Senecio adn Tide II

[VisAnastasis]

Creature nodded, wanting to help ease their burden, but still, feeling relieved Svarik would help him break the first ice. They arrived by then, and he opened the door, carefully putting on his wide-brimmed hat to shield himself from the sun better.
As they left the carriage, they immediately saw Owl and Mole. Owl tried to remain poised and composed, but his eyes showed clear fondness at their arrival, looking up and down to see if they are alright after a long journey. Mole did not have such reservations. As Falcon exited first, he patted his shoulder with a grin, and while Simbel was taking Melody in child form into his arms, carrying her outside all on his own despite being clumsy with a new activity he was not used to yet, Mole laughed at the cute sight. As the bard extended his hand and helped Svarik get down from the carriage, he immediately drew him into the hug, laughing with even more pleasure as if he tricked him, as despite he did not know about their relationship, it must have been at least clear enough to him since he exchanged reports with Falcon that they were all doing well in last days. He was glad to see they looked refreshed and happy, acting friendly and without restraint as usual. While he was still a little unsteady on his feet, it seemed he was getting much more used to having an artificial leg, as he wasn't using any cane for additional support, pleased that he could instead hug them with both arms.

---

Tide could not help but look up, his expression softening further with each Senecio's word, despite his eyes seeming to tremble with emotions.
" Some questions  I often pester you with are harder to answer... luckily for this simple Being, the one you ask me are easy more often than not, " he laughed shyly as he replied, his voice foaming with trust and affection. " What matters above it all is if the name is from the heart, of course. Whether the name is picked with careful attention to the meaning, or picked to be a name with no other meaning but oneself, the feelings behind it are important, not the method. It will always shine through if the name is picked half-heartedly or with affection. How can Beast King not get emotional, if he feels Sein Miru gave him the name that came from the heart? Just look at me... I have been Sihil-Tarak for less than a minute of my eternity, but I already love it so much, as if it was always a part of me, just waiting to be put to words, " he spoke with a little bathed breath, and instead of playing with Senecio's sleeve, he reached for his hand and brought it to his lips, and kissed it, continuing with a bathed breath. " I wished I could give you a one-of-a-kind name, but I have known so many languages, and I am not smart - all sounds I race to think of seem to already be claimed by words that exist or had exited once... When I think of you, I think not of sounds, but of flavors. I told you already, didn't I, not long after we met...? To me, you are a bowl, full of all kinds of sweet food, food spicy, food mushy, food like mashed potatoes of the starlit night and tasty sauce of sunshine... You are a person full of life's flavours, and I have an insatiable hunger for life. You are everything that makes life delicious summed up in one. You, who make me both so hungry and so full at the same time... how could I not love you? "

[Mirach]

Svarik embraced Mole heartily. "It's good to see you again. I assume Simbel already told you about our guest, and I don’t want to leave him waiting, so shall we let him out here?"

---

"I also like the name you gave me," Senecio smiled. "And also the one from the Beast king. I never even considered giving names as a love language before, but now I find it precious. What are you going to do with your new name? Will you keep it for yourself or tell Hans?"

[VisAnastasis]

" Don't worry, with a public relations expert like me, what do you have to worry about? I was mediating Sun Spirits and vampires since day one, you can count on me! You can leave your cute New Star in my care, I'll make sure Simbel isn't overwhelmed, doing the whole host thing on his own, " Mole promised brightly with a confident casual wink, unlike the anxious critter, not seeming nervous at all at meeting a new strange Being, even if it were powerful. He genuinely seemed in a great mood seeing them all, and he took little Melody and Svarik by the hand and playfully pulled them to the central part of the garden, limping a bit as it was harder to balance still on soft soil, but not seeming to pay much heed to it, excited to welcome them, even if they were dissuaded from a party, ignoring chuckles from Owl, who followed them and watched them endearingly. The spot he led them to had a nice view of a lovely new small lake that was dug around Svarik's new mansion and completed by now, and countless freshly planted flowers that seemed to be growing splendidly under Zephir's and vampire's care, most of which was new to Svarik - everyone clearly worked hard to create a beautiful happy garden they could see when they came back, and it was still rough around the edges with lot of work left to be done, but there was lot of love and attention poured into it. Mole clearly picked the spot both to share the renewed beautiful view to them, and because it was far enough from the pond not to seem threatening to a Demon.

---

" To be honest... I love it and yearn to treasure it and use it with care, but it is so hard to keep it for my ears alone. When Beings are young, or just forming a new strong bond, they have more tendency to give more solemn, shiny names that reflect how much they adore the person they are developing strong feelings towards, but once you've lived for a long time, and once you know someone for so long you have lost count, new nicknames usually come in forms of silly endearments and inside jokes, since you spend so much time joking around and knowing each other that endearments often blend in with humour, as hard blows of life need to get softened by silly gentle things. When Hans likes and feels close to people, for example, he often calls them little pies, and adds flavour depending on the mood. Since apple pie is his favourite, he saves littlest apple pie nicknames for special occasions and people... It is one of the things that just developed on its own due to some jests and jokes about a thousand and half year ago, when apple pies were unusually expensive after few bad apple harvests, and we would have to save up carefully to buy even littlest apple pie, so it made the dish precious, and it stuck around even if the original language changed a lot. So lot of nicknames that form after a long time of knowing someone and spending time with them are spur-of-moment endearments... It's been a while since I received such a lovely name from a pure sentimental point of view, " Tide was beaming with bubbliness, speaking with joy, clearly hopelessly romantic about it. " I don't want to tell it to too many people, at least, is how I feel at the moment. Would it be alright if I shared it with a small number of people? I can't wait to brag about it to Hans, but I would like to mention it to few others, when the opportunity arises. Alpha and Sage, definitely, but also to Erdel and Janus, if it would be alright, too, since they are among beings closer to you, and I'd like to share my joy of it with them since they will be happy for us... Unless you want to save sharing about it with them yourself? You must tell me if you want to reserve the right to talk about either name, or things like this, so I do not unknowingly steal your chance to share those things with others, " he asked fervently, despite his habit of double-checking with Senecio to make sure of his boundaries, his head clearly in the clouds, and flowers that grew on his neck peeking out from behind his collar more as they grew too numerous under weight of his feelings. " Forgive this silly King on his excitement, he can't wait to share such things... it has been so long... no scratch that, " he giggled softly. " I have never been in a relationship quite like this, that is as sugary, soft and pure as cotton candy... "

[Mirach]

Svarik observed the changes in the garden with pleasure, before setting the bag down and opening it. "We're safe at hime, you may come out!" he called into it.

---

"I would like to be the only one to call you that name," Senecio said. "As long as they don't use it, you can share it with who you want."

[VisAnastasis]

" Thank Beings, it took a while, so I was getting worried something may have happened to you on the way home. Sure, I've only known you for a few days, but if someone were to even as much as yell at a cute puppy like you, I'd set them on fire, " a faint chuckle came out from the bag, and the space around it bent and twisted a little, and creature materialised in the air with a slight shake of the Fabric, as if he was too restless staying in bag for too long and took a shortcut to exit quickly. As if by instinct, despite a little tense, creature first glanced at three of his passangers, checking out if they are alright, the glowy white orbs of its eyes curling lightly in contentment seeing everyone is okay. He seemed a little out of place, as if he would be less surprised to be stabbed indeed, and was unsure how to proceed. His gaze naturally followed from Melody who was in child form and carried by Simbel, to Simbel himself. Pond God clearly tried to stay calm and collected, determined firmly to be a good host, but Alpha must have looked quite chaotic and powerful in his eyes, and he somehow managed to smile, but the smile was frozen on his lips, and he was clearly struggling to melt it to the best of his ability. That was already a situation Alpha was more familiar with, and despite he had no mouth, they could feel his expression grow softer and compassionate. He moved so very slowly, not to frighten Simbel, and he made a flamboyant courtly bow to the group, making sure his hands were visible and it was clear he is unarmed, speaking playfully, seeming to try to leave good first impression. " Hi there! I am Alpha Centauri, Star by birth, Tailor by profession, and an enjoyer of lovely things by choice. Why did you not tell me you have such lovely companions? My, with such adorable eye candy to feast on, how do you not seem to gain any weight at all, cute sugar? "

---

" Oh, my, is it possessiveness I hear, or are you claiming it as intellectual property? I wouldn't want to get into a copyright court case with you, since Hans would defend you and I'd definitely lose, " the creature chuckled, seeming entertained and pleased both, his look equally soft. " Lot of Being Gods indeed had secret names only high-ranking priests knew, but, well, it sounds much cuter coming from you. You know, it is a breath of fresh air... seeing you be more daring to ask for something. You are always asking for quite easy things, though. Are you really satisfied with such small requests? " he tilted his head with a streak of curiosity, inquiring shyly. " Playing a game of secret names is quite delightful, I will gladly partake in it, but don't you think you are a little too undemanding? Even if you were not the one to give it to me, I would not deny you the joy of keeping a private nickname, so you can be more confident. Is there anything you'd like to request of me, perhaps, that is... less easy? It just does not feel like a challenge. Everything we do, from sleeping together, sharing meals or building pillow forts, all we do comes easily and naturally... You have been so considerate towards me today, letting me carry you around so much even though it is unusual and makes you self conscious brought me so much joy, I would love to return the feeling, but you are always just so agreeable and well adjusted, and all your requests are sensible and reasonable... You took forever to even suggest buying some new furniture for your room, the lowest stake request that can ever be for a big household that burns money like hotcakes just for monthly food, " he snorted a little bit, knowing he is a big part of the reason for high costs of food, before he coughed, trying to coax him shyly. " Don't you think it would be a more exciting game, if you dared me for more dramatic, challenging things, instead of making requests so sensible? Goodness... Of course, we can use the name only between us. It's a piece of cake level of ease demand, one I could never say no to, my dearest Seine... "

[Mirach]

"Alpha, these are my friends Sil Symbel, Owl and Mole," Svarik introduced them. "Welcome to our garden."

