See How the Vipers and Vultures Surround You [Closed]

[hearthebell]

Who: L, Jin Guangyao, Myr
When: Sunday Feoveuer 7
Where: Outside Myr's other house (shared with Caster and Archer)
What: When L hears "I love you and want you around," he hears "feel free to stake my house out to look for unsavory sorts connected to the Evergreen Circle."
Warnings: Tense altercation possible! Will update this if necessary.



[It’s an odd thing to be explicitly welcome in someone’s life, to have that spoken with bald affection and sincerity, and still believe that one’s proper place is restricted to creeping around in the shadows, covertly and carefully so as not to rouse any suspicion. Maybe it’s just that L’s the most used to living his life discreetly, going through back doors and operating under false identities and motives while his liaisons prop up whatever charade he’s engaged in as long as it needs to last… but “Linden Tailor” has lasted longer than any of them, become something like a person. It can be difficult to reconcile with the old ways, as well as the tendencies that were forged by nature and nurture and persist even after nearly two years in Aefenglom.

Now that L has managed to rule out several of the people Myr mentioned meeting with in the week prior to his strange memory lapse, including the woman at the meeting with a thing for Fauns, he is turning his attention to others. His sensitive, kind and patient Bonded could stand to make friends a little less easily, he thinks in his more put-upon moments… but then, it wouldn’t be Myr, and L perhaps wouldn’t draw from his own shockingly deep pool of affection for the faun. In his bids to be recognized both as a proper human being and an adult, L is fiercely devoted to sorting this out, as independently as possible, to show Myr that he is not only hyper-competent at his craft, but that he is a provider and a protector. What L does is not always sincere; when it is, there’s a fair chance that it will be misguided, and this is perhaps such an occasion, or one in a series of them that form a concerning pattern.

Myr has expressed that he considers L neither a pet, or a project. Proving it still feels necessary. Proving it has become a priority, though others should probably take precedent, and that is why L is outside Myr’s other home, the one he shares with Caster and Archer. Skulking and loitering and remaining far from the door but fixated on the comings and goings, it’s not that he thinks that Myr would lie to him (at least not without very good reason and the best of intentions). It’s that for increasingly concerning reasons, his Bonded’s mind and memory are unreliable. L’s own eyes might need to be the failsafe, and it doesn’t matter if the hours pile up. He won’t grow bored or restless, because as long as he’s here and watching, he is doing something, being productive, and his time and skills are being put to decent use.

If someone shows up who was already a person of interest, he expects it will be relevant. If someone shows up who wasn’t, initially… well, that’ll change in a matter of moments.]

Comments

[turmoiling]

[One of those particular people of interest, bundled up against the cold in thick golden robes and a long tube of a fancifully embroidered garment around his serpentine lower half, slithers his way through the snowy streets.

The winter is slightly more tolerable with the warming enchantment that Lan Xichen placed on his clothing, but he'd much rather be curled up at home than out and about. As always, however, there are things that need to be attended to. Jin Guangyao is aware that he's crossed a line in the eyes of some, but everything will be better in the long run. It's only a small misstep, one that will surely be forgiven or excused in one way or another, and if the consequences of his actions are more dire to certain individuals, it really wasn't as if he could control what happened. He didn't have such direct influence over what anyone in the Evergreen Circle did, after all.

Though with the prospect of an initiation ceremony on the horizon, he'd have to see where events led from here.

A faint smile upon his features, it certainly seems that he's on a direct course for Myr's home, tail leaving a nice patterns of arcs in the snow behind him. But he pauses at the sight of a familiar individual loitering some distance away -- and Jin Guangyao never forgets a face. Linden, one of Myr's Bonded, wasn't he?

A possible witness. All too well aware of how deep the connections between some Bonds could run, also a possible problem, even standing about outside. He can't simply ignore the man's presence, when he's so close by, so with a small course correction, he slithers towards him instead.]

