RP:Dropping in for Dance Lessons. (Or Why Wizards Grow Beards)
Hanging Corpse Tavern
Kasyr's hanging out in the tavern, with a healthy pile of paperwork sitting to his left, while a bottle of bloodwine rests at his right. Because frankly, Vailkrin paperwork just needs a few drinks to accompany it sometimes. Whether it's the sheer amount of complaints that come in, the simpering requests, or the obtuse demands- there is almost always some form of headache fuel. Still- slogging through bureaucracy is part and parcel with the whole 'leadership' gig, so the Kensai can't really complain. Well, he can, and does occasionally- but he's being fairly well-behaved and diligent right now.
Svilfon appears in much the same fashion he did yesterday. That is, he starts out high in the eternally dark sky, flying around causing trouble with Trebel, until he politely asks the angha to take a break for a drink... this is met with the same answer: Trebel flies rather close to the tavern, spins upside down, and dislodges the wizard. His aim is better this time, though; instead of Svil being pancaked on the roof of the building, he hurls through the door while curses resound. Roll... roll... roll... thud. He hits the bottom of the bar and lays there in a heap, even as the musical laughter of Trebel sounds above, flowing easily with the sensation of mirth which comes from Alahir – those two are fast becoming friends, and seem to find joy in the jokes they play upon the wizard. Knowing, I suppose, Svilfon doesn't really mind, even if his entrance is rather inglorious. With a grunt, the wizard pulls himself to his feet, dusts off his robes (his hat remains as dust-free as ever on his head) before he spies Kasyr sitting with his wine and paperwork. A gap-toothed grin splits his face, even as he speaks. “Kensai... it's been a while. I've been looking for you.” The words are accompanied, as always, by a tip of his hat.
Kasyr had spotted Svilfon before he was even addressed- and it's more by virtue of the whole 'Thud' against the bar than the bound they share as Sire and Fledgeling. Which is why he's now peering down at Svilfon with an amused look, "Quite some time en fait, monsieur." Before he continues, the revenant turns to address Steadman, "His drinks are on me." A pause, "As long as I'm here today." And then the revenant redirects his attention to the wizard, "Nice entrance. So, what to what do I owe the pleasure of you dropping in?" Kasyr manages to say this with an entirely straight face.
Svilfon flashes another grin at the Kensai. He'd spent yesterday filling this tavern with puns at Daisy's expense, so he supposes it's cosmic justice the same is delivered to him. And there's no better connoisseur of such things than this particular revenant. "I drink for free here anyway, but if you're paying..." He makes a motion towards Steadmen, gesturing for his normal drink, before wandering over to take a seat, only a little gingerly, beside his sire. He doesn't bother to hide the looks he gives the paperwork Kasyr is doing, before he shifts his gaze back at the vampire with an almost sheepish smile. "A promise was made... or a deal..." The wizard rubs behind one of his ears, even as he continues to speak. "I promised that wife of yours I'd do something... and with the coming festival... well... a deadline, that is." He nods then, almost to himself. "Are you busy?.. well, beyond the paperwork, which I've found, can always be postponed." That attitude is probably why Svil doesn't rule anywhere.
Kasyr scrunches up his nose, "I have spent the better part of today going over it." And the better part of several bottles, though they've been cleared aside to better maintain an air of professionalism. "I suppose I have the time- though, speaking of deals- I do believe I have something I need to collect from tu, non? Unless that bit of scribing was also postponed~" That said, however, the Kensai does begin to scoop together his papers, if only to bundle them up and then stuff them into his coat. "So what do we need to kill? Or fetch- Ou quoi-ce-soit that Satoshi asked."
Svilfon has not forgotten the task Kasyr first gave him, and nor has he failed to copy it. Here, though, in Vailkrin, he knows it best to be a little discreet. So with a gesture that looks entirely harmless, he places upon the papers the Kensai is straightening the original, plus the copy he made – both appearing as if from nowhere - even as he replies to the man's latter questions, “Ah, Kasyr, if only it was so easy as something to kill... or something to fetch... or both, really. Such would be no concern to either of us,” he cannot help but grin at that; he does adore Coterie mentality. “This is altogether more... delicate.” Again that hand raises to rub behind his ear. “The ball is coming, and your wife is hosting it. Many will come... and she wishes me to show you how... well... to... ahh... dance.”
