(no subject)

[highborn]

WHO: Byerly n Vanadi
WHAT: a stray cat (elf) slides around for a visit
WHEN: Third week of August
WHERE: Byerly's place
NOTES: n/a

[ Vanadi has had quite a week, and would like nothing more than to never think of any of it again. That's probably not very likely, but he can at least find some kind of distraction -- which is the thought that brings him to Byerly's door late in the evening, a bottle of gin in hand. He's not certain the man is home -- or even if he'll be welcome in such unannounced circumstances. Or perhaps Byerly might have company, and not be the sort of man (or it be the sort of company) to want to share. There are a hundred reasons this may not be precisely the best idea, but Vanadi knocks regardless.

He looks tired, with dark rings under his eyes, thought of course there's a certain weariness that's always with him and this isn't so far past the norm. He pushes it aside as he knocks, standing himself up a little straighter, pushing his shoulders back a little more. It had been the charming and flirtatious face that had first set him on the right foot with Byerly, so in the spirit of taking no chances, that's the face he pulls on as he waits for response. ]

Comments

[bouchonne]

Qunari mercenary named, of all things, Anne. I came up only to her shoulder.

[ He sighs fondly at the memory. ]

[highborn]

Height and a mercenary's build? Lovely. [ He offers a dreamy sort of sigh. ] Among goliaths, though — she would be considered quite short, only a head and a half over you.

[bouchonne]

[ A little bit of an envious groan. ]

How tall were they?

[highborn]

[ He unfolds himself from his seat, straightens, and eyes an invisible figure before him. Then he stretches a measuring hand up — and up. Only when he's stretched to his toes does he nod, satisfied. ]

Somewhere thereabouts. Usually quite wide in the shoulders, too. They're related to giants, as I understand.

[bouchonne]

Ohh. And you - sampled from this fine selection upon your marvelous buffet?

[highborn]

[ A hand finds his chest in feigned indignation. ]

I'm offended you feel the need to ask!

[bouchonne]

You magnificent bastard.

[ He flops back in his chair, groaning more heartily. ]

Was it perfection?

[highborn]

It was a workout, to be sure.

[ He settles down again, looking pleased enough at the memory to be able to reassure that, yes, that is a good thing. ]

It was my goal to sample as many, ah, flavors as there were to have, but — [ He heaves a dramatic sigh. ] I never did get around to any aarakocra, the birdfolk. And now I suppose I never will.

[bouchonne]

I could glue feathers on.

[highborn]

Oh, would you? That would mean so much to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tbCP7H_kZ0

[bouchonne]

[ He spreads his arms like wings and goes: ]

Ca-caw! Ca-caw! [ Then, with a wink: ] How aroused are you? Be honest.

thanks i didn't realize how much that would enrich my life

[highborn]

[ It takes him a faintly startled second, but out comes a genuine laugh. This is ridiculous and stupid, and he can feel the effects of the elfroot making it funnier than it should be, but ... it's pleasant. It's even enough to relax, maybe. ]

A perfect ten, expect eleven when you've the feathers in place. I simply won't know what to do with myself.

[bouchonne]

[ He grins at him, delighted by that laughter. It's a nice sound. ]

There. You never miss out on anything when you're with me.

[highborn]

[ His laugh fades out again, but leaves a comfort in its wake. It's not complete, just the act of being content makes him feel he must be missing some threat, but he pushes that restlessness toward the back of his mind. ]

Byerly. [ He leans in again, looking faintly and preemptively embarrassed. ] If you let me stay the night I'll make breakfast for you tomorrow -- without ah, all the rest. The nerves.

[bouchonne]

[ Playfully: ] Hm. I'd take offense at you treating me like a cheap floozy, favors in return for food, except that that breakfast last time was so good that I know you're actually treating me like a high-priced courtesan. So - yes. Absolutely.

[highborn]

[ A joke, of course, and he does smile at it, but he still can't resist: ] I'm not. You do know I'm not treating you any such way, yes? Humor me with reassurance.

[bouchonne]

[ A little tilt of his head. He considers protesting that there'd be nothing wrong with it if he were, that he's done favors for far less appealing people for far less - But the fellow is so curiously earnest that Byerly says: ]

Of course not. Honestly, dear fellow, I'd worry about your business sense if that were the case. I don't think you give recompense for earning the privilege to treat someone wonderfully, hm?

[ And then, a little quietly, but kindly: ]

You were kicked around a bit, eh? Right before you came here?

[highborn]

[ It is exactly the requested reassurance, and some of his unnecessary guilt does indeed evaporate. They seem to be back to pity again, with that, but Vanadi supposes he deserves as much.

He sighs lightly, and tips his head to the side as he tugs the high neck of his shirt a little lower. There's that long, pink scar across his neck. ]

I got this from a woman I was really quite sure I liked, not so long ago.

[bouchonne]

It looks rather dangerous, you know.

[ That's a compliment. Not dangerous in the that-could-have-killed-you way (though obviously it could have), but rather dangerous in the it-makes-you-look-dashing way. ]

Why did she do it? If you ever found out. [ A shrug - ] I've a scar or two I still don't fully understand.

[highborn]

No, I did find out.

[ Casual is the air he aims for, but he falls short somewhere into uncomfortably distant. He tries for a smile regardless and it comes out lopsided. ]

I'll tell you for a kiss. And the story of your one or two.

[bouchonne]

A kiss, hm?

[ He delivers...in the form of a sweet, chaste little peck on the forehead. ]

[highborn]

[ He takes it with an offended huff, but the smile is already looking healthier. ]

Oh, come. A lover's blade to the throat? It's a better story than that.

[bouchonne]

[ He grins, and then puckers his lips obscenely and makes a terrible mwah-mwah-mwah-mwah noise as he smack-kisses the tip of Vanadi's nose. What a fuckin' menace.

Then he moves down to kiss him properly on the lips. ]

[highborn]

[ Thanks so much, By. But that third try is better, appreciated, and as they part Vanadi leans to snatch one more quick second or two. He's not left that comfortingly close proximity yet when he upholds his end of the deal, quietly. ]

It was for a ritual. They needed a "beloved" component. Lucky me, as I always did attach rather quickly.

[bouchonne]

Ah.

[ By knows little of blood magic, but that does sound like some classic blood magic-y bullshit. ]

Did you survive it? Or...? [ There are a few Rifters who've come here on the precipice of their death, as he understands it. ]