Good day, Master Tailor. [He greets him with a bemused look in his slit-pupilled golden eyes. Most around Aefenglom are so much more informal than those of the world he came from; but good manners always leave a good impression, and a little lightness towards a more formal greeting is intended to ease any discomfort and let the conversation be free and easy between them if suitable.] I take it you find the weather less objectionable than some of us, standing about out here.

[hearthebell]

[In his cream-colored duster coat, too thin for the temperature and somehow managing to pick up every bit of dirt and soot on his daily commute to the harbor district, L looks rather shabby by contrast. The wind blows right through the thin material and does little to warm his bony body, but there's often a peculiar, serious set to his awkward clash of features. Sometimes, will alone powers him; he can ignore his own discomfort for quite a long time, if it means getting the results that sent him out in the cold in the first place, to the point where he didn't even bother with a warming enchantment.

His hands are shoved in his pockets, the chill has pinched some vivid pink out of his cheeks and nose, and his lips have just the slightest blue tinge. They also gain a slight downturn as the person of interest approaching addresses him politely enough, but...

"Master?" I see, I'm prepubescent, now. Uninspiring, when he wishes to be seen by certain others as older, stronger, more capable... but he accepts that there's only so far he can control the perception of others. Consistently, L, a man approaching his late twenties, has been mistaken for far younger, and he is bleakly accustomed to it. That's the charitable, flattering read; he could just be the subject of mockery.]

Hello.

[Brusquely. He takes the moment to look over the brightly colored, metallic sheen of a coat he saw coming from quite a distance even on this overcast day.]

I manage decently enough. I'm not, after all, coldblooded.

[As with much of what L says, there's a double meaning. Cold-blooded could be a light reference to a naga's reptilian lower half. It could also reference someone committing a terrible deed and feeling no remorse.

He doesn't blink.]

What brings you out this way, Mr. Jin?

[turmoiling]

[Jin Guangyao laughs lightly, though the cold-blooded remark strikes more as another (surely unintentional) reminder of his misfortune at becoming a monster here. Even if he's become used to it over the months and avoids letting his true feelings out, he still resents this transformation, and the luck that others had in avoiding it. It's important to find the little ways to remind people that he wasn't always in such a state.]

Even for those who have remained as fully human as yourself, surely it can't be too pleasant.

[Judging by the looks of Linden, too. Yet he can't invite him to come in with him; but leaving him standing out here on the street is too close for comfort - why is he hanging around outside, anyway? Jin Guangyao answers as he thinks quietly:]

I'd found a sort of mushroom tea on my last trip Underground that I thought Myr might appreciate. Clearly, I should have thought ahead a bit further. Next time I'll be sure to bring more than a small sample, so there's enough for his Bonded to enjoy as well.

[It's not active discouragement, but not an invitation either then.]

[hearthebell]

[Laughter is interesting. It's a response to humor, certainly, but some people do it when they're nervous or uncomfortable, as well. It breaks tense moments, is in fact a form of empathy that people might share with one another. Reassurance; it's alright to be relieved, with me.

He doesn't laugh.]

Many things are unpleasant. With sufficient exposure, one may grow not to notice it.

[He takes a shuffling step closer. It's as though a clock has started, and the ticking seconds have been replaced by paces to Myr's doorstep. Everything he can learn from this person of interest, at this time, must happen before that point.

If Myr is home (and he may be, he may truly be, and L does not know through a Bond he's worked lately to close off for safety), it would be a strange thing to realize that L was haunting his eaves this way.]

So you visit regularly? Frequently, even?

[He certainly makes it sound habitual. Knowing Myr well enough to know what he'd appreciate, and already planning a next time.]

[turmoiling]

[He's been half snake long enough that he has control over that monster-ish instinct to coil into a defensive posture, remaining loose in the face of suspicion -- which is what he can only call this sudden line of questioning.

Of course there is a very good reason for one of Myr's Bonded to be suspicious. But feigning innocence and ignorance is hardly a new thing for Jin Guangyao.]

On occasion, when one thing or another comes up, I suppose. Pardon my asking, but is something the matter?

[He asks, with mild-mannered faintest of concern tinting his voice, but oh so vaguely worded.]

