[Oh god, he lurches forward to try and catch him before he falls. His heart just leapt into his throat. He’s had this kind master for a day, he would not let him slip through his fingers so easy!]
[But, it’s for naught. Rui catches himself and Mayoi is left awkwardly hovering his hands, ready to do unspeakable magic to soften his fall. He settles down when he just. Seems to be looking at his diorama.]
Ah…
[What? Surely he’s joking…]
…A-A patron…? For something like that…? They are not— They’re just little baubles I make. Surely no one would buy such a thing…
[But he stops there, being careful of his words. He’s noticed that Rui will twist his self-loathing into accidentally insulting him by way of calling into question Rui’s praises, so he catches himself this time. Somewhat.]
[He takes the tin back and carefully puts it in his robe pocket.]
T-That is very high praise, though. U-Um, I am glad. That you think highly of them. Thank you
I'm alright. Sorry to spook you like that, but your art caught me quite off guard, fufufu~
[Okay, it's safely secured; they're not actually far from the front door anyway, so sunlight floods in and blasts their eyes soon enough. ...And sure enough, there's a lush vegetable garden (with myriad rainbow vegetables of many sizes, naturally), complete with a little pen for the chickens.]
You know...Maybe I'm being a little dramatic with my praises, but this is entirely truthful: I'd buy one, if you made one that truly called to me. How you've not made a killing amongst sorcerers already mystifies me; we love baubles, trinkets, things that capture moments and make us appear more cultured and arcane than we actually are.
I suppose that's why your last master liked you so much in the first place. Anyway! Here they are, my girls~ [And he throws open the wire gating, letting the hens run loose amongst the garden! Who cares if they eat his veggies? What, like he's going to fucking eat them? Heavens no, he only takes the tiniest amounts for his spells; the rest is all them.
And what ladies they are! A whole flock of bantams of equally myriad colours, dyed faintly watercolour by their rainbow food, with feathers of all textures and shapes. But they are all so squat and fat and fluffy, swarming around Rui and Mayoi once they've had their fill of bugs and vegs.] Here, here, come sit with them. They might peck, but it's only because you look delicious.
[when the fuck did Rui lay on the ground. In his full wizard garb and all, just spread on the dirt, one green, curly-feathered hen sat atop his chest already.]
[With the sunlight, Mayoi is quick to pull a hood over his head to block some of the sun, but it does not stop him from looking at the garden with quite a bit of awe. So! He does have a full garden! That's good to know, there are so many things here... even if Rui did not like vegetables, Mayoi did, so it's nice that maybe he can get a leafy snack here and there should Rui allow.]
[Them all being wacky colors is a thing, though. However, the fruit hadn't caused him any problems so its ...probably fine to eat the veggies, too??
[He's caught up in looking around he almost misses what Rui says. He's ...at a loss for how to respond. He's not used to having his interests validated this way, and the idea of selling his things seemed so absurd he'd never thought to entertain the idea, and yet Rui said it so casually like it was the obvious thing to do. He frowns a little bit in thought, putting away his comment about how he'd buy one if it appealed to him, and makes a note to consider a new project.]
Ah-
[That comment about his old master, too, gives him some thought. Yes, perhaps ...perhaps to him he'd really just been a bauble. A bauble he did not care for when it spoke back to him.]
[Anyway chickens.]
Oooooh!!
[CHICKENS. The are so small and fat and round he could diiieeee]
L-Little! Little creaaaatures...!
[Yes he will come and sit down next to Rui and let them scuttle all around him.]
[As they make their little chicken noises, Mayoi will talk back to them in little bat squeaks. Creature to creature communication!!!!]
Mmhmm. There's a farm nearby where I buy chicks now and then, once they start thinning out in number, and if you want your own hen, we can go and buy you one.
[It's a veritable whirlwind of feathery activity at first, but once they've established that yes, Rui's here, and his friend is staying still and chattering at them politely, they settle into a routine. Some go eat once more, then circle back and scratch nearby, or come and peck at Rui's hair or Mayoi's knees, then they plop down and sun themselves or dustbathe while the next shift of hens goes off to feast. Even that much slows down as the sun warms them and their bellies grow full, so they end up all huddling around Rui and Mayoi to doze in safety.
