Senecio adn Tide II

[Mirach]

Senecio thought for a long time. "I don't like the thought of you borrowing something so important without a guarantee. But also the guarantee shouldn't be a life, that doesn't feel right. Erdel, what do you think about it? You know the king better..."

[VisAnastasis]

" The catch with Svarik is that as long as he sees something is really important to someone, he will try his best to do it if it does not hurt anyone... So we should definitely come prepared with a guarantee we want other than life. Since Svarik knows he would not betray the promise, he might find it easiest to just make a guarantee with his life, but it is just too dangerous in case some factors other than Svarik, like Demon hunters, come into play, "Erdel noted quietly. " For a start, to be honest, if he sees how anxious you are, even if it would be useful to him, Svarik may refuse so he would not overuse your goodwill before you trust him more, so we must come up with something of use for you in it too, so Svarik wouldn't consider that it may be better to refuse your offer until there is more trust between you. Besides, even if it is borrowing, does it not warrant a deal? When you borrow something for others to use, do you normally not receive some compensation? "

" Um, well most often, yes, because people always come to me and ask for things from me first. Like when I borrowed magic bracelets to Hans and Senecio, it makes sense to ask for something if they are the ones that want that something... But this time it is me. I honestly really do want him to take the bag, even if it is hard to give because I want to return his kindness properly, and it would feel really bad if he were to refuse after I gathered the courage to offer it... "

" It still feels iffy to me if you were to just give it without getting anything in return. After all, with you being a demon, where your primary defence from Demon Hunters is to hide in a bag while they are passing by, you are risking losing that safety net for good if something goes wrong. I can talk to Svarik to make sure he does not refuse... but in return, you must ask for something from Svarik in return, "Erdel replied firmly, sounding rather passionate about this, as he turned to Senecio, clutching his fist. "Besides, Senecio, would the deal, not just a vow, be a better guarantee, anyway? Let's rip off Svarik for something nice for mister Janus, something useful that he can look forward to while he waits, instead of being fearful. I heard sir Janus would come to the capital when he finds time so that his apprentices can receive treatment from Sil Simbel, so how about we come up with something nice sir Svarik could give or do for sir Janus at that time, that could not possibly be done if Svarik had betrayed him in meantime around the bag matter? A promise that Svarik can only possibly keep if they remain on good terms. I have also made a similar promise to Death at one point, where we used such a loophole as a deal so that Death can be sure I will never hurt him and that I will protect him from Tide in case Tide has bad intentions toward him - it was easy for me to make such promise because I knew Tide's intentions were good. I am not sure what exactly is the best to choose, but as long as it is something Svarik can only fulfil if he and Janus are on good terms by the time Janus comes to the capital, should it not work much better than just a vow of automatic death in case something none of us can predict happens? None of us could have predicted Demon Hunters would suddenly attack Death, too, so no matter how good intentions Svarik has, you can never know if other forces may disrupt or delay things... "

[Mirach]

"Yes, that seems like a good idea," Senecio agreed. He turned to Janus. "Imagine the time in the future when you come to the capital, and the king is your friend. What would you like to do?"

[VisAnastasis]