[hearthebell]

[L doesn't know that he'd call it an advantage, quite, but he's Bonded to another Naga. While Near is hardly typical of any demographic he falls into, as a rule, he feels confident in believing that he has picked up on some peculiarities and habits of the specie. He's absolutely watching for a defensive coil; none comes.

L thinks of the qualities that draw him to Light Yagami, fascinate him. When someone is a good enough liar, what nuance exists, between a person who is incredibly honest, and a person who is incredibly deceptive? How can the layman or the expert tell?]

Nothing's the matter...

[Spoken as though that's a very strong word, and L isn't sure why it was chosen. Since it has been, should he be concerned? His overlarge eyes widen slightly, in some owlish approximation of the corresponding expression.]

It's just that I usually know who his friends are. We've been Bonded for over a year, after all.

[A confident bet, placed down on the table without hesitation. If this man has something to hide, he should be afraid.]

Did you meet him shortly after you arrived in Aefenglom?

[Two questions, in one. L is hoping to find out not only when Myr and Jin Guangyao became acquainted, but when he showed up through the mirror.]

[turmoiling]

[Deception from others isn't something Jin Guangyao has nearly as much experience with, used to having the keenest eye and the most silver of tongues in the room -- and only recognizing the person behind his own downfall in another life far too late.

It pays to be cautious and tread lightly, but too much overreaction is just as suspicious. Perhaps it's just as Linden says. Perhaps not. Either way, he can slide as smoothly through the conversation as slithering through the snow.]

Only after I'd been here a few months. I think it was not long after I joined the Mirrorbound Council, in fact.

[He replies conversationally, though appearing still slightly confused by all this questioning. That would certainly place it months and months ago -- though that answer isn't true, but that's something even Myr doesn't know. The faun's thoughtful comments in response to his own anonymous troubles on the watch network is truly where where their first meeting was, and where Jin Guangyao's appreciation for Myr's personality and thoughts began.

Considering which way to work the conversation, Jin Guangyao thinks quickly. He knows there's a sort of anxiety in his own partner; words that were spoken of how he didn't want Jin Guangyao to bond anyone else. Given how things had progressed between them, he hadn't heard such words since then, and there'd been no reason for them to be uttered. No doubt things are more complicated, when one has multiple bonds.

Perhaps he can reassure Linden that it is only a matter of a casual friendship and nothing more.

Perhaps if there are other suspicions, they'll be revealed.]

We haven't spoken so often until recently, it's true. Work is always quite busy, and between that and the Council, and spending time with my own Bonded, it's sometimes difficult to find the time to visit others. But in this challenging season, I must admit, he's been kind enough to let me sit in the garden for a few moments now and again. A small sample of one thing or another is hardly repayment.. but I'm grateful for his compassion towards such a casual acquaintance.

[A faint smile, looking downward a little. That explains it all, doesn't it? And is mostly, mostly truth.

Though it's subtle, there is one thing noticeable about Jin Guangyao's posture, in that he may have 'shrunk' ever so slightly. Height is a very relative thing when you're half a snake, and generally Jin Guangyao is pleased to match height with whoever he's speaking to. But here, innocent and mild mannered, he loses an inch or two with the slightest shift of settling to their conversation.]

[hearthebell]

[Keeping one's cool under scrutiny is absolutely an acquired skill, and an admirable one. It's one that someone who isn't hiding anything doesn't even have to think about... and one that a guilty party must handle very carefully and consciously, if they want to be successful. It's a lot of strain, and tons of effort; generally, it reveals itself eventually, provided they talk long enough.

He nods; the Mirrorbound council was where he first saw Jin Guangyao. So far, this is tracking decently, and the timeframe checks out. If this was a test (and isn't everything, on a subconscious level?), Jin Guangyao has passed it. Different tack, then...]

I'm sure he's grateful, himself. As anyone would be, for pleasant company. I'll admit that it surprises me, however; he doesn't speak of you, much.

