Senecio adn Tide II

[Mirach]

"I don't know about that... It doesn't sound that right to me, but I wouldn't mind it. Or you could call me just While," Death said.

---

Senecio put his hand around Tide's neck, helping him to keep balance.

[VisAnastasis]

Xia shook her head fervently.
" Death... is worth to Xia a lot. While is just time. Worth While is a precious time... It does not feel right without precious...  " She murmured, stroking her chin, trying to solve the problem, as it seemed it was out of question for her to address him so impersonally. Her face lit up with an idea unexpectedly." So, you dislike names that mark big importance... And Xia can not call you Worthless, not even if Death begs. So how about a name... that is just a tiny bit worthy? Just worthy enough to have Xia as a friend?  Little Worth... " She suggested endearingly the meaning as she understood it, trying the sound, as she placed her paw over his hand." If you would like to, you can be my Little Worth..."

---

Tide purred lightly, walking around with a grin. There were not many people so early, but he made sure all sow how proudly and gladly he carried the actor around, with pleasure of parading with their relationship before everyone, seeming to savor it.
When they reached outside, he adjusted his grip a little.
" Don't close your eyes, love.... " He whispered softly, and then, unexpectedly - he kept high in the air with Senecio in his arms.

[Mirach]

"That's fine. But While could also work. You know, when someone has two names, like humans from noble families do, you only call them one name if you are closer to them, but they still have the full name. So you can call me While but still think of my full name as Worth While, if you like," Death suggested.

----

Senecio did blink instinctivelly at the sudden movement, but then he indeed kept his eyes open as they got hugh above the city.

[VisAnastasis]

" You won't trick Xia! Uncle Cernunnos taught Xia all about last and first names! " Xia retorted, looking, for once, smug about it, crossing her little hands. " If you are closer with someone, you use the first name, not last one. Is... Xia a friend or not? Xia is not going to use a lousy last name. " she made a face as if she ate something bitter. " How would un...Death, like to call Xia something silly like... like... " she seemed a little unsure, as she suddenly realized she doesn't have the last name and had a bit of panic about it, and she improvised more hesitantly, trying to remember last names she has heard of, though she only remember the one discussed today on the way there: "Um...  Mistlock? That would just be silly... if Death called her something like that. Xia won't call him last name, either...  It is not fair. Only first names... "

---

Tide grinned, from underneath the mask, eagerly taking in his reaction, as he purposedly prolonged reaching the sea, jumping up terribly high, and then floating down relatively slow as they were falling down, from couple of high rooftops, finally in the last jump coming down to the shore, taking his sweet time in that final jump, as if indulging at the moment.  

[Mirach]

Death smiled a bit. "Who says the first name can't be at the end? There are countries where they say it like that, in reversed order, when introducing officially. Usually first name is a noun and the family name is an adjective. Ah, right... you probably don't know what a noun and adjective is... Well, While is a noun and Worth is an adjective."

---

Senecio clung to him in the thrill of the fast movement and height - and closeness, as well.

[VisAnastasis]

Xia tried to understand, but it didn't make sense to her since the order she learned was different.
" But... While Worth... Makes no sense. " she tried to connect the meaning of idiom she has learned in reversed order, but was failing. She shook her little head in frustration, but hissed a little suddenly, as if she was just too tired of trying to figure too many things out. " It is... so much. So many things, so little sense. " she sighed but looked up at him again, as if trying to leave it aside. " Death... You know... Death always makes simple things so difficult. Grumpy uncle, always confusing Xia, telling Xia any name is okay but not being happy about any name... Grunkle, that's what he is. " she smiled a little sadly, but she shook her head, and added resolutely, as she decided. " But Xia won't... call you that... any of that. It is only important that... that he... is happy. So, okay, no Worths, and no Uncles, then, okay? It does not sound like a first name to Xia, but if Death feels that way, unless he changes his mind... " she took a deep breath, caressing his hand as if offering a truce. " May it be While, for a while, then... "

...

Tide, at last, landed softly on the sand beside the shore, on a beach further on, with no people around them. The waves bent around his feet, greeting him, as slowly, the creature let the actor slide against his body, down to the sands, holding him closely still, for the sake of not falling from dizziness- and for the sake of closeness itself, as well.

