Senecio adn Tide II

[VisAnastasis]

" I will. In either case, it would be dangerous if Death suddenly realized Riversong is about to wake up and tried to cross through layers directly to him now that he is ill. He shouldn't exert, anyway. So, I should definitely talk to him before Eros wakes up Riversong. I'll ask Tide for advice first, please, wait for me before going on the trip, I'll make sure not to take long, " Erdel frowned lightly with concern, and stood up and gathered his bag and sword, to go and see Tide by Svarik's advice.

Eros watched behind him, and nodded lightly, before turning back to Svarik.
" It shall take me a while to talk to Simbel first, anyway, because Simbel shall be fearful of me at first because I am a demon. It shall take a bit to reassure him first, so you don't have to fret about lack of time, " He explained to the meadow king and the rest patiently. " If you have any questions, please, ask them now, before I leave. And don't worry about Riversong too much. I could take a decent look at him through a bond with Sir Falcon as an anchor. He actually is a personification, although not as large-scaled as Death and I. If it were otherwise it would be harder to guarantee before I try, but since it's like this, waking him up will be easy, and I'll make sure to do it gently. "

[Mirach]

"Maybe we should delay the trip for the afternoon?" Svarik asked. "It's getting a bit late in the morning anyway, and I don't think such a talk should be rushed."

[VisAnastasis]

Conrad glanced at him shortly, not responding right away, as if trying to weight more carefully the best options.
" Yes..." He murmured in the end." Let's tell everyone to give Tide and Erdel space for talk first.  I guess it's best we do something else  simple to pass the time, Svarik... Or maybe the three of us, you, me and Melody  should talk through some future plots instead so you are more in the loop with my plans... Sorry for creating a distraction instead of pleasure. I just wanted you to know it's one less thing to worry about, not delay something you looked forward to..."
" Indeed," Eros smiled innocently at them, watching them as if they were adorable." You know, your consistency in not giving sir Falcon orders is surprisingly healthy part of your relationship... But it's bound to be a hurdle to overcome," his look was soft as he looked back to king and added innocently." It means the world for your partner, but it will be a bit of a headache for you both. If you don't give him any order or direction, he's too hyperactive - he's bound to try to predict what order you would give so he can race to fulfill it before you even ask for it. That's why you must rush and stop him before he, like, solves the world hunger behind your back just because he hoped you would think he's cool for it..."
" Hey, I wouldn't do that... It's just not possible to do something so big behind Svarik's back. If I could, I would have done it before, when I was an Underground lord," Falcon retorted fervently, sounding unusually embarrassed for himself." It is too much of long term project to be a surprise gift without him catching me. I only did this because it was a very quick short project and timing felt best..."
" Well, you were right about the timing and the fact I am the best person to wake Riversong," Eros smiled softly and compassionately." But yes, you  were pretty adorably clueless about the scale of the whole thing and all else, if I may say... Sheer audacity of sending my feather to the capital as soon as I gave it to you when we met is extremely adorable, though. "

[Mirach]

"I won't gove any orders, but comparing and aligning the direction  of what we would like to achieve would be useful to do regularly, I think," Svarik smiled. "I have one more letter I'd ask you to deliver for me," he said to Eros but turned to Conrad. "I'd like to ask Lipka if she would like to come for the ball, so that I can talk to her sooner about our relationship. Is it alright with you?"

[VisAnastasis]

Falcon grew a little bit thoughtful and unsure, not responding right away, as if reflecting on his feelings and trying to give most truthful answer. He first turned to Eros, though.
" Lipka... is pregnant, and with my bad luck, I feel like accidents are always just around the corner, and Sun Spirits are used to flying fast... If you carry her, can you guarantee her to be safe?"
" Yes," Being agreed." It would be less lonely, anyway, if her and Riversong didn't travel alone, but with someone they knew, and I am better at flying slower than sun spirits so you can be peaceful about your human companion."