[At least, not to L... but that's true for many. They lead very different social lives. This is more about gauging a reaction, throwing something else to the dartboard to see what sticks. If he's the boastful sort, perhaps he'll take offense. If the acquaintanceship isn't so casual as he claims, L believes there's a high chance he might.

Focused as he is on certain matters of the mind and various potential motives, L actually doesn't notice the subtle shrinkage. Subconsciously, though, he does. He's not a short man, by any means, but he's not particularly tall, certainly shy of six feet, and narrowly and insubstantially built. It makes him guarded around most larger than him, and now... well. If this was a test, L himself could have done better.]

In fact, he's only mentioned you once, that I can recall.

[turmoiling]

[Even though he's stronger in some ways as a monster, Jin Guangyao was used to being shorter than all of his peers. Used to being looked down on physically as well as metaphorically. Using that sort of weakness as an advantage, to be less imposing, comes quite easily.]

Oh? When was that?

[He asks with mild curiosity -- his own thoughts on just what Myr might have said. Could have said, that might implicate him in regard to any odd behaviour.

Without much opportunity to practice this particular skill, Jin Guangyao's biggest concern had been how long a more subtle approach at bending someone else's mind to his suggestions would hold. It was true someone close could pick up on something, but so far... no, it seems to be fine. As long as he can confirm there's nothing odd being perceived, he can extricate himself from this conversation out in the biting cold and sooth himself inside in Myr's garden over a cup of tea.]

[hearthebell]

[Being imposing wasn't usually a problem for L... back home. He had the advantage of mostly living his life and communicating from behind a computer screen, there. He's not nearly so fortunate, here.]

Recently.

[Just vague enough, he thinks, to make someone with a vested interest in the subject sweat.]

You've known him long enough that I might as well ask. Does he seem different to you, since he started going to the Evergreen Circle meetings?

[turmoiling]

["Light and Linden...they're interested in Alder and they'll have out the names of his collaborators, if they can." Myr's words are recalled easily enough, and the man had mentioned some of his own concerns on the network. Of course he's been at the meetings and seen L there, but his own attention has been more on those deeper within the organization itself.

If Linden was expecting more from Myr than what he was getting at present... exactly how he came to be questioning Jin Guangyao about it still wasn't clear, nor was how much was hiding in these questions. For the sake of the future, it was best to leave his particular status... ambiguous. Influenced by the Circle? Who's to say, truly.]

Not so much that I have noticed. But I think we're both aware of some unpleasant rumours about lately; I have wondered if he feels a little too stressed about these matters. [He replies mildly.] I'm sure it will pass eventually, but perhaps it's best to take it easy on him in the meantime.

[hearthebell]

[They've done their best to suppress word of their agency's opening. That being said, L hasn't ruled out the possibility that word has gotten around concerning the Bonded pair's profession, which would be a stone's throw away from their motive in attending the meetings.]

The standard ones circulating, yes...

[That are all but confirmed; the Circle's mark on some infected by the Cwyld.]

What, specifically, has indicated stress to you? I ask as one concerned for my Bonded.

[turmoiling]

To be honest, I'm not certain. I had wondered if it was only my imagination, but since you had asked if anything different had come to mind...

[He replies thoughtfully. Even with clear suspicions, and Jin Guangyao's name brought up, how difficult would it be to prove anything?

That's something Jin Guangyao doesn't have a clear answer for, with the vagaries of magic's workings here and his lack of witch training. But even if someone was snooping on his meetings with Myr, he thinks he'd been quite subtle with the faun.

The thought does cross his mind briefly, to try to deal with Linden in the same way as he did Myr. But how long a chain of bondmates will he have to cycle through meeting, each link more tenuous than the last? Better to avoid introducing even more complications if he can avoid it -- try to smooth it out a little more and make his exit. Perhaps he can even extract just what Myr spoke to Linden about, too, and find out just how much he should be concerned...]

Perhaps I can try to enquire as well over our tea. Despite the connections forged by our Bonds, things can be difficult at times still, can't they?

[He adds, sympathetically. A fact all too true, at least for the relationship between himself and Lan Xichen.]