Kasyr 's whole, stashing the pack of papers thing stands- even with the additional bit of literature added to the mix. Which is wonderful, really, given that the only thing left to do with his hands is grab the bottle of wine and promptly chug it until it's empty. It's only when it's done that he proceeds to point at Svil with it, "Thanks for reminding moi- With all the distractions that have occured lately, I've been putting off her 'dance' lessons. Which es also to say, I prefer my style of dancing- es this really necessary?" If truth be told, the Kensai somewhat looks like he's dreading this.
Svilfon offers the Kensai a smile, rich with the same expressions of dread that seem to fill him. He doesn't immediately respond, instead waiting until Steadmen delivers his drink - which isn't the one he usually gets; revenge for Svil's actions yesterday, no doubt - and promptly draining it anyway, in one rather long gulp. When done, the empty glass is placed upon the now cleared table and the wizard finally speaks. "I'd rather teach an acid breathing black dragon how to kiss than teach you how to dance, in truth. But the prize..." He pauses for a moment, "Yes, the prize is worth it. Plus... what is worse? You and I doing this, or the lady icicle turning us both into eternal snowmen for failing in it?" His face, though wearing somewhat of a crooked grin, is serious. He has little doubt she would do it.
Kasyr takes a moment to contemplate the myriad possible manners to handle this situation. There's the obvious route, to get a refresher course on the basics of dancing, courtesy of the Wizard. Which just seems mildly wearying- especially given that it's more something -expected- of him, and yet another extension of the whole being in office thing. The upside, at least, is that Satoshi would be happy. But then there's the more sneaky options- like finding out if he can use his status as Svilfon's sire to make him forget that he bumped into the Revenant today, and then sneak away. Whilst not a realistic option due to his unwillingness to abuse said 'Authority' and direct Satoshi's ire on the wizard, it's still an amusing thought- and there is a certain degree of curiosity over whether or not it would even work. Then there's the whole, hope someone causes a disaster thing- so he everything becomes moot. That very well might happen, and the Kensai's sort of fingers crossed about that. And it's after that thought that the Kensai promptly perks up, "...Please tell me you have some sort of magic'd up Dance shoes, par chance?" Kasyr looks -really- hopeful.
Svilfon watches Kasyr's silent contemplations without much expression on his face, beyond that crooked grin. He doesn't know what the revenant is thinking, though he could take a guess... which would be, how fast can Kasyr punch Svilfon so hard he lands back in Frostmaw... But nevertheless, he waits with patience until the question is asked. In response, he laughs, the sound rich with good humour, “Come now, Kensai. You can dance with a sword, you're graceful enough, you have a tail for balance. You need not use my magical shoes to dance. I learned how, and you've seen me use a sword,” perhaps not, but it's about as graceful as a cart over-filled with boulder,. “and I can do it. You can too. Just... pretend I'm a lady...” The wizard shakes his head at that – it rings too true with what that dreaded farmer said to him. “And let us see what you have.” With a nod, Svil stands and moves to the side, waiting as he would be at a ball for the Kensai to approach him. He contemplates finishing the look with a fluttering of his eyelashes at the vampire, but he just can't quite bring himself to do it...
Kasyr let's out a prolonged sigh, even as he begins to push away from the bar, "Maybe I can tell Christian that all his fears are about to be realized- et that I have finally become a monster. Pretty sure I couldn't be faulted for not dancing If I'm busy not dying." By now, the revenant's fully stood up, by which point he simply offers a sort of broad shrug to the wizard, "Really hard to picture you as a woman. I know a man that's a woman. I can't quite see you pulling the whole bit Dami did. For one thing, it's odd to picture you with teeth." Zing.
Svilfon laughs again at the revenant. "Oh, come now. You're not the one who has to be the woman.. and I might add, I'd make a pretty woman! Surely some men go for the gap-toothed look." He flashes a smile, then, showing all six of his teeth and the proud gaps which seperate them. "Please, for the love of all things chaotic and dangerous, don't make me put a wig on... this is going to be awkward enough without that..." A quick wink is sent, before Svil turns a shade and leans against the bar. "Let's get this over with... afterwards, we're both going to need to grow beards and go hunt dragons with nothing but knives... let's not make it any worse than it is."