Only then did Conrad slowly turn his head to Svarik, addressing his emotional insecurity after practical was solved.
" I am afraid things between us may grow colder if Lipka refuses you... That's why I was relieved to strech the time we have here before we have to go back and ask. But... It is true that it is a grave weight in the back of my mind. I am terrified of her hating me and leaving you. I am anxious of it resolving poorly, but should I trust your judgement of her... It would be nice if it resolved well. " He murmured quietly." I... Can't make you a big Ball at capital to be with you, and this is a rare chance we can have something like that together, like normal couples... It would be painful to lose such a chance, but... If you are too unhappy after the talk, if you promise to let me comfort you, I will get over not going to the ball. Rather, more importantly...." His eyes met Svarik's and he asked seriously." Right now... I feel the worst about not recognising your real desire in my grand showing off theatrics... If you call Lipka and it ends terribly... Will you still consider it a good thing that it ended sooner? And will it be enough leeway from my side for you to still forgive the lack of leeway I gave you today?" He whispered." I know you are too kind for your good and forgive too easily... But I am afraid I won't forgive myself unless you give me some path to make it up to you in way that counts. It's... No order. If it's a light suggestion of my boyfriend. You will be tense until Lipka comes anyway... So until then you have to give me ample things to make up to you for the morning. I can't be given things like forgiveness idly. I can't accept it unless I worked hard for or sacrificed a lot for  it... "

[Mirach]

Svarik rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "I know you can't... It's really a terrible combination with my tendency to feel slightly guilty when receiving things because I don't really need anything. We'll have to figure out something that would work for both of us. But I would really like to talk to Lipka before the ball. I think I would be able to enjoy it much more freely if we talk about it before."

[VisAnastasis]

Falcon nodded with more determination with Svarik's words as if it helped him solidify his choice.
" I would easier jump into a rain of arrows for you... than see you sad, " he smiled faintly. " So, your request is hard, but... it's more important that you do all that you wish, even if you end up sad over it, than if you avoid sadness to please me. My Svarik... should always have all he wants to have, even if some of it ends up making him sad... and if I am wrong and it makes you happy instead, all the better, right? " he whispered, and he reached for Svarik's hand and pressed it lightly. " So, yes, let's send her a letter, it is a better decision. And... whatever you come up for me to make things up to you, I'll definitely accept it, so it's a perfect chance to be greedy without guilt, " he was caressing Svarik's hand lightly with his thumb as he inquired. " And if you can't come up with anything right away... Since we have an unexpected free time right now, how about the three of us find some nice fairy tale books about the sea, go to our room, light a fire and hudle up with blankets and pretend to be sick for a while? " he suggested innocently, with a nostalgic smile. " Melody can play us some music when you feel like it, and I can spoil you with warm food and read you the book while you're comfortable and bundled up, while we wait for the news from Eros... Would you like that? If not that, you can ask me literally anything else, the more demanding the better. It is my compromise - I will only be happy if I can spoil you rotten today, whatever form it is. "

[Mirach]

Svarik narrowed his eyes a bit, as if considering something. "Anything? Very well, I'll take that offer. Remember our talk about houses and mansions today? I would actually really like that. A little house, not a mansion, of course. Do you think we could go house-hunting today?"

[VisAnastasis]

From worried, indeed, Falcon's face lit up with Svarik's request, as if, indeed, he really needed to do a big gesture for Svarik to feel like he made up for his previous attitude.
" Well, it is smart, in any case, for you to decide on a house while I am here... so I can make sure you're not swindled into a location that's too easily flooded, is too cold at night, doesn't get enough sunlight, or is in an unsafe neighbourhood where it will be the unsafe location for a king to be in... " he grinned, more confidently and brightly, though he inquired still. " We may ask Hans to recommend us the best estate dealers to give us the best options, he is the most experienced here to give us recommendations. But I just want to double-check - are you sure you want to buy a house already built? It's not a problem for me to buy you a patch of land you love the most, and for us to instead meet up with the architect to come up with the house design you're happiest about. We may even ask the Beings around to help us out a little to make it sturdy and safer... Oh, don't mistake my words, in any case, I am fine with either option as I will always organize the best protection for you, and I really want you to pick the option you're most fond of. I just want you to know you have more options, and that you can be demanding with something as important as the place you'll be staying most often at when visiting the sea. "

[Mirach]

"Well, I'm open to both. I'd just like to look around for now and get a better idea about what I want. There's a certain charm to old houses with history, but building a new one if we found the perfect place would be good too."

