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| A Cure for Insomnia; Aniketos | |
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| Topic Started: Nov 8 2011, 11:01 AM (362 Views) | |
| Alexandros | Nov 8 2011, 11:01 AM Post #1 |
 
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"Bloody Nora it's good to get out." Alexandros stretched, feeling the muscles in his back pop under his shirt, squinting into the late afternoon sunshine. Still most of the day to go, then. He'd ridden by coach most of the way, riding when they stopped to change horses occasionally. An uneventful journey, watching the countryside rolling past gradually changing as they approached the destination. Not even a bandit or highwayman to try to hold them up. Not that that was a bad thing of course, it meant that the roads were safe. Still, it made for an uneventful journey. He'd spent most of the morning asleep after a night of travel, and had browsed over the reports only briefly, if a couple of hours was brief, while sitting in the inn. He figured that it should be someone else's job to be doing this, someone who'd rather sit behind a desk, but as it was, there wasn't much to be done outside of sticking in the house tinkering and trying to create that energy cannon he'd been tripping around the last couple of weeks. Any chance to get out was good, even if it was in Soto. Naturally he'd dress for the occasion, in a dark blue coat of fine wool, simply cut with a touch of midnight embroidery on the angular lapels and cuffs, which showed the slightest ruffles of his plain silk shirt underneath. Alex hadn't visited Soto much in the last few years, there had been plenty enough to deal with the war and then reparations to the country and what fortifications they had, and even now they were spread quite thin, though they'd recovered well so far. He frowned faintly at a couple passing, the man raising his eyebrows and the woman tittering behind her hand. What? I didn't think Morrimian clothing was that amusing. Oh. He was still wearing his eye-protection-device, pushed up and holding his loosely bound hair back. Of course. They weren't exactly conventional, and he'd been using them in his rooms this morning. Rooms that had since managed to acquire a large hole in the floor. He was quite pleased with the result however, the acid had been more than potent. He quickly unbuckled the leather strapping and pulled the device from his head, shoving it hurriedly into his pocket and smoothing his hair back with one hand, trying to seem inconspicuous. Well. There was still a couple of hours of daylight left, and then the evening as well, and he didn't have to be heading back for at least another day or two yet. Might as well check out the market, or whatever else might take his fancy exploring the city. It was big enough to easily get lost in, but with so many people around, it wasn't exactly about to be a real problem, he could just ask. After a moments decision, he chose not to take the horse from the stable, and sauntered along the street, sparing but a glance for the foliage draping most of the buildings, the sheath of his swordbreaker bouncing jovially against his hip as he rounded the corner and headed towards the market. Hawkers cried out to him, trying to lure him to their stalls to survey their goods, trinkets, cloth, herbs, food, raw materials, blades, metals and gems. Nothing much really caught his eye, the trinket stalls intrigued him, but it wasn't as if he had anyone he sought to charm, and was merely looking from curiosity than any real will to buy. Turning a small golden worked brooch in his hand set with a red stone, he frowned. He was no expert on gems but the metal was brass, the lighter color coming away as faintly glittering dust on his hand. Which meant the 'gem' was probably colored and cut glass. Replacing the item on the table with a discontented noise, he turned his back and drifted back into the flow of the crowd, pulled along by his feet, until he was lured to a herbalists stall, the bitter scents of crushed herbs lingering around it, and the waif-like stall owner, clutching and wringing her hands, her face hopeful as she took in the fine cut of his coat. "Anything you like sir? May I fetch you something? Perhaps you need a remedy to cure a less..visible, ailment?" Flashing a disarming smile, he tried to mask his embarrassment and more or less succeeded. "Uh, no. Thank you." "Something to help you then behind the curtains?" Glancing at the small selection she was attempting to show him, Alex felt amusement root itself and laughed gently, shaking his head, a faint flush tinging his cheeks now. Aphrodisiacs...really? Do I look that incompetent? "No, really, I'm just looking for now." The woman's face fell a little, the smile becoming forced as she realized he probably wasn't that much of a prospective buyer as she had previously thought. "I'm an alchemist. Trying to remember what I need to restock on, actually. Looking might help me remember." Not a complete lie, he did need to make some purchases, and here would likely be just as good as in Kinaldi. But they weren't exactly for..alchemical uses. Or not in the sense that said they would be used for remedies anyway. A quick glance had already told him that she didn't possess what he wanted, but he felt a little bad for getting her hopes up, and shrugging, pulled out the small pouch of coins from his breast pocket. "I'll take some of that Valerian root, Lavender, and if you've got them, blackberry leaves." "A..a fine choice sir." "Wait, can you have them delivered to the Drunken Stallion Inn? I can pay now." "Of course m'lord, may I take your name? For the delivery." He nodded, taking the stick of charcoal from her hand and scrawling his name across the wrapped package in an untidy scribble before handing it back. |
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| Aniketos | Nov 9 2011, 06:31 AM Post #2 |
ἄνθρωπος ἐστι πνεῦμα καὶ σκιὰ μόνον.
