Senecio adn Tide II

[Mirach]

"Yes, I think we should go and take care of that," Svarik said. "But I'm really curious about Erdel's threehouse. "I'm going to check it out before we leave, do you want to come too?" he askef Erdel, but also Conrad.

---

Senecio didn't stop the rehearsal anymore, knowing that repeating parts of it is not going to help until they get to the end. He just had to grit his teeth and get through it even if it felt hard and his heart was pounding rapidly. He thought about the character he was playing, hiding an injury and watching a war unfold without being able to stop it. Through that feeling of helplessness he was actually able to get deeper into the character than ever since the start of the rehearsal, and be him through the final part of the play and the ending monologue.

[VisAnastasis]

" I guess... I can see how it turned out. It looks well made, " Emmet cought shyly, joining him.
" Of course, "Conrad stood up right away, with light step. " Now that I think about it, we don't have any tree houses back home, as Melody preferred to climb the trees wild as they were, but that was also before we bought the next door mansion to have bigger harder. If you'd like a tree house, and you like something, make sure to remember it so we can use it for inspiration, " he noted, as he, likewise curiously, went to see it. Everything was indeed built with lot of love and attention to detail, from the swing that was the first thing to draw you in, to resting areas with protection from the rain, little storage places for snacks, and soft little armchairs. It was by no means simple, having three little floors, most upper one being some kind of little observatory, too, where there was more open terrace, and objects made of glass and metal that enhanced vision, likely made for star gazing. Melody was there with one of the children, using it to observe the couple islands in the distance together, while Alpha was currently swinging the youngest one at the swing still.

---

While his reliable little audience was as worried for him as always, they could not help but be swept away in the atmosphere, with his masterful acting, and with such a well-written and performed play, a little more nuanced and layered, too, with addition of Riversong and his little sprinkles of helpless silent interactions with Death. But with the final dialogue, the applause that broke the silence was mostly for him, starting with his last poignant words. Even if everyone did jokingly say before that they would be ready to clap for him, the applause Senecio received was not an empty act of support, but one of genuine appreciation. His audience, tailored not to make him too nervous, was much smaller than one at the premiere when the theatre was packed full, but it held unanimous respect and admiration. Its response made the first standing ovation the actor received for this role, having died and been unable to enjoy it the previous time, as he was dying back then.

[Mirach]

Svarik explored the tree house for a while, admiring the details. "Erdel really built it well," he smiled. "It does looks fun."

---

It was also his first applause since he was able to sense emotions, and Senecio was a bit taken aback by the intensity of it. He stood in the middle of the stage, overwhelmed by it all. But it was an applause for him, and it was slowly filling him with pride, and he managed to pull himself together and enjoy the moment. He grinned and made a flamboyant bow before leaving the stage and slumping in relief that the rehearsal is over and he was able to play the role again.

[VisAnastasis]

" Yes, since Erdel was able to help out a lot due to his great strength, it seems they had enough time to put an insane amount of detail. It is indeed the level of detail I would expect if I got a magic lamp, and asked for a building to show up overnight, " Falcon bemused, rather than just through lens of fun, thinking through curiously about layout and unique things Being chose to put there, and considering how he could use it. " I'd surely have to swindle the same kind of star gazing device made out of Janus sometimes... There are some human ones I encountered, but they pale in comparison. Hm, I've been thinking, when Riversong was ill, didn't you two have an idea to have him grow a giant tall tree in free space at the garden when he gets better, so you can build a tree house towering above the city skyline? A lot of things changed since he fell asleep, and White became Simbel and got a body, but does that idea still stand? It would be quite fun, to build a nice little treehouse with an observatory for stargazing on top of a large tree - trees we currently have are fine, but I wouldn't refuse a magical huge tree that can be grown overnight... Hm... when I think about it, if you'd still like us to grow a tree, wouldn't it be fun to combine it with the painting roofs in pink during Simbel/s first festival at the Spring equinox? It would be quite useful, to have both of the things happen at the same time, as an extra neat blessing from the Bull, wouldn't it? " he shrugged innocently. " Merely suggesting it as a helpful propaganda thing to do, and totally not because I'm trying to map out how I can build the nicest possible treehouse in the most overdramatic way possible for my cute sunny boyfriend, I swear... "

---

Hans had to stay for a little bit to arrange people's overtime pay and to make sure everything goes smoothy as people were about to scatter. Erdel stayed a little bit to help him out, deciding to give Senecio a little breather for things to sink in. One person was not in on giving Senecio a moment to collect himself - Tide, proud, bubbly and excited, quickly thanked Beings who came to support the actor, and gave everyone quick words of warmth and plenty of hugs, before he went and followed after Senecio. He came to him with hop in his step to see how he's doing, his feelings bursting with pride and joy at finally being able to talk with him freely after work was done.