Kasyr looks so far from amused, "Right. Sooner this starts, the sooner it's over with." This is followed by a quiet grumble of, "I killed a dragon by punching it, why am I putting up with this." ...Well, it's a bit more complicated than that- but, that's neither here nor there. "...Cellar has more room for dance lessons. No chairs or tables in the way." Less Patrons too, and thus less damage to his dignity.
Svilfon shakes his head, “I once pulled a thorn out of a lion's paw, and it grumbled less than you do.” He motions towards the cellar, clearly not missing the hidden meanings behind the Kensai's suggestion, “You really should be getting used to doing it in front of people, but as you wish.” With that, and a rolling of his eyes at Steadmen, the wizard pushes himself from leaning against the counter and wanders downstairs.
Cellar
Kasyr meanders after Svilfon, with the idle comment of, "I'm pretty sure the point of this, is so I -don't- stumble in front of other people." Or tread on toes, et cetera. "It's not the people that are a concern exactement, either. It'll be easy enough to ignore other people when I bump into Satoshi."
Svilfon ignores the Kensai's comments, which he hears as further grumblings, until he's at the bottom of the stairs. There, he steps into the space and spreads his hands, “Aye, this will do just nicely. Now, we'll get this right from the get go. I am a lady...” he sighs, he can't help it, “and you're going to ask me to dance... then we can see how you do.” He shakes his head at this, never thinking in all his life he'd say words like it, before he pulls from his robes a small spinning top with grooves and hollows cut into it. He bends down with a muttered verse, before spinning it on the ground. As it turns, the air is filled with a faintly haunting melody which sounds better suited to a battlefield than a ball, yet it seems altogether fitting from the wizard's perspective. “That will do for music. Let us get this over with.” With a final shake of his head, he takes a few steps away, before standing there, doing his best to look like a wizardess.
Kasyr 's not far behind, the Kensai coming to a pause once he reaches the bottom of the stairs- if only so he can pluck a cigarette out from his pocket, and place it to his lips. He doesn't light it, however, instead simply content to have something there as he grits his teeth, and caustically intones, "Bonne soir, Madamoiselle. Est-ce que tu me donnerais l'honneur de cette danse? Peut-etre apres, tu pourrais tomber raide mort, ou oublier tous ces connerie?" Kasyr accompanies those words with one hand outstretched towards Svilfon, and a sardonic grin so severe, it may as well be symptomatic of hemlock poisoning.
Svilfon does a rather good job at swooning when Kasyr speaks - that's the entire reason that language exists, isn't it? - and thankfully he doesn't understand half of what the man says - before he speaks in a voice pitched a few octaves higher than usual. “You wish to dance with such a lady as I...” If anyone from the guild saw this, he could kiss facing Tiphareth for the top spot goodbye, he's sure, “with that disgusting thing hanging out of your mouth? I am not some common whore, good sir!” With that, the wizard turns his nose up and looks away, though he does have the consideration to flitter his hand before his face, having recently swooned of course. Only then does he speak again, “Properly! Get this right, then I can show you how to dance, then I can go drink half the taverns in Hollow dry before growing a beard so rich and full my fellow wizards will cry in shame.” He shakes his head, before clearing his throat. “Again, sir.” He smiles so sweetly he can almost taste the honey in his mouth.
Kasyr gives the Wizard a very flat look, before he spits the cigarette off to the side, and grinds it into a smear. It's only that that he once more extends his hand, a forced smile painted on his face, to accompany the strained attempt at a polite tone, "Peut-être une qui n'est pas commun? Chiante, au moins. Et cela, c'est étrange, parce que je vous ai pris pour un sorcier, pas une salope." The hand that's extended briefly curls into a beckoning motion, almost akin to a challenge, or a symbol of impatience, "Maybe you can go see Valentin, see how he get's his hair done?"
