Senecio adn Tide II

[Mirach]

"Great, I'll just go to ask Jake if he wants to come with us," Svarik said. "Can we meet in half an hour?"

[VisAnastasis]

" That should be enough time to get everyone ready and pack, " Hans nodded slowly.
" Alright then, let's go guilt Jake into coming with us, let's meet in front of the mansion in half an hour, " Falcon said with a little grin, standing up. Hans took it as a sign conversation is over and stood up as well.

[Mirach]

Senecio bowed on his way out deeply to show his respect, but when they were out of hearing, he grinned at Hans. "They are sooo cute together! Their feelings towards each other are pure adoration, it's sweet."

[VisAnastasis]

Hans laughed out heartily for the first time since they left the room with the information, the pent up worry and nervousness finally finding relief in the laugh, and his feelings lingering with more open bemusement and wonder.

" I wouldn't think anyone other than Svarik would ever look at sir Falcon and put something tied to him into *cute* category, " he spoke curiously as they walked. " I mean, as a Singer, my senses are more sensitive, but still, I can't imagine how closely your senses are picking it up. You're not one to be easily swayed, were they seriously that cute to perceive for you too? "

[Mirach]

"Well, I'm perceiving feelings, and those were some really loud ones," Senecio smirked. "Very hard to miss."

[VisAnastasis]

" That was quite loud, I imagine, but was it the loudest you're ever heard? I'm surprised you're not blacking out whenever Tide's drooling over you, with the combined ferocity of feelings of thousands of tiny minds, " Hans rolled his eyes, continuing curiously, smugly tying into the subject that interested him. " Or is he getting more embarrassingly quiet since he found out about your new power? Should I beat some sense into him with my noodle arms? " he said teasingly, but with a light undertone of worry in his feelings. " I got from the context that you were awake a day longer than me, so just double checking if he's treating you right. "

[Mirach]

"Oh, sure I can hear him... or feel, or whatever. But I don't hear myself. Or I do, but it's just like it used to be before, normal feeling of my own feelings. It's hard to describe, but when I feel someone else’s feelings, it's similar to how I feel my own, but I know they're from outside and they don't affect me directly. So, I can’t really observe our exchange from outside. And Tide's feelings are strong, but calmer. Those two feel like teenagers falling in love for the first time, that's what's so cute."

[VisAnastasis]

" They indeed give off such a flustered infatuated vibe, " Hans agreed with a light wondering grin. " Hmm, you are 34, yes? I know, just mentioning the fact, because I don't know if I forgot to note that sir Falcon is younger than you and he is 30 right now. Isn't it so wild? " he asked curiously. " Both his and Svarik's is rather a scary timeline to think about. Sir Falcon was basically a child soldier, entering the army since he was 13, and Svarik was a farmer boy dragged when he was 16 to the slaughterhouse. One is 28, other 30 now, but they basically got there while skipping all normal life and getting straight into political intrigue and conflict with the empire and priesthood. So, really, did they ever have time to be teenagers before? You are older than both of them, but you also look cute when you're with Tide most of the time. "

[Mirach]

"I suppose," Senecio smirked. "Anyway, it seems we're going into political satire. I'm a bit worried about it, what if the clergy decides to judge the case without bringing it all the way to the king?"

[VisAnastasis]

" There is a risk to everything, " Hans explained, walking a little more slowly, as, despite he seemed overall cheerful that things turned out well, having spent the adrenaline from having the important talk with the king, he was feeling fainter, exerting still too soon after waking up. " I had a lot of smaller and bigger clashes with the priesthood, never big enough to draw high clergy attention of the main branch, but, with my peculiar nature and immortality, I was unmentioned, but a present pest. I did not technically go around claiming immortality, both I and Tide are technically counted as long-living humans in the birth books, like Sage. We are able to pass as that officially despite our appearance because we are stretching local beliefs. In general, it's an unsaid common knowledge on the shore that some humans with merfolk and island blood live really long, and Sage, the obvious human, is a famous example. We are riding his tail in official records.  That's why to church, my existence is dubious, but I am not claimed blasphemous yet. When they see me writing a satirical play, they will definitely see it as another one of my personal challenges to their authority, I deem, " he explained. " Usually, priests will put pressure on one's family, as they technically can kill an entire family for blasphemy, so they threaten to silence and blackmail people. But there are two catches. One, they need higher approval for executing, so it would have to reach high clergy, and the king could get involved at that point. On the other, if there is no proof of conspiracy, but the fault of one person, they can only kill his biological family. I secured myself for that before trouble even began. When the country was accepting foreigners from the island and we were entering the register of the empire as citizens, Tide entered as a commoner, Tide Over, Sage, as nobleman Sea Sage, and I bought the title and entered as nobleman Hans Eldergod. We are all from different families on paper, and I am the sole member of the Eldergod family, so unless they find conspiracy they can't execute people around me. And they already tried me for blasmhemy once, because I am a creature with horns, but I defended myself in count, and I got out on account of paying of the judge to accept my defence of horns being deformations that came as a part of my merman heritage that also gave me long life. If they tried to accuse me of blasphemy again, I can file a court case that I am being discriminated against on account of my past, " he said sheepishly. " Not enough precautions to get me off the hook, but enough to slow down the process until we can get the king involved, if they want my head. But even more, there is something else - they would not want to merely execute me. They would want my money. I am one of the richest man on the coast, as our joint assets are divided between me and Sage, and if they accuse me of blasphemy, they need to have a strong case, and other thing, only high priest can decide on a case on that high scale. I am counting on human greed to definitely do the deed, because priests won't know that high priests Selagon is Svarik's man, and that he will involve Svarik and refuse to rob me under guise of finding my hate for the Bull despicable. I am too rich for them to jump at me for nothing, and it can be dangerous, but since now high priest and king will be on our side, I believe worst case, I'd be imprisoned for a little bit, but that is just a possibility. As worst case scenario, it's not bad. "

