Senecio adn Tide II

[Mirach]

Senecio didn't know what to say to that at first. "Um... that's really not how I imagined the deity of life, you know. Sounds like he's got a lot of messed up stuff to unpack. So the content warning is not for his sensitivity but his own specific triggers? In that case I'm sorry, I didn't know he's that off balance. But what I said is still true. I don't think that Hans would let him touch his soul if that is his reaction. If he really wants to help, he'll have to get it together."

[VisAnastasis]

" No, I understand. I am not saying it's not going to be messy and that he should not get it together. He... well, he was getting better adjusted after I became a vampire and he no longer had to worry for me, while we still had hopes of changing the system before everything went wrong... before I took away his whole support system. So... it's not like it's not obvious why I would feel... more responsible for his bad relapses. But... he's been getting a lot better in a little bit of time before he fell asleep, and he seemed much more collected when we talked now that he normally would be. He did not have a panic attack or a yelling fit about it; he was just more forlorn and he did keep repeating same questions, and he was grumbly but not aggressive. I can see he's trying very hard to keep his temper in check... so I can't help but be hopeful. Normally, he would have been greatly thrown off course when he realised Death was more kind to him out of a sense of obligation, not care, but he's holding out surprisingly okay. Even though he does not have high hopes that things with Jake will work out, he's giving it a try. I am glad having Svarik and Simbel on his side seems to be helping, no matter how shaky it is, " Erdel whispered, not without a little bit of cautious optimism. " I am not asking you to cut him some slack. Call him out if he messes up, just... please give him some margin of error to fix things, rather than dismissing him from the start. He has a lot of triggers, but if you step on one, at worst, he'll be grumbly and unpleasant about it. He won't get really angry if he can tell you're not doing it on purpose. But if you make him feel anxious, he may withdraw and be hard to reach, like he'd grow quiet and distant whenever asked about his childhood. It would be a bad idea to treat him like a deity of life, you know. He's just... someone that inherrited that power. Not much different to how you inherited power from Eros. Just because it's a rare power, it does not make you God of emotions by default. Honestly... More I hear of him, the more I think that Deity of Life all those old geezers knew is truly gone, just like White Eagle is truly gone, " he admitted his own observation a little thoughtfully. " Like, I mean... can you claim they are the same, just because they were both depressed? Can you claim White Eagle and Simbel are the same just because they have the same zeal for justice? There are a lot of similarities, but that's because they were both isolated bastards that had trouble fitting in. Line is thinner, but he clearly did not look comfortable in his skin one day from the moment he became Spirit. He's not a God... he's a human who happens to be stuck in an immortal body with crazy powers... He did not... even want to become powerful. It was but a calculated move, because he judged that becoming Being would raise Svarik's chances, " he glanced at the actor thoughtfully, as if he thought about how to best show the difference between what he thought about his change. " Well... It is like you would be feeling shitty and as if you're being pressured into acting like someone you are not, if people you met expected you to act like Senecio di Parvaio, assassin and undercover actor, last of his name, who must avenge his family. Why wouldn't you feel uncomfortable? After all, you are Senecio Moonthorn, beloved youngest Moonthorn, an actor who happens to do makeup at the side. He's not a God - he's a kid who spent most of his life in capital, and is antsy in unfamiliar places. Just a guy that will yell at you for not taking your medicine and push a drink into your hands and grumble if it's too hot and you're not drinking properly. As long as he can see you put in effort not to treat him like an idealised God of Life, I am certain he'll return your effort with his own, no matter how clumsy he is..."

[Mirach]

"I see. Thank for the heads-up. I imagined something completely different when there was a talk about trying to ask this powerful entity for immortality. I though it would be someone immensely wise and holy, who will judge me to see if I am worthy. But it seems we're all just a different flavor of messed up. It will be interesting to meet him. Could you maybe introduce us, ideally before he meets with Hans? But seriously, can you tell if Hans if feeling better already? He said he should, but he might have been mistaken..."

