RP between Ganu and Elias
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Ganu — 10/28/2021
Before any of this, Ganu had taken Elias to get suited out nicely at a tailors, insisting that he needed to look ready for an interview just in case they ran into any opportunities while they were out. He'd let Elias pick the colours of course, but he'd suggest that he looked good in contrasting shades of grey or black and gold. He'd smiled and appreciated every outfit the man had tried.
Now? outside the shop he'd turn to Elias "How does it feel? movement feel good in it?" he asked warmly.
He was quick to move on though "Not far from here there's an upper-end sort of restaurant." Fancy nobles loved food and wine etcetera, right? It was a good place to start even if it was a bit of a stereotype. "Why don't we head on over there and have a look at the sort of jobs you might be able to do there, hm?" he rumbles and places a large hand upon Elias' back.
Elias — 10/28/2021
After much fussing and insisting he didn't have to do this Elias stood in the mirror in a fresh cut of clothes that looked... surprisingly dashing.
He had to admit, even with the fur and tail and horns he still wasn't accustomed to... he could almost say he looked good.
"It is an impeccable cut. Very fitting. I daresay, too good for me now that I've had such a drastic change in station." The way he stood a little taller in it though, it was clear he was back in his element.
"I think the establishment is as good a place to begin as any. With any luck I'll eventually bump into someone I know. Could be a good first step to getting my identity back. And if not, well. At least a bit of coin in the mean time."
He sounded hopeful. Being around Ganu made it hard to be a pessimist.
Degu — 10/28/2021
g: "You're a lot more humble than I'd expect a noble fallen from grace to be, Elias, I'll admit that. It's... nice. It shows you're willing to adapt and learn. The makings of a true leader, should you ever return to your people" he says with a smile, guiding Elias towards the canal across Apricus Park.
They stepped up to the front of the beautiful restaurant ( 🟢-apricus-restaurant ) and needless to say their appearance made some of the hoity toity mundane crowd a little uncomfortable. Ganu seemed completely unaware, or he was ignoring it "Here we are, you know it's fancy if it has marble pillars inside" he chortled and stepped into the building, holding the door open.
"There's a bar, think you can picture yourself pouring wine and fixing up fancy drinks? ...or maybe the table service, or hospitality. You used to be a leader, right? means you must have some good communication skills."
The lady at the front desk looked very awkwardly between them for a long moment, they TOWERED over her "Uh-uhm, Can I h-help you gentlemen?"
Elias — 10/28/2021
"It's easy to be humble when one has been humbled I suppose. It's hard to feel sorry for myself when someone has my back I suppose." He gave the troll a smile.
"I used to spend quite a lot of time at very boring parties in places similar to this one. I bet I could make for a decent wine server, I was a bit of a wine connoisseur... oh."
He turned to face her and smiled brightly, showing off the fangs that matched his horns and claws.
"Ah! Salutations madame, Elias Blackbull at your service." He gave her a formal bow. "I am an educated man who's had a bit of a change of life situation recently and I was wondering... if... your fine establishment needed any extra hands?"
Ganu — 10/28/2021
The woman looks down as if to confirm that Elias even has the aforementioned hands and not just hooves and then squeaks as she looks back up into those fangs. Between those and Ganu's tusks she's trembling "I- I'll ask the manager!" she squeaks and runs off in the direction of the kitchen.
Ganu reaches out to grip Elias' wrist "Do not be disheartened, you may have to fight a little harder than ever before. Just stay patient and understanding until they deserve sterner words." Ganu wasn't going to tell Elias to roll over and take injustice, stern words after attempts at bridging the gap with kindness were fine. Their sort needed to stand up for themselves.
"If you know wine then that's a good start. Heck, I know a guy - well he's more Maxie's friend, the guy who gave us a ride when you arrived. He runs a winery, we might try at his shop after this." Wine, right? it was a good start. Regal, dignified, he knew it wasn't too many thousand miles from Elias' comfort zone.
The young girl didn't return but the manager headed straight for them like a shark towards a baby seal. Her face was angular, eyes dark "Would either of you two 'gentlemen' like to explain why my hostess is having a meltdown in the store room?"