[VisAnastasis]

" Hans and the others should be in the garden so we should anyway meet up with them first to tell them that we're delaying the trip and that Erdel and Tide can speak to Death as much as he needs them to, " Conrad nodded lightly. " So, perhaps we can ask Hans in meantime about our options. I remember hearing that there are a lot of little islands Beings live on at sea, too, that normal humans can't get to, so if some would be free, that could also be an option to consider since you'd have more privacy and freedom to play loud music and plant whatever you like without disturbing anyone or raising any risks. We can ask Hans about available land, and then ask him for recommendations for estate dealers so we can check old houses at the same time, too, what do you think? "

[Mirach]

"Yes, that sounds good," Svarik nodded. "An island does too, if there's some way to get to and from it easily. So, would you give this letter to Lipka? Thank you," he turned to Eros.

[VisAnastasis]

( OOC: Hi, dear! I just wanted to wish you a Happy Easter! I hope you're having a lovely day! <3 )

" Of course. Good luck, little ones. I'll return as soon as Riversong and Lipka give me their replies to you, " Eros promised gently, and then, after taking a deep breath to gather courage himself, with a light shimmering sound he skipped through the layers, into the distance, to the capital.

---

Once he left, Conrad, Svarik and Melody went to tell the others about the delay. Tide was relieved he didn't have to rush, and he said he thinks it's best if both he and Erdel go talk to Death together, and the two of them left toward the room with souls, where Death most often stayed after the play and knocked to see if he's awake at the moment.

---

As for Hans, he was a little unsure about others approaching him, but when Conrad explained to him about their intention to buy a house here, his face lit up, as indeed, this was something he was most qualified to help them with.
" I own a lot of land across the seaside for various purposes, both urban and more rural, so, honestly, the easiest way would be for you to take a look at the land I own so I can just sell it to you directly without any pesky legal worries... But if you want to look to buy a little home that's ready-made, I'd prefer you to negotiate in my name and have me buy it, so I can then just transfer legal right and sell it to you privately. Many people, you see, would try to rip you off or coax favours from you, once they realize the king is buying when papers would be signed, and it may create trouble for you, while if I buy it and then just sell it to you directly nobody but the three of us will know the king is the end recipient of the deal, " he said sensibly. " Though, if you may permit me, I can easily imagine our sweet meadow king suddenly getting an urge to play the flute at, like, six in the morning, and ending up in a fight with the neighbours... So, just as heads up, you should seek a more secluded place with fewer neighbours where loud music won't bother people. Many Beings would surely be honoured to share the piece of their island with a soul healer such as yourself, anyway, so it's easier compared to dealing with human neighbours, at least, and they could take care of your house when you're not here, so, um," he stuttered a little unsurely. " Since I am Spirit King and all, and Sage is the ruler of our kingdom as well, two of us could always give you a little cruise so you can check out nearby islands and see if you like some... If you want a quiet location that isn't rural or further at sea but is tolerant to noise, though, actually, I mean, I could always just give you a patch of land in that secluded property we had a party at yesterday. It used to be a health resort for noblemen, so it doesn't have any close neighbours, has high walls around the estate, a nice garden with trees, a nice night sky, is right next to the seashore, and the building where actors will live is on the far west side, so you have plenty of space in the east to pick to build, where you can play even at night without disturbing anyone's sleep. I'm just offering it as an option since it seemed to me you liked it there yesterday, and I own it now, so it would be an easy solution to give you part of it. Besides, since I'd be benefiting from more safety for people there whenever you come with your bodyguards, I'd actually feel bad about you paying me so I'd give it to you for free. "

[Mirach]

(OOC: thank you, I'm having a very bad day actually because I tried driving our car to learn and managed to crash it. Not too badly, but it will need repairs)

Death wasn't in that room, but they found him in the big room that Tide gave him, furnishing the little part he secluded as his actual room in it.