I really should get out of the cold; and you should look after yourself as well. Even if accustomed to the weather, one could still catch a cold, standing about.

[hearthebell]

[In spite of his languid and unhealthy appearance, L can move quickly, when the desire strikes him. Another step closer, nearly in Jin Guangyao's path, though he's good at hedging matters like this just so in order to give himself some plausible deniability.

A lot can be blamed on just being an incredibly awkward individual, and L takes full advantage of it, often. He does so now by blatantly ignoring the not-so-subtle signal that Jin Guangyao intends to end the conversation, here, and put a wall between them.]

It's not what Myr doesn't tell me, that concerns me. It's what he seems unable to. Before you go inside, I wonder if you'd humor me...

[He holds out a spindly hand, but his eyes don't budge from the Naga's face.]

Could I see the tea you brought?

[To discreetly check for common mind-altering substances, and... also, to ascertain that Jin Guangyao did, in fact, bring tea.]

[turmoiling]

[L's quick -- and even with the warming enchantment, spending too much time outside in the winter slows Jin Guangyao's reactions. A fleeting expression of surprise crosses his face, but to L's advantage, Jin Guangyao is quite dedicated to smoothing over any awkwardness. That slight smile returning, if little bit put-upon, he pulls a small package from his wide sleeves and passes it over.

Being inspected more thoroughly, it would be too much to refuse. He did bring a gift and it is, in fact, simply an innocuous tea. But there's a small discrepancy; contrary to his earlier statement, there is definitely more than enough for a generous pot or two for sharing.]

Oh? Of course. Would you like me to get some for yourself on my next trip? It is a bit of a journey from the Northern Outpost, so I can hardly fault others for not wanting to go so far just for a small taste of the unusual.

[hearthebell]

[Quite a lot about Jin Guangyao reminds L of Light Yagami. Poised, graceful, socially accommodating, and willing, at least, to make up for what others might lack in that arena. L lacks brazenly; L accepts that double edge for what it is, and at least in this case, it pays off. He gets what he wants.

Long, slender fingers trace precise shapes into the package, intricate runes that absolutely tell the detective something about their place of origin and their contents. L hasn't said as much openly, preferring to keep this card close to his chest, but his great talents as a witch are in divination and illusion. He continues until he's satisfied, and Jin Guangyao might notice as he traces the rune shapes that near the base of each finger is a dark, discolored scar circling each digit.]

It's more savory than what I usually go in for.

[Sickly sweet is more his speed.]

But you're kind to offer.

[He would be kinder still to offer now, when there's clearly plenty to go around. L will always marvel at the number of ways polite individuals find to say "go away."]

...by the bye. When was the last time you spoke to Myr? Does he know that you're meeting with him today?

[turmoiling]

[Jin Guangyao's golden eyes watch the runes being traced. This is really going quite far. Does he think Myr was poisoned, was that how badly he read Myr's presumable disinterest or lapse in judgement? Or has something unforeseen happened as a result of his hypnosis? Hmm.]

I can tell you've very concerned, but there's really no need to take such drastic measures. [comes the reply, reassuringly, every ounce the civilized monster, only an unimposing man who could hardly bare fangs against another. Can he have his tea back? Thank you.] There is no plan of any sort here, only a passing thought that such a visit might be pleasant.

[For that matter... given the grilling he's getting out here in the snow, it occurs to Jin Guangyao to ask a question of his own, if in a much more gentle sort of tone.]

Does he know that you are out here interrogating visitors to his home?

[hearthebell]

[L glances up at the overly patient tone. He hears it a fair amount, as a partiuclarly trying individual, and recognizes it as the point before patience gives out entirely even for very kind individuals. He won't play keep-away with the tea; his grip on it loosens, and he hands it back.]

I was just going to research the ingredients to see if anything in this blend was known to disagree with fauns, but... it's interesting that you considered some sort of deliberate plan. Maybe I should, as well. I'll certainly look into the vendor, at least.

