Senecio adn Tide II

[Mirach]

"I'm not sure," Senecio said. "Last time I saw him he was still here. We could invite him to have breakfast with us if you want. I think he will like the idea of another ball."

[VisAnastasis]

" We just began eating, so it shouldn't be an issue to share breakfast... Tide, can you call him, please? " Hans asked thoughtfully. " Amidst all other priorities, I forgot about it for a moment, but he'll definitely be worried sick. He'll be disappointed if I don't contact him when I woke up, so the least I should do is let him see I'm alright. "
" Alright, yeah, sure, " Tide sighed a little at the sheer confidence with which Hans claimed his well being, but he did stand up. " Give me a couple of minutes, he'll probably be in his guest room, he was finishing up an order for sir Falcon yesterday, so he should be free right now. "

He said, and left them for a moment, to bring the Being.

[Mirach]

"So you've heard about the king and sir Falcon?" Senecio asked while they waited. "Seems like a hot piece of gossip..."

[VisAnastasis]

" Oh, yes, Tide was very excited to tell me that first thing I woke up while telling me about the ball, " Hans agreed, leaning back, his expression seeming a little thoughtful. " Honestly, from all my knowledge of him, I never would have thought sir Falcon would choose anyone, even if fond of them. But I do have some hopes this will work, from the way he was looking at Svarik and following his every step since they came here, " he shared his opinion quietly, watching the ceiling. " This is classified information, you know... But sir Falcon used to be really depressed person. Well, it's not like he's all rainbows now, either, but... I'll give you some hot tea. He was really tired of living and all the daily terror he felt. He was barely holding himself together hoping to find a worthy king to lead the country in a better direction. We exchanged so many letters on that subject... He requested me to seek a nice place on the seaside for suicide. Almost everything was ready... But his tone and letters slowly change, since he met Svarik. Circumstances did force him to stay alive longer than he planned, but at one point, he chooses to stay alive and keep supporting Svarik's kingship even though he'd have to continue living a shitty life in the shadows, constantly anxious for his life... I've honestly been rooting for him from that point on. At a certain level, if not expressed, love becomes bitter, like poison. I thought it would be really soul-crushing the rest of his first human life, if he was just to spend it as a hidden servant, watching his king gain and strengthen all the new bonds and family ties that he can have publicly, while he can only see and be with him secretly, for a little while, between working to exhaustion for his sake... It would really suck to go through that for a couple of decades, all until that same person that holds you together dies. This new development is more dangerous for the country, but without risks, there is no gain for the world... "

[Mirach]

"Oh..." Senecio murmured, "it sounded like a juicy bit of gossip about royalry to me, but it’s actually much deeper, I see. The king might need some careful manipulation of the public opinion to pull that off. A theatre play, maybe..."

[VisAnastasis]

" Hmm, interesting idea, but it could be too hard to try anything without going straight to the riots and eventually civil war... Things are even juicier, you see," Hans turned his look towards Senecio, watching him with evaluation and thoughtfulness, measuring him up, as if choosing if he is ready for the information. " I can tell you this because we are family... And I am telling you this... Because I trust you. This is information only few know, so remember you should guard it with all discretion," he smiled, with a sad, wondering smile." Have you heard about Bloody Major? The most notorious and hated traitor of our time? The one on whom the blame is put for betraying the empire to help Highlands, and ultimately, whose betrayal led to the death of the last emperor and most shameful defeat in our history, causing current ten year stalemate in war with Highlands? Yeah... You have met him. It's sir Falcon. He faked his death and proceeded to work like insane for ten years until he became an underground lord in the Capital. He gained many allies like ne throughout the land, whom he helped greatly, with biggest request being that we will help the king of his choosing take the throne... You could say he is the one most responsible for Svarik's smooth transition to power. He is Svarik's greatest strength... And most dangerous liability. It's complicated, isn't it?" Hans's wide grin was sad, and a little sentimental." Even I, with my appearance and horns that are a magnet for priest trouble, am confident to go out a little, and practice law a little... And I am a God damn Being. He is a human scorned by the country he died to save. Even when he finally fell in love, it seems he fell in love with the most dangerous person he could, one person on whom all eyes always are... Pretty funny ticking bomb, really...."

[Mirach]

"Oh wow. That's quite a story," Senecio raised his eyebrows. "On the other side though, we just made a play about Death, making everyone who saw it qiestiom what they know about him. And the Bloody Major is a great character for a play..."