[Mirach]

"Oh, I'm sorry, dear. I agree, we may discuss this some other time if you want. It's purely a phylological debate about the naming conventions and I meant it when I said I don't mind what name you call me. Just that some names feel a bit less fitting, but that's not a reason to not use them if you like. I'm used to names not fitting me..."

---

Senecio pressed against him with his whole body, as if he was unwilling to part.

[VisAnastasis]

" It is... good. Xia will have a lot of time to think, then. " Fox child proclaimed, taking it not as a hindrance but as a challenge. " Xia has no more ideas now, she used up everything... but Xia won't accept this. Xia has a name that rings with her... So she will use her time, to think up of as many names it takes, until one rings with Death. It is... a promise, okay? " she whispered, as she stood up, taking a step back - and she transformed. It was not a for Death has seen before, not of a fox, or winged fox, or a kitten - it was a form rather similar to Tide's previous ones, clearly inspired by it. It had a light glow to it and a terribly soft furr, and gentle features, golden and darker around the edges - but the eyes blue like sky were warm, as the fluffy creature leaned to him and headbutted his chest gently, in a caress. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/11/90/77/119077895a102d6a446bfa86b0f005e2.png

---

 Tide trembled and leaned against him. He removed his mask before him and let it fall to the sand, and unexpectedly, he took him under the arms and spun him, laughing freely and playfully, while his foamy eyes shone with joy like jewels.

[Mirach]

"Oh, nice new form," Death said approvingly, running his hand along her flank.

---

Senecio was caught by surprise with that gesture and for a moment didn't know what's going on before he laughed with it.

[VisAnastasis]

" Xia dressed in it before, her first time to the sea. Tide and Llyr helped her form it when they were teaching her to purr. Xia can purr very loudly in it... Xia just liked being a child and kitten with you too much. It never came up... " she whispered, leaning into his touch, and slowly, laying down on the roof, so he can climb upon her.

---

Tide laughed with him, and he spun until they both got dizzy from it, and they fell to the sand, the demon laughing still.

[Mirach]

"I see..." Death smiled, climbing on her back wearily.

----

Senecio was still chuckling as well while they were lying in the sand. "That's your idea of romantic?" he smirked.

[VisAnastasis]

Jake stepped in there and helped him climb, understanding of his weakness. He wrapped him up all the more tightly in the cloak, pulling the hood over his head gently, and then, after permission, climbed up on Xia's back too, behind Death, to support him as they go.
The animal rose gracefully, walking to their room. It felt really comfortable to ride her, as her touch felt rather nice and intent in this form, and her furr had strange flowy volume, easy to sink into and relax in. It had a light glow to it, and the slight glistening light-emitting as they walked the darker corridors was soothing to the eye - it seemed, like most where she was just going with the flow, lot of thought went into making this form, that reflected who she was growing into more closely than most other forms she would put for disguises or such things.

---

Tide snorted. He seemed almost embarrassed a bit at first, and he opened his mouth to apologize, but realized he just can not because he was not sorry. Instead, he grinned, and reached his hand and patted actor's shoulder awkwardly, but heartily, still a little dizzy.
" I like what I like... " he said, indeed, unapologetically.

[Mirach]

Death leaned low over her back since he didn't have the mask, He seemed relieved when they were back in Tide's room.

----

"And I like that attitude," Senecio grinned.

[VisAnastasis]

Xia seemed curious about the smell of cookies, the scent feeling soft and inviting. Still, critter first brought Death to the bed.
" I think there is something you should know before you eat or sleep..." Jake said quietly while helping him climb down. " Lord Nameless has sent you a letter. Also, I feel like I should apologize... because I read it in advance. I wanted to make sure it doesn't contain anything that could get you depressed...  "

---

" And that's why life is so freeing with you..." Tide replied adoringly, leaning back on the sand with a grin, watching clouds above them with what only could be described as joy.

[Mirach]

"Oh? And does it?" Death asked tiredly, not having much strength to feel too strongly about it, it seemed, despite some curiosity in his expression.