The old demon seemed rather unused to this way of thinking, as he clearly rarely made deals outside of ones for food.
"If it were as near future as coming to the capital... I think no matter how I worded it, he could overturn it if his kindness was just a pretence. Even if I say something nice like having a picnic, since his definition can be different, he can easily just pour scalding tea down my throat while I am trapped in a dungeon. I know it is not likely... but things that happen once already have higher chances of happening again. So, instead of a small deal... why do we not go for a bigger one? Since he and his boyfriend Falcon seem to aim for immortality... instead of just a small symbolic thing, I could ask for a bigger symbolic thing. I would like to ask... for a deal for your sake,  "the creature whispered quietly, his eyes locked on the actor. " As long as it is not used for evil, but the comfort of travel, and Eros brings it to them one way... I can offer to borrow to him or his closest friends my bag anytime he wants to come here so that he can come to visit us more easily. Since he wants to live for a long time, it is a deal that gives him basically eternity benefits, not a one-time thing, so I can ask for more. And there are two things that sound like good options to me. You... seen a lot troubled by your life debt to mister Svarik, little Senecio. Since it is such a long-time service, if I offer it to him, it should be plenty enough in exchange for nulling your life debts void. We could say.... that after ten travels with it back and forth from the sea, the debt will be paid, and he will visit us again, and we will all gather here at sea, and celebrate it with a nice tea party... "
" Can you be the one to pay for it? I thought family, in general, was one that pays life debts, "Erdel asked carefully, but Janus shook his head firmly.
"Family is the one that pays most often,  but friends can pay too if better suited and willing. And Senecio named me his friend... you can not take back such things easily, " he proclaimed more brightly. "Since I have the right as a friend... right to pay back his debt is mine, too. You would still have debt toward sir Falcon and others that saved you, but would your troubles not be lighter with the biggest one gone? Alternatively, if not for life debt... it occurred to me that we could actually use it in exchange for the law change regarding adoption, " he asked, his gaze toward the actor warm and curious. "To be honest... bets about Hans and Alpha getting together is not the only bet going around. Since he is putting so much effort into theatre, while renovating the stage right away for your sake, too, many Beings are teasing Hans about how much he likes you. There are a lot of people currently betting on whether he will adopt you in a human way as a father or a brother. As much as I understood, it seems you have some reservations about being in a son position, as it seems in the last two days, Hans has been sending some of his more reliable men to negotiate with local judges and inquire how hard and how much bribes would it require to change that one human law, to allow people to adopt others not just as children, but as younger siblings. He does not want to give you false hope and offer it to you yet, as he does not know yet how long it would take and if it is doable on his own. But all the Beings around think it is very cute and are teasing him a lot about it. He is too reluctant to ask Svarik for help, though, since he is anxious around him, and since it is huge enough that you already owe him a life debt, and besides, the law you asked him about reforming the theatre is more important.... but I have no such qualms. I can ask Svarik to sign a law that makes the law change, and that later, when Hans officially adopts you, he comes to join us, to have a tea party to celebrate it. I think it would be much nicer to bride the nice king Svariik directly than to have to bribe his way through countless corrupt officials, so... would you rather like me to ask for that, Senecio, and leave life debt to you? Which is more important to you? I think... if I can look forward to the tea party celebrating something that makes your life nicer, whatever it is, would be a nice distraction...  "

[Mirach]

"If I had to choose from those two, I would prefer the law," Senecio said. "The life debt... I'm not saying that I wouldn’t let you pay it, but I don’t think I'm ready for it to be payed yet."

[VisAnastasis]

" So, you do prefer to be adopted by Hans as a little brother rather than a son, yes? If so, I will ask for the law, if not, is there anything else you may wish? To be honest, my own pool of wishes is... too shallow for me to come up with something good. I would naturally not wish to be hungry, but wishing away hunger is not how deals work, so unless it is materials, I am not really... good with wishing. Hans and Tide are capable enough to take care of their own feelings, but you and the kids are young, so... I guess I would just feel less restless if you were both less unhappy. So I wish to do what I can. Whether it is with the law or something similar I can ask for you from Svarik... If I can look forward to getting you something you want in exchange for borrowing to them the bag whenever they need it... I guess I could keep convincing myself there is no way they would steal the bag when I am already offering it whenever is reasonable... right? There should be no need to take by force something that is a given," he cleared his throat, as he clarified, a little timidly. " As for the life debt, you do not have to use this for it, I understand. I guess I am just worried... as you seem rather burdened by how many life debts got piled on you suddenly. To be honest, while it is true you would also probably die without the syringes I borrowed to you that day, so it is technically a life debt you owe me, I do not really feel a strong claim to it because I failed to prevent your death. So, what I mean to say is... would you prefer me to forgive you my part of that life debt, Senecio? " he asked seriously, fiddling with his thumbs with a bit of an embarrassed streak in his feelings. " To be honest, I only have not nulled that debt so far because of the way Being culture works. There is little you can do for me, so it is not like I wish to extort you for some greedy gain. It is just that in the Being world, any debts and favours are handy crutches, that you use as an excuse - a made-up reason to keep meeting and doing things with someone. Favours and returning debts endlessly back and forth are founding stones of Being friendships, so it is considered as cutting off ties if you suddenly null a deal or debt without giving a chance for the other party to do something to repay it... But since you said we are friends in a human way... I do not mind breaking Being traditions. I really do not wish you to be burdened by something that is not a real debt in my heart, but merely a part of the game. I'd rather like to watch you comfortably drinking tea than be burdened by imaginary things. "