A particularly orange creamsicle-tinged hen nods off wedged firmly against Mayoi's left thigh, and a pink one with incredibly fluffy feathers sits against his feet, quietly clucking in response to each batty squeak.]
...Though, they seem to like you well enough that you might not even need your own, mm? Just don't move too suddenly, if you can help it. There's a difference between not being an active threat, and being an actual friend~
[Rui looks like he's about to drowse off himself, though there's a sliver of yellow iris visible from beneath his lashes, directed firmly at Mayoi along with a lazy smile.] For the record, they're pets and egg-layers only. Any meat, we buy in town. I was going to use them for meat, but...You can see why I might hesitate. Still, I should really take you to the chicken farm, so you can get your own flock once you strike out on your own. You're not taking my ladies from me.
[Ah, but this lull where they are simply existing, amongst a flock of little colorful, clucking fluff balls in the sun, is perhaps one of the most serene moments Mayoi has ever experienced.]
[For a moment, his heart isn’t tight with fear and trepidation. He can allow himself to just be without fear of consequences. It’s a quiet feeling, but it’s powerful, too, and perhaps Rui might even feel the way the magic gnarled up in Mayoi’s nerves finally unclenches and eases into to something gentle and peaceful.]
[All because of these little critters.]
[The reason for that, though, isn’t just because they are naturally lovely, which they are, but rather …ah. You can learn a lot about a person by the way their pets feel around their masters. Rui had once filled him with terror and dread from some of his words when they first met, but he’s now figured out how much of that was simply a farce. Sure he’s eccentric, but chickens wouldn’t be this comfortable around him if he were a cruel person. The chickens wouldn’t speak so amiably if that were the case. It tells him much more than he could hope, and so, he falls into a quiet, happy state for as long as time will allow.]
Oh …I wouldn’t dream of taking them from you Master Kamishiro. They …they are quite happy here.
[Will the little pink one accept some gentle pets…? He will reach out and try.]
Thank you for letting me meet them. They’ve told me quite a lot about you~
[DO NOT @ ME I'm simply a sentimental oyaji who loves chickens n clowns
That change is an interesting one, that Rui can feel, but not...Not surprising. If he ever needs to come back down to earth after hours or days spent trying to figure out how best to blow up one's enemies, then he just comes out here and remembers that the ladies are here, and they need him to exist (or at least want him to, so they can eat fresh grubs).
How many hours has he spent just starfished in the garden, surrounded by happy hens? Way too many. ...And yet, they've never released their secrest unto him, as they apparently have for Mayoi. What the fuck???]
...Have they? I hope it's all positive, or else I might have to remind them just how-- Ah...I can't even say that as a joke. When someone relies on you, you have to do everything to live up to that, because the consequences are dire otherwise.
I'd probably be a worse person without them, so I can't sing their praises highly enough. [And his face creases from curiosity back into a warm smile, as he watches the pink hen hunch down in preparation for Petting. Not necessarily a bad thing, just a gesture of gentle uncertainty. Just in case.] --Give them time, and they'll stop doing that, too. Though, they can probably tell you that themselves, fufufu~
...Mayoi? How's your arm feeling, by the way? Is the sun exposure doing harm or good? I haven't noticed you favouring it, but I want to make sure.
[I cannot @ u because we have chickens and I was simply delighted they get to experience them.]
[Mayoi smiles a bit and patiently waits for her to be ready for his pets. He's very careful when he does.]
I understand. It is hard to be certain ...even if the signs are there. One simply needs to get used to a new situation after some time before they feel entirely safe.
[Mayoi chitters a little bit with them before he looks up, his smile still in place.]
It ...It still hurts, but it does not hinder me anymore. I was able to rest and eat, so my healing will be quite speedy because of it. The sun makes me a little weaker, but only if I'm directly exposed. I will be fine with my hood.
[He falls quiet a moment looking at the chickens, thinking a little on what Rui has said.]
I can speak to them in a very simplistic way. They do not speak words to me, so much as they give impressions. I am not entirely a beast, after all, I am something in between, but even so it's very enlightening. Creatures like them, they are very honest, and I can tell they are very content.
[And then he turns his gaze back at Rui with a pointed, knowing smile.]
I was quite afraid at first, when we met, because you said some very scary things, but Master Kamishiro is, in fact, possibly one of the kindest people I've ever met. But do not worry, I will be sure to keep it a secret for you.
