( from here )
[ there's a flash of disappointment in viren's gaze with the response, eyebrows knitting together; but that's how bonds are, tricky. and, he has to remind himself, that could have gone much more poorly: theseus could have, say, spat in his face or something. not that that alternative makes it a whole bunch better, but hey. ]
Of course.
[ a small smile. he can't hold those for long, unless it's a venomous sort, so it's brief. ]
Now— What had you been saying? Something about socializing...?
[ there's a flash of disappointment in viren's gaze with the response, eyebrows knitting together; but that's how bonds are, tricky. and, he has to remind himself, that could have gone much more poorly: theseus could have, say, spat in his face or something. not that that alternative makes it a whole bunch better, but hey. ]
Of course.
[ a small smile. he can't hold those for long, unless it's a venomous sort, so it's brief. ]
Now— What had you been saying? Something about socializing...?
Edited 2019-12-04 21:22 (UTC)
[Time's running out for him, and at the very least, it's best to form a bond with someone that's offering rather than randomly coming up to someone he doesn't know or waiting until his magic becomes uncontrollable. But it'll be much easier to think about this and form a decision when he's alone, away from the party where he's trying to charm his way around other guests.
So, shoving those thoughts for later, he quickly picks up his normal persona, smiling at Viren as he gets up from the table.]
Socializing, as in not sitting away from everyone and pretending that someone's made a personal affront towards you.
So, shoving those thoughts for later, he quickly picks up his normal persona, smiling at Viren as he gets up from the table.]
Socializing, as in not sitting away from everyone and pretending that someone's made a personal affront towards you.
( from here )
[ viren takes her look of disbelief, yes, as invitation to continue. .. he doesn't really know the specifics of what makes those things so terrible, but he'll draw inferences as best he can. ]
I've heard them to be oppressive regimes, terrorizing the innocent indiscriminately.
[ he looks pretty serious. ]
As it was put to me, your... peace of mind should be basically destroyed; they plant themselves like an insidious seed, drain the lifeforce from the masses and plague all those that come into contact with them with nothing but suffering.
[ that was the gist of what was said, anyway. he may have lent some slight dramatization to it. ]
[ viren takes her look of disbelief, yes, as invitation to continue. .. he doesn't really know the specifics of what makes those things so terrible, but he'll draw inferences as best he can. ]
I've heard them to be oppressive regimes, terrorizing the innocent indiscriminately.
[ he looks pretty serious. ]
As it was put to me, your... peace of mind should be basically destroyed; they plant themselves like an insidious seed, drain the lifeforce from the masses and plague all those that come into contact with them with nothing but suffering.
[ that was the gist of what was said, anyway. he may have lent some slight dramatization to it. ]
[That's... a very dramatic retelling of cable companies and homeowner associations and she has to wonder to herself what kind of person it was that told him all of this. Granted, they aren't entirely wrong – cable companies enjoy making anything difficult for their customers, and she's probably had some experience with them doing as much in the past.
But to say that they drain the lifeforce?
Lightning purses her lips together, holding in a laugh.]
Huh.
[She's on the fence about whether she should enlighten him or not.]
Sounds a lot like the motor companies back home. They're just as pushy, don't take no for an answer, and drain your lifeforce if you so much as try to say no to them.
[Yeah, not yet.]
But to say that they drain the lifeforce?
Lightning purses her lips together, holding in a laugh.]
Huh.
[She's on the fence about whether she should enlighten him or not.]
Sounds a lot like the motor companies back home. They're just as pushy, don't take no for an answer, and drain your lifeforce if you so much as try to say no to them.
[Yeah, not yet.]
( from here )
Ah. Such faith...
[ he'd snap something back, that it's counterproductive to backstab an ally, but evidently they both know when that might be warranted. there's a little glare at that, his tone clearly unhappy and conveying disagreement.
(wouldn't be the first time someone's voiced that speculation to his face, though.) ]
[ there's a beat, his eyebrows raising - ]
[..] What's this about the agriculture, though? Beyond Cwyld infection, I wasn't sure there was anything amiss.
Ah. Such faith...
[ he'd snap something back, that it's counterproductive to backstab an ally, but evidently they both know when that might be warranted. there's a little glare at that, his tone clearly unhappy and conveying disagreement.
