Senecio and Tide
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" Seine..." Hans used Tide's nickname this time, as it couldn't help but feel appropriate, turning head to look at him. " Do you really think Tide would not be disappointed once he finds out, that you were polishing yourself before him in fear of rejection? *Our* Tide, whose biggest dream is to find someone that will love and respect all of him, in all his forms? To find out you did not trust him enough to show him all of your forms?"
--- That seemed to surprise, but also finally reassure the Being a little, that was slowly warming up to it. " You... really think so?" He asked timidly." It... it is somehow comforting, to think it is up to time, not looks But still wouldn't... Finding them some good human master be better? Not all human builders can possibly be so evil. Someone with better past, and better words. With my history of building war machines, I... I don't think most would think me better than Guliermo. " He spoke quietly, with bathed breath of someone that desired deeply to told he is wrong." I... Don't know how much better replacement I am... " |
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(oops, my reply didn't go through again) --- "That is something that only you can know," Svarik said. "Only you know fully how you feel towards them and what your intentions are. You could find them another master, but you couldn't be sure thar he feels the same way." |
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" I know. But it's not about lenght of time you spend with someone. It's about the quality of time." Hans replied to him, quietly but firmly pressing his hand." I don't know you for long, either. For as long as Tide does, in fact. I could go on without knowing you... But now that I know you, I would suffer like heck if something were to happen to you, or if you'd kick me out of your life. That has nothing to do with time. You are just precisely my cup of tea. And same goes for Tide. He likes the overabundance of shugar and herbs, while I love the bitter strong sediment on the bottom of the cup." He said gently, but with no heat this time, only seriousness in his look. " Don't doubt your tastiness. You are not fit for everyone, but we like you. "
--- " Yes... You can never know what other people really intend. Only what you do. " Being murmured quietly." I intend... To protect them. At first, just a few days, I thought. But then little Senecio said, he would help with my food, so I began thinking... What if I can stay longer, then?" He whispered embaraassedly." It's enough that they are safe, I thought. But as I got to know them... I feel... Warmer, when I am with them. I know it is greedy to want more... But deep down, I would be dissatisfied if they just accept the protection and don't end up liking me or thinking well of me... Isn't that a bad way to feel? " |
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Senecio smiled a little with the comparison. "Something is about the length of time, though. Experience and the certainty coming with it. When everthing is new, you have no reassurance of memory of how a similar situation turned out before..."
--- "It is perfectly normal," Svarik reassured him. |
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" Let me give you my certainty, then. Let me reassure you. I have had enough time, to know a thing or two. " Hans grinned, brightly and softly, speaking conspiratorially. " There are but a few times, when Tide has been as happy, as with you. I have such good feeling about you two. I will help you sweep him of his feet, as much as I am able. But don't suppress yourself in fear, okay? Disagreements are okay in relationships, they are not dealbreakers, but if something Tide does is a dealbreaker to *you*, and you do break up, don't be afraid, okay? You'll still be my little sibling, and his too. Me and Tide also dated back and forth every once in a while, but we dealt with the fact we should just be friends like adults. Whatever comes, we will deal with that, but even if it's bad, we won't leave you, alright? " he added mischievously. " You are ours now. Officially copyrighted... "
--- " I hope it is... I guess most I can do is hope right now. It's frustrating, but I have to be patient. I fear I am not good at it... Age doesn't mean you automatically become good at waiting... I have trouble relaxing when I don't know where I stand. I find it easier with adults that won't assume I mean things between lines. I can just say I like them if I do... I can just tell you that I like you, " Being said shyly, smiling a little embarrassedly. " Thank you... for the talk. I couldn't bring myself to bother Senecio. No matter whatever Hans meant, it's nice to meet you. " he said seriously, underlining the sentiment with a nod. " Don't... feel ashamed, for your ancestor. I am kind of glad... to see his features on such a soft face. You are more patient than one silly, confused Being deserves... " |
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"Thank you," Senecio chuckled, relaxing a little. "That is a nice certainty." --- "Oh no, you deserve all the patience," Senecio smiled. "But let us not leave the kids waiting any longer. You could discuss the armor with Conrad while I talk to them." |