[HOW DID I FORGET U HAD CHICKENS I LOVE CHICKENS...THE CHEEK OF ME I LOVE THEM...please love them for me, i miss the ones my parents had ;q;
Rui's quite content to lay there, just listening and watching Mayoi as Henene hunkers down and falls asleep atop his chest, as Queen Shit she is. Henemu, however, is very much wide awake, head tipping to one side at the sort of angle that only chickens can manage just to stare curiously up at the arm belonging to the hand petting her, occasionally plucking at his sleeve as if expecting delicious treats to fall out.
It's disgustingly cottagecore domestic, is the point. And that, in itself, is a little terrifying. Especially as Rui looks at that smile and hears the words that come out of it, and feels something dangerously close to contentment. As if he could do this every day forever, with Mayoi. Very dangerous indeed.]
...Mm? Good. You've proven yourself worthy of the effort it takes to be kind, after all, so there's no reason for me to treat you with anything other than respect and kindness. But I don't want anyone to grow less afraid of me, beyond the confines of my protective wards. Otherwise we'd have villagers toddling on in and demanding favours at all hours, because surely I'm up all night if I'm a sorcerer, and I won't have that.
[A beat. He smooths a hand down Henene's back, mouth twisting.] I might be awake, but that doesn't mean that I enjoy being disturbed by strangers. The only good visitor I've ever had arrive in the middle of the night so far has been you.
[I might have forgotten to even tell you! they are a recent passion project of my roomates and also we were fed up with how expensive eggs are over like wtf. we make our own eggs now!!!]
[Mayoi listens quietly. No, Mayoi can understand that. It is a great reason, he thinks, that a lot of magic users are like Rui when they are not too busy being his ex-master. After all, when one is treated like some problem solving god, then at what point do those demands become demands more than requests. It sounds like a slippery slope to him.]
[He does not want that kind of attention, either. The thought makes his skin crawl.]
I understand that. I wouldn't dare betray you to the public that way ...in fact. I am rather less fond of crowds and people myself. Ah ... [That isn't quite right, he ponders how to explain.] I suppose it is better to say ...that I like to watch, but I do not like to engage. Chickens are far less scary...
[Mmm. But, admitting weakness is also scary in its own way and he suddenly tries to take it back.]
B-But that won't hinder any errands you send me on, I promise. A-And I will strive to continue being worthy of your kindness. I-It is not something I ever want to lose... so...
Please do not mind my words if they are troublesome.
GOD I LOVE HIM I TUCKS THIS IN MY FOLDER X( look at him holding the chicken omg
[either way THEY ARE LOVELY and worth having even without da eggs...eggs bonus...
Goddamn it Mayoi. That sort of dithering's enough to make Rui laugh heartily enough that Nene gets upset off his chest, only for her to mirror Tsukasa in tucking neatly under Mayoi's other thigh, almost in protest for his loudness. Fucking rude.]
Ah-- It's alright to have flaws, you know. I promise to keep your confidence too. And I can't say that I don't understand; I love the attention of a crowd, but only on my terms. Bad publicity is bad for a reason, after all, and I'd much rather control my own narrative, fufu~
And I figure that you wouldn't volunteer for errands and the like if you didn't think yourself capable of it. If you find that you change your mind in the future, just say so; there's no point in wasting our time on something that's futile, after all~ Silly little thing, worrying about me so~
[Now that everyone's gathered around Mayoi for his generally more comforting air, Rui's finally free to roll over onto his side and smile at the sight.] You're talking as if we're going to be this way for long, you know. But you'll have your freedom in no time. What value does my kindness have then, when you'll be a free man?
[Is it? Mayoi finds that hard to believe. He’s got so many flaws anyway it’s hard to compare his shortcomings to others. His ex-master would-]
[Ah… he has to stop thinking about that. It’s tiresome to constantly compare his treatment there to here. He takes a deep breath and settles down some.]
I…I will try to, though not before I …nngh. Exhaust my attempts to follow through.
[Because his pride will make him at least try even if he’d like to be a coward about crowds …errands should be possible.]
What value …? [It’s a question Mayoi finds bewildering. Kindness is so meaningful to him because he’s undeserving and starved for it. So, trying to put that into words stops him cold for a moment.]
