faderift | (no subject)

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WHO: Byerly & Vanadi
WHAT: The Morning After
WHEN: Backdated to Sonia's party
WHERE: Byerly's I think??
NOTES: it's post-sexy so whatever content warnings might be associated with that

[ It's been easy to fall into old habits, and it grows easier the longer he's in this world. Last night had been a dive straight back into them, all pleasant flirts, courtly dances, and good company. And then all the rest. Oh, it'd been good to lose himself for a while, to really appreciate another body in a way he hasn't in a while ...

... But he can't let go of all of his recent habits, and a keen discomfort sleeping next to a stranger is one of them. It's been a fitful and restless night, and just as the sun rises he decides he's willing to eschew manners and throw in the towel. He'll catch up with the man later, and make whatever apologies are necessary.

Vanadi sits himself up carefully, not quite willing to unduly disturb the form next to him. The man had been lovely company, there's no need to rouse him so early as this. He peels back the sheets, intending to collect his belongings, dress in the almost-dark, and see himself out. ]

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A fool made into a respectable man can make respectable men into fools. What could ever be better than that?

[ The reminder of Byerly's humble beginnings, only hinted at so far, earns a curious, thoughtful glance. ]

How old are you? If I may.

How dare you.

[ But - ]

A distinguished thirty-six. Why?

Mm. Just wondering how long these things take, on a human scale. [ With a rueful little smile: ] I did very, very little with my century.

How long what things take? Swindling one's way into prominence?

Rising into success was my thought, but I suppose there's not always a difference.

I'm just a placeholder.

[ He hooks a hand into his pocket as they come out onto the ground floor. ]

Regrettable for you, after you've spent this time cultivating my friendship. Now, do we swim to town, or raid the kitchen?

Friendship, is that what we're calling it?

[ He scans the grounds, though, squinting against the rising sun. ]

I hope you haven't changed your mind about that boat.

Stealing it?

[ With a hand pressed to his chest: ]

Or perhaps, since I am such a prominent personage, we'll be requisitioning it.

[ A sharp grin meets the dramatic hand. ]

Ah, so there is some benefit to spending time with you.

Are you my personal demon? Tempting me into abuses of power?

Only in matters of breakfast. Wait until you see what kind of temptation happens in a kitchen.

[ With a grin - ]

What, would you convince me to eat all the eggs?

Please, no. Not immediately. We build up to eggs.

Oh? Starting with what?

Starting with —

[ He'd straightened a little, puffed up, but here he pauses and sinks again with a small frown. ]

I can't even brag to you about the things I would do with a kitchen, you wouldn't recognize any of the dishes.

So cook for me.

[ A cheerful shrug. ]

As you can clearly see, I have a taste for exotica.

Mm.

[ He glances over for a brief study of Byerly, then shakes his head. ]

It's too early for any of that. Are you trying to get out of your blossoming career in piracy before it even begins?

Hmm.

[ Why the reluctance? It's interesting. ]

Very well. I think I've studied Captain Flint long enough to have the knack of it.

[ Right, whoever that is. One of the many people he should know about, probably. ]

Well then, I'm excited to see you in action, Captain Rutyer.

[ By sketches a mock-salute in response.

The ferry docks a ways from the Gallows' courtyard. They have to cross the space to get there. It's a nasty place, the courtyard - this was where, once, slaves were tortured, executed publicly, their bodies displayed to drive out all thoughts of rebellion from the others. There are remnants of that history - some lingering statues depicting the torments of the slaves (many of them prominently, obviously elven), places where gibbets once hung. It's a haunted-feeling place, though at least the first rays of dawn turn an atmosphere that might be menacing into something simply melancholy.

By hardly seems to notice the weirdness of the place. He's been living here two years, after all; everything becomes normal after a while. ]

So what sort of breakfast catches your fancy?

[ Vanadi has noticed these things, of course — more evidence that he's really quite far from home. He pays no mind to them this morning, which he's decided is generally the best way to handle such things. ]

Oh, I'm an easy please. A bit of fruit, a piece of toast, an egg or three ... and what does it for you?

A few fingers of whiskey, typically.

[ His smile is cheery. ]

[ That earns Byerly a disgruntled look, transferred out to the world at large. Really, what an insult to breakfasts everywhere. He slows a little, reluctance suddenly entering his step, then sighs. ]

Maybe you had better show me to a kitchen.

[ A lifted eyebrow; his head swings round. ]

What? Why the change of heart?