[VisAnastasis]

" Well, I was sure you would not be negative, but I do always appreciate just how nonchalant you are about ground shattering news, " Hans's light smile was followed by feelings of curiosity and pleasure. " I am not saying it is not a good concept - but the success of such things depend on many things. Our play was supreme and exquisitely done, the timing and mood for it were just right, after Long Night, when all of us were anxious about the Demons on the fifth layer and felt like we may all die and perish, along with this world. Tide has good instincts... it was a good time to exploit that vulnerability. Besides, play is just a step, and the future needs more than one step. In the future, Tide will be an irreplaceable shield for Death, because he will work tirelessly to keep convincing our people that it's a good decision to have him as our ally. You need people everybody trusts to vouch for someone that isn't trusted. That's how we managed to properly make Svarik a king. Through the land, we worked to better his image, and vouched for him, all of us, " Hans explained. " Tide's case is actually easier to make because he is making it to a much smaller nation, to whom for a long time he was preaching of the importance of working together... the fertile soil has been laid. King Svarik is not strong enough on his own yet. His trust among whole people is still relatively glassy, and it will be even harder for him because he is preaching to land used to the mentality of war, and a much larger population than our unique Being kingdom. In short, there needs to be more people of influence, especially at the capital, that would have to put pressure to prevent rioting. Death has Tide that will be very persistent shielf, but while sir Falcon has Svarik, Svarik's pacifist nature isn't really fit for calming a violent side of the land that would undoubtedly riot. If some White Eagles were alive and all supported him, there'd at least be a shriver of a chance for him to be redeened. The last person of old authority people truly trusted was general Irnet, and he died last year. Tarmagil, who was notorious, but also held great authority, also died last year, and there is some hope with the addition of Silvel Simbeymine, but the reform to the church teachings with his additions is already a big liability that lot that didn't visit the capital are still skeptical about. So, with no people of old aothuroity on either side of the church or the army is a big problem. Even if lot of people like me nad Svarik would publicly support sir Falcon, the empirial and religious currents in politics and people would find him traitorous and blasphemious. That's why I said, if even one thing goes wrong, without proper backing suspitious people could trust, the civil war is most likely outcome... It is really inconvenient for sir Falcon because most of the people that are trusted but can vouch for his character are either new in power and not trusted enough, or as dead as a dornail... "

[Mirach]

"Isn't exactly that a reason to consider a play that would introduce some doubts about the character of Bloody Mayor? Without linking his identity to Falcon, of course. If there's nobody to vouch for him from the top, then it has to be done from the bottom, through public. I don’t see into all the political nuances and would leave the timing to you. But I'm indebted to the king and this is something I can offer."

[VisAnastasis]

" You are really adorable, you know? The way you're nonchalantly throwing yourself in the middle of matters that can lead to a civil war is just so cute, " Hans laughed, but there wasn't sarcasm, but a warm feeling in his teasing tone, and there was a little mischievous spark as he continued. " Anyway, I am not telling you all this to tell you it's impossible... I am telling you this because I think this is, well, a side project I was thinking about focusing on, the main one being reform of the theatre system. Technically, the king's punishment for you entails that you work under me, but I never intended to give you work in the underground, anyway, not even before I liked you, " he shook his head fervently, before adding with a little grin. " So, won't you be my partner in crime for this insolent matter instead? I always did hope sir Falcon can have a better future. Whatmore, if it was in any way possible, if I was picking, I would have picked sir Falcon as the next emperor, on sheer skills alone. You don't know it by looking at him, but that man picks up insane skills like he's picking up flowers... it's terrifying and awesome, " he snorted. " Endgame is important, though, you see. If after coming to light he would just remain a servant to Svarik, a general in the army, a counsellor in council... It's not a position where he can safely make full use of his skills. He would always be suppressed from all sides and opposed by all forces and accused all the time that he may be plotting against the interests of the kingdom whenever he is making changes that would weaken the old military or temple. But with him and Svarik dating, the way they are right now there is finally that little needed sliver of change... Because now, the endgame is not him becoming a public servant if his name is cleared. Endgame is him marrying Svarik and essentially becoming a King through marriage, " his expression was solemn. " That is an endgame worth putting everything on the line for, to give him authority where he can truly make a change to the world. He is the only person that's workaholic and open-minded enough that can serve as a bridge between both the old empire and new kingdom, and Svarik's kingdom and our Being kingdom. Svarik is kind, but he doesn't want to calculate taxes, he wants to make people feel good, and he needs someone like sir Falcon high enough to advise him properly. The task I want to partake in is nearly impossible, chances as thin as a needle. It isn't because it's impossible to have them marry as is... if we accept some unrests and moderate civil war, it can be done easier. But it's insanely hard, precisely because we must manage this without creating civil war, and as smoothly as possible. What do you think? I am not asking you if you feel up to making just a theatre play, though it's part of it. I am asking you if you're up to going insane length with me to basically pull of a soft remake of history. "

[Mirach]

"Being in a tale of forbidden love and accusations of treason, on the background of political intrigues? Sure, sounds like fun, I'm in," Senecio grinned.

