Tea for Two [Korvaelis]

[Aurin]

Curiouser and curiouser, he thought to himself.

His eyes did widen at the mention of a Great House, though his manner didn't change otherwise. Korvaelis was just the man he was having tea with today. Of course, his mind started calculating. He couldn't prevent that. He was a survivor and was used to sizing up people and situations, not that he would necessarily use Korvaelis for his own ends. But, as he was quick to tell people, he was a bad man. Good men didn't think like that.

Aurin listened as Korvaelis began to spill his tea, figuratively speaking. Once the flood gates opened, there was a lot. Still waters ran deep, they said. He nodded appropriately.

"The only daughter of the Shokaze I know by name is Kisorika Novalys, who is now a dragon rider in Antiris, I believe." He paused, then smirked. "But I will take your word for it."

Eventually, he chimed in. "I am sorry for your loss." He didn't know from what Korvaelis said or what flashed in his aura whether he had loved his spouse, but the loss of his spouse had clearly sent his world into a tumble and Aurin could empathize with falling and having to get back up again, over and over. "And being a dowager lord with a business to sustain you certainly gives you some options, though I wouldn't dare to say I know what obligations come with it. What is this business you've inherited? Do you enjoy it? What sort of friends and connections do you crave?"

He thought he ought to introduce Korvaelis to Ashoka Lomris, who could certainly bat his social butterfly wings and help Korvaelis host a salon or somesuch to bring people into his home if he was lonely. Then, because he couldn't help himself, he smirked again at the blue lord—sharp, but inviting him into the humor.

"And, for what 'tis worth, I don't think you have to worry about fading beauty anytime soon."

[Korvaelis]

Korvaelis Dahshida

Korvaelis let out a laugh that could barely be heard. It was soft and lighthearted. “What did I tell you? A daughter of the Shokaze with talent. I’m sure there is no coincidence that she is skilled enough to take on such a role. She could be an elf since a majority of his wives are too. And do you know what they say about elves?” He tilted his head a bit to the side as he asked the question.

Everyone knew just how many elves paired well with the Avialae. They not only matched the race in height and beauty. They matched them in intelligence too. He’s heard that most elves were gifted with it by the gods, who favored the group right before the sundering. So when he heard of such accomplishments, achievements made by this particular group, the druskai was never surprised. It was expected by most after all. Including himself.

The Druskai’s eyes were bulging after Aurin offered his condolences. Right, this is something people will feel sorry for as long as I live. He thought. It seemed the only two that understood their situation were most likely Korvaelis and his deceased husband, whose understanding leaned more toward speculation. No matter how he felt about it, the blue man would have to behave differently than he so desired. “Do not be sorry. My husband was a great man, who lived a great life. Akiba Dahshida has much to show for this too and I am very proud of him.” Nothing he said was a lie too. He was impressed with the life the true Dahshida lived before his arrival too. He was not only a key ingredient to the success of house Dahshida, but the Sky guards too.

“The obligations are a little out of my hands, but I am getting better at it and I am enjoying it so far.” His face lit up like the night sky as he would soon begin to describe the business. “I provide animal services. The Dahshida are known for the hunt and protecting the border. It’s safe to say that I breed animals to accompany our family and vassals on either task. I have bred three hunting cats so far and I am working on the dogs now since they were last bred around the time my husband was alive.” He seemed a bit more cheerful as he popped a piece of cake in his mouth. “I think what excites me more than all is the Icewing Eagles. They’re practically our sigil and I know I am more of a backup when it comes to their care, but I enjoy looking at them. I wish to ride one someday.”

Korvaelis was imagining himself taking to the sky like the Avialae on the back of the eagle when Aurin said what he said. He only heard pieces of it and when he had realized it, Korvaelis blushed and sat back in his chair. “Mr.Kavafis. I don’t think it’s appropriate-- "he began to giggle and raised a sleeve to his face to muffle it. “Ahem, ahem--it’s not appropriate to say such things to a koiteki.”

