Senecio adn Tide II

[VisAnastasis]

Tide's expression brightened up with clear bubbliness when it was clear they are all going.
" I know I am asking for a lot by making introverts tag along, but... do not worry, guys, I will make sure you all have the loveliest time! You can just eat snacks and relax, I will take on all the socializing so you don't have to worry about having to talk or anything! You can just listen to the song and enjoy yourselves! We couldn't go to the Ball together, but we can finally have a nice lovely picnic at the sea, and even Erdel is here this time... Oh, you are all going to love the whales, they are adorable gentle giants! Ahh, and let's pack a lot of sweets! I'll pack the sweetest, prettiest one first! "he proclaimed brightly as it seemed he could not contain his joy and had to express it somehow - and he dramatically with a slight trembling picked up the actor under the arms, and pressed him in an embrace while holding him above the ground, as if demonstrating how to properly pack the loveliest "sweet".

Erdel chuckled at the gesture, glancing at them with clear endearment. He turned to Death and now more shyly looked around, and in his large bag he packed a lot of cookies and drinks Death liked so he could snack on the trip, and then he helped wrap him up in Tide's cloak and put on Tide's mask so he could travel more freely, and then he offered to carry him, not speaking so he would not disturb Senecio and Tide who was clinging longingly to the actor with equal hunger and excited anticipation for the trip.

[Mirach]

Death shook his head, not wanting to be carried. Senecio, however, had no such reservations and made himself comfortable in Tide's arms.

[VisAnastasis]

A wide grin spread across Tide's face as he realized Senecio will let him carry him. As the actor made himself comfortable, the creature began purring loudly, his joy and excitement loud and palpable. He held him close as he carried him outside, walking slower so Death and Erdel can keep up easily. They soon met up with everyone downstairs in the garden. Sage arrived to pick them up, and Melody, who packed their lunch and food, joined them as well, and now all were gathered and ready to head for the sea.

[Mirach]

Svarik smiled when he saw that Death will be joining them. As Sage led them to the ship, he looked excited, having waited for the trip most of the day.

[VisAnastasis]

Everyone seems to enjoy changing the pace and trying something new after being in the city for a while. Out of everyone, the most outwardly excited was definitely Tide, though - as he was previously miserable that they could not all go to the ball together, now that they were all joining on a trip his joy was palpable, apparent even to those without the ability to perceive feelings. He was bright, cheerful, and somewhat clingy and cuddly with Senecio, as, besides the trip with everyone, he seemed to miss and be joyous that they got the chance to share the new type of date together.
As for Hans, he would have normally been more nervous around SvariK, but this time, he was quite more distracted and self-conscious about his plans to confess to Alpha, so in the presence of the Demon who spent most of the time on the ship with him, he had no time to worry of it. Likewise, Conrad and Melody currently seemed quite a bit lost in their own little world, too, happy to be with Svarik and do something new and interesting without having to worry about anything, as currently, everyone around them was their ally.
As for Sage, Senecio until now had not much time to either interact with him or observe his feelings. Sage was calm and his emotions were rather soft and soothing, as they were one of simple pleasure and enjoyment of the moment. He was the one doing most of the work, leading the boat and making sure everyone is well. Senecio would just occasionally notice Sage's gaze would fall on him every now and then when Tide would be affectionate with him and the actor wasn't looking, and at those moments, his feelings would reflect but a glint more of bemusement and wonder, with a tinge of concern and sympathy.

Sage let them far away from the shore, and there was a sweet and salty feeling in the air as at one point, their sheep began to slow down and met with massive animals in the distance. They were the whales, and it was clear they did not often interact with humans, yet, they were rather calm, and swam around slowly and idly around them, without fear or urgency, releasing loud but calm calls of greeting.
The source of their calmness could be felt soon enough, as it could not see well, but they saw the faint glow and presence of the sea Deity in the distance at a side. It was still in quite a bi of pain from its injuries, but Svarik's healing song helped greatly, and it was strong enough to come and join them, and apparently worried for the tiny human it favoured interacting with the giants of the ocean, it came to oversee the meeting and make sure he will not be harmed or frightened. There was a tinge of pain, but mostly an echo of amiability and joy, as it greeted whales and the people on the boat with a light nod of its head that was peeking a bit from the waves, doing so especially favourably toward Svarik, for whom it seemed to have a soft spot for.