---

"I think I would prefer no neighbors and no walls," Svarik said. "Just a little house a bit further away from the city, overlooking the sea. It could be on an island too, but I don't know how I'd get to and from it easily. I grew up by a lake, but I think the little boats with oars I can steer would be a bit too little for the sea, and I know nothing about sails."

[VisAnastasis]

( OOC: Oh, I'm so sorry :( I hope you're alright at least and weren't injured, I know money is probably a big worry for you as well, with the pandemic last year we've had a lot of money problems here at home too, but still, I'm relieved if you're okay, life and health are just so important, all else can be really hard, but as long as we stay strong and patient things will get better one day, that's at least how I try to see things, by doing my best to stay hopeful <3 I hope the repairs won't cost too much and that even if today is hard it will get better soon, and that you'll have good days soon! I'm crossing my fingers and sending you lots of positive energy, while today is hard, things will surely get better, stay strong, dear! (  ´ ˘ `)♡ )

Tide was gladdened that Spirit didn't stay in the Soul room all the time, since he was happy when he would take more time for himself too, to make himself comfortable in a new place. Erden was following behind him a little shyly, but still watching over the demon's shoulders curiously, to see how Death is doing.
" Hi there, " Tide greeted him first when Spirit noticed them, stepping closer. " I've brought you some snacks, " he said right away, pointing at the basket full of cookies Death liked, the ones that were good for his health. " Erdel came to the sea today and wanted to see you and bring you a gift, too. We have something important to talk to you about, too, so would it be alright if we take a bit of your time for both things? "

---

" It would be rather hard to find the island that's not owned by someone, but is close enough for a little boat to be able to access it... But nobody said it has to be an island that exists already, right? I mean, you are talking with a Spirit King, not a human peddler, " Hans shrugged a little innocently, speaking a touch more playfully, but still unsurely as if testing the waters, trying to come up with options that Svarik would like. " You know we can just... build you an artificial island, right? A lot of Beings are staying at the mansion or around it right now, while they wait for the second Ball, so the situation would actually be perfect. I can mobilize the free ones to work, along with Sage who can move waters, and we can build you an island of comfortable size today. Tide actually built a good deal of islands on which Spirits live by bending soil with waters around, and Sage can do the same in his stead. We stopped doing it when the empire conquered the sea and because new sea maps made it more troublesome since the empire would claim all-new land they could find, but since we'd be making an island for the king himself, there shouldn't be an issue, as long as we register it as a newly discovered island and king's property right away. So... if you'd like, we can build a little island for you today. You are good with plants, too, so we can plant a lot of first plants today as well, and I imagine, with you and Melody, you will have no trouble growing any plants you like upon it. I'd only insist in exchange that we pick a plot of land where it would be safe for you to keep your boat carefully. To be honest, " instead of objective options, the creature offered a little piece of sincerity unsurely then. " As for the place, I'd still if you'd build an island somewhere close to that property where actors will live because Being Rain, who is a bodyguard for children actors, will spend the nights there often, so you can keep the boat on that property safely. It may sound silly by human standards, but by Being standards, even if you don't come to me directly, you are still my guest at the sea, and I feel responsible for your safety because we are close allies, and it would be a shame upon me if you got hurt while at sea... as my ally and all. So, I'd rest easier knowing you're staying somewhere where there'll often be a Being that could protect you nearby just in case... I wouldn't mind if we timed it far enough that it takes ten or fifteen minutes or rowing the little boat for you to reach it. It'd only be optimal for it to be within that range, as fifteen minutes of rowing is about the biggest jump away distance for an average Demon, so you shouldn't make the island any further than that, because Erdel would have to get wet and jump through waters whenever he'd go back and forth the island. You should time the distance within the limit of Demon making a big jump to it for the comfort of your Being friends so that they can stay dry, or that if Erdel is with you and if the weather is bad, he can just raise you up and bring you to the island in one jump. "

[Mirach]

(OOC: I was going very slowly, so only thing damaged was the car, and we have insurance that should cover some of the cost, I'm just a bit shaken and unsure if I'll ever be able to learn driving)

Death looked at them and nodded slowly.