“It’s very much appreciated though…”He answered whenever he got the chance to calm down.

37 of Searing, 121

[Aurin]

"My abject apologies, my lord," he said with a wicked smile that bore no apology. "I am but a stupid, ugly human, barely housebroken or fit for decent company."

And that was all he had to say about much of what Korvaelis had said comparing races or his deceased husband. It didn't seem as though his death had been a great blow to the lordling's heart so much as the surety of his future, which Aurin could respect. Bards wrote songs about the loves of the high and mighty, but they were no greater than the loves that bloomed like lotus blossoms in the gutter. Even the lowest, meanest people sometimes reached toward the heavens from the mire.

In any case, he was more interested in how the talk of his work made him light up like a lamp in the dead of night. Aurin's smile was less sharp, amused but not at anyone's expense. He often smiled like he was the only one in on a joke, but this smile was just an appreciation of Korvaelis' small joy.

"I'm glad you've found work that makes your heart sing, at least," he said, sipping his tea but leaving the cakes mostly to his host. After all, he had eaten his slow fill with his previous companion. "Might I visit your establishment at some point? A friend of mine will be opening his own forge come Ash. He might want for a guard dog, or at least a puppy to help make his new house feel like a home."

He was curious to see Korvaelis in his element, and feeding into Korvaelis' business could be good for his own business—a virtuous circle. At least, that was how Ashoka had sold him on the idea of the keiretsu that he was striving to build out of his humble little business.

[Korvaelis]

Korvaelis Dahshida

Korvaelis couldn’t tell if he should laugh or scold the man after he apologized and referred to himself as someone hideous. The lord could not tell if Aurin was poking fun or mocking him. “Huh…” he paused to purse his lips for a second then shrugged. “Well, if you feel so lowly about yourself...I can teach you how to use the bathroom and behave in front of others.” He took a second to peek under the tables and look at the man’s trousers for a long while. “You do not appear to have soiled your pants and you do not smell bad at all.”

He leaned back in his chair before giving the redhead another funny look. “You’re very handsome too and your physique closely resembles that of an Avialae. If you took wings, I’m sure you would be considered one.” A reassuring smile crossed his face, but it wasn’t long before he had a question. “Do you speak the language of the Avialae?”

It was somewhat random, but the question crossed his mind similarly too. As far as he could tell Synskrit wasn’t exactly needed day today since most people knew Common anyway. Korvaelis studied Avialae culture, however, he could not remember if the language was reserved for the race or the higher class rather than Kalzasi’ day-to-day citizens. Pondering the thought, he couldn’t remember too many Avialae using the language all too often either.

A loud gasp escaped his mouth as he displayed several emotions at once. The sound seemed to disrupt the restaurant, multiple people turned their attention to his table causing him to apologize and quickly bow to anyone who was noticeably scowling at him. It was truly a mistake, but the excitement behind it wasn’t one. Aurin would be the first customer he would gain on his own if the pale man were pleased with his prospects. “If you are truly interested, I would be happy to show you my dogs this afternoon! I’ve recently imported sturdy male dogs with a great bone structure, bite and they’re huge! I can even train these animals for you too!”

“If you are interested.” He realized he was too overhyped, settling back into his chair and sipping his tea at a slow pace. “My guard dogs are the absolute best, you will see as soon as you reach my home. I could get one to bite you in the butt upon arrival.”

37 of Searing, 121

[Aurin]

Aurin laughed quietly, appropriate for the calm environs. Even with his Semblance trick, he wasn't certain whether Korvaelis was jokingly taking him seriously or not. That made him even more interesting.

"You are too kind, my lord," he said urbanely. "If you had me stand next to your average Avialae, though, I'd probably look short and scrawny in such close comparison." All the same, he flexed his bicep, looking curiously at it. He wasn't scrawny by human standards; through his summer-weight clothes, that was clear. He was on the taller side, but leanly muscled. He wasn't even using his Masquerade trick to seem more impressive, at least in that.