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"No no, I don't want you to kill him, just harass him a bit. Scare him, but leave him intact." Aniketos paused- his words didn't seem to reach the woman standing before him, who just stared at him blankly. "Intimidation tactics. Does that make sense?" Finally the woman spoke, her voice somewhat muffled by the dark scarf that hid all but her eyes. "We don't do that sort of work." "Then who does?" "Idiots maybe." She guffawed loudly, quite pleased with her joke, causing some nervousness in Aniketos. He glanced up and down the alleyway, hoping no one noticed them because of this woman's joke. It would be bad to be seen with a member of the Deadly Silence; he was known for many less than moral things, but having people wasn't really one of them. Finally she shut up and said, "Can't you just do it yourself?" Aniketos responded by shooting a glare at her, whirling around and leaving. She called after him, "Oh wait, I forgot that you're a pansy! Couldn't scare a butterfly!" He wanted more than anything to go back and teach her a thing or two, but he knew that harassing members of the Deadly Silence was not an advisable activity. A flush rising in his cheeks, he stormed out onto the street and looked up at the sky- nightfall would be around before long. Good, he thought, I need a drink. Or ten. There was a good enough tavern that he knew of- The Drunken Stallion. He didn't normally go to taverns but it was nice to be relatively anonymous once in a while. Putting on a sweet smile was so tiresome at times, and especially when he was in bad mood, and so right now he just wanted to get piss drunk, perhaps find someone to fuck and then pass out on a bed of dubious stability and wake up in the morning with the anger all gone. He came to a crossing and paused, trying to calculate his route. He didn't know Madrid as well as Reine, and he'd gotten lost a few times, which he hated because it made him look like a fool. But he was quite sure of where he'd have to go- he'd have to pass through the marketplace to get there. Hopefully there wouldn't be too many people there- he might actually have to smile rather than wearing this sullen expression on his face. He walked briskly, climbing up a hill on the way. The chill air scraped at his lungs, smacked at his face, bringing roses to his otherwise pale cheeks. By the time he reached the marketplace, he was full of the fiery warmth of exertion and the anger had subsided a bit, though neither really impeded his desire for a drink. He walked through the stalls at a more leisurely pace, glad to see that there was no one he knew here. There was nothing here he was interested in buying, but it never hurt to look, one never knew what might come up. He paused at a vendor selling lengths of cloth- she had a nice-looking burgundy velvet laid out, which he thought would look quite handsome on him. As he touched the cloth however, he found it rough and itchy. Frowning, he looked up at the other stalls, still fondling the cloth with one hand. His eyes fell upon a familiar length of dark hair hanging over a blue jacket. A wolfish grin spread across his face. And there's my fuck for tonight. Aniketos sauntered over, his eyes regaining their characteristic golden flame. He gave the man a stiff smack in the back, but let his hand linger for several moments too long. "Gaius! Fancy seeing you here, I didn't know-" And then he saw the man's face. His grin fell and was replaced momentarily with a look of utter petrification. "Oh." He pulled his hand away like it had been burnt and struggled to regain something of a normal expression. "Uhm. Sorry, wrong person." He hesitated, and finally managed a smile, offering a handshake. "I'm Aniketos. And you are...?" |
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| Alexandros | Nov 9 2011, 10:11 AM Post #3 |
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A slap on the back jolted him, the coins rattling from his hand to scatter across the table with the musical clink that only they could produce. His eyebrows shot up in surprise, barely registering the hand still lingering on his shoulderblade as he half turned to peer at the back-slapper, his tilted grey eyes quizzical, the ghost of a smile lingering on his lips. "Gaius? Is that to be my pet name?" The man looked for a moment utterly terrified, and confused, before the expression was smoothed clear and replaced with a hesitant smile after a moments stumbling. To say the man was attractive even in his surprise was an understatement. He was possibly the most beautiful Alexandros had yet encountered, and he clearly knew it by the way he held himself. A little shorter than himself, well groomed, well dressed, confident and most definitely self-assured. If he wasn't nobility, Alex would eat his eye-protection-device. And Sotoan. The name was familiar, and why shouldn't it be? One of the Sotoan Councillors happened to be called 'Aniketos' as well. It was probably popular in these parts. A languid smile creeping onto his features, he accepted the strangers pale hand, noting the pleasing contrast against his own olive skin. Soft, and warm. He hoped that his own calloused palms wouldn't put the man off ever shaking hands again, not that he expected to do so in the future, most noblemen seemed to prefer having hands like a woman. Still his grip was strong, firm, and releasing his hand, he let his own fall back to his side. "Alexandros. Sorry, one moment." Turning back to the stall owner he gathered the coins up and handed them over to her, trying to appear inconspicuous behind a hanging sheaf of herbs. "Sorry about that, you know where it is?" "Yes m'lord. It will be delivered right away." He nodded, lazy smile never faltering. "Good good, well, have a nice day. May your purse always be full!" One eyebrow quirked, he returned his attention to this Aniketos, hands in pockets. Terrible habit, so he'd been told. But then he'd also been told, you mustn't hunch, slouch, sigh, scowl, belch, break wind, scuff your feet, eat holding the utensils left handed, yadayadaya. He probably shouldn't breathe either, that was likely impolite too. Honestly, who gives a shit? It's not like anyone knows me anyway, and if they did, they'd know I still don't give a shit. "So...can I...help you with something? 'Fraid I only just got here myself, but I can try. Or at least make a bigger mess of your problem before I admit I don't know what I'm doing." |
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| Aniketos | Nov 10 2011, 01:22 AM Post #4 |
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ἄνθρωπος ἐστι πνεῦμα καὶ σκιὰ μόνον.