---

"It's not intellectual property," Senecio smiled. "It's your name. I kust like the feeling of being the only one to use it, and you being the only one who calls me Seine. And speaking about furniture, I should finally bring it to my room and arrange it. Do you want to help me with that?"

[VisAnastasis]

" Your garden is gorgeous, I must say, so whether in the garden or people, eye candy in your estate is truly abundant, sweet sugar, " Star praised them amiably. " I was caught by surprise by your request to come here, so I fear I did not have time to prepare any presents beforehand, so it isn't anything big, but let's see... yes, this should do it. Weather here at the pond will always be hot from now on, it seems, but all three of you are under cloaks. It can't be all that comfortable. So, please, allow me, " he exclaimed, and dramatically, he snapped his fingers, and nearby shadows from the trees around them seemed to linger and be pulled toward Mole, Olw and Simbel's cloaks, and sucked into the texture. They looked the same as before, but their song seemed to have changed slightly. Owl and Mole seemed to make the flashy friendly display with bemusement, while Simbel seemed a little taken aback.
" What... did you do? I... don't feel the burn of sunlight as much as before, where the cloak covers. What did...?"
" Oh, I gave others just some slight cooling, but your vessel is weak against sunlight, so I just gave your cute cloak a bit, well, a little more than bit of light refraction boost. We wouldn't want such cute cotton candy getting burned just from going outside, now, would we? " he pointed to the creature and winked at him, and unlike before when he was fearful, Simbel's composure broke more, and his face was flustered and reddened with Alpha's flamboyant gestures, not able to help but be touched with the thoughtful gift, clutching the edges of the cloak with his free hand thoughtfully. He shyly turned to Svarik, as if asking him fom help with his flusttered face - it was clearly with lessened fear this time, but while Simbel was ready to face hardships and bad blood, he was obviously at a loss at what to do with such casual friendliness and such a strange spur of a moment gift, not knowing how to return it.


---

" Just as I said, all your requests are extremely reasonable and sensible... Don't you get bored, always asking for things that are as easy as a piece of cake, my Seine? " Tide chuckled playfully, putting on a pouting face, as he straightened up and made sure the actor is secure, before he turned to the door, so he could keep carrying him around as they left. " Still, I will overlook it, because it feels nice that you ask for more things recently, even if they are not hard to do... But it would still be nice for me to feel that, if you had a bigger request in mind, you wouldn't hesitate to ask me about it. Could you promise me you'll keep it in mind? " the creature asked as they walked, looking a little more thoughtful, but also embarrassed, as he spoke of such a thing so directly. " I know in human customs, it is often considered improper to burden the other person too much, and I am not saying that if you see me doing something important that you should add to my burdens, but not every day will have a crisis of such kind, and today there is none. It is hard to explain... but I guess you can say that having higher expectations of someone is a form of love language among Beings, too. Because the time we have is so vast, creating bonds isn't easy, because there is no rush to do anything, and it is hard for things to last forever, so it is harder for Beings to bring themselves to invest in relationships that might not last. It is harder to understand for humans who often have a concept of at least some family members or friends that could possibly last their whole life. The heartbreak of losing a friend you have known for thousands of years is bigger than a friend of a couple years, so lot of Beings are slow to make bonds to avoid heartbreak. For Beings, it feels reassuring, when the other party expects more from you because Beings always try not to raise their expectations too high, as it is a sad feeling, to hope for more and realize you were the only one hoping, while the other person was keeping a safe distance. Having high expectations is like putting all of yourself into something, which means you believe in the strength of the bond enough to act entitled to more. So, what I mean to say, " he coughed shyly, his face shy, but quite bright. " If from you I expect a one-of-a-kind, fairytale romance that will last forever until the stars turn cold, you can also feel free to put bigger expectations on me... I am sure Hans feels the same, with how happy he was when you began feeling freer to ask us for things like new furniture and carriage, and today, while you were requesting from us things that would bring you comfort. It may seem to you like you are the one benefiting, but expecting things from each other as a natural part of life is what Being bonds are. Whether in time, names or material things, gifts are a natural part of the way Beings love... "

[Mirach]

"Alpha is a very special tailor," Svarik smiled. "He also made amazing clothes for Conrad and me. Could you maybe ask someone in the kitchen to bring bread and salt so that we can welcome him properly? I'm sorry we came back on such a short notice and didn't give you any time to prepare. And I need to go see Lipka, will you stay with them for a bit?" he asked Melody.

---

Senecio nodded. "I will remember it if I have some request, but I can't really think of anything right now. My only concern now is how to pass the time until the evening. Do you think Hans would like to join us in furnishing my room?"

[VisAnastasis]

" Don't worry, Mister Sunshine, I've got this, good luck, " girl smiled at him softly, and Alpha raised a thumb up and winked at him too.
" No worries, sweet sugar, " he reassured him. " It seemed we are not in for any stabbing today, so I'll gladly eat a bag of salt if that's what you cuties want me to, though I would not say no to some cake afterwards. I am more of a sweet tooth without teeth kind of critter. "
" A bag might be too much too soon, " Simbel chuckled a little shyly, at last, relaxing a little bit as he was getting used to his guest's peculiarities. " B-but, I have some nice high-quality salt and bread I keep in my little home, for Being guests, and, and I have some fruit cake I keep when Sun Spirits stop by for afternoon tea time... Currently, vampires are staying there, they like to stay close by during the day... Would... you like to meet them? They are a little bored during the day, so they would surely have fun meeting you... "
" I am bored out of my mind, having run with no one to talk to for so long, and there is a surprising lack of escalation and violence of the first meet, which is disappointingly anti-climatic - so I might as well play along, hopefully, something exciting comes out of it " Alpha shrugged innocently, and he turned to Svarik, grinning mischievously. " Sugar, I'll go check out just how well you've dressed those poor bastards from the sun, and see what can be done about it so they don't burn out and turn into a cooked crisp over time, but if it turns out to be a boring endeavour, you owe me some fun later, got it? " he teased. With those parting words, he confidently turned and gestured to Simbel with soft hand movement to lead him. They parted ways there, each to their own path, the bigger group to Simbel's house, Svarik to Lipka, and Conrad quietly slipped away to take care of piled-up official work in the meantime.  

---

" I don't want to pressure you when you're not in the mood to hang out, as he'll pick up if it's forced... But I told you - Being love language is in giving things, names and time. What is more valuable that you can give him than time with you? There's no way Hans wouldn't be glad to feel you love when he is a part of your day. He doesn't say it, but knowing him, I am quite sure he is secretly anxious about Alphas leaving without telling him, so he could use a distraction in either case. That Being said, " Tide coughed shyly, explaining him as he walked out of the room. " Regarding gifts, when we were talking between us, me and Hans ordered you two little things we intended to give you when you furnish your room... it's nothing big, just a little table decor, as we didn't want to burden you by big furniture pieces you might not like to place in your room, but we wanted to give you little something to congradulate you on officially settling in, so if we plan to unpack and pick furniture today, wouldn't it be nice to call him, so two of us can give you gifts together? Then, after we finish, we can see how much time we have left, and figure out what to do with the rest of the day. Three heads are better than one... "

[Mirach]

Svarik went to find Lipka. He was gone for over an hour, and then it was Lipka who came to find Conrad, while Svarik went to look for White. She entered without knocking and closed the door after her, leaninh on the doorframe with a little smile. "So... Svarik told me that you two figured it out. I was starting to wonder if you are both dense..."

---

"Great, then let's call him," Senecio said. "Just a last check before that, did we need anything more for the evening?"

