Re: Svarik and the company II

[Mirach]

"I just thought I owe you seeing my true face," Sanecio said with a bow. "I saw yours, after all..."

(OOC: not yet, I just got the same message as yesterday that it will be delivered today)

[VisAnastasis]

" You mean the form we met in? That's not really my true face - or, well, technically, every face is my true one, it's just that some are better looking than others. " Tide stuttered uncomfortably, as if not sure how he should respond to such statement, subconsciously jumping on facts   that were easier to speak of. " It was just a form I felt most comfortable to slip in at a moment. Not my oldest. Not one of my most terrifying. Just a nice, safe, nice looking form. You do not owe me... I mean, well, you do kind of owe me your life for catching you instead of letting you fall, you'd have died then and there, um, but you do not owe me your face. It is yours to share or hide as you like. "

( OOC: Ok, then, just send me message if it comes today, and if not, it's okay, hopefully it'll come by tomorrow or day after, so we can find another time to meet up <3

[Mirach]

"Oh, that? Saving my life isn't really such a big debt - a few days at most," Senecio shrugged dismissively. "You didn't have to bother, really. But since you did, would you mind spending a few hours of that with me? I don't want to spend them staring at each other with some dull guards, when your forms are so fascinating..."

(OOC: it just arrived, but it would be better if you come tomorrow, I was a bit sick tonight, and still feeling tired)

[VisAnastasis]

Tide didn't know how to respond to that, looking uncertain.
" I am not entertainer. I do not change forms to amuse people. " he whispered quietly then. " I am injured, and I need to rest now. I strained too much today, among other things, to save you. I shan't amuse you. But my life is long and I need not sleep, and if you deem yours is meant to be so short, I guess I could gift you few more hours of my time, as a parting gift. You tricked me, and I don't like you, but nobody should die dull and alone in the world. " he shook his head. " No form changing. No shows put up to amuse you. No tricks. I just took my doze of painkillers, here, have some as well. I will make us tea, too, while we wait. " he said simply, with some resignation, looking too tired to argue or bother, but having too soft of a heart to just dismiss someone with no family or friends left, in request to have some company in his final hours, seeing it as a kind of kind civil duty.

( OOC: Don't worry, dear, I won't burden you while you're tired, just rest well <3 Tomorrow, we again have main studio, and we don't know how long it'll last, in worst case until 5 in the afternoon, we hope, but if it turns out to be too late, I admit I am super excited, but I waited this long, and can wait a day longer without issue, so I could come in Friday, too, if it's easier for you. :))

[Mirach]

"That works as well. Do you have some stimulating one? I'm tired as well, but I don't want to lose the time I have left to sleep. And you don't have to change forms. Could you just tell me about them? I have a good imagination..."

(OOC: Alright, Friday would be fine)

[VisAnastasis]

" I have some stimulating tea, I think. My hand is bad, so it'll take me a moment to make. " Tide whispered quietly, taking the teapot. " As for speaking of my forms... We will see. It's a matter private for me, and some forms are too primordial and hard to explain, anyway. I don't like power of imagination being headed higher than power of one's eyes. I don't like people imagining what I could be, compared to what I really am. I am mostly too primordial for good descriptions, though.  I was around for millions of years, after all, since world was young. " he said matter of factly, with tone of someone who has seen-it-all, done-it-all, without much fuss about it. " Lot of time until dawn.... We will see. " he just said simply.
As he assured Tide's room is well equipped with what they need, despite wary, vampire was thoughtful, and after giving Tide some short expected advises about not trusting the lad and not being too open as he may plan some malice, he locked the door behind himself and went back to speak with Svarik.

( OOC: Ok, then, I'll see you at Friday! <3 If my tablet already arrived, though, would you mind ordering Alexander a tablet now, or will you wait till we check it out at Friday to see if you'd want to order it too? There are two days until Friday, though, so if you think it'd give you better idea of the tablet, it'll be more useful for you to try it out yourself, I think, so you can have more time to decide if you feel like getting it. ;)

[Mirach]

"Whataver you feel like sharing. Changing forms is a favourite topic of mine," Senecio smiled, trying not to think about future, but spend the time with the one person that was kind to him here as Tide was binding his wound thinking he was his nephew, and it felt to Senecio like really having a family for a moment.