[Mirach]

Svarik watched the whales in awe, feeling some strange kinship with the majestic singers of the sea. Then he noticed the Sea deity, and his face lit up with a smile. He waved at it, glad to see that it's feeling well enough to swim with them.

Senecio was mostly paying attention to Tide, having missed him that day and having a lot on his mind that he felt the need to share. "I've been to the theatre," he told Tide. "Well, first I talked to Erdel, and he said he could play a silent role in the play. His smell is uncanny, so I don't have to fear any poison with him, so I realized I could try to take the role again. We went to the theatre to get him a costume, and we had a tea party with Janus."

[VisAnastasis]

Tide's already close hold on him grew even tighter as he listened. Despite a clear streak of worry and slight surprise, he could not help but smile a little at the mention of the tea party with Janus.
" Janus... seemed quite passionate about making a lovely tea party celebration for you after I gifted him with that teapot... He is usually a little dense, but even he was worried you would no longer feel safe at the theatre and struggled genuinely to find what could help... as do I, "the creature whispered to his ear, nudging against his shoulder slightly as it added quietly. " I did not expect Erdel to offer such a thing as his protection... I am truly grateful. Likewise, honestly, Janus can be rather cute in his own reassuring way when he tries to cheer people up, but my heart is restless, still, " he kissed Senecio's cheek as he teased shyly," You have corrupted my sense of comforting with your alluring taste, my sweetest rascal... When I see you troubled, my first thought is that I should find some new fun way to tire you out properly so that you have no strength left to think anxious thoughts, but since you will need plenty of strength to act now that you want to act again, sleeping with you more often than until now seems counterproductive... I want to help, but I do not have as good a sense of smell as Erdel, or a cute reassuring safe space like Janus, so with protection and safety already covered, my hands are rather tied instead of yours this time, huh... "


While they talked, as for the Sea Deity, it seemed pleased to see Svarik happy, and despite its health being frail, it was well enough right now to come to make sure the human it favoured was doing well, showing its gratitude to him by overseeing the meeting from afar and making sure he is safe. A soft soothing vibration sounded from it, creating but a subtlest ripple of waves around it - the critter seemed to ensure the whales anew that everything was alright, and indeed, with its blessing, majestic creatures swam around more closely, resurfacing nearer them as they sang, being very slow and gentle, so that they would not shake the boat.

[Mirach]

Senecio chuckled. "I'm nervous too," he admitted. "I was thinking a bit, about what I would like you to do. I have a request, but I think it will be hard for you. Equally hard as getting back into the role for me... I would like you to... enjoy the performance. Do you think you could do it? Try to perceive it as it was meant to be, without dark thoughts? Not at first maybe... but could you go to rehearsals with me and try, like I'll try to play the role again?"

Svarik breathed out slowly as the whales started to sing. He listened to them in awe, keeping very quiet himself.

[VisAnastasis]