[VisAnastasis]

Conrad was at a table, with big stacks of documents scattered upon it - it seemed he tried to bury himself in work diligently, so he would not think about the important talk going on in the meantime. He clearly wasn't that successful, as the moment Lipka entered, his head fell even lower to the papers instead of rising, even though he stopped writing. As if caught in the trap he could not escape but had to endure, he was looking at the paper.
" If I went with Svarik, to help him ask for your hand in marriage, all while knowing how I felt about him... would I not have been even more sinful, shameless man? " he finally spoke up quietly, speaking around the subject, as if it was hard to say it directly. " Ignorance may lead someone to make choices harmful to the other party, but it is not a sin. Harm is still harm, but it wasn't made in malice. We are both bastards, but if it counts for anything, we weren't manipulative... just dense bastards... "

---

One of Conrad's men in the garden directed him to Simbel's little house that was built next to the pond. Since last days were busy and it was only recently finished, it was Svarik's first time coming there. Both the little gate around it and door were slightly open, as they must have left it so Svarik can comfortably come in when he is free.
The little house was of moderate size on that ground level, but the underground level small staircase lead to was quite larger, with one common room in the middle, and doors to many small rooms to the side, including the door that connected with catacombs deeper under the city. But right now, everyone seemed to be in the common room in the middle, and Svarik could see them as soon as he descended down the stairs. Seven vampires seemed to be presently here, and it seemed they wanted to lessen Simbel's burdens and help him, knowing how important hosting is to him. Since Alphas seemed to like fruits and sweets, some were feeding him cake, while other were cutting and peeling various food or making juice for him, looking anxious and determined as well, so Simbel's sincerity with his important guest isn't lacking. At center in little table, while munching on food idly, Alpha had many sheets of papers before him, and was drawing something with two pair of hands, discussing whatever designs he was drawing with Mole, Owl and Simbel. Most of them probably noticed Svarik's arrival, but vampires seemed anxious and must have felt better to not draw attention to themselves to trouble him, while Alpha must have not felt the need to invite him by words, just waving with one of his palms toward him without looking up, idly inviting him to join them with the gesture.

---

" You mean for our evening plans? " Tide asked to confirm, as he turned to carry him to where he must have felt Hans was. " There's no need to plan it all beforehand, we have general outline, and I have a question about gradation of danger, but I can always ask it before we start, too, so there's no rush. We are doing it for fun, after all, so you don't have to put pressure on yourself to make a perfect plan, we can just have a perfect time on the spot. I will need one more thing from you, though, to think about until the evening. By the time we are to start.. I will need you to decide, what kind of fate do you wish for me to give, to Demon general, " he inquired gently, indeed, not pressuring him for an answer, just making sure he has time to think it through. " Just tell me when you decide. I have known both the feeling of wanting to spare someone that did bad things because you owe them too much to kill them even if they did terrible things, and the feeling of being terribly afraid for someone you love dying, and killing someone in fear, without wanting to. I am sure Beast King, with his lonely life, may know the first feeling, but it would not be unusual, if, seeing Sein Miru in despair, he would feel the second feeling for the first time in his life, too,  " he whispered quietly, with a frail, reassuring smile. " So, I think it would be equally likely, for Beast King to spare Beast General in consideration for his past service, even if it pains him to, or if he were to kill him in panic while rushing to make sure Sein Miru will be okay. Both decisions can give us more consequences for the future. If he kills the General, it can lead to bigger political strife and more enemies that blame him for what they feel is unjust death. If he spares General, but dismisses him, General may feel wronged, and may kidnap Sein Miru later, to torture and abuse him to take vengeance. So, just tell me when you choose what direction of the plot would you like, deal? If you prefer we keep General alive so we can keep him as antagonist to hurt you more severely later with more rage, we can do that, or if you want catharsis of having person that abused you killed in order to save you, as an act of protection, and have worse enemies come after us later as results of that, we can have that too, " his smile was gentle and soft as he reassured him. " I am really curious what your desire is on the matter, so just tell me when you decide what you think would be more fun. "

[Mirach]

Lipka sat down into an armchair. "I thought so. At least about Svarik. You're usually a bit more intelligent, so I wanted to know if it was only him who was clueless, or both of you. I'm not jealous, you know. I'm glad you figured it out, instead of him being unhappy and not even knowing why. We have that in common, right? We want him to be happy. And he's got so much love in his heart that it feels like it's enough for the whole world, so it always felt to me I could possibly have ot all, nor could I take it all for myself. I don’t know if I can even return it in equal measure, so it's good to have some help there. But with that being said, I'd like to know how you feel about me. Svarik assured me that you're not jealous, either, but I wanted to talk to you alone, because you can tell him one thing to reassure him, but feel otherwise."

---

Svarik came closer and sat down next to Simbel. "What are you doing?" he asked, looking curiously at the plans.

---

"I think I would like to keep him around for the future," Senecio said. "It would be a pity to get rid of such an interesting form, with all the various parts and textures... But I don’t want the king to just let him go. I think he could be imprisoned, so that Sein Miru can feel safe for now, and then we can aat that he escaped when we need him later."

[VisAnastasis]

It seemed this was a heavy conversation for Conrad. As if only able to keep being honest by avoiding her gaze, he was playing with pen in his hands, lowering his gaze further more when Lipka was closer to him.
" Just like I love Melody to death, but feel restless before her, because she requires so little of me... It is reasonable, that I would feel protective toward a person Svarik cares about so much, but restless just the same, with how little burden of guilt or expectations she places on me. Or do you think I will find it pleasant, that you are diplomatic and understanding about this? That I would feel relieved, that things are more convenient for me? People can end up with good relationship in the end, even if they argue sometimes. How can you trust my replies honesty, if you do not see I am properly repentant, and how can I trust your acceptance, if you are not the littlest bit exasperated? Unfavourable as my life situation is, I am still an Underground Leader and person of vast wealth, who brought a girl from countryside to a city, separated from whole world she ever knew, with promise of supporting her and king's love, only to tell her later, when she was expecting king's child already, that I happen to also love the king, and that only way for her not to lose him is to share him. There is clear power imbalance to the situation. Whether it makes Svarik happy or not, it is still a trashy position to put you in. Regardless of the fact you had a lot of time to think it all through and make peace with it before this - it is still a trashy position, to be in, because of someone else's selfishness, " despite evading her look, his words were firm. " It is fine if it's not a dramatic, deep, or vengeful resentment. But is it not completely reasonable of me, to expect a moderate amount of turmoil? How could I possibly offer you any act of atonement, if you do not allow yourself to feel reasonably wronged? "

---

" Oh, you don't have to worry... It is just that I examined the state of the cute little demonlings you have here. Their regeneration is quite something... Still, it means little that they can regenerate each night, if they are being cooked like cute little soft potatoes each day... Just because injuries get healed each night, does not mean it isn't damn painful. Perhaps if they were locked up in underground basements each day it would be relatively fine, but if they are to keep working as they are during the day, helping to move and carry things and aiding work in the mansion, they will just keep burning like crispy potatoes... It is not good for health. I dislike trashy tropes of chronic pain for the sake of atonements... so might as well erase that plot point. After all, bitter things are unpleasant, when one has a choice, why not eat sweets?  " Alpha summed up. His phrasing and tone sounded playful and uninvolved, but Svarik, who had talked with him a bit more, could discern some sadness, in the way with which he carefully browsed through papers as he spoke. " If you tried to take advantage of me for something merely useful with no heart, I would not involve myself as readily, especially today that I am depressed, but especially now that place around Sil Simbel's pond is so hot and their only protections are human made cloaks, it is just too pitiful for me not to offer some sun relief. After all, who better to step up for relief from the light, than a Star? " he winked at Svarik softly, while extending some papers to him. " If you'd require something harder to make with more features, I fear I'd have to ask for a deal, but if all you wish for is to not have your sunburnt forces in pain every day, I will ask nothing of you. Ultimately... If we were far in mountains in the cold, cloaks would be perfect, but here at Simbels's side, they are too inefficiently hot, warmth just gets more trapped in them, and it's not wonder poor bastards get burned all the more warmer the city gets, no matter how many layers they have. I was thinking more of thin clothes but with sun protection for the bodies. For the head though, just having a low hood barely helps, because their faces and eyes would still hurt, so I am thinking of some nice hats, with translucent veils with sun protection falling in a lovely flower manner around it down to the shoulders, so they can look around freely without being half blind in the sun. So, we were going through some designs for the idea. We wanted to consult with you about it before doing anything, of course, " he looked up to Svarik, with a little narrowed glowing eyes, and a clear glint of careful observation and interest, seeming to find pleasure, in asking such a question about vampires in front of couple of vampires, anticipating Svarik's reactions. " After all, the final choice of how far you want to go is yours, since they were your enemies once and their lives are in your hands, and I can not do anything, before my cute sugar permits me, after all... So, care to share your thoughts, my sweets? How far are you yearning for your cool Star guest to go? "