---

"I would first like to just take a walk outside the city to see if I can find a bit of land that would resonate in a homely fashion with me, before resorting to such a solution as building an island. I just wanted to ask which direction along the coast do you think would be better. I'd really prefer being surrounded by the land as it is insteas of building a new piece of it."

[VisAnastasis]

( OOC:  I see :( To be honest, I'm also really frightened of driving, even though it would be a useful skill, it's just not something I think I can do without anxiety, as I'm really bad with depth perception, so I'm afraid of accidents, so I've actually decided not to learn to drive - life is too short, anyway, to spend so much time learning something I am not comfortable doing :) Some people just don't feel safe or good with it, and I know many people that don't drive, so even if you end up not learning it, I don't think it's a failure - it's just that just as some people will never learn to draw or play an instrument, some people will never learn to drive a car, and there's nothing to feel bad about if you decide not to learn it in the end, as it's important to fill as much of your life as you can with things that make you happy instead, and it's important to not push yourself :) If it's something you really desire to do, though, I'm sure you'll figure it out eventually, just as I would if I really wanted to, but I'm just saying there's no pressure. You should give yourself all the time you need to figure out your feelings about it and relax, it'd do you no good to force yourself if you can't right now, and it's fine to leave big decisions to the future you, while you let the current you have a breather and take time to leave it behind you, as terrible experience is terrible experience whether you're hurt physically or not, and it's fine to not rush anything. Most important is to take your time to figure out how you feel and what you really want to do, and remember there's no fault or shame in giving up on something, too, as long as you take time to make sure you have made an honest choice before yourself. We all pick our battles and don't have to fight all the battles, and that's okay (╯°▽°)╯☆

" Good, " Tide nodded lightly, speaking without rush, not wanting to jump straight at it, as there was no urgency to dump the big news on him right from the door. " May we sit down first? " he asked then, pointing at Death's little house that they built him within the room. " It will be more comfortable for everyone if you're fine with it, that is. And, oh, the talk may be a bit burdensome. So, would you like to have the talk first and then a gift to cheer you up, or would you rather have the gift first and have the talk afterwards? "

---

" Hmm... Quite a strange pick... but alright, " Hans shook his head lightly, indeed, not seeming to understand the king's choice, but trying to work with it. " It would really be way easier building an island from scratch than negotiating prizes with humans and worrying about political connotations, and it would be a pity to find a place you like but have trouble buying, as the pieces of land with the best views or richest and healthiest soil are usually owned by nobles or priesthood, so even if they let you buy it, you may end up in an unfavourable political position in their eyes that could snowball later... Isn't that quite more bothersome when you can get an island just as you like it, simply made in a day? " he asked hesitantly. " You can even find the soil you're most partial to, and we can use it for the base, along with all rocks and ground that you like the most. You are high in Sea Deity's affections for playing for her, and many Beings think high of you and would be happy to bring rocks and stones from across the sea to build you a sturdy nice home at sea and show you their favour... so your hesitance is really strange to me, but... if you want to do it in a more secretive and hermit way, sure, you can, I guess? " he chuckled a little nervously. " It's a bit lame and very down to earth way, but I can still call a reliable estate dealer for you to present your available options and lead you around them. He can show you land and houses currently available for purchase. If you happen to see someplace that you really like along the way, but that isn't on sale, it would be quite troublesome if it belonged to some of your political opponents or was close to their properties, but even so, if you really like it somewhere, just come to me, and I'll try to pull the strings and connections as much as I can as a shady lawyer and underground leader, not a grand and handsome Spirit King, then. It would be bad for sir Falcon if he got caught into something troublesome at sea, or if some nobles recognized him from his youth, and I have more influence here, so if you get into something tiring legally, it's better if I handed it than him. But if you pick land that is close to your political opponents, you need to hide your identity well. Also, a lot of quality land not owned by nobility is owned by Bull Priests, so we must be careful not to trigger religious disputes unwittingly, too, as I am not in good standing with Bull priests myself. "