[VisAnastasis]

" When you want to meet him, tell me, and I can introduce you, if you'd like. Ideally... since I prepared you better, it indeed might be better if you met him rather than Hans. Hans... might not have known Riversong, but he does have a very clear set idea of who Riversong was, so even if he may not do it consciously, he is sure to act more on those biases than you. You are good at treating people like people. After all, you are doing the same so casually with this scary supernatural bastard right here, " he pointed at himself, as he nervously adjusted his necktie, admitting. " Who do you think you are talking to? I am the biggest, most nervous mess about people's health and well-being. Of course, I was keeping tabs on Hans. It took me a while to get used to it, but protection in the mansion is layered in quite predictable patterns. Once you recognise the patterns, it's easy to keep track of people and keep an eye out for how they are doing, " he coughed, seeming a little embarrassed for so openly admitting to spying on people, but also glad he can give Senecio reassurance. " He did not lie to you; you do not have to worry. Based on all the info I collected so far, he does get better more quickly when it's not an outburst from being upset. It did seem like this particular one took longer than normal, but by what I gathered, it seemed happier is, the longer the happy outbursts last, too. I don't know what all you guys did as you spent your day, but he must have been very happy today with you, for it to take longer. He and Alpha, hum, seemed to have had a very merry time when he got better, judging by second degree burns he had at that one point and had to pass through layers to recover from, so you don't have to worry. He is quite in high spirits now, " he chuckled. " Actually, he seems all fired up to make sure nothing goes wrong at the play, and that if you get overwhelmed, he is ready at any point to replace you on stage as Spirit King so you don't feel like a burden if it gets too much. So he's a little sleepy, but spirited, revising Spirit King script, and Alpha is quite glued to him, so he's doing fine. Though, yes, it might be a good idea, even if you don't want to speak of immortality first, to speak with Ben about Hans's condition when you get the chance. It's... not like Ben is extra thrilled when people take advantage of him... But if he sees how unwell Hans is, and sees none of you trying to approach him for help, he might have a harder time believing you really care for him, when you're not seeking help for him. It would be sad if your hesitance gave him the opposite impression from who you are. It might be my own selfish thought, but he's seen far too much garbage people, and despite Hans's illness, you have still shown him a truly lovely sight today, with how much you all cared for each other, " vampire admitted wistfully, as it seemed the warmth of what they have seen was also something that was preventing him from slipping into sadder thoughts, too. " I just hope... he keeps seeing kinder things, from now on, despite his eyes are fashioned to see sad things more easily, just like I hope you feel much happier feelings like today, despite it is more common to see sad ones. And... I know it's sensitivie subject, and if nothing changes, it's fine. Nothing changed for my illness, either, no matter how many times Ben dragged me to different healers. But... it meant something that he did not want to give up, even if I did. I just hope you won't give up on Hans getting better unless all options are indeed fully spent. It is fine if we all make peace with the fact that nothing can be done, if truly nothing can be done. Not before it. Just like I gained a new option through becoming a vampire, there is no telling that something won't work if we keep fighting. "

[Mirach]

"You got new options, but also new limitations by becoming a Being," Senecio said slowly. "Hans is not a human trying different doctors. His body is his soul, and if someone can help him, he needs to trust the person for it to work. We need to build that first, before touching his soul. Can you maybe get Ben into that conspiration, with our final goal getting Hans to allow Ben to help him?"

[VisAnastasis]

Finally, Erdel's face lit up, with a smile slowly growing on his face. The actor could recognise the patterns, no matter how difficult the task was, that demon always seemed to get determined and more at ease when he was given a way to contribute toward things important to him and raise others' chances for happiness.
" You are right... It's not like I was thinking of forcing his help on Hans. I know being a Being sucks in a lot of ways, and I am also getting used to a lot of things. But it is true that the blind spots I have make me more shortsighted. You are right, it does not matter if Ben might know a way, if he catches Hans by surprise and makes him close off. We need to orchestrate the situation in a way that does not feel scary to try. Well... When you've spent three hundred years trying to recover but seeing no progress, it's impossible for it not to make you too cautious to trust anything, " as someone who had experienced losing hope and not getting better in illness, Erdel seemed even more affected by this and clearly being all-in for any plans needed. " We are naturally doing the play first, but after the play is done and I make sure you're okay, I'll sneak away and prepare Ben, so he knows what we are planning. Yeah... if he has trouble approaching people, all we have to do is get him into the conspiracy together. No matter how, results are bound to be better if all three of us try to figure out the best ways, than if we just leave Ben to his own devices and risk him approaching Hans on his own and making a blunder. So, I talk to him and ask him to become a part of this today after the play. How does that sound? Just tell me when you would like me to introduce you to Ben. Did you mean for it today, or tomorrow, if play will be too taxing for you? And whenever you decide, how about meeting up somewhere outside, in a cafe, or having a walk somewhere secluded to talk? It's not like I am saying Hans might listen to us on purpose... but I mean, I am not exactly innocent in that department, so I can tell from experience. When people speak about you, and you are able to, sometimes it's hard not to act on suspicion, and we don't want him to hear us by accident, so we have to pick where we meet. You know the area best, so you would have an easier time deciding. For Ben, it's just important that there are not too many people. I myself am not picky. "