…What if you were made to eat vegetables against your will for all your existence despite your dislike …but then one day someone handed you the most delectable sweet you have ever savored. P-Perhaps to most that seems like a drop in the bucket, and you may even have a future to look forward to when you can escape such things …but in that moment that one small bright spot …it would be everything, wouldn’t it…?
[Rui's face lapses into idle thoughtfulness, mulling over Mayoi's hypothetical. It does make infinitely more sense that way, certainly, but his imagery...Pinpointed. Fucking vile. Why the vegetables, Mayoi? Bleh...
But it worked, is the point. So he rolls over onto his belly instead, one arm tucked under his head and the other reaching over to smooth over Nene's back.]
As long as you're content, then. A garden must have the right soil, the right conditions, to bear life, and if this is the correct approach for you right now, then all's the better for it.
But if you want my tack to change, if you would benefit from different treatment, then say so. My role right now is purely to serve as a conduit into the wider world, after all, so I want you to be as full of life and excitement as you can be when you step out alone. It's a fantastic realm we live in, after all, and you'll see so many things that you hadn't dreamed possible. But if you know kindness, you'll be able to accept them a little better.
And then you'll find what, where, and who you love. That'll be a mark of pride for me, I think~
[Ah ...such kind sentiments. They're a little scary in of itself. He's not used to being spoken to so gently, with such sweet intentions, that it does take him a minute to process them. It's overwhelming being given so much so suddenly. Mayoi hardly believes that he's been here for barely a day and already things are so ...different.]
[He's still a little too afraid to trust it entirely, and there will always be a part of himself ready with his foot in the door just in case things turn sour, but at the same time he does feel a grand wave of contentment wash over him, as Rui continues to be the kind master he'd always hoped he might have. That the monster he served before might be the exception rather than the rule.]
[It makes him not regret his choice to crawl out of the dark, and cling here with all his might.]
I ...I have already found myself experiencing such things. It has been ...a very eventful day for me, Master Kamishiro, but in a way that I am not unhappy about. Quite the opposite...
[Ah, he has many chickens with him and he will keep gently petting Emuchicken.]
I-I hope, too, that you may let me show my appreciation by tending to you where I can be of use, even just a little.
Your perspective's going to change soon enough, and you'll be glad to see the back of me, fufufu~ But until then...Enjoy yourself, mm? You've earned a chance to relax after everything you went through, even just last night.
[He opens his mouth to keep on saying shit, but Emu just
fucking attempts to choke herself on Mayoi's sleeve because it looks delicious
and the sounds are fucking wretched. At least she can't actually shovel it down her gullet, and the choking's easily undone by simply pulling her away from the source of all her troubles, but it kind of ruins the mood. Thanks, Emu. At least she's quite happy to sit back on Mayoi's lap once his sleeve's been removed from her beak, bless.]
--Perhaps we should start by putting them back in their pen, for now. As I'm sure you've noticed, while I have traps and protective spells worked into the soil bordering the tower, my airborne security's quite lacking, and I've seen a few hawks about lately anyway. Besides, I'm thoroughly dirty now--
Ah. Did you want to harvest anything first? While we're here and all.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Oh god, he lurches forward to try and catch him before he falls. His heart just leapt into his throat. He’s had this kind master for a day, he would not let him slip through his fingers so easy!]
[But, it’s for naught. Rui catches himself and Mayoi is left awkwardly hovering his hands, ready to do unspeakable magic to soften his fall. He settles down when he just. Seems to be looking at his diorama.]
Ah…
[What? Surely he’s joking…]
…A-A patron…? For something like that…? They are not— They’re just little baubles I make. Surely no one would buy such a thing…
[But he stops there, being careful of his words. He’s noticed that Rui will twist his self-loathing into accidentally insulting him by way of calling into question Rui’s praises, so he catches himself this time. Somewhat.]
[He takes the tin back and carefully puts it in his robe pocket.]
T-That is very high praise, though. U-Um, I am glad. That you think highly of them. Thank you
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[Okay, it's safely secured; they're not actually far from the front door anyway, so sunlight floods in and blasts their eyes soon enough. ...And sure enough, there's a lush vegetable garden (with myriad rainbow vegetables of many sizes, naturally), complete with a little pen for the chickens.]
