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[closed] i was in the middle ground
Who: Henry, Satori Tendou, Tataru Taru
When: Within the week of 4/14 & end of May, respectively
Where: The Coven, primarily
What: Henry Bonds ×3 Within ×1 Month, but only two of them are in this log
Warnings: Mentions of trying to eat Tataru, to be sure.
I. the monster {for![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
guesser}
["Bond? You want to bond?!"
In that moment, Henry could feel her exasperation. But he also knew that Tendou knew Tataru, and that Tataru was surely, at least, fond of the Chimera to a degree. The pitiable circumstances the two of them found themselves in just the other week was something that could have been prevented, something Henry knows all too well — from the other side of the fence, from the perspective of a Witch with hallucinations and paranoia haunting him for months.
It's something like that for Monsters, as he understands. Only a lot quicker, a lot less tidy. Finding Tendou attempting to eat Tataru left him with only the briefest rage, one that quickly turned into nothing at all. That's what he'd say, anyway... But maybe, undetectable to Henry, it was something like compassion. How could he be sure if he doesn't understand what any given feeling is to begin with?
Anyway, Tendou wasn't in any place to be marching off to the Coven, and the worst of the full moons was up. Henry infused him with his magic and healed his neck, but it wasn't enough to heal up that scar Tataru left along his neck — a reminder of what the sisters were capable of, and a hint toward Tataru's will to live. (And how admirable that is, Henry thinks. There's a lot of awe for the situation, strangely on neutral ground for being in the middle of a scuffle that could have resulted in either of their deaths.)
The dark mage starts with a message. He told Tendou that they'd be Bonding, but it's just a matter of meeting up to do the deed.]
Tender!!! I didnt forget. Make sure not to shock me TOO much when you show. I don't knowif my still-beating heart could take the surprise!
[Surprisingly, this is. not the way he meant to spell his name. But it'll stick...]
II. the witch {forseemstressed}
Hey, hey, Tataru. Guess what I get to have, since it's been ninety days?
[Well, it's not quite three months. If it were ninety days, it'd be Maiuril 31st, but it's not quite that day. But Henry can't help it when he bounces onto the couch by her side — slightly deliberate. His weight easily offsets her own, forcing her to bounce, and it never fails to bring him to laugh.
Though they have a fire going, it's not as though it's as cold as it was back on that chilly day in March. It's warmed up since then, temperatures more mild than anything, but perhaps these two desert dwellers still find it a bit cold for true relaxation... Fire it is. They do things to their own standards.
How things have developed over these three months. For all of the drinking and contact, for all of their shared memories and rescues, Henry still feels a shock of terror overcome him at the notion of bringing this up at all. That maybe, he could gloss over this ninety day renewal of their Bond, and Tataru would be just fine in keeping it. But a promise is a promise, and he doesn't really want to keep her if she'd rather leave. She seems to have been taking to him well enough — Tataru doesn't voice many grievances with his mental state. If anything, she's only come to tell him when he doesn't seem well, and... Well. It's an odd thing, having somebody tell him when he seems uneasy when he hardly realizes it for himself. Henry hasn't had a Bond last this long and while it daunts, it's... nicer than being alone. Maybe, it's even nicer than exploding. Probably.
Nonetheless, his heart thrums in his chest. An oddity for one with so low and gentle a pulse, regularly. If anything, it only serves to make him a touch dizzy.
Henry gathers one knee close to his body and leans his cheek against it in regards for the Lalafell lady at his side.]
Can you guess?
((ooc: Please feel free to get in touch if you'd like to do something special with Henry this month, and I can get a top-level started for you here! I'd be more than happy to.))
When: Within the week of 4/14 & end of May, respectively
Where: The Coven, primarily
What: Henry Bonds ×3 Within ×1 Month, but only two of them are in this log
Warnings: Mentions of trying to eat Tataru, to be sure.
I. the monster {for
guesser}["Bond? You want to bond?!"
In that moment, Henry could feel her exasperation. But he also knew that Tendou knew Tataru, and that Tataru was surely, at least, fond of the Chimera to a degree. The pitiable circumstances the two of them found themselves in just the other week was something that could have been prevented, something Henry knows all too well — from the other side of the fence, from the perspective of a Witch with hallucinations and paranoia haunting him for months.
