Senecio adn Tide II

[VisAnastasis]

" So, you dislike money, and I dislike making enchanted clothes for money, so I'd say we are on the exact same wavelength. " Alpha stated, and added with anticipation, asking what seemed to be his favourite part of deal-making, like Eros predicted. " So, if not money, what do you want to offer in exchange? Just a heads up, I accept no clothes because I can make whatever I want myself, and I accept no sensual favours, those are things I prefer either to get for free or not at all. Other than that - clothes, sex, money, and also gruesome things like body parts or pets that droll a lot, everything is on the table. "

[Mirach]

"I must admit I was a bit nervous about what to offer you," Svarik said honestly. "Everything I suggested, Eros disliked. But he didn't understand what I meant at first, and something he said gave me an idea. So as my deal, I'd like to offer you a game. You pick a certain number of activies, let's say three to ten, depending how complicated the clothes will be to make. If it's something I have done before, I'll tell you about it. If it's something I haven't done yet, I will do it with you - assuming it's not dangerous, doesn't take more than a day and isn't sexual, as you said already. And of course, if we somehow end with ten day-long activities, it might not be possible for me to do it during this visit, but I'll certainly come again."

[VisAnastasis]

" For someone that is supposedly coming unprepared, you sound very prepared, " Alpha giggled playfully. " Let's see if I got the game right, though - you want me to name ten things I want to do, you'll only do them if you haven't done them before? What if you magically happen to have done everything I say? Then, we do nothing. Or if you didn't mean it like that, but that we would pick activities until we find common undone ones, it still would feel like I am dragging you to do whatever I feel like by force. A mild form of contractual slavery is no fun, "  Being clapped his hands and suggested then. " I dislike games rigged against or in my favour. How about this change? How about I write ten things I didn't do but would like to, and you write ten things you didn't do but would like to? It can be very specific or non-specific, crazier the better. From this list... we each pick three activities. You pick three of mine, I pick three of yours, and we do them together, the two of us, of more people, whatever it turns out to be, " creature added then smugly. " If you would like to spice it up, I do like people sweating a little, so you will be the first to show me your list so you don't get spoilers for inspiration. And let's add two conditions just for fun - one rigged in your, one in my favour, so it evens out. As for mine, we will do at least one activity from the list today, as for yours, you'll promise to come to me and not even think of skipping me, once you marry him and need wedding attire. Is there anything cuter than couple outfits or what? " he said smugly with pleasure. " What do you think? Just a warning, I plan to make a list of really petty specific activities and be a smug bitch about it, so you should also be specific and petty so it's more interesting. "

[Mirach]

Svarik thought about the conditions for a moment. "About the wedding, we might be getting ahead of ourselves a bit. I'm not quite sure if a wedding attire will be needed, but it it comes to that, I wouldn't skip you. But another wedding may come before that. I... also love a girl. It took me this long to figure out I also love my Semai because I didn't know it can work like that. But Eros explained it to me now. If you insist on sewing the attire for us, I would be grateful, but I'll also have to ask you to make a dress for her, too. Otherwise she would feel left out... So it's either three or nothing, I'm afraid. Uhm... maybe even four, because he's also courting a lady. So, it's a bit complicated, and a wedding might be as well. But I can promise I'll let you know about it, and you shall decide yourself. As to the deal, it sounds fair. I agree that we could do it that way."

[VisAnastasis]

" Oh, my, I didn't expect you to be such a player, already having one mate good to go, " Alpha's eyes sparkled. " Oh, yeah, that makes it harder to promise anything, I thought you both were single. No matter, as you said, relationships are complicated. No truer words ever were spoken, little Sunny boy, I can attest to that personally... So, of course not, I could not possibly make a wedding outfit for one couple and not the other. Depending on the situation, we may end up making another deal for it, but I can promise you that I won't be petty. Or, even better, how about, if things turn out favourably for you, you wait on the marriage with the girl, so you can have a double wedding? The only thing better than making a cute matching outfit for two is making a cute matching outfit for three! " Eros suggested with passion. " I mean, in any case, whatever situation turns out, we will work it out, just keep me updated! So, yes, if you agree with all this, I am happy, and I accept it, just please, do not think the deal's fair until you see my list, " Being said playfully, with a grin that was not sinister but was definitely soaking in pleasure of primordial pettiness. " I am going to come up with a frustratingly perfect list... It's been super long since I have been given such a delightfully vague deal, with such delightfully loopholic conditions. I can't wait to see what activities you'll come up with too - but you must be tipsy about the clothes, aren't you? So we can discuss the clothes you want right now, first... "

[Mirach]

"As long as it's not something that might hurt anyone, I'm open to doing new things. I'm curious myself what you will come up with," Svarik chuckled. "But yes, I'd like to talk about the clothes. I would like something that's both practical and protective, but also special for him. Something that could hide him in shadows, but also, when he wishes, light up with stars like cloudless night. 

