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I like my men all incompetent - Charlie - 10-02-2025
The sun is blazing far warmer than it would be in the Grounds, the streets alive with colour and noise, and Charlie looks like she’s part of the show. Skin-tight black leather pants hug every curve, her cropped corset gleams with just enough laces to tease, and her heels are so high they click like punctuation against the stone with every step. The tropical heat slicks her blonde curls to a brighter gold, blue eyes reflecting back the sea’s sparkle as she prowls through the market streets of Haulani.
Right now, though, she’s planted herself before a gambling table, where shells scrape over wood with the quick hands of a man who thinks himself clever. Charlie doesn’t bother with subtlety; her tail is flicking behind her in impatient arcs, and she waggles one finger at him, lacquered nail catching the light.
[say]"Ah-ah-ah,"[/say] she purrs, leaning in, lips painted as red as warning signs. [say]"I saw that, sugar. You slipped left when you thought I wasn’t looking."[/say] Her grin flashes, fanged and knowing, equal parts charm and threat. [say]"Lucky for you, I am looking."[/say] The crowd is already watching—because of course they are, Charlie has a way of pulling focus—and she taps her nail against the middle shell, the sound a sharp little tock-tock-tock. Her eyes glitter mischievously as she tilts her head. [say]"Now, do you want to make this fun, or do you want to make this messy?"[/say] The Priestess flashes a dazzling, fanged smile. [say]"Because I'm good either way."[/say]
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Kaisel - 10-04-2025
[say]"HMMMMmmmMMMMMMm,"[/say] he thinks, loudly, to himself but also very much with an outside volume. Copper eyes dart back and forth between a fluffy pink purse that seems like several flamingos worth of molt, and a circular and gem-studded satchel that seems to be imitating a clementine. [say]"Well, she does like feather boas,"[/say] he again tells himself audibly, and his crossed arms lift for a moment towards the feathers. He pauses suddenly though, 'brows furrowing tighter. [say]"But, she also likes shiny things—I mean she's practically half crow."[/say] His attention now settles firmly on the tiny tangerine, but he doesn't move, just stares. The exasperated sigh of the merchant suggests this has gone on for some time.
He shifts his weight, indecision like a plague of discomfort. The sequins of his long-sleeve shirt catch the light with the movement, the black fabric dull in comparison to the red shimmer of a stitched flame roaring up his chest, flipping to blue on the other side when his hands brush the pattern in reverse. His hands fall into the pockets of his navy joggers instead, a sign of defeat as he sucks air through his teeth. [say]"Thanks, I might be back,"[/say] he mutters to the shopkeep, who has since abandoned all care about this transaction. Her focus, like the rest of the people nearby, has shifted towards the small gathering where Charlie is. That's where Kaisel's attention is drawn too, and curious he steps towards the crowd.
He hears her before he sees her, and for a moment he can't register why the voice is so familiar. As he nudges his way to the front of the group though, the recognition is immediate. He can't see her face, but the heels that seem deadly, the outfit that shouldn't stand out in Torchline but still manages to, and the overly active tail all scream, [say]"Charlie?!"[/say] Kaisel breathes out a surprised laugh, stepping closer still to loop an arm over her shoulder. [say]"What are you doing here??"[/say] Not said with accusation, just the shock still of bumping into her among the masses.
It's around then that the situation at hand starts to click into place, gaze twisting from her, to the game, to the operator with a gradual narrowing. Torchline might have a strong current of lawlessness and debauchery, which has made it challenging to know what to enforce and what not to honestly, but blatant cheats aren't tolerated. Not that soldiers generally have to step in for that, the ecosystem of the city usually sorts that out. [say]"Oh I hope we can keep this fun,"[/say] he sighs towards the conch-man, not particularly wanting to deal with any mess.
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Charlie - 10-04-2025
There’s no pause—none at all—between Kaisel’s arm looping over her shoulders and Charlie’s own curling around his waist. Touch for her is instinct, joy, possession all at once; she fits herself against him with a grin that’s pure delight. Recognition brightens her expression further, blue eyes sparking as her fingers pulse lightly against his side, the rhythm both familiar and teasing.