[Mirach]

"Sounds like a plan," Senecio nodded, relaxing a little. "Either today or tomorrow, depending on how I feel after the play. If today, I can say I'm overwhelmed by the feelings of the audience again and need to get away for a bit, and take you as a bodyguard so that nobody would worry."

[VisAnastasis]

" Or, whether today or tomorrow, you could just say you are hanging out with your cool nosy friend Erdel for a bit to spend as much time together as you can while he's at sea. You don't need to worry Hans by making him think you're staring into the distance, forlorn and with a feelings headache. You think Hans won't be overjoyed that you are starting to build a normal social circle? Yeah, I think he'd totally hate that, and totally not make sure you pack up snacks, have enough pocket money, and tell you to have fun, " Erdel chuckled a little bit, his own anxiety also melting as he thought fondly of it. " ... Don't worry. Just make sure to tell me after the play if the meeting should be today or tomorrow, and what place works best for you. I'll make sure Ben is informed and gets there. "

[Mirach]

"Yeah, that would work too. Unless I'll actually need to get away, in which case I'll be telling the truth," Senecio said. "But it feels nice to have a goal after the play. I must say I quite enjoy manipulating Beings into something good, like Alpha today. Do you think I'll be a shapeshifting trickster demon when I become a Being? That would be quite cool."

[VisAnastasis]

" I think you'll be about as good at shapeshifting as I suck at it, " the man grinned. " You strike me as someone with that mindset, and shapes depend greatly on the mind. Who knows, apparently, Tide is one of the Beings with the biggest number of forms, but he is still severely limited by his unusual origin, so maybe you will become the first actual shapesifter in history? Wouldn't it be cool? I'd bet good money on shapeshifter path, though I hope you aren't disappointed if it's something else. After all, I also had no idea this is where I would be, " he vaguely pointed at himself, before making a quick snap with his fingers toward the actor with a timid grin. " No matter whether you become a shapeshifter or not, you'll be a cool meddler that enjoys manipulating Beings into something good, and I'll be right there with you... Helping with today's proposal for Alpha was truly... something else. Doing something only for... fun's sake. Only stake being someone's joy, not the fate of the world or any of that, " he coughed, just as shyly. " Playing a dramatic fairy tale helper is fun, but being a cool, currently human trickster's helper is fun, too... "

[Mirach]

"And we can get right back to it after the play with our conspiracy," Senecio grinned. "But now we really need to go to the theatre, so we have enough time for makeup and costumes. Can you jump us there?"

[VisAnastasis]

" You won't trick me, you're a wizard with makeup, you could just snap your fingers and it would get done and still look better than anything I could do myself, " the demon was chuckling with amusement, much more free with Senecio's freedom too, excitement to do what they both loved together rubbing off on him. " But let's not put our dear makeup wizard to the test without need! It's never a bad time to practice jumping, after all! " he said playfully, and gathered up the actor in his arms, before doing a clear, simple sweep up right to the theathre gate, the leap sparkly with his determination and pride for slowly getting better with more practice carrying people.

[Mirach]

"Good aim," Senecio said appreciatively. As they walked into the theatre, he greeted a few people, avoided a few others, checked if the stage is ready, and then led Erdel into his private costume room. It didn't take him long to put on his makeup and helped him with the costume, but then the demon could see why Senecio needed enough time for this: he put on his costume and did the makeup moch more slowly, almost meditatively, using the process to metaphorically become the character and get into the role.  