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" That is a promise, my sweet lemon cake. " Hans added softly, seeming happy to be able to give it, caressing his hand absently with his thumb. " But leave tomorrow for tomorrow - let us focus on something we can do now, to cheer ourselves up," he whispered, sleepily, softly tempting him. " I have a real estate agent that is very good. Why don't we ask Janus for some paper and ink, so I can send him a message tonight, so he can work on our case first thing in the morning? Depending on what we seek to buy, it can be done at different speeds. For example, it would take a while if we want to buy a building in which multiple families live - we would have to agree transaction one by one with all, and some families could refuse, and it would be annoying. The better thing is to get a building owned by one nobleman, who is renting it. Then, we can slowly be freeing the rooms, by giving tenants notice to seek a new place to live. If we find agreeable enough owner of the building, we could finish the transaction first thing in the morning - choice of buildings is more limtied, but I think it's easier than hoping all people in one building would agree to sell it and making long tedious documentation. It should be something relatively close to the theatre, though, and it should definitely be well-lit area, no dark alleys or anything creepy. What do you think? "
--- " That would give me a great excuse to take the time aside, so I do not put pressure on them. " Creature brightened up - indeed, it seemed thinking about the kids was a distraction to his hunger. He stood up, ready to go, making a step, but then, he remembered Svarik was weary and seemed embarrassed." Are you... able to stand, little one? I fear I can't help you, as I can't bear the touch... Maybe we could ask Senecio to help you... " |
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"I like the first option better, still," Senecio said. "Maybe because I've lived in such a flat from where you can be kicked out anytime if the owner sells it or just decides so. And we would be giving the money to the owner and not to those who have to move out, so they would have no compensation..."
--- "Thank you, but the honey helped," Svarik said, standing up. His movements were slow and weary, but certain. |
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" Are you sure? I can't really see why people who don't own the place should get compensation since they don't own the place. They just pay on a monthly base to have a place to live. It's not my fault they didn't buy their own home, not everyone can. I didn't buy my first house overnight, either. " Hans said, a little confused. " My idea was more in line with buying the building from a nobleman and giving everyone renting there a month's notice to move out. That's a decent amount of time, and my plan was to offer those that move out sooner the bonus so that they have the incentive to move out as soon as they can. That's not exactly not generous, considering I wouldn't own them anything. If we have to get into headache of negotiating prices with all families that own apartments in buildings, we'd stretch the process indefinitely, and maybe some even wouldn't want to sell regardless of the prize. So, we may even find the almost perfect building, but have to keep looking because one or two people won't sell. I mean, at that point it may become cheaper and faster to just build a building... "
--- Being nodded, and he led him out through the maze of stairs, walking slowly, so he could keep the pace. When they got out, hr packed him bag tight, and then they went back to where Conrad and the children waited for them. |
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"Such thing can ruin someone, though. Maybe they won't be able to find another living and end as homeles..." Senecio said hesitantly. "Could I just... refuse a few portions of the cake, and give them a compensation so it is easier for them to finds something new? I just feel the situation too relatable to be comfortable with it."
--- Svarik greeted them with a wave of his hand. "Did you have a nice time? Conrad, Janus offered to make a really cool armour for you. I'll leave you to discuss it and take the kids downstairs, alright?" |
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" You put a hard bargain... I won't refuse you well earned cake, though. However, you do work for me, and your pay is surely quite higher than the most - how about I give you a loan? Tell me how much you wish to give each family, and you can pay of the amount to me monthly, a bit at a time. " He suggested." That way, we both can have it our way, and nobody has to end up on the street. I personally just really want to do it as soon as possible. If we find willing nobleman and a family willing to accept money to move our right away to make space for Janus and the kids, we may even be able to finish the sale tomorrow. "
--- " Unless the price for it is piece of your soul or something, I guess I will just roll with it, then." Falcon shrugged, taking insane things in as they came, not refusing a handy thing outright before discussing it. The children seemed unsure all of sudden with the statement, but Janus reassured them. " Do not worry." He told them firmly." Little Svarik only wishes to escort you while I speak to his friend. If he tries anything suspicious or unwanted, just fetch me and we will put an end to it, okay?" He asked them, and they slowly agreed. |
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"If that's how you prefer to do it," Senecio agreed only reluctantly. "I would really prefer to refrain from one cake than being in even more dept than I already am."
