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I won't deny he worked very hard while he was in the position, but he retired the exact minute Lord Kusanali approved of the resignation papers. Yet she let him keep the same salary! I realize he helped rescue her but should she really be showing him that much favoritism? He's already spoiled!
[Kaveh frowns darkly, though.] He got that close to getting hurt? That idiot, what was he so worried about me for, then? Why, I ought to make him sleep on the couch--
[His train of thought is interrupted by the crash of glass on the floor. The barkeep comes around to sweep it up, and Lyney is given a new glass, but Kaveh is watching him in obvious concern.]
Are you alright? None of the glass hit you?
[Kaveh frowns darkly, though.] He got that close to getting hurt? That idiot, what was he so worried about me for, then? Why, I ought to make him sleep on the couch--
[His train of thought is interrupted by the crash of glass on the floor. The barkeep comes around to sweep it up, and Lyney is given a new glass, but Kaveh is watching him in obvious concern.]
Are you alright? None of the glass hit you?
[Honestly, Lyney is going to need to process the whole used to be a Sage and apparently had the blessings of the Dendro Archon thing, but his mind is spinning from the alcohol and he is only really able to focus on Kaveh asking about Father. Kaveh's question of concern has him chuckling weakly, waving a hand dismissively.]
A-Ah, yes, I'm fine! Perfectly fine. Just sad that such good wine had to go to waste!
[Normally he'd be quick to deflect and dance around the fact, but his alcohol-addled mind is having some issues catching up. He's beginning to regret drinking so much.]
A-Ah, yes, I'm fine! Perfectly fine. Just sad that such good wine had to go to waste!
[Normally he'd be quick to deflect and dance around the fact, but his alcohol-addled mind is having some issues catching up. He's beginning to regret drinking so much.]
The wine isn't more important than you are...
[Kaveh frowns, and looks Lyney over. He seems awfully flustered...maybe his father's a bit of a sore spot? That would track. So time to get him on a different topic...]
Did he really nearly get himself beaten by a troll?
[Kaveh frowns, and looks Lyney over. He seems awfully flustered...maybe his father's a bit of a sore spot? That would track. So time to get him on a different topic...]
Did he really nearly get himself beaten by a troll?
No, I realize that the mind is a powerful thing. Yet hearing all of this is rather alarming. To take advantage of one's people so...
It never ends well. For anyone.
It never ends well. For anyone.
It didn't, for them. We were lucky more people weren't hurt...or killed. But Lord Kusanali is freed, the Akasha is dissolved, and now it's on us to chart a new course for our nation.
She wants us all to be a part of it, the people of the desert and the people of the rainforests both. At least, that's what Alhaitham said she wanted. It seems to be bearing true.
She wants us all to be a part of it, the people of the desert and the people of the rainforests both. At least, that's what Alhaitham said she wanted. It seems to be bearing true.
[Lyney blinks up at Kaveh, and for a fraction of a second, there's a faint vulnerability in his expression; a quiet worry surfacing from the waves of Lyney's usual confidence like jetsam bobbing up from the depths of the sea. But the quiet moving on to a different topic is met with an equally-quiet gratitude from Lyney, his shoulders and expression relaxing as they move onto safer things to discuss. It's all very quick, easy to miss, yet if Kaveh is sharp of eye he will notice the subtle shift.]
Yes, he did! I happened to stumble across him while he was fallen on the ground, the brute towering over him with club raised high! If it weren't for my swift arrows, he would have been mashed into paste!
Yes, he did! I happened to stumble across him while he was fallen on the ground, the brute towering over him with club raised high! If it weren't for my swift arrows, he would have been mashed into paste!
He was what?
[Kaveh is actively alarmed now. And Alhaitham had the gall to dismiss any possibility of his own injuries!!]
That reckless fool--! Forget the couch, maybe he should sleep outside if he wants to disregard his own welfare so freely!
[Kaveh is actively alarmed now. And Alhaitham had the gall to dismiss any possibility of his own injuries!!]
That reckless fool--! Forget the couch, maybe he should sleep outside if he wants to disregard his own welfare so freely!
That's what I told him! I even asked him if he was expecting me to tell you about any injuries he suffers on his way up to you. Not that I was expecting any harm to befall him, but I'm horrible with those kinds of reports.
[Dramatic sigh! He crosses his arms. Though he does notice one detail.]
I don't know about sleeping outside, but hopefully banishing him from the bedroom will be enough to get his priorities straight. It's admirable he cares so much about you, but it does no one favours throwing your own safety aside for it!
[Dramatic sigh! He crosses his arms. Though he does notice one detail.]
I don't know about sleeping outside, but hopefully banishing him from the bedroom will be enough to get his priorities straight. It's admirable he cares so much about you, but it does no one favours throwing your own safety aside for it!
He's lucky I can't sleep without him there...
[Kaveh sighs. Hmm. This is good cider...yes more please thank youuu.]