[Mirach]

"Sure," Svarik chuckled. "I still want the tree, if he will be up to it. Huge trees are awesome, with or without a treehouse. But I need to meet him first and ask him. So much changed and he probably did too while he was asleep. I think it't the highest time to go, so that we arrive before evening."

---

Senecio was just leaning on a wall in his dressing room. He was just coming down from the high of the applause, and looked exhausted.

[VisAnastasis]

" Let's leave cute Xia and the kids to rest up, they have played with us plenty enough, " Alpha exclaimed brightly, offering them a hand each, tall as he was, to climb down the tree more easily. " Well, boring as running will be, what comes after running at least seems like it will be interesting, no matter if it ends up with violence or not, so I'll make sure to bring you as fast as possible, cute sugar cube, " He reassured Svarik, while clapping another pair of his arms. Like in a magic trick, for the sake of theatrics, Janus's bag appeared with the gesture mid air and landed on the ground between them. " Just a quick question - do tell me, where do I stand, literally? Where should I stand when I am to let you out of the bag? On a scale of one to ten, how much is the degree your friends are used to eldrich horror gentlemen such as myself? Since I am in a better mood, I'll naturally forgive you if my arrival is followed by some moderate stabbing by your cute friends back home, but I will be pretty depressed in such case, so I'd rather know what should I do to de-escalate possible inconveniences. "
" Moderate stabbing is inconvenient, but won't anger you?" Conrad asked tactfully.
" Oh, very much not worth being angry over, " Alpha nodded, while opening the bag for them. " It takes way more than a mere moderate effort to be worth complaining over, but it is a very disheartening affair, to be stabbed when you're trying to make civil conversation. Getting hurt over protecting someone is pretty cool and heroic, but getting stabbed just because you are a scary demon is a whole another soup of sadness, you cute little salt pebble... But don't worry, I wouldn't put fault with you over that little," he gave Falcon a thumb up with two of his free hands.

---

Although he looked exhausted, Tide didn't seem discouraged. His mood remained equally bright and soft. He was confident and free, as in the mid-step, he changed his form - from the human one, into a large animal form. It felt like Tide's presence, but it was less polished and conventional, just like today's large archaic humanoid. It wasn't a form the actor had seen yet - it was different, and a clear new little show of trust. It looked a bit like a large fluffy wolf Senecio has already seen, but it was much taller, filling the place up to the high ceiling, enough that critter had to bend down. Clearly, it was more archaic, less refined form, and it reflected Tide's immense softness, but it was clearly more monstrorous and unconventional, with two large heads instead of one. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/31/54/08/315408e171f71196f9a3d8e944b0442a.jpg

Fluffing up with trust, since it seemed he felt quite more secure after Senecio responded well to his archaic scarier form before, without any anxiety or preparations, the creature just leaned gently against the actor, and began nestling and purring, as if wordlessly trying to soothe him without forcing conversation, wrapping its massive extremely soft tail around him, and leaning both of its heads against his chest, putting them next to his palms as if trying to sneakily coax head pats.

[Mirach]

"No, stabbing is not good, let's keep it to no stabbing,"  Svarik said. "And with our vampires being on high alert for any spirits that can be demon hunters, I think the best way to prevent stabbing is if you only carry us to the orchards outside of the city. There we can get out and you can get in the bag, so that we don't raise too much attention until we get to the mansion. There we just tell people that you're with us before you get out."

---

Senecio sighed deeply and sank against Tide's soft body, like a marionette with cut strings.

[VisAnastasis]

" I dislike the thought of leaving you without protection for too long... You do have Erdel's scent all over you, you cute little rascal, and indeed, Demon hunters, if they appear, won't like that... But once you're out of the bag, you should be in range to be in touch with Sil Simbel in thoughts, so nothing too bad should happen. Still, cute sugar, once I go into the bag in the orchards and we exchange places, make sure to tap on the bag if there's danger and you feel like it'll be best for me to go out to offer my assistance, " Alpha reassured them gently, as he let Melody, Conrad and Svarik into the bag, and packed them some juice and snacks too, to last them during the trip. He also handed them Sil Simbel's sword - since Janus seemed to have borrowed Erdel his flaming sword for now, they could return this one back home.
Alpha closed the bag carefully, and he then set off for the trip, indeed, as he promised, this time, deciding not to run leisurely, but giving his best to bring them to the capital, as quickly as possible, thoughtfully and slightly concerned, but also curious how the whole unusual affair will turn out for him, having not visited capital since for hundred years ago, ever since they went to rescue Hans back then.