It's something like that for Monsters, as he understands. Only a lot quicker, a lot less tidy. Finding Tendou attempting to eat Tataru left him with only the briefest rage, one that quickly turned into nothing at all. That's what he'd say, anyway... But maybe, undetectable to Henry, it was something like compassion. How could he be sure if he doesn't understand what any given feeling is to begin with?
Anyway, Tendou wasn't in any place to be marching off to the Coven, and the worst of the full moons was up. Henry infused him with his magic and healed his neck, but it wasn't enough to heal up that scar Tataru left along his neck — a reminder of what the sisters were capable of, and a hint toward Tataru's will to live. (And how admirable that is, Henry thinks. There's a lot of awe for the situation, strangely on neutral ground for being in the middle of a scuffle that could have resulted in either of their deaths.)
The dark mage starts with a message. He told Tendou that they'd be Bonding, but it's just a matter of meeting up to do the deed.]
Tender!!! I didnt forget. Make sure not to shock me TOO much when you show. I don't knowif my still-beating heart could take the surprise!
[Surprisingly, this is. not the way he meant to spell his name. But it'll stick...]
II. the witch {for
seemstressed}Hey, hey, Tataru. Guess what I get to have, since it's been ninety days?
[Well, it's not quite three months. If it were ninety days, it'd be Maiuril 31st, but it's not quite that day. But Henry can't help it when he bounces onto the couch by her side — slightly deliberate. His weight easily offsets her own, forcing her to bounce, and it never fails to bring him to laugh.
Though they have a fire going, it's not as though it's as cold as it was back on that chilly day in March. It's warmed up since then, temperatures more mild than anything, but perhaps these two desert dwellers still find it a bit cold for true relaxation... Fire it is. They do things to their own standards.
How things have developed over these three months. For all of the drinking and contact, for all of their shared memories and rescues, Henry still feels a shock of terror overcome him at the notion of bringing this up at all. That maybe, he could gloss over this ninety day renewal of their Bond, and Tataru would be just fine in keeping it. But a promise is a promise, and he doesn't really want to keep her if she'd rather leave. She seems to have been taking to him well enough — Tataru doesn't voice many grievances with his mental state. If anything, she's only come to tell him when he doesn't seem well, and... Well. It's an odd thing, having somebody tell him when he seems uneasy when he hardly realizes it for himself. Henry hasn't had a Bond last this long and while it daunts, it's... nicer than being alone. Maybe, it's even nicer than exploding. Probably.
Nonetheless, his heart thrums in his chest. An oddity for one with so low and gentle a pulse, regularly. If anything, it only serves to make him a touch dizzy.
Henry gathers one knee close to his body and leans his cheek against it in regards for the Lalafell lady at his side.]
Can you guess?
((ooc: Please feel free to get in touch if you'd like to do something special with Henry this month, and I can get a top-level started for you here! I'd be more than happy to.))
no subject
Despite Henry odd quirks and 'interests' that filled up a shed in the yard out back, he's been ever so helpful and agreeable. Having him move in and live with her had turned out to be a really good decision, one she's happy to have made. It's nice to have the mage around, and not just because he's capable of reaching things she can't or helps her with her magic...there's a certain kind of joy he brings her.
There is, too, the fact he saved her. It isn't something she'll be forgetting anytime soon.
Playful and mischievous as ever she finds herself bouncing up on the cushion of the sofa, a pair of knitting needles in hand as she gains a bit of air for a moment. She's used to it now though, and the laughter that comes out of him is a welcome sound.]
Can I guess?
[A light hum slips her throat, as she racks her memory to figure out what Henry might be getting at. Ah.]
Does it have something to do with fingers?
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But it didn't stop there. Tataru gave him something grounded, a reason to be here instead of not. He didn't have many of those in the world, neither here nor back on the continent of Ylisse. It may not be a reason like saving the world or reviving a dark dragon, but he doesn't really need reasons like that. All Henry needs is to feel wanted somewhere.
