Senecio adn Tide II

[VisAnastasis]

Being, that was rather professional in his advice up to that point, snorted a little with the conclusion, covering his mouth as he did so, despite acting more shy, seeming to feel more freely with Svarik.
" Oh, my... well, yes, if you do it in the right moment after people get more trust in your judgement, why not? I did say it in general, because I didn't know you if you would want to go that far - but technically, even though the country is mostly monogamous, there is a strong precedent for kings of old having more than one partner, though, in that culture, it was mostly woman, for the sake of providing an heir. But Thief- I, mean, the emperors didn't really care that much about forbidding gender preference of others, as long as there was strong loyalty inspired among everyone, so gender shouldn't be an issue, and you already have an heir, technically. So, having a Queen and a King, one at each your side, isn't something you can't do. Especially if some time passes and people grow to love Conrad more openly for his skills and merit, it would easily be a wise move, for people that doubt your abilities, that they have someone of great skill in charge. Just promise me one thing, please? Even if your current plan fails, do not rush into it, or, if it succeeds, do not dismiss the idea, " Being said, with a wider and more amiable grin, advising more freely. " Once a person sees the world from a more open perspective, there are so many more possibilities. Maybe problem won't be solved on your intended way, so you'll want to rush to make him king, but it's rather better to slowly work up to it until you are sure you want that marriage, for real. Or, if you succeed in your current plans and he ends up quite well of, who knows - despite you no longer need to, maybe one day you'll desire to propose to him anyway, and have your king and queen rule with you. But it is a big choice, and I am pretty sure that a guy with zero experience in love who barely kissed a girl for the first time a month or so ago like him will just go into a fake marriage like it's just a piece of paper, so you should approach it carefully if it comes to that... "

[Mirach]

"Oh yes, he would. I'm definitely not going to mention it now, but it's something to consider. I must say it sounds... quite right to me."

[VisAnastasis]

Eros smiled gently with that, seeming glad that their talk was fruitful.
" I'm glad I gave you a new perspective. Whatever happens, it's always good to know you have options, " he said gently. " I can not see the future, but from the past and from the present that comes to pass, this is my advice to you, and I believe it's the option that can lead everyone to the most happiness in the situation. You'd be unhappy if you at least don't give your very best for this dream... And right now, by what it seems to me, what you desire from Conrad is growing closeness - and for a person that is as touch starved as him, that used to dread every pat on the shoulder is a prelude to someone stabbing him in the back, this seems as much in his favour as yours. I really have to empathize, he really has no experience in relationships, like, zero. He sucks, " Being grinned a little. " So you really have to take initiative, because if you give him only hints, he won't figure it out on his own, ever. He would be in the gray area wondering if Melody liked him too if she weren't direct. I kept trying to tarot the hell out of the fat whole night to give him a hint that he doesn't have to change his whole personality and became suave minstrel to prove he is good enough boyfriend material, and that it is not a talent contest, but he puts too much pressure on himself. He was doing a better job when that las was in form of a child when he was bringing the meals she loved, combing her hair, and lulling her to sleep... Now that he tries to serenade her and write her poems instead of just spending time with her freely, it would honestly be annoying if it was me, but luckily, but Melody at least seems entertained by the absurdity for now. "

[Mirach]

Svarik chuckled with that. "I'll try to give him some pointers if I get the chance. Thank you, I'm really glad I talked to you."

[VisAnastasis]

With those words, simple yet honest, Eros's face beamed with a shy, but hopeful smile, as it seemed the thanking surprised him.
" It is... me, who is thankful, that you talked to me. Remember, your joy is my joy. There is no bigger happiness than doing what I can to make sure good things happen to good people, " he replied honestly, and suddenly, as if deciding something, he timidly offered. " I do not know how to address you... we met so strangely, and we lacked even proper introductions. It must be strange to be spoken with like this with a stranger - but my name is Love. I am how I am. The lovely little stranger... would you perhaps accept to take one feather from me, for my sake? " he asked. " It is not much, but if you hold it and think intently of me, I'll know you wish to summon me, and I can appear before you. I can appear anywhere in the world where some part of me is present. I doubt I can do much if someone is trying to harm you, but if you need a talk, or if you've overworked yourself and need nutrients to survive, I'd be happier if you had the option to call me if you choose to... You'd just have to keep the feather secure in case there are malicious Spirits around - I am young, coming to Life during the first Being wars, and I think I am technically a demon, so just be careful not to take it on the open if you're in the company of Demon hunters... "

[Mirach]

"It would be an honour," Svarik said. "I promise I'll keep it safe. Would you like to play some game and talk about something else now? I want to let Conrad sleep for a few hours at least."

