Please, I'm your favorite person here. You're not going to out me and send me to prison. Besides, you and I both know I'd break out the second they turned their backs away.
[ he sends the message and then a moment late he's knocking on Alucard's door. Today he's dressed like a tourist noble complete with a very nice hat! He's blending in you see. ]
Alucard answers the door with a smile and a step to the side to permit entry. Presumably the main room has been given some sparse but serviceable furnishings from the Paladins. It does seem Alucard has invested in a nice book case and, indeed, a beautiful silk settee in blue. If the cat is around, she's nowhere to be seen at the moment. ]
[ Astarion takes stock of their surroundings. It seems like Alucard is more invested in his room on the ship than here but he's put a little work into it. And we aren't all going around pickpocketing on the regular.
At Alucard's comment he laughs, clearly enjoying their easy banter for all he'd texted otherwise. ]
So kind of you to let me into your home. That could be quite dangerous for you, you know.
[ he reaches into his pocket and pulls out the book he'd stolen from Alucard awhile ago. See? Case in point. Don't let a thief into your home. ]
[ Alucard's room on the ship is where he will be spending most of his time in this world; it makes sense to prioritize it. He isn't in any hurry to accrue funds, either, beyond what it takes to live comfortably with his cat and afford the odd luxury piece; it would be strange to anyone who knew his upbringing, but not his background.
Alucard flashes a smirk in turn as Astarion points out that this could be dangerous for him, swinging the door shut behind him. ]
The first thing I did when I arrived was make sure my neighbors knew what a fine citizen I was. A good introduction can take you a long way...
[ But as Astarion pulls out that book, Alucard's sea blue eyes widen. He laughs, a bark of a thing that slips into something warm like a bath. ]
I was wondering where that got off to.
[ He accepts it, of course, just his fingertips brushing the pale elf's as he does. ]
I hadn't had the chance yet to look it over. I'm grateful for your review. And I'm very glad I didn't accuse the shipmate I suspected of the same.
[ Alucard's warm laugh is disarming. Enough so that Astarion doesn't pull away from his touch, and instead lets it happen, enjoying the feeling of the warm press of his skin.
At least for the short amount of time it takes for Alucard to take the book back. Maybe it's better, because it is fleeting. ]
It made for a rather good way to pass the time along at sea. I picked up a couple more by the same author. It's all cliched smut, of course, but there's one with a centaur sea-horse that is absolutely delightful.
[ Unfortunately, Alucard does let him talk about this, and the two of them are probably up in here discussing how the smut might give some more insight to deeper meanings and the author's actual preferences.
He does eventually move to continue on in his little kitchen, which is in the same room as the entrance and open to view. ]
Keep going.
[ Alucard will 100% continue to listen to Astarion talk about smut books while he brews up a pot of tea. The man will need to shift the topic himself if he wants something else to talk about for the moment. Otherwise, this seems pretty damn pleasant to Alucard as far as topics are concerned. ]
[ Yes...Astarion provides some rather colorful details about all of this, not embarrassed in the slightest to discuss the finer mechanics of nautical smut. He has some places where he points out things are not very realistic, and several complaints about tentacles. But over all, he seems to enjoy this line of superfluous conversation.
At least the tea marks a good breaking point in the topic and once it's all ready Astarion is ready to move on: ]
But enough about that. How have you been enjoying your time as a Paladin? You should write to me more often, I feel as if I know nothing about your goings on.
[ as opposed to, like, Xenk, who he writes letters to every day. ]
[ Sorry to say but being friends with Xenk means he doesn't bother messaging or asking Alucard if he's in or not... He simply keeps track of the coming and going of ships and his friends, and knows from his observations that Alucard is in today.
Plus, it's early. The man isn't exactly an early riser. But it's fun to check in with him, and it's always nice to chat with a friend!
So, yeah, Xenk knocks at Alucard's door. He's got a bag with bagels (and lox for Esa.) He's at least learned enough in his time here to know that you should bring a bribe when you wake Alucard up. ]
Good morning, my friend! Are you yet sleeping, Alucard?