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A closer inspection of the man led Aniketos to the conclusion that he was glad it wasn't Gaius, who was attractive enough only after several drinks. This one was quite attractive without any alcohol- angular face, a bit unkempt but he liked them that way. And if Aniketos' interpretation of his clothes and accent were accurate, he was a Morrimian. Nice, strong hands too, always a positive feature in Aniketos' mind. He waited patiently while this Alexandros paid for whatever it was he was getting. A delivery? he thought as he listened to their conversation, Is it something he's trying to hide? Aphrodisiacs? He wondered at this but his thoughts were interrupted when Alexandros turned back to him, his body held in a delightfully informal fashion. It seemed that he hadn't a clue exactly who he was, which, for once, was very nice. Thinking quickly, Aniketos asked, "You wouldn't happen to know where The Drunken Stallion Inn is, would you? I was planning on spending my evening there but I'm not so accustomed to the streets of Madrid." He smiled coyly, in a way that suggested he would like some company. He couldn't use is standard tactic of letting his clothes slide off here and there- he'd dressed more warmly to suit the weather, in a long-sleeved, midnight-coloured shirt and a dark wool cloak lined with red silk. The smile and a tilt of the head would have to do; hopefully this was tempting enough to Alexandros. |
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| Alexandros | Nov 10 2011, 04:37 PM Post #5 |
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"Hmm..the Drunken Stallion. Always wondered how much it took to get a stallion smashed. I'll try it some time, for sure." He wondered for a moment what this Aniketos was up to. Did he know that was where he'd just come from? Well if he didn't he soon would so what was the harm in telling him so? And if he did, well, it wasn't new information. "As luck would have it, I have a room there. Not that I've left it much, all I've managed to do so far is sleep. Not even really see the city." The smile drew his interest, an invitation? Well well. "I'll show you where it is, if you like? I was going to look around the market a little more but...well, I'm not a man to turn down a drink if it's offered." Alex pondered on Aniketos as they began walking back the way he came, watching him from the corner of his eye with the slightest hint of a smile. So he wasn't native to Madrid? That only left one other large city, and if he was from Reine, then he could well be... "So, you're visiting as well? Not a bad place, at least it's not windy. Morrim seems to have an abundance of that." |
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| Aniketos | Nov 11 2011, 08:04 AM Post #6 |
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ἄνθρωπος ἐστι πνεῦμα καὶ σκιὰ μόνον.