[Mirach]

"If that is so, and it's just a game, then I guess you can keep it, it already feels more comfortable knowing it is so. I'm still learning about Being culture and want to try perceiving from a Being point of view. And if I could choose, I would pick Hans as a brother. It feels a bit awkward to have him as an official parent."

[VisAnastasis]

" I shall ask for the law change, then. And.... if you need any advice regarding Being culture, by all means, do feel free to ask me, "Janus proclaimed, waving away as if it was not a big deal, but his mind reflected a satisfied, almost fuzzy feeling - it seemed creature was pleasantly surprised that after all advice Senecio gave him he can offer him advice in turn. "Being view of family is very fluid, and most of the time there are no set roles. Roles of firmly set providers like human parents just lose meaning when you have eternity, as for most of that eternity you shall be an adult. That is why the only measure of a family is closeness. All Being bonds are chosen ones, and once you choose someone as a family it really does not matter to Beings if a bond fluctuates between physical or platonic, or is more parental or sibling-like. Both Tide and Hans are your family in Being way, with equal rights. Judging by his tries to find a way to adopt you as a brother, I am confident sir Hans is mostly just teasing you about parenthood because your reactions are cute, but I am quite sure he will be satisfied in any way to adopt you if he can get a claim and bragging rights. And as for Being deals and debts, they indeed can be a simple formal matter when it is between strangers and is a matter of honour to return it solemnly, but also, since most friendships develop from them, they are in lot seen as symbolic offerings of companionship when both parties are on good terms. Since Beings are immortal, making bonds is rather risky, you see, as with enough time, people grow apart often, so Beings use deals and debts as excuses to keep coming up with interesting things to do or give to each other like your many human anniversaries and spontaneous celebrations are an excuse for you humans. When you think about it, it is the same, is it not? "the creature inquired, sounding curious about parallels that it seemed to ponder about from its unique point of view. " Humans say, oh, it has been five years since we are married, or a year since we finished education or a month since we began dating, or today we are moving into a new home - so let us celebrate. Beings make excuses on a similar principle. Beings just say - oh, you saved my life that one time, I guess I can not help but come up with this grand gesture to do or thing to give you. Then, the other person can say - oh, I guess, since you gave me that lovely thing, I can't help but pay back the gesture. And so far and forth, on and on, the game goes on evermore, or as long as both parties want it to... "

[Mirach]

"It's like an anniversary present? That sounds fun, actually. I'll just need to stop thinking about it with the word debt, that has nwgative connotations to me. With Being culture, I'm in a position where I don't know what to ask because I don't really know what I don’t know. I feel like I was able to grasp some things, but not yet enough for at least seeing the outline of a full picture. Actually, how about you, Erdel? You've been human and now are a Being. Do you need to learn most things, or do some come naturally because of the change?"