Edited (grammar and kitty bribe) 2023-10-11 17:50 (UTC)
[ Alucard has, unfortunately, begun to become accustomed to waking up early thanks to his time serving on the Royal Fortune when he isn't hungover. Granted, this does not mean he is always awake even if he is upright. When Xenk knocks, he rouses from his desk chair, having nodded off in the midst of reviewing one of the books he'd borrowed from Elah.
Even before that voice booms in, he knows who it is. Alucard has made plenty of friends on board now, but none are so bold as to visit him at his cabin without an invitation as Xenk. Truth be told, he loves the pestering. ]
You are address my unconscious, sleepwalking body...
[ He replies, and without rising, unlocks the door with a flick of his wrist. Actually opening it takes a little bit more finesse, but intricacy is Alucard's specialty, so the door creaks inward before Xenk. Inside is the warm glow of a candle that illuminates the desk. Esa coils inside of the shelving immediately across from the door, more a purple set of eyes than anything thanks to the deep shadows provided by the morning and the bare light.
Alucard sits sidelong in his seat, leaning across the back. He's in uniform, everything except his boots and his coat. ]
Oh. I thought you might have brought coffee, but what's this...?
[ Not that Alucard ever tends to get surly at Xenk, but he's definitely less whiny friendlier when a bribe comes, yes. ]
[ Xenk steps inside, by now accustomed to the magician's abilities. Quite convenient! His natural affinity makes him similar to a sorcerer in Xenk's opinion, but the way their spells are clearly very different. It would surely be a topic to fawn over, were Xenk a spellcaster and not a warrior by trade.
Judging by Alucard's dress and location, he must have been up all night, or at the very least fallen asleep at his desk. Xenk of course is dressed in his usual jacket, though he skips his armor when at sea or at home. ]
I see you are conscious. Though I hope you did not sleep while seated, my friend.
[ Xenk smiles, pointing out the obvious more in a joke than through misunderstanding. He brightens and places a basket on Alucard's desk, a clear offering for his troubles. ]
I've brought food to break our fast. And some salmon, for Esa.
[ He nods to her. He is such a cat person, you must understand. ]
[ He'll reassure his friend; whether or not this is a lie is up for debate. As the basket settles down, Alucard peers at it with interest. ]
If only the cabins were big enough for dining. Come, we can sit on the bed and use the chair as the table.
[ Xenk is winning both kitty points and cat dad points with Alucard with offerings for Esa. Alucard will rise and go to pick up the tin plate he usually feeds her in before picking up the chair and moving to the bed. He will settle the aforementioned tin down on the seat. ]
Is there some particular reason you're bribing us this morning?
[ Xenk smiles, joining Alucard on the bed. This is perfect, actually! ]
I enjoy speaking with you, and I very much enjoy your company.
[ The words are all true, as usual, even if the bribe was very much intentional. Look at how Xenk is learning! But in typical Xenk fashion, he cuts right to the chase. ]
Are you having sex? [ Blunt as hell, that's Xenk. But wait, is that too blunt? ] Or, forgive me, do you enjoy sex? I recently had a wonderful encounter with Jarlaxle and wished to discuss it, but I would not wish to make you uncomfortable if the subject is not to your liking.
[ Thank the Saints that Xenk hadn't brought coffee, because Alucard would be spitting it out right about now. As it stands, he fumbles and nearly drops the lox he was transferring into Esa's little offering tin. He manages to finish the maneuver, lopping the lox into a heap there.
His expression? A bemused sort of smile. His skin? Flushed darker than usual on his cheeks. First of all? Xenk, the hottest man on board ( though also maybe his best friend in this world so far? ), is having sex. This is a problem for his future mental health and a shameful boon for his late nights. Second? Jarlaxle? Alucard has only met the man twice and the man could sell water to a pirate. Jarlaxle was not the man for his sweet Xenk to be fooling around with.
He needs to know everything. ]
I very much enjoy sex, most especially with other men. You're in good company, Xenk.
[ Look at him, trying to recover, pulling out the little tins of spread to settle between them on the bed and affecting a casual, curious sidelong look. We rolled a nat 20 on this Deception check, so he's making things entirely comfortable, setting out their utensils and their breakfast like this is the most natural conversation in the world to have between friends. ]
I know Jarlaxle. He's one of the most stylish men I've met here so far. Please. Regale me.