If he could save her time and again, he'd do that, too... But even better would be if he could equip her with what she needs to feel empowered to go without. It's a work in progress.
Good thing it's knitting and not sewing, where she might stab herself. Even though he seems careless, he did at least check for that kind of thing! Henry listens, his breath slowing as he waits, Then he laughs. There have been so many finger situations this month...]
Are you reading my mind now? I don't think I taught you any spell for that... [He laughs again.] Yeah! But what ABOUT those fingers? Maybe... you can give me some more detail?
[You know. Like the SIZE]
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[Her reply is coy, unable to help the teasing smile that tugs at her lips. The Lalafell's attention to detail and impeccable memory did seem to come in handy from time to time. Setting her knitting aside she holds out her hand, as if to inspect her fingers, giving them a little wiggle for show. She knows exactly what Henry is getting at, hearkening back to earlier conversations about ring sizes.
She's not sure how to feel about it. It's an innocent enough detail to give out, but with Henry even if he said something with a smile on his face chances were he was deadly serious. What should she think about him getting her a ring? That's surly what he's going to do, right? What would that even mean? Maybe she shouldn't think too hard about it.
Her outstretched hand is offered to him then, handed (hah) over for him to take and inspect himself, if he wishes. There's also a measuring tape on the table before them that she'd set her knitting atop of. If he's observant enough surely he's noticed it already.]
What about them indeed...did you want to take a look for yourself?
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And so, he's not so inclined to jump into marriage. But that isn't to say that he can't entertain the thought with the knowledge of a ring size.
Henry takes her hand in his, in both a delicate, yet greedy sort of gesture. Nearly snatching it up, but with enough restraint to seem normal in the process. Though he notices the tape measure, he's... not actually sure how ring sizes work. Normally, if he wanted a ring size, Henry always imagined he'd just ask for it or bring someone's body to a jeweler to get it measured! (Yeah..... he's had plans.........)
With a hum, he gently pinches her ring finger between his index and thumb. He's looking at Tataru's face, mostly.]
Hmm... Do I have to guess? Let's see... Aw, man. Don't tell me you're something like a 6½. Rings are usually in full sizes, right?
[Time to see if she reacts as though he's made an outrageous guess.]
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Not always! It depends on what measurement system you're using. This place measures things differently than how they are in Eorzea.
[It's...actually been somewhat of a struggle to make the conversions, but she's managed, even if she still verbally uses what she's used to.]
That being said, my fingers are far smaller than such a size.
[Yeah she's going to playfully wiggle them, just because she can.]
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Henry makes another sort of half-disappointed, half-amused hum at her response. Her responses.]
No wonder you never gave me your ring size when we first met! It was Eorzean, huh?
[Or maybe she didn't give it to you because y'all were strangers... Henry knows, and he just laughs quietly about it. For a moment, the dark mage loosely entwines his long, slender fingers with hers, before unhanding her. Only to reassert his grip upon her hand for further examination.]
But an Eorzean size won't do me much good here in Aefenglom. Would be tragic if I told a jeweler I was looking for an Eorzean 28, and they gave me a size 28 ring! Wonder how much that would cost...?
[A size 28 ring... for giants... a HUGE ring, that wouldn't be a ring anymore. No, Henry doesn't actually know what Eorzean sizes look like. They could be letters, for all he knows.]
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Tataru can feel her cheeks grow warm as Henry's fingers slide between her own, briefly, before he's back to inspecting her hand as if it's the most interesting thing he's seen all day.]
It'd cost quite a bit, especially if it was a gold ring. You cold use the measuring tape on the table though, if you'd like.
[Just a thought.]
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[Henry gives the measuring tape a good look, because he's not exactly sure how he's supposed to measure for a ring size! He always thought he might make a cast, or borrow a body, or at least just use a string and bring that to a jeweler... A few crafty ways to pilfer a ring size that didn't involve actually using a measurement.
But wouldn't it be the same? He could use the measuring tape, get a circumference in millimeters, and make that work just as well! In fact, that's probably the normal way of going about this...]
Thanks for the tip!
