Senecio adn Tide II

[VisAnastasis]

" I don't think we should consider end of Spirit and Demon wars one part problem... It rather seems like a problem in at least two parts. For one part, Spirit Kingdom must officially change their policies of considering Demons filthy and deceptive enemies to be killed on sight, and form peace treaty with Tide's kingdom, the largest Being kingdom there is outside of Spirit realm. I don't think that would be impossible, especially now, that they have Death as bargaining chip for that peace. We will all die only if Spirit Kingdom restarts official war efforts... but if two kingdoms form official truce, we wouldn't fear facing whole armies, only lose demon hunters that refuse the order for peace - and right now we can't, but I believe we should be able to build sturdy enough plans and power, so we could handle smaller forced alright. And Tide and Hans can't hide Death's whereabouts forever, so I don't think that part is too far off. The main problem are Demons locked away at Fifth layer, that is inhospitable and barren... The once whose invasion we were to face if we failed at long Night. We must seek ways to help them, for start, with making seal a little looser from our side, so Simbel's warmth can go through, and then go through longer term planning along the way of how to make that layer less barren and horrible to live for them, without wrecking chaos. I think making arrangements to reborn them as themselves and help them recover would be in order, because making them reborn as Spirits as they die, safer as it is, won't help us gain actual trust of those that remain alive. It is too huge thing for just us to solve... but we aren't alone. We can certainly pull our weight. But f occasion where seal is compromised and some corrupted Demons break through, despite our best wishes, they would certainly be our enemies, and they would certainly try to kill Simbel, whose presence hurts them, first... For that we would certainly need precaution of way to take Simbel away and evacuate him, so he isn't the first person killed, and so he doesn't sacrifice himself to save us, the cute bastard," man caressed Svarik's hair gently, fixing forget me not hairclip Alpha made." That feels further and harder future... But for future of general truce between Tide and Spirit realm, do you not think it is future much less uncertain? True, it is very big disadvantage, that, cute as Tide is, he has a scary soul made up of thousands patched up souls, which won't inspire trust, sure... But kingdom he built is sturdy, gentle and righteous, of both Spirits, Demons and humans. I think it would be hard to refute his peacefulness, after he risked his life to protect the very king who hunted his kin. I think future where Janus is safe without bag isn't too far - Tide's side is already strong enough to protect him from small force, and hopefully, we will soon get strong enough to be able to protect him without bag here at capital. So Demons in Fifth layer will be most unpredictable threat from then on. So, I think it is enough, that we grow our strengths to level we can handle small forced, because if either whole Spirit Realm army attacks, or all Demons in Fifth layer break seal and attack, then already chances not just for us, but whole layer of the world are slim, and Janus won't be safe anywhere in the world, anyway... but just this side is manageable, with Tide and Spirit realm, I think. Even if they wanted to, they can not find blemish in Tide as a king - in him who took in both stray Demons and Spirits and protected them. There is just no dirt they could try to put in him that would stick. He is too clean, and Hans is too slippery to allow such a thing. "

---

Erdel was pleasantly surprised that actor took initiative to offer such help to him.
" I have seen you play *you*, too, you know, for long enough to make my assessment of your expressiveness hold weight. As for your offer... I will take you up on it ... Only if you really do want to. If you ask for the mood, for start... Something that inspires some ease in people talking with me would be helpful. Both watching Death and Svarik, to whom gracefulness comes naturally, and Sir Falcon, whose burning confidence draws people in, I find myself lacking. As a soldier it was virtue for me to stand straight, tall, proud and still, obedient and disciplined... But now that I am a demon and not a soldier anymore, it just makes me seem more intimidating and stiff. So something that would give me more reliable and less intimidating impression would be helpful... Other than that, I am  quite curious what gestures you think would fit me, so I will leave that up to the expert," he grinned a little, but he seemed a touch nervous, as he inquired." Still, just think of it when you have free time... You should probably focus on Alpha's play the most for now, as playing him sounds like it would be challenging. Since... It is supposed to be a little gathering of couple people of your all's choosing instead of just an event for the four of you, may... I assume I will be invited? Whether  yes or not, I must know, so... So that I can plan my scavenging hours accordingly..." He asked carefully, trying his best not to show any emotion, looking more stiff - it seemed the occasion where him and Senecio made gift to Tide with seashells, glitter and sweets, where actor initially did not want him to be there to see Tide's reaction back then, was still a fresh hurt in his heart, and he didn't want to assume he might be welcome and raise his hopes and expectations, only to end up unwanted guest after all.

[Mirach]

Svarik sighed. "Yes, ot seems like we have a good chance if we work together with Death and figure out something about the Fifth layer. I wonder if music could be used there, like it can be used here... if there is a land that can be taught a kinder song..."

---

"Of course, it's going to be just a small performance for friends, so you're welcome" Senecio said, sensing an old hurt from Erdel, but he was unsure about its source, and too tired to try to figure it out.