[Mirach]

"Well, that sounds like you've got it covered," Senecio nodded slightly. "I can't say I'm too eager to play the parody of a silly king, but that's just poetic justice, I guess. Making the play does sound like fun though, we wanted to do something comedic next anyway."

[VisAnastasis]

" I really thought you'd have prefered to do lighthearted comedy rather than a political satire though. We should do this play because it will be helpful, anyway, and I am kind of motivated actually. Writing something that makes fun of the clergy and military in a fun way is certainly appealing, and we actually are basically rewriting history like we intended, although in a less serious manner, " Hans replied, although still not fully content, as he admitted. " I just really did look forward to coaxing Tide into playing a little role with you. I thought you'd look really cute on stage if we write a nice little love story for you, and write Tide's role as a love interest, but with little lines. I thought it would help you get back on the stage and feel safer if Tide was there, even in a less speaking role. " he brought himself to share, his feelings covered with timid over-worrying and overprotective constructive urge to meddle with his source of worry, very fit for him. " But in a relatively human play, there is no role that Tide would not look awkward in, unlike if we wrote a fantasy piece with Beings and mystical creatures. The only possible role Tide, with his sheer size and stature, could play, well, would be the role of the Bull... And I am playing with the dangerous temptation to ask him to play it. I don't think he would be great at acting a wide range of emotions, but acting as an over-worried loving protector to people whom he loves is basically acting like himself. I am really tempted... "

[Mirach]

Senecio pondered that for a moment, looking thoughtful. "You know, I think that might work? It's really a role he could pull off, and I'd feel safer with him on the stage. That would make it more fun to play, too."

[VisAnastasis]

" I know, right? When I thought of who should play the Bull, I knew it would be reasonable to go the easy path and pick a skilled human actor... But imagine the sheer fun of having Tide running around the stage after you, all worried, a huge husk of creature over a tiny cute and slender king?" Hans marveled with pleasure with the image, encouraged to speak more boldly with Senecio's approval." We could work with but half the worries, since Tide would be on stage most of the time to support you, and we could make it a comedy but still make Bull look and feel large and intimidating, with stature fit for a God. We have both emotional support for you, and a good excuse that we interpreted Bull positively in our own way when priests begin to foam. Not to even mention - wouldn't it be cool if this was our first joint project? We had to do first play without Tide to keep it a surprise, but we can ask for his input here. We can basically tailor the Bull to Tide, to make him just our cup of tea. Tide is very flexible with some aspects of his form, too, we can basically make a form just for the Bull character, and only have clothes sewn for him by costume designer to fit. "

[Mirach]

"We need to ask him if he agrees first, but it seems like a perfect role for him," Senecio said.

[VisAnastasis]

" And you know what's the best part? There is absolutely no way we can do a play about meadow king justice without couple songs. You are not bad with music, but you know what would be absolutely the coolest unexpected bit? A Bull, grave bloodthirsty official deity of the land, taking out an instrument and breaking into the gentle loving song," Hans purred." Won't it be absolutely magical sight, to have him play a song for young Svarik to comfort him in the trying times? Since political satire doesn't have to be funny all the time, we can throw in some touching scenes that tug at people's heartstrings, and make them fall in love with Bull and his favourite king candidate. There is so much potential! We absolutely need to have some adorable scenes to pair with the funny, and breathe life into the characters. " He spoke passionately." We are going to make the audience love the heck out of the main two leads! "

[Mirach]

"I'm liking this play more and more, let's ask Tide if he would agree to it." 