" I see... Indeed, it is much harder than doing something physical like making you a cute tea party, " he smiled with a little frailty, as he started to shyly play with Senecio's hair, speaking slowly, as if trying to name his feelings properly. " Honestly, I know the whole stage level was torn open and rebuilt and both Hans and Janus poured so much into ensuring its safety... But since I was also so sure you were safe before only to see you die... it will be hard not to feel like it may happen again, even though it is unreasonable, " he admitted his hand which played with the actor's hand shaking a little, as he added slowly. " But... Yes, if it is with Erdel... I think I would not feel as anxious. Indeed, worrying about poisons in his presence feels like the silliest concern in the world. Still, rather than poisons, if he were to come with us, and watch endless hours of rehearsals of that play... won't we both worry for Erdel more than the poison, anyway? " he suggested unexpectedly. " I do not say this with scorn, but while it may not appear so, while he is ridiculously overpowered physically, Erdel's mental resilience is about the strength of a glass of wine. He can take a beating from Death and come unscratched due to how ridiculously he was constructed, but he is forlorn and can pout the whole day if he sees something sad he can't change. There was not one Being nor human that was not devastated by just one of your performances that night, so watching it for hours on repeat, aren't we both going to be too busy making sure our poor portable poison detector does not get depressed? You are bringing a child to a play soaked with sadness, after all, " he snorted a little only in half jest as he inquired more carefully " Will you be okay at Erdel's side, too... always perceiving his feelings right next to you? On the one hand, it will surely be quite reassuring, as you will always be sure by his feelings that he does not sense danger, but on the other hand... you are the best actor in the world, and you even shook Death with your performance, and you know how he is, " Tide asked firmly. " There's no way you won't make Erdel cry, and besides the matter, I'll probably cry too if it gets too sad. Enjoying your play does not mean not being upset and crying, right? Because I am not sure if you are imagining me just sitting and watching solemnly and enjoying it in high art cultured way, but I am more of a type to be emotional rather than composed when I feel strongly about things. It is both in my nature and Erdel's to be such, so... will we still be able to provide you comfort with our presence, even though you will perceive a lot of sadness at your performance from us? If you act even half as good as at the premiere, there's absolutely no way you won't affect us. Even Rain whose language skills are not great and could not understand half the words cried for an hour after the play ended. You sort of got yourself into the predicament by being too good at playing tragic figures.... "

As Tide spoke, whales sang, slowly, heartfeltly, as if they had all the time and there was never any rush to be had in the world world, just immersing themself into the moment and into their music. They sang and played around them, getting as close as they could, and once they shook the boat a little too much, it was Sage who burst out laughing at their little game this time, his ringing laugh mixing with their song. It seemed they knew him well, and were expecting more interaction, and at their nudging, Sage leapt outside of the boat and stepped and walked upon the waters, rippling of waves under his steps mixing with the songs of the giants. On a safer distance that did not rock the boat, he paused and knelt down on the water's surface, and extended his hand below into the waters, and whales would resurface with delight as they sang so that he could caress them, as he probably often did when he would come to greet them on his own.

[Mirach]

"I haven't thought about that," Senecio admitted. "I guess he will have a better position than the spectators - or worse, depending how you look at it. He will mostly be seeing my back in the monologues. But yes... I was thinking about returning to the role and haven't really considered that I gained that sense since the last time. I can be find in the rehearsals without audience, and then at the actual performance get a full blast of the feelings from the audience and I don’t know what that will fo to me. I think I'll need as many friends as would be willing to take the tole of an audience during the rehearsals, to get ready for that."

Svarik wished he could touch them too, but he couldn't walk on water. Instead, he just listened for a long time, and then took his sceptre that he brought for the trip - the long flute with deep sound that was typical for the Mountains. He started playing it, matching the song of the whales.

[VisAnastasis]

" Would you like a rehearsal or two without it first, or would you rather go all in and have a bigger audience right away? " Demon inquired a little more brightly, as it seemed he grew hopeful that he could be of use. " I can rope in a lot of Beings that already watched it to take part that are fond of you so it will be easier or you, and since I have good relations with all our servants and I know quite a few people in the city through being a longtime family friend of many, I have plenty of choices. Will... you leave picking an audience to me, perhaps? " the creature offered, as it shyly and hesitantly took Senecio's hand in his, and pressed it, trying to catch his gaze as if to figure out how he is feeling about the suggestion, his cheeks reddened. " I know I am not as smart as Hans, but I am very good at gathering people around me without making a big deal out of it. I can handpick them by whatever standards you find most comfortable, and I can just spin it as giving some people I like a free sneak peek for the performance as a favour. You may not know it as Hans does not tell you much not to pressure you, but the play has been really popular, as word of mouth is unusually strong with it, both for your acting and for how gorgeous everything looks, being crafted by best human and being craftsmen. Everyone is talking about it, and tickets are already sold out for the next two performances that can be scheduled, so it will be very easy for me to just pick some nice humans and Beings both and invite them over for rehearsing. If, If Hans did it, it would be like the rebuilding of the stage, a solemn or flamboyant matter, but I can pass it off as a casual thing so that you can have an authentic audience experience without having to worry about making mistakes, as everyone will naturally assume it is normal to make mistakes during rehearsals. Would. um... would you like me to do it? Would the larger scale make you more nervous or more reassured about getting used to the new way of acting?  "