---

" I knew you would feel regretful wasting suck character on only one appearance. My cute Seine is very predictable sometimes, " Tide chuckled a little bit, with a sentimental gaze. He made a soft, purring sound, as he reassured him. " Indeed, let's go with that. It is a good middle between Beast King wanting to punish someone that hurt Sein Miru and keep him safe, and feeling grieved to have to punish person loyal to him who was on his side for so long. Loyalty of countless years, or a very brief uncertain romance... what would win? It is interesting to see the turmoil of having to make such a heavy choice, especially considering their relationship is still very new, without proper confessions or actual affirmation of affection out loud, " Tide spoke innocently as he walked, with shimmering curiosity, clearly baiting Senecio for an answer. " You know, perhaps not now, but when you feel it is proper in our game progression - I do really look forward, to hearing Sein Miru's confession with your lips, when he realises his feelings of fascination with Beast King mean more. After all, our own relationship start was quite out of the norm. You confessed - to trying to seduce me to spend some good final memories, and while that is refreshingly honest, classical confessions are always worth hearing, when they are true. When we started our relationship, did we both not say we really like each other, and that we hope the liking may grow to be more with time? Well, my liking in meantime has grown quite substantially, unquestioningly, unbearably more, so... " he was not looking at the actor, but at the floor, but his feelings were bright and expectant. " If your feelings are littlest bit bigger than when we started this whole thing, too, I hope you are looking forward just as much as me, hearing with Sein Miru's ears, a more sincere confession of affection, from Beast King's lips... "

[Mirach]

"How does Melody feel about it?" Lipka asked suddenly. "Maybe I should have talked to her first. I don't really know how I'm supposed to feel. Your suggestion is that I should feel wronged, but that's not it. I'm not as dense as you, I saw that there's something between you since coming here. I was just wondering if you're going to do something about it. I don't feel wronged or surprised. I rather feel that I don't want to be left out. I don't like to be put into a position of someone who needs a spot in a time schedule. I'm more jealous of your position than your relationship. He is a king, but before all he is someone who helps people, and all those he helps need his time. But you are helping him, you can be at his side when he is busy with something else, and just spend time together without having to actually make time for it. Our relationship has been different. He could never stay in one place for long. He would come once in a few months, and we would spend a couple of days, or even just hours together, short but intense, focused on each other. That's how he is with me still, and I like it. I feel like I know a side of him that you don't. You get the mild, gentle warmth while I get a short burst of blinding light. But now that he's not on the run, I don't really want to give up that intensity, but I also want some of what you have. I don't know how, though. Help me with that, and I'll consider it your atonement."

---

"I certainly would accept your offer to make them clothes that would protect them from the sun as well as possible," Svarik said. "But I would like more than just funcionality, since I'm talking with the greatest tailor in the realm who offered to make clothes for them. That includes Simbel, right? He is the new deity, and I would like him to look that part. Can you make a design that would look worthy of a god and his personal supernatural guard? Something that would be easy to move in and protective, but inspire awe? And also a bit of intimidation, for the guards..."

--

"My feelings are bigger in a way that feels like moving in uncharted territory still," Senecio admitted. "And every time I feel like I have explored it and know what to expect, they grow again and leave me a lot of unmapped ground to explore again. It's kind of nice to go back a bit and explore with Sein Miru what I already know in person. It feels like making it more solid and real."

[VisAnastasis]

As if trying to return her honesty, even though it seemed hard for him, Conrad finally slowly raised his look, his gaze holding just a little bit of puzzlement.
" Whether it is mild or intense, light is still light. Svarik is just Svarik, and the frustration, worry and exasperation he brought me are equal to the joy I felt with him, just like sun can equally be something that soothes you or blinds your eyes. I don't have particular preferences, in what kind of intensity of emotion I am hoping he shows me for the day, so I am not sure how helpful I can be... Whether day is sunny or cloudy, if the sun is there, then it was a worthwhile day in my eyes. I have no doubts, if we were apart for a few months, that our first meeting would be intense, just like I have no doubt, if you keep living together with him each day, that mild warmth would come naturally. But I have no clue... what you find so enviable about my situation, " he tried to maintain eye contact, as if trying to understand better by observing her expression, but while collected, Lipka could see his eyes were full of quiet sadness. " I am nothing more than an overqualified aide, and underqualified partner... All I can do is work behind the scenes to the bone, so his load is a little lighter, but I can never be in the same room as him where there are important people, when things are actually done. I can speak with him as we decide what to do, but I can never be with him while he is fighting to pass what we have chosen. What am I, than someone whose schedule will never quite match his? If while he is working in courtroom, I am working on drawing documents and motions here in the mansion and feeding him information and answers through Simbel, can we call that working together, if all we are doing is working on similar things at the same times? I have no qualifications to be by his side... but you have. There are no set rules on what future queen's power could be, so situation is perfect for setting precedents. Since emperors had no empresses, what Queen can do will largely depend on authority King gives you, so with just a bit of basic learning, you can easily spend every day in the council at his side. Councilors can't even pull a card of you being uneducated woman from countryside not fit enough to be queen, when Svarik's education is no better than yours. I would have been so happy, if having a place there next to him is something I could get only if I worked terribly hard, but you don't even have to work that hard. A moderate amount of starting knowledge so that you can learn alongside Svarik would be perfectly serviceable. You can have even more time, if you follow his pace, and study along with him, so you can keep improving at the same speed, and spend time learning same things, from same books, from same tutors... You have the whole scene set for you, all you have to do is walk on the stage, " he tilted his head sadly. " As his queen, you can literally walk in and have justification to be by his side, wherever he is, while I can only ever wait for him to come looking for me, because I can't be seen looking for him, whether as a current underground Leader or former traitor. I am skilled, but nothing that I know isn't something that you can't learn decently, so nothing that I can help him with isn't something you can't help him with along the way. The grass is always greener on the other side, so sure, it is fine if you envy me on something... but please, let it not be my position. My position is the least enviable part of my relationship with Svarik, not a feature...  "

---

" Your cute God is included too, of course. When else will I get the chance to make clothes for such a vibrant cotton candy? " Alpha chuckled, but he narrowed his eyes and leaned closed to him, whispering conspiratorially. " Still, don't you think I am too overqualified, for the main thing to ask of me to merely make it gorgeous? Or is it just that you do not trust them enough to ask more for their sake? " unlike Janus, who was brimming with more down to earth generosity, even if he were abundantly giving, Alpha much more resembled mischievous helpers in fairy tales, at least judging by the clear playfulness and pleasure he got out of asking Svarik about vampires in front of some of the said vampires, who seemed uncertain and unsure if the talk is for their ears, trying to keep cutting the fruits to make themselves smaller to not trouble him. "Discouraging as it is that you do not wear them yet, I did make you and your cute friend such over the top high quality clothes... How easy do you think it is, to make clothing that won't tear even when slashed once or twice with most of Being swords? Alas, it is my toll in life to bear, that I make clothes so good that people prefer to use them on special occasions when their functions are clearly tuned for everyday safety.  Unlike the two of you, your dramatic God entourage is quite docile - I have a feeling they will wear what I make for them diligently. But in front of the best Tailor one can find on this side of the Fabric - would mere beauty and protection from the sun satisfy you, little sugar? When it comes to creating defences for our neat sea kingdom, you know our local inventor's role well - but I am the second core member, I will have you know. Boring as it is, when it comes to Beings weak enough to not be able to properly protect themselves, deals I most often make are for more protective clothes. Sure, you can still get bruised and your head can be cut off if you don't shield your neck and face, and it can't hold out forever under heavy slashes, but there are two things I most often weave - heavy protection, and warning runes so that if blood is spilled upon the clothes, I am notified so I can be aware that help is required. I am sure our cute mechanic already spoke to you of his safety suggestions - so what are your feelings, of the double-edged sword that I am tempting you with? " The creature was grinning with mischievous interest, thriving in the little chaos he was cooking up.  " On one hand, would it not be lovely, if Demon Hunters came, you could turn definite deaths if they get slashed, into possible survivals? On the other hand, if you trust them too little, both giving them protection from sun, easing of their half-blind state when the sun is strong, and making it so that they are much harder to kill when they wear those clothes, would be giving them quite a lot more independence compared to now. Enhanced freedom and loosened chains increase how much they can hurt you should they betray you. Oh, my, decisions, decisions... What decision is my cute kindling leaning towards? Giving them more to raise their chances of survival, or giving them less to keep them more dependent and less likely to go against you? "

---

Tide's heart was beating a little quicker with Senecio's explanation, and he seemed a little in a daze, not responding right away, as if savoring the words, and not saying anything until he collected his thoughts.
" My feelings... are so much bigger, " His pace got a little slower, as he spoke up. " In a way that the glass of my joy seems so full that it is always in danger of overflowing, so I must constantly sip from it, for if it gets full, I will break down and cry, " he whispered, so very quietly and shyly pouring his heart. " I was so afraid when you gained ability to perceive feelings, that you would be unsettled by the way hunger entwines in my senses and realize just how inhuman I am behind my human shape. But it just went so well, that I don't know what to do with myself. Most of my relationships felt like gruelling work of trying to build a sturdy wall, and always being anxious if it would topple over if I made a mistake. This one... feels like making a painting by throwing thousands of colours on a canvas, without any worries about shapes or harmony, only the fun of it all. I have no idea what I am doing, and I am afraid of making a misstep and pouring colours you hate unknowingly, but you are always so honest and direct that despite it all, I can't help but feel a little more confident... "

[Mirach]

Lipka leant her head thoughtfully. "Yes, that sounds less like what I imagined and more like it quite sucks. We should do something about that, to make it more like what I imagined for both of us. I think my problem is that you are so useful and skilled, and know so much. I can learn things, but it's just more effort spent on me where there are already so many people who know all of that better, including yourself. I know what I would like to do as a Queen, but it's my own work, not something I can help Svarik with, so I was a bit jealous of your skills. But it seems they don’t give you much of an advantage either, so I don’t really know what to ask from you. How do you imagine your atonement for this situation?"