How ridiculous. He's always going on about how he doesn't need to fight, just to think, and then he goes and loses his head? I don't care how dramatic the kidnapping was, he'd already gone through this with Dehya, I wasn't in any danger!
[Kaveh sighs. Hmm. This is good cider...yes more please thank youuu.]
How ridiculous. He's always going on about how he doesn't need to fight, just to think, and then he goes and loses his head? I don't care how dramatic the kidnapping was, he'd already gone through this with Dehya, I wasn't in any danger!
Well then it seems that you are the one thing that can make a normally inscrutable man completely forego his senses! You have quite a power, Kaveh.
[It's a fascinating little tidbit he's noting, though his drunk mind isn't making the connection of it being a weakness in Alhaitham yes; no, he needs to be more sober to make the connection. Instead, he leans in with a grin on his face.]
So... banishing him from the bedroom, are we? I was unaware you had moved to such a stage in your relationship. And so quickly, too!
[It's a fascinating little tidbit he's noting, though his drunk mind isn't making the connection of it being a weakness in Alhaitham yes; no, he needs to be more sober to make the connection. Instead, he leans in with a grin on his face.]
So... banishing him from the bedroom, are we? I was unaware you had moved to such a stage in your relationship. And so quickly, too!
Me? Power over him? You're deeply overestimating how biddable that man is. He doesn't have anyone else he knows here, and you see how much he hates meeting new people, much less connecting to him, it's no wonder he's clingy.
[Kaveh sighs a little wistfully, gesturing with his glass.]
Hmm? We've been sharing the bed since he got here. We're both far too tall for the couches in the starter apartments on Elah...
[Siiiip.]
...Though I suppose we have been having sex fairly regularly now.
[Kaveh sighs a little wistfully, gesturing with his glass.]
Hmm? We've been sharing the bed since he got here. We're both far too tall for the couches in the starter apartments on Elah...
[Siiiip.]
...Though I suppose we have been having sex fairly regularly now.
[It's unfortunate that after Lyney chooses that moment to sip from his new glass of wine, for it's now his turn to choke on his wine, sputtering and coughing as he lowers his wine. He coughs, but can't hide his sudden giggles.]
Mr. Kaveh! You can't just say such things so brazenly! Do they not teach etiquette in the Akademiya??
[But given his grin and giggling, he's not exactly ]
Well, now that you've spilled the proverbial cup of tea... I admit my curiosity is quite piqued at how his performance is. Especially if he's performing regularly, as you put it.
[Spill the deets??]
Mr. Kaveh! You can't just say such things so brazenly! Do they not teach etiquette in the Akademiya??
[But given his grin and giggling, he's not exactly ]
Well, now that you've spilled the proverbial cup of tea... I admit my curiosity is quite piqued at how his performance is. Especially if he's performing regularly, as you put it.
[Spill the deets??]
We are not in the Akademiya, we are in a bar, with lovely cider, Lyney.
[Kaveh laughs, and tips his head, a rather...mischievous smile on his face.]
Now, I don't want to be crude, but he's just as exacting and methodical as when he fights, or reads, or does his research. Precise...and relentless.
[It's a miracle Kaveh can walk, actually.]
[Kaveh laughs, and tips his head, a rather...mischievous smile on his face.]
Now, I don't want to be crude, but he's just as exacting and methodical as when he fights, or reads, or does his research. Precise...and relentless.
[It's a miracle Kaveh can walk, actually.]
Ah, you make a fair point, Kaveh. How mistaken I was!
[There’s a bit of a flush in Lyney’s face that isn’t entirely due to the alcohol they’re drinking.]
Mon dieu, I can see why you would keep him around! I knew that claims of being a mere scholar belied his athletic performance. A part of me would feel a little jealous, were it not for current circumstances!
[Mostly due to his own recent forays.]
[There’s a bit of a flush in Lyney’s face that isn’t entirely due to the alcohol they’re drinking.]
Mon dieu, I can see why you would keep him around! I knew that claims of being a mere scholar belied his athletic performance. A part of me would feel a little jealous, were it not for current circumstances!
[Mostly due to his own recent forays.]
He doesn't like the attention, I guess. I can't fathom why he puts the effort in to work out in the first place, but I can't complain about the results.
[But wait. Kaveh's mind, addled with alcohol, just caught onto something and focused like a laser.]
"Current circumstances", Lyney? Now, don't hold out on me!
[But wait. Kaveh's mind, addled with alcohol, just caught onto something and focused like a laser.]
"Current circumstances", Lyney? Now, don't hold out on me!
Well, I suppose that's one redeeming feature about him, given the shortcomings of his personality and design sense.
[Yes, he will shittalk Alhaitham just a bit. But when Kaveh picks up on his little tidbit, Lyney grins knowingly, bringing his wine glass up to his lips.]
Now, now, don't you know that a gentlemen should never kiss and tell?
[He says the words coyly while taking a sip from his wine. But he can't exactly keep Kaveh in suspense forever.]
But if you must know, you aren't the only one who's met someone who can provide you with... exemplary results.