[VisAnastasis]

" That's great. Now that you're in on it, when I put pressure on sir Svarik and Falcon to talk to us to work on improving their situation, I expect your full casual support, " Hans winked, but there was a touch thoughtful, and unexpectedly protective feeling as he suddenly asked, not beating around the bush. " It is as good time as any to ask, though, now that we have a short moment alone before Tide returns - what are your plans on your acting career after what happened? I must know... because if you don't feel up to acting for a while, I will most definitely exclude the plan for the play. I really don't trust some generic actor could pull off as risky a role as one of Bloody Major sympathetically, so it would be too risky to go for big production without having you a part of it... but if you're to take a break from acting, I am letting you, 100 persent, okay? " his expression was meek but determined, as he probed gently. " I just need to know your plans, since we can't be discussing about a script yet if you're not ready to play it yet, that's all. The most important thing to decide right now is about our current hit, a play about Spirit King. Please, do tell me how you feel, straight and clear. It will be a bit troublesome, but I was thinking. I am definitely a pale comparison to you, but your health is more important. I am the only person that knows all the lines of the play by heart and has proper height and stature similar to yours, and although not acting in a play, I believe decently in my ability to represent both happiness and loss. If you don't feel up to it, I will play Spirit King for a couple of turns, until we find a fitting replacement and until they can learn the role, so you don't have to feel pressured about acting right away... "

[Mirach]

Senecio bit his lip. "I don’t have a problem with other plays..." he murmured. "I have a problem with the stage and with this role. I... I don't know how deep it is yet. I felt physically unwell with the thought of stepping on the stage when we went to talk with Janus. But we have plans of rebuilding it completely, so maybe that would help. And the role... I would really feel much better knowing I don’t have to play it for a few weeks. I don’t know how I'll feel then, but I hope I will be able to return. It's my best role..."

[VisAnastasis]

Hans just put his hand on Senecio's shoulder and pressed it quietly, looking at him seriously, as if urging him to notice the determination and protectiveness he felt that was, undeniably as strong as his intent gaze.

" I imagined it may be something like that... Don't worry, we'll figure it out. For a start, I'll be playing Spirit King for a while... It's funny, actually, isn't it? Spirit King playing Spirit King... " he said softly. " I'll do that until you untangle your feelings, and either return to it, or we find someone else for that one for the foreseeable future. However, I won't be complacent and just wait. I'll arrange all materials and workers Janus might need, and push rebuilding of the stage at an unreasonably fast rate so that it's done as soon as possible. I will talk to Janus about it when we go to show him the apartment we buy for him and see what's the earliest possible date. So, in short... you're saying it isn't a problem with other plays, as far as you feel it? Does that mean you would like us to discuss and plan the play of the Bloody Major with Svarik and Falcon if they agree? Or would you do it for the debt you feel for Svarik, even though you don't feel like acting for a while? If you feel like you need it, I empathize that I am okay even if you take a break for like, a year or two. I don't think you will, but you should know you can, " he said solemnly. " I do want to help those two, sure, but your health comes first, so I really need you to tell me honestly what's going on in your head... "

[Mirach]

"It would be a cool play and I really want to work on it," Senecio said, "buf maybe not right now. I think it would be best if I just focused on getting back on the stage now. Then when we're not distracted by some fears and phantoms anymore, we can focus on the play fully as it deserves."

[VisAnastasis]

" But do you still want us to discuss the plan of it with sir Falcon and Svarik and ask for their permission, and discuss the possible plot with them, right? " Hans asked carefully. " We could write the script and have it ready at a side, or we could leave writing and play for later, but we should make plans with them first, " he explained. " It's kind of a gold opportunity for plans, you see... This was the first time I met sir Falcon in person, and he's a very guarded man, so whenever we send letters, he strictly controls a flow of conversations. Whenever I'd try to probe of his possible future, he would just ignore the subject, and he definitely wouldn't even tell me about his suicidal plans if he didn't want me to find a good sightseeing place he could die at. So... " he grinned mischievously. " Since I don't know when or if this golden chance of meeting him will repeat, and since it's actually a diamond chance if we speak with him and Svarik together because he is weak for Svarik's pleas.... This is the best possible chance for making drastic history-altering changes. Besides, even if we don't begin writing the play soon, it was your idea, so you'll be better than me at making a sale's pitch to Sir Svarik, so I'd appreciate your support on that one. Sir Falcon is really gloomy about ideas of revealing himself, so he will be hard to persuade, so I need a player on my team who'll help me out so I don't sound too nagging. I can't ask Tide for anything like this, because he's too understanding - he bends too easily, letting people just do what they want. We can't have that, now, can we? "

[Mirach]

"Yes, it's an ideal occasion to talk with them about it. They just got together, it's all new, they didn’t have much time to think and overthink things... I deem we might get some honest reactions there."