(OOC: The final price is comparable with the one from alza, so I would like to decide first before ordering it, since it could save us some shipping costs. But I don't want to connect it to camputer without you in case there are some installation settings that you should decide about. So if you want, maybe come today after school? We could just unpack and install it, and try it more in Friday)

[VisAnastasis]

" It is more intimate subject for me, so let's work it up to that one. I just met you. Let's start small. " critter said instead, clear to set his boundaries. " One spoon of sugar, or two? And would you like some cookie with that as well? Here, I brought them for myself, but you can have some too. " he said nervously, putting the tray aside on table before him. " I like food. Specially sweet things. Tell me about food you like, while I make us tea. " he said - he looked uncertain and hesitant still - Senecio could see creature was not forgetful, and did not really forgive him for getting his beloved nephew in trouble, but since Lorenzo and his wife were safe, after all, that it still wanted to be decent and kind to a dying man, as if he was bound by some invisible code of kindness and decency, and he tried to find some way to speak with him, despite his act of intrusion hurt him and didn't make it easy to be kind.

( OOC: I don't know how installation settings will work, it'll be my first time figuring it out as well, so I guess we'll be equally clueless, hehe :D Okay, I'll send you message after class ends today, so you can say when I should best come today, so we can see how installation goes  and if we'll figure it out ;)

[Mirach]

"Two spoons please," Senecio said, sitting down. "And I will try one cookie, thank you. I like potatoes. Isn't that weird? I got invited to so many banquets to perform, and would try the most intricate delicacies there, and I actually like simple baked patatoes most..."

Svarik waited for Erdel to return before discussing anything with the others. "So what do you think about the lad?" he asked him after the vampire returned.

(OOC: If we won't figure it out, Lalo can help us tomorrow (today he has training))

[VisAnastasis]

" Really? After you finish the tea, I will order some servants to bring us some potatoes here. " Tide said suddenly then. " We will bake them at fireplace. I am hungry, anyway. No harm in sharing something nice.  "



" I think Tide is going to like him... " vampire only murmured gloomily on the first impulse, still thinking if his choice was right.


( OOC: It shouldn't be that hard, I think, and if we don't figure it out from first try, there should be instructions on internet, I hope :)

[Mirach]

"You would do that? That would be perfect..." Senecio smiled broadly, almost as if he would be drunk. It didn't seem like the effect of the painkiller though. He was smiling, because he finally felt free for the first time in his life. He was charged with an obligation, and he did all he could to fulfill it and failed. Now he had no more obligations, and was actually glad for failing, because he didn't know what he would do it he would succeed.

----

"Tide? But he should rest, why is he with him? Did Tide actually request to guard him?" Svarik asked, not sure what Erdel is talking about.

[VisAnastasis]

" Sure. No harm in little food. I admit I am not a good cook, so don't expect too good of a treat. Probably will be a little charred. " Tide warned him still. He sow his brightness, but decided to ascribe it to painkiller, and did not coment on it, not wanting to spoil his mood, just letting him be happy in little time he had left.

---

" Senecio bid me for it - if he had some choice, he said, he would rather spend it with someone interesting like that, he said. It felt like a dying wish, and I did not want to give him false hope, so it felt wrong to not consider it, at least. He seemed genuine this once, at least, when resigned to his death. I did ask Tide if he agree or not, and he was the one who agreed to spend finally hours with him. "

[Mirach]

"That's the charm with baked potatoes, they are charred on the outside, but inside they taste amazing. Heh..." he laughed anout that as if he just said a joke.

---

"Yes, he seemed to be thinking that he is a dead man... That's why he replied you like he did. I still don't know what to do with him, though. It seems that he didn't actually want to kill anyone..."

[VisAnastasis]

Tide was a little slow, so he interpreted it as an eagerness.
" You must be quite hungry, when you speak so nicely of charred potatoes. It's no wonder... We were all tense. You have no really eaten yet. You must be starving. " he said suddenly then. " I will tell someone to bring potatoes while tea is boiling. " he said, and, hesitant to leave room, instead he called a servant from the hall, instructing him to bring him a big batch of potatoes, salt, and after a thought, he also asked for some bacon, fresh bread, and wine.  