[say]"What am I doing?"[/say] she repeats, feigning scandal as she turns back toward the game. Her nostrils flare dramatically, the picture of offended grace. [say]"I was having fun,"[/say] she declares, voice pitching upward as she pins the dealer with her gaze. The man holds up his hands, oily grin in place. [say]"Now, now, no one likes a sore loser,"[/say] he drawls, all mock sympathy. [say]"Tell you what, sweetheart, you can try again—no charge. Just gimme a little kiss on the cheek, hm?"[/say]
Charlie’s lashes flutter prettily as she glances up at Kaisel, mischief brewing like a storm. Then she leans forward, palms flat on the rickety table, corset pressing close enough to make the crowd lean in too. Her lips purse in a perfect red bow, her tail flicking lazily behind her. The man bends toward her with all the self-satisfaction of someone who thinks he’s winning, and at the last moment, he turns his head to try and steal a kiss directly from her lips instead.
Fire roars up around Charlie like a living halo, wreathing her from heels to horns in molten gold. The heat singes the man's eyebrows clean off in one satisfying hiss as the ancient wrenches the little table aside with a single sharp tug, scattering shells, coins, and whatever pride he had left across the street. [say]"I,"[/say] she announces brightly, voice carrying over the startled gasps and laughter of the crowd, [say]"am not a sore loser!"[/say]
She straightens with a toss of her curls, flame fading to a flicker that dances along her tail tip, as she turns, flashes Kaisel a sunbeam grin. [say]"Anyway, hi! What are you doing here?"[/say]
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Kaisel - 10-04-2025
The return hug of her arm doesn't bother him, also being prone to physical touch in most scenarios, and the height of her reach is fine, until her fingers start tapping on his side. That's an immediate nope, a ticklish laugh already bubbling up from his chest. He claps his other hand over hers with a ruffled huff, focus still firmly on the man of shells. Hers is too, and the tension starts to thicken around the whole ordeal. It's quickly appearing like it'll be messy.
A frown deepens across his face at the offer extended to her, the sort only scum would wager. [say]"No—you don't ha—"[/say] his protest dies into a quiet, open-mouthed stare as she parts from his side and leans in like she means to. The look she gave him did not suggest she would have, but the man's foul hunger and egregious overestimation of his intellect mean they'll never know, because much like a female version of Johnny Storm, she goes flame on.
[say]"WHOA!"[/say] Kaisel exclaims as he jerks back from the sudden flare of yellow fire. He knows Ancients run hot, but ever the brawler, he'd expected her tail to whip around the table, or her heels to be put to use other than height and accentuating the curve of her ass. He didn't anticipate a member of the Fantastic Four on display. She's considerate, at least, and the mess is minimal—less than he deserves, honestly. Exhaling his surprise away with a laugh at the man's weirdly naked face (good luck getting any kisses now sir), Kaisel crouches down to gather up a few of the scattered coins. [say]"Some payment for being dishonest, and creepy,"[/say] Kaisel says aloud, holding them up with a flash towards good ol' nakey face.
He offers them to Charlie when she spins towards him. Though he doubts she cares, the point having been the game and her wrong easily handled on her terms, he'd feel better knowing the louse was also hit in the pockets, because those mattered a lot to him. [say]"I live here—now,"[/say] he says with a tilted smile. [say]"I'm shopping for my girlfriend—"[/say] his gaze trails some of the people helping conch-man, some of which seem less than pleasant, friends of his no doubt. [say]"—Could you help me, actually?"[/say] he says as he grabs for her hand to pull her further into the market and away from the scene. Mostly he's worried about any prolonged conflicts causing the shops to catch fire. [say]"You're a woman,"[/say] he says obviously, as they move deeper into the stalls. [say]"So you'd have a better eye for bags she'd like than me,"[/say] he wagers, even if their styles are a bit different.
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Charlie - 10-05-2025
Charlie doesn’t mind the coin-scooping in the slightest; her attention is already drifting toward the way the crowd breaks apart, laughter and whispers chasing after her flames. When Kaisel holds out the handful, she peers into his palm like she’s inspecting a treasure chest, plucks the shiniest coin from the lot, and pockets it with a satisfied hum.
Her expression morphs comically as he mentions shopping for his girlfriend—eyes wide, mouth forming a round little oh! of surprise—but before she can ask the very obvious follow-ups, his hand closes around hers and she’s being pulled through the press of the crowd. She follows easily, weightless on her impossible heels, her grip warm from the lingering heat of her flames.