[VisAnastasis]

Erdel made sure to remember well to distinguish between people the actor greeted and avoided for future reference. He remained to guard him and keep him company while he was getting ready, and it seemed he enjoyed watching the actor's craft, as it was clear he was impressed by how it worked and tried to memorise the steps.
While they were getting ready, Alpha and Hans also arrived, making sure everything was prepared on time, and Sage arrived too, being the one who coordinated new arrivals among the Being audience, making sure everyone felt well and comfortable.
Before play started, Hans made sure to stop by. He really did look much better, although still a little on the fragile side, but he was clearly well enough to move and play, and he made Senecio promise him earnestly that if it gets too much, he will ask him to replace him to act as Spirit King, no questions needed at any point. He seemed still a little worried, but was definitely clearly proud of Senecio for spending time with Sage and doing his best, no matter the outcome. Before the play's start, he gave a few warm words of advice to Erdel too, before he turned back to the actor and pressed his hands firmly and made sure to encourage him too, telling him that Tide dressed up nicely and was ready to give him his bouquet of flower pastries regardless of whether he managed to play through the whole play or not.

[Mirach]

Senecio nodded and romied Hans that he will tell him if he needs a backup. Then he took a deep breath and went to his place in the backstage so that the play could start.

[VisAnastasis]

Erdel followed him in step, observing the surroundings well, making sure to remember in great detail how everyone acted, especially toward Senecio and the younger actors, so he could have better references for the future. When the play was to start, he took on his place close by as Riversong, never more than a bit away from Death, like in their rehearsals.
The feeling of acting in front of an audience again was indeed much more overwhelming than in rehearsals, but the actor could feel a big part of the audience was from Beings and that Tide picked and seated friendlier, more used to humans in front closer to the stage, so it would be easier on the actor. Among the rest of the audience, there was also great excitement - by then, their play turned into great success and was spread from mouth to mouth, so theatre was packed with people excited to see something new that was like never before.

[Mirach]

As the curtain opened, Senecio was met with the same view of the audience like last time he played the role, which was something thet rehearsals couldn't reproduce. For a moment, he felt frozen with panic, but something was different this time - he could sense the emotions of the audience, mostly eager expectation. On one hand, it made getting into the role harder, reminding him that he's just an acor being watched by hundreds of people, but on the other hand it was enough of a difference to break him out of the panic and actually get on stage with his cue. From there, he first acted automatically, as if on autopilot, but slowly he eased into it and got into the role just as the play focused on Death after the in the scene of him becoming the king of Spirits.

[VisAnastasis]

For Erdel as well, it was different from rehearsals to get used to it, as it was a strange new feeling, but he did take part in military events tied to bull and was no stranger to being watched, and thankfully, his role was not that intense or in focus, so he could get away with more than Senecio. He followed faithfully, at first acting like a timid but more playful Riversong, clearly drawing feelings for it from the more playful mood there was as they made a new resolution and went to theathre. He acted a little clueless and innocent, and in his loneliness, was clearly drawn to Death - true to life and also a good excuse to stay close to a support actor. After the inciting incident that began the war, he remained as close, but more grieved and forlorn.

The actor could feel how the audience's excitement was palpable, despite his slightly more mechanical start than it was at the premiere - even with more spoilers floating outside and the script book released, and some people knew what would happen, it was still exciting to see their favourite scenes on stage. Still, among the spectators that were Beings, Senecio could feel that, while they were interested in play and liked it, some were also not seeing him as just an actor, but Tide's and Hans's family, at least judging by their reactions - despite enjoying his craft, within them more joy was mixed in, as it seemed they were proud someone Hans and Tide were so close to was doing something so amazing, and that they felt same belonging with him as they felt with Sage, no matter their human status, because he was someone dear to them. Especially when he was singing the song in Spiriit language, many seemed all the more impressed and proud, hard work leaving singing it paying off. But just as much, whenever he would falter a little, he could feel that they were hopeful and cheering for him on the inside earnestly, as whoever was in the know that something happened during the last play seemed to hold earnest and warm wishes to support him and hope he will be okay and overcome this.