---


Tide might as well have melted with joy - he was feeling secure, to begin with, but he couldn't help feeling touched by just how calm and trustful Senecio was with his presence and different forms, even if they were at the theatre, which was a place tied to unsafe people and memories. The purring sound he made grew louder and with a higher, more excited pitch, and he curled closer all around the actor, nestling with him and supporting him so he wouldn't fall, shielding him with his giant double tail even more.

[Mirach]

As they found themselves alone in the temple inside the bag, they found some comfortable chairs to sit on. "So, we have about four hours, right? And a lot to do at home..."

---

Senecio relaxed more, letting the tension slowly dissipate from him as he snuggled with Tide's giant furry form.  

[VisAnastasis]

" Yes... " Falcon agreed with a little heavier tone, despite feeling better after the talk yesterday, a little tense now that it came to returning, and solving everything there.
" Well, for one thing, I don't think we have to worry about, um... telling anyone about you and me. It's hard not to tell Mole or Baldir, but one is a gossip boy and the other one can't lie well, so it's probably wisest to not do it, and it feels a little.. quite hard, not to tell Simbel... But I already told Erdel, so it's a bit easier when at least one of them knows. So, with one less thing off the agenda, won't it be easier? " he smiled a little. " I could check on the situation when we return, and do some minor tasks if you want to talk with Lipka first... Do you want me and Melody to check on Riversong first, while you talk with her? Or should we talk with Simbel first? Simbel will probably feel our aproach, as soon as we exit the bag... "

---

Tide seemed blissfully and perfectly content, purring even louder, with a simple, unrestrained calm pleasure of the moment. It was a pure and innocent joy, unclouded by the heavy context of the day, and untained by dark memories.
They remained close together like that, until the knock was heard, and Hans and Erdel, who finished everything, appeared on the door. Janus also stood behind them, but it seemed he didn't want to impose himself, just wanted to check if Senecio was all alright. Erdel probably wouldn't have imposed himself either, but he wanted to take away actor's bruises, as he promised, so he decided to follow, too.
Hans, who felt freest since the family talk yesterday, laughed at the sight brightly, and invited himself in.
" It's been a while since I saw this one, just like the one in the morning... " he said with sentimentality, and he stepped closer to them. He laughed louder, when one of the heads turned to him, and licked his cheek.
" My good boys... " he commented bemusedly, and stepped closer. With relief of having gone through the day well, and with pride he felt with how well Senecio handled everything, he could not help but allow himself more. Unlike Tide who was spontaneous, all his gestures were deliberate, but there was equal sincerity, as he put one palm on creature's, and other on actor's head, and gently and delicately ruffled one's furr, and the other one's hair. " I am so proud of you, you cute bastards... "

[Mirach]

"Oh..." Svarik looked a bit taken aback and sad suddenly. "I didn't realize we would have to hide. In public, yes, but not in front of friends..."

---

"I'm just glad it over," Senecio said tiredly. "It will be much easier to play the role now that I got over it once already."

[VisAnastasis]

" Why do you think I was so torn up and weighed down about it? Considering anew and anew, if and whom should be safe to tell, and wondering whether or not I will be able to pretend nothing is going on between us," Falcon smiled faintly, with no joy." With Erdel... It is still not fully certain as he does have capacity to stand up for what he believes in, like he stands up and berates even Death. But he only does so if he feels it would prevent something bad from happening, so since this is temporary measure and Erdel does not have someone close enough to him that he would feel he must tell them, I judged telling Erdel would be safe. Riversong also doesn't have the same, reason or person of enough confidence, so it should be fine to tell Riversong, too... But can you imagine telling the rest? If we tell Mole, can you imagine him not dying from happiness for us, and wanting to tell everyone? Even if he just tells the grand Seven, and they pass it further, bit by bit, it won't be long before everyone knows..." He sank into chair more heavily, as he added faintly." And Simbel... Heh... I can very well imagine that rascal hiding inner turmoil or handling misfortune stoically, but can you imagine him not bursting with joy whenever we are together? Having body is all new to him. He is not great with hiding his happy expressions yet..."