By the time they’re swallowed by the rhythm of the marketplace again, Charlie’s grin has returned, all sunshine and fangs. She nods solemnly when he identifies her as a woman. [say]"Good memory,"[/say] she teases lightly, tail flicking behind her in a lazy wag.
She glances up at him over her shoulder, curls bouncing as she tilts her head. [say]"Soooooooo, tell me—what does this girlfriend of yours like? And are we talking practical bag or going-out-to-turn-heads bag?"[/say]
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Kaisel - 10-05-2025
Only slowing when he's sure no 'brows and whatever gang of goons he might have as acquaintances is out of sight and therefore not about to make Charlie start a bonfire, Kaisel relinquishes her hand, settling into an easy stroll beside her as they flow through the market. He glances her way with an apologetic laugh at the quip about his memory, a half-hearted shrug his only excuse, memory specifically choosing not to recall the naked sprawl of her objectionably attractive form. [say]"Lots of things,"[/say] he informs her, looking from stall to stall as they walk before turning his gaze down at the bright features of her face. The eager look there rekindles a broad smile. He might not know her well, but they had accomplished a lot in one night, and she is a friend he can easily find himself cherishing for all their similarities.
[say]"She's very fashionable, especially for things like feathers and sequins and, bold. She likes to stand out."[/say] He considers for a moment, head tilting up with the thought. [say]"Or rather, I think she's just brave enough to do what she wants, no matter what. Including how she dresses."[/say] She's always been able to stand in the spotlight, but he rather thinks the circle seeks her out instead of the other way around. [say]"She wears all manner of jewelry, all the time. She goes for gold over silver usually."[/say] She probably has the entire span of precious metals and gem stones by this point, but gold does suit her rather well. [say]"She likes flowers,"[/say] he says softer, starting to drift into memory and fond thought. [say]"Plants, in general. Her house is full of them, although her brother's a botanist so part of it might be not wanting to disappoint him."[/say] His lips quirk up at the thought, well aware of the desire not to do anything to upset Mateo when it comes to his babies. [say]"She's a collector—keeps all manner of little trinkets. Can't seem to let an inch of her house stay bare..."[/say] He's still convinced part of it is from her yoinking anything that tickled her fancy while helping smuggle goods. The more time he's been spending with her though, the more he's begun to think the chaos of her clutter is an attempt to fill all the holes in her life as much as possible, like maybe full shelves could be a barricade against loneliness. Maybe.
He shakes his head, blinking the present back into focus. [say]"Do you think it could be both?"[/say] he wonders, circling back to her other question. [say]"It's for holding wind, so she'll mostly have it on her skyship, but it should be pretty too."[/say] He stops suddenly, motioning with his head towards a stall that's got long-haired bags. Made from shearing alpacas, apparently. [say]"You think having to comb your purse would be annoying?"[/say] he asks, only half serious, because if he had it his way he'd just get her a backpack similar to his. He hasn't given other bags much thought.
[say]"Anyway,"[/say] he says a touch brighter, less distracted with wondering what Flora would actually likes, as he glances back towards her. [say]"How've you been? Have any more drawing features since last I saw you?"[/say]
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Charlie - 10-06-2025
Charlie listens with that warm, ever-present smile that makes it hard to tell whether she’s amused or touched, or both. The woman he’s describing sounds dazzling, gilded, loud in colour and feeling, and not at all what she’d expected for him. From the way Kaisel carries himself and the brief encounter they'd had at the HoM, she’d have bet on him being with someone chill and down to earth. Instead, the woman he was describing sounded larger than life.
[say]"MMMMMMM,"[/say] Charlie muses brightly, [say]"so maybe something with lots of pockets, or sections for all of her things."[/say] She gestures with her hands, miming a bag expanding far too large for any mortal shoulder. [say]"If she likes gold, we can work with that! Something with a metallic lining, shiny clasps, maybe even a chain strap if you’re feeling fancy? OR something just BEJEWELLED."[/say]
Then he mentions the wind, and Charlie stops mid-stride, one brow arching high enough to threaten orbit. [say]"Huh?"[/say] she blurts, blinking at him in mock confusion. [say]"Hold the wind?"[/say] She leans over the nearest display, running her fingers through the long-haired purse he’d pointed out. [say]"Mmm, nah..wind and long hair don’t mix—trust me."[/say] The grin she flashes him is all teeth and teasing as she moves on, fingertips trailing across every glittering surface within reach like a magpie blessing the market stalls.