[ Xenk can see his words have caught Alucard off-guard. Good, he does enjoy using his bluntness to great effect, especially with his friends who have so much trouble speaking honestly.
He loves all of his friends, of course. And he does seem to know so many who, like Alucard, would rather speak in metaphor than plainly. But that is what makes discussing this somewhat thrilling. Xenk is no blushing maiden, that's for sure. ]
Excellent. I'm glad we share this in common.
[ He really means it, of course. Being gay in the Forgotten Realms is hardly noteworthy, but it's always nice to connect with a friend in terms of one's tastes. ]
He is a charming rogue, to be sure. His many items proved colorful to divest from him.
[ Xenk grins. Charming rogues are clearly his type, and well, he won't go into complete detail, but... ]
He and I engaged in something of a... game, one might call it? He, the captured criminal, and I, his honorable captor. I believe this is called role-play? Have you ever engaged in this before, Alucard?
[ Alucard feels the need to let Xenk know that the paladin can be candid around him by offering some of his own preferences. They're friends and it's normal to be discussing their sex lives; this is the precedent Alucard has decided to set for them. This is totally from the standpoint of being concerned for his friend's well-being, nothing more...
He really does wish he had brewed something, coffee or tea, to be sipping on right now. As it stands, he's got a few glasses of water he'd kept at his bedside for the inevitable hangover, and he summons one of them to hand now, effortlessly. It's like an invisible butler just placed a cup of water in his open hand, though this is probably nothing notable for someone like Xenk.
Alucard gives a soft huff. ]
Yes, you're right, and I have, many a time. Often I've been the criminal, sometimes I'm the guard. It's thrilling either way. Tell me, was there actually a chase between you two?
[ Indeed, Alucard's magic seems quite convenient! Without the need for spells, it still draws Xenk's eye. He's no wizard, but he finds it quite charming. Like much of Alucard's demeanor, it comes off natural to him. It's charming—just as Alucard is charming.
Xenk's smile grows wide at Alucard's question. Oh, he really must know, because he's right on the money. ]
Indeed, there was! He was visiting Elah on some troublemaking for the Corsairs, and I tracked him to the residential district, where even his considerable speed could not match my strength. The criminal, or at least in his role, was thus captured and met with swift punishment in my own apartment.
[ He says this with a grin. He clearly enjoyed the chase too. Well, and obviously what followed. ]
I feel I'm fortunate to have such engaging friends.
[ Friends who are willing to engage in certain benefits, that is. Though you know Xenk, it's about the spreading of kindness and goodness just as much as it is about the sex. ]
[ Alucard has to chuckle a little when the tracking comes into the equation, because that's just all he can do when his friend's run-down is pretty hot and he's fighting to not imagine it that way; it's extra hard knowing Jarlaxle is an attractive man too.
Xenk may well have hunted Jarlaxle down in earnest, but he could certainly see the drow rogue pausing his abilities long enough to be caught. Alucard has actually faced the man during the Capture the Flag course by now and knows how mobile Jarlaxle can be. But he also knows Xenk to be astoundingly competent in the physical arena. He may well have caught the drow honestly.
It doesn't matter. Alucard shouldn't be thinking about them at all. ]
...Friends, hm? Is that your word or his?
[ He will prod gently at this impression. Jarlaxle could be a real problem. Friend? ]
[ It was a natural 1 that trapped the drow, a mix of good fortune on Xenk's part and his no less impressive strength. But Xenk isn't too surprised to field Alucard's qualms. Jarlaxle is a rogue, after all. They did meet when Xenk caught him stealing. ]
Both. He has proven himself to be trustworthy on several counts.
[ He smiles at this particular memory. It's going to sound worse, unfortunately. ]
Why, only a month ago, I accepted his invitation to join him on Nautilust for dinner, and he agreed to be responsible in my stead so that I could attempt intoxication. It drained his coffers quite a bit, but it was a fine night all the same.