[VisAnastasis]

" There is a lot of knowledge I have to learn, too, like customs, and Spirit language. I am picking up a few words and a bit of overall grammar here and there, but I seriously have to corner Death one of these days to cough up some lessons... So there is a lot to learn and figure out. But there are also things that are more instinctual and actually changed because instead of a body with a soul in it, you become a soul that is merely clothed with a body. I think everyone who becomes a Being automatically falls under the rules of the Deeper layers, and those rules of dealmaking and hospitality and all were engraved long ago into the fabric of the world, by Death, Time Lord, and other bigshots, if I understood right, to protect weaker Beings from stronger ones and from humans. I also fall under those laws, and there is a growing foreboding sense of discomfort if I feel the situation calls for a deal and I think about not making it, as if something is physically preventing me from doing so. I can not give or even heal someone if I do not actually want to. It is a law based on desire, so it prevents one from being taken advantage of as it prevented easily swayed Beings like Riversong to be peer pressured into endlessly fixing and altering things for others with those others not feeling like they owe them anything. So, for example, while I would normally want to give Svarik the world, because deep down I really desired Svarik's advice regarding Simbel, when I brought stones from the peaks of the Mountains, I could not physically give one to Svarik without asking him for advice I desired. It is only something I realized recently, though... since Svarik and sir Conrad always ask me what I want and come up with excuses to give it to me, and since all things they ask are things I genuinely want to do, it seems that I was making little deals without even realizing it. Besides, while at a time I thought it was a human deal, in retrospect, when I agreed with sir Falcon to serve Svarik diligently in exchange for him paying three years of my pay in advance to my wife and child, I think I made a Being deal. So I guess that is why, as long as it falls under my idea of serving Svarik, I never felt any lack of freedom, as the definition of serving him falls on me. I think that for Beings, especially strong ones, there is power in one's words and promises, even if they do not out loud say the deal is a deal, because their power makes it binding, so... I guess, first without realizing it, and later consciously, I have been making small deals from the start. Technically, since you agreed, my peer pressure to take on your wounds is a deal, in a way, too, "Erdel grinned innocently. " That being said - I have those engraved instincts, but no knowledge of culture developed from it. But it does sort of make sense to me how making deals and creating debts can turn into the love language of Beings over time, as you work around loopholes of deals while at the same time having to stay true to one's desires. For when Sun Spirits would ask me for information about current human culture or ask for directions, and then they would say, since you did so well, here, have some treats or nice trinkets. While they did really desire advice, they also needed an excuse to give something to a stranger. While there are social Beings like Tide and Hans who you can just meet at a party and on a street and say hi, a lot of Beings live in secluded places or in small communities, so you can not exactly run into them or befriend them spontaneously, so even if want to make friends, it makes sense to do it by asking for something they are good at and offering back something you are good at. In a way, I see it as sort of like bonding over mutual hobbies. Like, you can sew very well, and I can hunt very well, so how about you sew me something I like in exchange for me hunting something you like for you? Maybe it is because I am a Being, or I just adapted well thanks to the guidance of many Beings so far, but while I am still lacking a lot, I feel like Being way of doing things suits me well... "

[Mirach]

"Okay, so it’s innate... very interesting," Senecio remarked. "But regarding the king, yes, the law would be a good deal. I'll need to go now though, we have a boat trip planned for the king. I suppose you wouldn’t want to come?"

[VisAnastasis]

" Oh, I am bad with sudden movements, and I get easily overwhelmed when too many unpredictable things are moving at the same time, so big animals like whales and I are not a good combination. Instead, do have some of that fun in my place, and do tell Svarik about my... offer for the bag. And take these as an emergency snack disguised as a reward for listening, " he coughed shyly, and from his bag, he took out a handful of some nice hard candy Senecio liked - it seemed he asked Hans in advance and stacked up on quite a lot of various secret snacks for Senecio and children. " And you, child, should also eat plenty of nice and happy things, to grow up well, so you should have.... these. " he turned to Erdel then, and on a table, before the young demon he placed a couple of hard candies in cheerful rainbow-coloured wrappers. Vampire seemed a little flustered, as it was clear no one ever treated him like a kid, so he was not sure what to do. Still, in the end, with a bit of shaking hand, he took the hard candy and placed it in his pocket. "So, what is this a pretence reward for? "he asked to hide his embarrassment.
"Hmm, let's see... why don't we call it the first instalment of a thank-you gift for becoming Senecio's friend? When you come next time if you like them, I will give you some more, and then more after that, "Being grinned a little, with timid warmth. " I could already see you were not born a Being, but made... I am a little anxious, and I know you but briefly, but for now, it is enough for me that you and Senecio became friends. It gladdens me that this rascal is finally making some. I do not know whatever dark first encounter you had at first, and you both seem to keep it vague, so I shan't ask, but I am glad you two could put it behind you. Senecio can be a bit of a magnet for trouble, but his heart is in the right place... So, please, keep an eye out for him during your boat trip, and both of you, eat and play a lot. Playing well is important for both Bering and human health... "