[VisAnastasis]

" I don't know... It is still hard to wrap my mind around idea that you would want to spend time with me.. i barely digested that you are king, too.. " Being replied a little more quietly, as he plucked one long feather from his wings, and offered it to Svarik - it had same tender aura as Being itself." I know you are not like the emperors. Your mind is yours alone... But still, are you really not wary of me, as a king and human?" Being asked unsurely. " You seem really into justice, healing, and preservation of life... I am, too. But... Not exclusively," he whispered tentatively." Did... Hans tell you about arrangements between us? Those children thar you healed.... The one who killled their former master was me. Hans only came up with the plan," he paused." Knowing that, do you dislike me yet?"

[Mirach]

Svarik took the feather carefully. "I see," he said quietly. "I have no illusions, Eros. I've never killed anyone, but it's because others did. Izmir... Conrad. I wouldn't have survived otherwise, and if I killed anyone it would be a disaster with my heritage. But as long as the justice in the land isn't sufficient to prevent such people from harming others, I understand such actions. As to the justice, we’re working on it."

[VisAnastasis]

Eros looked down, appearing unsure.
" I hope... things will work out for your land. I really do, " he replied hesitantly, rubbing his hands nervously. " I really do not find... Pleasure in this. Not any more than your Conrad does it. It is hard for me, because I sincerely love living creatures. Beings and humans, cats and butterflies... I love everything that feels, " he sighed. " It is just... People can be vicious, and someone must prevent people from hurting other people. Hans is very good at it. He put his whole heart into it... But I can't let him carry the burden of helplessness alone. I was born helpless in the middle of the war, I know what it means to not be able to protect others over your weakness, " he smiled sadly, as it seemed he was unable to not smile at Svarik, even when unsure. " So when he feels cornered and unable to do anything, or when waiting for a case to be built means only innocents will suffer or die - I step in. I do not know, what is proper, or improper to ask. I would like to do more for the people here, but my powers are limited and I am frowned upon whenever I go. I want to ask - is there anything I can do to help the king of this land, that won't end in prosecution, from either Spirit folk or from Bull priests? It is just a little hard, that I put myself in a position where you could ask anything of me, and all you ask is advice. It does not really make me confident. If you had liked me, or at least not disliked me, there was no reason to ask so little of me... "

[Mirach]

"Do you think I'm asking too little? And if I'd like you, I'd ask more?" Svarik asked wonderingly. "But the advice is not little to me. It's possibly the thing I needed most... Either way though, I don't understand the logic. Why should I ask something from you as a proof that I like you? What I could ask is not possible right now anyway. I'd ask you to come with me and meet the interesting people I know in the city, but for that it's me who needs to act first to guarantee your safety in that. So for now I'd ask you to give me some time. And since I'll need Conrad's help for it and he's asleep, I would only ask for company now."

[VisAnastasis]

( OOC: Merry Christmassss, dear! I hope you're having a wonderful time! <3 <3 <3

Being nodded lightly, looking thoughtful, as if unsure how to explain his hesitance.
" It is just when people are comfortable with you, they are more comfortable asking things from you, and asking for little feels like being expected of too little. What people ask says a lot about the person. I do not mean to make a greedy man out of you, but if you offer someone whatever they choose, and they pick something really simple - it is like a baker offering you whatever pie or goods you want, and you pick a slice of bread. Wouldn't baker feel a bit strange? " creature tilted his head a little. " Wouldn't you feel strange? I am not saying I am powerful personification or anything, but still, the advice I gave you is something an educated human or Being could equally give you, like Hans for example. It is like if you offered Tide, guardian of so many Beings, any service as a healer of souls, whatever he can think of, but all he adamantly asked was that you read him some music sheet, " Being couldn't help but smile shyly. " Do you understand my confusion? "

[Mirach]

"Maybe I'm not much of a baker myself, and without seeing all the cakes, bread is all I can think of," Svarik smiled a little. "Or baking is illegal and I first need to change that law to be able to enjoy a piece of cake openly. Or both of those."