Ganu blinks....well that's a bit dramatic! He takes a deep breath and smiles at Elias, nodding for him to speak to the manager. You've got it, dude! no matter what.
Elias — 10/28/2021
"Goodness. Is she alright? She seemed quite fine a moment or two ago." It wasn't clear if he was feigning ignorance, or just genuinely didn't understand. Maybe it was just a slow, dawning realization that he had, once again, scared someone.
"Elias Blackbull at your service sir, I was just trying to inquire about the possibility of joining your establishment as an employee- I think you will find me very easy going with guests and I have spent many a long hour in similar venues..."
He gave a pained, toothy smile. Why did he feel like this wasn't working?
Ganu — 10/28/2021
The woman let out a bark of laughter but then looked between them "...Oh dear you're serious" she fans herself with her hand "Mm ah- hmm- no I don't think we have any vacancies right now. I expect we won't for a long time." she says quite curtly and looks towards the door as if to silently hint that she wanted them to leave.
Ganu's brows furrowed "Well you're missing out on a fine, well-mannered gentleman. Come on Elias." he grumbles to him and turns to head on out. He doesn't even wait "I'm sorry, realized there was no point trying. Looks like a mundie-only place." he looks back towards the window and sees a hand snap out of the curtains to turn the 'HIRING - ENQUIRE INSIDE' sign around so it couldn't be read, rolling his eyes irritably.
"But wine! That's a start, right? you like wine a lot then? good at tasting it?" he started across the bridge at a leisurely pace. "We could check out that friend's winery, or - go out on a limb and look at something different. How about entertainment industry? The coliseum is bound to be a little more open minded."
Elias — 10/28/2021
His brow furrowed as they were quickly ushered out. It was a good thing Ganu was there to chase him out before he could get ornery over it.
"...When I get my name back I'm going to purchase that restaurant and have her clean fish guts for me." He snorted.
"Wine is... a good start. I suppose its the closest thing I have for a job in food service. We could try your friends winery."
He blanched a bit at mention of the Coliseum. "Does the ah... Coliseum need wait staff? I don't know that I have much of a heart for competition..."
Ganu — 10/28/2021
Ganu smiles at the water, a few ducks linger at the waters edge and look up at them, swans avoid romantic gondolas going by with couples cooing over each other inside. Thornmouth sure has a lovely atmosphere to soak up.
"Oh it's not a....stabby killy sort of coliseum" he chuckles deeply "But there are a variety of hospitality roles from serving drinks to selling tickets but... lets try the winery, hm? It's not far from the coliseum anyway" he says but seems to be walking painfully slow, they obviously aren't going to get there any time soon at this rate.
Ganu just seems to be smiling and soaking up the afternoon atmosphere for a moment.
Elias — 10/28/2021
"A winery is basically my natural habitat. I hope I can at least do something. I'm not important enough to be useless anymore."
He sighed. Truth be told, the nervous noble was also in no hurry to embarrass himself again. If Ganu wanted to take the scenic route, all the better.
"... is the weather always this nice here? We did get some snow back home."
Ganu — 10/28/2021
Ganu tilted his head towards Elias and chuckled softly "It snowed last year, but an old fae brought the snow. It's certainly normally warmer than this. I'd say it's a fair bit cooler than it has been."
He takes half a step closer to Elias as they walk, enjoying his company. They cross another bridge and Ganu stops momentarily to look over the rails down at the water.
"Perhaps he will bring ....snow...this year" there's a little dread in his tone "hmm I hope he wasn't the one you angered....he took the form of a white stag and initiated a hunt. I forget his name... hmm let me think"
He shook his head and shrugged "I expect not anyway. Perhaps if he returns you can shoot him and win a prize" the troll laughs and nudges at Elias "You're good at hunting? past aside. Maybe that could be an avenue to explore."
Elias — 10/28/2021
He let out a deep growling laugh. "If I see that bastard again, I don't know if I'd shoot at him or just run for the hills. I'm lucky I still have all of my important body parts, albeit with some creative modifications."
He leaned against the rail and looked into the water, only to frown and look away from it when he spotted his own reflection.