--- "Of course, Janus will be right here and will come whenever you call for him," Svarik assured them. "I'd just like to give him and Conrad some privacy to discuss business." |
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" But you love that cake, and besides, it would ruin the pleasure of getting it, if after every time I say, hey, Senecio did well and deserves a cake, I have to say, damn, you are couple slices away from repaying your debt. " Hans snorted, but his look remained serious, as he tried to solve the dilemma in a satisfactory way for both of them. " If debt bears you down, I don't know... I know you will pay it back, but how about this? I'm buying the building already, it'd be too costly for me to give away compensation for those people on top of that, I'd just feel a little too bad. First, let's calculate how much you wish to give per apartment, and multiply it with number of apartments, so we know full value. I know the cake is expensive, but I doubt a couple slices of cake would cover all that. So, let's instead divide that number by average dinner prize for teo or three, not in that expensive, but in common restaurants. So, instead of calling it a loan and debt and taking off your pay each month, you can be paying us dinners when we go out in the next couple of years. " he said innocently. " You'll be real gentleman, I'm just saying... "
--- Reluctantly they agreed, although especially younger ones seemed suspicious. While Janus remained and began explaining the armour to Conrad, the children followed Svarik downstairs, to the secluded, separated area beneath the stage, where all the mechanisms, along with their three sleeping bags were. |
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"That does sound better," Senecio agreed. "At least we won't have to discuss who should pay every time. I would find it fair to give three months' rent as a compensation to those who have to move."
--- "So this is your place? Janus really can make cool things, doesn't he?" Svarik asked when they sat down there, hiding his weariness deep inside. "Was Conrad nice with you? He can be a bit grumpy sometimes, but he is my best friend and having such an armor for him would be awesome. Besides grumpy, he is also reckless sometimes, you know? And the best fighter I know, so it may be justified, but still, I would be much calmer knowing that he is safe." |
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" Now it only depends on how many minimum or maximum apartments do we want the building to have, to calculate the years you'll need to be a gentleman. " Hans replied a little playfully, as, besides the promise of returning the debt, it was also the promise to hang out often, and he seemed more pleased with it than he would be with mere money. " How many apartments do you think we should seek in the building? And what average size? Do we want to buy the building with more smaller apartments so more people can live independently, or do we want fewer apartments, but bigger ones, where they can be more roommates? Or did you have some specific buildings close by in mind when you came up with this idea? "
--- It was an unusual conversation started, for sure, but the eldest one, that seemed to more often than not speak for all, chipped in. " Master Janus... mostly acts as a mechanic around us. I didn't really know he can make armours too, but I guess with his flaming sword, one could assume as much," he replied, in indeed somewhat reserved, quiet voice now more cautious when they were alone with a stranger, not knowing what to think. " But if he is willing to make it for your friend, I am glad. He is not a bad man, I think - he told us some obscure mythology stories and showed us how he hides and wields daggers. Seems like a decent guy... " |
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"Right now, there are about seven or eight rooms used in the theatre in such way. And some are shared, so I'd make it fifteen, to have room for the people we employ later as well. Ten smaller and five bigger, maybe. And I did have the building down the main street, in the direction towards the market, in mind. But that's just because it's conveniently close. Any comparable one nearby would do, if it's for sale. --- "Not many people would say that, but he really is," Svarik smiled. "What about Master Janus? What is he like?" |
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" I will instruct all that to my real estate agent, all you have to do is cross fingers." Hans grinned a little." If he does his magic tight, we may even own that place, or comparable one nearby, as soon as tomorrow. That would be great, wouldn't it?"