---

Svarik was getting a bit uncomfortable talking about the vampures as if they weren’t there. "I was thinking where you would fit best," he said. "I really like the idea of Simbel's personal guard, something like the White eagles were. If someone of you is tired of being a guard and a soldier, I think there are jobs you can do in the garden, too. But as guards, you will need the best weapons and armour, and Alpha can provide you with clothes that would serve well as armour. Can I trust you with Simbel's protection?"

---

"It really feels unpredictable in what the hell we are actually doing, but predictable in knowing that I can trust you in it," Senecio nodded. "It's at least a bit predictable with the characters, because at least we know what *they* are doing. I really can't wait for the next chapter for them... Let's call Hans do that we can pass the time until then better, shall we?"

[VisAnastasis]

" It isn't that my skills aren't an advantage in my life... All I have are my skills, it is just that they do not change anything in the relationship with Svarik. I may be helpful to him, but helpfulness and bonding are different things... I could have literally hated his guts, and if he somehow blackmailed me into working under him, I would be equally helpful to him whether my feelings for him were positive or negative, due to my overqualifications. Being helpful and competent has nothing to do... with being loved, " Conrad murmured, looking down thoughtfully, at the pile of papers all around him. " If I was any normal person, my overqualification would be very helpful at securing some official position next to Svarik... My bad position is solely the fault of the decisions I made, not my current skills. But either way, it is never a waste, to learn. It would be hard to reach my level any time soon, because I had a long headstart, receiving best education ever since I was born, but I could guide and teach you in a way that would be able to help you learn most efficiently in most important fields. It is no different from my plan to slowly spoonfeed Svarik relevant knowledge without overwhelming him, and I plan to both teach Svarik and Sibel along the way, since Simbel being learned in matters of the country will be a great help to both of us, so taking on one more student wouldn't change much in my lesson plans. Just because a couple people would have same knowledge doesn't mean that when put together they wouldn't be able to come up with better solutions than one person, no matter how much they may know my themselves... So, if your goal was to spend more time with Svarik by being qualified enough to support him, we could always all go through same lesson plans, so you can spend his work days in council at his side and spend time with him that way... But if you want something other than being with him, I can't know how I can help you unless I know what you imagine your idea of your perfect situation would be like. How can I know what I can do, if I do not know what you are longing for? " very slowly, after those words, he added more quietly, instead of practical inquiry, speaking more hesitantly about his personal feelings, tense, as if anxious he would get in a conflict by doing so. " The thing you said before... that you feel like you know side of Svarik that I do not... or strategically hoping to see what kind of ratio of passionate versus soothing treatment... it feels kind of bleak to me, to be honest. Svarik is Svarik. I already got burned and had fair share of mutual misery, when in my anxieties about the country, I would try to push him into a box of what a perfect king should be, and I have no plans of molding him into some perfect partner either. Svarik is the best version of himself when he can be whoever he feels like being in the moment. It is too stifling for him, and while he should of course be respectful and do his best, I believe putting expectations of intensity would only make him self-conscious and miserable when he can't live up to them... It was truly a hellish endeavour, to convince him he doesn't have to smile and act cheerful and okay just because he is taken care of and just because lot of people place great efforts to get him to recover.. The point where we actually got closer was not when we were cheerful together, but when we began being comfortable acting by how we felt at the moment even if it was unsightly. I have seen much more tears and grimaces from Svarik than laughs and much more sadness than happiness, and I shared much more bad than good, but I feel like I can exist freely with him, no matter what mood I am in, or what mood he is in. From an outsider's perspective, if I may, you both look like you are on pins and needles, fearing if something changes you will lose what you had before, so when push comes to shove, you retreat instead of confronting, falling onto empty consideration instead of seeking to solve the issue at hand. Otherwise, would we even have been in such a position, where you planned to leave after finding out you got pregnant to not make it harder for him to leave help Liron, or where he knew you were pregnant but was going to let you go because he felt to guilty to convince you to stay with him over your will, and tried to let you go out of consideration? If you were left to your devices, you could have broken ties so easily, for such stupid misunderstanding that was so easily solvable. You both had to be considerate all the time you knew each other, and forgiving with the fact you can only see each other little at a time, but at this point, that consideration is poison. The problem with intensity is that that if you only see each other when you are missing each other for a long time, the feelings are fierce, and both sorrow and happiness feels more fiery and consuming, but in the end, doesn't that make the whole thing seem way too rosy and idealised? In relationship where parties see each other each day, there are argues, and highs and lows, and uncertanties, and clashes of interests... but if you two have clashing interests and both retreat out of consideration, you are just making the problem bigger. I had fair shares of argues with Svarik, but it makes me reassured that I can always know what is happening in his head. It is more precious to me, that he is getting freer to roll his eyes and tease me and reproach him when I frustrate him, than if he were always smiling and passionate. I believe you two can easily have a less stressful time if you spend more time doing what you like together and acting based on your feelings, not based on the anticipated reaction of the other person like you both got entangled in half-truths while trying to make things easier to each other, and only ended up making the other person more miserable while they contemplated what you are actually feeling... But I don't think it's anything you two can't necessarily figure out. I do not think you have to be afraid of being left out if you do not purposely put a distance. You don't have to go in circles out of fear of losing what you have built over years... I mean, you and I are practically strangers, so it is natural it is harder for the two of us to avoid being considerate to each other as conflict between us would make Svarik only more miserable, but you have known Svarik for so long, so while it is not easy, it doesn't seem to me like something you guys can't eventually overcome if you put your mind to it... "

---

General wasn't there in the moment, as he was probably on another task in the mansion, being able to move more freely in the sun than others, and among the half that was currently present there, some were from the ones designated to stay, while part was from ones that didn't want to let General be sent away to Liron's realm all alone, so they choose to follow him. They did not yet know of Erdel's plea to let them all stay, so it seemed it was harder for them to respond, as saying yes if they would be leaving would be just taking advantage of the situation to get more security for themselves, but it was not possible for Alpha's description of protection not to be tempting, so it was hard for them to speak up, and they were hesitantly glancing between each other with clear conflict in their gazes.
" We... no matter how hard we try, in the end, we are just liability to Mister Simbel, " one of the vampires, Mark, the one that, from Erdel's description, seemed to have been the one that was dating Mole, when Mole gave him encouraging gesture and look, spoke up at last, his words reflective of the quiet guilt that seemed to be prevalent feeling in the vampires present. " Whether... we are his guards or gardeners, if we can't protect ourselves at least somewhat, we would only put him in position where he would have to push himself to protect us... No matter how much we try, we are lacking...  We, we can hold on well around humans, but I am sure some proper Spirits, like Sun Spirits, who are actually strong would be actually able to protect mister Simbel, instead of being burden to him, like us... "
" No, wait, Svarik, listen to me, please, " Simbel interrupted urgently, with a little hoarse voice, tense like a spring - he was clearly worried and anxious, and there was urgency in his voice, as if he was fearful he will miss the unexpected opportunity to ease their suffering and danger they were in. " White Eagle was too overpowered, and I have his swordmanship... there is no way they can match his skills with just little time. Even I have to adjust and retrain, since I can not do everything White Eagle could, as his body was stronger than my vessel. But they are doing so very well. Sun Spirits are powerful, sure, but playfulness is their nature, and strategies don't come naturally to them, as they usually push through things by sheer force. Vampires may be weaker physically, but they are much more adept to strategising and combining their strength, and making up what each other are lacking. It may take time to Master it, but their strength is of perfect fit for White Eagle's swordmashiop that relies on strength and agility. I, I promise I will train them very well. I promise they won't be a burden much longer. It is just that, if Demon Hunters would attach, they would naturally be among the first targets, so they might be, temporarily, at the moment, just a tiny bit of a weakness to me... but I will work hard to make sure they train to the point where they won't be a liability to us. I am not planning to self sacrifice. It, it is just that for me, this is my vessel, but for them, it's their body. It is natural, if I have to pick, that I would rather fight a little harder and lose my vessel, than have them lose their life for my sake. But it is just a tiny, tiniest liability... They are working hard not to be a burden, progress might be slow, but their coordination and numbers are good, and it is fine that they can't match my skill. " by how tensely he spoke and repeated himself, it was clear he still struggled to ask for something without desperately begging for it, so he tried to string in as much reassurances and promises in his desperate pleas. "  They can be of help to me, even if they are less skilled than me, I... I promise I can trait them to the point where gap between us won't be as noticeable, and they will be able to protect me in turn... I, if we are not attacked too soon, I am confident I can do it... time is the only problem, the speed they are learning is reasonable and decent... some things just can't be learned without time put, I am only doing so well because I have White Eagle's muscle memory... They are more adept at fighting than me, so if I can do it, they can do it, too... "