(wouldn't be the first time someone's voiced that speculation to his face, though.) ]
[ there's a beat, his eyebrows raising - ]
[..] What's this about the agriculture, though? Beyond Cwyld infection, I wasn't sure there was anything amiss.
Paying your gold back with gold Viren.
[She winked, and took a sip of wine. At least she was being upfront with him rather then pretending everything was all roses now. He might be grumpy now, but at least he was still able to think.]
They don't have much in the way of protection, nor do they have much in the way of ensuring that their lands will continue to produce.
I also just like the idea of having alchemical plants on hand for useful potions and such. Make the rare things less rare and more viable. So-roof top gardens, or better, community gardens, would be a good way to ensure we have supplies on hand.
[She winked, and took a sip of wine. At least she was being upfront with him rather then pretending everything was all roses now. He might be grumpy now, but at least he was still able to think.]
They don't have much in the way of protection, nor do they have much in the way of ensuring that their lands will continue to produce.
I also just like the idea of having alchemical plants on hand for useful potions and such. Make the rare things less rare and more viable. So-roof top gardens, or better, community gardens, would be a good way to ensure we have supplies on hand.
[Continued from here.
He looks slightly curious at Viren's answer.]
Hmm, a waste? Only interested in associating with witches, then?
[Which begs the question why Viren's giving him the time of day, but who knows? It could be similar to how Oda, Dazai, and Ango associated despite their different mafia positions...]
It's good to have goals. [Oda wishes he had at least one.]
He looks slightly curious at Viren's answer.]
Hmm, a waste? Only interested in associating with witches, then?
[Which begs the question why Viren's giving him the time of day, but who knows? It could be similar to how Oda, Dazai, and Ango associated despite their different mafia positions...]
It's good to have goals. [Oda wishes he had at least one.]
Ideally a Monster should have multiple Witch bonds, yes?
[ ... even if one is likely enough. regardless, viren's eyebrows raise, tilting his head as if he expects oda to agree. ]
[ and then they lower. he frowns. ]
You haven't found one, yet? [ whether he means a bond or a goal, is up to oda to decide. ]
[ ... even if one is likely enough. regardless, viren's eyebrows raise, tilting his head as if he expects oda to agree. ]
[ and then they lower. he frowns. ]
You haven't found one, yet? [ whether he means a bond or a goal, is up to oda to decide. ]
[Theseus was already on the verge of asking Viren to bond with him when the blizzard hit Aefenglom, shutting down various parts of the city and making magic unreliable. A difficult experience to say the least and while the Auror didn't have any close encounters during that time, the instability of his magic really hammered home that he probably needs to bond quickly.
He doesn't want to be a danger and he wants to use his magic well, if only to help others.
So, Viren's offer pops into his mind. Not the first time he's thought about it since the masquerade, far from it, but he's really finding less reason to not go through with it now. They're both pragmatic adults, bonding will only help in the long run, right? Impersonal is fine, impersonal but respectful.]
Viren.
[Theseus will greet the other man as soon as he answers his device. He's definitely serious, not bothering with charisma.]
He doesn't want to be a danger and he wants to use his magic well, if only to help others.
So, Viren's offer pops into his mind. Not the first time he's thought about it since the masquerade, far from it, but he's really finding less reason to not go through with it now. They're both pragmatic adults, bonding will only help in the long run, right? Impersonal is fine, impersonal but respectful.]
Viren.
[Theseus will greet the other man as soon as he answers his device. He's definitely serious, not bothering with charisma.]
[ although he answers almost immediately, viren looks a tad bit worse for wear -- tired, the shadows darkened beneath his eyes, almost gaunter. his eyebrows raise when he answers, the witch appearing on the screen. he tries to smooth back his hair, fails in taming it, rubs his forehead.
well. the seriousness does catch him somewhat off-guard. ]
Theseus?
[ he's surprised - it wouldn't be the first, nor the last time, he thought of his bond offer, but he'd otherwise presumed it to be on the backburner. ]
Yes, was there something you needed?
well. the seriousness does catch him somewhat off-guard. ]
Theseus?
[ he's surprised - it wouldn't be the first, nor the last time, he thought of his bond offer, but he'd otherwise presumed it to be on the backburner. ]
Yes, was there something you needed?
[The package left on his doorstep contains a plate of homemade cookies from Marie and a fresh lily flower.