[VisAnastasis]

" I have no doubt, that it can, " Falcon soothed him. He himself would have probably been more gloomy in normal circumstances, but it seemed that here, in the soft grass, with two of them leaning against him, able to caress their hair, he just could not help but be optimistic and at peace. " I understand your anxiety... It is, truly, hard to know we are sitting here in abundance, while they struggle... and if they were just pitiful powerless peaceful souls, I myself would advocate for us finding a way to break that seal and release them. But they are wrathful, angry flood of miasma, that is distorted by endless years of hatred... If I were in their situation, no matter how wrong in the war or not I was, I would also be pretty pissed off, being locked away in a terrible place while my enemies are happy and cosy in abundance. We naturally could not let them open the gate and destroy our home - but we have eternity, so why wouldn't we work to resolve it? It will be very messy, and certainly, Death's way of waiting for them to die and reborning them as Spirits without memories is the only way no vengeance or messy complicated things can come out of it... but your desire to create the more peaceful and less vengeful world, half successful as it was... it still has made a better world than world of vengeance would be. World that Death was pursuing, of safest possible future path... is world where all Demons in Fifth layer slowly die out and are reborn as Spirits. It is objectively safest, but empty world... Just like the world I would have made, if I killed all councillors, all Bull priests, all vampires, whole assassins guild... A world where I never gave Sil Simbel a chance, or let you take care of Riversong, is also a world where you wouldn't be alive. An empty world, " Falcon whispered quietly, caressing Svarik's hair gently.  " Maybe it will be messy, and maybe we won't save everyone... but why not aim for saving everyone, and if we fall a little bit short, may it be so? Let us aim for world peace, and if peace we build is litlest bit imperfect and messy, it will be fine, too. I believe doing what we can to make Fifth layer more bearable place to live from our side is a good starting point, regarding fifth layer... and regarding Tide's and Hans's kingdom... would you like us to speak with Simbel, about how we are going to decide to put ourselves regarding that matter, and then speak with Hans about it? Currently Hans is gathering a lot of intel from his spies, and he knows he must make a choice sooner or later, but he is weighing out his options, in no small part considering our position. He hasn't informed me of any conclusions to his ongoing inquiries, though. Would you like us to speak of the future with him, when we get back? Naturally, in my opinion, we would first have to talk with Simbel about it, as our stance will have to be tied to Simbel's, and Erdel's, since they are both Beings under our care and matter of war touches them most. "

---

With that, a bright, softest grin lit up the demon's face, as it seemed that, although the actor didn't realize his previous actions were the reason for his anxiety, a fact he was so calm about inviting him was confirmation enough that he wasn't imposing on them while being secretly unwelcome.
" I... I'll make sure to do a lot of scavenging in the meantime so that I'm free in time for Alpha's play. Just make sure to leave me the time, and I'll be there. Oh, and don't forget to tell me the time of the next rehearsal, too, so that I  come on time. I'll be going all around the shore, but it is all in my range, so if you need me to come outside of the schedule, just say my name, " he chipped in, and with a lighter step, as if indeed rushing to do a huge amount of work beforehand so he can be free, even if there was a lot of time before it, he almost skipped through the layers with a hop, with a little gust of wind. It seemed like he was planning quite an intense scavenging hunt, and eager to do well, grotesque as the task may be, and Tide and Hans could not help but laugh, though Janus seemed a bit embarrassed that Erdel was so enthusiastic about doing this for him.

[Mirach]

"What position?" Svarik asked, as he was distracted by thinking about how to tell Simbel about Janus.

---

Senecio smirked with Erdel's exit form the scene. "It needssome work, but we can make him properly dramatic..." he murmured. "Okay, lunch. I don't really care where."

[VisAnastasis]

" I mean our position in two Kingdom's peace treaties and negotiations, " Conrad replied. " We haven't talked about it yet, well, I haven't talked with Simbel about it either, because everything is up in the air still, but whenever the time for it comes, we will have to make a choice, won't we? About our stance to Tide's kingdom, and which is the safest or best choice. We do have vampires, Erdel, Simbel, Sun Spirits that are loitering around idly and basically residents in everything but affiliation, and we were sort of considered for raising Solstice until adulthood, and it still was the latest state of Death's will, for us to raise him... But a lot of those things are up in the air, when he suddenly abdicated and was attacked, " Falcon paused thoughtfully. " Honestly, we are in a pretty sensitive state, so we must pick our official position carefully. Will we just stick our head in the mud and be as quiet as possible and try not to draw attention to ourselves until negotiations are done? Or will we join Tide's kingdom, as a whole, in official stance before Spirit world, so they are more hesitant to attack us both united? Or will we just have Erdel stay and join Tide's kingdom, so he is safe? Or just have Simbel join, so he claims he is joining and supporting's Death's new choices  and defending vampires and Erdel out of loyalty to him, so Demon Hunters would be less pissed off on Simbel personally, believing he is led astray by Demons, and turn his anger to Death more, who is leading White Eagle's legacy astray instead? There's no reason not to use some public deception, when we are already in so deep, having Simbel act as Bull's brother. We just have to pick what we find best, and consistently stick to it... The situation may be unfortunate, but when wasn't our situation unfortunate? The choice is still ours. It doesn't have to stop us from making the most out of the situation, we just have to figure out how, " he smiled most tenderly, saying such vicious words. " I already fooled the whole damn clergy, to see Simbel run around and laugh freely, as a new God... I have no qualms, fooling the whole damn Spirit realm, for your world peace, and for all these troublesome bastards that somehow ended up in our care to stay safe... "  