[VisAnastasis]

Being's look grew softer with the implication - it didn't seem he quite was sure something could be done for his peculiar case, especially since Beings wars were ongoing too, in any case, but it seemed he favoured Svarik more for his earnestness to try.
" Okay... For now, it's reassuring enough to know there is no misunderstanding, and that matter is in the world's limitations, not in us, " he said then slowly and measured king from head to toe, before grinning a little. " You offered a talk or a game to me since you wish to have your current friend rest. But since you've ordered bread, why don't we go all in on bread, then? Even among bread, there are many variables. " he said innocently. " If you want a relationship with Conrad to be all-in on romance, you know you must put an effort to make it feel more than just friendship or just physical attraction, right? From what I gather of things, it seems to be your perspective boyfriend values effort and thought put into things. Why not use this time while he is sleeping to come up with or make some nice gift for him, to show him how much you appreciate him? I'd find more fun helping you figure that out, than playing some general game. What about coming up with a nice breakfast to make him when he wakes up? Or maybe building something thoughtful with your own hands as a surprise? I love doing things that require love, and I am rather good at cooking, and at various arts and crafts. Wouldn't it be fun to do something nice for him? "

[Mirach]

"I must say I'm curious about the tarot you played. Is it a game he enjoys? I haven't seen him playing it before."

[VisAnastasis]

" You can play a couple of games with it, but we didn't play games last night. I think he enjoyed the most the drama of it all. I was doing divination with them and showing him some card tricks too. And it's a secret of the trade, but since I am good with cards, I can pull out any card I want to get divination I please, " creature winked innocently at him. " I do not think your friend knows much games, to be honest, other than chess... he does not strike me as someone who gives himself the casualness to play games of luck that he may end up losing. Last night, since you passed out so, I was mostly doing whatever shenanigans I could while you slept to distract him from dark and lonely thoughts. Oh, he did seem to admire the art, though! Some tarot cards for commoners are simple, but I have a special pack upgraded by Janus that is not damaged by time and is rather shiny, with shimmering golden accents. I think designs and peculiar names of the cards struck is fancy because they must be unusual wares for a man from the capital because after we finished divination he asked to see the pack and browse through it. "

[Mirach]

"I think a game would be a nice present," Svarik said. "It's also a promise of spending time together. I just don't know what game."

[VisAnastasis]

" In theory giving someone a game in the promise of spending time with them isn't bad, yes, just like serenading a lady you like isn't a bad concept. But if you never bonded over playing games, aren't you falling into the same trap he falls in with lady Melody when he plays songs for her, giving him something he isn't attached to opposed to what he fell for? " Being asked him. " Your bond is very strong. Isn't there anything over which you really bonded with, like the two of them did with him brushing her hair and reading each other fairy tales and cuddling? Something you barely did can't be all that meaningful... For example, are you often going on picnics like today? You both seem to enjoy sharing meals together. How about giving him something tied to that? A personalized lunch box? A fruit knife engraved with motives he enjoys? Something that even when you're not around, he can use and be content, reminded of you. I am not saying if you begin playing games and bond moreover it, that it won't be a nice gift one day. But that is drawing inspiration from what could be, not what is... "

[Mirach]

"It's not that we would especially enjoy sharing meals," Svarik said. "It’s just that we often don't have much time, but we do have to eat so we can make that time ours. I'm not sure he would enjoy a gift connected with dining when I'm not around."

