Who: Jin Guangyao and YOU! When: Throughout Deceuer Where: Aefenglom, and the Underground City What: Various things! Opportunities to meet and a little mistletoe. Warnings: None as the moment.
[Prompts in the comments, feel free to contact me for starters for anything else!]
[Why should he have to give it up? It's nice and warm. There's a definite moment of conflict between desire to be seen as a kind upstanding member of this world's society and his strange little snake-y hoarding urges. Despite being aware of some of the ridiculous things he's picked up and brought home over the months -- he's not a thief, but can't he just have a little something nice once in a while?
Smile innocently distracting, he looks up at the towering dragony pile of furs.]
Lord Viren. What a pleasant surprise to see you here again. Of course as a manager I understand that it shouldn't be so unexpected perhaps, but you do have a much more regal bearing than one would expect to find in a more modest shop.
[The teacup is definitely still tucked away in his sleeves.]
[ oh, bless him. he even thought to use his title. ]
Thank you... I'm so flattered you think so.
[ and he agrees, too, which he can't vocalize in order to maintain some facade of modesty. alas, he's onto him: having wholly noted that the teacup remains not in his own possession even in lieu of any compliments, viren has stuck out a clawed, scaly hand to receive it. ]
We purchased those cups in bulk. You don't really want it for its value, do you?
[ he hopes not -- ]
[ but if it is as he may otherwise suspect, viren does think he has a solution for the naga's chill. ]
[It really was too much to hope to just satisfy that weird little urge in the back of his mind -- Jin Guangyao has never been happy about being a monster, but at least his scales could be considered pretty in a way, especially when they're golden in the moonlight. But these mental changes, the occasional blackout... these bother him more.
He looks only mildly embarrassed, pulling it out and cupping in in his hands, feeling the little bit of residual warmth -- at least with the one hand anyway, since the other is a mechanical bronze prosthetic.]
No, not particularly. Sometimes I really don't know what comes over me. Surely you can understand the sort of problem, in one way or another.
[he adds apologetically and with a little reluctance, he finally hands it back over. His precious warm thing.]
It's an affliction of us Monsters, yes... [ he replies, musingly. he accepts the precious warm thing. with more conviction, slightly embittered at his own follies, ] And yet, inexcusable; we must continue to work against our more unfortunate of instincts.
[ he doesn't think that the naga was a proponent of this, but alas, he has met a few too many monsters for his liking that tend to lean into these. ]
[ instead of continuing to huddle beneath his blankets, he draws himself up straighter, wings visible shifting beneath his furs. ]
If I could interest you in another tea, I think I have something you might find of more comfort to borrow for a time. [ if he would like to enjoy another tea in the meanwhile, anyway. ]
Perhaps native Monsters find it less concerning, but to those of us who were human, once, it really is a difficult situation.
[Jin Guangyao replies, in general agreement -- but inwardly at once both resentful of these instincts and of the fact 'warm thing' is out of his hands. It's simply there are some things where it seems he's been left with little choice. How bad would things be if he hadn't looked to handling getting Bonded right away? Even with all the trouble that caused... such a thing was better than risking ferality, and turned out, if not perfectly, at least moderately well...]
I could hardly refuse the offer of further guard against winter's chill. I've always found the tea here quite good, besides.
[He smiles, commenting humbly, though curious about exactly what is being suggested here.]
It's quite generous of you to offer anything further, especially considering my own inadvertent behavior.
[ he makes a noise of agreement, but then he's quiet for a moment as he absorbs that comment regarding generosity; perhaps he has softened to ... sincere customer service. he can at once play the part of an ingratiating sales representative to some, while being completely scathing to others. this i is a better balance. ]
My generosity isn't to be tested a second time.
[ but considering that acceptance, he turns on his heel and meanders on over, between tables, to behind the counter. the cup gets deposited among dishes to be washed, and he turns properly to jin guangyao. with a sweeping gesture, he indicates the menu, ]
What will you be having, then? -- I'm afraid I'm not familiar with what you might typically order.
[Jin Guangyao makes a selection after a cursory glance through the menu.]
Ah, that one is quite good, I think.
[He remarks with half a glance at Viren's own scales and claws. Surely the fellow feels it as badly as he does? Even a mighty dragon would dislike the cold, perhaps, and crave the warmth of the Wilde's opposite weather patterns too.]