[His eyes glint opportunistically, noting that Jin Guangyao doesn't actually answer the question... but it's turned back on him before he can jump on it. Inconvenient, if probably inevitable.]

He knows me.

[Doubling down. He knows and accepts that this is the sort of thing I'd do.]

Perhaps I judged that it was better not to cause him stress...

[turmoiling]

[This entire encounter definitely has the wheels turning in Jin Guangyao's mind faster than since his arrival here. Trying to stay a step ahead of the conversation, L's suspicion is still nothing so deeply hidden as the kind of subterfuge it turned out Nie Huaisang had plotted against him. But threatening to his life here all the same, because even though there are several degrees of separation between his fears and Linden here before him, one thing leads to another.

Well, he's been the one suggesting to avoid causing stress, hadn't he. Conversationally trapped a little, he veers back towards praise and reassurance, though it's becoming clear that L is not so easily dissuaded.

He's a lucky man, to have someone so attentive and concerned for his wellbeing.

[He replies soothingly.]

I really doubt anyone would have ill will towards your Bonded, but I'm sure if such a thing was the cause, you would be able to uncover it without trouble.

[He definitely needs to speak with Myr again. And figure out exactly how his name had come up, and just how it came to this situation, where his Bonded would be so deeply suspicious.]

If you pardon me, it really is too cold out here for someone in my circumstances to be lingering outside for too long.

[He adds, quite apologetically. 'Circumstances' are one way to put it... 'cold-blooded' or 'monster' still ring too unpleasantly to come to his lips readily.]

[hearthebell]

[Admittedly, some of L's best moves have historically been pretty bold strokes. He'll meet Jin Guangyao halfway, with at least the approximation of civility. Hilariously, though one of them is human and the other is half-serpent, one of them wears that front far better. With his wild hair and owlish eyes, L doesn't seem particularly concerned with looking the part of a proper gentleman.]

Lucky faun, perhaps.

[Look at you fawning, perhaps...]

Should more questions occur to me... I hope it wouldn't be an imposition for me to contact you. Through the watches, most likely, given the weather and the walk.

[I know you don't live in the Haven.]

[turmoiling]

Not at all. I always have time for another Mirrorbound. After all, we've all been thrown into an unfamiliar world; having that in common is a sort of kinship, isn't it?

[Generous of him to call it a 'walk' when the dried-out husks of what once were his legs are stored away in the back of a closet. But all the same, Jin Guangyao smiles and continues to offer his pleasantries, reaffirming that he isn't a threat. He's been living away from Haven nearly since his arrival, so the implication that Linden might have done his research and know it's more than a short slither doesn't quite register.

Of course he's counting on the watch system to track down Linden to, should conversation with Myr suggest he might need to interfere directly... or indirectly.]

[hearthebell]

[Perhaps L's reference to legs was intentional; then again, perhaps not. It can admittedly be difficult to tell what is blithe ignorance or pointed malice, in situations like this, with peculiar individuals like L.]

Yes; it is a sort of kinship. I'll leave you to it, I suppose.

[He lingers just enough, however, so that he can remain aware if Myr does answer.]

[faithlikeaseed]

[As it happens, Myr is home and answers the door quite promptly at Jin Guangyao's knock.]

Good afternoon, messere! [A beat's worth of a pause.] Did I hear Linden out here with you?

[0 to awkward just like that]

[turmoiling]

[See, look, they're all good friends here, right? And now Linden can wander off home after Jin Guangyao bids him a pleasant farewell with a small bow.

It's probably too much to hope for... but Jin Guangyao is already set to pay a pleasant visit, so he's better follow through.]

Ah, yes. We just happened to run into each other momentarily, but I'm sure he has places to be. [Not too hurried over, but not leaving a pause to get into that. Curse that faun's ears, he can only think with a pleasant smile on his face.] Pardon the unexpected arrival, but I found something unusual on my last trip and I thought I'd bring a little by, if you had a moment for some tea.