Svilfon drops into a neat curtsey, spreading his robes wide as he does, before lifting his hand and placing it into Kasyr's. He pointedly ignores the man's second words, and just assumes his first are a request to dance. "I would love to, good sir." That said, he stares into Kasyr's eyes and waits for him to lead him out onto the improvised ballroom, all the while questioning the life decisions which lead him to this point.
Kasyr just sighs, before he places his other hand to Svilfon's waist...and then steps onto his foot, "My bad. Skittish. Haven't smoked today. For some reason." Vampires don't get nic fits- Kas is just a jackass. That aside, he is quick enough to rectify that particular error, stepping off of the wizard's foot, if only to gingerly step to the side. Really, the revenant has a rudimentary grasp of dancing- In the sense that a good handful of years ago, a woman named Naeva had once spent the better part of an evening showing him. He just had little fondness for it. It was about as awkward to him, as dressing in an uncomfortably rigid formal clothes- just not his thing.
Svilfon scowls at the foot standing-upon; he has no illusions as to how accidental that was, before he lets Kasyr guide him through some dances. After a moment or two he shakes his head. “No, no, no. Look, you be the woman...” as if this whole thing wasn't weird enough, “And I'll show you.” Shifting his grip, he places one hand on Kasyr's hip... oh gods... and the other twists so it's he who holds the Revenant's hand. “You should lead without pushing, guide without demanding; you're a man dancing with a woman, not some boorish drunkard hitting on tavern wenches.” With a shake of his head, Svilfon begins to guide the pair across the cellar's floor, twisting and moving gracefully, ignoring the times Kasyr might stand on his feet, or the few times they bump into each other. He even goes as far as spinning the Kensai in a tight circle, before dipping him back with a flourish. He pauses there, for just a moment, before lifting him once more and taking half a step back. “Like that...” He resists the urge to go upstairs and start a fist fight, or use magic to grow his beard, or some other manly pursuit, and instead waits. “You try... you are not too bad, you just have to... ahh...” Svilfon can't bring himself to say, 'be gentle with me', so instead he says, “Not be so awkward.”
Kasyr gives Svilfon a somewhat sour look and an indignant, "Ve te faire foutre, vraiment. When I'm dancing with a woman, I'll tell you." when he finds himself dragged into reversing roles with Svilfon, though that's about the extent of the Revenant's resistance. Sure, the revenant's giving off the whole 'I don't want to be here' look, but he is following along. It's only when the wizard starts giving the Kensai instruction that Kasyr deigns to add, "I didn't know you were so delicate." before he adds an exasperated, "So, how long till I know the bare minimum et can stop doing this?"
Svilfon flashes an altogether strained smile at the Kensai. "You lead me as I just lead you, and we'll assume you know enough to stop." He gives Kasyr a very pointed look.. "If you fail, or move with the grace of a sack of carrots, I'll bring Steadmen down here to be your partner and he will be far less 'delicate' that I am, comprendre?" At that, Svilfon takes a deep breath before holding out his hand. One more time...
Satoshi tromps down the cellar stairs, bleary eyed and rumpled as if she's just woken up. "Kasyr~," she calls before she's fully descended the stairs, "You down here? Steadman said you need my help desperately with someth--" The sudden speechlessness--so very not Satoshi--can only mean the magus has reached the bottom of the steps and been granted a full view of the cellar and its occupants. A long, lingering second is spent staring, mouth still open from her cut off words, before Satoshi snaps her jaw shut, turns sharply on a heel, and retreats back up the stairs. Somewhere among the noise of her stumbling steps, the kit can be heard spluttering, "I-I didn't see anything, I s-swear. Carry on!"
Kasyr was listening to Svilfon up until the point Satoshi meandered down the stairs and announced her presence, something which has the Kensai's head slowly tilting in her direction. Wordlessly, the Revenant's face turns back towards Svilfon, if only so he can take the wizards hand in a deathgrip, "Dance." Which is about all the warning Svilfon get's before the Kensai starts moving. On the bright side, the revenant's at least not focusing on the situation enough to be -awkward-. It's more that his motions are more hasty than anything. "The sooner this is done, the sooner I get to finding a replacement for Steadman." ...Kasyr probably doesn't mean that.