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"What a lucky coincidence!" he trilled, he wide grin spreading across his face. He was pleasantly surprised- if it came down to it, he wouldn't have to pay for a room. Always a plus. "Of course a drink is in the deal, especially for such a handsome man as yourself," he said, with a sly wink. A drink and certain other things, I should hope. It had been a while, he realized, since he'd slept with anyone. There had been that drow- she was always cropping up in his mind, how aggravating- and a few people here and there. Their names, the order of their occurrence didn't come to clearly to him, and for a moment, he felt pulled away from himself, seeing a man who was walking next to a person he was likely to screw and forget. There's so little point to it. But his undesirable thoughts were interrupted by the man's words. So he was a Morrimian- his guess had been correct. He smiled with satisfaction, and said, "The weather here is pleasant enough. However, I still prefer Reine. Though when the wind rolls in from the coast, it's strong enough to give you whiplash at times." A particularly banal topic of conversation, but his voice was laden with innuendo at points, especially at the word "strong." Then his tone of voice switched again, becoming quite innocent as he asked, "And whereabouts in Morrim are you from?" |
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| Alexandros | Nov 11 2011, 12:14 PM Post #7 |
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Alex couldn't help but think that the way Aniketos was looking at him was akin to a hungry wolf staring down a rabbit. Am I in trouble? I think I might be. Why is he emphasizing words like that? ...ah. Yeah, I'm in trouble. Alex laughed, a light flush settling in his cheeks and not from the cold. To be fair, the weather here was mild for him, warmer than his home and he didn't mind it so much, though he'd seen many wrapped up today like they'd catch their death. Strong whiplash? Now I can't get that out of my mind...and the way he keeps smiling! Light, no, I should behave. Bad, bad Alex. Behave or he'll whip you. Augh! I said behave! By this point his bronzed skin was thoroughly reddened, his train of thought well derailed and gone over the cliff. "I..uh...what? Oh. Kinaldi, or close enough. Just outside, in the country. My father's gone now but my mother's still around, insisted that I not sell the estate and move to the city, so we're still out there. I don't mind it really, it's peaceful but, well, you know. It has its own character, just not exciting enough as a big city." Yes, his Morrimian father insisted they stay in Morrim while his Ashokan mother refused to move to a large city. His father had done everything in his power to make her happy, even if it meant staying far from the rest of his family. Frankly he'd only ever encountered one person he'd have done that for and she threw it back in his face. Not literally of course, if she tore up a house and threw it brick by brick he'd have no face left to speak of after the third or fourth one. He scratched at the short stubble on one cheek, meaning to shave it again, though he'd only done that a couple of days ago. "You sure you want to know about this stuff? It's pretty boring. No explosions or damsels in distress, no fire-breathing dragons trying to eat my daisies or anything. Or should that be my damsels? I don't even have those, only half Ashokan, and I don't think I could get away with keeping a harem in there." He laughed softly, the blush fading from his cheeks again. "Sorry, I tend to ramble sometimes." |
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| Aniketos | Nov 11 2011, 10:42 PM Post #8 |
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ἄνθρωπος ἐστι πνεῦμα καὶ σκιὰ μόνον.
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Alright, I better tone it down, he's getting bit too distracted. At least it was clearly working- it seemed that Alexandros wasn't one of those people terrified feeling for another man. He didn't want to bring it about too quickly...half the fun was in the chase. "Ah, I see. I've been to Kinaldi a few times. I might have met some other members of you family, perhaps. Cousins. What's your family name?" It certainly was possible, Aniketos was certain he'd seen that nose elsewhere. He laughed a little as Alexandros went on. "Don't worry, I don't find you dull. I'm afraid I have no dragons in my gardens either. Just exceedingly nice plants. And I don't have a harem either. Technically." Perhaps if he gathered all the people he slept with in a room, that would count...interesting image. They'd all be fighting and tearing each other's hair out, especially the married couples...He smiled at the image as he edged slightly closer to Alexandros, so their arms almost brushed. He considered askin about Alexandros' Ashokan side of the family but figured it might be a bad move, considering events in recent history. "Most of my interesting stories have to do with gossip. And politics. Which is basically just gossip in any case." |
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| Alexandros | Nov 12 2011, 12:03 PM Post #9 |
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"Phloropoulos. One of my little sisters lives in Kinaldi, and two of my cousins. The family got a bit split up after the war, half of them either moved back to Ashoka or Angkar." Not that they were particularly happy with the situation in Ashoka...but what can you do, I can't see any of them trying to hide a sword in their lace corsets let alone actually getting past the Moghul's second to do anything. Should have just stayed put like the rest of us, we turned out alright in the end. "So you've got green fingers eh? A gardener I mean." At the mention of politics, it clicked and he glanced at the man as they rounded the corner, drawing close to the tavern and its worn sign, a lopsided horse with a bottle sticking out the side of its mouth. "So then, when you said you're name is Aniketos...I assume you are none other than the Aniketos Hesperes." He smiled. The name was familiar but it wasn't as if he kept up with the goings on in Soto, only that he was one of the councillors that did the decision-making. The war councillor at that. Interesting. Not what he had expected when it came to a councillor, less formal, chatty, even approachable. "And here we are. As fine a drinking hole as any I suppose, if you don't mind rubbing shoulders with honest folk." He winked, then held the door open for him. |
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| Aniketos | Nov 12 2011, 09:09 PM Post #10 |
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ἄνθρωπος ἐστι πνεῦμα καὶ σκιὰ μόνον.