---

" Just remember, nothing matters if you brake," as was familiar pattern for him, Hans who always run from his deep problems made sure to genly provide him enough space to bail, should he feel the need to." Even if you change your mind mid official performance... Just let me know, and in next scene, I will take over for you. After all, Death is Being and Beings have many forms, so it won't be a big stretch. There's no reason to push through unless you want to," he brushed his hair more gently, carried by the gentleness of the moment as he was caressing one of Tide's heads too. " So just choose whatever you feel like wanting in the moment, deal? Whether to bail for peace of mind, or push through for the applause's sake, it is good as long as it's your honest choice, so when it comes to it, just choose what feels best. I will handle the aftermath."

[Mirach]

"I see now why you didn't want to return..." Svarik said sadly. "I can pretend. I had to learn in order to survive, so I will pretend, but I will be counting minutes until we don't have to."

---

Senecio nodded. "Okay. But I already want to play it again. Not now, but I'm looking forward to next time, and I think with every time it will be easier."

[VisAnastasis]

"There's no reason to feel regretful... I realized all this the very moment you asked me out. That's why I tried to first inquire about your intentions with me, before responding to your confession. But you were so insistent, saying that I should answer by my feelings, not by our situation... and I decided to yield, in the end. After all,  how could I not say yes? Even if the terms and conditions you could offer me were harsher, I could not bring myself to refuse the man who holds my heart in his hands as gently as you do, and a man whose slightest smile makes the whole world feel less important in comparison,  " this time, Conrad smiled a little more warmly, softly, with sincerity, trying to reassure him. "The only thing I could not compromise is if you were to dump me by default if Lipka said no.... and you promised you wouldn't. Today is the day, when it is your turn, to stay true to that set contract between us. Uphold it faithfully, and stay with me no matter how the conversation turns, and it will be enough for me, for now, " he added more timidly as if trying to warm up to the idea that this is indeed just a temporary state, and trust in Svarik's vision of future where he is a free man, distant and hard as it was to imagine." I will do my best, to hide my feelings in public enough, not to hinder us, for now... to get occupied with work, so my thoughts aren't so easy to read on my face... I will hide it, and I will be counting the minutes until we don't have to."

---

" If so, I am glad... It would be quite sad, if we had to give up on something as fun as theatre work, just because of that one slimy dead bastard, but like I said, do not push yourself too hard. Even if we were to give up on this theatre, or all theatres, I'm sure we'd figure something else similar that we would have fun with, so nothing is more important than keeping the head straight on your shoulders. After all, Tide and I had equal fun before the concept of writer text existed, so even if I had a lot of fun as a writer, the idea that we couldn't have fun without that one single aspect of life would be preposterous. There will always be creative things to indulge in, as long as there are people, so there's nothing to worry about, we will never run out of things to play with, " Hans replied pragmatically, caressing the two of them gently still. His heart was light, and bubbling with anticipation - after heavy work, indeed, it seemed like it was his habit to treat himself and his loved ones. " But that's all talk for the future... For now, you guys did so, so very well, and were splendid today. You deserve very nice rewards. Senecio, you cute rascal, now that we've talked about how rich I am yesterday, you won't deny me the pleasure of rewarding you appropriately, right? Tell me, what would you like, as a reward for doing so well today, and for making me so proud? " he tempted him gently. " Would you like us to go and eat some expensive delicious cake? Or cake and something more? Or something completely else? Not in future, but what are you looking forward to at this moment? "

[Mirach]

"I will talk to Lipka right away," Svarik nodded. "I'm glad that I can share it with her, at least. So you will meet with Riversong, while I do that?"

---

"How about a full lunch, instead of just cake? I didn't eat much since the morning, and I'm getting quite hungry now that I'm not nervous about the rehearsal anymore," Senecio said. "I don't know yet what I'd like to do after that, so if you have some suggestions, I'm open to them, as long as it's not tiring. Actually, a nap after the lunch sounds good. Then you can have suggestions."