[hearthebell]

[It's strange how the necessity L perceives can make him go from skulking around unannounced to absolutely owning his presence. He's usually concerned about bothering Myr and being an imposition, even when the faun practically begs him to feel welcome... except on the rare occasion he thinks his bizarre and off-putting presence might actually be the lesser of two evils. In that case? He's thrilled to impose.]

Hi, Myr.

[Oddly chipper, for him.]

I was just passing by, but... that sounds altogether pleasant, and I don't want to intrude, or be a bother.

[He's not the type to wear a shit-eating grin openly. Something still tugs at his lip as his eyes train on Jin Guangyao. He knows as he speaks the perfectly reasonable words that Myr is not going to send him away.]

[faithlikeaseed]

[Myr is not going to send Linden away. His ears lift at the sound of his Bonded's greeting and a fond unconscious smile curves his lips.

(He can sense something of L's scheming lying there between them in the Bond. He doesn't know why it should be there, but--as a rule--he trusts L's intent. L had promised to care for him.)]

You wouldn't be, [he says to his Bonded,] --that is, if you wouldn't mind him joining us, messere? It's a miserably cold day to be spending so much of it outside.

[And would you just look at how skinny and poorly dressed his Witch is!]

[turmoiling]

Of course not. [He replies warmly, even if his feelings are... otherwise.] It is terrible weather, for anyone I should think.

[And now this whole outing has been a waste of time. Well, not entirely, when he doesn't mind Myr's company at all, but between juggling work, Evergreen Circle-related meetings and socializing, and attending to his Bonded, it's enough that his time management skills are being put to the test.

He's sure Myr is comfortable in his own home, but considering his condition, JIn Guangyao offers as the two guests are ushered in:]

If you would point me in the direction of the kitchen, I'd be happy to prepare this bit of tea for us all. It's quite an unusual flavor, I think, that would be well served by knowledgeable hand.

[Though he half expects Linden to interject, and that rankles too, considering the mistrust towards his presence in the kitchen some long months ago from certain individuals.]

[hearthebell]

[The scheming is every bit as present as L's smirk, visible only to Jin Guangyao. It's tame enough; he has the decency to bite at the corner of his mouth and raise his eyebrows in faux-doubt when Myr mentions the weather.]

If you're sure... I really wouldn't want to--

[He has something frequent and sincere on his side, here. Generally, L assumes he isn't welcome, and actively fights against overtures. This would not be out of the ordinary to Myr.]

Thank you.

[He addresses Jin Guangyao, fully aware of how it might have sounded if he had objected. He doesn't feel bad; if the naga has nothing to hide, he's nothing to fear, even with the detective watching him like a hawk.]

Mr. Jin? If you could bring me nine sugar cubes, and cream, I'd be appreciative.

[faithlikeaseed]

Over behind the door to your right, messere, [Myr says brightly at the request.] Unusual, you said? Where's this tea from?

[Being an employee of DiplomaTea has exposed him to any number of unusual drinkables in his time, but that hasn't damped his enthusiasm to add another to his list.

He rests a hand lightly on L's shoulder before gesturing his Witch to the cottage's dining area and attendant table. While perfect for two, the garden out back is a little awkward for three and tea.]

At least try one unadulterated sip first, Linden, [he adds, all teasing and no condemnation.

(The impression persists of something going on over his antlered head; there's a tension here he's sadly familiar with when it comes to his Bonded's interactions with others.

But: trust.)

...

(Trust whom?)]

[turmoiling]

I brought it back from the Underground. Of course, it's not so much a true tea, made of mushrooms as it is, but drunk in a similar sort of way. I wondered if there might be any interest here in the city, so I brought back a few samples in my last trip.

[He calls lightly from putting on water to boil. None of which is untrue, though it's a very convenient excuse, to come around with a small taste for a discerning friend. A small amount of poking around reveals cream and sugar, so he slides out to place those on the table in the meantime. Not even the slightest hint of anything awry, though Jin Guangyao is mentally calculating how long it's been since last visit and what sort of excuse could prompt one after this, and how long after...]

I can really only agree with Myr's estimation, one should at least try a small taste first.