When he asks after her, she perks right back up, her tail flicking behind her like punctuation. [say]"Noooo more drawing features,"[/say] she sings, dragging the word out with a theatrical pout before her expression bursts open again with delight. [say]"But I’ve been busy planning the Blood Moon Festival!"[/say] Her eyes go wide with excitement, practically glowing. [say]"You and your girlfriend absolutely have to come! It's gonna be so great!"[/say]
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Kaisel - 10-06-2025
[say]"Pockets!"[/say] he announces with a thrill like she's just said the most brilliant thing imaginable. [say]"Charlie, you're a genius. Yes, yes, pockets."[/say] The thought trails off into a hum, one of his hands curling around his chin in serious consideration of this cargo-style purse. Her other ideas are just as fantastic, although he grabs onto the train of thought and excitedly adds, [say]"oh, oh, even better, what if it glows in the dark, or lights up when you open it? Could double as a flashlight,"[/say] he reasons, plus everything is better when it glows. Gold is already shiny, so this just seems like the clear next step in that evolution. [say]"See, this is why I needed you,"[/say] he tells her with a fond crinkle to his features, as if there was ever any reason to doubt her company.
[say]"There was a shiny bag back there,"[/say] he tells her with a glance over his shoulder. [say]"It was full of jewels, looked like an orange. No pockets though."[/say] So, maybe still not a winner. Coaxing the long fibers through his fingers with an evaluation that finds them lacking even as Charlie equally steers them away from the option. [say]"Oh, true. Good point,"[/say] he nods solemnly, shifting as their steps carry them onward. His hair does sometimes get long enough between cuts where skyship travel does become annoying, he can't imagine the mess the bag would become. [say]"Yeah,"[/say] he clarifies to her earlier bewilderment, glancing across at her with a bold grin that glitters with affection. [say]"This bag is part of a quest for Frey. A different quest from last time I saw you,"[/say] he laughs. [say]"That one actually ended really well, so thanks for all your help. In fact, I should definitely buy you something while we're out as proper thanks"[/say] To that note, he'll need to start paying attention to what might draw her eye, things that aren't shaggy bags.
[say]"Sooo, the bag is gonna be enchanted to have wind inside that wooshes out when you open it."[/say] Skyship sailer, hairdryer, summer heat cooler-offer, you know, the usual magic bag shit. [say]"Maybe leather with some pretty tooling?"[/say] he wonders then, realizing it might get wet aboard her ship. His head cranes to properly assess the stall they walk past, deciding not to twist them towards the display of knitted satchels. The wind would constantly escape through all the little holes.
Her excitement draws his attention back, 'brows rising at the name she trumpets out. [say]"Wha-what is a blood moon festival?"[/say] he's picturing a red moon, but not the actual one in the sky, maybe some ruby version they dance around. [say]"Is it during Longnight? Because we got a week-long bonfire party here for that, and I gotta help patrol it to make sure no one gets into too many fights."[/say] He'll be partaking too, but since Ronin offered, and because it feels like what the soldiers would all be doing anyway in various shifts, he knows he'll have to put in some work too. [say]"It's also hard for her to leave right now, since she's the queen and doesn't have a co-ruler anymore."[/say]
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Charlie - 10-06-2025
Charlie preens at the praise, tilting her chin up with a pleased little hmm! that all but sparkles in the air. His next idea makes her light up even more. [say]"Ooooooohhh,"[/say] she gasps, eyebrows bouncing in gleeful approval. [say]"A bag that glows when you open it? I love that. Imagine—instant drama and convenience!"[/say]
At the mention of the orange bag, her whole face brightens again, ever the hype man. [say]"Oh, I remember that one!"[/say] she exclaims, her curls bouncing as she nods. [say]"We could always get someone to add pockets in after. Then it’s custom—one of a kind, just like her."[/SAY] She grins up at him, clearly picturing it, as though the whole thing were already sparkling gold and perfect in her mind.
When he says his last quest went well, Charlie claps her hands together with a delighted laugh. [say]"That's awesome! And I'm always happy to help, you don't have to get me anything."[/say] Her tail swishes behind her, betraying the pleasure she takes in being remembered at all. [say]"But I do like hanging out with you, so maybe we could go for another fly sometime—so long as your girlfriend doesn’t mind,"[/say] she adds with an exaggeratedly innocent blink.
