EVENT: Summer Days

[1000_npcs]

It has been a hot summer for Budehuc this year, and yet there is little to no signs about it coming to an end, even if the next season is expected to show around sometime in the near future.

The warmth of the sun seems to be inviting just about anyone to the lakeside, including the builders and locals from the neighbouring towns of Iksay and Nor. Some have come for the serenity and beautiful scenery, while others just want to have a swim or enjoy some water games. Keep your eyes out for flying beach balls and frisbees!

Comments

[novilunium]

They will be the ones crumbling after all their time out here.

[ She notes his lack of scarf, smiling somewhat predatorially at his exposed neck before glancing back at the lake. ]

You are not partaking?

[latkje]

[ He notices that predatory look, but doesn't flinch, filing it away for later. ]

You know me. I like to watch.

[novilunium]

It is like you are more curious about humans than I am.

[ Teasingly: ]

I hope you are not shy about being shirtless.

[latkje]

Have you ever known me to be modest? [ The less he wears the harder it is to hide weapons; that is something of a concern. ]

[novilunium]

True.

[ Her eyes stray to his neck again before meeting his eyes. That seems to trigger her memory of her conversation with Caesar. ]

That Silverberg boy does not seem to like me very much.

[latkje]

He thinks you're going to break his friend's heart. [ And then, he starts counting on his fingers, more flippantly. ] And you're arrogant, sharp-tongued, never keep promises, have this habit of staring at my neck…

[novilunium]

You hide it so much when it's so irresistible.

[ She answers easily, and also easily ignores his flippant remarks, having heard them all before. Except one. ]

What do you mean, break his friend's heart?

[latkje]

[ He just really, really likes his scarf, okay? He's only been wearing it for what, twenty years? ]

You've talked to Hugo, right? [ Actually, he's not going to wait for her to answer. ] He has it bad for you. I think the report I got was "He must think she can save him from eternal loneliness, but at what cost?" [ It's a fair imitation of Caesar, to boot. ]

[novilunium]

Oh?

[ Amusement very clearly flickers in her eyes, but whether it's at Nash's impersonation or the topic it's hard to tell. She tries to recall her previous interactions with the Fire Champion. Admittedly, the memories are distant and hazy. She clearly hadn't placed the same value on them. ]

Is that why he offered me his blood? How fun.

[latkje]

[ Nash thinks Sierra probably did a few things to lead Hugo on, but he is completely willing to laugh this whole thing off, except: ]

He offered you his blood?

[ That surprised him. ]

[novilunium]

[ She watches him carefully, perhaps to gauge his reaction. ]

Had I known it was in exchange for salvation from eternal loneliness, I may have responded differently. And here I thought he was simply a boy with good manners.

[latkje]

You knew he had it bad.

[novilunium]

A false accusation.

And what about you? You have not thought to inform him?

[latkje]

Inform him of what?

[novilunium]

Of my incapacity to fulfill his desires.

[latkje]

[ He shrugs. ]

I think you're fully capable of drinking his blood.

[novilunium]

I was more referring to the salvation part.

[latkje]

[ He shakes his head. ]

I heard it from Caesar.

[novilunium]

Goodness. You're right -- no wonder he disapproves of me so.

He probably will try to throw me in chains if I drink the boy's blood. But it is so refreshing having someone offer...

[ She means it as more of a joke than anything, but perhaps a twinge of greed shows. ]

[latkje]

Is it that bad?

[ He knows what her rune can do, and knows she's been looking at his neck more than usual. ]

[novilunium]

[ She knows exactly what he means, but answers as if oblivious. ]

Chains are not so bad. What good are chains on a bat?

[latkje]

Dammit, Sierra.

[ He shakes his head. ]

If you won't tell me, I'll assume the worst. [ His voice is level, but it gets quieter. ] I'm already chained to you, too, you know.

[novilunium]

[ She can't make eye contact after that, so she settles on a point in the distance next to Nash's head, completely quiet for a moment. ]

I'm... thirsty. [ She speaks quietly, too, and for a moment she looks more like an actual, vulnerable young girl rather than an ancient creature masquerading. ]

[latkje]

If I offer you my blood, would that help? [ He looks the small ripples of the lake in the distance, the way they catch the light inside them, still quiet. He is trying to give them both their privacy. ]

[novilunium]

Yes.

[ The words are soft. This isn't the same as playfully stealing some blood from Nash in the middle of the night before leaving, because she has less control over this. ]

It would be consensual, then, at least.

[ A twisted smile, because she definitely would have succumbed to taking rather than asking, sooner rather than later. ]