--- " Well, he is kind of alright, too... He tells us stories..." middle one said slowly. " He buys us pies!" Youngest one proclaimed more heartily. " Master Janus is certainly... Trying." Emmet replied, in his more quiet voice, clearly speaking truth, but also trying not to say anything that could be bad for them if Svarik passes it to the Being." Janus tries... to treat us as kids, I think. He is a little confused, but he gets the spirit. He even came up with a game system of points. If we win enough, he gives us prizes. It's needlessly complicated, of course, but it's actually not that bad." Finally Svarik seemed to see a light smile on lad's pale face." When I got enough points, he fixed my old clock. He even sat me down afterwards and explained me what he did. He didn't have to, but it was... A polite gesture. He is rather polite..." |
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"Yes, I think Janus would really appreciate that," Senecio said. --- Svarik smiled. "I guess he doesn't have much experience with apprentices. Or with company in general. He is a rather solitary Being, I heard. But he seems quite excited about his new role, actually. And terribly afraid that he will not get it right..." |
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" If you told me earlier, I would have got to it right away. " Hans replied apologetically. " It's a tight deadline, but my estate agent knows lot of noblemen, being one himself, so if anyone can pull off a quick sale, they can. Are there any specific requirements do you think they'd like? I know Janus for example, doesn't need a bad because he sleeps in his bag, but still doesn't like places directly facing the sun, as he prefers the shade. What do you think about kids? Anything I can tell my agent to narrow down the building search? Any specific building plan? Are we looking for a building with all separate apartments, or do we want them to have some common room or garden in the centre, where people can socialize? As I said, we need to choose wisely. "
--- Emmet raised his eyebrow a little bit. " I would say he is terribly afraid... of people. He flinches from them all the time and keeps a distance. He seems to find it hard to talk to anyone, and always follows some kind of outline only he knows. He doesn't... really seem overjoyed or excited most of the time, sir. " he explained honestly. " I think everyone can see that he is quite solitary. I have to admit I don't see much of that excitement you speak about. He looks most relaxed when there's no one around, or when he's handing us points... Everything outside this place below the stage seems overwhelming to him... I don't think he's really gaining much, being here. Happiest we have seen him, was when we began dismantling the old machinery... He thinks it's not obvious, but... " he gave a measured smile. " He doesn't like them, so he seems to really get a rick out of that... Other than that, and the point game, I really can't tell... " |
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"We do," Senecio sighed. "And because of that, I would rather delay it by a day or two than having to choose all details now. This was an insane day and I don't feel like having the mental capacity to make such decisions..."