---

At his words, the two-headed wolf slowly shifted to the side and turned back into the human form the actor was most familiar with.
" Would you like to check out some fun food stalls, or would you prefer someplace to sit down? I heard Hans led you to our favourite Being restaurant, we could go there if you'd like, food is always the best. I can jump the three of us to it easily, " he offered.
" Yes, " Hans agreed, " It is a pity we can't get a wolf ride, that was always fun, but a lot of people would freak out too much, " he concluded as well. " Quite a pity you can't carry us in the form from the morning, even more so, it was quite a nostalgic sight. "
" It is too tall. While people may have seen it sometimes here and there, it draws too much attention, so we better not use it in the city during the day, " Tide refused Hans's coaxing, and Spirit shrugged helplessly.
" Just so you know, even in this form, the ultimate mode of transport Tide provided are, naturally, shoulder rides, " he instead shamelessly tempted Senecio. " His shoulders are of perfect size for the best ride... Sage and I would often climb up on one shoulder on each side when we would be in the mood to go out for a walk and watch the stars... "
" You mean, when you'd be in a mood for me to walk, while you sit and watch the stars? " demon laughed, and Hand joined him, with a dramatic hand wave.
" Precisely! " he agreed. " Shoulder rides are the best thing ever! Though, yes, I did miss being carried by the large form from the morning, as lately we are mostly taking walks with your current form. Senecio, when it's night and you're in the mood, you just must try shoulder ride in form Tide showed in the morning. We should definitely go for a ride one of these days, when you feel like it, " Spirit tempted him brightly, as they walked out of the room, toward the exit. " Can you imagine, how comfy sitting there is, among all those soft ruffles, when Tide warms up the surrounding air? The horns form a perfect armrest and you can lean your back against them, too, it's absolutely a must thing to add on your to do list. "

[Mirach]

"Right, this is something we should talk about with Simbel and see what his opinion is. Technically, we are at teh head of the human kingdom, but he is our deity, so in dealing with Beings, it feel more like his domain."

---

"I will remember that," Senecio smiled. "As to the spot for lunch, I would prefer somewhere where we can sit down, and not too crowded or busy. Actually, I think I would prefer eating at home. The cooks there are amazing, better than in most restaurnts, and we can get comfortable while eating. Yeah, I vote for eating at home."

[VisAnastasis]

" Yes, and even more so, because of the... Well, good old will-he-won't-he-betray-us Two-headed Raven, " Conrad could not help but add. " His case is just as messy... He was supposed to be killed, all self and memories erased, had Simbel not pleaded for his life, and the arrangement was that he had to stay with us, so prim and proper White Eagle's legacy could keep him in check... But how will it seem from the outside perspective, if after White Gardener began taking care of Two-headed Raven, who is famous for siding with Demons openly, White Gardener suddenly changed his name and began acting friendly to Demons? It would quite look like it is Two-headed Raven's fault, and I am not saying there was not a streak of influence, but still. That poor bastard's sentence is directly tied to Simbel - he can't leave without his permission, and he has to be by his side so the Spirit realm does not begin hunting him down again. So, we'll have to consider his position carefully, too, to make sure he's safe as well. Bad-mannered and rude as he is, he's mostly just an annoyance than a menace these days, and Simbel cares for him, as well as that poor love-starved kid Raven, so we must make sure he is safe, too. I will make sure he is good father and brother from now on, even if I have to beat him into it.  "
" You don't have to be saying it like you wouldn't care less if he died, you know, " Melody bemused, but Falcon rolled his eyes, pouting.
" It's not a matter of caring... He has more capacity to be dangerous to us, and I am more wary of him because he has a higher chance to break Simbel's heart, sure... but it is a matter of principle, too, " he explained. " His crimes aside, yes, they were abhorrent... but his wish to end the war was genuine, even if he was wrong about the way to do it. He believed he had to do something unforgivable, to stop the greater evil... So, I can not help not have certain pity and regard to that fact. It does not matter, that his field of vision was too narrow, and he saw more of Demon suffering under Spirits, than Humans suffering under corrupted Demons. Him and White Eagle just saw too different worlds... I just think it would be too pitiful, if he died after both him and Simbel understood just how both of their views were too narrow, that's all... I dislike sad endings, where people die just as you're hoping they will turn a new leaf and things will get better. I refuse to let either of the two bastards, either our cute one, or that smug one, end up in preventable suffering, that's all... "

---

" Alright, let's eat home, you'll get my vote, too, since you just got some more Hans points for calling it *home* more casually. " Hans bemused, raising his fist in the air triumphantly. " It is so good to see my brainwashing finally bearing fruit! "

" You poured your heart so much into making him feel more welcome, you silly... why must you call it like that? " Tide could not help but laugh as they walked through the hallway.

" For sinister aesthetics, of course! I have my Trickster God reputation to uphold. I was a trickster since the day I met you. Did you not pick me up in the first place, because I tricked you into liking the poor cute wounded me? " Spirit lied shamelessly, making Tide chuckle all the more. Carried by a bubbly happy feeling, he offered his arm to the Spirit, who grinned back and nimbly leapt up toward him. Tide, with a gentle gesture that made it obvious that, when they were both in a good mood, they would often do this, caught him mid-air, raised him up, and placed the Spirit on his right shoulder, letting him get a free ride so he doesn't have to walk through long corridors on his own.

Tide then turned to the actor, his cheeks flushing red. It seemed he did not want to pressure him, since when they discussed things like piggybacks in capital, the actor felt they were too childish. Shoulder rides were different, but he didn't want to pressure him either way.

" I am not good at tricking people, I think... But I somehow tricked you into liking me, too, so, if... I act cute and needy... would it work if I asked to hold your hand while we walk? " Tide coughed, offering him his free hand shyly. " Ideally, it would be nice to have a romantic walk back home while holding hands in public, since home's not too far, but since you're hungry, it's okay if it's just until we get to the courtyard. I can jump us back to the mansion once we are in the open... "

[Mirach]

"I think that Raven deserves better, but maybe Simbel can press him into making amends. I'm a bit prejudiced against fathers who only have childer to use them for their gain. Maybe Two-headed Raven will have some insights into the situation that can help us, though."