Whales, who enjoyed Sage's attention and Svarik's vibrant song grew more active, with time matching him more and more too. Others enjoyed the show without any rush, too, each in their own world, though, one man in particular seemed to have more eyes for Svarik than for any magical sight around them... While he appeared to feel rather neutral about the whales, Conrad Falcon found more pleasure in observing Svarik's joy than anything else. He seemed to have caught a glimpse of the meadow king's longing to come closer, and when the music grew more playful and the timing seemed right, he waved to Sage and made a couple of signs with sign language, at which the old man laughed anew, greatly bemused, but with a warm expression. He turned toward the meadow king, but he did not speak, as he did not want to interrupt everyone's song with words. Instead, he stepped closer, and innocently offered Svarik his hand, asking him with a gesture if he would like to step out upon the sea. Just like Tide could bend water below Senecio's feet so they could dance upon the surface, Sage could also do it for Svarik if he focused, and it was quite clear Falcon encouraged the man to offer it to the meadow king since it seemed Svarik would not ask for it.

[Mirach]

Svarik smiled and took Sage's hand, a little hesitant at first as he stepped on the water. But when he assured he can walk on it, he slowly walked with Sage towards the whales, careful to not startle them.

"I think one or two rehearsals without an audience would be best first, to see if I can do it and it's actually worth it to invite the audience," Senecio said, just as he noticed Svarik walking to the whales. "Ooh, can we do that too?" he asked. "Maybe a bit further away to not disturb the king, but they're quite fascinating..."

[VisAnastasis]

While a little shy at first, since whales were used to doing this with Sage and Tide, they began swimming up towards them anew, and they let meadow king caress them. Perhaps it was because of his attitude, a little for Sea Deity's love for him, and also because the land sang to him, they seemed rather fond of him, too.

As for Tide, the creature beamed with being asked to do something for the actor, with a gust of fluttering excitement at the pleasant idea that even his worry for Seneico could not touch - the demon clearly found those things romantic and was pleasantly surprised that the man took the initiative to ask for such a thing as if he did not realize he really wants it before he was asked.
" The ocean is wide enough for us all... May I have the honour of taking you away from this bothersome land cage, my Seine? "From a previous tentative expression of concern a bright smile bloomed upon the demon's face as he slowly stood up, and with a deep elegant bow, he offered the actor his hand, doing so brightly and with a heart brimming with expectations. He moved confidently as if mirroring some romantic fairy tale illustration he liked as he spoke with joy foaming in his sparkling eyes. " There is nowhere where the sea reached that I can not take you, so a few steps hardly need polite asking. Demand it from me instead, my sweets. There is no world in which I would refuse such a lovely treat... "

[Mirach]

Svarik tried to keep in the field of vision of the giant animals as he was caressing them so that they could see him and not be startled by his touch.

"Oh? You would like me to demand?" Senecio grinned lightly and took Tide's hand, allowing the demon to lead him on the water. "In that case... take us deeper, under the surface, so that we stay dry and can watch what's going on under it... and others can't watch us that easily."

[VisAnastasis]

While Sage mediated between whales and Svarik as he guided him to caress and play with them the way critters loved and were used to, and others enjoyed that sight and gave Tide and Senecio the space they desired,  the demon was already in his own world, his feelings of anticipation and excitement loud and bubbly, much unlike his seemingly dignified dramatic stance.
" Ah, how perfectly wonderful, innocent request for privacy, Seine. Who said you weren't romantic? " he teased him fondly and kept holding his hand as he bent the ocean water, creating with it a bubble of air around them and slowly made it descend below, without them having to walk or slide down or get wet. " But, you see, even this is easy, way too easy thing to do to be considered a proper demand, " he dared him most gently and brightly, while he was making the air bubble descend below the surface slowly, his voice chippy and curious as if he was trying a new game to play. " Surely this is not the best you have got? This is no harder than snapping my fingers, so you must demand more... "

[Mirach]

"Anything related to water isn't harder than snapping your fingers to you, is it? Then I have a harder demand. Patience. I really want to get a good look at those whales, I've never seen them from this close before. You might get a kiss later," he grinned, "but first I want to look."

