes his fingers on his napkin before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and making his way to the door. His table lay in disarray, an incident with a falling nut leading him into a little game with the rolling parts of his breakfast while he waited. His hand pauses just above the handle of his door.*'He stopped. I wonder why. . .'*Unlike the day before where the prince just breezed past, no doubt expecting Rei to fall in line like he did, this time the boy stops in the hall outside the fae's door. Curious, once the prince moves on, Rei waits for him to be out of earshot before slipping silently into the hall.\n\nCareful to make sure Alessandro stays in sight he stalks far behind the prince, observing him on his way, taking in not only the youth but how the servants around him act.*'I am finding it hard to figure out what to believe here. I am no master of reading positive emotions, but I can recognize when they are present. As the prince, should they all not at the least have respect for him?'*Seeing mostly down cast and averted gazes Rei remain befuddled until they reach the dinning hall. The boy is seated by the time his bodyguard reaches the doorway.\n\nOne glace at the king once more solidifies his thoughts on how much the man seems to hate his own progeny and leaves Rei to wonder about the king as a possible suspect. Slipping into a servant alcove he manages to stay out of sight and observe for a short time, wanting to assess the situation before entering it. His attention is caught by another thing he's never understood. Watching the boy wash his hands he lets his mind fall back to the few times he's seen the action before. It was almost always among rich families. While most poor families would \"go out back\" and wash up before a meal, the rich seem to feel the need to be almost constantly with clean hands.\n\nOr so he has observed and surmised. In all his reading, he's never had much of an interest in human customs and their reasoning so etiquette books are not something he's acquainted with. After the tense words from Alessandro, Rei decides that standing aside so far from the boy is not a good idea and pretending as if he'd just walked in the door he slides up the the prince's side with expert grace. He stands just off to the right and a little behind the youth's chair, as he has observed this being a respectful position, and after a light bow to both the king and the princess he lets his gaze wander, mapping the room like a good bodyguard.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "The breakfast meal passes rather quietly, odd small talk is scattered awkwardly through the room, the Prince sat with his head towards his food, clearly in no mood to raise his fathers ire, while his sister cast worried looks to both men and ate silently aside the few times conversation turned to her and her day. She, it seemed, had an easier day of it, she would be practicing her sewing and embroidery, followed by riding practice and a walk around the gardens. No doubt there was more she was not telling them about for Evangeline was no silly girl, she had a clever and quick mind and someone had educated her that way, though the King was happy to turn a blind eye to it as long as she was respectful and Alessandro found it wonderfully entertaining on the rare occasion they had a battle of wits.\n\nTalk inevitably came around to his day, where his father reminded him of his duties to his family and the kingdom with the stern gruffness the head of guards would use on his subordinates. \"You will come straight back here after the ceremony in town and get scrubbed and dressed properly to greet the Lady Melissandra, she's traveled a long way to see a noble prince and you shan't let her down. The Steward has planned your time together precisely. You will take her for a walk of the gardens, the roses are especially good this year, if there is a nip in the air you will hand her your coat, you will laugh and joke with her, don't forget how important it is for our relations with her father that you don't mess this up.\"\n\"Yes Father.\" Alessandro uttered into his bowl of fruit and oats, he did so loathe the idea of match making but it was true the Kingdom had been so unstable since the death of his brother, their allies were uncertain, their enemies were bold and so keeping the families united was the best way forward, it was just a shame it had to be through his eventual marriage that the peace would be assured. Melissandra, Clara, Jezabelle and Isla, all wonderful women from the prominent houses and neighboring kingdoms that bordered their lands, all fabled for their beauty and their desire to be a real Princess. No matter which he chose he had to refuse three and he honestly wasn't sure he'd like any of them.\n\nThe King was quiet a moment, expecting his son's usual fiery temper to combat his demands and looked almost, concerned, a moment before shaking his head and clocking Rei, \"What is**he**doing here again?\"\n\"He's my guard, he'd be rather poor at doing his job if he couldn't see me...sire.\"\n\"Well...as long as he isn't distracting you from your work. If I think for one moment he's more hassle than he's worth he's out on his ear.\" Alessandro gripped his napkin beneath the table a little tighter and forcefully bit his own lip out of the line of sight of his father to bite back his anger. When the snarky first comments died on his tongue and he could trust himself to speak he took a refreshing glance at Avangeline who offered a soft, grateful smile before going back ot her food and he finally answered, \"Of course Father, Rei has already been indispensable to me. He shan't let you down.\"\n\nThe rest of breakfast passed quietly and only once the King had left were the children allowed to stand and leave, Avangeline danced around the table to her brothers side and wrapped her arms about his middle in a tight hug, \"That was great, you did so great Alessandro.\" She chirped in the kind of happy tone one would expect of a sister but had been strangely absent only the night before. Leaning away she took his hands and gave them a squeeze, leaning up and kissing his cheek with a girlish giggle before she and her hand maiden walked out of the room chatting, gossiping and giggling to themselves already. Alessandro was left blinking, only releasing his death grip on the serviette when his sister had left him stunned. \"I swear Rei...I will never, no matter how long I live, understand women.\"\n\nShaking his head he dropped the cloth aside and looked to his bodyguard, \"We'll need to ride into town but today we take the carriage, it looks more official and it carries the things we need to take with us easier, are you going to be okay with that? It's neither Beast or my Lady pulling but a coachmen's horse.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "Rei watches all the small changes in the prince, takeing the nod as a sign as much as the tensing and the sigh.