--- "Probably not excited in that overjoyed sense of the word," Svarik said. "More like in the sense that it's terribly important to him. Treating you right as his apprentices, I mean." |
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" I just like plotting, that's all. I am down for that any time of day. But you are right... I am barely awake too." Hans admitted over his will, indeed, only thing keeping him awake being rush from the new curious task. " How about for a start I ask my agent to check ownership and ask around for which noblemen would be willing to make a quick and clean sale, and make us a list of buildings we can consider? "
--- " It's not like there is a manual for how to treat apprentices right... He actually teaches us things, and makes sure we are all up to date. He promised us unreasonably high share of his pay, but he still buys us food regardless. He gets us milk every day because the baker told him milk are good for the human bones. " Emmet replied, and Svarik could see a little trace of warmth, instead of reservation. " He isn't obliged to put half the effort he does, but for whatever reason, he does. Be honest, sir." He narrowed eyes at Svarik a little wearily." He is worried what we think of him and asked you to inquire about it, right? You are not really, um... Subtle..." |
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"Yes, just ask him to sniff around a bit," Senecio smiled a little. "Should I try to call Janus?" --- "You can see right through me," Svarik smiled warmly. "But, not really. It's true that he is worried about it. But he did not ask me to inquire. In fact, he asked me if I could do him a favour and check on you, being a healer, you know? I did the inquiring on my own, because I wanted to make sure that you won't think he has some other motive for being concerned about your health than, well, a genuine concern about your health." |
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" Let's just wait out for a bit. I wouldn't want to interrupt him if he's still with Svarik. " Hans explained, yawning wearily in the middle of the sentence. " My plans include the two of them getting along, so it's more important to give them that time. "
--- Boy's, until that moment calm, brave face, had a shade of pain pass across it. " We... appreciate his concern, but we've told him, we're fine, he's obsessing too much. It's not even as bad as it used to be. " Emmet began, taking the lead slowly, trying to sound collected, and hide a rising distraught, faint tremble in his voice. " No, it's really not. " the middle one chipped in, suddenly very tense with the implication. " We, we are allowed to rest out, and he doesn't push us. We don't have to do anything yet, so we can have more time and wait it out until it passes on its own, instead of having healers give us some medicines and tell us we are good to go... " " Yes, it's better to wait out. " the youngest one added with a little higher-pitched voice, as if at the memory. " We just wait and have some rest... " " You... wouldn't like the healers here. We don't. " Emmet replied to Svarik quietly, but with weight in his voice. " They know everything about our... heh... work injuries, with mechanisms. They are either looking down on us for choosing to stay, or pitying us, but not enough report anything about it. " Emmet replied, with a more pale, tense completion now, but weariness and sadness deep down. "What about you? " |
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"I'm not sure how long I can stay awake yet," Senecio said. "Do you think they will talk long yet? Why is it important that they get along?"
--- "Me? I do not judge. I've got some scars that would prove me a hypocrite for that. Or had, to be precise. I've got a friend in the city who can heal even scars so that no trace of them remains. Amazing, right? I fear I can not do such a thing, but I can make them form from wounds sooner and smoother, at least. And you don't need to show me anything, or decide just yet. I did not bring my healing supplies here, actually, so it's not like I could do much right now. But if you would consider it, I would just ask you to tell me about what ails you, so I can prepare what herbs I will need. You don't need to be too specific, if you don't want to. And if you don't, I'll just bring everything, not that much trouble. Just tell me if you should come again, tomorrow or the day after. That's all I'd like to know..." |
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" Many reasons in general. " Hans said vaguely. " But I mean, seriously? You ask why I want the king of the land that I want to like us to like someone loyal to us, and why I want a Being that can't even stand touch to like someone warm and reassuring? It'd be good for Janus's confidence in humans to see a human king that treats people well. Likewise, it doesn't hurt for a king to see what all value can we offer to his kingdom if he works on wider acceptance of Beings into his land. Can't hurt, right? Besides, you've barely seen a fraction of what Janus can do. Did I tell you he could even, like, make machines that fly? Swore never to make them again once some war crazy Svarik's ancestor used them to level his enemies to the ground from above, but in general, I mean... who knows? He may invent lot of neat new things, for someone he comes to like and feels secure in future with them. Janus's inventions have been kind of stagnating lately since he's so occupied on gaining food, so he mostly does old things he is known for, not new ones. It would be exciting to see something new from him, and you can't have than with a Being constantly worried leaders of the land will send the soldiers to capture and torture him for his knowledge any moment now... We can't have that stress at our theatre, now can we? "
--- Children were pale, not sure what to say or do about his offer, seeming in lot conflicted. The eldest seemed to have taken the responsibility for speaking for them as much as he could, but he was not sure what to say. It was clear in his wary unsure eyes, that he had no experience in how he should act in this situation, always being punished into discreetness, until it was a part of him. He did not know how to respond to Svarik's kindness as much as he did not know what to think of Janus's kindness. He coughed. " How much... Did our current master tell you? " he asked thinly, first. " And rather, I guess... How much was he told, then, too... to come up with an idea to ask you for this? " |
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