[Mirach]

Senecio tooked the candy. "So, should I tell the king about the whole deal you want to make, or just tell him that you have an offer for him and would like to talk? How much do you want to tell him yourself?"

[VisAnastasis]

" I never offered something so important to me, so I don't know what is likelihood of refusal... Or what is best path to make sure he won't refuse. You are a smart cookie, Senecio. I will leave the choice to you. Either tell everything or part of it, whatever you think is best. If you want to close deal in my name, as long as you  make sure he gives the law I asked for, you can do that, too, and just send Eros later to collect the bag. To be honest, unconnected to this, I did hope to speak to sir Svarik about Silver Simbelmyne, but that already is no urgent discussion like the bag question. That is... This little rascal here asked me if I have any advice regarding softening Sil Simbels restrictions, as he wants to make a deal for the information," Janus explained, pointing at Erdel who, judging by his embarassed but firm look, when given the brief chance to talk with elder demon alone, asked for something for Simbel instead of weapon as he intended originally. " But I am not sure how wise it is to do so. Entrusting human children to Deity that loves humanity is easy... But giving him wider range or more mobility or power? I am not sure how much... Is moral to give. Naturally it is not something I can solve alone, but first I need to hear Svarik's opinions before I can know how freely I should... contribute. On one hand I would like to help one of Svarik's friends, but I heard the creature picked up the sword wielding again after regaining a wessel and... I just have to be more careful. I can't help someone who might put Tide's Kingdom in danger get more resourseful, that is all. That is why I know not how much knowledge I can offer yet, before I talk with Svarik. He can speak to me of Simbel's matter when the timing is most favourable to him, though, as how urgent that matter is only depends on how urgent it is in his heart. By all notions, while heavily restricted, I believe mister Simbel is quite healthy, phisically speaking, so there is no pressure. Judging by little Erdel's description of the city climate, he is probably way more healthy than the couple times I cought a glance at him when he was a pond god in the old kingdom, so they don't have to rush. "

[Mirach]

"Actually, I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to bring that matter up before the king. The law benefits me directly, so it would sound like I convinced you to do it. It would be better if Erdel talked to him, if he doesn’t mind. I'd gladly tell him about your request to speak with him, though," Senecio said.

[VisAnastasis]

"Whatever you think will bring the best results... I will leave the choice to you this time, Senecio, "Old Being nodded slowly. " I am not a good judge of the proper or best course of action when dealing with others... I am only really good at making things, not at getting along with people. So I will leave choosing up to you this time... "
"I do not mind talking through this with Svarik, if you both think it is best, "Erdel chimed in. He sniffed the air as he declared. "Svarik and sir Falcon just got in front of Sage's mansion, anyway, so I could just make a quick jump with Senecio, so we can inform him about it before the trip. Svarik easily picks up on supernatural or emotional matters and is good at tackling difficult things in a simple way, so I don't think it will be hard to convince him. "
" I... will remain here most of the day, should he choose to come to speak to me today, I have a lot of things to wrap up here, and learning materials to compile, for the children, "Janus replied quietly. Slowly, and very lightly, he bowed his head to them then as they were parting. "Thank you... for listening to the anxious rumblings of this silly Elder God. I just have so little experience, dealing with people nowadays, outside of making deals for food, and... I apologize for sending you on such an errand when you are supposed to be having a free day. I hope you have a large quantity of the highest quality fun on your trip today, little Erdel and Senecio. It was, um, nice sharing my first tea party with you, " he smiled faintly in the end. "But I do not know yet what is proper human tea party parting etiquette, and how people usually wrap them up, so I can only commend you directly like this, as a Being would. You were the most obliging guests to host, and I now have quite a lot of tea and sweets now, so you can always invite yourself for some more tea and cookies if you crave it... That is how Beings would tell you that you are always welcome to visit them. "

