Re: Svarik and the company II

[VisAnastasis]

" It is... comforting... To see somebody cares for me, at least... " Jake whispered hoarsely. He was quiet for a while, and then, he sighed, as if deciding on something unpleasant, on swallowing of bitter pill, before he spoke up again. " I... am not going to run back to him. I won't make same mistake he did with Death, staying at his side, despite he never had a chance. But... I will stay in this city, for three more months. Probably not in this castle, I am not really happy here, but I won't seek for employment out of it, in this time. " he told king quietly, observing him timidly, hoping for any sign of approval in his eyes. " If Ben... Bell... Has anything he wishes to say to me... You can tell him where to find me. He can come. Not for obligation, or anything, not for a bond - I feel very much burned, and like I am not ready for any relationship, right now. But tell him - if he wants to come for closure between us, to talk things through, then he can come. I have one condition, though - he must first confess his feelings to Death, and see how it goes, before he decides to come to me. " lad said decisively. " I do not want him to come, only to pluck at my heartstrings and tell me how confused he is. I want closure, and clarity, and for that, I need him to be clear of how he feels, before he comes to me. I need him and Death to talk things through, and be clear what they want with each other, not him to come to me with bunch of confused empty words. I think my condition is fair. " he gulped. " I am giving him three months to come... If he does, I expect him only to apologize for what he did to me, and I will, in turn, apologize to him as well, for how I made him feel. But if he does not come in three months... I will see, where next the road may take me... "

[Mirach]

"That is fair," Svarik nodded. "I hope you both get the closure you are looking for, so you can move on and find passion for something in your life again."

[VisAnastasis]

" I certainly could not complain, if that were the case. " man brought himself to smile, a little vulnerably. " Is that... All you came to see me for, sir? " he asked quietly then, as, despite being hurt and unhappy, it did seem he had hoped they have desired his company, not just came to speak in Riversong's behalf, as he certainly seemed to have missed them, and prospect of finding some pleasure in their company had left him hopeful.

[Mirach]

"If by all you mean hoping to enjoy your company for as long as possible, then yes," Svarik said. "I just hoped it could be longer, that you may consider coming back with us."

[VisAnastasis]

Jake couldn't help, but to smile a little, at sincerity of that act.
" I... would like to... spend some more time with you, if that's okay. Maybe show you around the city a little, or prepare you some treat you like, perhaps? " he bid quietly, despite his joy in cooking was tainted, still not being able to help but to suggest treating them on only way he knew how, since he cared for them and loved them. " But I... Can not return now, sire. Not unless you order me. I do not know, if we will see each other again... Where the road will take me... But unless I have a decent closure with Riversong, I am not sure I could ever return there, and see it as I used to, and maybe not even then... It is truth, that I am not alright. I feel I need to toss my life around a little, with some ups and curves, before I can find myself again, if it's possible. I am sorry that I can not promise anything... But if in those three months you happen to come by for any reason.. You will be welcome, in my humble dwelling. I'll make sure to make you something nice, whatever you feel like, for meal. That much I can promise. "

[Mirach]

"We will come in two weeks again, hopefully with Falcon as well. We will certainly visit you then, so this, at least, is certainly not the last time we see each other. Let us just enjoy what we have now, then. I'm already full from tasting your meals in the kitchen now, so how about you show us around a bit? Xia wanted to get a money pouch... preferrably one that she could put around her neck, I guess. So we could get that first, and then go see some nice places you discovered while being here..."

[VisAnastasis]

" Yes, I can certainly do that. So this is Xia? I am charmed. " he smiled a little, glad that they closed unpleasant subject, too painful and fresh in his mind. He was all so happy, it seemed, to go out with them, and he led them to market, and showed them around, as much as he could, seeming to find lot of pleasure in hanging out with them again, specially, it seemed, being very happy for Erdel, seeing he can go out in sunlight freely now, without pain or injury. When Xia bought a cute little money pouch to carry around her neck, he smiled, and when she demanded she buy them all some sweet fruits and pastries from the market, he even laughed a little hoarsely, and he accepted, as she got some for both him, Svarik and herself, and even Erdel, thought reluctantly, accepted one strawberry for sake of celebrating her first pay.

[Mirach]

Svarik chuckled as well, and took the offered meal from her, finding that he is indeed checking for the remnants of souls automatically.

[VisAnastasis]

Xia did the same, for all meals she bought for her friends, and new companion, that was nice and sweet.
With the treats, Jake led them around the city - not through the marketplace of eventful loud streets, but to more quiet spots, to places and streets serene and quiet, that he seemed to prefer, along the line of the ocean, with beautiful views upon it. He was content, it seemed, just to share the places he enjoyed with them, and hang out, with no serious talks or obligations, just pretending the short moment of companionship can last forever.