[VisAnastasis]

" You lot are really into stars, right? I can easily weave a cloudless night into it, so it is shimmering with countless stars that glisten like real ones. I only have to then sew it over with many layers of clouds, dust and mist, and cloak it with the silence and shadows of night, so he easily blends in the shadows and stay silent as he walks, if we throw in booths of Night into the mix too. That way, he can choose between two modes, with concealed and unconcealed stars. " Alpha suggested." It does ssem like you are building him up as a handsome rogue assasain type guy? Do you expect he will wear it when in danger? I can not possibly let your partner die on me easily, or, for goodness sake, damage my master work. " He said gently." It is quite harder, even for me, as I will have to procure some rare things and go above and beyond for it, but I can add shield ability to it, so that normal swords and arrows can't pierce through it even though fabric will be comfy and light. We can't have him dying in some stupid mortal way now, can we?"

[Mirach]

"Indeed," Svarik nodded in complete agreement. "As to the stars, he likes to assume the role of a legend called the Star Boy, secretely bringing presents to kids and leaving money for fruit in the orchards. He does have a costume for that, with sewn on stars. But it's still a costume. I'd like to give him something really worthy of the legend."

[VisAnastasis]

" Oh, that's really juicy! And such a coincidence! I also like to keep track of poor kids in my city and occasionally see them toys or clothes for free. I mean, adults know it's from me, but the kids don't, so it's the magic that counts," Being replied fervently, by this point, sitting straight on the bed, as if subject he enjoyed was chipping away from his previous lethargy. " We really must make something amazing for such a critter. I think besides the general clothes we discussed, we should discuss properties you want in booths and hat seperately. And you will also be wanting a cloak, right? When I think about it, it might be hard for you to come up with things without seeing some of my work." He suggested suddenly." I made a  killer of a beautiful outfit for Senecio's ball attire, the lad has such a vivid imagination. He is still sleeping, but do you want us to take a quick glance and see how it looks in person? Perhaps it will give you more idea for what you can ask. I imagine my powers might seem quite abstract to you. "

[Mirach]

"Well, if it won't disturb him, I'd like to take a look. I've heard the stubborn lad actually went to the ball after a near death experience. If you made him such an attire, it's no wonder he wanted to try it no matter what."

[VisAnastasis]

" Oh, the clothes are, of course, pristine, but trust me, that boy would have went in anything that wasn't complete rags. He has such a zeal for life," Being said admiringly, as he clearly had a big soft spot for the actor, not hiding it." Let's go then, first to see to it! I know where they are staying since I checked on Senecio and Hans this morning. There should be someone watching over them, so we will just check who, and ask them to take a quick peek at the clothes. There is no way we could disturb them unless we are purposely loud. "

[Mirach]

"Okay. I'll also check on them to see if they don't need anything. Anything else than healing, I mean... I'm still rather low on magic."

[VisAnastasis]

" You are too lovely... I will at the very least throw you in the deal  some cute bracelet for the lady, for your good intentions, deal?" Being replied softly, standing up, freakishly tall and thin, but with a grace of a star indeed." You stay behind me, since you are shy,  so you don't bother with social interaction if their keeper is someone you don't know, deal?" He asked pleasantly, and opened the door for Svarik theatrically. As ge said, he walked first, and when they reached the room where they slept, he assured Svarik is ready, before he knocked on the door.

His caution was unfounded, though - it was someone Svarik knew. A moment later, Tide was the one who opened the door. Since he didn't wear a mask right now, first he was just peeking a little from a side, but when he recognised Svarik, the doors opened wide.
" I wondered when you will stop by," he said hoarsely, looking almost through Alpha, at meadow king, and Svarik could swear creature's eyes got teary.

[Mirach]

"Is all well?" Svarik asked with concern when he saw that.

[VisAnastasis]

" Oh? No, everyone is pretty much the same. F-for whom are you worried exactly? Hans or Senecio? Falcon or Melody? They all sleep as well as they can, in the situation. " Creature stuttered, seeming embarrassed over misunderstanding." I just worried about you.. you silly life blob. You were the one that passed out first," despite he would usually ask permission for everything, this time Being couldn't help itself - it clearly wanted more but it satisfied itself with shyly putting its hand on Svarik's shoulder, as if to assure of his presence." Are you... Really okay? I couldn't wait to see you, but I didn't want to put myself in order before all your other friends. Falcon said you were better, but my heart could not stand quite still..."