[Mirach]

"Thank you," Senecio smiled. "With humans, the guests usually say something about having to leave already, either because they really need to leave or because they have been there long enough and it would be impolite to stay much longer, since the host also has their own things to do but it wouldn't be appropriate to say so to the guests. Admittedly, it's easier to estimate this time with humans who need to sleep. Unless the host invites the guest to stay overnight, it's best to leave before nighttime. But, we really need to leave now, so thank you for the party. Erdel, can you jump us there quickly? I really don’t want to leave the king waiting for me."

[VisAnastasis]

" Why not? It is great that I will get one more practice jump, and I am quite curious what Svarik will say about everything, too, so we might as well do it and get to ask him right away," Erdel grinned a bit. After they said goodbye and went outside of the theatre, young demon gently took Senecio in his arms, and leaped right away. Because they had lot of practice earlier he managed to do it from the first try - he still left some dpace for error so it would not be dangerous, though, so they landed in the garden five meters or so away from Svarik and Conrad who just returned.

[Mirach]

"I don't think we should bother him right away," Senecio said before they jumped. "Let’s wait for a quiet moment on the ship."

Svarik startled a bit at the sudden appearance of Erdel and Senecio so close to them, but relaxed when he saw it's them, getting used to Erdel's abilities already.

[VisAnastasis]

Despite the vampire trying to keep his lips from twitching upwards to show a more professional look, Senecio could feel all sorts of warm and incredibly tender emotions when his eyes fell on Svarik and Conrad, and despite some embarrassed nervousness and anxiety mixed up in it, it was clear he was very happy to see the two people. As he lowered the actor gently onto the ground, he waved around with his hand awkwardly to chase away some of the dust he had raised with his still inexperienced jump.

" Ahem... I am sorry for startling you, sir, " he seemed to decide to call him like that in the end, as if he was not sure how familiar he should act with Svarik in public. " I just felt that you have returned to the mansion, and we did not want to keep you waiting. Is it time for the boat trip? "

" Yes, originally, I planned to arrange with Beings about building an island, but since the weather is quite nice right now and everyone is ready, I am going to do it after the trip, " Falcon informed him, smirking a little at Erdel's tries to act formal unsuccessfully as if he found his efforts cute. " Sage and Alpha have everything ready, they are waiting for us at the docks. "

" Mister Hans is coming this way too, he should also join us in a couple of minutes, so that only leaves Tide, " Erdel nodded energetically, turning to Senecio. His smile was a little mischievous as he asked the actor then. " Would you like me to call Tide while you wait here? " he seemed entertained by the thought of leaving Senecio alone with Svarik and Conrad for a few minutes, but he still left him a way out. " Well, while I would be faster, I guess that if you reeally want to be the one to call your boyfriend over, it would be tactless to stop you, " he grinned at him lightly, but the words he spoke were serious. "  Tide is with Death right now, and knowing him, he would be reluctant to leave the poor bastard alone, tsk... Either you or I, but we should ask Death if he wants to join us on the trip. Oh, and whether he wants to leave or not... I have decided that I will take on babysitting Death for the time being, so Tide and you all can catch a breather and not worry for a while. So, it is only a question if I will look after him at the ship, or in his room... Well, while the trip does sound fun, today is important and someone has to keep him from anxious thoughts today, and I should be the best fit. He has to cough up a lot of overdue Spirit language lessons for me, anyway, so it should not be a pr0oblem to keep him distracted... "

[Mirach]

"Then it may be better of we both go, I'll ask Tide and you can try to talk Death into the trip," Senecio said.