I've tried a number of different teas here. When the weather is more agreeable, it's quite fine to sit outside and enjoy such things when one has time. But at times like these, despite the inherent danger, I can't help but think it half motivating to help others with issues in the Wilde.
[ viren processes the order, passing it onto another behind him, who begins to prepare the tea - leaving viren momentarily to reflect on jin guangyao's remark. honestly, it stirs a bout of unpleasantness within him, like he should already being doing that - or at least, have thought to say that.
so, spoken like it's an aside thought, ]
We could go.
[ there! -- making up for his inaction for promising for the future. viren busies himself with the magitech-style register, by mostly jotting a few numbers. ]
[With his mind half on the idea of a hunt in the future with his Bonded, hoping more to elicit and express sympathy here and now, Jin Guangyao seems mildly surprised by the suggestion for a moment before treating Viren to a warm smile. He's not entirely certain if the offer is genuine, put forward so easily, but:]
Certainly, should your own time permit. I am hardly the most skilled fighter, but not every issue is a matter of battle.
[He says humbly - which is true enough. He won't be winning any competitions, but he can get by.]
[ he states, overly accustomed to the line. rerighting himself to the conversation, likewise remarked as easily as he might be repeating someone's order, ]
Sunday, one 'o clock in the afternoon, meeting at the northernmost gate. [ so they might enjoy the sunniness of the afternoon as they're also being useful to others, is what he thinks would be ideal (weather permitting). but after having accepted any payment and completed the transaction, viren only then glances upward. looks like he was both serious and genuine, after all: ] Acceptable?
[Serious and businesslike, then -- he can work with that.]
I should think so.
[Jin Guangyao replies agreeably, picks up his tea once it's prepared. Sighing upon feeling the heat so nearby, he has to suppress the urge to flick his tongue to better take in the scent. It's a bit too hot to wrap his hand around fully, but he can at least hold it close and try to savor that bit of heat before his first sip.]
There will be time before my next trip Underground after all. If there wasn't much to attend to here in the city, I have half a mind to leave entirely for the worst parts of the year.
[ viren pauses, considering his next action - the assurance he'd made earlier. he nods to the place by the fire he'd spotted the naga at earlier. he knows that he can take a moment to do other work; perhaps not the overseeing he'd been doing as manager. ]
I have some accounting work to do; I will be sitting over there, with a heated statue of mine. [ implying that jin guangyao is free to join him, but because he can't be too kind in this situation - ] You wouldn't feel as inclined to try to thieve it, I'm sure.
[ —and the irony being that the statue in question isn't his, but details. he has to go get it, first. ]
[The expression that crosses his face is slightly pained at the word 'thieve' -- all he's already missing a hand from unrelated past events, so the combination really paints a bad picture, in his own opinion.]
I would hope that if these urges do possess me again, that one would just as kindly give a reminder. It's hardly as if I have any choice when it comes to these inclinations.
[He replies, less apologetic than faintly put upon. It really isn't his fault at all.]
... I can appreciate your candidness. [ equally candid, but somewhat misleading in that: ] I'll be as kind as I can manage.
[ well, he does think it somewhat worse that other monsters would promise controlling their instincts, even knowing full well they wouldn't be able to do so. he holds his tongue as to his opinions in that monsters just aren't trying hard enough-- ]
[ so viren sighs, deeply so, before briefly retreating - when he emerges again from the backroom, in his arm he cradles what looks like a small statue of a boar. it's not actually something that belongs to him (thieved, ironically), but viren likes to presume it does. in his other arm, there's a thick stack of books and notebooks alike. ]
[ he tips the boar onto the couch. stony as it may be, it's very pleasantly warm to the touch. viren follows suit, sinking into a corner of the couch; as mentioned, if he'd care to, there is perhaps room for a naga to join. ]
[Or at least room for a bit of naga - Jin Guangyao had not been a tall man when he had legs, and truth be told was not that large of a naga either, especially in comparison to some of those he'd met underground. But there was still a considerable amount of body to get used to. Or tail, whichever way one way to think of it.
Tea in hand, when he sees the man settle down, he slides back over and with a graceful, appreciative nod, settles in to enjoy a nice warm beverage, with a length of tail curled up on the sofa alongside Viren's lovely enchanted statue.]
What a curious statue. May I ask, was it enchanted by a witch acquaintance of yours? Or is the enchantment a permanent one?
[He isn't going to try to take it. Absolutely not. Maybe just consider tat if he was, how it might be done...]