You know...Maybe I'm being a little dramatic with my praises, but this is entirely truthful: I'd buy one, if you made one that truly called to me. How you've not made a killing amongst sorcerers already mystifies me; we love baubles, trinkets, things that capture moments and make us appear more cultured and arcane than we actually are.
I suppose that's why your last master liked you so much in the first place. Anyway! Here they are, my girls~ [And he throws open the wire gating, letting the hens run loose amongst the garden! Who cares if they eat his veggies? What, like he's going to fucking eat them? Heavens no, he only takes the tiniest amounts for his spells; the rest is all them.
And what ladies they are! A whole flock of bantams of equally myriad colours, dyed faintly watercolour by their rainbow food, with feathers of all textures and shapes. But they are all so squat and fat and fluffy, swarming around Rui and Mayoi once they've had their fill of bugs and vegs.] Here, here, come sit with them. They might peck, but it's only because you look delicious.
[when the fuck did Rui lay on the ground. In his full wizard garb and all, just spread on the dirt, one green, curly-feathered hen sat atop his chest already.]
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[Them all being wacky colors is a thing, though. However, the fruit hadn't caused him any problems so its ...probably fine to eat the veggies, too??
[He's caught up in looking around he almost misses what Rui says. He's ...at a loss for how to respond. He's not used to having his interests validated this way, and the idea of selling his things seemed so absurd he'd never thought to entertain the idea, and yet Rui said it so casually like it was the obvious thing to do. He frowns a little bit in thought, putting away his comment about how he'd buy one if it appealed to him, and makes a note to consider a new project.]
Ah-
[That comment about his old master, too, gives him some thought. Yes, perhaps ...perhaps to him he'd really just been a bauble. A bauble he did not care for when it spoke back to him.]
[Anyway chickens.]
Oooooh!!
[CHICKENS. The are so small and fat and round he could diiieeee]
L-Little! Little creaaaatures...!
[Yes he will come and sit down next to Rui and let them scuttle all around him.]
[As they make their little chicken noises, Mayoi will talk back to them in little bat squeaks. Creature to creature communication!!!!]
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[It's a veritable whirlwind of feathery activity at first, but once they've established that yes, Rui's here, and his friend is staying still and chattering at them politely, they settle into a routine. Some go eat once more, then circle back and scratch nearby, or come and peck at Rui's hair or Mayoi's knees, then they plop down and sun themselves or dustbathe while the next shift of hens goes off to feast. Even that much slows down as the sun warms them and their bellies grow full, so they end up all huddling around Rui and Mayoi to doze in safety.
A particularly orange creamsicle-tinged hen nods off wedged firmly against Mayoi's left thigh, and a pink one with incredibly fluffy feathers sits against his feet, quietly clucking in response to each batty squeak.]
...Though, they seem to like you well enough that you might not even need your own, mm? Just don't move too suddenly, if you can help it. There's a difference between not being an active threat, and being an actual friend~
[Rui looks like he's about to drowse off himself, though there's a sliver of yellow iris visible from beneath his lashes, directed firmly at Mayoi along with a lazy smile.] For the record, they're pets and egg-layers only. Any meat, we buy in town. I was going to use them for meat, but...You can see why I might hesitate. Still, I should really take you to the chicken farm, so you can get your own flock once you strike out on your own. You're not taking my ladies from me.
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[Ah, but this lull where they are simply existing, amongst a flock of little colorful, clucking fluff balls in the sun, is perhaps one of the most serene moments Mayoi has ever experienced.]
[For a moment, his heart isn’t tight with fear and trepidation. He can allow himself to just be without fear of consequences. It’s a quiet feeling, but it’s powerful, too, and perhaps Rui might even feel the way the magic gnarled up in Mayoi’s nerves finally unclenches and eases into to something gentle and peaceful.]
[All because of these little critters.]
[The reason for that, though, isn’t just because they are naturally lovely, which they are, but rather …ah. You can learn a lot about a person by the way their pets feel around their masters. Rui had once filled him with terror and dread from some of his words when they first met, but he’s now figured out how much of that was simply a farce. Sure he’s eccentric, but chickens wouldn’t be this comfortable around him if he were a cruel person. The chickens wouldn’t speak so amiably if that were the case. It tells him much more than he could hope, and so, he falls into a quiet, happy state for as long as time will allow.]
Oh …I wouldn’t dream of taking them from you Master Kamishiro. They …they are quite happy here.