*'He has had a lot of people try to kill him. . .He is also very determined. Most people who hear their life is in danger at least look around as if trying to spot who is going to do it. A bad move, it puts a lot of half-wit assassins on edge and makes them act early and make dirty kills'*He reasons that the prince would think all kills \"dirty\" however in this case it means making their prey suffer. Staying close by the prince's side he moves like water in between bodies, his head swiveling this way and that slowly, looking more like someone in awe than someone assassin hunting.\n\nAs soon as they are up on the cramped platform Rei takes a seat on the railing so he can see every point in the square, looking around to the other side of the prince as easy as leaning back in case there is someone in one of the windows. The fae doesn't listen to most of the speech, it having very little to do with anything important beyond maybe yet another motive against the royal family in general, however when he reaches the last part about 'any woman of noble birth' Rei looks up at the prince and begins wondering how in the world he is going to screen that many woman for possible threats.*'I have not killed many women, however I have been hired by quite a few. Any woman turned down becomes a suspect as I have observed they do not take well to being denied such a \"prize\" as becoming a princess'*\n\nAs the chant begins and the prince turns to him, a flash of his true self showing through. Rei feels it. Without returning the look his eyes snap to the crowd as many hands fly into the air and a rain of hats tumble about above the crowd's heads. There is a glint of steel, only a dozen paces away and in an instant Rei's blade is free of it's scabbard. A sound rings out as it snaps forward, deflecting the assassin's blade from hitting it's target, instead making it fly off behind the prince. People are already scrambling to get away, more at the sight of Rei, blade drawn, mounting the railing and his cold icy stare looking through them than the actual attack. However one set of eyes stays too long, look s a little bit different, and in that instant Rei recognizes his target.\n\nNot sensing any additional threats the fae launches himself off the dais, his small body flying forward like an eagles talons. The assassin sees him coming and tries to duck between two people, however Rei's aim is true. He lands squarely on the would be assassin's back and in one swift motion slips his blade into the man's back. Despite the suddenness and confusion, Rei's aim is true and within moment the man is dead. Several townspeople stop fleeing to stare at the dead man now sprawled out face down on the ground. Without hesitation Rei removes the rest of his throwing knives and slips a hand into his shirt where most of his kind hide their contracts.\n\nAs soon as his finds it he stands, looking at the seal the man foolishly forgot to crush. Not having worked for the family the seal belongs to before he doesn't recognize it, but he's sure the prince will at least have an idea. Leaning down one last time he rips off a piece of the man's tunic and tucks it in a pocket for later use. As he walks back to the prince, wherever he is now, the fae reads the contract and internally rolls his eyes.*'This sounds like a child wrote it. Not unheard of, but it explains why he was such a sub standard assassin. I mean, it is a good tactic for some, but he looked way too angry for someone who is suppose to be horrified. . .'*The nearest guards race past him to the body, one trying to stop him to take what he's holding, however Rei sends him off with his patented stare.\n\nOnce he is near the prince again he looks up.*'I work for him, not the kingdom. I don't answer to the guards'*he muses, handing over the contract. \"The person who wrote that is either very young, or simply childish. There is also the option that they are not and wrote that way on purpose, but that is the least likely option. I do not recognize the seal, but I thought you might. I can ride back with you in the carriage if you like, there are no more threats active right now.\" He speaks softly so only the prince can hear, his footmen and the others from the palace now more afraid of Rei than ever before. Pulling out the strip of cloth he wipes his blade carefully clean before putting it away, folding up the now bloody cloth and slipping it back into his pocket.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro was not an easily startled man, he'd had half a dozen attempts on his life already and so the possibility of more was something he'd grown accustomed too, even still as the fae slipped silent and deadly, like a panther in the forest, in front of him and the ring and glint of steel echoed up to his ears the Prince found himself take an instinctual half a step backwards. His eyes couldn't follow the assassin's blade but they caught up to it as it embedded itself into the wood of the stand behind him. The fact that had nearly been him didn't disturb him, in some ways he wondered if it wouldn't have been better had it reached its target but the Prince turned his gaze back to his bodyguard.\n\nThe fae sprang like any nocturnal predator from that perch, Alessandro regained his composure quickly, showing the face of a man who truly wasn't phased by the attempt on his life, cool, calm and regal and his eyes never moving from his former Assassin as Rei plunged the dagger into the failed assassins back. He took no pleasure from what he witnessed, nor did he seem to grieve for the lost life, he watched passively as the entire thing came to a quick and sudden end.\n\nIt was only as the guards went to approach Rei that Alessandro grew tense, though he wasn't sure who he was more worried for, Rei or the guards should the paths cross. With a patent glare the men halted though and gave Rei enough time to slide back over to the Princes side and offer him the spoils from the Assassins body. Gently he takes it and offers Rei a small smile, \"I'm glad your on my side.\" He utters back to the Assassin, had Rei truly wanted Alessandro dead he knew, full well, he would be, that night it seemed the fae hadn't quite made up his mind. Turning to the stand he pulled loose the dagger from the stand and held that and the contract in hand. \"I shall look up the seal when we return, father will be sure to know what has happened already. He has spies and whisperers everywhere.\" Alessandro almost reached to wipe a small spot of blood from Rei's cheek but refrained and merely gestured, \"You have a little blood, just there.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" } ]