[ viren won't resent you for your thought crimes, jgy. ]
[ likewise, viren's tail - as if it has a will of its own - nudges slightly against jin guangyao's own, then proceeding to unconsciously wrap about the boar. feeling his scales beginning to heat with the contact, he sighs contentedly. ]
I...
[ —do not know, is how he would finish that. he wracks his brain for an answer - what had everett told him of this beloved object, again? ah, well, ]
It's not permanent, no. [ a frown. ] An acquaintance of my Bonded enchanted it, I believe.
[As someone who certainly wasn't born a monster either, and has had his own tail act seemingly on its own a time or two in the past, Jin Guangyao isn't sure what to think of the nudge at first -- though when the statue is wrapped, surely it has to be coincidence.
A coincidence that very clearly puts it well beyond those instinctual feelings that suggest that he should be trying to make it one of his personal possessions. At least it's easier to think with his rational mind that the heat would wear off eventually, subduing the urge further.
With a sigh, he tries to find a comfortable position where he can rest a little of himself against it, while being polite enough to not actually touch Viren's tail. Just civilized monster problems.]
Ah, that's unfortunate. Truly, we are dependant on the generosity of our bondmates and their friends in times such as these.
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middaeg2020-12-07 05:35 pm
no subject
Smile innocently distracting, he looks up at the towering dragony pile of furs.]
Lord Viren. What a pleasant surprise to see you here again. Of course as a manager I understand that it shouldn't be so unexpected perhaps, but you do have a much more regal bearing than one would expect to find in a more modest shop.
[The teacup is definitely still tucked away in his sleeves.]
no subject
[ oh, bless him. he even thought to use his title. ]
Thank you... I'm so flattered you think so.
[ and he agrees, too, which he can't vocalize in order to maintain some facade of modesty. alas, he's onto him: having wholly noted that the teacup remains not in his own possession even in lieu of any compliments, viren has stuck out a clawed, scaly hand to receive it. ]
We purchased those cups in bulk. You don't really want it for its value, do you?
[ he hopes not -- ]
[ but if it is as he may otherwise suspect, viren does think he has a solution for the naga's chill. ]
no subject
[It really was too much to hope to just satisfy that weird little urge in the back of his mind -- Jin Guangyao has never been happy about being a monster, but at least his scales could be considered pretty in a way, especially when they're golden in the moonlight. But these mental changes, the occasional blackout... these bother him more.
He looks only mildly embarrassed, pulling it out and cupping in in his hands, feeling the little bit of residual warmth -- at least with the one hand anyway, since the other is a mechanical bronze prosthetic.]
No, not particularly. Sometimes I really don't know what comes over me. Surely you can understand the sort of problem, in one way or another.
[he adds apologetically and with a little reluctance, he finally hands it back over. His precious warm thing.]
no subject
[ he doesn't think that the naga was a proponent of this, but alas, he has met a few too many monsters for his liking that tend to lean into these. ]
[ instead of continuing to huddle beneath his blankets, he draws himself up straighter, wings visible shifting beneath his furs. ]
If I could interest you in another tea, I think I have something you might find of more comfort to borrow for a time. [ if he would like to enjoy another tea in the meanwhile, anyway. ]
no subject
[Jin Guangyao replies, in general agreement -- but inwardly at once both resentful of these instincts and of the fact 'warm thing' is out of his hands. It's simply there are some things where it seems he's been left with little choice. How bad would things be if he hadn't looked to handling getting Bonded right away? Even with all the trouble that caused... such a thing was better than risking ferality, and turned out, if not perfectly, at least moderately well...]
I could hardly refuse the offer of further guard against winter's chill. I've always found the tea here quite good, besides.
[He smiles, commenting humbly, though curious about exactly what is being suggested here.]
It's quite generous of you to offer anything further, especially considering my own inadvertent behavior.
no subject
My generosity isn't to be tested a second time.
[ but considering that acceptance, he turns on his heel and meanders on over, between tables, to behind the counter. the cup gets deposited among dishes to be washed, and he turns properly to jin guangyao. with a sweeping gesture, he indicates the menu, ]
What will you be having, then? -- I'm afraid I'm not familiar with what you might typically order.
no subject
Ah, that one is quite good, I think.
[He remarks with half a glance at Viren's own scales and claws. Surely the fellow feels it as badly as he does? Even a mighty dragon would dislike the cold, perhaps, and crave the warmth of the Wilde's opposite weather patterns too.]