---

" I think he should be at the Information centre, so we can pick him up there, " Tide commented shyly, and with a bright and bubbly expression and light step, he carried Senecio to one corner of Hans's floor, at a side of the throne room they were in this morning. In one of the smaller side rooms, there was a little secluded corner with a little office, in the center of which were shiny devices that, unlike room from the morning, didn't focus on capturing sight, but sound. It seemed for the sake of secrecy, whatever hidden reports from Spirit realm Hans was receiving were based on the sound and movement of fabric created by the lightning device in from of his desk, and he seemed thoughtful as he browsed through them by turning the orb around.
https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/033/718/716/large/rokaya-saeed-study4.jpg?1610393208

" Oh, hello, you adorable rascals. Hi, littlest apple pie, " Spirit raised his gaze and grinned a little at them once they entered, his feelings shimmering with a brighter streak of warmth, as he put one tablet aside and tilted his head curiously. " How was your nap? Are you feeling better? "

[Mirach]

Lipka nodded slowly, and her expression shifted a bit, as if her frustration was mostly just an act. "Honestly I was just trying to see how you will react if I were envious of your part of the relationship, and what I can point out as perceived injustice so that you have some way to atone, since you are do keen on it," Lipka said. "Yes, my relationship with Svarik needs some work still, so I wanted to know if I should be wary about you and how you fit into it. It's interesting to hear about your perspective, but since it's not really working in finding some atonement for you, unless you have some other suggestion, I would just accept the lessons with Svarik, as a way to spend time together between the three of us. I feel like we should get to know each other better too, shouldn't we? "

---

"So you are saying that you would like them to stay?" Svarik asked. "The general as well?"

---

"Much better," Senecio nodded. "Are you doing something urgent? I thought I should finally get my room furnished and I would be nice to have some help and company from both of you."

[VisAnastasis]

Conrad neither nodded nor shook his head yet, just watching at the level of Lipka's hands quietly.
" Your tries to placate me are obvious but understandable. From your point of view, it is natural that you would want to find the most efficient and practical way to appease me so we don't turn the conversation into a conflict, as neither of us wants Svarik to be sad if we can prevent it. That is why I said it is useless for me to give you something if it isn't what you'd actually appreciate, otherwise, what we would be exchanging wouldn't be the real thing. It would be empty exchange of gestures and half truths that hold no special meaning to either of us. Do you really wish that? To only exchange empty things between us to keep up appearances? " he asked, looking up and maintaining eye contact this time, his gaze thoughtful and withdrawn, but his thoughts clear. " Do you expect me to close my eyes and pretend the carrot you offer me is not a carrot? Tell me - do you not dislike the mere concept, that we should build whatever we don't have yet on such an unstable foundation of you pretending to offer me a way to reassure you, and me pretending to fall for it? If what you desire to know is whether you should be wary of me, do you really believe you'd be able to gauge it from pretences if I am determined to hide whatever truth you imagine I may keep from you? Just like you said that I could have easily told Svarik I wasn't jealous while I could secretly be, couldn't I just as easily be lying to you when I claim the same thing? And you could easily be lying just the same, couldn't you? It is just too easy, for both of us to endlessly dance in the same loop, of you being considerate to me, and I being considerate to you while we both just end up insecure.  In my opinion, it would be rather shallow and pitiful state, if we were to merely pragmatically get along because we want Svarik to not be unhappy, as us not getting along would sadden him. The way you speak of it is diplomatic and distant... as if we were divorced parents trying to negotiate and figure out how to most efficiently use our time with the kids without distressing them, " he smiled sadly, as he quietly asked. " It is an exhausting thought to me, and would it not be so for you, too, to always carefully gauge to figure out what is the most practical way to handle this, and always double question if I am honest, or if I am just going along so I wouldn't lose Svarik by showing grudges toward you? You said you just do not want to be left out, but how would it be possible for you to exit the circle if you never step into it in the first place? Would you like to take part in the classes because you want to, or if it is rather a matter of wanting an activity between three of us, regardless of whether it is learning or something else? We can all pool things we like and figure out something untied to learning at all, not even one bit, if learning is not something you feel inclined to do. Unless you give me your honesty, I will never be able to give anything but empty pleasantries right back at you.  Just because it is not love, why should we not strive to build something stable and more sincere? "

---

At Svarik's words, Simbel's pupils shook, and he held his breath, as if someone unexpectedly poured water over him, as he froze up, not knowing how to respond. Rich turmoil of emotions flashed through his eyes, from disbelief, and uncertainty to pitiful shrivers of hope.
" You.... mean to say... if... if I were to ask you for it... Would it change your mind? " he finally spoke up hoarsely, his eyes shaking visibly. " I... I know great harm was done, trials have passed, and decisions were made, and it would be shameless of me, to ask. Yet... " his voice was a little cracked with hope and anxiety, as he slowly, carefully continued. Erdel must have felt Simbel was thinking such thoughts, so he asked preemptively, for him who after a thousand years of being starved with nothing still struggled to accept the idea that his personal desires matter, and that he can ask to receive. " If I were to ask... would it make a difference, in a decision you already made at their trials? And... Would... living next to him not bring you pain and unease? "

---

With the words, Hans's lips immediately curled up in a little smile, as it seemed that the invitation brightened up his quiet little withdrawn mood - indeed, it appeared Spirit was especially pleased whenever Senecio would take the initiative to invite him or do something for him on his own.
" No, no, it's alright, I am mostly delegating things, this is just one of Spirit King type of tasks that piled up in the meantime, following up on some reports. It's just pondering material, though, of gathering data, I can't make any decisions yet until I consult with Falcon and Svarik, anyway, so there's no rush around it, " he reassured him, springing to his feet and making sweeping movements across the glowing orb, the light slowly growing dimmed as he was turning it off. " Tide likes to group things arbitrarily with no set rules, like crow putting together random shiny things, you'll definitely need one more pair of eyes to help out, " he proclaimed as if it was a matter of practicality, despite his lips twitching upwards on their own, his feelings clearly reflecting anticipation of something he was looking forward to.

[Mirach]

Lipka shook her head. "We really should get to know each other better. But now it’s a bit awkward, and there's always the question of what if we don't actually like each other? I have a suggestion. We should take some time together and just be friends - the four of us, with Melody as well. Make some time to spend alone with each person, too. When you're alone with Svarik, or when I'm alone eith him, we can be romantic, but together, let's just be friends. For a while at least, until we get to know each other better. Does that work for you?"

---

"If you ask, then yes," Svarik said. "I don’t mind the general staying that much. He was an awful thing that happened to me, but he got kind of overshadowed by much more awful things, so I actually feel indifferent towards him now. If you want him to stay, I'm fine with that."

---

"And I wouldn’t get to furnishing the room if left on my own because it feels too boring to do alone, so let's go," Senecio smiled.