[ { "text": "Alessandro was not an easily startled man, he'd had half a dozen attempts on his life already and so the possibility of more was something he'd grown accustomed too, even still as the fae slipped silent and deadly, like a panther in the forest, in front of him and the ring and glint of steel echoed up to his ears the Prince found himself take an instinctual half a step backwards. His eyes couldn't follow the assassin's blade but they caught up to it as it embedded itself into the wood of the stand behind him. The fact that had nearly been him didn't disturb him, in some ways he wondered if it wouldn't have been better had it reached its target but the Prince turned his gaze back to his bodyguard.\n\nThe fae sprang like any nocturnal predator from that perch, Alessandro regained his composure quickly, showing the face of a man who truly wasn't phased by the attempt on his life, cool, calm and regal and his eyes never moving from his former Assassin as Rei plunged the dagger into the failed assassins back. He took no pleasure from what he witnessed, nor did he seem to grieve for the lost life, he watched passively as the entire thing came to a quick and sudden end.\n\nIt was only as the guards went to approach Rei that Alessandro grew tense, though he wasn't sure who he was more worried for, Rei or the guards should the paths cross. With a patent glare the men halted though and gave Rei enough time to slide back over to the Princes side and offer him the spoils from the Assassins body. Gently he takes it and offers Rei a small smile, \"I'm glad your on my side.\" He utters back to the Assassin, had Rei truly wanted Alessandro dead he knew, full well, he would be, that night it seemed the fae hadn't quite made up his mind. Turning to the stand he pulled loose the dagger from the stand and held that and the contract in hand. \"I shall look up the seal when we return, father will be sure to know what has happened already. He has spies and whisperers everywhere.\" Alessandro almost reached to wipe a small spot of blood from Rei's cheek but refrained and merely gestured, \"You have a little blood, just there.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "The prince's comment has the fae rather stumped, not being completely caught up with human sayings, but he stays silent and simply tilts his head tot he side and waits for instructions on what to do next. He'd done his job, and now he's back to having nothing better to do than slake his curiosity, and at the moment he can't even do that since they are in public. Holding up the dagger belt Rei notes that there is more than one missing and wonders why.*'Did he forget to re-stock? It is a fool who leaves their blade behind. Unlike arrows and bolts, many a blade smith will recognize such a well crafted set of knives. If he had the money to spend on such fine gear, I must wonder how such a poor assassin got enough work to afford it'*\n\nDropping his arm back down so the ends of the belt are laying on the ground he looks up as once more the prince addresses him.*'It is good to know his father has a working information network. It may mack tracking things easier, and also bumps him up on the list. . .'*Though he knows that Alessandro for some reason seems to love and trust his family, that does not make them any less likely as suspects. Right now in fact, all three are at the top of the list. At the mention of blood he looks down, seeing if he got any on his clothes before taking out the bit of cloth again and wiping away the wet patch on his cheek.*'Must have splashed up when I pulled out my blade. There are a few more drops around my collar too. . .'*Putting the cloth away he waits on the prince, wondering if there are any other matters that need to be dealt with before they head back. From across the street Rei can her a few people thanking the gods that the prince is safe, along with a few comments on his own brutality when dealing with the would be assassin.*'Would it not be more polite to thank me since I was the one to save him? Human culture is strange. . .'*", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "It seemed as if the fae and the human's thoughts were the same, as he muttered beneath his breath quietly, \"The gods didn't stop that dagger.\" With a sigh he offered the people a smile and was intent on getting back to the castle when the wooden sign to the book shop caught his eye as it swayed gently in the wind. His footman and coach driver were rather keen to leave and even a pair of guards had come over to stand at the Prince's side and herd him into his carriage and away from any more potential harm. Alessandro however remembered his promise and with a warm smile he uttered, \"Good men rest easy, my body guard assures me that no one else is foolish enough to try so soon and I believe him. I need to visit Fredrickson's book store.\" A silent eye roll was seen, books were clearly not one of the guards interests. \"I shan't be long and I shall take him with me.\" He uttered gesturing to Rei, \"To save you the torture.\" There was a sheepish smile from one guard and a scowl from the other but the Prince ignored both and turned on his heel with only a glance to Rei to indicate that he followed.\n\nThe store wasn't very large, when the door swung open there were three book shelves lined side by side against the largest wall, a carpeted floor desks and chairs and a counter made from a long wooden bench. There was a kindly young man standing there while an elder man hobbled with a book in hand up a set of stairs to put the tome back where it belonged. The shelves were not thick with books and those that numbered the most were books on obscure matters, like Miss Thompson's ten best radish recipes and the dragon who ate too much. While there was nothing that would be truly rare here there were however the odd rare finds, like the complete history of Alessandro's family abridged by some Steward or other. Songs of the people and books on the gods. The tome that had just been replaced looked ordinary but had a touch of magic to it, only a touch and nothing strong enough for humans to sense. The young man smiled as Alessandro entered, visibly going red but it had been well known that Fredrickson Junior had idolized his brother, even if his brother had treated him as less than dog shit. \"Good day my Prince, what an honour to have you in our shop again.\" Alessandro offered a small smile and nod, \"I've bought my new body guard here to choose some of your books, should he find anything to his tastes that is, Rei, go look, don't be fooled there are some real gems if you know where to look.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" } ]

