[ 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? ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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. ]
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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?
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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? ]
no subject
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? ]