[Mirach]

(OOC: I don't like driving and I struggle with it, but it would give me much freedom in being able to pick research locations I want to study but can't get to, so I want to learn it, but maybe I need to buy a cheap old cat that I wouldn't be afraid to drive)

"Of course," Death smiled a bit, realizing he can act as a host. "Make yourself confortable. If there's something serious you want to talk about, I would prefer to do that first."

---

"Is every bit of soil around here owned by someone?" Svarik asked.

[VisAnastasis]

( OOC: I see, it is a more complex situation :( Indeed, smaller older cars seem less scary, so if you're looking for the middle ground, it may be easier to drive such cars than more bulky modern ones, and likewise, driving expensive cars and worrying about their costs of them always seemed even more stressful, so it may be a better choice, though I don't know much on the subject :) whatever you choose, I'll be cheering for you dear, and you will know best, but in any case, I hope you give yourself enough space to deal with what happened since it was a lot, and even if you are determined to learn, I'm sure it'll go better if you give yourself the time you need to process everything first <3 )

Since Death invited them, Tide and Erdel entered, and while Death sat down on the bed, they sat on the two armchairs at its side.

" Before the talk, then, I just wanted to say this before I forget - there was much that happened these days, and I am easily distracted, and I know Jake is tasked to take care of your meals, but if I forget you any basic necessities or something you desire, please, do remind me. On the same note - I brought you a little bag of salt and a loaf of bread, " he said brightly, taking it out from his bag, both items wrapped with a cheerful sparkly grey bow. " You're more secluded because of our circumstances, but still, if you invite someone here to your home as a guest, I thought you'd be more comfortable if, besides snacks and juices, you have to offer them bread and salt, per host customs. And, when we're at that, " he grinned a little, with a gentle expression. " Would you like to offer us bread and salt, perhaps? It's a bit late in saying it, but I realized I've never broken bread with you yet, as our circumstances were tangled up, and I'd like to break bread with you at least once, but hopefully, many more times to come. "

" I'd like to try it as well, if it's no trouble, " Erdel tied in shyly, seeming a little distracted from whatever thoughts he had with the unexpected tiny home inside the peculiar room. " I'd never thought I'd say this, but indoor cottages are unexpectedly... lovely. It's rather homely and soothing here... It suits you. "

---

" If you were to seek further from the sea, you would have a decent amount of public land that belongs to the empire, not some person in particular - not unless they found it and bought it from the empire directly. For example, if someone finds a nice place around the stream on public land, they can ask for a monetary assessment from the city under which territory it belongs, and the city decides whether to sell it or not and if they do, part o the profits go to the city, part to the emperor, " Hans explained. " But it's more often than not less fertile land and further from the city. If you want something close to the city, a lot of the best views and closest estates are taken by the rich, and if not rich, since fishing is a big thing in the local economy, good fishing areas are taken by little fishing villages along the shore... so really, it depends on your preference. " he inquired. " I may give you a map from city archives, of current publicly owned land, so you can check it out instead, but I am not sure if you'll find in it something you like, because a lot of good spots are naturally taken and you'll be more isolated, further from the city. Nobles are often on the lookout for places they can build private resorts on. Honestly, even I have a little cottage by the sea an hour of the drive east from the city, on a spot where a little stream passes, that I bought to meet local Beings that are too shy to pass around the human city to meet with me when they want to, and even there, I had to buy a lot of land around it, so that I don't have to deal with fishermen or commoners becoming too close neighbours and scaring away my shy Beings. So the hunt for a good spot may be hard, even if a lot of lands are technically available. Still, hmm... if you find a spot as a spot you like, even though it may be somewhat shabby, we can still always put more effort into tidying it up and fixing it. To be honest, a spot I picked myself wasn't too ideal, but it was uninhabited from all sides and had direct sea access, which was most important, so I had my Beings help me shape the terrain a bit and wider the beach access to make it more comfortable. It's legally harder to explain changes to existing areas, as city officials could be suspicious and cause issues and report you to the ruler, but, heh, since you're ruler yourself, at least that is one thing to not worry about, indeed. "