“Happy Holidays! We are not friends yet but I hope we can become friends in the coming year.” is what the attached note says]
“Happy Holidays! We are not friends yet but I hope we can become friends in the coming year.” is what the attached note says]
[ he does feel like, essentially, he just received a solicitation for friendship.
he almost discards the note to think nothing more of it. ... the cookies are good. hm. (was this marie significant, or have potential? is she a witch? a fellow monster?) a few days later, she will receive a follow-up text: ]
Perhaps I would be open to getting coffee [ the term for it here, apparently ] with you sometime, yes.
he almost discards the note to think nothing more of it. ... the cookies are good. hm. (was this marie significant, or have potential? is she a witch? a fellow monster?) a few days later, she will receive a follow-up text: ]
Perhaps I would be open to getting coffee [ the term for it here, apparently ] with you sometime, yes.
[Look at this! Looks like Viren got the small gift of reinforced gloves! It's not signed, but if he has a sensitive nose, he may be able to smell Sokie's scent.
Weird.]
Weird.]
[What's this? Looks like Viren got a box! Inside has a small bag of coffee beans, and a note.]
Hopefully, this box can be used for either organizing your papers, or for storing items.
-Caren
Hopefully, this box can be used for either organizing your papers, or for storing items.
-Caren
[Lightning knew that Viren lived here, but she didn't know if he knew. That would be something she'd leave up to Zack when the time came, and she assumed the best of him – that he would say so as soon as possible. Which is why she roams the house freely within the first few hours of bringing every single belonging she had and dropping it into a room, albeit with some tentativeness.
Whatever Viren is in the middle of doing when she wanders into the kitchen in search of a glass of water, hopefully it isn't something too important! Because the moment she sees him, she immediately pipes up.]
What're you doing!?
[It's a stupid question, considering he lives here... but it's the first thing she manages to blurt from her mouth because she's so far from being properly dressed for their first meeting since the masquerade. She's made herself comfortable in a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, with her hair tied into a loose, messy ponytail behind her ear.
However, something is different about her this time. Beneath the skin on her arms, her veins glow a deep purple, their glow pulsing to her racing heartbeat.]
Whatever Viren is in the middle of doing when she wanders into the kitchen in search of a glass of water, hopefully it isn't something too important! Because the moment she sees him, she immediately pipes up.]
What're you doing!?
[It's a stupid question, considering he lives here... but it's the first thing she manages to blurt from her mouth because she's so far from being properly dressed for their first meeting since the masquerade. She's made herself comfortable in a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, with her hair tied into a loose, messy ponytail behind her ear.
However, something is different about her this time. Beneath the skin on her arms, her veins glow a deep purple, their glow pulsing to her racing heartbeat.]
[ viren was waiting for some new shift to begin, or else biding his time before some quest, but keeping himself busy in the meanwhile. which meant he could be found in the kitchen, wrapped up in some scarlet robe (with another robe on top of this; it's still snowing outside!), some papers tucked under an arm as he finished preparing himself a cup of hot coffee - scalding, just the way he liked it as a dragon.
it's when he's turning, mug in hand, that he's greeted by lightning's voice. he startles at the abruptness of it, coffee spilling over his hand with some dripping to the floor, his grip crumpling the papers. ah - there she is. the infamous, promised roommate... ]
Lightning.
[ he grits his teeth. while he's yet to notice any telltale signs of a witch overloaded with magic, he does manage to give her a sweeping, biting glance. ]
I live here.
it's when he's turning, mug in hand, that he's greeted by lightning's voice. he startles at the abruptness of it, coffee spilling over his hand with some dripping to the floor, his grip crumpling the papers. ah - there she is. the infamous, promised roommate... ]
Lightning.
[ he grits his teeth. while he's yet to notice any telltale signs of a witch overloaded with magic, he does manage to give her a sweeping, biting glance. ]
I live here.
I wanted to let you know I set aside one of the rooms for you. One of the new mirrorbound was moved into the other room, and I said one was reserved.
( mainly because she hadn't wanted to get saddled with another surprise, but: )
If you end up not needing it, let me know. But it's there if you do.
( mainly because she hadn't wanted to get saddled with another surprise, but: )
If you end up not needing it, let me know. But it's there if you do.
[ viren's pleased to receive the message, and tries not to immediately jump at answering. the last few weeks, in an empty home that's been partially ravaged by fire, have been trying. his instincts for socialization pressing in at him, needling him for keeping alone. still, it hadn't been ... unmanageable. ]
Yes. I do.