---

" Everything gives me a vibe that he tried his best because he felt like he owes it to his ancestors, not like he desired so. It feels that he wanted to be caught, in a way, just to end it.
"Yes, it did feel like suicide mission. " Hans confirmed darkly. " Like he subconsciously sabotaged himself, despite all the effort he put into it. "
" He is smart. Only flaws in his plan were flaws of weakness - desire to avoid killing anyone. Bluffing about deadly poison, not killing Lorenzo and his wife, or trying to hide their bodies - softness was his weakness. " Vampire whispered quietly, sitting down tiredly, sighing deeply. " He is last of his family - it's tempting to end it all, to make sure no one of power arises in his blood line to challenge you or claim of your children to the throne one day... But it feels wrong, like this. I don't feel this is what Falcon would want from us. I don't want it, either. He has lot of potential to be dangerous as enemy... " vampire shook his head. " But so do I, don't I, sire? " he looked at Svarik tensely, situation seeming to remind him too much on his own. " And you still gave me second chance. And I did far worse than him, mind you. I actually killed people. And yet, you forgave me and gave me chance to redeem myself. What he did pales in comparison at what I did. He had no ill intent, he was only misguided, like I was. Does he really deserve death for it? "

[Mirach]

"Hungry? Actually yes..." Senecio nodded. "Last time I ate was yesterday. Or is it after midnight already? Then the day before..."

---

"I think it would be a pity to execute him," Svarik said. "I think Falcon would find someone of his talent very useful. He is a master of disguise himself, but this is a whole new level. Maybe you could find him useful as well?" he asked Hans. "It feels more just for him to stay here and actually do something for the seacoast than dragging him to the capital. Besides us here and the guards, nobody knows what happened, right? I would rather like to avoid another trial..."

[VisAnastasis]

With that reply, Tide thought for a moment, and he also ordered some fruit pie, sandwitches, juices and simple seafood, so his guest would have more choice and have chance to eat plentifully to regain his strenght.

---

" In name of good relations between the two of us.... yes, I would be able to find him some function, I am sure. Personally, I would prefer that too - Death is such a cheap quick sentense. To truly repent and make difference, I would rather have him struggle his toll working for me, than uselesly rotting under the ground. I demand more is done to punish him, of course, but I agree with the living part. He should buy of his life with using his skills for good of this land, to become bigger man, instead of lowlife who values lying as only requirement needed for sucess. You'll see how quickly smile is gone from his face, when I give him ten thickest law books to write an essay on in few day notice. He wanted to be king - I am going to give him a taste of level of education it takes to be a worry one. Oh, he will sweat. "

[Mirach]

"That's nice from you," Senecio smiled. "I could even imagine being a guest instead of a prisoner."

---

Svarik chuckled. "That's a kind of justice that I would like to see. But you may be surprised, if he really is such a good actor, he must have a very good memory. On your place, I would have him continue his job, after you are sure that he won't run away. Apparently he enjoys it and has talent, and gets into different interesting circles. Almost like Mole..."

[VisAnastasis]

" Let's imagine iit together, then. It will be easier for both of us. It will be like a performance. A coloboration. I will be your host, and you will be my guest... " critter said hoarsely and shakily, welcoming idea of such pretense." You will say you are glad to come by... And I will casually ask you... dear guest from afar... Is there anything more your heart would desire? What food or drink would you wish me bring you? "

---

" I would have him continue job, yes, but I will also give him some quality education. It will be useful, Sure, but I will make sure it is painfully boring, trust me." Hans grinned grimly.
" I like the idea of him continuing acting." Erdel voiced quietly." He reminded me on Mole, too... He will be able to pass through iron doors with a smile. He could be a valuable asset, sir, I am sure... "

[Mirach]

Senecio bowed slighly, glad to play such a role and slipping into it easily. "Thank you, your hospitality is excellent, and I do not desire anything else but your company."

----

"Either with a smile, or with the face of the landlord..." Svarik noted with a wry smile.

Lorenzo listened to their talk grimly. "I will not demand a duel then, but only because he said he would not seek to kill me in it. It is no just duel like that. But I still find my honor sullied by him. If he continues as an actor, I can no longer remain his patron.

[VisAnastasis]

" I am much obliged..." demon whispered. He was not quite as good actor, but, did he try. He lit fire in fireplace, and made sure  his guest sits comfortable there, where there was quiet and warm. " Do you have enough painkiller? Is the fire right? Are you cold?"