[VisAnastasis]

" Hm, I am thinking... I already took away your chance to be there when he wakes, I don't want to take away more of your first conversations... I will trust you, with what you want to do in the situation, : Falcon said slowly in the end. " Would you like me "not" to talk anything with Riversong or Simbel, or just to generally prepare them that nothing bad is going on, but that I can't tell them any detail until you arrive? Just to make sure they get ready to talk with you once you are done? Or would you rather have me do something else? I can always check on our king building work on person, and see to some tasksd and documents around it, so that I can buy you time to just focus on talks with Lipka, Riversong and Simbel, without having to worry about any kingly things... "

---

" Yes, let's eat a nice lunch first. Would you like us to go to that fancy Being restaurant so you can pick your favourites? Or would you like to go somewhere new? Is there some other food in the city or nearby you crave? " Spirit inquired. " Hmm, I guess a lot of work did pile up a bit, since I was ill for a few days, so I can always work a bit while you guys nap and rest a little. When you wake up, we can do whatever you like, though, it would be nice if we could see what we're going to do with that little play for Alpha... you know, the silly one with a budget of a ham sandwich. It would be nice if we could do it before the Ball... " he coughed shyly, not wanting to say it out loud because Tide didn't know of his plan to confess to Alpha during that play, and he didn't want to say it out loud because Tide wasn't good at hiding happiness and it would be too obvious. The others, Erdel and Janus, knew of Hans's plans to confess, but only Janus knew Alpha is currently absent, and he bit his lip, not sure if he should say it, because Hans had quite a cheerful expression.
" Hhmm... Ahem... I am not sure if there's too much rush needed about that play for Alpha... " he commented indeed, very cautiously, in the end. " Little Svarik, Falcon and Melody needed someone to carry the bag for them since they wanted to visit Riversong for a bit in the capital, and they could do it quickly, with my bag, so... So in the end, they asked Alpha. He should be carrying them about now, so I am not sure if they'd return but tonight, so even if you wanted to, I doubt you could make that little gathering today... "
" Wait... Alpha left for the capital? " Hans could not hide a tense, taken aback expression, appearing rather shocked, freezing up a little, as if he was shaken by the unusual braking of the safe familiar pattern. " There's... there's no way he would just leave, without telling me, especially to the capital. He... would always stick around as long as he feels is justified, there's no way he would leave before the Ball ends... "
" Uhm... I do not know... I do not know his reasons, " Janus commented carefully. " It can easily just be so, that he thought he would just be absent for one day until he brings them back, so that it would not make a difference... "

[Mirach]

"That would be appreciated," Svarik said, and reached for Conrad's hand. "I'd like to use the time while we still can do this," he smiled shyly.

----

"Did they say how long is 'a bit'?" Senecio asked. "If they asked Alpha, it seems they really care for speed, so either something important is going on there, or they want to return quickly. When is the ball supposed to be? I got the expression yesteday that they wouldn't want to miss it, so maybe there will still be enough time before the ball for the little play."

[VisAnastasis]

Conrad could not help but smile a bit more softly and calmly with the gesture, clearly soothed.
" For the first time in my life... I am not confident. I have no idea how I will manage, to hide feelings this strong, from showing on my face whenever I look at you, " he admitted timidly, pressing Svarik's hand back shyly. " I guess the only choice I have is to bury myself in enough kingly work when we get back so that I don't have enough time to dwell on it too much, heh? " he grinned a little bit. " Since we have some free time now, what do you say about exploring a little bit? The temple is main building here, but there is sunlight behind the window, and there seems to be a bit of a garden surrounding the circular area around the temple... it's unconventional, but what would you say about a little picnic in a pocket dimension garden? It seems to only hold grass, but it is quite vast and looks tidy and comofrtable. " his grin deepened a little bit, " Since conditions are good and catching cold would be hard, for this very specific occasion, I would let you guys both walk barefoot without complaining at all, how does that sound? I wanted to check out the garden here, anyway, to see how suitable it is. "

---

" I apologise, the reason they left so quickly lies with me. Since little Erdel brought to my attention the rather sorry state of defence against Demon Hunters they have in the capital, there were some deals I urged them to make with me, for the safety of Sil Simbel and their vampires. Eros also told me that it is on me to decide... what kind of future he and I may have, in whether or not I will offer them my bag to borrow or not... I thought through it a lot, and in the end, I decided I would not be true to myself, if I were not to offer my bag to them. So their leaving is due to effect of having bag to travel with quicker, and my own urging. I felt like it is better to be vigilant than to be too late and be sorry in this matter.. "
" Did they say how long they would be absent? " Hans asked sadly.
" I do not know, "the creature shook its head. " Not exactly. It depends... how long solving things take. In technicality, if it doesn't take too long, they could technically get back in later hours tonight, but it is possible they may choose to spend the night there - or to  have Alpha travel through night carrying them, or to set back in the moring. So either case, it shouldn't[take too long, and they should be back for the ball, if nothing bad happens... "

( OOC: It's been a while so I don't remember exact dates. I do remember the new play performance was supposed to be in earlier hours, and for the ball to be later on same day, after play, but I don't know how many days we were supposed to have left in between the two. Should we say that for tomorrow still, they have play rehearsals, and that next play and Ball is day after tomorrow? Or did we have more days in between? )

[Mirach]

"I've told you already that I'm not going to catch a cold from walking barefoot any more likely that you from not wearing gloves," Svarik protested jokingly, but right away removed his boots. "A picnic sounds great..."