[VisAnastasis]

" Just one kiss? How petty! But you know what? The whole water-bending thing is powered by the power of love, I will have you know! " Tide replied with a wide soft grin. Perhaps it was because he was getting used to their roleplays as Beast King and Sein Miru, but it seemed Tide got quite more warmed up to the idea of making games out of the little roles, his feelings vibrant and mischievous as he set up the scene to his liking. " If you do not shower me with enough affection, who knows? Perhaps the poor air bubble will collapse, and we will be swept away into the darkness and drown most horribly... " The creature seemed to tease him with the sense of danger, indeed, making the air bubble tremble and shrink just a little as if its strength was wavering. Since he was much taller than the actor, he could not put much weight to lean against him, but he was still as close as he could as he moved the bubble closer to the whales, embracing him over the shoulder and still holding his hand with actor's other one merrily. "Whatever shall we do if all this water weight collapses upon us! Alas, you must stick close to me and cuddle with me all the time we look, deal? I need extra loads of cuddles to keep the bubble running if you wish to watch the whales for a while.... " he affectionately nudged his arm against his shoulder and tried to catch his gaze, as if trying to figure out by the actor's expression if he is playing the game right.

[Mirach]

Senecio smiled to himself. "That's a risky situation," he said teasingly. "But I'm going to watch the whales, so if you want something, you'll have to get it yourself."

[VisAnastasis]

" Oh... " Tide was taken aback for a moment, blinking away the confusion. " Are we not supposed to be in a romance genre? Overusing the good old " characters unexpectedly must stay close and cuddle to stay alive" trope? " he inquired shyly, while he obediently brought the bubble closer to the magnificent animals, at an angle that gave them a great view to see whales without disturbing them. Still, even if he were doing as he was told, his little shier voice revealed a piqued interest. " Are we instead dabbling in some twisted melancholic horror? Something more of a " an ancient demon can be inappropriately grabby and I have to take it because I am too weak and no one can hear me scream" trope?" he teased innocently to his ear, with shy affection, not doing anything inappropriate, though, for now -  he merely, as if not being able to help himself, knelt a bit lower, pressing against Senecio from behind so he would not disturb his view of the whales while standing behind him wrapping arms around him in a hug that grew tighter over time. " Well, it is a new genre, but all genres we have tried so far were fun, so... I am sure I will like this one too, then, " he spoke softly, as he nuzzled and rubbed his lowered head against Senecio's body as he kept hugging him closely, as if, against his words, he tried to share his more romantic wholesome sentiments. " As long as it is with you, everything is fun and new... "

[Mirach]

Senecio chuckled and hugged him back. "No, sorry, I wasn't trying for a trope. Too much is on my mind right now to give it the proper attention. I just really wanted to focus on the whales for a while because they're really something, and it's so calming to watch them, and then when I've watched them enough, I wanted to give my full attention to you."

[VisAnastasis]