[ { "text": "As he had raced around the shop Rei had noticed how the prince spoke with the younger of the two males in the shop, low quiet whispers that even his sharp ears could not always catch even if he'd been listening intently, which of course he wasn't. However as he looks to the man, now glaring daggers at him, the little fae wonders if he should have been paying attention.*'It feels safe in here, but this man is obviously upset. Did the prince do something to upset him? Or did he not appreciate my search style. I did act out a bit. Perhaps I should try next time to be a little more careful. I normally only see any given bookkeeper once every three months so I have little need to be anything but thorough and swift'*\n\nHowever as they approach the counter Rei comes to recognize the daggers from the eyes of affronted lover he's worked for and his confusion mounts to a whole new level. He doesn't understand the feelings, but he recognizes them as quite dangerous in the right context. This man however is quite harmless so instead of apologizing for disturbing the store as he intended he remains silent and just watched the two humans. The feeling of the prince's hand on his head makes him once again recall that he may very well be just a pet to the man but as he once more has to stop himself from tugging his gloves off with his teeth the thought slips back into his mind and his focus goes to not embarrassing Alessandro.\n\nHe watches the young shopkeeper bundle up the books, his eyes returning to their normal dull state. The change gives Fred a moment of pause as he hands the smaller male his wrapped books but it is hardly noticeable to anyone not use to seeing it. Holding the books tight the fae focuses on keeping his hands occupied with them, hoping his urge to pull off the offending clothing will die down as they leave the relative safety of the shop. Glancing at the front window he notices a line of guards standing sentry and he nods approvingly inside his head.\n\n*'Even with the possible dangers from the palace, these guards at least know how to disrupt a sniper's view'*He ignores the rest of the exchange up until the man says something about leaving Rei behind when the prince visits again. He turns slowly to face the man, locking eyes with him dangerously before turning to follow the prince out. The young man felt the chill from the look but is still far too upset with the fae to take heed of it, mumbling something about Rei being rude and interfering.*'I should check him out later. People in love do crazy things. . . .'*Once outside he lets the guards hurry them into the carriage, but not before taking one last hard look around the area.\n\nHe can still feel touches here and there of familiar eyes however as none are active he slips inside without a word. He's ridden under a carriage, on the back of one, atop one, and even between the horses pulling a carriage, but he's never ridden inside one. Before he can even get a good look at the interior they are off and he flashes his teeth. Being inside a moving box is not his idea of a comfortable ride. Setting the books down he plasters himself f to a window, trying to get his mind and body to settle by watching the movement as well as feeling it. The muted rumbling and rattling from the wheels on the road is a new set of sounds and they make his ears hurt a bit.\n\nAfter only a minute however he pries himself from the window and sits down across from the prince, finally tugging his gloves off. Taking slow, soothing breaths he finally gets his ears to mute out the rumbling sounds allowing him to relax a bit. Looking to the prince he tilts his head cutely.*'Human ears are duller than ours. I bet it is little more tan a faint hum. He has grown up with the sounds as well. I do not like this box, but if need be, I can get use to it'*\"Do you travel like this often?\" he asks, wondering how often he should expect to be subjected to this experience.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Rei's question roused him from his thoughts, \"Only when they won't let me ride somewhere, a carriage is much more formal and what the people want to see, or so the Steward says. I can't remember how he puts it as it sounds a lot like he's lying when he says it.\" Alessandro shrugged briefly before glancing over to Rei, \"I shouldn't have to for the next few days at least, I'll be too busy meeting the women my father has lined up for me to meet. Though if you like, you can ride my Lady the next time i have to take the carriage, I'm sure she'd let you, she seemed quite placid with you after she got over the initial shock.\" Alessandro didn't go into much more detail, while the carriage was indeed loud and it was no doubt difficult to hear anything aside the sound of voices he did not want to risk Rei's identity on the hope no one would over hear. Being a fae in this Kingdom still meant persecution, death or exile at the very least and honestly, he didn't want to see the boy go, Rei was, strangely, comfortable to be around and Alessandro couldn't remember the last time he'd felt comfortable in someone's presence. Not since his Sister had lost those glossy eyes that loved and looked up to her brother for the eyes of a young woman, if even then.\n\nThe journey back was uneventful and Alessandro was shuffled in and straight up to a bowl of scented water in his room, fresh clothes had been laid out for him and he was told to change quickly and wash for his guest. With a nod Alessandro shut the door, though had some strange half glances at Rei when the Prince allowed him to stay, and removed his shirt to sponge down his body with the scented liquid before drying himself and redressing, \"I am not sure the King would permit you to be with me on the jaunt around the garden, if you can keep out of sight however he will have nothing to complain about, is this alright?\" Alessandro tied the cravat, straightened his wig and brushed down his jacket. \"How do I look?\"\n\nHe was dressed as typical of higher born, in a fine burgundy velvet jacket with wide embroidered cuffs and brass buttons shone to a shade of gold, a half cloak hunt by a golden chain about his shoulders, the fur white, no doubt some kind of arctic fox or white rabbit fur. He wore a white shirt and a cream cravat with the pin of his family's emblem to hold it in place. Black pants fell fashionably long into the typical white stockings and smart shoes -unlike his usual dust brown travelling boots- which had been shined up nicely. \"I feel like an idiot I must say.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "As he's never heard about \"Hitting on\" someone, Rei looks quite confused at the phrase and wonders if his words some how acted as blows against the man. However as the prince continues to smile and seems quite please at the concept the fae keep his thoughts to himself and turns around to face Alessandro fully. He continues listening, watching with curious eyes as the man seems to drop into deep thought over his final question. The beginning of the youth's explanation does not help the fae at all as he's never been embarrassed as far as he can recall, nor has he ever been nervous since starting his new life.