---

"In that case, it seems most likely that they'll be back by tomorrow evening," Senecio said. "That means we still can have the little performance before tha ball, so let's just assume that Alpha will be here for it and prepare it for tomorrow."

(OOC: I don't know either, so let's say it's planned for the day after tomorrow, but can be moved if needed.)

[VisAnastasis]

" Just so you know, statistically, you will have to get sick sometimes, and when you do, it will be my turn to tease you about it endlessly, " Falcon said just as jokingly, as he clearly had a sentimental and content expression instead of reprimanding one, as he watched how content both Svarik and Melody were to walk barefoot, and he enjoyed the sight of them being so free and calm. " We will have a lot of work to do, so let's have the loveliest picnic in the meantime, until then... " he said, and together, they searched the corridors until they found the door that led to the temple exit. They opened the heavy, not often used door, and stepped outside. The weather felt equally like a soft early summer, with no disturbance or wind, and in the distance, they could see the mist covering the edges of the pocket dimension from all sides.

But before the misty border of the little realm, there was a large and flat field surrounding the temple, with soft and bright green grass. It did not seem like a common sort, but some kind coming from deeper layers, for it was clearly uncut, but it did not grow above the knee level, or was cluttered or overgrown. It was a simple, thick soft layer of grass, without any roses or huge or showy large flowers. But, when they got closer, they could see countless little tiny wildflowers, both familiar and unfamiliar, growing among the grass blades. There was no buzzing of insects or harsh weather, and they could feel some sort of irrigation system running underground - it seemed that was one of the reasons why plants grew with such splendor here, lacking no food, water or sun, in perfect conditions. They were all plants that never knew any human or any cruelty, or even had insects eat or damage them - it seemed like Janus made himself a little world here, where things like food chains did not exist, only a peaceful and quiet, simple world, as he clearly only picked to grow small and little things that would live well together. The plants accepted their touch and arrival peacefully and trustfully, having never known bad things. Ground below also felt soft and light to step upon. It was not quite the music of the land as Svarik knew it, but it had its own song, and felt more like a memory of Land's song of the ancient times long ago, when the world was much young. It was ground without any hard or heavy pebble, and without any heaviness to it - only pure, soft soil, perfect for growing things. Despite its Song being different from the current song of the land, it still Sang its soothing tranquil song to them, its first visitors in a long while, inviting them in.

---

" Yes... Yes, let's be positive about it. There's no way he would be absent all the way to the Ball, without telling me in advance, " Hans calmed down a little bit. " Alright then... Then, I guess, we should go eat, and not dwell on it too much, " he, who clearly dwelt on it a lot, cleared his throat. " We should not let it distract us from the fun. Erdel, would you like to come eat with us? And you, Janus, perhaps? "
" I? No, I am alright, I just came to get what Senecio promised me, "the young demon smiled a little, meaning on bruises.
" And I can not eat, so my presence would just be awkward in eating situations, especially in front of humans, " Janus tied in shyly, explaining with the same out-of-touch, pure honest expression. " I just wanted to make sure Senecio is well, because last time the play ended, everything suddenly ended up terrible, without any sign. So, I could not be calm without seeing him. You do look like a washed-out doll, little Senecio, but you definitely do not look like you are dying any time soon, so I am glad. I will be satisfied, as long as I know you will eat properly... If I may have freedom to say, it is no good at all, that you skipped breakfast, " he scolded him with clear worry and a sad disappointed light in his eyes. " Three meals a day at the very least are important. If children can eat, no matter how consumed with fear or worry for their future they might be, you can do it, too. Eating properly is important for staying healthy. "

[Mirach]

Svarik laid down in the grass and listened to the song, unfamiliar but charming in its own way. When Conrad sat down, he shifted and laid his head into Conrad's lap.

---

"That might be true in general," Senecio said, "but if you are too nervous about something, then eating before that might just make you sick, so it's better to skip the meal. Don't worry, I'll make up for it." He also nodded to Erdel and extended his hand to him.