" My heart flutters when you pay attention to me... But I really do not wish to play on a trope of a possessive boyfriend who even gets jealous when his partner looks at cute critters, " Tide laughed heartily, his shoulders shaking with bemusement and joy as he nuzzled against the actor that hugged him back, and he began to make a soft shy purring sound, as if too content to be able to hold it back, as he spoke tender words. " I... I am genuinely so happy to know you do not feel pressured to entertain me and are free to tell me when you want to direct your attention elsewhere. It is so good to enjoy good things in life... So, by all means, if you wish to watch the whales for hours, you should. I need not full attention, but if you could try to multitask and give me affection while we watch, I would be grateful, for I've missed you so dearly, "he purred affectionately as he kept snuggling closer, admitting. " It is just that it is hard to not want to spoil you.... for I am very proud of you. I was a little worried that you will feel neglected when you woke up and I do not come to bring you breakfast in bed and support you because the situation with Death came up. But you did not need me to make healthy choices and work on yourself while apart. You even went to the theatre and began making plans and taking steps towards getting better... I can be at peace, knowing you will take care of your heart and won't feel despair when I have a little less time than I'd like to give you. But now, I have the time, and my heart is fluttering, so please... give me a role that can help clear those overflowing thoughts you have on your mind. It does not have to be a role that escalated things into pleasure. Not even joy. If it is a role that leads but to lesser weight on your shoulders, I want to play it. What kind of abstract apparition or mischievous trickster Deity should I be for you, Seine? " he asked brightly with the widest, most trusting grin. "So that I may steal your troubles away and toss them aside, and have the currents of the ocean wash them away? "

[Mirach]

Senecio relaxed just a little, as if he were tense before and didn't even realize it, and with Tide's words it hit him all at once that he just refused his lover his full attention, and he didn't even think about it that was because he felt comfortable with Tide, but as soon as he put it into that perspective, he felt a surge of panic quickly replaced with relief. He shivered slightly. "Right now..." he murmured, "I'd most appreciate the not really abstract apparition of a chair. I didn’t even think about... I just need a moment, okay?"

[VisAnastasis]

"Oh, how delightful! I was just thinking that it would be a pity if you had to tire yourself by standing all the time we watch, "Tide replied to his anxious words softly, as if trying to soothe and reassure him. " Since there are many types of chairs, my new aspiration is to be the chair you love the best, so, how about we start chair picking by trying out this one? "he suggested, as he gently and slowly, as if to not alarm him placed his hands underneath actor's arms, and picked him up, letting him sit on his forearm and supporting him with his other hand, actor's back leaned against demon's chest so he can lean back comfortably and keep watching upfront.  " Is the view of the sea not much better like this? Please, have fun watching whales to your heart's content, my Seine. I have watched whales for many aeons, and for such a long time that humans would never have called them whales by how they looked back then if humanity existed at that point... But it is so fun to watch them in a new dazzling light, here, with you. Thank you for such a lovely demand, my sweetest sweets,  "he added with a softest warm chuckle. " As I thought, whether it is watching whales privately or being a chair, the demands you make when caught off guard or don't have time to overthink them are the cutest... "

[Mirach]

Senecio leant back and closed his eyes for a moment, despite claiming that he wanted to watch the whales before. Then he opened them slowly and just breathed for a moment. "Thank you..." he murmured. "You know, I panicked there for a moment. I didn't realize I felt that free with you until you pointed it out and it caught up with me as a shock, as if something terrible should happen because I allowed myself to slip... but it won't, right? I can slip with you, it's alright if I slip with you... I find it hard to calm down now, though..."
 

[VisAnastasis]

" Seine... from the day we met, you knew I desire to find a partner with whom I can be myself fully, relaxed and unchained by fears that if I act too free and show a little bit too much of my beastly nature, it may drive my partner away... " Tide replied quietly, as he made a more encouraging, louder purring sound against the troubled actor. " To be so free and relaxed with me you can express your wants so casually... How can you call a slip-up something that I want to happen? I always try not to pry too deeply into your past, but.. would it not help you to tell me, what kind of terrible things your mind anticipates as punishment because you were too free? " he whispered, not doing anything else, just purring as softly as before, as if trying to soothe him any way he could. " I can not reassure you what you fear won't happen if you do not tell me for your fear. I hope... it is not something as simple as fearing refusing me may lead us to more arguments and distance. I am truly not as petty as to believe our love is not real if we argue sometimes in the long eternity ahead. After all, I argue with Hans all the time, and I love him to death, so... I also look forward... " he admitted more shyly. " To thousands, and hundreds of thousands of petty silly arguments that will take place regardless of our intentions not to have them, should you choose to stay with me long enough so we could have them all... "