[With a slight tinge of pink to his own cheeks, Henry reaches for the measuring tape. It's not for the fact that he's doing this, or that he feels embarrassed that he blushes. No, Henry flushes because he's nearly being given explicit permission to have her ring size. What does that say? It's a humbling, warm thought, one he doesn't know how to comment upon.
So he doesn't, and grins instead.]
A ring size for you's bound not to be NEARLY as gold-heavy, if it were gold. But that doesn't mean I should skimp out on its finery, huh? That just means more stones and riches packed onto one ring! [He says this as he begins to wrap the tape around her ring finger, fingers delicate, more delicate than they were before. As though handling a small songbird, as though trying not to puncture a moment.] You'd probably like an expensive ring.
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Does she need an expensive ring? It'd be a lie to say she wouldn't be fond of something that glittered and shined in the sun, but a simple band would be fine as well. Here she goes thinking about what-ifs now. This is all just part of a game between the two of them, isn't it? Is he seriously going to get her a ring?]
What girl wouldn't like one? [She laughs.] But I think pretty and sturdy is what's important in a piece of jewelry. High quality materials but nothing excessive - it can just become gaudy then.
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[Henry is no ring expert, but to him, that sounds nice. He himself goes for the simple gold, so he nods in understanding at the thought. Without speaking it, he imagines a similar sort of picture: something that catches enticingly in the sun, something a corvid would likely take to appreciating, because Henry's drawn to shiny things himself. Not in any way that he feels inclined to possess and indulge, but fascinate.
The tape is wrapped around her finger and he catches a measurement, ascribing it to memory where he hopes he wont forget the number. He lets her hand go with a grin.]
What if I could time travel, and I told you back at that bar that I took your ring size? I bet THEN I could get the drop on you.
[She wasn't an easy one to ruffle the feathers of!]
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Well I would certainly be impressed. You'd have to be a mind reader then - or have a good eye for detail.
[She drops her hand back to her side.]
I won't say no to a ring Henry, but do be wise when purchasing jewelry.
[Meaning - don't get scammed.]
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With her ring size secured, Henry lets the tape drop into his lap as he raises a pointer finger.]
Okay, now let me be greedy and selfish for another bell. Ready?
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You've my ear. I'm listening.
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There's another thing that's due in the ninety days. And it's another consent from you. Can you guess that one?
[Ring size obtained or not, it hardly indicates her approval of their continued Bond. That's something he wants to make sure she wants to keep. If not, well...
Henry would understand. They're both Witches, for one. And he doesn't imagine he's been good for her mental health, even if she doesn't demonstrate any issue with him. He doesn't see himself as much of a boon, no matter how good he's gotten at cleaning floors, reaching for objects high up with levitation spells, or washing dishes.]
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[She knows exactly what he's getting at. She's well aware of how much time has passed between the two of them and that the three month mark of their bond is drawing near.]
Why, it would be a proper finalizing of our Bond, would it not? Shall I make something matching for us to wear?
[Clearly her consent is a non issue.]
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[This surprises Henry, for some reason. It shows on his face: the fleeting demonstration of an authentically felt emotion, clear as day. Not one he needs to ruminate over or let drop dead as soon as it comes into being, but one that he can express fully.
She took it with such stride... But then, Tataru also took his flirtation in easy stride. It seems that might just be the kind of unflappable person she is.
That means that Henry might be the one here left flustered. He diverts his gaze to the ground, then musters a smile again, accompanied by an airy laugh.]
Do... I mean. Heck yeah, if you want to. If you like that, I do, too.
[He thought she would find herself stumbling over the occasion, somehow... Despite everything. Despite their gradual closeness, Tataru's stability, her clarity in action and appreciation for him. People are hard to read, and he keeps thinking Tataru should be, too... But she's proving surprisingly straightforward.]
Do you mean it?
no subject
Tataru herself, is far more straightforward, even more so when it comes to how she is with Henry.]
If I didn't mean it I wouldn't say it. You know that.
[Or he should. She smiles sweetly reaching out with a small finger to nudge his chin up, so he's back to looking at her instead of the floor.]
I want to.