[ Not that Xenk remembers that much of it since he passed out, but hey, Jarlaxle did pay for everything and made sure he got home safe, that's what friends do, right? ]
Outside his door, where we don't ask how Shoto found out, is a small basket and a bigger basket. Guess which is for whom.
Within the smaller basket are small treats, just things to enjoy in the vein of cookies or candycanes. There is a note within it.
Thank you for allowing me to be a cat friend. Let's take her for a walk some time together. Merry Christmas.
The bigger basket serves to purposes. One it is very specifically lined with a nice liner that just so happens to be cat shaped, cat sized and also contain toys, what he has deemed as 'treats' and also a letter.
You can't read, I'm certain your human is reading for you. Could you please tell her that she is a good girl and also hunts very well. I am proud of her skills, she has worked hard to hone them very obviously. Merry Christmas.
The note is handwritten on parchment, inked with calligraphic skill.
To the Most Esteemed Master Shoto Todoroki
I must confess I am a stranger to "Christmas" but I have intuited it to be a gift giving occasion. I have read Esa your message and presented her with your offerings. Consequently she has given me leave to bestow upon you her messenger stone. You see, special cats like Esa from my world are capable of giving tokens of their regard. They can hear your words and mind through these totems, no matter how far apart you may be. Hold this stone in your hand and know that she will hear you as if she were in the room with you. Of course, I trust you understand that Esa will always be a cat, and cats are wont to do as they wish always, in manners that often remain mysterious to us.
Feel free to come and knock on my door any time for a walk, or just to talk to someone who is a sailor just a bit older than you. If I am available, trust that I will make myself available to you. I thank you for your consideration, and so does Esa.
Alucard Emery
[ And an inky paw print ]
Enclosed is a small, white statuette of a cat. It is made of some sort of white stone, with the eyes a lavender shade. It looks just like a curled up Esa, perfect for a palm to squeeze.
Good morning, Alucard. Unrelated to a later question, I've left you and Esa cat-friendly, people-friendly snacks at your door. You could both share them that way. I have training today or I would stay to pet her and remind her that she is a good girl. I trust that Esa is well and that she is enjoying herself? I think about her very often.
I don't have a good segue to ask, and I apologize to put you on the spot. None of my friends are much older than I am. Or, if they are, I don't think that they would be as truthful. It's a matter of a personal question, are you comfortable with that sort of line of questioning?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text; sept 30 or oct 1 somewhere in there
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So can I take that as a yes?
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Perhaps being able to watch you break out would be the point...
I suppose if you turned up at [ Insert address here ] I'd really have no choice but to take you into my personal custody.
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With conversation and tea. Or are you more of a coffee man?
> action
[ he sends the message and then a moment late he's knocking on Alucard's door. Today he's dressed like a tourist noble complete with a very nice hat! He's blending in you see. ]
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[ It's just the follow-through that is lacking.
Alucard answers the door with a smile and a step to the side to permit entry. Presumably the main room has been given some sparse but serviceable furnishings from the Paladins. It does seem Alucard has invested in a nice book case and, indeed, a beautiful silk settee in blue. If the cat is around, she's nowhere to be seen at the moment. ]
Welcome, fugitive.
[ He purrs, amiably. ]
Can I get you something to drink?
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At Alucard's comment he laughs, clearly enjoying their easy banter for all he'd texted otherwise. ]
So kind of you to let me into your home. That could be quite dangerous for you, you know.
[ he reaches into his pocket and pulls out the book he'd stolen from Alucard awhile ago. See? Case in point. Don't let a thief into your home. ]
This is yours. It was quite good.
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Alucard flashes a smirk in turn as Astarion points out that this could be dangerous for him, swinging the door shut behind him. ]
The first thing I did when I arrived was make sure my neighbors knew what a fine citizen I was. A good introduction can take you a long way...
[ But as Astarion pulls out that book, Alucard's sea blue eyes widen. He laughs, a bark of a thing that slips into something warm like a bath. ]
I was wondering where that got off to.
[ He accepts it, of course, just his fingertips brushing the pale elf's as he does. ]
I hadn't had the chance yet to look it over. I'm grateful for your review. And I'm very glad I didn't accuse the shipmate I suspected of the same.