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The name Phloropoulos rang a bell, though he couldn't quite figure out why it was familiar. He frowned- had he already slept with someone with that name? It was definitely a possibility. Two cousins and a sister...hmmm. "I dabble, a bit. I mostly hire others to do the work, but I enjoy the variety of plants." He looked up at the sign- rather crass, of course, but better than one of those taverns aimed at the upper class. Painfully clean places where they yelled at you if you tried to bring in a whore; nothing exciting ever happened in such place. Aaand now he finally realizes who I am. Aniketos nodded and smiled widely, "Yes, that's me. The Cupid's Son, Kinaidos, That Meddlesome Bastard and whatever else they've decided to call me as of recent. The accuracy of these nicknames...varies. I feel that there's only one that applies." He winked once more, and paused at the door, looking at Alexandros and saying, "Well, the 'honest folk' as you call them have more fun. I prefer it." Something in his smile, the tone of his voice suggested what "fun" might exactly entail. On that note, he went in, his chest filled with joyous anticipation. |
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| Alexandros | Nov 14 2011, 10:07 AM Post #11 |
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Chuckling at the list of names and the implication, Alex ducked into the tavern behind him, glancing around. It was still relatively quiet, though a few customers had trickled in since he left for the market, and the owner was trying to catch his eye from behind the bar. "Can I buy you a drink? Won't be long before this place is overclocked." A woman was making the rounds at the tables but as he steered Aniketos to an available seat, he waved her away, only a slight touch of disappointment showing before her back was to them. "Don't worry Hilde, I'll be going to the bar anyway. Well then." He rubbed his hands together, offering a lighthearted smile at the councillor. "Personally I prefer a good glass of red but they do some mean honey-mead here as well. What would you like?" Seemed the owner had received the parcel ahead of them, thinking on it now, he should have simply just taken it with them and saved the man the trouble, but it was a bit late now. Hopefully the herbs would help ease the sleeplessness, and failing that, there were always other things that would. It was apparent that was being angled for on some level at least, and he found himself quite enjoying the flirtatious banter. It had been a while since he'd last been out, much less had a good tumble with anyone. |
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| Aniketos | Nov 14 2011, 10:47 AM Post #12 |
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ἄνθρωπος ἐστι πνεῦμα καὶ σκιὰ μόνον.
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Aniketos removed his cloak and spread it over the back of his chair. He then sat down, saying, "Wine would be good to start with, I should think." He sank into his seat, lounging quite effectively despite the fact that the chair was wooden and slightly rickety; one hand hung languidly over the armrest, the other supporting his chin. His neck was thus stretched to the side, the pale skin there exposed between bronze curls. His legs were stretched out long from his relaxed position; his foot was an inch away from Alexandros'. Viewing the man in this warm light, much different from the fading grey light outside, he thought, This was quite a stroke of luck indeed, he's quite handsome. In his mind, he saw things, and smiled. "I'm quite pleased to have met you Alexandros. I think the prospects for this evening have been much improved from what I originally imagined." |
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| Alexandros | Nov 14 2011, 11:50 AM Post #13 |
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"Wine it is then." Aniketos seemed fully content, easily draping himself over the chair with a graceful motion, languid, almost feline in that fluidity, and all soft curves and pleasing edges in the flickering light of the lamps, just now being lit by the maid. "Back in a tick." Crossing the wide room he leaned casually on the bar, waiting for the owner to serve the most recent customer his drink, turning towards him with a bright smile. "Ah Lord Alexandros, a package just arrived for you, little boy said it was to be held onto in your name." He ducked and pulled out the small parcel wrapped in paper and handed it over with a curious glance. "Thank you. Nothing special, don't worry. It won't explode if you shake it." He said the last jokingly, though a touch of worry about the corners of the man's eyes almost made him sigh. "A bottle of your finest red, if you would. And two glasses...add it to my bill for the board and the er...damages from earlier." He hadn't meant to spill the acid but at least he'd owned up to it and offered to pay the repairs. It was just lucky no one had been standing in the room underneath where the hole burned through the floor. He'd been moved to another room and told to keep any harmful substances out of the way since. Spoiling his fun, naturally. Alex gathered the glasses in one hand, slipping the cool fluted necks between his slender fingers and taking the bottle in his other hand once the cork had been removed, the package tucked neatly under his arm. He set the bottle down with a musical 'clink' on the wooden tabletop before Aniketos, dropping the parcel where it bounced to a stop on the surface. Flourishing the glasses, one in either hand, he set them down and proceeded to fill them with a generous amount of the wine, a rich deep red, barely penetrated by the candlelight. He smiled, lifted one and offered it to his companion, his eyes lavender in the golden light, inviting him to take it. "Toast to your good health, and things to come?" Edited by Alexandros, Nov 14 2011, 11:51 AM.
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| Aniketos | Nov 15 2011, 07:24 AM Post #14 |
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ἄνθρωπος ἐστι πνεῦμα καὶ σκιὰ μόνον.