---  

"You mean a romantic walk holding hands with your boyfrend and carrzing your friend on the other shoulder?" Senecio chuckled. "Since he's already there, you can take em on the other shoulder if you want, I guess..."

[VisAnastasis]

" Your bias is valid and completely understandable. We can't choose our parents, and what Two-headed Raven gave him as a parent was mostly trouble. Whether we like it or not, the past carries the present, and just like yours and mine paths crossed because your trashy father gave you the right to inherit the throne, our paths with Raven crossed because the Two-headed Raven gave him White Eagle's immortality. And, please, don't forget that just because Raven we met was relatively decent, he also used to be quite a trashy person in a long period of his life... Me, personally, though it's of course, my own bias, find it unforgivable that he never in his whole long life tried to visit Sil Simbel. Sure, he was guarding his father in the mountains, sure... but if he really, really wanted to, could he, smart as he is, not have figured out a way to do it once in his life? His worldview was insanely narrow, too. He laments his bad luck for eternity, in having a father that brings him so much trouble, while he could have had, maybe not insanely happy, but a much more warm life, of being cared for and loved by his uncle, even if they could not meet often. His field of vision was narrow too, and before he met Kaldir, he was much less decent, too.. so don't let yourself be fooled by the present. All of us, in our own ways, are trashy people, whose narrow worldview makes us into monsters in the right context, " Falcon whispered a little more quietly now, playing with their hair a little more faintly. " So, well, if Raven, who had his own more nasty period in past, and me, who also caused a long death toll over Thief I tried to stop and empire I tried to preserve - if two of us deserve second chances, so does he, who in as trashy horrible way tried to stop the Long war. I am not going to coddle him, but if needed, I will drag that bastard by both necks, so make sure he is making amends to Simbel and Raven as long as he lives, and I will make sure that unfortunate bastard Raven comes visit Simbel regularly, and mopes about his lonely immortal life much less as he receives proper love he was long due, and gives it in return. Two-headed Raven will be needed for our talks about his and Simbel's future, though, yes. The last time we saw him, he drove off two Demon Hunters from Death's and Tide's trail, and led them to the Mountains. If he isn't plotting anything tiring and suspicious anew, I am guessing he should be back by now, so we can have a talk with him and Simbel about the future... "

---

Tide's face and feelings lit up with bright timid flashes of hope.
" Would you... really like to? I don't want to make you uncomfortable... And, Hans, well... " he blushed shyly. " This is just something we do. Being with Hans is as natural as breathing is for humans. I don't see why holding hands wouldn't be romantic just because he's sharing time of our lives with us... "
" Wel, yeah, if you're somehow going to escalate hand-holding into something steamy in an instant, I will graciously excuse myself, sure, but while we're having innocent fun, why not have it? " Hans chuckled, playfully waddling his legs from his comfy seat, looking at the actor teasingly, but fondly. " Am I third wheeling into some cute elaborate seduction ritual you planned, heh? If not, come up now! There's no better carriage, I can attest to it, I used it for thousands of years. By the way, remember that form from the morning, extremely tall, with ruffles and everything? That's actually how Tide used to look, as was his best form, in the old times when the two of us were living in the Spirit Kingdom, right before the War. I would often climb up on his shoulder for free rides when I was idle, and because we were almost always together, and he was a man of so many sharp edges, people used to talk of us as a thorny blue rose duo, when they spoke of us, as roses were new and popular flowers at that time at court. Roses talk always followed us out of mockery, but I'll have you know, it's pretty great, being a rose! They don't know what they missed, crazy bastards! "
Tide rolled his eyes fondly at Spirit's nagging, but his gaze was sentimental.
" It wasn't exactly as rosy past... Truth is, most Beings that would see me would be frozen in fear or avoid me in disgust... I was such a rare sight, a Soul Eater that has eaten thousands of souls, but did;t go insane from too many voices in his head and paraded Kingdom as he pleased, a Monster with barely passing humanoid disguise. I could not make any friends, with everyone scared of me, and me being as timid as I was back then... So when I would have errands to do in crowds, so people wouldn't be alarmed, Hans would impose on me, because he was beloved, and people weren't as scared, when they'd see us together... It's quite a different impression, seeing a frightening thorny bush, or seeing a thorny bush with a magnificent rose. I only had one rose back then, and it was what it was... But I always thought... one rose is okay, but having more than one would be so much more splendid. My shoulders are not frail enough to be unable to handle the weight of two roses... " Demon spoke, with flushed cheeks, bubbles of hope, and affection and warmth, as he timidly adjusted his hand - instead of in gesture offering to hold his hand, in gesture able to pick and raise him up, waiting for his permission with a bit bathed breath, watching into his eyes tentatively, to see if the actor would really want that, or is just going along with his whims.

[Mirach]

"We will have a lot of talks once we get home," Svarik said. "Would if be alright to take a break now?"

---

"Janus made me a custom key, and the pattern on it is thorny rose," Senecio smiled. "So if you want a second rose, I think I can fill that role."