---

Senecio sighed contentedly and shifted closer so he could lean his head on Tide's shoulder. "So how busy are you today, until the play?" he asked. "It feels so strange, we've been so busy to finish everything in time, and now I've almost nothing to do until afternoon..."

[VisAnastasis]

" Not... too much. If it did, I was playing with the idea not to give it to you." Cook admitted, while he and Xia were bringing more blankets to make Death more warm." I just decided to wait until you are more  emotionally exhausted so you can convince yourself that whatever it is isn't a big deal. Now seems about right time. "

---

" That is great." Tide said wonderingly. He seemed to remember something, frowning a little." Um... I don't have much small things... But I do bigger ones. I need to see about the ball. I need to see with Death about what dress we can make in such short time. And, hmmm... I guess I forgot, but I have to find some kind of mask pretty enough for a ball... I need to borrow my real one to Death... "

[Mirach]

"You are one smug bastard," Death murmured without much conviction. "But now give it to me before I really get annoyed."

---

Senecio grinned. "Already taken care of. I didn't get Death a dress though, but male clothes. I though you would want to make a dress for the ball, so I got him something more casual, but it would fit for the ball too, if he would decide to wear it."

[VisAnastasis]

" Not even angry, just annoyed? You are one soft bastard, " Jake teased with some faint, endearing smile while taking out the folded envelope from his pocket. " You know, I never heard any poet describe what annoyed Death is like, so I am tempted to withhold it just to see that, but you are in luck today, I don't feel like it, so here you are... " he handed the envelope to him, while Xia innocently laid down on the bed, despite her giant form, trying to sneak beneath Death's blanket, and positioning herself so that Death could lay his head on her massive tail - it was easy to sink into it, and it felt soft, like sinking into a cloud. Xia let him make himself comfortable while looking at the letter curiously herself.

---

Tide's face beamed.
" Really? Oh... you mentioned you went to Eros's mask shop. I should have thought of that, but I am one dumb silly heck of a Being. " he snorted, and then, suddenly, his face lightened up even more. " Oh... Yes, there is another thing I forgot! I really should make a cute little dress for Xia, so she is not excluded! It should be something absolutely adorable, with a lot of spiracles! Do you think Death may like us to work on those things together, pick colours and fabrics? " he asked with interest, raising his head. " Jake is with him, so if you're free, maybe all of us could pitch in and make something cute, have a little picnic in the sewing room. It would be absolutely cute if we made them dresses to match... Xia would adore that, I'm sure, she loves immitating adults.... "

[Mirach]

Death leaned into it, taking a deep breath to steady himself before opening the letter.

-----

"Oh, I admit I haven't thought of Xia," Senecio said. "She really will want a dress, as well, so I guess we have a program for a few hours then. But I'm really curious what you will think of the mask. And my clothes. I should probably wait until the ball so you can see them there for the first time, but I absolutely have no patience for that."

[VisAnastasis]

Xia watched over his shoulders - she clearly couldn't read it, but she seemed to feel better being included, as she understood letter os from Nammy whom she was fond of.
The letter was actually written in spirit letters - it seemed that someone, probably Melody, taught Nameless to write in that script, as if he's hoped it would make letter more secure from humans at least - though, with Jake that seemed able to read it, that didn't quite turn out as he hoped. It wasn't too long, but there were definitely a lot of emotions poured into it.

" Dear little prince,
Melody says I shouldn't address you by name, to keep you safe, and that I shouldn't write anything you could be recognized by. I will try, but it is hard... I long so much, to tell you so many things. First, do not worry - Tide warmed Simbel, and Simbel warned everyone, vampires run to hiding right away, and Zephir hid Simbel, hunters passed us by quickly. I read your letter, I wished I had the chance to see you, but it is better than you are safe. At least, I know it is so, by the time I am writing this letter, and hope it will remain so by the time it reaches you... Just like you can feel when I'd be close to dying, I can feel the same for you.