"I was a decent hunter. Good horseman too. I know the basic ins and outs of each but much of the dirty work was taken care of for me."
He turned away from the water to lean with his back against the rail. "The sorts of things I'm good at like archery and horseback riding would probably fit well with security of some sort but ah... I get the impression they're even less friendly to my sort than the restaurants are."
Ganu — 10/28/2021
Ganu saw the way Elias looked away and stared a little more sadly down at his reflection.
He listens in silence for a moment and then reaches up to tap him on the shoulder in the hopes of getting him to turn around again.
If he does, he'd gently grip Elias' by the goaty beard on his chin and tilt his head down towards the water again.
"There's nothing wrong with you. You look good today, don't let the close-minded make you think otherwise." he says it as if he has some experience. He gently releases Elias, his tail swishing to the side to brush briefly against his.
Elias — 10/28/2021
He was struck silent as he was grabbed and led by the beard. Made to look at his own reflection once again, he made a point, this time, to actually do so, and stared into his own (watery, distorted) eyes for a few moments.
"You're right. But its easy to know something in your head and still not feel it in your heart."
At the touch of Ganu's tail, though, he felt himself unexpectedly flush hot.
"Should we head to the winery then? I have a good feeling about this one."
October 29, 2021
Ganu — 10/29/2021
Ganu looks at him for a moment and beams "It takes time to feel it, even I still struggle with it and i've dealt with it my entire life." he murmurs.
"But lets get going. It's just around this corner" he makes his way across the rest of the bridge and down some steps towards a garden with a row of grapevines that stood there for aesthetic alone.
He led him to the door "I hope he's in the store today, if not we'll ask to speak to him" he explains and pushes the door open, holding it for Elias.
"He's here" he whispers quickly.
Rufio is stood there looking out of sorts. He always is when he and Sullivan need to be in different places. Sullivan keeping the vineyard running while the pompous rooster came down to the shop itself in town.
He was watching his worker stack new bottles on a shelf with his hands on his hips, turning his head and blinking at the sight of the huge beast men stepping in.
"A-ah! Ganu- I see you have brought a - mm- friend?" the rooster steps back a little against his counter as Elias all but dwarfs him. "Hsk! hsk! look- fire-! fire bad" he spat a few pathetic flames between his teeth at Elias "I bet that fur is flammable you heathen!"
"Master Delgado, we are friends" warned Ganu in a low voice as if to say 'stop being rude'. He smiles at Elias and encourages him with a nudge. Go for it. His eyes ask his friend to trust him.
Elias — 10/29/2021
He turned and looked at Ganu with a raised eyebrow of surprise. "You've struggled with it too? I honestly wouldn't have guessed. You seem so confident, so sure of your place, your next step." The implication of course, was that Elias was not confident and was jealous of the fact.
He did smooth out his shirt and try to stand tall when they entered. He was content to let Ganu do the talking... but then this odd man was making noises. It took him a moment to realize the abuse was directed at him.
The little spit of fire made the fur on his neck stand up, and suddenly he was looking even bigger than before somehow.
"Ex-CUSE me! Do you have any idea who I am?" He said in a deep grumble. He'd had enough of that for the day, and now poor Rufio would hear it.
"I am Elias Blackbull! Principality of the northwest Albionne kingdoms, and I have had quite enough of people talking to me like that!"
His fur eventually settled, and he was left looking quite embarrassed.
Rufio Delgado — 10/29/2021
Rufio's eyes widened and a hand pressed quickly over his own heart as Elias raises his voice.
Do you have any idea who I am?
His frown is gone, mouth agape with interest.
There's a pregnant silence after the man finishes what he's saying before Rufio pushes away from the counter and the worried looking employee.
The rooster struts in proper cockerel fashion around Elias in a circle, eyeing him up and down "Elias Blackbull, well why didn't you say you were important?" he had no idea who this guy was but only someone on his level could pull the 'DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?' spiel and be convincing.
"Well Mr. Blackbull, I hope you like wine" of all the tasks in the world Rufio considered to be beneath him, pouring wine wasn't one of them. He quickly snatched up a bottle of Basilisk from the shelves, quickly pouring the two of them a glass, forgetting Ganu is even there.