[VisAnastasis]

" " Are you saying you're already sleepy enough for an afternoon nap? You rascals are indeed, terrible explorers... " Falcon smiled softly, leaning a bit closer over them, to shield their eyes from the sunlight of the little world with his back and clothes, a little bit, so they are more comfortable. " Well, paranoid as I would perhaps be on an open field in the middle of nowhere without a sword next to my hand, here, there's literally no one but us, so...it will be alright, " he assured himself slowly. " Take a little nap, my two cute, dearest golden sheep... Rest your tired heads, my sleepy lambs of golden fleece... " he spoke soothingly to them as if trying to trick them into getting sleepier indeed. " I will wake you up when we arrive... "

---

" Oh, yes, Janus tends to overthink quite deeply about what kinds of ornaments fit others, and often likes to pick little special symbols or ornaments for people he cares about. He liked to pay attention to little details to bring more sincerity into his art... You should have seen how pensive and determined his face was when he asked Hans and me if we thought his choice still had consistent symbolism in the human culture so he wouldn't offend or hurt you by mistake, and how he explained to us how he came up with the idea. Untied to our past at all, he explained he saw you as a thorny silver rose, and why he did so... It is quite romantic when coincidences feel like fate. Foamy sea blue and dazzling moonlight silver look so good together, after all... Are you ready to show off your magnificent colours to the world, my loveliest, silverest rose? " with the most tender gesture, that was brimming with little bubbles of delight, as he spoke the worlds, Demon lifted up the actor, and carefully placed him on his other shoulder. Senecio could feel critter's heart was skipping, its breath bathed with unusual joy, that was very simple and pure, similar to bliss. It seemed that demon was flooded with many happy thoughts of his past with Hans, where Spirit shielded him who was frowned upon with his bright presence, and familiar comfort felt even more special when he shared the memory and activity he found special with Senecio, too. Hans was right, indeed - the view was fun, and while a bigger form would be even more comfortable, it was a very soft and comfy seat, even more so now, as flowers were growing all along Tide's neck around his shoulders and shirt. Throughout his body, actor could feel slight soothing vibrations - as it seemed, happy and peaceful as he was, Tide could not help it, and he was purring as he began to walk, doing his best to make his excited steps steady to not sway them.

[Mirach]

"I'm not sleepy," Svarik murmured. "I've just had enough of plans and strategies. We're going to talk to people who are on our side, so we will figure it out together. Would you like to explore more? We could do that, or we can exchange places and you can take a nap if you want. You didn't sleep well today..."

---

It wasn't that easy for Senecio to relax in this position, despite he genuinely wanted to enjoy the ride and Tide' pleasure in it. But he was also an actor and caring for the right impression and what people think of him was second nature to him, as it was literally his livelihood. With that, he couldn't help but feel a little embrassed, but as Hans was with him in it, and it was also pleasant to be carriedd like this and not having to walk when he felt drained of energy that he put into the rehearsal, so eventually he just closed his eyes to not see the people that might be looking and enjoyed the ride.

[VisAnastasis]

Conrad coughed a little bit as if he were caught. He did look somewhat sleep-deprived, not able to rest due to dealing with too many overwhelming thoughts. He grew a little quieter suddenly, as it seemed he was trying to figure out what he really wanted and reply truthfully, instead of trying to go along with them.

" I am a little tired, naturally... But I am too restless. I know everything should be well... But many things that happen in future will depend on today. I would not exactly call it nervousness... You can't afford to be nervous in the face of danger. It is more like I am bracing for impact, in case things suddenly end up dire, like with Demon Hunters. So, it would be hard to sleep... this time. Maybe on the way back, " he promised timidly. As he did so, he slowly reached for Svarik's and Melody's hands and took each in his own. " I spent ten years running around and slaving away each day... this much sitting around and writing documents leaves me with too much energy unspent. So... how does immature silly exploring for today's agenda sound? Honestly, I want to check out how running through the mist feels. Since Janus didn't warn us and since dimensions twist and circle around themselves, running through the mist on one side should basically have us appear on the opposite side of the other side of the temple's garden. Svarik... like when I pulled you by the wrist and we ran through the orchards in the night, when we first went out as Star Boy and Meadow King to leave presents for children... this time, not pulled by the wrist, but for my whim, will you hold my hand and run with me again? Melody, will you run along with me for the first time? " he asked both of them, pressing the hands he held lightly - he was stoic before the dangers of the future, but nervous and fragile, when it came to voicing his desires before the two of them, his smile warm but frail, as he knew he is asking for something silly that does not fit his image. " Let us run and run until tiredness and mist wash away the worries about the future, " he grinned the littlest bit, pensively watching their faces as he waited for their response to such petty, little desire voiced out loud, trying to make less of it with jests. " Won't it be fun? I mean... won't it be fun, to make a bet, to see who falls first, and ends up teased endlessly? I have great stamina, one of you is great at running, and the other is Spirit tied to the wind. There is no telling who will fall first... "

---

Hans seemed idle and relaxed fully, as if he could not care less about any gazes, brushing Tide's hair as he leaned on him. It was a clean nonchalant shamelessness that allowed him to not shy away from shielding Tide as his own in Spirit court, and would not be embarrassed even before the Spirit King in the old days. With both Hans relaxed and caressing him, and Senecio leaning against him with closed eyes, Tide's joy was immeasurable, happy to hold the two of them close and share something so personal with them. His steps were light and each one was sparkling with a river of littlest happy thoughts. Hans didn't seem like he'd be having any problems being seen while carried back home, and since Senecio closed his eyes, Tide seemed to shyly test out and try to see with how much he could get away with for their first walk. He must have wondered how far Senecio will let him get away with, and whether he would ask him to lower him when they go out in the street, along the way, or when they entered the mansion or kitchen. He clearly didn't want to force him, but there was a mischievous playfulness in his lack of asking to double-check, wanting to prolong the happy moment as long as he could, his feelings bright, not unlike the triumphant feelings of a child who managed to take extra candies without being caught by the parents.