[ he does realize he hasn't seen a photograph of the room, or house, nor has he met gwen in person.
but: ]
When may I move in?
Yes. I do.
[ he does realize he hasn't seen a photograph of the room, or house, nor has he met gwen in person.
but: ]
When may I move in?
[He did say he was going to pay Viren back for the dessert. It just also happens to be the full moon. Which means he's feeling weirdly drained of energy as he enters into Diplomatea.
Hopefully there aren't more places with that name.]
'm looking for Viren?
Hopefully there aren't more places with that name.]
'm looking for Viren?
Edited 2020-02-08 19:42 (UTC)
[ as a monster, it's difficult not to be keenly aware of the phases of the moons, even if he would thankfully dodge many of the consequences. viren sits at a small, round table off to the side -- not quite apart of any throng of customers, but still near enough that he can feed off the social energy. ]
[ when he hears his name, he looks up from where he'd been reading through some papers. ]
Yes, over here.
[ he neatens the stack, setting it aside for the moment. ]
It's 'Juza,' yes...?
[ when he hears his name, he looks up from where he'd been reading through some papers. ]
Yes, over here.
[ he neatens the stack, setting it aside for the moment. ]
It's 'Juza,' yes...?
Hey, it's Jonas Ward. We met about a month or so ago by the bonfires and I offered to take care of some things for you?
Just wanted to lyk that I've got a few runes made up from practicing with them in class, so I thought you might like to take a peek to kinda figure out what exactly you'd want done up. If you're still interested, I'm still willing to help you out. Hmu anytime.🤙🏻
Just wanted to lyk that I've got a few runes made up from practicing with them in class, so I thought you might like to take a peek to kinda figure out what exactly you'd want done up. If you're still interested, I'm still willing to help you out. Hmu anytime.🤙🏻
(at some point during the day there'll be a walking stick propped against viren's door. affixed with a plain letter that's been wrapped around the carved wooden shaft. it becomes readily apparent who thought to keep ties civil even after soren's warning in the woods, which he's taken rather seriously for a guy like him.
the letter reads, in light, scratchy all caps:)
HEY, SO NO BIGGIE BUT I THOUGHT YOU'D LIKE THIS COOL STAFF I BOUGHT.
I MET THIS WISE OLD WIZARD IN THE STREET AND ASKED HIM WHERE HE GOT HIS BECAUSE IT WAS HONESTLY BADASS, AND HE POINTED OUT A SPECIALTY SHOP IN THE HAVEN SHOPPING DISTRICT. AFTER LIKE 3 STORIES ABOUT LIVING IN THE OUTSKIRTS AND EATING TREE SAP FOR LIKE 30 YEARS, I CHECKED IT OUT. HONESTLY, I THINK HE MIGHT'VE BEEN JUST SOME CRAZY OLD GUY AND NOT ANYTHING SPECIAL, BECAUSE ALL THE STAFFS KIND OF LOOK LIKE WALKING STICKS?
I FIGURE I DON'T KNOW HOW OLD YOU ARE, BUT MY GRANDPA LIKED WALKING STICKS. I ALWAYS THOUGHT THEY WERE PRETTY SICK FOR HIKING WITH, TOO. NOTHING WRONG ABOUT A GOOD, DENSE STICK. I EVEN ENCHANTED IT A BIT, SO BE SURE TO TRY IT OUT IF YOU LIKE IT.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DUDE!
JONAS WARD.
P.S. THIS LETTER WILL SELF-DESTRUCT IN 3 SECONDS.
(after being bombed with confetti and sparkles by the magic-fuelled marking on the back of jonas' letter, viren will find that the "staff" has been crudely etched with runes of power—like magitech—beneath its handle. this will allow him to cast barrier magic until it depletes (approx. ten sustained uses). it manifests the stored magic, creating a shield that increases defence against magical influences, physical attacks, and projectiles for thirty seconds a pop.
enjoy, motherfucker.)
the letter reads, in light, scratchy all caps:)
HEY, SO NO BIGGIE BUT I THOUGHT YOU'D LIKE THIS COOL STAFF I BOUGHT.