"I do speak Synskrit," he added. "I've picked it up while living in their stronghold." But Korvaelis seemed to have left all thought of that behind when he got on the subject of his dogs, which suited Aurin just fine. Knowing a man's passions was a key to knowing him entirely. "Well, if someone's going to bite my ass, I'd rather it was you, my lord. I don't think you have quite the jaw strength of a mastiff despite your pretty jawline. I could come with you today if you wish or, if you would like to enjoy the tea and company here, I can easily come at a later date when you will be there. There is no rush..."

He smiled and it might have shone a bit brighter for his trick, but he was being honest. This setting was pleasing and he had no reason to lie about coming to see the kennels and all. He would have come to make a connection with even a minor Dahshida, but he was actually taking a liking to this one and was honestly curious about his niche business, most likely up where the air was rarefied and the population noble. Aurin could clean up brighter than a new copper penny when he had to, so Korvaelis needn't feel ill at ease inviting a wastrel like him into polite society.

[Korvaelis]

Korvaelis Dahshida

He exhaled in place of a laugh with a smile on his face as he compared himself to Avialae. The comparison wasn’t too far off, although Aurin’s biceps were far from average. They were impressive enough to make the druskai blush once more. His mind began to wander, thinking of things that should not cross his mind whatsoever. Instead, he tried to compare his own body to the human’s and he wondered if there had always been such drastic differences between each race. Korvaelis’ own body did not compare too much to Avialae, he possessed some muscle like humans, but nothing too out of the ordinary.

“Huh.” He did not utter much when Aurin replied. “That’s expected.” He shrugged nonchalantly despite feeling the complete opposite. Most likely, Aurin picked it up on the streets, living day to day in the city. So his assumptions were wrong. Common was most likely used a lot, but Synskrit still had a place amongst the lower class. Korvaelis wouldn’t know much about it, his interactions with anyone other than the Dahshida were limited, and before that he only interacted with his brother. Maybe, some sort of teacher from time to time too before his marriage as well.

Unfortunately, Korvaelis’ guest did not seem too interested in the cakes so he finished them off. Stuffing his face just after speaking highly of his dogs, the lord almost choked at the mention of visiting his business. It was unusual. No one talked about visiting his business after the death of his husband, many avoided it as if the death of Akiba was some sort of curse lingering over it.

“We can head over there now!” Korvaelis finished his tea, placed some money on the table, and stood up. “I think I’ve spent enough time here already, I’ve left the business to my young son for far too long. There’s a lot of work to do too. You should swing by and look at my prospects! Tell me what your friend is looking for and maybe I can breed my dogs based on that too. I have an idea of what I want but...thinking of the customers is always a great idea too.”

37 of Searing, 121

[Aurin]

Aurin laughed again, and finished all but the dregs of his tea. He was glad Korvaelis finished his cakes; after a full meal previous to their encounter, he didn't want to overeat, but he hated to see waste, having gone longer hungry than a person ought to in darker times. Building back up to healthy had required a great deal of time and work, and sometimes, when he was nervous, it was still difficult to fight the urge to overeat when his body and mind leapt back to that place where he didn't know when another meal might come his way.

"Your wish is my command, my lord," he said, and stood, carefully pushing his chair into the table.

He considered making a joke and asking if Korvaelis' son also bit, but thought better of it. His humor was often transgressive, but it was an art to find that line with each person where it would titillate rather than offend.

"Shall we?" He offered his arm as a gentleman might, a twinkle in his eye though he wouldn't be bothered at all if Korvaelis took him up on the offer. The meeting had gone well, and now he was going to get a personal tour of a Dahshida-run business. That Korvaelis was handsome and interesting was just the icing on the cake.