He slides a full glass towards Mr. Blackbull with a sly glimmer in his eyes "So, Mr. Blackbull (Ironic name..)" he mutters the last part under his breath "What brings you to my fine establishment?" he practically purrs as if he's sweetening up someone wealthy for the deal of a lifetime.
Ganu doesn't seem to mind being forgotten, Elias might hear him chuckling subtly. He should have considered the two might have the potential to hit it off.
Elias — 10/29/2021
His embarrassment quickly faded to polite smiles. "Wine is actually what brings us this way. My friend here, Mr. Ganu, tells me this is the premiere wine establishment in Thornmouth, and he hasn't steered me wrong yet."
He cast a sly wink to his companion. Raising the glass to his muzzle, he made a show of swirling it, smelling it before sampling a small sip.
"Ahh, now that is a fine red. Deep and fiery, warms the core. Are you the vintner, then? It takes a very clever palate to correctly fix these tinctures."
Rufio Delgado — 10/29/2021
Rufio squeaks in delight "Indeed it is the premier establishment! indeed indeed! Mr. Ganu is smart, he certainly is correct" he'd almost said 'smart for a troll' but avoided that. He had to be nice.
Ganu's a little surprised by the wink, smiling and feeling a warmth to his cheeks.
Rufio almost raised his own glass to his lips but then paused to watch Elias, there was a great importance to the way that Elias sampled it. He passes some sort of unspoken test.
"That's Basilisk, my strongest wine. I dare say it competes quite easily with elven wine" he preens and swirls his glass "Large supernaturals like yourself need a little something more than the Delgado brand, that's for the little humans more than anything" he laughs with a roll of his eyes.
"Oh yes I'm the vintner, but something tells me you didn't come here simply to taste my wine, did you?" he leans forwards expectantly, bright golden eyes transfixed on Elias's own questioningly.
Elias — 10/29/2021
"Competes? I should say it surpasses some of them. I would know." He finished off his glass with a genteel sip. It was powerful stuff- made his tail curl, but in a good way.
"Actually, there is something more. Mr. Ganu and I were talking about the wine establishments in town, and we got around to mentioning how hard it is to find good help."
He cast a quick glance at the clerk stocking bottles. "That its a shame for such a creative vintner to have to take time away from the art and the chemistry of wine making to have to run the counter." He shrugged.
"You've done so much good here, especially keeping the riff raff like vampires fed. I just wonder what you could come up with next, if only you had the time..."
He brushed his nails against his shirt. "It actually just so happens that I'm taking an extended stay in Thornmouth, and I was looking for some form of work suitable for my station to occupy my time while I sort out some land dealings."
Rufio Delgado — 10/30/2021
Rufio purses his lips to one side in thought, eyes slowly drifting to Ganu and then back to Elias "Is that so? hmm hm hm." he tapped his lips with two fingers, side-eyeing his hard working employee with vague irritability.
"Yes, yes I suppose you're right... We are a little short at the moment~"
He clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth "what do you say... we give you a trial period hm? you'll be paid, of course, but if i find out you are in fact lying to me about your drinking prowess you will be terminated- from the position, I don't kill employees these days"
The employee kneeling by the display looks up sharply from what he's doing with concern. Rufio chortles and waves a hand "Don't be so serious! It is a joke mi amigo! a joke!"
Rufio did another circle around Elias "Hm, come in tomorrow...dressed like so" he motions to Elias's current get up "And we will see what you are made of, won't we? At noon." the rooster flicks his hair and turns away, hands on his hips.
"Now I'm very busy, I will see you at noon tomorrow, Mr. Blackbull."
Ganu grinned and held the door once more, eyes gleaming as they sought Elias' own before he nodded towards the door. He was happy for him!
Elias — 10/30/2021
"I think I'll find that my expertise exceeds expectations, sir. I look forward to it. Shall we, Ganu?"
He turned to his compatriot, and waited till they were both outside and safely out of eye and earshot to grab the troll in a massive hug.
"IT WORKED! I cannot believe that worked!"
Ganu — 10/30/2021
Ganu wasn't expecting the sudden hug, eyes wide as he's wrapped around. He felt the warmth shoot up to his cheeks, his markings brightly shimmering through his body.