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At least for the short amount of time it takes for Alucard to take the book back. Maybe it's better, because it is fleeting. ]
It made for a rather good way to pass the time along at sea. I picked up a couple more by the same author. It's all cliched smut, of course, but there's one with a centaur sea-horse that is absolutely delightful.
[ Don't let him talk about this. ]
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He does eventually move to continue on in his little kitchen, which is in the same room
as the entrance and open to view. ]
Keep going.
[ Alucard will 100% continue to listen to Astarion talk about smut books while he brews up a pot of tea. The man will need to shift the topic himself if he wants something else to talk about for the moment. Otherwise, this seems pretty damn pleasant to Alucard as far as topics are concerned. ]
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At least the tea marks a good breaking point in the topic and once it's all ready Astarion is ready to move on: ]
But enough about that. How have you been enjoying your time as a Paladin? You should write to me more often, I feel as if I know nothing about your goings on.
[ as opposed to, like, Xenk, who he writes letters to every day. ]
action
Plus, it's early. The man isn't exactly an early riser. But it's fun to check in with him, and it's always nice to chat with a friend!
So, yeah, Xenk knocks at Alucard's door. He's got a bag with bagels (and lox for Esa.) He's at least learned enough in his time here to know that you should bring a bribe when you wake Alucard up. ]
Good morning, my friend! Are you yet sleeping, Alucard?
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Even before that voice booms in, he knows who it is. Alucard has made plenty of friends on board now, but none are so bold as to visit him at his cabin without an invitation as Xenk. Truth be told, he loves the pestering. ]
You are address my unconscious, sleepwalking body...
[ He replies, and without rising, unlocks the door with a flick of his wrist. Actually opening it takes a little bit more finesse, but intricacy is Alucard's specialty, so the door creaks inward before Xenk. Inside is the warm glow of a candle that illuminates the desk. Esa coils inside of the shelving immediately across from the door, more a purple set of eyes than anything thanks to the deep shadows provided by the morning and the bare light.
Alucard sits sidelong in his seat, leaning across the back. He's in uniform, everything except his boots and his coat. ]
Oh. I thought you might have brought coffee, but what's this...?
[ Not that Alucard ever tends to get surly at Xenk, but he's definitely
less whinyfriendlier when a bribe comes, yes. ]no subject
Judging by Alucard's dress and location, he must have been up all night, or at the very least fallen asleep at his desk. Xenk of course is dressed in his usual jacket, though he skips his armor when at sea or at home. ]
I see you are conscious. Though I hope you did not sleep while seated, my friend.
[ Xenk smiles, pointing out the obvious more in a joke than through misunderstanding. He brightens and places a basket on Alucard's desk, a clear offering for his troubles. ]
I've brought food to break our fast. And some salmon, for Esa.
[ He nods to her. He is such a cat person, you must understand. ]
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[ He'll reassure his friend; whether or not this is a lie is up for debate. As the basket settles down, Alucard peers at it with interest. ]
If only the cabins were big enough for dining. Come, we can sit on the bed and use the chair as the table.
[ Xenk is winning both kitty points and cat dad points with Alucard with offerings for Esa. Alucard will rise and go to pick up the tin plate he usually feeds her in before picking up the chair and moving to the bed. He will settle the aforementioned tin down on the seat. ]
Is there some particular reason you're bribing us this morning?
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I enjoy speaking with you, and I very much enjoy your company.
[ The words are all true, as usual, even if the bribe was very much intentional. Look at how Xenk is learning! But in typical Xenk fashion, he cuts right to the chase. ]
Are you having sex? [ Blunt as hell, that's Xenk. But wait, is that too blunt? ] Or, forgive me, do you enjoy sex? I recently had a wonderful encounter with Jarlaxle and wished to discuss it, but I would not wish to make you uncomfortable if the subject is not to your liking.
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His expression? A bemused sort of smile. His skin? Flushed darker than usual on his cheeks. First of all? Xenk, the hottest man on board ( though also maybe his best friend in this world so far? ), is having sex. This is a problem for his future mental health and a shameful boon for his late nights. Second? Jarlaxle? Alucard has only met the man twice and the man could sell water to a pirate. Jarlaxle was not the man for his sweet Xenk to be fooling around with.