Svilfon locks his gaze briefly on Kasyr's as the revenant looks back at him, and in a brief moment a great deal is shared between them. The death grip is welcomed, and a wordless nod is shared before he's dragged around the ballroom floor rather hastily, but after seeing Satoshi come down, frankly, he's thankful. The two spin about, twist and dance, stopping just before Kasyr would dip Svilfon. This camel's back has enough piled on it that the straw need not be placed. So he detatches himself quickly, in case the Kensai had any ideas, before taking a few steps back. "Just like that, Kasyr... just a little... err... slower... and well... no offence... but if we don't speak for a little while after this, I won't be complaining." Once again his hand lifts and he rubs his face down, as if he'd just faced off against more than one wizard-slaying knight. "And... I don't think this needs be said... but.. you know... if no one ever finds out about this whole thing... well..." He looks at Kasyr. "I think that'd be best." He nods rather vehemently. That damn image of Hildegarde in a dress better be bloody worth it! Or else he's going to be demanding fine retribution from the Frostmawian queen after this.
Kasyr takes in a deep breath, and slowly exhales, "... I am going upstairs. I am going to walk out of this building. Et then I'm going to try et find Dami, with the explicit purpose of paying her to ruin Steadman's evening." And it's with that said that the Kensai turns around and begins to ascend the stairs. Clearly, he doesn't have anything to really say on the matter, other than, "Good luck growing a beard long enough."
Svifon highly doubts there is a beard long enough to make up for this, but damnit!- he's going to try. He doesn't reply to Kasyr, other than giving him a nod, and as the Kensai ascends the stairs, Svilfon takes the secret entrance out of the cellar - he learned about it when he used to frequent the tavern. He quickly makes his way as far from the HCT as he can, and doesn't even call forth Alahir and Trebel. He's too terrified that the pscionic couatl will find his memories of this... and then all his brethren and their wards will find out... a thought which terrifies the wizard profoundly.
Corpse Suite
Satoshi, seated at the foot of the bed, stares blindly into the distance. Since scrambling back up the stairs, past a sneering Steadman, and into the safety of the rented room, the magus hasn't moved. Hair and clothes are still as rumpled from sleep as they'd been, without any of her usual fastidiousness rising to the occasion and driving her to distracted grooming.
Kasyr , even with his plans of imminent (re)vengeance brewing, still has a detour to make. Which is to say, he jogs his way out of the Cellar, than up the stairs after his wife. Suffice to say, she's not exactly hard for him to find. Which is what brings him to the room she's shut herself in- and what has him knocking on that particular door.
Satoshi twitches as the knock shakes her from her thoughts. With a blink and stretch, the kit winds her way to the door, opening a few inches to peer around its edge at the kensai. In an otherwise blank expression, Satoshi lifts an eyebrow as if to say, 'Yes?'
Kasyr points a finger at Satoshi, "So, I think we need to talk?" Despite that comment, the revenant doesn't look particularily mad. Well, okay, he looks sorta mad, and altogether miffed- but his ire doesn't particularily seemed aimed at her. Something that's pretty much confirmed when he haphazardly adds, "Also, I'm going to go looking for Dami in a few moments to ruin Steadman's evening- so I'd suggest not being here." And it's on that note that the Kensai starts to walk, his comment having apparently been an invitation for her to come along.
Satoshi doesn't respond. At least not verbally. What she does do, however, is reach out when the kensai turns away, to take hold of his scarf and drag him backwards into the room--she's fairly confident he has the cattish balance needed not to be yanked onto his tail from this. Satoshi's grip doesn't relent she can safely close the door behind them. As Kasyr is released, Satoshi turns around, back pressed to the door, and stares at him across the distance. She does a decent job of keeping her face straight for almost a full minute before her lips press into a thin line in a last ditch attempt to stop her bursting into laughter, and then she's sliding down the door until she's on the floor, giggling away.
Satoshi, between her laughs, manages to gasp out, "Why not just... ahaha.... get your wizard lady-friend.... heeee.... to get back Steadman~?"