[VisAnastasis]

" Well, I sure as hell thought we were both aiming for at least a solid friendship. It would be rather awkward if I was the only one that thought it would be unpleasant whether we spent human lifetime or eternity as strangers or tentative allies, " Conrad could not help but snort a little bit through his nose, but more out of anxiety than humour. His gaze was focused and intense. " If there were two separate relationships, we could have more leeway for it to come more naturally, but due to both mine and Svarik willfulness, we dragged you and Melody into this arrangement, skipping any steps in progress. But Melody had an advantage of time and circumstances, since two of us spend most of our time with Svarik in last months, so our friendship foundation is solid. But since you came into the capital late, you barely even had time to spend with Svarik. I am not saying part of it was not a little your fault, since you tried to get back as soon as you realized you were pregnant and only reunited with him properly today, but still, it is not like I tried to rectify the situation. Your starting point is different from Melody's, so is it not natural, that I would feel regretful for putting you into a bad spot? On the one hand, it would be the proper thing to do to step back a little and give you and Svarik more space... but I can not really do that. It would have been too depressing, if I slaved away every waking moment of my life, for the king I could barely even see... it is just not sustainable, " man shook his head tiredly, looking down at the papers. " Would I not be just trash of a person though, if I was not concerned for you or wished to balance the scales somehow? If I do not at least offer you sincere apology and assistance of your own choosing, what kind of friendship could I possibly hope for us to have in the future? While my position sucks, outside of not being able to spend his work day with him, I plan to teach him a lot, so we will have lot of time to bond with learning, and Melody plans to work with Simbel as high religious figure, so she will naturally have plenty of time to spend with Svarik, much more than me, probably, as she and Simbel aren't restricted from taking part in the Council like I am. It would be ideal if you hoped to fill in a position that I could easily guide you to with knowledge, but you said it yourself - I do not know you. I do not know what you would like to be, as a Queen, and as a person, so I am trying very hard not to offer anything too concrete, not to pressure you into paths you may hate. If you are not to hate me, not even speaking of friendship, wouldn't it be the most fundamental requirement? " he asked quietly. " That I show that I am the kind of person that will not push you into a box that is convenient to me, but a person that supports your aspirations and dreams, whatever they may be? Is the very bare minimum I can offer in hopes of friendship, not a proof that a person you are stuck with has plans always to show his cards without restraint, and won't stab you in the back? "

---

White's gaze was full of sorrow, clearly reflecting a lot of complicated torn emotions and a mix of both hope and guilt.
" I feel so sorry, before you, and Ben... The whole situation is so terribly messy, " he admitted quietly. " On one hand I want to live with him, on other, I know it is a lot to ask from him, to live so close to them. On one hand, he hates most of them, on the other hand, despite his conflicts, he has a leftover fondness for Erdel with whom he spent his childhood in Orphanage and is content you have Erdel to protect you. On one hand, General hurt and tried to kill you... On the other hand, he took no pleasure in it and was only acting out of fear for his life, and he took a big part in saving you from Derhain fortress. Two-headed Raven manipulated him down that path on top of it all, so how could I possibly be forgiving to Two-headed Raven, while blaming him? Even if he did it without pure reasons at a time, how could I hate a person, that helped get you out of that terrible place even a moment sooner? " Simbel hung his head low, all his words overflowing with warmth and love he felt for Svarik, but it was shaped into an apology, as he shared his feelings. " When you first spoke to me of them... I was so starved and faint. I could barely wrap my mind around it all. But as I got fed, and as my mind got clearer, the sadnesses of the situation grew so much clearer, too. General is rough around the edges, yes... but anybody could see the spark in him, who was never put under anyone's wing, never cared for, never taught.... How much he sparkles, being taught something he loves, and being under someone's protection for the first time. How can I pretend to not see it? He may not have made the best choices, but situation was so very sad, I am not confident I could make any good choices in his stead. Tarmagil only supported them vaguely and doubted them endlessly, and they had to struggle all the time to maintain his support, and to manage priest's growing bloodthirst and madness. You have no idea, what kind of horrible blood rituals the high priest was doing, in hopes of pleasing the bull, but only strengthening the Crypt... It may not seem like a big achievement to us from this angle, but they tried their best to manage him so he would not get even worse, and it was thanks to their efforts, that sacrifices in life lessened considerably, and that instead of poor captured prisoners of war, they at least managed to convince him Bull craved blood of the worst criminals to be appeased. It is not ideal, but still, thanks to their effort, Zephir, who was tortured for years with no faults, was finally set free... so how could he possibly not like them and feel safe with them, and how could I not love them, for freedom they granted him when no one else could? " he did not dare to look up, but shyly, hesitantly, he dared to reach for Svarik, and pulled his sleeve with a childish fearfulness, as he asked vulnerably. " Will you... not grow colder and distant to me... if I ask to keep them, even if their situation is complicated, and even if they are not as useful as strong Beings would be? I hate the thought, of causing you and Ben to feel like I am not prioritising your well-being, as if you are not light of my life... but even if here is dangerous, Liron's realm is even more dangerous and limited for them, and all of them love this country, Svarik, and only did bad things in hopes to save it from a corrupt, senseless state that still lasts... so how could I possibly ever wish, to send them away? " he bid him, and indeed, despite his conflict, or because of it, meadow king could feel his protection attribute, shining vividly, in his every warm word and worry - he was clearly conflicted all the more, because he yearned to protect all of them, Svarik and Ben, Zephir and the vampires, General and two-headed Raven likewise, despite all those people were tied in messy web of harm and help, and despite he knew he could not keep them all without causing any harm to anyone.

---

Hans's expression brightened up, as despite his worries about Alpha, he clearly looked pleased and at ease with how closer they got recently. He laughed brightly, and carried by the good memories of the day, he trustfully sprung up toward Tide, who chuckled and caught him mid air, before, just like earlier that day, casually putting him up on his free shoulder. Like that, he carried both of them to Senecio's room.

There, they all got to decorating. While Tide was more excited to make suggestions based on how lovely things looked together, Hans had more practical advice based on useful organising, so while with opposite tastes and temperaments, they were overflowing with advice, and clearly poured their heart into figuring out what the actor preferred and helping him make the room feel more like home at last. Tide was stronger, so he did most of the heavy lifting of bigger furniture pieces, while Hans helped more with placing and riding up little decor pieces.

[Mirach]

"That's all nice, but you didn’t answer my question," Lipka said. "I suggested an arrangement. Spend more time together, all four of us, but also just you and me, you and Svarik, Lipka and me and so on, but nothing romantic when we are all together. Do you agree to that or not? What we spend the time on and whether it will be learning something or some political ageda or leisure, we can discuss later."

---

"You are our new god and you deserve a worthy guard," Svarik said gently. "If you ask for it, I will let them stay."

---

Senecio was mostly concerned about the color scheme, and took advantage of Tide's strength to rearrange things several times to see what he liked best. A few hours passed before he was satisfied with the result.

[VisAnastasis]

Conrad did not reply right away though, biting his lip a little, as if trying to wrap his mind around Lipka's suggestion, his expression growing more conflicted.
" If that is your condition for feeling more secure in this relationship... I will follow it," he sighed resignedly, as if mentally preparing himself, while looking down anew and fiddling with the pen. " I fear it may not look like it, but I really do want us to get along... You have no idea, how terribly tiring and worn out it feels, living every day double questioning the meaning behind every word others say in order to not be manipulated or betrayed, always being on the lookout for being poisoned, always having to balance opposing interests not to turn tentative allies into enemies... I can not afford to have the only relationship I have that is pure from such anxieties tainted by them. But I do not understand, what is it that you are asking me to avoid, to not make you miserable or mad, so how can I comply when I don't understand specifics? " he asked quietly, admitting very slowly and trying his best to maintain a neutral tone, though not quite succeeding. " I understand spending more time separately and as a group in general, to get a better understanding of each other, and it's not like I was hoping for some extravagant hanging outs, when I myself can't even go outside anywhere but in the garden during limited hours, or at night. Most of the time we are together shortly, we would probably spend time learning things, reading books, and I guess perhaps playing board games... it is not like my limits allow us too much more than indoor activities. But... further from capital and in less public settings, my limits are fewer, and... There is a Ball at sea, that is planned soon, for Beings and humans tied to Beings. Originally, three of us were to go, but since we borrowed the bag for quick travel, we thought... all four of us could go. Tide's Beings are generally tolerable and like interesting things, so it should be right to dance and play music for anyone willing to dance and play... I... was sort of planning to play love songs for Melody and Svarik, and to dance with them, and to feed them a lot of their favourite sweets... " he was he was rubbing his hands absentmindedly, looking rather withdrawn and distant, as he asked carefully. " I mean... unless he is an absolute fool, there's no way Svarik wouldn't have wanted to dance and play you songs, too... so is it possible to have some leeway for that day? Besides it, to be honest... I am not sure what are exact things you hope for me to abstain from. It is not like I want to be overbearing... I am just not sure what I should aim for, to not make you mad. I.. just want to hold him, make sure he is warm and comfortable, make him safe, and feed him lot of delicious things... " he shook his head as if he were having a headache. " The line between friendship and romance... feels incredibly blurry, with both him and Melody. IWhat among things I do for or with them isn't friendly, but likewise, meant for a partner, is it not all romantic, actually? Everything with them is always drenched in warmth and sentimentality, so it is hard to put a name to it... Is it an intense friendship, or excessive romance? if it's all romance, it's rather awkward... when you take out hugs, snacks, gifts, I might as well just sit down all of you guys at a table in the reading room, and just give you a crash course of basic nobleman knowledge and etiquette for a few weeks, so there are no grey areas to break head over... "