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Aniketos watched Alexandros as he got up and talked to the owner, his eyes half-lidded. Nice ass, he thought, but in this momentary solitude, his mind wandered to more sour subjects. Unease settled in him- a nonspecific feeling rising from the events of the day. he'd woken in the early morning from another one of those strange dreams involving women and the sea, convinced that there was some one lurking in the shadows to take his life. Vague threats from one of the older male Councillors and then that whole debacle with the Deadly Silence woman. He sighed, tension flickering back into life- something like electricity in his bones. Alexandros turned back with the wine bottle and glasses in hand, and Aniketos hefted that smile back onto his face, and as his acquaintance came closer, he found himself slipping into that smile until it was something more genuine, the spontaneous bout of stress gone. As he took the wine, he looked into those eyes, so strangely luminescent at this moment, and said, "To things to come." He raised his glass with a slight wink, and took a sip. Pretty good, for what he'd expected of a more lower-class bar. A tad sour, but after a few glasses that would hardly matter. He placed the glass on the table and looked to Alexandros. "What brings you to Madrid, then? For me, it's politics, but for you...?" |
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| Alexandros | Nov 17 2011, 02:35 PM Post #15 |
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"It's been sitting a bit long I think, but it's alright stuff. To things to come, then." He returned the slight smile, raising his glass and sipping. Potent and a little fruity. Slipping easily into his seat he lounged back, near draping himself over the furniture, lifting the glass to his lips and drinking, before holding it loosely in his hand. "Business mostly. The last couple of shipments have been jacked, or just gone missing, and I want to find out what exactly is happening to them. Had the same problem down in Orl'Kabbar, though that's no real surprise." A touch of sourness twisted his lips, remembering the flame-haired youth that had given him a good spanking and made off with the goods besides. No hard feelings, just business. He'd expected trouble, being a notoriously dangerous city, but not to the degree that said an intelligent setup, ambush and a dislocated shoulder. It still ached a bit too, though most of the bruising had gone down by now. He found his eyes lingering on the other man's exposed neck, graceful and slender, before he pulled his eyes away, only to flick back again, languid smile creeping back as he admired the amber bathed young man opposite. "So, a Councillor eh. How's that working out for you?" |
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| Aniketos | Nov 21 2011, 02:35 AM Post #16 |
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ἄνθρωπος ἐστι πνεῦμα καὶ σκιὰ μόνον.
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"Shipments of what?" Aphrodisiacs? Items of a suspicious nature? Hehehehe...Oh how my mind wanders. He suppressed his laughter but taking another sip of wine but couldn't hide a mischievous smile. Oh, the things I'd like to do with this man. It had been a while, too long. He sipped at his wine again, hoping to speed the process of getting drunk and put down his glass before replying; "It's really all about getting people to like you to get what you want. I know people tend to exploit it for selfish reasons but my interests are that of Soto's, I assure you. It's just that many people have yet to realize what these interests truly are. They lack ambition." He swirled the wine in his glass as he talked, and paused for a moment, looking at the light that shone through the liquid, made it the colour of blood. "But I don't." He had become serious for the moment in a sudden change of mood, his mind working through that immense puzzle of what he must do. He attacked that problem again and again, in various states between sobriety and inebriation, but was never able to decide ultimately what the steps should be. "The Sotoans will understand soon enough, I believe. Once I figure out a way to make them see it." |
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| Alexandros | Nov 22 2011, 06:26 AM Post #17 |
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"Well...you know." No Alex, he doesn't. That's why he asked. Idiot. "Things. Dangerous I suppose, if you know what you're handling." He plucked at the package with his name scrawled hastily over the paper, then catching the councillor's eye, grinned. "Oh don't look at me like that, I certainly have no trouble in that department. It's valerian. I...don't sleep particularly well." If ever. I get to be the propagator of genocide, how lovely! Hundreds to die indirectly by my hand. Of course, I'm not going to tell you that. The last thing I need is pity, I do enough self loathing over that without that piled on top. Heh. On top. No, focus. Behave. He blinked, staring at the rapidly decreasing wine, frowned and reached over for the bottle, and tilted it at Aniketos. "Fill you up?" The hint of a smile hovered at the corner of his mouth, just a slight shadow but it was there. Invitation perhaps, though he waggled the bottle a little for emphasis, leaning across the table. Oh hell. What's the use of trying? It's got to be better than drinking yourself into a stupor and then drugging yourself besides. Reaching out he plucked the glass from Aniketos' hand, brushing fingers, then retreated, filling it to almost full again before he leaned forwards, holding it out delicately, his own glass forgotten on the table beside him. "Tell me, Aniketos," he enjoyed the way the name rolled off the tongue, and the corners of his mouth curved up slightly more with it, "what are your ambitions?" |
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| Aniketos | Nov 25 2011, 05:29 AM Post #18 |
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ἄνθρωπος ἐστι πνεῦμα καὶ σκιὰ μόνον.