Kasyr 's cheeks puff out briefly, as he watches Satoshi have her fun at his expense- his eyes following her as she's slowly overcome by her laughter. Really, he just sort of stand's there and watches this go on for a few long moments, before he finally leans over, pokes her forehead, and then draws that same hand above her head. Which is about the point he promptly uses that particular affinity he has with electricity to give her a bit of a static charge. Not in the sort of way to hurt, really, so much as to make her hair and fur poof out. "Tres drole, cherie. I think he's too busy growing a beard and some muttonchops to be of any use, though."
Satoshi's laughter is cut off with a startled gasp. He did NOT just static her hair! Hands rush up to clamp over the top of her head, an incredulous look on the kit's face--despite whiskers sent quivering from the electric charge. He -did-. Oh, this means war. No outward warning comes from Satoshi before she launches herself at the kensai, fully intending on tackling him with all the might her little frame can muster. Considering there's a sofa only a pace or two behind him, that might prove useful in further sending him tumbling. On the sofa, over the sofa, Satoshi doesn't care, she just wants the revenant thoroughly pinned, so that she can glower down at him, a staticy bundle of indignity. "And to think, I had a present for you and everything!"
Kasyr does get tackled to the sofa, but there's a certain thing to be taken into account here. Which is to say, He's more than strong enough to be able to wrestle an arm free, so that he can bop her with a pillow, "Pft. If it's further dance lessons with Svil, I'll pass. I'm sure that was already pretty rewarding for you." Kasyr, frankly, isn't quite done thwapping Satoshi with said pillow, either. She can be glower in an indignant manner all she likes- it'll just make the process a bit more one-sided if she focuses on that.
Satoshi finds it incredibly difficult to try and look regally affronted when she's being smacked repeatedly by a pillow. A fact that leads to her snatching up the pillow on its next swing, claws and fangs alike used to try and wrest it from the kensai's grip. She doesn't calculate for the delicate state of finer fabric, however, as becomes apparent when a sharp tearing sound precedes her yelp as she's sent toppling backwards in a flurry of silk and feathers. Momentarily defeated, Satoshi remains where she's sprawled, not even bothering to brush away the down now clinging to the static in her hair and fur. "It was -not- another dance lesson, in fact." A stray feather is sent fluttering toward the ceiling with a huff of breath from Satoshi before it can try to settle on her face. "I had it specially made for you and everything." She heaves a sigh as the feather defies her efforts and lands on the end of her nose, ruining any chance of regaining dignity tonight.
Kasyr glances down at Satoshi, before he abruptly flops over onto his side, "Is it a sword? Vraiment, whatever it es- I'd say I was all diligent in earning it. ...Unless this is one of those 'not-gifts' cleverly disguised as a gift." The revenant casually flops over, "Mm. I wonder if I could just~"
Satoshi jabs a finger toward the bed in answer. And no, she's not telling him the gift involves a bed, don't get ideas. She's point at what's -on- the bed, laid out neatly as if she had been preparing it before being interrupted by Steadman. Clothes, of all things. Although closer inspection makes it clear they're not just every day clothes. These are quite sleek and formal in style, a waist coat, tails, and breeches, all in a well-tailored black, silken material. The patterned trimming on the sleeves is picked out in a golden thread that matches the double row of buttons and cufflinks on the coat and vest. Folded into a neat pile above the coat is a white silk cravat, the fabric seeming to shimmer with an almost silver quality. Satoshi can't help herself at this point, she -wants- to remain silently pouting, but she just needs to explain the ensemble in full, "It's not just your run of the mill get-up. Nice as it looks, the fabric's from Vailkrin spidersilk, it'll hold up against a blade better than most leathers. The gold trim is from threads woven out of electrum, it'll channel and augment lightning. And the cravat was inspired by your scarf, it has mithril threads woven into it. I'd like to see an axe take a swing at -that-. Hmph."
Kasyr perks up a bit, if only to stare at the suit. Really, her description has him scrutinizing it for a few long moments, before his attention finally switches back to her, "Thank you, mon amour. The thought es, en fait, appreciated a great deal." The revenant can't help but add, "Soo, since you want your husband to attend your ball all well-dressed et such, that means I still get the suit, oui?" He sounds so -very- pleased with himself.
Satoshi grins with devilish delight and retorts, "Only if you promise to dance with me at least once. It'd look horribly rude, if you only danced with the wizard all night~."