[VisAnastasis]

As Svarik lay down on one, Melody also sneakily laid down and leaned against the other side of Conrad lap. With the sight, Falcon couldn't help but laugh more loudly, feeling freer to do it, here where no one could hear them, when the three of them were the only humans in this whole tiny world.
" You are damn lousy explorers, you scoundrels, claiming familiar lands when there's so much unexplored one all around, " he murmured, and hesitantly, he shyly began to caress their hair, tense with the upcoming day, relaxing slowly, too, in the peaceful place. " I thought it would be fun to check out all the little flowers, and go to the edges of the mist, and see how we like it here... But this isn't half bad, either, " he said, as he caressed them. " Still, there is something to think about. If we are going to use the bag often, it would be quite inconvenient if we always had to stay careful and polite in the main temple, or if we had to impose on Janus to move his things to give us a place to sleep during the night. Since Janus isn't using gardens for anything concrete, if we like it here, I thought it might be nice to build a little something, where we can come while we are travelling. I was thinking, about that birthday present I planned for you, of rebuilding your childhood home in some secluded place close to the capital, so we can go there when we want a breather... But if plans are changing with our mobility, and when we have free time, we would more often than not travel around, so we can see more of the land... when will we ever get a chance to visit the little house? Wouldn't we be building it for nothing, especially if you'd often spend time in a treehouse that is more close by if Riversong grows the tree? Since we'd be here for a lot of the time, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to just build it here, where no time can touch it, and we could always use it as our little base. "
" Oh... It would certainly be nice to have a corner to ourselves, instead of imposing on the main temple all the time, and Svarik's house is very small, so it wouldn't take much space, " Melody chipped in thoughtfully. " But don't you think it might be too... impolite? We barely got in once, and we'd be asking to claim part of it as our own?"
" I would not claim it as our own, in technicality. But wouldn't it be better, either way, if we show Janus we are taking part he isn't using to be more comfortable, instead of trying to steal the whole bag as he fears, or claim more and more of his space as time passes? If we wanted to steal everything, we wouldn't bother with a little corner of it. Besides, I wouldn't call it ours, like in ownership right - I think it would be perfectly fine, to arrange with Janus to act as a landlord, and for us to pay him by month, in either materials or money... It is a pity, that someone with his talents only has time to focus on survival instead of the research he loves. We should swindle him into having his own "scholarship" as much as Emmet does, so he can have materials and time to do his own research and have money to spoil the kids plenty. If we use a house lease as an excuse to give him materials and human money, we'd be solving two problems at once. "

---

Erdel stepped closer, looking up and down briefly, to make sure he caught everything, but since Tide and Senecio didn't sleep in the meantime, the actor was in pretty good health right now, except for new bruises.
" You know, even though it came in parts and I could not clap in the end, being your fellow actor, it was quite something, for the first play I've seen... I can see why people praise you. You are very expressive, " he commented, grinning a little. " You know, nothing I have is original... Whether it's my love for books, or thirst for justice, or respect for kindness, it's all something I picked up from other people... Thank you, for showing me something worth stealing... I like your expressiveness. Taking everything is a stretch, but starting small... that confident, flowy hand gesture you make, when Death takes away small injuries? It will take me a bit of practice, but I shall take it for myself, " he grinned playfully, and he touched the actor's neck slightly, and then he made a soft, swirly movement inwards as if taking away something, and with it, bruises faded. It was a gesture worth stealing indeed, and even though it was the first time, it was copied quite well, although it would take more trial and error to come more naturally.

[Mirach]

"That's an interesting idea," Svarik said thoughtfully. "We will have to find out how Janus feels about it, of course. I don't really like taking his bag for granted and using it that much, becue it takes his insurance from him. He's going to be tense all the time that he doesn't have it with him. Eventually, I would strive for deal for our own bag, just big enough for the one little house. But for that, we need to make sure that he gets better first, and can eat properly and make thing without exhauting him. Until then, we could ask him if we can build the house here and pay him rent. I agree it might feel better to him than us moving around the whole temple. And, by the way, we are exploring, right, Melody?" he smiled. "We're exploring by listening."

---

"Excellent!" Senecio grinned. "I see you took my advice about being more expressive with your hands. You know, I think that we are actually starting to build your myth here. I'm honored to be an inspiration."