[VisAnastasis]

" Then it's settled, we're jumping in when the pot is still hot, " Hans grinned, feeling relieved, as, despite he definitely seemed to want to use this golden chance, Senecio got the feeling that, if he was opposed to it, Hans would resist the temptation and skip it. But since he didn't have to, he seemed rather pleased, rubbing his hands like a sly contented fox. " That's good, very good! By the way, don't worry about the stage, I will talk about it with Janus first thing we see him when we lead him and the kids to the new apartment. I will have a new stage made insanely and dramatically soon, trust me, " he spoke with warmth. " Oh, Tide and Alpha will probably come soon, is there anything else you quickly want to tell me or report to me on? I only have a short casual question if Tide has been hard on you because of your new power, and should I be stern to him about it or anything else? If he is pestering you about your new power, just tell me, we'll work together to keep him in check so he doesn't go overboard with worry. "

[Mirach]

"He already accepted it, but I think he's still getting used to it, a little," Senecio said. "It was a rather insane jump in the relationship. I think we would get to this point eventually, but it would take months by his pace. Now he was forced to take a shortcut as his feelings are revealed to me. It was a jump forward, though."

[VisAnastasis]

" That's good, I am glad then, but still, do make sure to tell me if you have any difficulties with him. He is really sensitive and vulnerable about sharing more of himself, because he is such an insanely unusual critter to even exist, and he had bad experiences, so I understand why he is guarded, but he can be too insecure for his own good sometimes. I'll help if there is anything I can do, since, despite he can be dense, I do think you two are good for each other, " Hans shared his opinion on the situation clearly and openly. " Oh, and extra by the way... You are not worried about how *our* relationship may change because you can perceive my feelings, right? I am just checking because I am a little curious since you never really asked me, so I am not quite sure should I be flattered about your calmness or worried because you are secretly concerned. Or did you not have time to think it through yet? "

[Mirach]

"No, but I'm not sure I was going to ponder it much, actually. You seem to be fine with it. You *feel* to be fine with it, and I was just glad to have someone taking it in a stride and not freaking out about it, so I didn't think about it further. Do I need to?"

[VisAnastasis]

" No, " Hans replied truthfully, with feelings that matched what he said. " I just need to know whether you're freaking out about me not freaking out, that's all. To be honest, I'm probably not upset because I had time to align my priorities straight, and I have no feelings about you to be ashamed of. As for where my priorities lie, while I was forced to wait if your revival was possible, all I did was overthink in hopes your mind will stay intact. I would have been relieved to accept any other side effect, even if you ended up as a vegetable, so just getting a new sense? I am way too grateful to nitpick on such things, without Eros's potent blood rushing through you, even with the antidote, there's no guarantee your body could have powered through. How can I freak out because of new sense? I would be freaking out if you were having health problems and chronic pains. You are alive and well, and I can feel it. So what, if you have new power? " he replied seriously, and, despite he spoke firmly and tried to look as collected as possible, the actor could feel a streak of suppressed grief, too painful to acknowledge, fighting with determination and mischief. " It's, like, insanely trivial thing, compared to what could have been, if even one person present that night didn't dedicate themselves to the fullest. Those are my honest thoughts, so at least from my side, I really hope you won't worry about your new powers. If anything, I plan to weaponise my feelings, actually, " he said with an innocent face. " I am pretty confident that, if I honestly show you how I feel about you, you'll feel more supported, and since I need your disposition of me to rise for my following plans, I'm going to use it to monopolize the heck of your heart, just saying. "

[Mirach]

Senecio smirked at the phrasing. "Well, I think I don't mind that."

[VisAnastasis]

" I will take that as a * yes, Hans, I will work hard to fall for your emotional manipulation diligently!*" he teased, grinning and snorting, but, contrary to his phrasing, his feelings, just a touch timid, were full of the same warmth he had since they woke up. As he laughed, as if they found it a good moment to step in, the door opened, and Alpha peeked through it innocently, tilting his head at them.

" Do I hear the sounds of scheming so early in the morning? " Star Being's eyes sparkled favourably upon two people sitting on the bed, neither surprised nor berating, rather, feeling pleased for some reason. " I guess everything is as it should be in the world today, huh! " he teased with warmth in a similar manner as Hans, before he winked at Senecio as he turned to him. " And both of you, being all handsome and cute first thing in the morning? Yes, the world is indeed looking quite an on the place and quite good this morning, I have to say!  "

[Mirach]

Senecio smiled. "If you also want to be cute and handsome, there's a special limited offer on make-up today. It's for free, but has to match with ours."