[VisAnastasis]

The demon agreed, and excused himself before Svarik and Conrad, as they headed upstairs.
After a bit, they arrived at the room, but before they even knocked, having recognized their steps, Tide right away went to the door, and his face lit up with a dazzling smile even before he opened them fully. There was a soft caring feeling as he looked at the vampire, but as his gaze fell onto Senecio, the actor felt a reflection of strong fluttering happiness and rising hunger, too.
" Oh, dear., did... Did I ever tell you yet that you just keep getting more loveable each day? You make looking lovely seem so effortless... You already stole my heart when we first met, so is it not overachieving, to steal it anew each day, Seine? " he seemed to share his thoughts freely as they came to him, and he looked flustered but exceedingly brightened up by his unexpected arrival, and it seemed he was unsure how to express his delight, without doing anything improper in public, but he had to give his feelings some outlet, and he could not help but lean forth and slowly cup Senecio's head with his hands and shyly run fingers through his hair, his gesture brimming with joy, " Have you come to attempt to steal some of my time along with it, too? "
" Hopefully, yes, " Erdel coughed a little bit, adjusting their presentations to Tide's ardent show of affection. He spoke not to the excited demon but gave the couple a moment to themselves and instead turned to the ill Spirit, and stepped a little closer to him. " We are a silly pair of thieves, but we came to do our best. Senecio came to steal Tide... And I came to steal you, " he pointed his finger at Death, and while the words of his proclamation were daring, his tone of voice had hints of gentleness and mindful patience, reflecting the soft spot and pity he had for him. " Should you consent to me stealing you, I will make it worth your while. How about it? Are you willing to give it a try? "

[Mirach]

Senecio's heartbeat quickened with the touch. "I've missed you..." he whispered into Tide's hand. "Come with me, please?"

"Since I'm not where I should be, I don’t care where else I go," Death said.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide's hand trembled, and his expression grew conflicted, torn between great temptation and a sense of responsibility. It was clear the demon missed him a lot and would love to go, but was at the same time worried about Death.
"You... are really a terribly cute tempter, "he whispered, closing the distance between their faces a bit more as he leaned a little more, and kept caressing his hair shyly. " But... you know it is not really a good time to leave him, right? Ill Beings can get unwell if they have too much chaos on their minds, so I really don't want to leave him on his own right now... "

"Who said he'd be on his own? I came determined to steal either him or his time, so he won't be alone nonetheless, " Erdel shook his head dismissively, before turning back to the Spirit, indeed, with a determined, somewhat thoughtful gaze. " Being where you should be is overrated, anyway... I should be, by this time as dead as a doornail, so I am of high opinion it is not always the best to be where you ought to be. Besides, you are not the bearer of all responsibility in the world... there are plenty of people you can rely on to take care of Riversong initially, without having to do it all by yourself. All you have to do right now is wait for your turn, so why not wait with me? "he spoke more slowly and hesitantly, as it seemed he tried to pick the best words to express himself the Being way, perhaps influenced by the talk with Janus. "We... are going on a trip to listen to the song of whales, but it will be a little awkward for me, since everyone else is coupled, except for Sage, but he will be busy guiding the ship and conversing with Sea Deity. Melody, Svarik and Conrad, Alpha and Hans, Tide and Senecio... It will be awkward for me to go on my own because others would be distracted by me and not be able to enjoy their due romantic time. So, taking care of you would be the perfect excuse so they do not think I am lonely. What do you say - will you help me out? "he grinned just a little bit as he added. "If you help me, alas, I guess I can not help but owe you a favour... so, is it not a good deal to you, too? Since I'd owe you a favour, you can call upon me whenever you figure out how you'd prefer me to return it. "

[Mirach]

"Yes. Sure," Death said readily. "I really don't want to keep Tide from a date."