His mention of Frey earns a wrinkled nose and a fond, affectionate little scoff. [say]"You should ask Dygra for something sometime instead of just Frey,"[/say] she teases. The name rolls off her tongue like silk and fire. [say]"She loves a bit of chaos, and you’d fit right in. I bet she’d adore you."[/say]
When he muses about the bag, Charlie’s head tilts, her ruby horns catching the sun. [say]"Would nautical be too obvious?"[/say] she wonders aloud, eyes narrowing in mock concentration. [say]"We could do an anchor bag—gold trim, sapphires set in the metal. Or—oh!"[/say] she gasps, eyes going wide. [say]"What about a sea monster bag?"[/say]
His question about the Blood Moon Festival makes her go incandescent with excitement. Before he can blink, she’s slipped against his side again, practically glowing with joy. [say]"You have to come!"[/say] she insists, fluttering her lashes up at him. [say]"It’s not during LongNight—it’ll be near the start of Flowerbirth. The whole thing’s going to be divine."[/say] Her grin widens. [say]"Your girlfriend is totally invited, or you can come solo,"[/say] she says with a sly poke to his hip. [say]"You two can’t be joined at the hip all the time, can you? And absence makes the heart grow fonder, or whatever."[/say]
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Kaisel - 10-06-2025
Her suggestion is like a fresh breath, his steps a bit jauntier as the idea of another fly is extended with all the ease of a shrug. It bolts a quick rush of words through him, a hand seizing her arm in the excitement as he claws for her attention to tell her the insanity he's been dealing with. [say]"OH MY GODS, YES! BUT—also—she doesn't believe me. I told her I rode on your back and she thinks I made it all up."[/say] He rolls his eyes with the dramatic fashion of someone forced to withstand injustice. [say]"So maybe if she sees you and also gets a ride, she'll finally believe me about the giant toad too."[/say] Y'know, for someone with a truth ring, she sure struggles to understand obviously real things, like how athletic and muscular he is too.
The suggestion of Dygra is one he's more hesitant about, recalling that last time he'd offered to learn more about the mysterious goddess and even, foolishly, touted that he might be down to convert. [say]"Doesn't she only answer to Anients?"[/say] he asks with a truly curious lift to his features as he looks back at Charlie, uncertain if that's accurate or if she's implying he'll have to change first, clearly. No biggie for a quest. Admittedly he knows the least about Dygra of all the gods and heralds he's studied, but the whole blood aspect of it has left his curiosity firmly uninspired. If anyone could give him some insight though, it'd definitely be their priestess.
His hand slips from hers, both of them cutting through the air in a large NEGATIVE x-motion in front of him. [say]"No nautical,"[/say] he says quick and sharp, the sudden and taut refusal suggesting he won't be explaining why. Though, sea monster is a more promising notion, but whether made from a slain beast or crafted to look like one, he thinks it suits her the least. The shaggy one he could picture her toting around better than a kracken's head. Which, might be partly because a kracken's head is not the most straightforward part of their body.
His arms lift when she's suddenly looped back around him, and the pattern of thoughts over bags ripples away into a charmed smile. His one arm settles back down atop her head, using her short stature like a casual rest as he considers the offer. [say]"Her name's Flora,"[/say] he offers with a faint laugh, because as charming as it is hearing her called his girlfriend over and over again, she's far more than just that. [say]"I think there's a difference between some absences and running across Caido to a party without her,"[/say] he says with a wrinkle to his features that suggests he will not be fumbling his way into that particular trap. [say]"Besides, I have been rather absent lately. I've been up at Stormbreak a bunch this season helping them rebuild after the Family. I still have a lot of friends and family there, since it used to be my home pretty much my whole life."[/say] His heart has definitely grown fonder, although he'd like to put that to the same test as staying near her this whole time.
[say]"Anyway, none of that tells me what the Blood Moon Festival is,"[/say] he points out with an expectant lull before continuing. [say]"And, you should come to the party here for Longnight, since they don't overlap!"[/say] His eye hesitates for a moment overtop her head as the glint of something vaguely bag-shaped and shiny draws his attention.
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Charlie - 10-06-2025
Charlie beams, the mischief and light in her eyes flaring like struck flint. Kai’s excitement is contagious, and she thrives on it. [say]"Wait, wait—she doesn’t believe you?"[/say] she asks, genuinely baffled, tilting her head so that her curls fall over one shoulder. [say]"What’s so hard to believe about it?"[/say] Her grin widens, all sharp teeth and sun, delighted by the absurdity of disbelief in a world full of impossible things.