He needs to know everything. ]
I very much enjoy sex, most especially with other men. You're in good company, Xenk.
[ Look at him, trying to recover, pulling out the little tins of spread to settle between them on the bed and affecting a casual, curious sidelong look. We rolled a nat 20 on this Deception check, so he's making things entirely comfortable, setting out their utensils and their breakfast like this is the most natural conversation in the world to have between friends. ]
I know Jarlaxle. He's one of the most stylish men I've met here so far. Please. Regale me.
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He loves all of his friends, of course. And he does seem to know so many who, like Alucard, would rather speak in metaphor than plainly. But that is what makes discussing this somewhat thrilling. Xenk is no blushing maiden, that's for sure. ]
Excellent. I'm glad we share this in common.
[ He really means it, of course. Being gay in the Forgotten Realms is hardly noteworthy, but it's always nice to connect with a friend in terms of one's tastes. ]
He is a charming rogue, to be sure. His many items proved colorful to divest from him.
[ Xenk grins. Charming rogues are clearly his type, and well, he won't go into complete detail, but... ]
He and I engaged in something of a... game, one might call it? He, the captured criminal, and I, his honorable captor. I believe this is called role-play? Have you ever engaged in this before, Alucard?
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He really does wish he had brewed something, coffee or tea, to be sipping on right now. As it stands, he's got a few glasses of water he'd kept at his bedside for the inevitable hangover, and he summons one of them to hand now, effortlessly. It's like an invisible butler just placed a cup of water in his open hand, though this is probably nothing notable for someone like Xenk.
Alucard gives a soft huff. ]
Yes, you're right, and I have, many a time. Often I've been the criminal, sometimes I'm the guard. It's thrilling either way. Tell me, was there actually a chase between you two?
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Xenk's smile grows wide at Alucard's question. Oh, he really must know, because he's right on the money. ]
Indeed, there was! He was visiting Elah on some troublemaking for the Corsairs, and I tracked him to the residential district, where even his considerable speed could not match my strength. The criminal, or at least in his role, was thus captured and met with swift punishment in my own apartment.
[ He says this with a grin. He clearly enjoyed the chase too. Well, and obviously what followed. ]
I feel I'm fortunate to have such engaging friends.
[ Friends who are willing to engage in certain benefits, that is. Though you know Xenk, it's about the spreading of kindness and goodness just as much as it is about the sex. ]
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Xenk may well have hunted Jarlaxle down in earnest, but he could certainly see the drow rogue pausing his abilities long enough to be caught. Alucard has actually faced the man during the Capture the Flag course by now and knows how mobile Jarlaxle can be. But he also knows Xenk to be astoundingly competent in the physical arena. He may well have caught the drow honestly.
It doesn't matter. Alucard shouldn't be thinking about them at all. ]
...Friends, hm? Is that your word or his?
[ He will prod gently at this impression. Jarlaxle could be a real problem. Friend? ]
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Both. He has proven himself to be trustworthy on several counts.
[ He smiles at this particular memory. It's going to sound worse, unfortunately. ]
Why, only a month ago, I accepted his invitation to join him on Nautilust for dinner, and he agreed to be responsible in my stead so that I could attempt intoxication. It drained his coffers quite a bit, but it was a fine night all the same.
[ Not that Xenk remembers that much of it since he passed out, but hey, Jarlaxle did pay for everything and made sure he got home safe, that's what friends do, right? ]
Christmas 2023
Within the smaller basket are small treats, just things to enjoy in the vein of cookies or candycanes. There is a note within it.
The bigger basket serves to purposes. One it is very specifically lined with a nice liner that just so happens to be cat shaped, cat sized and also contain toys, what he has deemed as 'treats' and also a letter.
no subject
Enclosed is a small, white statuette of a cat. It is made of some sort of white stone, with the eyes a lavender shade. It looks just like a curled up Esa, perfect for a palm to squeeze.
Text;
I don't have a good segue to ask, and I apologize to put you on the spot. None of my friends are much older than I am. Or, if they are, I don't think that they would be as truthful. It's a matter of a personal question, are you comfortable with that sort of line of questioning?