[hearthebell]

[L knows from his already-habitual trips to DiplomaTea that Jin Guangyao is aware of the place. Since starting to pay closer attention to everyone Myr mentioned, he's come to realize that the naga frequents it. It's not strange, in other words, that he's interested in tea, different varieties, sharing what he's found.]

You go often, then? To the Underground.

[He cants his head, trying to look and sound merely interested, rather than probing.]

I suppose if it's worth going all that way just for unusual things to eat or drink, I might taste a bit.

[And watch that preparation, like a hawk.]

[faithlikeaseed]

[As if summoned by a mention of her erstwhile home--or maybe the smell of dried mushrooms--Crookytail eases around a corner and ambles over to the table. She settles down in a complicated pile at the foot of L's chair, antennae waving.]

I'd heard they made mushroom teas but hadn't had an opportunity to try one yet. [Now Myr's all the more excited at the prospect; see, his tail's even wagging. Or is until he takes a seat at the table.] I imagine you might get quite the uptake, though--the Underground's becoming quite a fashion in some circles.

[turmoiling]

Yes, I go quite often. Not so long after the Mirrorbound's invitation there, one of the local trading companies asked for my assistance with making a few connections.

[He replies as he fixes up the tea, making sure to spare a smile for Linden specifically. Oh yes, he's quite aware he's being watched.

Admittedly, it had been more offering his own services... but who can fault a fellow for trying to earn a living? Especially when not staying in Haven's free accommodations. A bathtub large enough to fit all of his snake body in isn't cheap either.]

I don't think as many will be as fond of mushroom tea and wormipedes as they are a source for cheaper jewels and metals, but not everyone can have discerning tastes.

[He teases lightly as he brings over whatever small pot and cups Myr's got, pouring for the other two before himself.

Myr's little wormipede is cute in its own way, but he's seen the adults and their jaws, which are not particular cute in his own estimation. Hopefully Myr has a plan for where to keep it when it grows older.]

[hearthebell]

[L leans forward with his elbows on the tabletop. The effect, with his weird clash of uneven features, is both oddly delicate and absurdly apelike. The wormipede at the foot of his chair doesn't interfere with his legs, because his steel-toed boots have come off, and his heels are tucked against his haunches on the seat of his chair.]

No... not everyone can have discerning tastes.

[He agrees, while aware that the remark may have been pointed. He's the one who had stated a preemptive intent to drown a new flavor in sugar and cream, after all.]

It's funny, though, isn't it, how people generally say that in response to others actually exercising discernment.

[He dips a sugar cube, right away, into the decomposer tea.]

In general, I've noted that Myr's friends have great senses of humor. You fit right in... you're a real fun guy, you know?

[Fungi.]

[faithlikeaseed]

[Fungi.

Myr cannot turn to stare at L in a I can't believe you've done this way, but oh, were they in a dream, he well might. More in exaggerated play than any actual dismay at the pun--given the Faun's own predilection toward execrable wordplay--but he'd do it.

The feeling is there in the Bond between them, fond and warm and layered on top of a worried curiosity that's growing as steadily as those self-same fungi after a hard storm. He's begun to grasp the shape of what's happening but there is a

pull

from more than one direction that he not interfere. (Why?)

He lifts a hand and sets it down--not on L's arm, but close. Not a restraining gesture--don't pick a fight in my home--but close. Jin Guangyao has held his own in more tempestuous moments in the Mirrorbound Council and this is hardly provocation to rival any of that, and L knows Myr's own feelings on being needlessly provocative, and...

(Trust.)]

Oh, I'd not write the tea off so quickly as that, [the Faun says dryly,] given how many people have taken to some of Everett's stranger blends from home.

[Though whether Aefenglom's tea-drinking populace had actually taken to Ardric's Warmth when anything by that name served outside of DiplomaTea was actually drinkable... is debatable.

True to Myr's word, once he's felt out his own teacup, he takes his first sip neat and sits with the flavor on his tongue. Puzzling over its earthy dimensions is a good excuse to shut up and not batter himself against how weirdly displaced he feels in this conversation.]