[Mirach]

"Or, you know," Svarik said as he was standing up, "we could just do that without a bet and teasing, just for fun. I don't want any of you to fall..."

---

Senecio just kept his eyes closed, so he didn't know where they are and just left Tide to carry him where he pleased.

[VisAnastasis]

" Yes, Spirits are resilient and hard to hurt, but if any of you two fall from exhaustion, who knows what could happen? " Melody grinned lightly at them, too, as she stood up readily. Their replies melted  Conrad's tentative expression, and he finally laughed more loudly - here in the realm no one else he could be self-conscious about could hear him, brightened up, not because they agreed, but because he could feel they wanted to join his silly whim sincerely.
" Come on, " he said most softly, as he stood between them, holding their hands, tempting them innocently, with a bright voice. " Have you ever seen softer, cosier, more reliable grass? Is it not a sin not to fall into such grass, at least once in a long lifetime? " his expression was sentimental. " Instead of teasing for the loser, how about this, then? The one that falls first can ask the two that won for a wish. It will be quite fun, to see if any of you rascals fall to lose on purpose, after all, and if I get to finally hear some harder to fulfill wish, it is only a plus for me... "

---

Tide used the unsaid permission to carry them all the way back home. His happiness seemed unending, and even brighter, whenever someone would glance at them as they passed, as if he was proud to show off the people he loved being so casual and trustful with him. He led them to the mansion and then, into the kitchen, where countless, pleasant warm scents filled the air. It seemed he was mischievous today, and intent on getting away with as much as possible, but he did face a hurdle there in his plans, as they would have to pick food they liked, and with form with only two hands, he could not possibly carry all plates. Hans laughed, at how clear Tide's thought process was even if the demon didn't say anything.
" We can always eat here in the kitchen, or put food we pick to the side table and have it appear in our room, " he chipped in his advice with a tease.

[Mirach]

"Or we team up against you and trip you so that we can hear your wish," Svarik grinned and winked at Melody. Then he started running, pulling Conrad by the hand. "Come then! Let's run through the mist!"

---

"That sounds good," Senecio agreed. "But I would still prefer getting down for a bit so that I can look at the meals and fill my plate."

[VisAnastasis]

As if enchanted by a magic spell, the man let himself be pulled away, holding and pulling Melody in turn. He ran, and, perhaps remembering the only other time they ran together when he was the one who unexpectedly pulled Svarik, he laughed as he ran, until tears gathered in the corner of his eyes. Normally it would be quite hard for two non-fighters like them, to tackle down sword master, but he wasn't really trying to evade them too seriously, as he was too distracted, his thoughts too scattered and sentimental, as he held their hands in his, his guard lowered by his joy. Melody innocently joined in on Svarik's plan, and whenever they would try to trip him, success was hard, but each time they would fail, Conrad would just laugh harder, lowering his guard  even more, especially as cool soothing mist enveloped them, confusing their senses as they found themselves in boundary space where dimension was wrapped around itself... but Conrad's laughing did not stop, every time they would try to stop to trip him, not even in such environment. To both Svarik and Melody it was such an unusual, rare sight, that they could only see here, when they were all alone and there was no dignified image Conrad had to uphold, and it seemed as if the man has laughed more in this one little bet than he normally would for a year.

---

" Sounds good, now that we are here, let's pile up a bit of everything we feel like having, and Tide can obliterate all that we can't on our own, " Hans agreed, and like it's his second nature, he nimbly slid down while holding onto demon's clothes, and hopped onto the floor, running up to fetch them the biggest trays. Tide chuckled, and, since he was worried trying to slide down on his own would be too hard for an actor who was unused to this new activity, he raised arms and picked him up anew, and slowly and gently lowered him to the floor and fixed his slightly crooked collar, not missing a chance to pinch his cheek endearingly, as if to thank him for the treat. He was grinning widely as he did so, clearly finding it very soothing and pleasing, to see him tidied up and well in such a warm and simple setting, so much different from the dramatic scene and corridors of the theatre, enjoying the sight of him surrounded by safe and soothing smells of the kitchen.

[Mirach]

Svarik laughed too, overcome by Conrad's precious joy. His run was more of a dance in the mist and on the grass in the places where they came out of the mist, always some diffrent spot than where they have entered it.

---

Senecio took a bowl of soup and fresh bread, and then filled another plate with other delicacies that were ready, putting a few morsels into his mouth during that as well, both to get a taste and to dull the worst of the hunger.

[VisAnastasis]

They ran and laughed for a long while through the fun bent space of mist and grass, until they all got sweaty and weary. Once they all tired out and spent all the negative energy that pilled up from worrying, Conrad let them tackle him, but not before doing a counterattack - by carefully pulling both of them downwards as he fell, not letting go of their hands. Hence, they all safely fell on the soft cosy misty grass. Satisfied by the results, the man let out a final laugh, before he closed his eyes with a contented sigh, lying there half-exhausted.

---

Hans overfilled a couple of plates with all kinds of different things, both those he, and those Tide liked, so he'd leave him plenty of leftovers. Demon was bemused by it, and as for himself, he didn't pick a meal, as he knew he'd have plenty left from the two, so instead, he packed his owl tray full of sweets and desserts all of them liked, so they could have a proper sweet feast to celebrate Senecio's first steps to recovery.

[Mirach]

Svarik laughed as they fell together into one pile and remained laying next to Conrad's side. "So does each of us get a wish?" he chuckled.

---

Senecio put his plate next to the ones that Hans filled. "So, where can we get most comfortable while we eat?" he asked. "My room is still rather underfurnished and I should do something about it, but not now."