[Mirach]

"As a host?" Death smiled a bit and reached for the bread and salt. "I know it mostly just pretense, but I must admit I missed being a host," he said and offered it to them.

---

"This is more complicated than I thought, but let's just go for a walk now to get an idea about what we're looking for," Svarik said.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide and Erdel accepted pieces of bread drenched with salt and exchanged welcoming greetings as per the custom. While both seemed content with it, Erdel was still a bit worried about how Death will feel with the upcoming talk, but on the contrary, a light smile was not leaving Tide's lips, as he with pleasure munched on the bread, as if savouring it.

" Just so we are on the clear, though, it's not pretence, okay? I just wouldn't like there to be an easily solvable misunderstanding between us. That is, as long as you want to stay, you are my host here, and I am your eager guest, " he said softly, speaking such big words as if they were no trouble at all, but part of some natural order. " I'm regretful that staying indoors is your safest choice for it - honestly, I'd rather build you some nice cosy island home nearby to live, whether it's forever or just for a bit. But currently, the safest place for you is to stay close to me, from both sides. However, whether for a day or as long as the mansion stands - I've given you the place here and it is yours. You can invite anyone you like to visit you and act as their host as they do. I'm just really glad to have cheated the system and snatched the chance to be your very first guest, " Demon grinned, indeed, honestly reflecting in his foamy bright eyes, as he wore no mask before him and Erdel. " Erdel and lord Nameless know the truth about the war, as you told them, and right now, it's a small sample, but since the party yesterday, Alpha, Eros and Janus who you're staying here, too, so you can rest assured your identity is safe with those, for a start, and the circle will widen slowly with time, I hope. So, you can invite anyone you would like to meet with, as long as you're here, as a host in your own right. I am trying to give you some space to figure out what you'd like, but of course, it goes without saying that I don't expect you to lock yourself in here alone. You can host anyone you like. "

---

" Yes, I hate to say it, but I fear it's easier for a farmer to buy a property than a king because the farmer does not have to worry about things such as strategic locations and safety - who would try to assassinate a random field worker? Such things make big difference for someone so recognizable as you in the south, with such bright blue eyes and blonde hair, among darker haired people... It turned as it did somehow, but you were not even safe in my mansion specifically built for safety reasons, somehow, " Hans smiled a touch nervously. " I won't insist anymore, it's important you know your options... Oh, in case you want to look around areas further outside of the city, do you want me to borrow your carriage? Because I fear Xia is a little busy right now so she wouldn't be able to fly you around, " he admitted. " Senecio has been sad, you see, about her insecurities these days, so I'm scheming to trick her into a more comfortable position since the morning, that's what I've been mostly busy with, besides theatre renovations, to be honest. But I can still borrow you a carriage and driver - or if you'd prefer it, we don't have flying Beings, but we have good runners. For example, we have a pair of playful young Beings twins who can take forms similar to horses, but not get tired or jumpy like common animals, so I can have a word with them if you'd like to have a fun ride with younglings. "

[Mirach]

Death nodded slowly. "Good. It's good to remember the hospitality of my home before the palace."

---

"If they would have fun doing it, going for a ride sounds good to me," Svarik said.