---

" That is fair. I would not want you to keep doing it, either. It would be unfair to you. " Hans agreed, and Sage agreed too.
" What about you, sire?" Erdel asked thoughtfully." What if 'you' became his patron? It would do your name good, to be asociated with such beloved artist, actually. It would build up your influence in this part too, and be a symbolic gesture of your respect to member of so high family as his once was. Besides, that would mean he would also depending on you and answers to you... it would give him good excuse, if he would need to come on north by some a signet, if you would need his skills for something. It would be perfectly reason able for him to come visit you by bisiniess to play for you, once every year or so. That way, you could also keep look on him, to see what kind of person he will grow to be and if he remained loyal. That would be best. "

[Mirach]

"I am a bit cold, yes. Could be the blood loss... But the fire will war the room soon, so it should be better. Will you sit down with me?"

---

"That's not a bad idea, but remember I'm incognito here. I can only officially become his patron when I am officially here. But I would really like to see him perform, when I come again..."

 

[VisAnastasis]

Tide nodded quietly. He took the tea that was boiling, and filled him a cup with one hand and gave it to him, and then.... he took of his own soft cloak full of stars, warm and thick, but tender on touch like silk, and put it around lad's shoulders hesitantly.
" Only until room warms up... I am just in pain, not cold.  " he set the boundary quietly, before he hesitantly sat down on sofa with him, taking his own cup of tea with his unharmed hand.

---

" Maybe you could become his patron now, but only make it official afterwards, when you visit here as yourself? " Erdel suggested. " You don't want some other nobleman here to claim him in meantime. You would have to argue later, for right of patroning him, it would be too big of mess or bother. " vampire advised. " I think that way would be simpler, so he is only revealed to be under your protection afterwards, when you come by. Emperor was patron to many artists, too, some he never even met, but mostly so he could demand them to make propaganda art for Bull's glory. You could just let him freestyle and do what he thinks best, while he's secretly in service to Hans, and ask him only to come to you once a year, to perform something for you, and also give you the report of his doings. "
" Every year and a half would be better, I think. " Hans noted quietly. " The trip to capital and back can take a while, so it's better to give him bit more time, so I can have him here for longer. Every year and a half is best, or every two years. He could come to you every two years, for anniversary of your coronation, and put up a good show in your honor. "

( OOC: Just returned from class. Will I come today for us to unpack and install tablet? :)

[Mirach]

"Thank you," Senecio said with some surprise at the gesture. "What happened to you hand, if I may ask? I thought demons regenerate fast when hurt..."

---

"It doesn't have to be a set interval," Svarik said. "If we would require his skills urgently, I will send Xia for him. If not urgently, he can come to perform once in a while. Let us just tell him now that as a part of punishment he can't accept any patron until my next visit. Then, if he behaves, I will claim him."

(OOC: yes, do come :)

[VisAnastasis]

" Normally they do, but this was burn upon soul, not flesh. It only manifest in flesh." Tide replied quietly and simply, sipping his tea. " It cut deep, so it will take longer to heal. I held it for too long... King has a beautiful flute, more powerful than any flute in this world - but it is flute made of unicorn horn. Unicorn horn is very.. hm... toxic to demons. King needed his flute, and only I could bring it to him, in that one particular moment in time. I did it. That is why I am burned. But it will heal. It will be long time compared by common demon's speed of healing... Fast by human's.  "

---

"That sounds good.. Not really enough, as he still committed great misdoing, but better than nothing. " Hans nodded grimly.
" What else can we do to punish him, if we do want him to get out whole out of that predicament? I agree he wronged Lorenzo and his wife particularly badly, for someone that benefited from them... " Erdel thought. " I think he should get some part time job, and also later safe up from money you give him if you patron him, sir. He should repay each dime Lorenzo invested in him, which I imagine is quite a lot. Only that should be fair - full refund of investment. "
" Yes, sure,but I would personally not be against some embarrassment to add salt to wound. " Hans commented with little grim satisfaction. " I would like to make a list of plays he utterly hates - roles absolutely awfully written, something he despises and is super uncomfortable to play.... And then make him play it before large audience and Lorenzo, so he could use that money he earns to pay him back. It's like making musician play the utmost terrible song. Every artists hates some piece of art with passion. I would find utmost satisfaction in it, to find which one he hates, and make him perform it. That would be a decent punishment in the field"

( OOC: There is bus at 18:53, so I will try to catch that one, see you soon, dear! <3

[Mirach]

"So the king.. is he really such a great guy as they all say?" Senecio asked, as if he almost dreaded the possibility that it is so.

----

"But only if you find a play that he hates and is not really so terrible, if I am to be his patron," Svarik said. "If he behaves. Punish him, but only as much as to not lose his loyalty. I will leave that to your judgement."