He cleared his throat, smiling almost ear to ear as he wraps strong arms around Elias and drew him closer into a tight embrace.
"I knew you could do it. Now you've just got to keep the rooster happy and things'll go swimmingly i reckon" he rumbles and rests his head against Elias' own. This is nice.
Elias — 10/30/2021
As if realizing what he was doing, he abruptly released Ganu with a sheepish look on his face. "Oh yes, he said to come well dressed and to know my wine. Those are two things I am quite well versed in, I think he and I will get along swimmingly at this venture."
He sighed happily. "Thank you. Without your help I'd be out there freezing to death in a hollow log with a belly full of grubs."
Ganu — 10/30/2021
Ganu never stops smiling, releasing Elias gently shortly after he himself is released. "Well.."
He begins walking and then says a little more shyly "Thank you. My home has been lonely for a while." Albeit he hadn't been living in it for technically three years earth plane time but the time away had been lonely too.
"Argus is wonderful company, but... well, you know." he hums and looks straight ahead now as he heads towards home on the far other side of the city.
"We should do something tonight to celebrate, a little wine and a good meal. You don't need to work until the afternoon anyway."
Elias — 10/30/2021
"I'd like that." He smiled warmly. "I admit I've been very lonely too. I had wondered if I could ever integrate into society again, honestly. And now look at me, well dressed and employed."
"And say, now that I'm earning a little money I'd like to treat you to something nice once it starts to properly come in. What are you in the mood for? Wine typically pairs well with meat."
Ganu — 11/01/2021
Ganu couldn't stop beaming, he was proud of Elias. They'd only met recently and he was still so proud of him.
"I want a big juicy boar. I've got a spit in the garden out back." his stomach growls at the mere thought of it. "I know a place."
He'd stop by Arron and Quinne's butchery on the way home to purchase a whole darn boar and head on home with it slung across his shoulders, most likely catching the stares of passers by.
Upon reaching home Ganu heads straight for the garden, finding Argus already lounging out there in the bushes at full size. He lets out a deep 'Rauuu' in greeting but doesn't bother to get up. The troll goes about getting the boar onto the spit pretty much straight away "Why don't you go change into something more comfortable? don't want you getting boar fat on your lovely new suit!" there's a pause and then Ganu frowns "Oh- we forgot to get you something casual" he turns, he still needed to wash Elias' other clothes.
".. I should have a robe you can borrow in the bathroom if you'd like? Sorry" he rumbles and forces the boar further down onto the spit.
Elias — 11/01/2021
The sight of raw boar made his mouth water. The fact that it was hauled on Ganu's broad shoulders all the better...
A show of strength. He wondered inwardly how much stronger he'd gotten. He knew there was some changes, but he hadn't properly put his beastly form to the test. Maybe in time... but then the question.
"Oh! I'm so used to going around in my fancy buttons I completely forgot. A spare robe would be fine, thank you."
Or he could go around in his tights, but he left that part out.
"Can you show me how to properly prepare a boar? I'd love to help."
Ganu — 11/02/2021
Ganu glanced at the boar and then back at Elias before beaming "Of course, go get into a robe before you get grease all over that suit though. I'll wait."
Whenever Elias would return the troll would show him the basics of prepping a boar for the spit, at times giving him a sharpened blade and gripping his wrist to guide him in the right motion, but of course this would result in the troll leaning quite closely over his shoulder. A brush of a tusk here, a warm breath there, even Ganu was a little warm in the cheeks by the end of it. He slipped off to find the stronger Basilisk wine and returned, not bothering with a glass but instead deciding they'd share a bottle.
Finally with the boar seasoned, Ganu would sit on the log nearest the handle and invite Elias to join him with a smile. Occasionally he'd slowly turn the spit and then let the boar rest for a while. With a moment to spare the bottle was popped open and the first swig was offered to Elias "This is nice." the troll says after a time "...there's still so much I don't know about you, I feel like. And vice versa. Perhaps we ought to make a game of it" he said idly with a low, playful chuckle and flick of his tail.