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He's no longer in such a situation where he's desperate for a Bond like he was when he came to her, but that doesn't mean that this Bond's one he'd be eager to let go of. If Tataru wished for efficiency, he would let her have what she wanted. If she wished for a disconnect from his haywire mind, that would be understandable, too. Those were the things Henry expected... but he's not about to push her away if she's not leaving.
In fact, he grips her hand in both of his. And he smiles.]
Great! In that case, I'll wear anything you want, if you want it to match. You could put me in a dress and I'd still march all the way to the Coven if it made you happy. Heck, I'd even do it wearing Tendou's weird pink boots with the tall heels! And I'm not much of a heels man.
[Unlike Prince's other character, Henry wear shoes as low to the ground as possible...]
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I won't be putting you in heels...certainly not pink ones. It's not your color. Nor will I be stuffing you in a dress.
[She enjoys a good robe on a man but what she thinks of as a dress isn't something she has a desire to see him in. There were far better clothes to dress him up in.]
I'll make sure we match though!
no subject
[Henry: the disease... of smiles. Turns out he has cooties after all?!
But he trusts more than just her taste of fashion. With that settled, Henry, too, settles down, for all that his pulse is thready and his head's light. Turns out he was nervous. He expels all of the air in his lungs and deflates, but he still holds onto her hands.
...It goes without saying that each of them will be rewriting their vows. Reaffirming their Bond, with words meant more for a longer standing of their Bond. He wishes he never said he'd try again — the first time was stressful enough! But he's also... weirdly determined to carry through with the task. And, he'd like to have a ring to give her...]
...Um, thanks.
[...suave.]
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Even though he seems rather confident outwardly Tataru knows inside his heart is thrumming away, that he feels bubbly and light. Those are grade A nerves her Bonded is feeling, but it's clear that there's relief too there as well. He was afraid of her rejecting him. It's an understandable fear.
When he thanks her, her little hands still in his, she can't help but grin his way. Tataru doesn't need suave, she just needs genuine and Henry has been just that.]
You too, you know.
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henwy..... my hewo uwu)ﾉ♥
i cant make any promises! before we knot it i just need to know
do you or do you like pink
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Henry's easygoing and upbeat, all things considered. But he's also happy-go-lucky and surprisingly merciful, for being a self-proclaimed ruthless killer. The kind of guy who would meet a beast in attacking his very own Bonded and offer to Bond with him instead of get angry, because... this is the nature of the beast. That is, the nature of Aefenglom's transforming Mirrorbound. How are they supposed to stand up against this pressure, where so many people are reluctant to Bond? Even he was reluctant.
But he can't be reluctant if it means the stability of a Monster. He has a fondness for the sound of Tendou's voice, anyway.]
You know what? I think..maybe lyike several months ago, I wouldav said I dont care. But you have pink feathers, and Tataru likes to wear pink.....
Do I? HECK YEAH
no subject
your place, few minutes, xoxo
[ a knock some moments later! knock knock knock, on the door— and what henry will meet with is tendou once he opens it, puffy peach pink feathers and cockatoo crest raised while he just sort of
poses
in thigh high pink stilettos and he is unashamed. ]
Check out my booties . . . [ now said with a scary mimicked female voice: ] Henwy.
no subject
Henry doesn't dress quite as nicely as he did for Tataru, feeling more casual about this ordeal and less keyed up. But he does somewhat, by virtue of Tataru loading him up with "HOT CLOTHES" and by virtue of being Henry, who has an exotic/gothic sort of flare to his general dress. Cape, gold jewelry, blacks and purples... His usual.
So when Tendou arrives at the door all dressed up and playing the part... Henry realizes that he made an excellent choice in wanting to Bond with Tendou, because this act has him laughing. At first it's a startled laugh, but then it's a laugh for the sake of finding the scene before him simply ridiculous, and amusing, at that.]
What the heck are those? I've never seen anything like it! That's hilarious! You're even pinker than Tataru now!
[Those fluffy pink feathers, these ostentatious pink boots... He's so tall now... Henry sticks his wrists together as if he's tied and bound.]
How's a Witch supposed to deny charm like this? Gotta go get Witch-Monster married, stat!