[Mirach]

They followed him until the evening, enjoying the sights of the city and the sea. Svarik did not speak about Riversong or Jake's returning again.

[VisAnastasis]

Jake enjoyed small talk, inquiring every now and then, about some of his friends back home, about Falcon,  Melody, and specially White, of course. He did not speak of Riversong, though, despite he listened with interest and thoughtfulness while Erdel was explaining him how Death was growing ill.

[Mirach]

"We will be here for a few more days," Svarik said as the evening was nearing. "Wouldn't you like to spend them with us? If you don't want to work in that mansion much longer, why not leave now, or at least take a few free days? Melody is staying in Sage's house as well  she would be glad to see you."

[VisAnastasis]

" It wouldn't be a good working policy, to just quit job suddenly, specially without having any other job in mind while doing so - people who want to hire me would learn of it, and deem me unreliable employer. But whole this thing with Death and all.. It sounds serious. I'd like to remain updated on it, and it'd be harder for it from here, since lord Falcon mostly deals with news through the Sage... " Jake was thinking quietly, pondering, what would be best cause of action. " I do really wish to see Melody, too... " he smiled a little shyly, as he slowly cleared his throat, and said. " But I don't like to impose myself, on good people, that already took me in. However, while it is smaller and has less such opportunities - I think it could be better, if I stayed in 3rd city near Sage, instead of here in the 4th, after all. Please, if you can, have a word with Hans tonight and send me note of his reply - if he could find me some employment in 3rd city for 3 months, I'll stay there, so I can be closer, waiting for news from you, and so I could spend those few days you said you have left of the trip with you guys. Is that alright, sir? If I am already leaving this seacost in 3 months, it doesn't really matter, then, if I am in 3rd, or 4th city. "

[Mirach]

"That would be good, I will ask him. Hiw about working directly for Sage? Wouldn't that be most convenient?" Svarik asked. "I'm sure there would be a place in the kitchen, it's a big household."

[VisAnastasis]

" I don't like to impose, as I said... They have already done a lot for me, in name of but kindness. " Jake admitted. " If there is place in their household, I guess it would be fine, for the three months - Tide is quite kind and nice to be around, Sage is very eloquent and nice to talk to, and everyone appreciates quick snack or two... It should be fine enough. However, if you see my presence would be troublesome, as I am stranger, none the less, say that it is alright, and any other employment in 3rd city, where I could be close to you in next few days, and at hand in next 3 months, would be fine with me, sir. "

[Mirach]

"I believe there should be a place for my friend," Svarik said firmly. "Shall we come for you tomorrow around noon, sk you have time to leave your current employer properly?"

[VisAnastasis]

" Send me message by the morning if and what kind of employment you dealt for me. " Jake said shyly, seeming timid, but also brightened up a little, with Svarik calling him *friend* so freely and readily. " And I will then make sure to do what I can to leave my employer properly, by noon, sir, so I can go with you."

[Mirach]

"Alright," Svarik nodded. "Around noon we will come for you. I hope you are not afraid of flying," he smiled.

[VisAnastasis]

Jake's lips  slowly broadened into a wide unexpected smile.
" It sounds nice. I would love it..."

[Mirach]

"It is a deal then," Svarik nodded. "Xia will show you how well she can fly."

[VisAnastasis]

" I will grateful." Man beamed shyly, something nice  distracting him from his thoughts. He understood she speaks some of sign language, so he sighed her * you are pretty*, and she fluffed up, flustered and happy, and nestled with him, purring.

[Mirach]

Svarik smiled with that, seeing how brightly Xia reacts to a compliment. "I think we will have to go soon, the sun is alraedy setting. You can alraedy start packing, we will see you tomorrow, alright?"

[VisAnastasis]

" I will trust you, so I'll start packing, sire, though, admittedly, I don't have too much stuff to burden you with. " Cook agreed amiably, a little bit of his brightness visible in his warmth toward the friends that came to visit him. " Please, could you just tell me something nice you'd like to eat for tomorrow lunch? I'll see to it that I prepare it for you by noon, as a special treat. " he suggested gently and softly.

[Mirach]

"How about the broccoli souffle you made a few times for us?" Svarik suggested, so Xia could eat it as well. 

[VisAnastasis]

" That's a piece of cake. " Jake said, as he innocently proclaimed. " And speaking of cake, I am going to see if I can mix up some small tasty cake for you guys as a dessert for tomorrow. It's the least I can do, after you traveled so far and made my day. "