[VisAnastasis]

" You are planning to confess to him relatively soon, though, right? That is definitely a talk that has to happen before talk about Lipka's pregnancy, so you know where you stand. I am not saying you have to make matching rings like it is a proposal or something, but don't you think you should get something meaningful to him before you ask to date him?" Being asked curiously." When you get meaningful gifts, they should be either something that is tied to both of you, or at least something he is insanely passionate about. I noticed, although he wears simple dark clothes, that he has couple concealed little embroidered stars on the inside of his sleeves. Does he like stars much? Maybe you can get him a handkerchief or bag embroidered with stars? Or some peculiar clothes? Alpha Centauri, famous Tailor among Beings, is still in the mansion, since he worries for Hans. He can make clothes that are out of this world, of course, if he likes you... He only makes interesting clothes if he finds your request interesting enough..."  

[Mirach]

"I don't want it to seem like I'm trying to buy him with presents..." Svarik murmured a bit unhappily. "And before you say it, yes, I know I'm equally bad as he's with Melody. I'm totally overthinking it. Maybe just a star-shaped pendant, with a little sun engraved in it?"

[VisAnastasis]

" That's just too precious, " Eros's face was beaming with a smile. " Now, that's already thinking with your heart instead of your panicky head. Though, I do think you are overthinking it about the gifts... Doesn't he get you a lot of gifts, too? I didn't manage to coax enough details, but since we talked a lot about you last night, while she was with us rather shortly, lady Melody did mention that your sir Conrad still had half a chest or decorated flutes and ocarinas left to give you. She thought it was adorable, but he was acting all pragmatic, how he naturally has to have a little something at hand to give you in case you feel depressed, to cheer you up, " Being smiled adorably. " Aren't you two just precious? See, you're both doing best when you're not overthinking things. I do think gifts are important signs of attention. If you gave him gemstones or expensive things without too much thought, that would be a cheap trick to pressure him, but I think giving him something thoughtful, that he himself can't procure wouldn't be a bad choice either. If you dislike the thought of having some unique or protective magical clothes made for him or are hesitant aiming higher and trying to obtain him some rarer accessory like a dimensional bag that Hans has, it can not be helped. If you are sure about the pendant, though, may I offer a suggestion? I think you should make one star-shaped pendant with a little sun engraved, and one sun-shaped pendant with a little star engraved, one for each of you. Hm, would you perhaps like to make it one of those medallions that can be opened from the side and hold tiny objects, and have inscriptions engraved on the inside? They are in the same thoughtful category as pocket watches - it is a nice feeling when you open a pendant or a watch and see a personalized message... "

[Mirach]

"That sounds good. I just don't want the gift to be too pressuring if I give it to him after that talk. But you are right, why shouldn't I give him something enchanted later, if I can get it? I don't have much time, though. He won't sleep more than a few hours. I would be amazed if it's more than two..."

[VisAnastasis]

Eros nodded, but then, an innocent grin spread across his face.
" Well, hypothetically, if some mischievous Elder God had the power to trick his mind into sleeping longer, would you take it? " he said sheepishly. " And I am not offering that only because you wouldn't have much time. He was under lot of stress until you woke up, it was more tiring all-nighter for him than running through the night with full armour would be, I think. If he is such terrible sleeper as you say, wouldn't it be good for him if he sleeps longer now that he can? Immortal or not, he needs to learn to sleep properly so his mind stays healthy. "

[Mirach]

"Can you make it five?" Svarik asked with a grin. "That would still be believe to him, I think."

[VisAnastasis]

" Well, five sounds just about right for an emergency sleep session, too, " Eros replied, with conspiratorial delight. " I can do it without a sweat, we just have to decide between two methods. The thing with my powers is that I need a closer range to do it easily and more precisely, like with planning the exact amount of hours. So, one way is for me to be close - I'd need at least to be in front of his doors. Another method is - if I hold your hand, I can use you as an anchor to affect him even if he is far from us. " Being explained. " That seems quicker, but would it be alright for you? I'd just need to hold your hand for a minute. Do not worry, no power actually passed through you, I'm just using your bond to be able to focus on him and filter out the noise of everyone else around us. I can affect people no matter the distance because I am Everywhere, but I need to have a suitable anchor to discern them from all the other people. " he grinned a little. " Otherwise, I may just unknowingly put some other poor passerby into instant sleep, and that would be too embarrassing. "