[VisAnastasis]

" Let's do that. It hasn't been too long, so they're probably with Eros, should we go together or should I come to bring them back since you dislike Eros? Anyway... Regarding the play, before we ask Tide, I was wondering about your opinion on just one more, totally not important thing... " he spoke with a little more embarrassment. " This option is more arbitrary, but... what do you think about me acting as Bull's younger weaker brother, Silver Simbelmyne? I know my form is less refined for it, but I still do have horns, and Garnet makes great hair dyes, it will take some effort, but with a couple of coatings, I'm sure I can get it to look bright pink, even if mine is blue. How does it sound? It depends on how we choose it, and he will probably have a minor role, but I thought it would be nice to at the very least, regardless of the content we choose, have us all be together in the final scene... What do you think? Would it be... too much? "

[Mirach]

"You could also go with a wig, and I don’t think it would be too much," Senecio said. "Just a minor role so that we could say we heard of him, but don’t know any details. And I think I'm fine with going to Eros. It's not really that I would dislike him, but I still have some stuff to process myself. Don't know if I ever will."

[VisAnastasis]

Hans grew quiet for a moment, and despite he looked fine on the outside, on the inside, he felt tense with guilt.
" Was it... my fault? " he murmured more quietly, looking before himself as they walked to Eros's room. " You always take all our differences in a stride and accept even craziest things with excitement... Eros is the only person you just can't seem to accept at all. Is it... my fault, that you can't since I threw you in that situation so suddenly? I just wanted to show you there is a place where people of your tastes are accepted by a person most equipped to mark something as bad if it truly is. By a person that wouldn't accept that side of you if it was really sinful. And I thought you would like to meet people like yourself, too, in a place carved out to be safe by blessings of a Being tied to love. But I keep wondering if I have made a huge mistake. I introduced him to you as a personification of love, that is trying its best to spread love and acceptance around itself... I keep wondering if I had just introduced him as a casual-cool Being that can sense other's emotions and likes to be surrounded by people in love and keep more unusual ones safe at his side if you would have such a hard time dealing with him... "

[Mirach]

"I don't think it was the suddenness. Even if I learnt about who he is gradually later, it would be the same feelings of years lost in shame, and anger for that. But, yeah..." Senecio bit his lip, "I guess if it were less sudden, I would know better than to direct it at him. Where would I direct it, though? Possibly on myself... I really don't know what would be better."

[VisAnastasis]

" Wouldn't it be better directed as the bastards at the theatre? The patrons that took advantage of you? Everyone that kept insulting you and filling your head with shameful thoughts for almost twenty years? " Hans grumbled. " But I guess it can't be helped if it was a choice of either directing it at him or at yourself. Mind is stupid like that... But I can't help feel bad for my lack of foresight. I'm sure there had to be a way for things to happen without conflict, but that I ruined it in my bluntness. "he whispered. " And I don't... really feel it's fair to blame someone who had so little power to change anything. Of all of us, Eros is in the worst political situation, his existence is condemned as blasphemous, he isn't rich, isn't even noble, and is confined to that one secluded mansion. I, on the other hand, am rich, am a nobleman, am family to Sage that are higher nobility in the city, have a lot of little loopholes that keep my existence relatively safe, and am a great lawyer... I was vaguely aware of the situation at the theatre world for a while now... Legally, I tried to gather information as much as I could, but the system is so tight-nit, and it was impossible to make a  proper case with witnesses... So I just left that matter alone, and focused on the other things, while keeping tabs on it at aside. I basically abandoned you in your trouble to focus on other things. It's not like... problem with the church was currently proportionally worse. There are fewer churches than theatres... I just hated it so much more. Eros couldn't do anything, but I choose not to do anything about you because it was too time-consuming and not profitable enough at a time, " he murmured, with a much deeper, more sombre and dreadful feeling of guilt. " Why do you... disfavour powerless Eros, and not me? I am a much more logical target for your bitterness than him... "

[Mirach]

"Yeah, but as you said, mind is stupid. And it's a bit hard to be angry with you after I already got to know you, while with him, it was the opposite order."

[VisAnastasis]

" Well, the mind is indeed stupid... I can't say it feels right for me that you like me while you are uncomfortable around undoubtedly miles meeker person than me... but how can I possibly complain about being unreasonably liked? " Hans grinned faintly, well aware that he is complaining, with a sharp sense of guilt, and also understanding it would be pointless to beat this conversation down senselessly, so pushing it aside. " Naturally, with minds being unreasonable and all, of course, I'm a little worried you'll grow bitter toward me too, but please, do not let that feeling bother you. Truthfully, I am a little sensitive since this is the second time you've been targeted while in my protection, and after letting you live as you lived for so long, I can't even properly protect you now that you live a better life. Anyone smart would think they would not go all out of their way to piss off a person like me, but people just keep doing annoying things just because I can't kill them directly, " he sighed. " Minds are stupid, so the situation is just really annoying... "

[Mirach]

"You're not unreasonably liked," Senecio rolled his eyes. "I do have my reasons, don't worry about that. It's Eros whom I unreasonably dislike, because it's hard to get over the first interaction and act as if it didn't happen. I don't know why... You've been a bit of an ass too, when we first met. How did we get over it?"