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Alexandros seemed reluctant to divulge his actual profession- oh well. Aniketos might be able to figure it out later; for the time being he just nodded. "I know certain sleep aids that work better than valerian," he said with a playful grin that expressed, in no uncertain terms, what kinds of things he was talking about. At this point, it was clear that Alexandros was thinking along much the same terms as Aniketos- he seemed distracted by thoughts, and Aniketos doubted that these thoughts were exactly pious. In answer to Alexandros' question, he said- "Ah, yes please." He quickly tipped back the last of his wine and passed it to Alexandros; their fingers touched, but Aniketos made no move to acknowledge this. He could feel his muscles begin to loosen along the lengths of his arms and legs and his smiles came readily- he no longer had to try. The thoughts that often swarmed about him weighed on him less heavily now and he could no concentrate more fully on the man sitting across from him. He took his wine back- their fingers brushed again- and pondered the question momentarily, searching for the words to express himself. "I would like to be remembered. I want to be the one who changes history, so that future generations may look back and see me, a hero of the Sotoans. For, in the process of becoming something to be remembered, I would like to make Soto unforgettable." He smiled with satisfaction in his words, and drank some wine, then latched eyes with his acquaintance, his irises like flickering embers. |
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| Alexandros | Nov 25 2011, 06:17 AM Post #19 |
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"Well, I've always thought that it's your actions you'll be remembered for more than your words as far as history is concerned." Taking a long pull for the glass he swirled it, admiring the color, though growing a little bored. The attraction was so obvious they might as well simply fling themselves on each other right there and then. Only that would ruin all the fun. And as it seemed the man opposite was inclined to chase, he found himself willing to indulge in the little game. So, aside from the obvious, where are we headed now? A dull evening of idle chatter over wine before a half hearted tumble of two pathetic souls trying to drown themselves and forget their troubles? Seems rather...lacking. He took another mouthful from the glass, enjoying the flavour, if a little on the sour side, and swallowed, delighting in the familiar warm muzziness that began to buzz in his veins. "So, are there no real experiences in Soto that might make it unforgettable, then?" He smirked slightly over the rim of his glass, baiting Aniketos a little. He couldn't say he'd seen much so far that made it that memorable, but then he hadn't done the 'act like a drunk hobo' yet, which pretty much entailed open festivities in a stupor until he was penniless as a pauper. Nothing said he had to be on his best behaviour of course. So long as he got the work done at least. If he kept drinking like this he was going to have one hell of a hangover in the morning. Then again it might not be morning when he actually got up. Pondering the thought he placed the glass carefully on the table, shooting a sidelong glance at the man and his enchanting eyes, staring. "What..? Have I got something in my teeth?" |
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| Aniketos | Nov 25 2011, 06:57 AM Post #20 |
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ἄνθρωπος ἐστι πνεῦμα καὶ σκιὰ μόνον.
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"Hmm...yes." He nodded in vague agreement with Alexandros, taking an almost undignified swig of wine. He crossed his legs so his foot just brushed at his companion's calf. At the next question, he adopted a devilish smile, and said, "On the contrary, there's many things to do. Even in Madrid, or so I've heard." He paused for another mouthful, and then went on, "You just need to look in the right places. The less...pretty parts of town. Where people know how to have a good time." The meaning behind that was obvious: women- and men- who were cheap, dirty, willing to do it in an alleyway. But he'd long ago lost interest in that- he was no longer a boy new to the world of lascivious activities, and the other things, such as gambling, cock-fighting, cheap liquor and the like, had never held his attention in the first place. No, he wanted something a bit...different. He appeared to think for a bit, momentarily distracted by Alexandros' quip. "No your teeth are fine. Lovely in fact." He winked, drank some wine, and said slowly, drawing out the moment, "I have heard tell that there are some gypsies in town, camping in the forest surrounding the city. My source says that they quite enjoy company in their festivities, so perhaps..." He trailed off, waiting for Alexandros' reaction, his eyes as penetrating as ever. |
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| Alexandros | Nov 25 2011, 07:26 AM Post #21 |
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"Standard fare then?" The shadow of a smile hovered over his lips then faded as the contact with his leg passed. He'd expected the city to have something of what they called the 'Red Lantern' district, where it seemed that every brightly colored dress was an invitation for a penny, every alley a convenient stopping place, and the groups huddling in the buildings doing what might be considered illegal, dicing, cards, or illegal goods between both nobility and peasant alike. There was dirt under the color though, if you didn't mind it then that was all well and good, though it had been some time since he'd...well, acquired that sort of company. Then again last time he'd gone out drinking and whoring was just after the war, he'd not seen those companions often since. Different paths. He'd hoped Aniketos might have some other ideas, perhaps something more exotic, or twisted. Interesting either way, though it seemed he wasn't overly keen on leaning that way, until the thought of gypsies bought the smile back. He remembered the wild music and the dancing, enough to make any man hot under the collar though he'd earned enough slaps before. Fun did not necessarily mean loose. Grinning he laughed softly, tapping his fingers on one knee. "Dancing and music, then? Alright, you've won me over, never could resist the romani, they know how to have real fun." He stood smoothly, drained the last of his glass and folded his arms, one brow raised as he waited for Aniketos. |
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| Aniketos | Nov 25 2011, 07:39 AM Post #22 |
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ἄνθρωπος ἐστι πνεῦμα καὶ σκιὰ μόνον.