[VisAnastasis]

" Yes, we are exploring very diligently, "  Melody replied softly, snuggling closer to Falcon, making the man laugh again, and timidly wrapping his arms around them from the side.
" I can't argue against that, especially since my goal is for you not to waste too much energy so you become a little bigger, healthier bag of bones in the future. " he teased, looking around thoughtfully. " It's not like I don't agree in general, that it is good for us to make sure he understands that tiny house-sized pocket dimension is our goal for the future where he is better... But think about it. Even Hans does not have bag that can be lived in. Only Janus... that must mean that creating a bag with living conditions inside is much harder than just creating a bag that just holds inanimate things... We can't put that much pressure on him, to make it seem that we expect something so big from him, especially since he is so worried things he gives us might be used for evil purposes, or that we might get greedy if he does not give in right away. So, it's fine to give him some time to see we are upholding all our deals honourably and not walking around his house as if it's our own. It's no use pushing him into making things for us if he can't do it with peace of mind. "
" I think we can help a lot of his trust issues by showing him our sincere efforts in helping him that go beyond gain we can get from him. His world now is the only world of survival... Empty and simple, just like his realm, " Melody replied in thought, watching the well cared for, but simple field. " There are no guest rooms, or rooms to share meals, or rest, or read, or sit... Just rooms for keeping old emmoeries or rooms to work. There is only one room for meeting Deal makers, only some honey jars to feed them to regain strenght, only a few blankets to comfort them, until they are to leave... Everything in his arrangements is fleeting and temporary, with no faith of anyone wanting to stay for anything but for business. It is a beautiful, but lonely world... "
" Yes. I dislike it, " Falcon shook his head. " It does not suit him... Later, when he is healthier and we get the chance to ask, sure, getting our bag would be nice... But why would it mean we have to give up space here? We are aiming for eternity, after all... should we not give him expectations that we would like to keep a guest house at his place, so we can visit him and spend time with him while respecting the sanctity of his temple? Besides, I dislike his fearful dependence on the bag," he admitted. " Naturally, if he were alone for most of the time, scavenging for food, I would concede, that he needs a bag to hide in case of danger... but ideally, since he hates scavenging, don't we won't to make conditions to discourage him from scavenging altogether? He won't have to do it, if we find way to help him. And the world is dangerous, but he lives right next to Tide now, so if danger was to come, it would have to be danger dire enough that even Tide would die - and do you think it would ever come to it, to Tide dying right next to the sea, with so many Beings around the corner? I can only imagine it if the Spirit realm actually started a direct war campaign with Sea Kingdom, but in such case, with how much he cares for Tide and Hans, do you believe Janus would be capable of just hiding in his bag, while Tide and Hans are struggling? I think giving him a chance to feel he is just as safe without his bag as with it would only be good. We should build all our defences solid, so that not only is he safe enough without the bag at sea, but that he will be objectively safe, even when he comes to the capital to visit us... Ideally, it would be nice if our defences are high enough, that we can both have Janus, Tide and Hans and Alpha, and Cernunnos and his son, too, visit us often, without fear the whole disaster with Demon Hunters, where Death and Tide had to flee, will ever happen again... " he clenched his hand in a fist lightly - it seemed it did really hurt his pride and made him miserable, even though he didn't speak of his worries, that he was powerless to protect his quests that day, and he must have been thinking hard in meantime too, on finding ways to remedy that.

---

Erdel could not help but be amused and warmed up with the way Senecio put it, as it aligned with his love for myths and fairy tales. It seemed he really did watch the play intently, and that the way the actor moved really left a deep impression on him, because he bowed slightly and put his hand to his heart, in similar flowy way Senecio's Death would, when he would thank and say he is obliged to someone.
" I look forward to your cooperation. It would be such a loss for me, not to steal all I can from the man so rich in expressions, " He grinned, with his own flavour to the gesture, that wasn't as delicate, as it was mischievous and playful. " You might be the best actor, but I am the best thief in the Kingdom. I only take the best from what I see, so keep showing me the best you have, and I will take it all. "

[Mirach]

"That's true," Svarik nodded. "One option to help him being less anxious is letting him keep the bag all the time, while the second option is to make him feel safe enough so that he wouldn't need to rely on the bag. That's the end goal, but it's the same goal as Simbel not needing the extradimensional hiding place that Janus deems crucial to build for him. It's the goal of bringing peace between Spirits and Demons. I'm not really sure what a realistic timeline for a goal like that would be."

---

Senecio grinned. "You should save some praise because you've only seen me play one character so far. You know Death's gestures, but each of my characters has his own mannerism. It will be really fun to play Alpha, since he has six hands and no visible face. As to the stealing, you don't need to only rely on that. If you tell me the occasion and mood you want to convey, I can make gestures especially for you."