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You're just gonna have to help your bride with these. [ you're a fool if you thought he actually knew how to walk in heels. ] Ready to knot?
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Okay, okay, you got it. I'll help ya, silly.
[Who even understands heels... He wouldn't know how to begin, given that he's most accustomed to the least amount of heel possible. Sandals Boy.]
I'm readier than a wyvern in heat. Huh. I wonder if wyverns even knot... [Henry stop] Whatever. Anyway, since you're wearing such show-stopping stilts for shoes, wanna teleport? I'm a Witch, you know. Saves us the walk! Because if you fall, I probably can't catch you with these flimsy noodles for arms. Whoops.
no subject
. . . Let's do it. [ tendou just gestures for him to hold on a minute with big floppy hand-paws, opening his mouth to shriek out . . . in 8bit?! ] Dynamic Duo TENDER and HENWY♥ used TELEPORT!
[ please get the timing right ]
no subject
"hey erehn do wyverns knot"
Henry doesn't anticipate Tendou's teleportation lead-up, but he's nothing if not quick on his feet. (And if anyone asked him about it, he'd say he'd be a splatter on the ground if he weren't!) So as soon as Tendou says the word "Teleport" in that strange, shrieky voice that doesn't compute to a soldier from like, a time period where consummation might be expected to follow any proper marriage.
And speaking of marriage, Henry grips onto Tendou's arm and focuses on the halls of the Coven...]
Boom!
[...Leading them to land directly in the center of someone else's Bonding ceremony.
The Puca involved is a small thing, and she stands panicked, stock-still as her Bond ceremony is... Not ruined, but certainly given an interesting dimension. Her Witch, too, only gawks. At least they're at the butt end of their ceremony... Henry Fucked Up, and he laughs sheepishly.]
Umm. Oops. Hope we didn't interrupt! Nya ha! Hey, got any more availability for two Bonding lovebirds on the books?
no subject
Congrats on the bond!♥ [ another kick to distract the ceremonial witch, sticking it higher and causing the puca girl to flush pink with either embarrassment, anger, or both. he's not the least bit sorry. ] But now it's the turn of the Miracle Boys!
[ the chimera imitates his soon-to-be-bond's laughter. nya-ha! ]
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Well... The newly Bonded couple isn't going to forget their ceremony any time soon. How nice of these two Mirrorbound to congratulate them, they suppose, and take it in stride, Tendou's enthusiasm giving them both of a chuckle — the Puca's is still embarrassed (scared? frustrated?), but the Witch's is a bit more entertained.
Henry laughs all over again - nya-ha! - as he moves to support Tendou's pink-heeled leg like he's pointing his toe like a gun at the ceremonial Witch. They are the Miracle Boys...]
We'll be speedy, too! [SPEEDRUN: THE BOND] I'm a Witch without a Monster, and he's a Monster without a Witch, so we've gotta make it snappy. Or else!
[(Is this a hostage situation, suddenly?) Oh... Well, with their Bond tied up, the Puca-Witch combination backs out of the way with not too much fuss save for well-wishes on the part of the Coven's "minister," who believes these Mirrorbound are a handful that need tending to. The Chimera and Witch are instructed to take their places, and Henry cheers.]
See? I knew we could wiggle it in.
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It's time for The Knotting. [ they're hands are getting tied, ribbon and all to signify the tethering of their souls. nice, right? your vows, says the elder witch, and then— ] Oh.
[ that was a thing. ]
Got anything, Henry?
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Oh.
[It's like they echo each other... Well, he came ill-prepared. Henry hums, tilting his head. His hair follows the cant, swooshing along with as he sort of wiggles ineptly in place.]
I guess we've gotta freestyle it. How about that?
no subject
[ tendou says it with an obvious puff of confidence that can quickly become arrogant, but he loved it and the attention he'd get from it back then. rubbing his hands together and relinquishing his grip on henry's shoulders, the chimera clicks his heels in an odd swing for balance and uses his hands, fingers, paws, everything to gesture and express himself buoyantly. ]
Henwy . . . Do you take me to be your awfully Bonded Chimera?