[VisAnastasis]

" It is a pity I could have never been a young guest back then... but I am glad we have the chance for it now. The role of a host suits you... To be honest, I prefer being a humble petulant guest. In the old ages, because of my nature and how frowned upon it was that I was made from many devoured souls, very few felt safe with me, so I was not welcome in most places, and I avoided stronger Beings, in fear they may hurt me... It is just so nice to be an unexpectedly welcome guest in so many places in the last centuries, and I take all the chance to be one when I can, " Tide commented, as he swallowed the last piece of his slice of bread. He knew Death would only grow nervous if he evaded it too much, so he continued then, " I would be happy, to always remain your welcome guest... But I would be quite sad if I was the only one you welcomed. I would like you to have more people you can trust, to check out on you, at least every once in a while, to spend time with you or reassure you. I know your situation is peculiar and it's harder to find trustworthy people - but I still want that for you. Your freedom should take the shape you want, though, not me. With your permission, I'd like to more often expose you to the presence of people I think you may get along with - but the final choice should be yours. Is it not natural for me, as your Semai, to want you to not feel confined and only here? But likewise, I want you to know I desire this as a friend. If I suggest something regarding another's companionship, and you really don't want it, it is on me to ask, just like we discussed your wants about friendship with Xia, but I'd like to make sure you feel full right, to be honest to me about it and refuse it if you don't want it, right? It is on me to suggest or seek to guide you, but it is on you to decide whether you want someone to keep you company or not, okay? "

---

" They are staying on the first floor of the building, in the eastern direction. Let me just call them for a moment, " Hans said, glad that, even though he troubled them, he found some way to help them out. He went for a moment and returned a couple of minutes later, with two teen looking creatures that seemed rather young and childlike, and mostly human passing, only with slight Being giveaways like peeking gills, silky long hair, and bright eyes. Their names were Sif and Tyr.

After they exchanged greetings, they took a step back and transformed into their riding forms - indeed, they looked mostly like strong large horses from the far, and horns they had, unless you would look very closely could be mistaken for elaborate decorations. They looked young and rather easily excitable, despite their majestic looks, as in Being years, they must have been viewed as children.
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/58/36/2d/58362d62e4eac79d49afbe3e410a5212.jpg 

[Mirach]

"Do you have such a suggestion now?" Death asked. "Is that why you came?"

---

"Wonderful!" Svarik smiled. "So we just tell you where to go, right? I apologize if I forget myself and attempt to drive you like a horse..."

[VisAnastasis]

" To be honest, pleading you into a bit of social activity was my original hope for the day - we were actually just finishing up the organization of a little trip at sea, as Svarik always had a wish to see and hear whales, and we planned to make a little trip together to fulfil it, and sail freely among the whales as they sing. So, I planned to invite you before we leave, and see if you'd like to just take a nice comfortable corner and have a nice change of scenery while seeing happy people around you, like at a party yesterday... We can still go if you'd like to join, but we moved it to the afternoon, as something else came up. And, to say this before anything else - it's nothing dangerous you should be anxious about. It's merely that there's someone you should decide what you want to do about as we are certain he will want to meet up with you soon, " Tide spoke soothingly, keeping looking upon Death, as he tried to break the news without escalations. " I just have a little favour to ask around it, though. You see, Eros is the main catalyst for this development, and he said that to raise the chance for the best future, you shouldn't use your future sight before you speak to this person. I will explain everything, of course, but first I wanted to tell you that avoiding future vision is really important, so you don't panic and look into it accidentally. Nothing truly bad will happen if you do - but you may inadvertently rob yourself of something, so I'd be really happy if you would resist temptation, for your sake. All you'd have to do is be patient for a little bit. "

---

" Oh, it's alright, most people forget," the smaller of the two replied playfully, his voice ringing in Svarik's thoughts, as it knelt before him, so he could climb up. Its mental voice was bubbly and playful, " So you can either point us where to go or nudge us aside, like sweet horsies. We are very good at pretending to be cute horsies! Everyone commends our acting! "
" Yes, we don't mind, and we are best pretenders! ", the other, more mischievous one replied mentally, as it nudged Conrad against his shoulder, and pulled his sleeve with its teeth as if urging him to play with them. " Come on, cute human kinglings! Let's play riders and horsies! Mother said that if it's with you, we can play as long as we like! "