The moment he mentions Dygra, Charlie perks up instantly, her energy crackling anew. [say]"Nope!"[/say] she chirps, shaking her head so enthusiastically that her horns catch the light, scattering rays of ruby light onto the nearby stalls. [say]"Especially because you’re Accepted, she’d totally help you out! And if you like weird Frey sex quests—"[/say] her voice drops into a conspiratorial purr, [say]"—she can definitely do that too."[/say] Clearly Kaisel did, or else why would he always be visiting Frey? Charlie gives a little bounce of her shoulders, completely sincere in her offer and utterly unbothered by how outrageous it might sound.
His sharp rejection of her nautical idea doesn’t even dent her mood. [say]"Got it!"[/say] she says cheerfully, nodding as though she’s just taken a royal decree. [say]"What about wind chimes? Then youu could hear the wind when you open it! Like, actual mood music for your magic bag."[/say] The idea seems to thrill her, her tail flicking in rhythmic approval as if she’s already imagining the sound.
When he rests his arm on her head again, Charlie moves without hesitation, slipping against his side so that his arm falls naturally around her instead. Her grin turns wicked, eyebrows bouncing as she sing-songs, [say]"Floooraaaa~,"[/say] drawing the name out until it practically sparkles in the air. [say]"Don’t become one of those guys,"[/say] she warns with mock seriousness, blue eyes glinting. [say]"You know, the ones who make their girlfriends their entire personality? Ugh."[/say] Then, with a slightly softer warmth that peeks through the teasing, she adds, [say]"Sounds like Flora’s got a lot on her plate, though. Which means she definitely won’t want her boyyyfriiiend—"[/say] another teasing stretch of the word, [say]"—to be the boring sort who skips totally fun Blood Moon Festivals."[/say]
Her tail gives an eager flick as she chirps, [say]"Deal!"[/say] at his counter-offer to come to Torchline’s LongNight festivities, before she flits toward a nearby display of shiny chains. As she runs her fingers across the glittering links, her tone softens slightly, threaded with something more genuine beneath the usual brightness. [say]"Blood Moons only happen a few times a year,"[/say] she explains. [say]"Back before I got turned to stone, we had these massive festivals to celebrate. Now it’s a little different, but the spirit’s the same. It’s about connection—about vibing with change instead of fighting it."[/say]
Turning back toward him, her grin returns, radiant and fierce. [say]"Nothing ever stays the same, so you gotta make the most of what you’ve got while it’s here. That's Dygra's whole thing, and that's what I design the festival around!"[/say]
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Kaisel - 10-06-2025
He does consider her query seriously for a moment, the energy of the extension for another ride and proving Flora wrong stuttering away as he thinks on it. [say]"Welllll,"[/say] he draws out with a mild realization. [say]"I guess I didn't tell her the dragon I rode is a shifted Ancient. Our conversation got a bit sidetracked before I could give her all the details."[/say] He supposes, in her shoes, the idea of climbing up the draig to rodeo on a wild dragon does sound rather tall tale, and impossible. [say]"But you should totally still meet her,"[/say] he declares, [say]"although, her dragon, Spice, might not appreciate it if you're a dragon. She's territorial about things."[/say] Typical dragon MO really.
The clarification about Dygra does cause Kaisel's interest in the matter to sharpen a bit. Maybe he should see this god out for once. He's considered visiting Ludo too, although he's heard plenty of stories about how Ludo likes to request some harmful things too, so as much fun as the pranks have always seemed, Kaisel has been less interested in that aspect of the trickster herald. Safrin had honestly been his go to, but that door is one he's going to firmly keep shut for a long time. [say]"Wha—she doesn't do weird sex stuff,"[/say] he says with a flap of his hand a raspberry of disbelief between his lips, the vibration of which is ticklish even in the short lifespan of the noise. [say]"I mean, sure, I had to draw someone nude, but the other things weren't like that. And this quest is all about blow jobs, nothing sexual there."[/say] As if to prove a point, he puffs up his cheeks and blows out, clearly displaying the blow job he's got in mind.