*'Perhaps this is one of those things that will simply never make sense to me. I can see that there are many things they take for granted that I lust. . . .Do not get. . . .'*However as he goes on and things he can better relate to come up and he goes from confused about one thing, to confused about yet another thing.\n\n*'Falling, and about to hit bottom. I understand that. I have dropped from some damaging heights before and got a feeling deep inside that were highly unpleasant. . .However, if dressing like this makes him feel like that. . . .How does clothing make one feel like falling? I just. . .I do not understand. . . .'*His brows furrow as the prince goes to address his servant and he quickly sorts out the important fact of everything the boy told him.*'Dressing up like that makes him feel negatively. It is unpleasant for him'*With a faint not to himself he looks up just in time to hear the servant say that the prince must leave him behind. He doesn't quite get the rest of the conversation, other than the fact that Alessandro has no younger brothers, and he watches the prince leave with a blank expression. The servant goes to close the door behind him before stopping. He just remembered that the bodyguard was still in the prince's room.\n\nPushing the door back open slightly he looks to the smaller male and says with slightly more strength in his voice than what was there when addressing the prince, \"Sir, if you would, I don't think it right for you to, um, wait here in the prince's room. . .\" Rei stares at the youth, trying to figure out what is right or wrong about being in someone's room, but as this is not Alessandro he does not voice his queries and instead exits the room silently. Once the door is closed the servant casts one last glance at the tiny male before moving off to some other task quickly and quietly.\n\nOnce more Rei's interpretation of things runs in his own favor and while the prince was ordered not to bring him with, Rei was not ordered to not come of his own volition. So he does just that. Careful to stay out of sight of eyes that may get he or the prince in trouble he makes his way into the main hall unseen by all bot the normal staff who look far too meek to think to tell the king he is there. He watches the last bit of the exchange from a corner, the noise in the room making it impossible to hear what was said up in the dais, then slips around to a side door and is in the garden before the prince and what he presumes is the suitor he's suppose to be meeting even get there. Carefully he slips into some of the deeper foliage he will be able to move around in freely and watches as the two of them emerge.\n\n*'They are walking close together, so if she tries anything I will have to react quickly'*He glances back towards the castle.*'With so many visitors today, and so short a time around them, I did not have a chance to check the feeling of the room. There may be yet another in there, ready to finish up what the other failed to do earlier'*Despite the serene surroundings Rei is as keyed up as ever, though if anyone could actually see him he would look perfectly relaxed. His hand is on the hilt of his blade and while he does not like throwing his weapon he is nearly as deadly with it at a distance. His magic trickles out and though it takes a good thirty seconds, covers the entire garden in it's web like tendrils and allows Rei to listen in more easily to the strolling couple.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro doesn't need to look for Rei to know he is watching, the little, fine hairs on the back of his neck begin to prickle with that odd sensation when someone is watching you intensely. It is a disconcerting feeling to say the least but in this castle there was a fair chance it was only one person, Rei and if it wasn't, it was likely another assassin -or so he reasoned- and thus Rei would be close at hand anyway. Some in his position might think him foolish, unwise to put such trust in a man who was hired to murder others and did so with such ease, an ease he had seen first hand in the town square but for some reason, something even Alessandro could not quite place, he trusted the Fae with his life, more than he'd trust most of his guard whom he had grown up knowing.\n\nThe Lady he was with was indeed lovely, she spoke eloquently but without the usual emotionless tone that most Sister's managed to stamp out. Her eyes lit up and her nose gave a cute wrinkle when she was excited or confused and she walked with all the gentle grace of a deer in the woods, barely disturbing the stones beneath her feet or the grass her dress hem brushed against. she was lightly doused in a scented oil though it was faint and fleeting so Alessandro barely managed to catch the hints of jasmine before it drifted away on the gentle breeze. She laughed at his jokes though not long or loud and she spoke little of herself until asked it of her. Alessandro imagined it would have been quite easy to fall for a woman such as her if her smile didn't give her away, it was empty and false and every now and then he caught a chill in her gaze. No doubt she'd spent her young life hoping to be married off to the King's eldest son, like many girls -or so his sister had said- she probably hand fantasised about the day they met, their wedding day and their life afterwards. With the war and the death of the eldest her dreams had been shattered.\n\n______\n\nThe princess watched all from her place at the window, she saw her brother laughing and walking arm in arm with the Lady her father had dragged in and she felt a stab of hatred for both the woman and her brother. They had not been walking together for some time now, of course Father probably wouldn't disapprove but since the war it was so hard to guess his moods and with the lessons she was subjected to day in and out it was almost as if they were being kept separated on purpose. Perhaps her father feared she would be corrupted by Alessandro, though to what end she had no idea, her brother was a lot of things she was sure but she doubted he could ever bring harm to a woman willingly. There had been times where she had contemplated asking her father to allow her time with him, she believed she could change him into a better man, more like their deceased brother but with less cruelty. Though every time she got the courage to ask it waned and her mouth went dry. It was dry now but from dainty white teeth digging into it silently so those who also watched from the Window's would not see her distaste.