[Yes, he will shittalk Alhaitham just a bit. But when Kaveh picks up on his little tidbit, Lyney grins knowingly, bringing his wine glass up to his lips.]
Now, now, don't you know that a gentlemen should never kiss and tell?
[He says the words coyly while taking a sip from his wine. But he can't exactly keep Kaveh in suspense forever.]
But if you must know, you aren't the only one who's met someone who can provide you with... exemplary results.
He has plenty of redeeming features, but most people will never find out about them.
[But enough about Alhaitham! Kaveh is leaning farther forward in his chair, eyes bright with the joy of gossip.]
Oh, come on now, you can give me more than that. Who are they? Are they pretty? Handsome?
[But enough about Alhaitham! Kaveh is leaning farther forward in his chair, eyes bright with the joy of gossip.]
Oh, come on now, you can give me more than that. Who are they? Are they pretty? Handsome?
Hmm~! Well well, you're certainly one for seeking out details, aren't you Mr. Kaveh?
[Lyney lets out a knowing chuckle, taking another slow sip from his wine. Yes, he is the pure image of the smug cat right now. But he's not calling out Kaveh because he's admonishing the architect, but rather because he finds the whole thing amusing.]
But, I suppose I could let you in on a few details! For one, he is quite handsome, and intelligent to boot. And quite the attentive lover, as well~
[Lyney lets out a knowing chuckle, taking another slow sip from his wine. Yes, he is the pure image of the smug cat right now. But he's not calling out Kaveh because he's admonishing the architect, but rather because he finds the whole thing amusing.]
But, I suppose I could let you in on a few details! For one, he is quite handsome, and intelligent to boot. And quite the attentive lover, as well~
If you didn't want me to fish for them, stop handing me more line, Lyney?
[He laughs, and drains his glass again. How many is he on? Doesn't matter, he feels fantastic.]
Attentive, hmmmm? So he took good care of you, did he? I'm surprised you're spending the night drinking with me, then.
[He laughs, and drains his glass again. How many is he on? Doesn't matter, he feels fantastic.]
Attentive, hmmmm? So he took good care of you, did he? I'm surprised you're spending the night drinking with me, then.
[Oh that draws a pleased chuckle from Lyney. But it's fine, this is much more pleasant conversation to talk about.]
Oh yes. Took care of all my needs, and was so careful and considerate! But of course, also thorough and very satisfying.
Alas, he's a busy man, and we can't spend all our time together. But that doesn't mean we haven't spent time together frequently~
Oh yes. Took care of all my needs, and was so careful and considerate! But of course, also thorough and very satisfying.
Alas, he's a busy man, and we can't spend all our time together. But that doesn't mean we haven't spent time together frequently~
Ohhh? Going to see him more? Careful, Lyney, this mystery man might be a thief~!
[Kaveh can see the shape of what's happening and he is DELIGHTED.]
Not going to let even a single hint of his identity slip, are you?
[Kaveh can see the shape of what's happening and he is DELIGHTED.]
Not going to let even a single hint of his identity slip, are you?
A thief? You think he'll try to steal my heart? Oh Kaveh, don't worry, I am far too clever for a trick like that!
[Can't catch feelings if you don't want them, right? Right.]
Hmm... Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to let you know... [He offers a knowing grin.] Have you met the young man from Inazuma? With the pretty hair the colour of wine and piercing peridot eyes?
[Can't catch feelings if you don't want them, right? Right.]
Hmm... Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to let you know... [He offers a knowing grin.] Have you met the young man from Inazuma? With the pretty hair the colour of wine and piercing peridot eyes?
Ah--Heizou?
[Kaveh blinks, and considers this, swirling the wine in his glass. Hmm...Heizou's quite smart, and good-hearted, if a little sassy...and while he's not at all Kaveh's type, he can definitely see that he's quite the handsome lad.]
You've excellent taste, my friend. And moved rather quickly, too, didn't you?
[Kaveh blinks, and considers this, swirling the wine in his glass. Hmm...Heizou's quite smart, and good-hearted, if a little sassy...and while he's not at all Kaveh's type, he can definitely see that he's quite the handsome lad.]
You've excellent taste, my friend. And moved rather quickly, too, didn't you?
Ah, so you've met him already?
[Lyney lets out another knowing chuckle, taking a sip of wine.]
Perhaps I had, but the setting was just perfect for such a union! It was during the Dragon's Gale festival, and what better way to celebrate a festival of love than... well, making it?
[Lyney lets out another knowing chuckle, taking a sip of wine.]
Perhaps I had, but the setting was just perfect for such a union! It was during the Dragon's Gale festival, and what better way to celebrate a festival of love than... well, making it?
[A couple of pictures are being sent Kaveh's way. They're all of Alhaitham at varying distances while he appears to be studying piles of rocks. He has a very somber, thoughtful look on his face- except for one of them, where he's staring right at the camera with what must be a look of confusion.]
For your secret collection~
For your secret collection~
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