I MET THIS WISE OLD WIZARD IN THE STREET AND ASKED HIM WHERE HE GOT HIS BECAUSE IT WAS HONESTLY BADASS, AND HE POINTED OUT A SPECIALTY SHOP IN THE HAVEN SHOPPING DISTRICT. AFTER LIKE 3 STORIES ABOUT LIVING IN THE OUTSKIRTS AND EATING TREE SAP FOR LIKE 30 YEARS, I CHECKED IT OUT. HONESTLY, I THINK HE MIGHT'VE BEEN JUST SOME CRAZY OLD GUY AND NOT ANYTHING SPECIAL, BECAUSE ALL THE STAFFS KIND OF LOOK LIKE WALKING STICKS?
I FIGURE I DON'T KNOW HOW OLD YOU ARE, BUT MY GRANDPA LIKED WALKING STICKS. I ALWAYS THOUGHT THEY WERE PRETTY SICK FOR HIKING WITH, TOO. NOTHING WRONG ABOUT A GOOD, DENSE STICK. I EVEN ENCHANTED IT A BIT, SO BE SURE TO TRY IT OUT IF YOU LIKE IT.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DUDE!
JONAS WARD.
P.S. THIS LETTER WILL SELF-DESTRUCT IN 3 SECONDS.
(after being bombed with confetti and sparkles by the magic-fuelled marking on the back of jonas' letter, viren will find that the "staff" has been crudely etched with runes of power—like magitech—beneath its handle. this will allow him to cast barrier magic until it depletes (approx. ten sustained uses). it manifests the stored magic, creating a shield that increases defence against magical influences, physical attacks, and projectiles for thirty seconds a pop.
enjoy, motherfucker.)
[ oh. it takes viren a moment to catch onto the occasion, here (or, beyond that, the purpose— then again, jonas has continually shown himself to be a generous person). the brief detour into ... crazy old men and grandfathers has him squinting at the letter, and there's a timely burst of confetti and sparkles in face, catching into his beard and eyebrows, at about the time he reads "happy birthday."
he brushes the debris from his hair, lifts the stick to give it a thorough survey. viren's more than capable of looking a gift horse in the mouth, but even aside any potential implications about his age (even more middled-aged, now!), he has no complaints.
thus, a few hours later, the witch will receive a single text, ]
Thank you, Jonas.
he brushes the debris from his hair, lifts the stick to give it a thorough survey. viren's more than capable of looking a gift horse in the mouth, but even aside any potential implications about his age (even more middled-aged, now!), he has no complaints.
thus, a few hours later, the witch will receive a single text, ]
Thank you, Jonas.
[ hoo. he would certainly believe his children the sort to wish him happy birthday (they always have, even if he could forget); but thinking to do so, even after everything that ... allegedly happens? ]
[ he's surprised. ]
Thank you.
And perhaps so. Why do you ask?
[ he's surprised. ]
Thank you.
And perhaps so. Why do you ask?
[Honestly, Keith does realize that he shouldn't be snooping around other people's memories just because the opportunity is there. Privacy is great and he likes having it, after all. But at the same time, there's some undeniable value in gathering intel on people who present themselves in vaguely menacing ways. Or maybe Viren's just a bit of a control freak? Keith won't rule that interpretation out, but one way or another he figures this is a way of getting a better read on the guy without necessarily approaching him. Who knows if Viren's gonna slap a subpoena in his face or something...
He touches the smooth surface of Viren's mirror, which ripples at the touch and gently draws him into a darkened room with no windows. Squinting as his eyes adjust to the dim light, he swivels this way and that to try and get a sense of where the hell he is. Or rather what Viren would be doing in a place like this. The light from the candle at the table is faint, but it's enough to cast shadows on stone walls and heavy bolted doors.
Keith's expression sours immediately. He's been through this song and dance of memory watching before so he doesn't bother trying to keep his voice low as he creeps up to get a closer look at what all Viren is actually doing standing in front of yet another large ornate mirror.]
This better not be some weird BDSM sex dungeon.
He touches the smooth surface of Viren's mirror, which ripples at the touch and gently draws him into a darkened room with no windows. Squinting as his eyes adjust to the dim light, he swivels this way and that to try and get a sense of where the hell he is. Or rather what Viren would be doing in a place like this. The light from the candle at the table is faint, but it's enough to cast shadows on stone walls and heavy bolted doors.