[Will the little pink one accept some gentle pets…? He will reach out and try.]
Thank you for letting me meet them. They’ve told me quite a lot about you~
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That change is an interesting one, that Rui can feel, but not...Not surprising. If he ever needs to come back down to earth after hours or days spent trying to figure out how best to blow up one's enemies, then he just comes out here and remembers that the ladies are here, and they need him to exist (or at least want him to, so they can eat fresh grubs).
How many hours has he spent just starfished in the garden, surrounded by happy hens? Way too many. ...And yet, they've never released their secrest unto him, as they apparently have for Mayoi. What the fuck???]
...Have they? I hope it's all positive, or else I might have to remind them just how-- Ah...I can't even say that as a joke. When someone relies on you, you have to do everything to live up to that, because the consequences are dire otherwise.
I'd probably be a worse person without them, so I can't sing their praises highly enough. [And his face creases from curiosity back into a warm smile, as he watches the pink hen hunch down in preparation for Petting. Not necessarily a bad thing, just a gesture of gentle uncertainty. Just in case.] --Give them time, and they'll stop doing that, too. Though, they can probably tell you that themselves, fufufu~
...Mayoi? How's your arm feeling, by the way? Is the sun exposure doing harm or good? I haven't noticed you favouring it, but I want to make sure.
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[Mayoi smiles a bit and patiently waits for her to be ready for his pets. He's very careful when he does.]
I understand. It is hard to be certain ...even if the signs are there. One simply needs to get used to a new situation after some time before they feel entirely safe.
[Mayoi chitters a little bit with them before he looks up, his smile still in place.]
It ...It still hurts, but it does not hinder me anymore. I was able to rest and eat, so my healing will be quite speedy because of it. The sun makes me a little weaker, but only if I'm directly exposed. I will be fine with my hood.
[He falls quiet a moment looking at the chickens, thinking a little on what Rui has said.]
I can speak to them in a very simplistic way. They do not speak words to me, so much as they give impressions. I am not entirely a beast, after all, I am something in between, but even so it's very enlightening. Creatures like them, they are very honest, and I can tell they are very content.
[And then he turns his gaze back at Rui with a pointed, knowing smile.]
I was quite afraid at first, when we met, because you said some very scary things, but Master Kamishiro is, in fact, possibly one of the kindest people I've ever met. But do not worry, I will be sure to keep it a secret for you.
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Rui's quite content to lay there, just listening and watching Mayoi as Henene hunkers down and falls asleep atop his chest, as Queen Shit she is. Henemu, however, is very much wide awake, head tipping to one side at the sort of angle that only chickens can manage just to stare curiously up at the arm belonging to the hand petting her, occasionally plucking at his sleeve as if expecting delicious treats to fall out.
It's disgustingly cottagecore domestic, is the point. And that, in itself, is a little terrifying. Especially as Rui looks at that smile and hears the words that come out of it, and feels something dangerously close to contentment. As if he could do this every day forever, with Mayoi. Very dangerous indeed.]
...Mm? Good. You've proven yourself worthy of the effort it takes to be kind, after all, so there's no reason for me to treat you with anything other than respect and kindness. But I don't want anyone to grow less afraid of me, beyond the confines of my protective wards. Otherwise we'd have villagers toddling on in and demanding favours at all hours, because surely I'm up all night if I'm a sorcerer, and I won't have that.
[A beat. He smooths a hand down Henene's back, mouth twisting.] I might be awake, but that doesn't mean that I enjoy being disturbed by strangers. The only good visitor I've ever had arrive in the middle of the night so far has been you.
https://images.plurk.com/4aw7QsrYOI0dZTiYtxn3tJ.png
[Mayoi listens quietly. No, Mayoi can understand that. It is a great reason, he thinks, that a lot of magic users are like Rui when they are not too busy being his ex-master. After all, when one is treated like some problem solving god, then at what point do those demands become demands more than requests. It sounds like a slippery slope to him.]
[He does not want that kind of attention, either. The thought makes his skin crawl.]
I understand that. I wouldn't dare betray you to the public that way ...in fact. I am rather less fond of crowds and people myself. Ah ... [That isn't quite right, he ponders how to explain.] I suppose it is better to say ...that I like to watch, but I do not like to engage. Chickens are far less scary...