\n\n____", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "The words passing between the two as they stroll casually through the garden ring hollow in the fae's ears. Like all the inane babble of courtiers and noblemen that he's learned to filter out when on the job, what they are actually saying becomes a simple buzz of sound, only observed for possible dangers or hints of nefarious intent. _'So strange to know that the prince is not really like this. To listen to a tone I have heard a million times before coming from a man I actually know sounds very different'_ He travels in the shadows of the foliage, moving closer when he can, staying back when they move towards his location. _'And her. . .I do not know her, but the tone I know. She is a hunter, after a prize. It is strange what humans see as prizes. . .'_\n\nHis focus shifts slightly to the eyes gazing down from above. His movements have also been hampered but a need to keep something between him and a window up above. He spotted the princess as soon as she came to the window, however it was a split second decision in that instant on whether or not he should stay hidden from her gaze or not, and in that instant he decided to hide. There is no real concrete reason in his head to do this, she has not been shown to be a threat as of yet, however he has always trusted his instincts, and that look in her eyes when first he spotted her told him all he needed to know in that moment. Glancing up at her he grants himself a few seconds to examine her face closely before turning his attention back to the prince and his lady.\n\n_'So angry that child. She may not have been proven a danger thus far, but she is capable, without a doubt'_ He had seen that expression many times, in the eyes of those who hired him as they thought of the one he was to kill. They would practically spit fire, hissing and snarling in their rage, sometimes even getting angry at him for not backing up their emotions with encouragement. His father had often said that it sometimes netted you more coin to pretend that you agree with your client, but Rei had never felt the need. His head perks up a little bit as the woman expresses a desire to sit down and gestures towards a bench. Rei waits to see if the prince will indulge her, his gaze skipping over a row of bushes that would be a good hiding place for him to listen in.\n\n~*~*~*~*~\n\nWalking over the rough, stony ground of the countryside is harder than the young fae had thought. Especially when he keeps finding the need to duck out of sight. So many little things that put him on edge. Little sounds, faint movements, even the taste in the air occasionally brings him to his knees. He does not complain however, not that there's anyone around to hear his complaints. The determination in his gaze never wavers and with each step he takes, his decision feels more and more right. He needs to do this, it's the right thing to do, and more than anything, he wants to see it through to the end.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro indeed offered his lady to sit where they talked a little longer, from the politics of the kingdom to their desires and aspirations. Alessandro answered with stock answers a future King was supposed to use, the happiness and welfare of his people, producing an heir and all the other kingly trimmings. Her answers too were those taught to her, to support her husband in his every endeavor and care for him if sick and to birth his children for him. Eventually they exhausted most of the topics they could and were permitted to ask and answer and the lady once again indicated her desire to move on. \n\nThe crowd had thinned some, it had been a good hour and many people had to head back to their work or had decided to indulge in the lunch time buffet supplied by the kings cooks. His sister too had moved from the window to join with the other lords and ladies downstairs, keeping up the appearances expected of her. By the time he and the young lady had approached the castle she paused and turned to him. \"My lord, I would dearly like to take a ride and see this Kingdom, would you mind taking me?\" Alessandro did mind, if he rode with her he had to be everything he didn't want to be when he rode, restrained, regal and, well honestly pompous. It was not in him though to refuse the lady and even should he his father would surely punish him for it. \"I see no reason why we can not, however I really must insist we take my body guard should we go.\"\n\"I have heard of him, a short fellow that looks rather like a girl. People are saying he is peculiar.\"\n\"Oh really? Well I would highly doubt a man of his upbringing would be considered 'normal' and I would not want him to be. It is good for my man to be considered peculiar, it will make those attempting to take my life pause for thought.\" He flashed a playful grin to which the Princess had no reply but a blush across her pretty cheeks and he lead her into the hall, announcing to both their fathers that they would dearly love to take in the countryside and that he would be taking his personal body guard to assure their safety. With a jest and some convincing from Alessandro's father the Lady's father consented and soon they were heading for the stables. \n\nShe had a sable mare and quickly ordered the stable boy to saddle her horse while Alessandro took to the Black Beast and Silver was saddled by one of the younger farm hands. Silver was so gentle a child could saddle her, should of course her owner allow such a thing. Alessandro managed to pull beast from the stable with minimal fuss and there he waited, the farm hands holding Silver's reins, just waiting for Rei while the lady was checking her horse over as if the help here had no idea how to properly saddle an animal. Alessandro refrained from comment and slid easily up into his saddle, \"I am sure he shall be along any moment. I sent my squire to fetch him.\" He hadn't actually, the freckle faced boy who attended his room was busy elsewhere, apparently not allowed to be part of the festivities but likely better for it too. However explaining that Rei had been watching her all this time and would be stepping out of some shadow or other now he knew his presence to be requested seemed a little excessive to him.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "King Augustus Castalan II." } ]