Keith's expression sours immediately. He's been through this song and dance of memory watching before so he doesn't bother trying to keep his voice low as he creeps up to get a closer look at what all Viren is actually doing standing in front of yet another large ornate mirror.]
This better not be some weird BDSM sex dungeon.
[ The Viren of the past is still serious, stoncy-faced, but very much human -- over the table, he flourishes a broad dagger, its blade hovering over the palm of his hand. Determinedly, he speaks to someone not immediately present,
"I'm ready."
And in response, the hooded figure within the mirror nods, a smirk tugging at his mouth. ]
[
but of all the memories—
viren hadn't preemptively thought of how to explain away this scenario. even to a seasoned dark magic, this one was - a bit weird. the viren of the present stands near to the bolted door. he spies the unwelcome visitor, comes to a stutter of a pause at the comment. oh, god. ]
No!
[ comes the delayed response. he groans, pinching the space between his eyes. ]
[ Despite Viren's protests, his memory continues unheeded. The figure picks up a blade at his own table, and with little hesitation, draws it across the palm of his four-fingered hand; blood leaks from the cut, generously spilling into a cauldron below. The cauldron ignites with a brief burst of purple flames and smoke.
And Human Viren mirrors the gesture, dragging the weapon over his hand: he's less swift in his wounding, but still just as effective. The blood drips into his own cauldron, likewise briefly igniting with purple flame as something reacts. ]
[ as this memory replays, viren of the past gestures about, enthusiastically, towards the other mirror from where presumably keith had emerged through into the memory. tone forceful, ]
Out! Out. Get out.
"I'm ready."
And in response, the hooded figure within the mirror nods, a smirk tugging at his mouth. ]
[
but of all the memories—
viren hadn't preemptively thought of how to explain away this scenario. even to a seasoned dark magic, this one was - a bit weird. the viren of the present stands near to the bolted door. he spies the unwelcome visitor, comes to a stutter of a pause at the comment. oh, god. ]
No!
[ comes the delayed response. he groans, pinching the space between his eyes. ]
[ Despite Viren's protests, his memory continues unheeded. The figure picks up a blade at his own table, and with little hesitation, draws it across the palm of his four-fingered hand; blood leaks from the cut, generously spilling into a cauldron below. The cauldron ignites with a brief burst of purple flames and smoke.
And Human Viren mirrors the gesture, dragging the weapon over his hand: he's less swift in his wounding, but still just as effective. The blood drips into his own cauldron, likewise briefly igniting with purple flame as something reacts. ]
[ as this memory replays, viren of the past gestures about, enthusiastically, towards the other mirror from where presumably keith had emerged through into the memory. tone forceful, ]
Out! Out. Get out.
backdated to before the june moon!! (juuuune mooooon); audio
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
faithlikeaseed
2020-06-23 05:19 am (UTC)(link)
Viren,
[Usually Myr sounds like he's smiling over the watches, but he doesn't today. Perhaps because of the entire previous month, ... or perhaps because he's Concerned, knowing Viren's Witch vanished.]
What are you planning for the full moons? [i.e. you're not Bonded again this quickly, are you?]
[Usually Myr sounds like he's smiling over the watches, but he doesn't today. Perhaps because of the entire previous month, ... or perhaps because he's Concerned, knowing Viren's Witch vanished.]
What are you planning for the full moons? [i.e. you're not Bonded again this quickly, are you?]
[They're closing down DiplomaTea one night--after hours, all the patrons and the other staff gone home--when Myr senses it's the right moment for an awkward conversation.
Or, well, there's never a right moment for one of these, but it's one they ought to have, in Myr's estimation. It would be worlds less awkward if he could start it laughingly, as he'd intended right after Soren contacted him--but other events have gotten in the way of most of his sense of humor.
Especially where it concerns potential dire secrets about his loved ones.
So, not but to charge right into the conversation as he's stacking clean teacups behind the counter.]
Your son contacted me to ask for a Bond out of the blue, end of last month.
Or, well, there's never a right moment for one of these, but it's one they ought to have, in Myr's estimation. It would be worlds less awkward if he could start it laughingly, as he'd intended right after Soren contacted him--but other events have gotten in the way of most of his sense of humor.
Especially where it concerns potential dire secrets about his loved ones.
So, not but to charge right into the conversation as he's stacking clean teacups behind the counter.]
Your son contacted me to ask for a Bond out of the blue, end of last month.