[Mmm. But, admitting weakness is also scary in its own way and he suddenly tries to take it back.]
B-But that won't hinder any errands you send me on, I promise. A-And I will strive to continue being worthy of your kindness. I-It is not something I ever want to lose... so...
Please do not mind my words if they are troublesome.
GOD I LOVE HIM I TUCKS THIS IN MY FOLDER X( look at him holding the chicken omg
Goddamn it Mayoi. That sort of dithering's enough to make Rui laugh heartily enough that Nene gets upset off his chest, only for her to mirror Tsukasa in tucking neatly under Mayoi's other thigh, almost in protest for his loudness. Fucking rude.]
Ah-- It's alright to have flaws, you know. I promise to keep your confidence too. And I can't say that I don't understand; I love the attention of a crowd, but only on my terms. Bad publicity is bad for a reason, after all, and I'd much rather control my own narrative, fufu~
And I figure that you wouldn't volunteer for errands and the like if you didn't think yourself capable of it. If you find that you change your mind in the future, just say so; there's no point in wasting our time on something that's futile, after all~ Silly little thing, worrying about me so~
[Now that everyone's gathered around Mayoi for his generally more comforting air, Rui's finally free to roll over onto his side and smile at the sight.] You're talking as if we're going to be this way for long, you know. But you'll have your freedom in no time. What value does my kindness have then, when you'll be a free man?
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[Ah… he has to stop thinking about that. It’s tiresome to constantly compare his treatment there to here. He takes a deep breath and settles down some.]
I…I will try to, though not before I …nngh. Exhaust my attempts to follow through.
[Because his pride will make him at least try even if he’d like to be a coward about crowds …errands should be possible.]
What value …? [It’s a question Mayoi finds bewildering. Kindness is so meaningful to him because he’s undeserving and starved for it. So, trying to put that into words stops him cold for a moment.]
…What if you were made to eat vegetables against your will for all your existence despite your dislike …but then one day someone handed you the most delectable sweet you have ever savored. P-Perhaps to most that seems like a drop in the bucket, and you may even have a future to look forward to when you can escape such things …but in that moment that one small bright spot …it would be everything, wouldn’t it…?
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But it worked, is the point. So he rolls over onto his belly instead, one arm tucked under his head and the other reaching over to smooth over Nene's back.]
As long as you're content, then. A garden must have the right soil, the right conditions, to bear life, and if this is the correct approach for you right now, then all's the better for it.
But if you want my tack to change, if you would benefit from different treatment, then say so. My role right now is purely to serve as a conduit into the wider world, after all, so I want you to be as full of life and excitement as you can be when you step out alone. It's a fantastic realm we live in, after all, and you'll see so many things that you hadn't dreamed possible. But if you know kindness, you'll be able to accept them a little better.
And then you'll find what, where, and who you love. That'll be a mark of pride for me, I think~
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[He's still a little too afraid to trust it entirely, and there will always be a part of himself ready with his foot in the door just in case things turn sour, but at the same time he does feel a grand wave of contentment wash over him, as Rui continues to be the kind master he'd always hoped he might have. That the monster he served before might be the exception rather than the rule.]
[It makes him not regret his choice to crawl out of the dark, and cling here with all his might.]
I ...I have already found myself experiencing such things. It has been ...a very eventful day for me, Master Kamishiro, but in a way that I am not unhappy about. Quite the opposite...
[Ah, he has many chickens with him and he will keep gently petting Emuchicken.]
I-I hope, too, that you may let me show my appreciation by tending to you where I can be of use, even just a little.
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[He opens his mouth to keep on saying shit, but Emu just
fucking attempts to choke herself on Mayoi's sleeve because it looks delicious
and the sounds are fucking wretched. At least she can't actually shovel it down her gullet, and the choking's easily undone by simply pulling her away from the source of all her troubles, but it kind of ruins the mood. Thanks, Emu. At least she's quite happy to sit back on Mayoi's lap once his sleeve's been removed from her beak, bless.]
--Perhaps we should start by putting them back in their pen, for now. As I'm sure you've noticed, while I have traps and protective spells worked into the soil bordering the tower, my airborne security's quite lacking, and I've seen a few hawks about lately anyway. Besides, I'm thoroughly dirty now--
Ah. Did you want to harvest anything first? While we're here and all.