[ { "text": "Rei can not halt another quick glance at himself as he once more hears that, despite his - albeit minor – effort, he apparently still appears girlish in the young woman's eyes. 'I can not see it, and for the life of me I can not understand feeling jealous of my looks. . . .Though I suppose I am not the best judge of such things. Beauty and attractiveness in the physical sense. . .Or any sense really, is not something I understand all that well. Never had use of it. . . .' Looking back up he watches the two nobles finish their word exchange before beginning their ride and with a soft sigh he motions Silver into action. She follows along almost reluctantly, her only drive to say near the prince whom she hopes will give her a little attention.\n\nThe ride is a quiet one. Rei's head rotates this way and that like that of a raptor on the hunt, scaring most people away when they spot his piercing stare. Those who stay are either too busy to flee or are to enthralled with the ones ahead of him to be particularly bothered by his presence. He does note that this time through town more people stop to stare and the hum of the gossip is more geared towards the hopeful than the disapproving. He swears he hears many of them call the girl by name and follow it with the word \"cleansing\". He doesn't really get it, and none of it is threatening so he brushes it off with a shrug.\n\nOne ear remains on the prince and princess at all times, their conversation stuff that, for the most part, either goes over his head, or simply of no consequence to the assassin turned bodyguard. However, after a while, the talk turned tot he late brother and he can not help but pay a little bit more attention. His eyes actually stop on the two on occasion and a deep seated confusion sets up inside that small body. He gets the basic idea of what this meeting and time together with the woman is all about, as it is something he's had a bit of experience with over the years. Meetings like this are a good opportunities for an assassin since the two involved are so absent inside their own heads that taking them out is a snap.\n\nHowever one thing he'd always noticed was a tit for tat exchange involving selling ones self and likewise doing one's best to buy what the other was selling. Politeness, showing off one's virtues, and pouring compliments on the other. He's not quite sure what all of that achieves however it was always the same and always just as false as what he sees before him. 'With this however, I do not see any of the fawning on her part. At least, not directed at the prince. It is as if he is not here, like she is seeing some shadow and every time she sees who she is looking at she falls from a daydream into a disappointing reality. I do not think that this meeting is like the others. . .But I may be wrong. I should ask later'\n\nAlessandro himself looked not at all like one trying to sell himself and Rei can feel his own heckles come up at the tenseness of his ward. He does not act on his transferred irritation though and instead simply holds a little tighter to his dagger, and gesture that has brought him comfort over the years. The ride is blissfully short and though it stuck to a highly populated area Rei manages to come out fairly calm at the end of it all.\n\nHe hops of his mount before the other two, his gaze sweeping the yard quickly before shucking off his riding clothes and handing them off to a servant, sliding up to a spot behind the prince that blocks him mostly from the young lady's view. He's not sure if he needs to keep tot he shadows once again now that they are back but he's decided not to take any chances. He stalks along behind the two of them as they make their way back up to the palace and once they part ways Rei moves in closer. Taking up the spot he's become accustom to when escorting the price around the palace grounds he looks up at the man after the goodbye.\n\nAs their eyes meet Rei's narrow and he wonders vaguely at all the strain that the youth seems to be under. 'Nothing about his life is something I have encountered directly before. Everything is a little off. I know he is not exactly unique in his circumstance, however the way this is playing out is different from all I have seen before, and he. . . .' Rei does not know what to make of the man, looking back at him with his near blank curious stare. He falls into line as the prince moves off towards the tower, holding his tongue and following at a \"respectful\" distance until at last they enter the stone edifice.\n\nHe closes the door quietly behind them and makes to follow the prince all the way up. However the prince has other plans and instead plops down right on the stairs, his true self once more shining through true and clear. Rei pauses a couple steps down, suddenly awash in a torrent of confusion. He has to agree, the woman is not one any should seek to spend their life with, but killing oneself? He's not the insufferable one here and removing himself would rob the world of an interesting person. His brows furrow, his eyes narrowing in confusion. Moving so he is one step down from the prince he crouches panther like before the distraught young man and stares at his bowed head.\n\n\"I do not think removing yourself from the world is the answer Alessandro. Besides robbing me of the prize agreed upon between us I think that removing an unquestionably good person from the world does no one any favors, especially the one who dies.\" He shakes his head slowly, his tone and eyes completely serious as he continues, his head tilting to the right. \"The better solution in this instance would be to remove the bad element from the problem. In this case the woman who is causing grief to not only yourself but I do believe your younger sibling, thus also removing the guaranteed damage she would inflict on this land and the people in it along with the ruling bodies.\" He blinks slowly, his head tilting to the other side. Then, as if offering to go buy a bolt of cloth he states, \"I could always kill her for you.\"", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "Alessandro looked at the young fae and as he spoke such kind words -albeit likely without realising it- the prince found himself having to resist the urge to lean in and kiss the fae. Oh he'd had compliments paid to him before but none so earnest and without ulterior intent. Instead Alessandro offered him a smile, Rei was such a refreshing change to the woman he'd spent the day with. Honest to his feelings and his thoughts, kind in his own way, intelligent with no arrogance or false pride, if Alessandro could meet a girl like Rei then maybe this whole marriage thing wouldn't be so bad. Instead of acting on the impulse he first had he acted on the second, his fingers brushing into the feather soft locks of Rei in a soft and gentle caress, \"You flatter me with your words Rei.\" He sounded genuinely touched as well. \"You are right I can not break my promise to you and I shall not don't you worry.\"\n\nAlthough if he was married to her he might be tempted on numerous occasions, Rei continued and Alessandro dropped his hand, resting both on his legs and listening. The woman was upsetting his little sister? Perhaps he would have to ask her what had caused this distress, he certainly would have a stronger case if she was upset by the woman as well and his parents were more likely to listen to her than to him. Of course then Rei shook him from his thoughts with the offer to kill her and for a brief moment he was almost tempted to permit it. Alessandro gave a small shake of his head however and a quiet chuckle, \"How tempting such a power would be Rei, however I am afraid I would never ask that of you and as insufferable as she might be -in my eyes- she does not quite deserve to die. Thank you though.\" \n\nOnce more unintentionally the fae had relieved him of his stresses and bought him into better spirits, so with an easy movement he was back to his feet, \"Come, lets go find you a book to read, no? After today I think you deserve it.\"", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" } ]