[ and viren, meanwhile. had been busy (and thus consumed) with his task of stacking a few chairs -- a chore beneath him, surely, but one that needed to be completed this night regardless.
he's in the midst of lifting the last of them when myr pipes up; a usually pleasant affair, except for when what he says is registered as so very jarring. viren whips about, a chair in hand, eyes grown wide.
he waits for any continuance, stomach twisting itself into unpleasantness, but when it's clear that's his cue, ]
And...? Your response, was...?
he's in the midst of lifting the last of them when myr pipes up; a usually pleasant affair, except for when what he says is registered as so very jarring. viren whips about, a chair in hand, eyes grown wide.
he waits for any continuance, stomach twisting itself into unpleasantness, but when it's clear that's his cue, ]
And...? Your response, was...?
[Shamblevines, huh? Sieg's never really had to collect items for magic before coming here. But at least the request specifically pointed out how they needed to be undamaged.
He watches one of the vines start moving, and he assumes that's what they need to be collecting from.]
Back home Casters would usually use jewels instead of raw ingredients like this.
He watches one of the vines start moving, and he assumes that's what they need to be collecting from.]
Back home Casters would usually use jewels instead of raw ingredients like this.
[ viren is, dare he admit, very much excited for this outing. through their temporary bond, his accomplice likely feels him practically thrumming with the emotion: this is something he feels practiced at, good at, and nor is he terribly concerned — the advertisement and prior research had informed him of the necessity to wear his reinforced gloves. exposure to the vines' scent, however, would pose more of an issue. ]
[ the creature is predictably non-aggressive, minding itself and much less interested in the pair as it begins to lumber into motion. evidently, they've yet to give it reason for alarm. viren's eyes track it like they would prey. he taps the hilt of his dagger, sending sieg an inquisitive glance. ]
Yet, still as in something mined from the land, and then refined?
[ the creature is predictably non-aggressive, minding itself and much less interested in the pair as it begins to lumber into motion. evidently, they've yet to give it reason for alarm. viren's eyes track it like they would prey. he taps the hilt of his dagger, sending sieg an inquisitive glance. ]
Yet, still as in something mined from the land, and then refined?
You don't know me, but we have something important in common.
[Sieg's stepping into Diplomatea with a small black box, a clumsily tied gold bow on top. He definitely did the wrapping himself.
Now that he has the gift in hand, he looks around for Viren.]
Now that he has the gift in hand, he looks around for Viren.]
[ viren notes sieg's presence through the bond, peering up from behind the counter as he'd been busy sorting and accounting for some packages of tea. drawing himself to his full height, wings folding neatly upon his back, he smooths down the front of his outfit. ]
[ with a glance to the gift, and back up to the young man, ]
Can I help you, Sieg?
[ businesslike and all. ]
[ with a glance to the gift, and back up to the young man, ]
Can I help you, Sieg?
[ businesslike and all. ]
[Depending on preference, Ozymandias gifts his fellow Council members with either a coffee or tea sampler from the Purramid Café for Modranicht. Regardless of which sampler is received, it is fairly sizable and offers around 40 cups worth across all the blends included. The note that is included while not necessarily personalized is sincere in its expressed intent for more good works and successes to be celebrated by the Council.]
[It's not a package at all, only a small piece of fanciful paper slipped inside a nice festive card. The paper entitles the bearer to a full spa treatment at a local bathhouse -- one that Jin Guangyao favors because of the excellent job they do cleaning and polishing scaled sorts of monsters.
There's a simple small note written in the card as well:]
One should allow themself to be well looked after once in a while, especially in these cooler months. Have a pleasant holiday season, Lord Viren.
-- Jin GUangyao
There's a simple small note written in the card as well:]
One should allow themself to be well looked after once in a while, especially in these cooler months. Have a pleasant holiday season, Lord Viren.
-- Jin GUangyao
[On the day of the holiday, a plate of homemade cookies and a sample of herbal tea mysteriously appears on his doorstep. The wrapping is decorated with a fresh lily flower (actually a Fae magic product, designed to fade away from existence in a few hours) and a ribbon. The attached handwritten note reads as follows:]
Happy Modranicht! Let’s have another great year here in Aefenglom!
M⚜️
Happy Modranicht! Let’s have another great year here in Aefenglom!
M⚜️
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