A bright, truly delighted laugh meets her suggestion of windchimes, because by gods she is truly on fire today (literally, HAH). He snaps his fingers, [say]"yes Charlie! Amazing idea, I bet she'd love windchimes."[/say] He's less positive about the ability to find them, similar to his glowing and light-up bag idea. Seems they're just ahead of the times. [say]"Maybe just forgo the windchimes completely and get her a musical instrument. Like bag pipes?"[/say] It's not meant to be a joke, exactly, but he is grinning at the perfect pairing of the two needs with that.
His arm hangs loose and easy back against her shouders after she dips her head out from under it, which is probably for the best else he might have forgotten her horns and nicked himself on them at some point when needing his hands to animate his words. [say]"One of what guys?"[/say] he demands with a bounce of his 'brows, although she swiftly answers and he shakes his head with a scoff. [say]"No—never,"[/say] he breathes like a scout's vow, serious and equally repulsed by the idea, even if he has entirely upended his entire life for her and is prone to a trail of thoughts that are in the vein of whatever the girl wants she gets. [say]"She is my best friend though,"[/say] he admits, unable to keep the fond, wistful edge from his voice. [say]"She is so fun, and always up for adventure. You'd love her."[/say] Really, is it so bad that he misses her every time she's not around? That doesn't mean she's his personality, right? It just means her personality is that impressive.
He tosses her a sidelong glance at the sing-song of her voice over the word, amusement softening the side eye. [say]"I'll ask her,"[/say] he promises, the only guarantee she's going to get out of him, even if a Blood Moon Festival does sound like fun, despite still not knowing what it is. Festival is usually a promising enough indicator, but he'd still prefer it be the both of them attending, and he's not about to get roped into something solo just because.
Content that Charlie's agreement to come to the party here will be holdover enough on the topic of who's attending what, he does listen to her explanation of the Blood Moon affair. It's all very vague still, and maybe it's the whole Blood part of the Blood Moon thing, but it sounds like she's intentionally glossing over details. Maybe it's just his imagination running wild with the name, and Dygra's whole shtick, and Ancients in general, but he's getting vampire cult orgy vibes from the entire thing, and that's definitely sounding like some place he shouldn't be without Flora, or at all. [say]"Hmmm,"[/say] he considers, trying not to dampen the clear thrill running rampant through her, especially if this is her baby. [say]"I suppose that's a nice thing to embrace. Living in the moment and all. Everyone's always telling me to plan ahead more and learn from the past."[/say] He sighs, as though it's a great burden for everyone else to not just go with the flow as easily as she seems to.
He stops suddenly at a stall, turning her with him as his arm guides her, his other hand plucking up what has his attention. [say]"What do you think of this?"[/say] It's a soft, pale leather that's been dyed teal at the bottom, fading lighter into almost white at the top, seeming to be its original hue. The top of the bag is covered with a flap of leather that hangs down over the front, curled and cut at the bottom so that the flap gives the appearance of a sea shell, and some ridges and lines tooled into the body of the flap accentuate that idea. The flap doesn't have the teal like the main body of the bag, giving it the appearance that the body is the sea, and the flap a shell that's washed onto it, colored more peachy and amber instead. There's a pocket on either side, and it's got a golden chain affixing a leather strap to the bulk of it as the main handle on the top, behind the flap.
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Charlie - 10-06-2025
Charlie huffs a pout, her lips red and petulant in a way that’s more playful than sincere. [say]"That’s such a shame,"[/say] she sighs dramatically, shaking her head. [say]"Back in my day, dragons were everywhere. You couldn’t swing a tail without hitting one."[/say] The complaint melts quickly into a grin; sharp and amused, all white fangs and mischief. [say]"No sweat about Spice, though. The trick with dragons is bribery. Bring meat, gold, or something shiny, and they’ll usually love you for it."[/say]
When Kaisel insists Frey doesn’t do weird sex quests only to immediately mention blow jobs, Charlie stops mid-step, mouth parting into a slow, incredulous look that could’ve come straight from an episode of The Office. She blinks once. Twice. “[say]"Uh-huh,"[/say] she says dryly, fighting a smirk. [say]"Not sexual at all."[/say] Still, she waves it off with a flick of her tail, curls bouncing as she moves. [say]"Anyway, Dygra’s a lot more powerful than the heralds. If you’re gonna quest from anyone, might as well go straight to the top."[/say]
The moment he mentions bagpipes, though, her laughter bursts out bright and delighted. [say]"Perfect chime–bag combo!"[/say] she crows, fluttering her fingers in the air to mimic windchimes, the invisible tinkling somehow audible in her tone.