I've tried a number of different teas here. When the weather is more agreeable, it's quite fine to sit outside and enjoy such things when one has time. But at times like these, despite the inherent danger, I can't help but think it half motivating to help others with issues in the Wilde.
no subject
so, spoken like it's an aside thought, ]
We could go.
[ there! -- making up for his inaction for promising for the future. viren busies himself with the magitech-style register, by mostly jotting a few numbers. ]
Whenever you also aren't occupied by work.
no subject
Certainly, should your own time permit. I am hardly the most skilled fighter, but not every issue is a matter of battle.
[He says humbly - which is true enough. He won't be winning any competitions, but he can get by.]
no subject
[ he states, overly accustomed to the line. rerighting himself to the conversation, likewise remarked as easily as he might be repeating someone's order, ]
Sunday, one 'o clock in the afternoon, meeting at the northernmost gate. [ so they might enjoy the sunniness of the afternoon as they're also being useful to others, is what he thinks would be ideal (weather permitting). but after having accepted any payment and completed the transaction, viren only then glances upward. looks like he was both serious and genuine, after all: ] Acceptable?
no subject
I should think so.
[Jin Guangyao replies agreeably, picks up his tea once it's prepared. Sighing upon feeling the heat so nearby, he has to suppress the urge to flick his tongue to better take in the scent. It's a bit too hot to wrap his hand around fully, but he can at least hold it close and try to savor that bit of heat before his first sip.]
There will be time before my next trip Underground after all. If there wasn't much to attend to here in the city, I have half a mind to leave entirely for the worst parts of the year.
no subject
[ viren pauses, considering his next action - the assurance he'd made earlier. he nods to the place by the fire he'd spotted the naga at earlier. he knows that he can take a moment to do other work; perhaps not the overseeing he'd been doing as manager. ]
I have some accounting work to do; I will be sitting over there, with a heated statue of mine. [ implying that jin guangyao is free to join him, but because he can't be too kind in this situation - ] You wouldn't feel as inclined to try to thieve it, I'm sure.
[ —and the irony being that the statue in question isn't his, but details. he has to go get it, first. ]
no subject
I would hope that if these urges do possess me again, that one would just as kindly give a reminder. It's hardly as if I have any choice when it comes to these inclinations.
[He replies, less apologetic than faintly put upon. It really isn't his fault at all.]
no subject
[ well, he does think it somewhat worse that other monsters would promise controlling their instincts, even knowing full well they wouldn't be able to do so. he holds his tongue as to his opinions in that monsters just aren't trying hard enough-- ]
[ so viren sighs, deeply so, before briefly retreating - when he emerges again from the backroom, in his arm he cradles what looks like a small statue of a boar. it's not actually something that belongs to him (thieved, ironically), but viren likes to presume it does. in his other arm, there's a thick stack of books and notebooks alike. ]
[ he tips the boar onto the couch. stony as it may be, it's very pleasantly warm to the touch. viren follows suit, sinking into a corner of the couch; as mentioned, if he'd care to, there is perhaps room for a naga to join. ]
no subject
Tea in hand, when he sees the man settle down, he slides back over and with a graceful, appreciative nod, settles in to enjoy a nice warm beverage, with a length of tail curled up on the sofa alongside Viren's lovely enchanted statue.]
What a curious statue. May I ask, was it enchanted by a witch acquaintance of yours? Or is the enchantment a permanent one?
[He isn't going to try to take it. Absolutely not. Maybe just consider tat if he was, how it might be done...]
no subject
[ likewise, viren's tail - as if it has a will of its own - nudges slightly against jin guangyao's own, then proceeding to unconsciously wrap about the boar. feeling his scales beginning to heat with the contact, he sighs contentedly. ]
I...
[ —do not know, is how he would finish that. he wracks his brain for an answer - what had everett told him of this beloved object, again? ah, well, ]
It's not permanent, no. [ a frown. ] An acquaintance of my Bonded enchanted it, I believe.
no subject
A coincidence that very clearly puts it well beyond those instinctual feelings that suggest that he should be trying to make it one of his personal possessions. At least it's easier to think with his rational mind that the heat would wear off eventually, subduing the urge further.
With a sigh, he tries to find a comfortable position where he can rest a little of himself against it, while being polite enough to not actually touch Viren's tail. Just civilized monster problems.]
Ah, that's unfortunate. Truly, we are dependant on the generosity of our bondmates and their friends in times such as these.