[Mirach]

"Oh, I'm sorry," Svarik said. "I didn't realise you were so worried because I'm feeling fine already. Just low on magic, but getting my energy back up slowly."

[VisAnastasis]

" No, I'm sorry if it feels like I am making a too big deal out of it... But you do know it's a big deal still, right? It was all too dangerous. But... since everyone is so exhausted after yesterday, I guess I am a little prone to too much worry, " Being rubbed its eyes, trying to appear more cheerful, but not quite succeeding, as indeed, it was practically oozing with loving motherly concern, through the roof. " You should rest up well, still, like everyone... Are you here for Melody and Falcon? It's a funny story, but the girl's sleeping on the sofa, and Falcon fell asleep in the armchair. They are both rather tired, so I can't let you wake them up, but I can let you see them for the low price of a hug?" Being suggested shyly, with a timid inviting gesture, as if he needed a little more reassurance after what happened that Svarik was really okay.

[Mirach]

"Waking anyone is the last thing I'd want," Svarik said, letting Tide embrace him. "I just came to check if they don't need anything, and Alpha wanted to show me Senecio's clothes for the ball."

[VisAnastasis]

Tide embraced him shortly, but firmly, raising him a little from the ground in the unexpected rush of feelings, drawing reassurance from that hug - it was one thing for someone to say they are alright, the other to feel it. He let go carefully then and smiled with a touch more relaxed expression.
" Of course, it is no problem. Come in, please. You can check on your friends while I bring the clothes, I folded them neatly at a side table. " He explained, and he brought the Being and human in. Just like he said, the room had a pretty calm drowsy atmosphere, as four people slept in it, with Tide watching over them. Hans and Senecio were close to each other, on Tide's large bed, Melody was in her child form sleeping on a sofa, and Falcon was on an armchair to the side, sleeping, but more in a sitting than lying position. Despite not on the bed, both were covered by with a layer of soft blankets, and tucked in well, as it seemed Tide tried his best to keep them all comfortable in the half-lit cosyroom.

[Mirach]

Svarik listened to all of them, to assure that they are really doing well, especially Hans and Senecio. 

[VisAnastasis]

Falcon and Melody seemed exhausted, probably because they both slept too little, but they seemed alright. Senecio was in the worst state than them, looking more pale and sickly, but considering he nearly died yesterday, despite the obvious exhaustion, it seemed like he was slowly getting a little better with well-needed sleep. Hans seemed the worst from them, appearing even more sickly, and there were little strange fluctuations in his body as if he were going through cycles of having too high or too low body temperature, unable to regulate it. His breathing also seemed a little strained, and Svarik could feel the same was with Spirit's essence, that felt as if it was bruised up and batted thoroughly, not with material force, but with the force of music. Judging by how Tide didn't seem to panic about it, though, it seemed like something that would always happen when Spirit would try Singing, so it was nothing new, only something they would wait to come to pass.

[Mirach]

Svarik glanced at Tide to see if it's really no reason for immediate concern. When he saw that it is so, he turned to the demon. "And you?" he whispered to not wake anyone. "Would you like something from the kitchen or something else?"

[VisAnastasis]

Tide, sho was holding a handful of clothes Svarik asked for, looked up from them, and nodded lightly.
" I like to eat, but I do not really get hungry," he whispered. " It's a little hard to eat when I am worried about everyone... I just want them all to be okay, but you already pulled half the weight for that, " he said with an amiable softer smile then. " So, I need you to be okay, then, instead. Just promise me you won't exert yourself and that you will rest, too. I'll feel easier if I know it is one less weary person to be anxious over... Honestly, I wish I were a better host... all you did since you came was work, and... " he hesitated, before admitting. " I know it is foolish, but I was so happy about all of us going together to the ball... I am really grieved I could not have that joy with you... "

[Mirach]

"Yes, I'm also sorry I missed it. But it's just the reason to organise something like this again, right?" Svarik smiled a bit. "Also, it seems to me that I'd be rather underdressed," he said jokingly when he got a glimpse of the fabric.

[VisAnastasis]

" Oh... yes. I also felt underdressed when Senecio tried the clothes on, no matter how pretty I can sew, Alpha's work is just something else," Tide, who had very little awareness for sarcasm or jokes, took it at face value, as he unravelled the spectacular clothes and began showing them to Svarik earnestly. " Did you want to see them because you were unhappy over not having something as pretty to wear? Are you going to make a deal with Alpha for some nice regal clothes? You are a king and Falcon seems to have this whole propaganda program to make you appear all ethereal and mysteriously powerful so even people that dislike you keep themselves in line, and so that your kingship is more secure, so getting some regal clothes that would enhance your image more may not be a bad idea. "