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Ohohoho, he's and adventurous one...Tonight will be even better than I originally hoped. He finished off his second glass of wine and said, "Though perhaps we should finish this bottle before heading off." He went ahead and poured himself some more, leaving the remainder for Alexandros. "And then perhaps something for the road- it's a bit of a walk." He discussed these things nonchalantly, as if he planned to go on a refreshing stroll rather than on a night of debauchery and general bad behaviour. The alcohol was warming him now, lighting a small fire in his stomach. His neck felt relaxed- he rolled his head around and drank some more. "Something stronger, I should think." He wanted to get smashed, and quick. Get down to business. And so, another sip of wine. "Any suggestions?" |
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| Alexandros | Nov 25 2011, 08:12 AM Post #23 |
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Rolling his shoulders in a loose shrug, the engineer emptied the last of the bottle into his own glass and tucked it under one arm, pursing his lips. "I suppose so, bad luck to let wine go to waste. Well, if we're seeing who can fall over first, leave it to me, I'm sure they have something worthwhile. If not then I have something with a more...explosive...kick to it." Oh yes, a personal favourite for when you just wanted to let your feet fall out from under you, and not the easiest to come by, he'd managed to...acquire, a bottle when last visiting Orl'Kabbar. Needless to say the Drow woman wasn't particularly happy being beaten at dice so often but she hadn't drawn a knife on him. She was pretty terrible at it though, even had the dice not been loaded. He still couldn't believe she hadn't figured it out, nearly everyone there was using a loaded set. Sauntering back to the bar he made another order, returned with the bottle of amber liquid and slapped it down followed by two small glasses clinking together. "Not particularly original I'm afraid. Whiskey though...well. I'll bet I can outdrink you." He grinned, downing the half glass he had left as if it were the whiskey and uncapped the bottle, tilting it towards Aniketos. "Are we game? I'll let you pour the rounds first." |
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| Aniketos | Nov 27 2011, 08:15 PM Post #24 |
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ἄνθρωπος ἐστι πνεῦμα καὶ σκιὰ μόνον.
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"What, gunpowder liquer?" He laughed at his joke but didn't enquire further, instead more intent on finishing his glass of wine. He watched Alexandros go again, stared long and hard at that nice ass while he continued drinking, by now completely unaware of the flavour. By the time Alexandros had come back, he'd finished off his share of the wine and looked expectantly at the bottle. "Ah, good!" he said upon being told what it was. Though he normally preferred brandy to whiskey, at least this would get the job done. "A drinking game sounds wonderful," he said, practically purring out the final word. He sat up straighter, leaning towards his glass. "I wish you the best- you'll need some luck to beat me. Also perhaps a doctor." It was true that Aniketos had a liver of steel- he was quite well-known for it in Reine. He held out the glass expectantly and smiled. |
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| Alexandros | Dec 1 2011, 10:21 AM Post #25 |
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Picking up a glass himself he filled Aniketos', enjoying the rich color of the amber liquid as it sloshed into the glass, then filling his own and finally parking his backside into the seat again. "Not far off...although gunpowder doesn't make for a tasty drink." He grinned at that, examining the glass critically, then holding it before him. The comment had surprised him, being uncannily close to the mark, but then he had lead him into it a bit with the explosive line. Still, that stuff was...well, there wasn't an adequate word for it that sprang to mind, beside nasty. Stretching out his legs he brushed against the other man's ankle, then lifted the glass to him. "A doctor eh? Can't say I'm very lucky but I'd hope that I'd be lucky enough to not need one." You could play doctor for me, I don't think I'd mind that. "Well then. On three? One...two...three!" He tilted the glass, knocking back the fiery liquid and slamming it back down onto the table, trying not to wince from the burn as it worked its way down his throat. Perhaps he should have picked something smoother, but it was a bit late now. There was always the rest of the night to have something a touch lighter instead anyway. "Blood and ashes, forgot how much that stings on the first go." He massaged his throat, laughing sheepishly, then pushed the bottle towards the man, that he might refill their glasses for the next round. |
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