---

" My... own guard... ? " Simbel's eyes shook, and he spoke wonderingly, as if only now it actually reached him that this was what Svarik was offering him - he was so preoccupied by the thought he can keep them and protect them at his side, that only now it dawned on him that Svarik actually offered him to form a guard of his own, something he did not have since White Eagle knights left him. He seemed starstruck for a moment, so much so that even vampires were surprised to see him so openly touched and sentimental. " That... The choice... should be theirs first, of course, not mine. I wouldn't want to decide by myself as if they are not people, as I did not... dare offer them any hope yet before I figure out if there's anything I can do. I... did not know I had a weight in this choice. But the choice should be on people, not on God. It had been terribly bad experience for them, serving the Bull, for me to force another would-be God down their throats, so they should be able to refuse and still go to Liron's realm if they wish to.  But if they agree... " he turned his head to the vampires that were present, and not able to control his expressions that well yet, he could not stop himself, and he gave them a dazzling wide smile, one that reached his eyes and was so warm it felt like it could melt ice, one that made them teary and shaken up all the more, to them, who never saw Tarmagil smile at them. " I want to ask this of you. My Sun... May you first give me a little time before I reply to you, until the evening? So that I can gather them all and discuss the situation with them, so they can make informed decision? " despite his nurturing and protective determination, he clearly desired to take proper responsibility, especially since they were so hurt with their previous interaction with religion. " Staying is not without its dangers, so I can not insist they should stay before I present them with the whole picture. But once I talk with them and hear their answer, I will return to you with a question... Then, if all goes well, I will ask you... "


---

Despite it took a while, there was lot of fun and fulfillment in seeing good results, and thought tired from lot of work, Hans seemed quite pleased. Even more so, as work was coming to an end, he was clearly feeling more excited, but for different reason - since Tide already spoiled it and told Senecio the two of them prepared little homecoming gifts for him, it was clear Spirit was looking forward to giving him his gift.

Indeed, once Senecio said work was done, Spirit and Demon sat down on either side of the bed, and each of them summoned one small box, that appeared in their hands. Hans's box was decorated with extremely expensive and lavish silver ribbons from famous local merchant, while Tide's had shiny blue ribbons, and handrawn countless little hearts on the box - both clearly reflecting their personalities and sincerities.
With excitement, Hans explained that they prepared little something to celebrate their little success.
" It's just simple decor, we tried to keep the scale as small as possible, but we had to get you something for such a big occasion, " Tide coughed, his cheeks quite red, as if he were rather unsure and shy now that it came to it, as he explained, timidly turning his box. " Which would you like to open first? Mine is more of a cute homemade thing, while Han's is more of a cute expensive thing, so it is fine if you open either first.. "
" Oh, and it's fine if you don't like them, too, " Hans chipped in brightly. " We're going to spoil you rotten, anyway, so it's fine if not every gift is a win, as long as you give honest feedback so we can pick better in the future. "

[Mirach]

 Svarik told me about the ball, and how excited he is to dance with both of us," Lipka smiled slightly. "Yes, I wouldn’t really count that, that’s a special occasion. I find it hard to define some strict line too, and I don’t want it to be for always. I would just like to catch up with you all being friends, and that's hard to do when it's all about couples. Just until I feel more comfortable about it all. As to what I would see as romance... I guess it's more about giving all your attention to one partner and ignoring others when they are with you."

---

"Alright," Svarik nodded. "Discuss with them and learn their opinion, so that we can decide better. But whether they will be stating or going, I think some extra protection from Alpha couldn’t hurt. Not with demon hunters around..."

---
"Oh, I don’t know..." Senecio chuckled. "I'll leave it to chance." He closed his eyes, mixed the packages and reached for one randomly. When he opened his eyes again, he saw it was the one from Hans, so he opened it first."

[VisAnastasis]

Conrad seemed greatly relieved as if from impossible, the task at hand suddenly turned manageable.
" It would have been a nightmare... trying to question and weigh everything I do, to figure out if any little warmth is okay or if it passes the line... but if it is just about not creating monopolies and competing with time, yes, that is already a more tangible goal, " he seemed encouraged. By both his effort into reacting honestly and saying how he feels, although he was squirming and clearly unused to being direct and honest, it was clear he was putting great effort into being transparent, so he would not cause Lipka doubts that he is reserved from her... He was clearly determined to not mess things up. As he kept talking, it was likewise clear, that he was not sharing his feelings casually, but that he was consciously putting effort, trying to, just as he said before, build something on sincerity, not half-truths. " We did not spend that much time together yet, and when we were, it would always circle back to Svarik, so I do not know what you think of me... but... if I were the kind of person that wanted to monopolise him, I would have used the chance when you considered going back to your hometown, to try to grow the rift between you two and have your mutual misunderstandings grow until you would break up... I would not have bent over backwards, to try to convince you to stay, and figure out how to get you two to get that behind you. I am not saying that you two would not be able to overcome it if you both tried... just that I do not want to use petty tricks to try to win him for myself alone. Besides... the anxiety of being excluded... is not an enviable feeling. It is hard not to fall under it, " he admitted, shaking his head quietly. " If you are anxious you would be excluded now, when the three of us are closer friends with each other than with you due to our circumstances... I am likewise discouraged, of what will happen... once the child is born. It would be so very easy... if you felt I acted too familiar... to claim I am meddling too much beyond my rights, and intruding on your family time and private affairs. It would be very easy to mark me as someone who should stay aside, outside of your circle, and you would be within your right if you were to tell me I have no right to share your and Svarik's time with your child. Whatever role I try to squeeze into to not be left behind, friend, best friend, brother or partner, I can only depend on your good will. I will never give you reasons to worry, that I am planning to monopolise the currently favourable situation in my favour. It would be shameless of anyone, to hope for warmer treatment from a person to whom you'd deny the same thing... "

---

Simbel's gaze was filling up with warmth and determination, and from being nervous at the start of the conversation, it became bright and brimmed with hope.
" Whether they stay or go, yes... If you are allowing me this, I would do anything to help them get extra protection... " with that determination, he turned his gaze to Alpha pleadingly, and ancient Star could not help but chuckle heartily, waving its hand away.
" My dear, my my, indeed, Gods should be at least that adorable to be worshipped! Okay, you cute racketeers... Materials for such heavy protection are not cheap and easy to acquire even for me, since I will have to make deals among quite a few Beings and mine a bit anew in deeper Layers, but I don't like such cute kids getting in danger, so, as long as you are as certain as this that one day you won't put cheap blame on me, and claim something bad wouldn't have happened if I didn't provide your little demonic entourage with too much, I am in, " he glanced back to the timid unsure vampires, his fingers passing through sketches on the table a little more thoughtfully, before his gaze fell back on Svarik and Simbel, and orbs of his eyes curved, though they  seemed weary despite their warmth. " Even if I am doing it for brownie points for such a cute pastel God and sparkly Sun King, still, it would set a bad precedent for the future, if I were to give something with getting nothing in return, of course. I do not want to be demanding, though, since the pleasure of good looks is very little part in safety you are hoping for from me. So, do you have any special things you would like to offer me for this deal? I usually like to watch people squirm and sweat a little to figure out what is best they can give me, but you are in need, and I am depressed, so I could suggest a prize and see if it suits the two of you, unless you have no specific offer in mind for me. "

---

When he unpacked it, he could see it was a lovely little photo frame, clearly made by a highly skilled experienced person, decorated with real high-quality silver and mother-of-pearl mosaics of little roses with thorns woven delicately around the rim. It was truly an exquisite work of art that Hans clearly commissioned from a famous Lowlandian craftsmen especially for him, but on top of that, within the frame, there was a painting that on the other hand, was not made by a human hand.

" Ummm... Alpha can capture the likeliness of people from his memories, by combining and putting its reflections to canvas. He can't recreate something he's never seen, but he can capture the likeness of things he has, and blend them together until it feels like an intentional panting, not a random frozen snippet in time, " Hans coughed, despite clear bubbly anticipation, wiggling his tail with some nervousness. " I have a collection of little family paintings made by Alpha in one of my personal rooms... so when Tide and I discussed what would be the best surprise on the small scale, we  thought it would be fitting to bright more life into the place, so this is what I picked for mine... first milestones are important... "

" Yes, the three of us spoke most carefully about it in our thoughts so we wouldn't spoil the surprise. Oh, Alpha really poured his heart into this one, it turned out so well! " Tide explained brightly. On the little painting, with details so delicate no paintbrush could replicate them, was a realistic image of four of them - Hans, Tide, Senecio and Alpha, as they looked that day they went shopping to the Fourth city, at the time they sat down in that nice cafe to rest, where they had a nice drink to relax and made a toast to the future family. It was clearly not a single captured moment, but a refined process and Alpha seemed to have poured some of his own magic and warmth into the photo, because there was a pleasant feeling of care woven within it, and the figure of the four people in it was shifting but lightly as if they were breathing, and the colour was shining and wavering as if the Star captured the summer breeze and the cosy sunlight and placed it within, making it feel soothing and peaceful.