"My friend isn't actually looking, but he would be an excellent dog father and I think a good guard dog who is good with children—he's likely to keep a young apprentice—would make his house feel like a home. It won't be until Ash, though, so I suppose you could show me the dogs you plan on breeding and I could express some interest in litters to come. I imagine I would take the pup to him as soon as it's weaned so he can bond properly with it, then have him return for further training should he wish it."

[Korvaelis]

Korvaelis Dahshida

Aurin offering his arm caused the Druskai to fluster a bit. He took his arm, placing his own on top of the redhead’s softly before leaving the restaurant. “All of my animals are amazing with children! My stepson thinks he’s older and does his best to behave as a mature adult Avialae does, but he has his childish tendencies and my dogs enjoy it! They’re very gentle with him too.”

The time he spent at this very tea shop was nice and exactly what the lord needed before going home to continue his work. Korvaelis walked into the teashop with many issues and much stress that he needed to get out. Aurin was a lot of help, he made the blue man forget almost everything he had gone through that very morning including the fact that he had left a child to take care of the animals for far too long. He winced a bit at that thought now.

“We have to hurry back, Aki has been home alone for far too long. I think we can make it by foot?” He paused before looking at Aurin and smirking. “If only you were an Avialae.” He hoped the man knew it was a joke. Although, the thought of Aurin being one of the Avian men was a good idea now that he thought about it. It would take them a while before they reached the mountains where his home was located.

37 of Searing, 121

[Aurin]

The proffered arm was taken and Aurin accepted things, not making a big deal of it as they exited together.

"Well... his probable apprentice is about twelve years old," he admitted. "He also thinks he's practically a man grown, but he's survived a forge for years so I don't suppose he's too fragile for even a less gentle dog." He chuckled, taking note of the lord's admissions about his stepson. It seemed odd to Aurin that he would be caring for his dead husband's child when it seemed they hadn't been married long, but the ways of the nobility were often strange.

When Korvaelis suddenly seemed anxious to return, Aurin took the opportunity to hail them a cab. The horses would get them wherever they were going faster; he just let the blue man direct the driver, and then they were on their way. He made small talk in the meantime, mostly asking questions about dogs and cats and their care and feeding just to keep Korvaelis talking about something that interested him, and so he could learn more. He didn't even stop him when the cab stopped, though he was unsure whether they would require some air transportation to get to where the Avialae lived. He supposed he would know when he stepped out and saw where Korvaelis had directed the driver to take them.

He didn't spend a great deal of time among the elite, and when he did, it was often in disguise.

"Interesting," he said to something Korvaelis had said, then opened the door to let himself out and offer the man a hand out of the cab.

Aurin often found that the easiest way to learn was to get an expert talking and just pay attention, but so many people he met loved to hear themselves speak more than they could school themselves to listen. He thought that was a shame, though it worked out for him.

[Torin Kilvin]

R E V I E W

Lore:

Aurin:
Masquerade:
Subtle Tones Below Notice
Making a First Impression Good
Standing Out
Blending In

Semblance:
Looking for Someone Noticing the Use of Masquerade
Recognizing Ill Intent
Reading Need

Investigation:
Offering an Ear
Knowing When You've Been Caught
When to Employ Kindness
Asking Politely
Continuing to Press
(You can have these if you want them but you are already over your max needed lores for Investigation, let me know if you want them changed to something else)

Leadership:
Explaining Your Method
Lead Them to Desire Your Company
Coaxing Information

Korvaelis:

Business:
How to make a proposal
Advertising Your Business
Making An Offer

Etiquette:
Proper Eating and Drinking
Voicing Opinions When Appropriate
Holding One’s Head High

Points: 8 each, Aurin can use for Masquerade or Semblance
Injuries/Ailments: None

Loot: None

Notes: Watching Aurin coax someone into opening their inner thoughts is worrisome even when he uses his powers for good.

If Korvaelis wants more lores just throw me a message and I'll add them in =)