Charlie listens with her usual mix of warmth and teasing skepticism when he starts waxing poetic about Flora. [say]"HMMMMMMMM,"[/say] she hums loudly, narrowing her eyes in mock suspicion. [say]"She sounds lovely, really,"[/say] Charlie teases, the corners of her lips twitching. [say]"All the more reason to bring her to the festival! I’ll even do something special, just for her!"[/say] She nods at his I’ll ask her with exaggerated seriousness, though her eyes are bright with mischief.
When the talk shifts toward Dygray's philosophies, her expression softens, the fire of her grin turning contemplative. [say]"Eww,"[/say] she says, nose wrinkling as if the idea of planning physically offends her. [say]"I’ve always thought it’s better to work on you, right now, so you can handle whatever comes. Plans change. People change. But if you just are your best self, you’re golden no matter what happens."[/say] Her tail flicks idly, a lazy punctuation to her thought. [say]"Besides,"[/say] she adds with a shrug and a smile, [say]"we could all die literally any time. What’s the point in wasting all your effort planning for days you might never get, and not enjoying the ones you’ve got?"[/say]
When he stops to show her the bag, Charlie ooohs and aaahs appropriately, circling it with clear delight as though it’s a rare gem. [say]"Oh, it’s beautiful!"[/say] she declares, reaching out to trace the shell-like curve of the flap with a reverent fingertip. [say]"The colours are perfect!"[/say] Tilting her head, she taps one nail lightly against the gold chain. [say]"Is there a size requirement for holding wind?"[/say] she asks curiously. [say]"Because if not, this is perfect. She could totally use it out and about."[/say] Her grin turns sly as she glances back at him. [say]"And you could add a little charm here—"[/say] she taps the chain again, [say]"—something personal. Then she’ll know it’s from you."[/say]
RE: I like my men all incompetent - Kaisel - 10-07-2025
Oh, right, he forgot she's old. Although the idea of that many dragons sounds terrifying. [say]"How'd you not get eaten stepping outside your house?"[/say] he wonders, eyes wide with the idea. Much as he does like dragons, he's not sure that many is a good number.
[say]"Alright, alright, you've convinced me,"[/say] he tells her with one hand lifted in surrender. [say]"I'll visit Dygra for my next quest. I do need to make my weapons stronger."[/say] He's been a bit preoccupied with girls as of late and his training, and his focus on personal growth, has admittedly waned a touch. He doesn't intend to let that continue, especially not if there's going to be any more burning buildings in his future. He needs to be able to take those threats on, if need be. [say]"I'll even come visit you when I do it, deal?"[/say]
Leaving behind the idea of wind-chime bags, Kaisel pulls at the back of his neck in mild embarrassment as Charlie clearly calls him out on his non-stop gushing (see Flora, this is gushing). Although surprise is soon replacing the feeling, his gaze brightening a bit when he looks back at her. [say]"Really?"[/say] he asks of her doing something special just for Flora. [say]"That's so nice of you, wow!"[/say] That'd definitely make it harder for Flora to turn down then, he figures, which might be enough to convince her to leave boring paperwork for a night.
Kaisel just nods in agreement with all that she's saying, because yes, he agrees completely and Dygra does sound like she knows a thing or two. Although, he chooses not to point out that Charlie is in fact, planning this very moment, afraid that it might result in some paradox like when you trick a cyborg in a sci-fi movie and then all its circuits fry. Plus the bag distracts him from the topic, and he's positively beaming at Charlie's approval of it, which seals it as the one. [say]"Uuuuh,"[/say] he says with a scratch to his temple, [say]"I dunno, Frey didn't say anything about the size."[/say] Which, he'll take to mean this is size enough.
He glances at the place she motions to for a charm, confusion plain for a moment. [say]"She'll know it's from me because I'm giving it to her,"[/say] he points out, like it's obvious. He thinks on it more as he trades coin for it with the vendor, taking the paper bag in return where it's been wrapped into for safe travels. [say]"I guess a charm could be cute though,"[/say] he concedes, thinking of the keychain she got him. [say]"I'll have to plan what it should be,"[/say] he muses aloud, but seems to shake the thought away. [say]"Okay, well if you don't want any things, what if we grab lunch?"[/say]