[ { "text": "Up they went and he smiled faintly as he was beckoned in even before the door handle was in his grasp, he always wondered about the meister's ability but he'd never question it. The old man was his friend and that was all that mattered, \"Pardon the intrusion but I promised my guard here another look at your books.\" He paused then added, \"And if I am completely honest I need to hide away from a certain girl, I'm sure the prospect of books will put her off coming here.\" The meister chuckled and gave no attention to Rei's nosing but instead addressed the prince, \"Woman trouble?\" He cooed playfully, Alessandro nodded faintly. \n\nThe meisters eyes rose to Rei and Alessandro turned his attention to the boy, with a chuckle he nodded lightly, \"Off you go then Rei. Enjoy.\" With the release command given he sat on the floor by the Meister's chair, glancing briefly to the window in the tower, \"I don't understand, I know marrying for love is not a luxury we as royalty get. However to ask me to spend my life with someone as shallow, uneducated and self-centred seems a special kind of cruelty.\" The meister chuckled faintly and put a hand on the Prince's. \n\"That seems bad but most Kings and Queens eventually come to respect, if not love one another. I know it seems unfair, it is, you'll find a way to cope...unless of course your sister puts an end to all of it for you.\" It was Alessandro's turn to chuckle, \n\"She is my only hope right now. Although, perhaps the Sweet Lady did not take to me and perhaps she will talk her family out of it.\"\n\"That's the spirit my boy. So, how are you aside miserable?\"\n\"Well enough to come here and complain my woes to you. I am sorry, is there anything you need? Extra blankets perhaps, candles?\" \n\"Oh do not fret for me so much my Prince, I am old and hardy like the oak.\" \nAnd so the pair talked casually, of everything from the weather to the stars and Alessandro had that look in his eyes a child might hold for a father telling a tale. It was a contented time indeed and the tension and falsehood of the prince washed away, left outside the tower so only the true Alessandro remained.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" }, { "text": "As soon as he is granted permission Rei is off into the shelves, searching for the book he had been reading before. He'd not seen it on the table and it takes every scrap of his concentration to relocate it as the old man seems to have a filing system that has everything in odd places and never in the same place twice. Once it's located however he slides it off the shelf and into his lap, curling around it as he begins reading. Each passage filters into his mind, filling it with images and scenes in a way only books have ever managed to do. It's not like Rei doesn't have an imagination but without the words before him it seems weak, and a little sad.\n\nTime passes around the fae, the world inside the book growing dimmer and dimmer until he realizes that it's not the images, it the lack of light from the real world darkening his vision. His head comes up, rotating this way and that until he spots the glow of a candle in the distance. He's almost finished with the book, only a few pages left, and he really wants to reach the end before it's time to leave. Standing he walks over to the source of the light, a candle resting in the middle of the table where the old man is sitting beside the prince. Without even looking at the two he sends out his magic to make sure both are okay as he approaches before plopping down into a free seat, settling the large tome gently on to the table.\n\nDiving back in he ignores the conversation taking place across the table and only looks up when he senses someone coming up the stairs of the tower. He pauses mid sentence and his eyes snap to the door, glaring. \"Someone is here.\" he murmurs, rising and coming around the table just so that he'll be at the ready should it be a threat to the prince. He doesn't recognize the body approaching, so it's not anyone he's had direct contact with before like the princess or Alessandro's manservant so he remain generally alert until the identity of the person is confirmed. The old man looks at him curiously, looking almost ready to chuckle at his hyper alertness on the palace grounds. He refrains however, seeing as Rei himself made it on to the grounds, and it is in the dark hours.", "username": "PopeAlessandros", "char_name": "Rei Torrnic, Riverwalk Clan" }, { "text": "The day had dwindled into evening and he had relaxed himself with his old friend, what had started at talk about their days had wandered the realms of philosophical shores and waned and waxed on every topic between. The Prince preferred these lazy days, these brief hours of freedom, they were like a reward for putting up with his family's insistent rouse. \n\nHe had grown quiet though and was drifting between the realm of the wakeful and the realm of sleep when Rei perked up and jumped to attention. This roused the Prince from his relaxed stupor and for a moment he regarded the boy with something between amusement and concern. He was like a guard dog, not the hunting dogs they had by the kitchen but a trained guard dog. The problem with that is very few ever out lived their owner and the Prince felt concerned that fate would be Rei's some day. \n\nStanding he brushed at his legs and smiled at the meister, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. Rei would have known if it was his sister or one of the servants he'd already met, the fact he didn't recognise them made him concerned. Not for himself, he truly had lost count on the times he'd been attacked but the meister was here and while he was a powerful man in Alessandro's opinion he was old and fragile and if anything happened to him the Prince would never forgive himself. As he reached the Fae's side he touched his shoulder and whispered in his ear, \"If ever something happens here, get the Meister to safety first, that isn't up for negotiation.\" There was a brief hardness to his tone, the type that didn't care for arguments. Alessandro cherished the old man it was clear in the concern in his eyes. \n\nstepping forward he slipped the door open and glanced at a very startled looking man that stopped a half dozen steps from the door, \"Is there something I can help you with?\" Alessandro didn't recognise the man there but that could have been due to the darkness in the corridor.", "username": "cthulu", "char_name": "Prince Alessandro Castalan VII" } ]