[VisAnastasis]

" I think one wish each would only be fair, " Melody chimed in playfully, staying close to them as they caught their breaths, enjoying the peaceful moment shared with them immensely.
Falcon seemed thoughtful, though he did not open his eyes. Perhaps because of their closeness, and because his head was clearer with the little activity they shared, it seemed he was gathering courage for something.
" Yes... it is only fair. You guys go first... Set the tone, and I will follow it, " he asked them, with a soft, fragile but hopeful expression he allowed himself to show them. " Tell me small humble wishes, and I will also tell you but a small humble wish... Impress me with sincerity and magnitude of your wish, make it properly magnificent... and I shall respond in turn. If you want to hear a proper grand wish, then a grand wish has got to come from you, too. It's only fair... "

---

" Well, it's a huge place, so there's little limit to where we can go, whether it's rooms on our floors or designated guestrooms, " Hans explained playfully. " So it all depends on what you're in the mood for, as a requirement of place being "comfortable" doesn't give me much to work with. "
" Yes, in which way would you like comfort to be? Is it familiarity? If so, we can pick some rooms you've already been to, room with a pool is always nice, or my room with makeup, with lots of threads and colorful fabrics and trinkets, and soft lights and sofa, is always nice too. Hans and I often hold our private little tea parties there when we feel like it, " Tide explained readily. " Or, if you just want it to be comfortable, in a sense that there should be nice place to sit down on, there is really lot of choice... Can you say anything fun or interesting that falls on your mind? We can try to narrow it down. The mansion is immensely large, looking outside as well, but it's also bigger or the inside, really, so it's quite hard decide where to go sometimes. Is there any more detailed requirements you crave? We can see if we have anything interesting from empty guestrooms that are less catered to visiting humans, and more catered to visiting Beings, thus, less human-coded or shaped. "

[Mirach]

"Are there any other rules, like that the wish has to be for yourself?" Svaik asked. "I don't really know what I should wish for... Do you want to go first, Melody? Or do you want to have a secret meeting first, so we can figure something out together?"

---

"Well, my ideal would be somewhere where we can eat while sitting on a comfortable sofa and watching the sea, or the people in the streets below, as long as it's high enough that they won't notice us," Senecio said.

[VisAnastasis]

" We all are pretty good at wishing for things for others, but not for ourselves, " Melody replied thoughtfully. " I am not sure what to pick that would be significant enough to count as a great wish or dream worth fulfilling, either. So, maybe a little private brainstorming would help. "
" I won't pressure you to reply right away, as long as you don't keep me in suspense for too long. But be warned, if you dare to wish for something for someone else, or something vague, or not sincere or important enough to you, just for the sake of theatrics, " Falcon snorted mischievously, threatening them teasingly. " For the sake of theatrics, I will just wish back for something for other people, too. In this little Being world, only Being rules of transactions work, I will have you know. If you want to hear an embarrassing sentimental wish, you have to give the same, if you want to hear a grand silly dream, you have to offer it first. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, piece of mind for a piece of mind, grand wish for a grand wish. What you give to me will determine the quality of what you get back. "

---

" Roof system is pretty elaborate, so we can always sit on some nice flat places directly on the roof, if you want actual higher vantage point and direct fresh air. If fresh air isn't a requirement, a lot of rooms have enchantments where walls are technically there, but you can see through them from the inside, so we could go to some room like that, too, but it is a little harder to see streets below as mansion has quite big garden, so streets are further, " Tide replied.
" Hmm, " Hans seemed thoughtful, glancing at the actor. " Well, as the family of Spirit and Demon king, it would be fine for you to have access to it, too, as it's tied to our self-defence, and all three of us, and our Captain of Security that is a Being, check it regularly, so, you'll probably get into the habit of checking it every now and then, too... So, it might be a good chance to show you now, " Spirit narrowed his eyes a little, and smiled, but next sentence, he did not move his lips, not to say it out loud, but he spoke them into Senecio's mind, as they were confidential. " Do you remember the mirror we recently got from Janus? Such things, where only the person watching can see things through them, while on the outside you'd just seem like you're looking at the normal mirror, are very hard to make and can be dangerous since they can evade Death's future vision by making it hard to connect events with actions. So, since they are hard to make and require lot of strength from him to enable two way communication, and since they can be used for evil, too, Janus makes them only rarely, if you can convince him with good enough reason... He only made them this time because Tide's safety was in question. But, there are easier things to make, that aren't as specialised in evading Death's future vision... There are simpler mirror systems, with vision only from one side, that are easier for Janus to make, and there are instruments he developed when he was following patrols of Demon Hunters in order to detect their appearances so he can avoid them. In short, when Beings move through the fabric, they affect the fabric in a certain way, in vibrations we can pick up on, that alert the defence system, and we can track individual signatures, and know who is coming as long as we pick up on their presence once. For example, we will always know when little Erdel comes close by, by his signature through fabric. In same way, Janus would always know when White Eagle would be passing close by his temples, so he could hide from him. So, the system does alert when dangerous individuals or strangers appear - but the main reason why I tell you this is the mirror system tied to it. In my Office, the main place where I do my Kingly Being duties, where I have that monitoring device, there is a big mirror, where I can select from a couple of reflections to show on it. For privacy's sake, they are only a couple of reflections from deeper layers or Being islands, and we have a couple of reflections from 4th city that we monitor for safety of our Beings living there, too. For the most part, though, since this city is our main base, we have ten reflections from here, from different good vantage points through the city, where we can see any more suspicious approaches. So, we can basically see all four sides of city, towards hills and toward sea, some main streets, some strategic vantage points Beings would usually have a tendency to fly or jump over when first coming to the city, main gates... things like that, " Hans smiled softly, with trust and warmth, as he offered. " As our little Princeling to the Being ruling family, how would you like to pick what kind of view would you like us to have, while we eat? You have the highest authority, so, in some unforeseen event that neither I, Tide, Sage, Security Head, or Janus, are here to check it, you would have to know to check the defence system yourself, anyway, so it might as well be good chance for you to see it in action, for a start. You haven't visited my main office, either, so you should know where it is too, for future, since it's a main place where I have meetings in the capacity of a Spirit King, too. "