Today, my today, it seemed os close... I was so worried. I begged Sun Spirits to take me to you, I begged Svarik and the others to let me come to the sea, but they wouldn't let me because I had a high fever and was ill. No Sun Spirit would take me. I know it is a wise decision... and so I stay here, out of wisdom, my dear, but my heart hurts. I decided to stay, as the kids weren't feeling really well since you left, and today was pretty bad... I know you wouldn't forgive yourself if any of us died exerting like this, so we will take care of ourselves the best we can, until we get a little better, or find the flying Being that would take us to you.

Please, take care of yourself while I am gone. Get well, so we can get well, and so we can see each other again soon, okay? Kids are missing you terribly, too... Eat plentifully, and if you can bring yourself to, please, let Tide ease your pain - like your parent, you know, it hurts me that you're hurting. Rest well, and don't be sad that we are apart - we will see each other soon.

I am working on a sweater made out of nettle, like your scarf, but a lot more big and soft one, just for you, my dearest. When Erdel comes, and goes to you at sea, even if I would not be able to come, I will send the sweater to you. I'll make it extra thick and soft for you, and weave all the love and hugs that I can in it, my beloved. Every time you wear it, it'll be like I am giving you a hug, even though all the distance. Until then, know you have all the support and love as my ancestor or son, whichever you feel in the moment. I kiss the paper your hands will touch like I hope I'll soon kiss your hands anew,

Until we meet again, one way or the other, don't forget that nothing is your fault and that we are thinking about you every day.
Your Nammy"

At the bottom of the page, there were lot of hearts and stars, and little rainbows and flowers, presumably drawn by his children...

---

" Screw patience." Tide grinned, sitting up, offering. " I can't wait to see, how you'll look in clothes made by that creative rascal. So, let's screw patience and go check them out, deal? "

[Mirach]

Death finished reading the letrer and then let his hands with it sink. He sighed, closing his eyes. 

----

"Oh yes, let's go check them! I'm terribly curious how he pulled it off, too," Senecio said.

[VisAnastasis]

Xia licked Death's hair lightly as if asking if he's alright. Jake reassured her to not worry, and he distracted her by bringing the two baskets of cookies - one for Death and one for her. When he explained her he made them especially for her, she fluffed up. He put Death's cookie basket beside the creature, while he himself took the freedom to sit down on the edge of the bed, feeding Xia her own cookies himself, doing so nonchalantly, without rush, letting her lick crumbs from his hands as she ate.

---

" Let's go, then! If a package arrived from him, it should be in the reception room, where they sort mail! " Tide noted, taking and putting on his mask, as he stood up. " Let me just clean us from the sand and dry us up," he said and he brought a sizeable amount of water from the nearby stream toward them, to wash them. After he cleaned them, he dried them up with his powers shyly and extended his hand to the actor in the invitation.

[Mirach]

Death did not reach for the cookies, feeling the need for rest more accutely now after the emotional turmoil.

---

Senecio took his hand so that Tide could lift him up.

[VisAnastasis]

Jake gestured to Xia not to disturb him, to let him sleep if he can. He kept feeding her until the cookies were gone, but he knew she could get depressed easily, after the emotional turmoil of her own. He didn't leave after she ate, instead, he remained with them, and after talking with her a bit, he quietly began telling her stories, on human language, but about various Beings, telling her about the kinds of creatures he met around or heard of, and their stories quietly, adjusting them in the form of fairy tales - in the same time, making signs with his hands in sign language, so she could observe the language in action more fluently after not using it for a long time. Xia remained close to Death, purring lightly, but observing Jake with a hunger for knowledge and attention, relaxing slowly with his attentiveness.

---

Tide seemed content with the permission, picking him up in his arms. Then, just like they arrived, he jumped gracefully to the air and made couple jumps to the mansion. There, after shyly lowering him to the ground, he still kept holding his hand, and at the reception room, indeed, after asking around, the found a big black package, sparkling with a light soft glow - most definitely a fancy touch from a fancy Being.

[Mirach]

Death slept for that time, escaping the emotions he was too tired to feel.

---

Senecio grabbed the package, almost tearing it open right there. But he stopped himself. "Let's go to your sewing room?" he suggested. "For more privacy... and mirrors."