[Mirach]

"That sounds like you already know what you would wish for," Svarik smiled. "But we don't yet, so we need a moment to figured it out." He walked a bit to the side with Melody.
"So, do you have any ideas?" he asked. "Something grand, but also something he wouldn't think of on his own, because if he could think of it, he would do it anyways. Is there maybe something that you have dreamt about long ago, but have given up on it since then? I'm trying to remember what I used to dream about before I learnt that I was a Derhain. Having a field and an orchard... a horse... nothing really grand. I think I'll have to come up with something new then."

---

"We can spy on people while eating?" Senecio grinned. "Perfect! I didn't even know you have a main office. I really need a proper tour of the house, I only know some parts and have a veru nebulous idea that there is much more."

[VisAnastasis]

" You already have a horse that rests in our stables, and we have a magnificent garden with fruit trees, and Zephir will be growing healing plants in it soon, too... I would say you are as close to fulfilling that dream as one can be. But you are right... It is hard to find a wish large enough to be called grand, or a new dream, " Melody agreed with him, thoughtfully leaning on the wall of the temple behind them, thinking through, trying to draw out something deeper and sincere, knowing they both have to try as hard as they can, to get to hear Conrad's wish in turn. " It is hard to put anything to words... If I had to dig through the past... I always wanted to live a free life. To be able to choose life I want to lead among humans, without restrictions because I act too immature or playful... because I am a woman... because I am a Being. To be able to dance when I want, heal souls when I want, and spend life in one place, without having to leave people I am fond of as I grow out of normal human lifespan. I wanted to be Mordew, but even at my best life try, I was remembered and treated but as King Zare's wife. I was always defined by what others wanted me to be... A mystical helper, a visiting healer, an object to vow or confess to just for my beauty, not for my true self. You'd be surprised, how many times my tries at human lives I would decide against once I would grow up from a girl into a woman... Endless courting of immature entitled people just because of my looks is the most empty, unpleasant feeling. I longed to belong somewhere, without having to be someone else's. But the thing is... it is not really, something I am thinking much about these days, because those aren't my troubles, anymore, " she confided wonderingly, speaking more slowly, as if unused to speak of such things. " In the last three years.. he gave me the world I could never have. A world where I was just Melody. A world where I could dance when I wanted, play when I wanted, read and learn what I wanted... World where I could do anything I wanted, where I was not Falcon's daughter in anything but paper - I was just Melody Falcon, a person hat was free to pursue anything. He laid all the groundwork so that I could study and be anything I wanted... I could be merchant, or a scholar, or a dancer - anything at all. How petty is it, to give someone a wonderful freest life, " she grinned a little. " And then ask the person whose dreams you fulfilled, and whom you gave all freedom the human world could offer, to tell you even bigger dreams? What I want most right now, is to make many happy memories with all of you, and help you make the world a lovelier place, where we can all be even happier. I hate seeing him unhappy and shackled by his past... and I want to do all I can, to bring him into the light with us. I want to help Simbel pave way, into making him safer, as a man favoured by the Gods, a good man whose honor and heart no one can doubt and hurt... I just want to give him a life, where he laughs, like he did today, " she shook her head. " But if I say such things, he will not accept it as my own grand wish... "

---

" Well, technically, lot of my rooms are tied to knowledge and work, and I have three main Offices, for different purposes. One for general legal, law and tax work as a lawyer and head of the household, the other office for Underground leader arrangements I have as a Smuggler middleman of good coming from deeper layers and Beings into the human realm, and this, third Office, that I use for activities tied to our kingly duties. Our Tide is as cute as a a puppy, and he is great when it comes to things that require some more nuance of emotions.. but not in solving practical disputes of who perhaps undercut someone in trading, or who was a little too mean when playing around. When our Beings have disputes, they usually come for me to solve them, " Hans explained. " So, it isn't that strange, you see, that I take charge of such things. Usually such things in Spirit Kingdom are solved with predetermined deals, but actual official Being deals aren't that common in our Kingdom, well... Because you die if you brake it. In the past, it was good arrangement, when once someone breaks arrangement, they die and Death catches hand os situation and solves it... but I can't just let our people die over preventable things, so official Deals are mostly used with old fashioned folk, or in a way that makes deal so vague and wide it is basically invalid. "
" Words do have power, even if not put in official deals, so do be careful. But unless with more powerful or straightforward interaction, we internally don't really often do real, die-if-you brake-it thing, " Tide explained brightly. " So, you could say, in lot of ways we are quite closer to human than Spirit Kingdom standards. And you don't have to worry about spying on people... It';s not exactly like seeing them from privacy of their homes and such... there are views with people, but it's all public places, important for safety monitoring. Besides, Janus is very strict about it, holding onto the standards he used when he was surveying for Demon Hunters. They are all nice reflections. My favourite one from this city is reflection from Main Marketplace. It is always most lively, and there are many fun stalls to see, while monitoring people going in and out from main square. "