Elias — 11/02/2021
Elias, to his credit, did genuinely want to know more about food prep. The feeling of Ganu's hand on his own though, and the overpowering aroma of meat and spices (his sense of smell had improved more than tenfold) he found himself quite distracted.
Finally though, there was a moment to sit and enjoy the fire and the company. He accepted the bottle gratefully.
"Is there any actual blood in bloodwyne? I've heard tales that once an animal has tasted blood it becomes ferocious for life, do you suppose the same is true of a beast man?"
He didn't seem afraid of the notion and took a hearty swig of the powerful brew before handing it back.
"Hmm, what did you have in mind, something like a, truth or dare?" He flushed hot, but blamed the alcohol. For now.
"Who starts?"
Ganu — 11/02/2021
Ganu chuckles deeply "From what i heard from a seer, I was raised eating raw flesh and blood. I drink bloodwyne, it has not changed me. It's important to make sure it's sourced ethically of course. Some brands i've come across in the past were less so..." he rumbled but then beamed "Ah yes, a bit like truth or dare!"
Perhaps Elias should have kept his mouth shut, Ganu seemed entirely entertained by the notion of truth or dare.
He pulls out a strange black coin with a scarab on one side of it, it seems to just have been in his pocket. "Heads or tails?" after flipping the coin he'd grunt.
"Heads." he said as the scarab faced up "Looks like I'm first, what do you want to ask me?" he takes a long swig "I'll answer honestly, promise" he rumbles, offering the bottle back and tucking the coin away again.
Elias — 11/02/2021
He stroked his beard for a moment in thought. "Hmm. I've got one. Where did you grow up?"
An innocent question, to begin the evening. "You're an elemental, were you born here or there?... are trolls born in the ah, traditional sense? Sorry if that's an insensitive question. I dont even know if you're technically... like... a mammal."
Ganu — 11/02/2021
The first question gives Ganu some pause. "I... well I don't entirely know. I know it was a swamp bordering a forest. I know I was part of a tribe with some rather bloody rituals. I'm an elementalist, Argus is an elemental." there's a sheepish smile and Argus lazily glances over before going back to sleep.
"So I was born on the material plane to answer that question. And yes we're pushed out in the traditional way" he burst into cheerful laughter, slapping his lap "Luckily the tusks grow in after that!"
It was a little insensitive, maybe, but Ganu didn't seem to notice or care "My turn. What about you? ... What were your parents like?" he changed the question up a little, curious about Elias' noble upbringing.
Elias — 11/02/2021
He nodded as Ganu answered, and chuckled a bit at the tusks comment. "I see."
Compatible anatomy then. Cough.
"I wish I could tell you about my parents but truthfully they didn't have much to do with raising their sons- there were three of us. All raised by a slew of nannies and nurses. My mother had a good sense of humor, laughed easily, visited when she could. Father was stern and formal but he did teach me to hunt."
He took a drink. "Though that didn't do me much good. Now, my turn to ask you again?"
He scooted a little closer. "How did you become an elementalist? What drew you?"
Ganu — 11/02/2021
Ganu nodded and patted Elias' knee sympathetically "Bout standard for a lot of noble families I know. Aye, ask away."
He pretends not to notice that scoot, but he's very aware that they're closer. He clears his throat and reaches for the drink almost as soon as Elias is done swigging from it, taking a swig himself to wet his dry throat.
"I was born one. My people supposedly all express it in some ways. At least that's what the seer said." he didn't offer the bottle back immediately this time "Didn't know till I was about eight years old though. I admired this woman called Phoenix, an archmage in a tall tower. She became like a mother to me even while I was living in the forest outside a small town. My powers awakened in my sleep...I had a bad dream, woke up to find i'd summoned some horrible vine creature that tried to kill me. She started teaching me after that, was the first person to adopt me. Albeit it did not last very long, but I hope she's still out there somewhere." he smiles a little more tightly at that and takes a long drink. He still wondered about her all these years later.
Finally the bottle is offered back "Did you ever dream of being anything other than the role you were born into, Elias?"
Elias — 11/02/2021
He nodded as he listened, and finally accepted the bottle back, swirling the contents idly in thought.
"Truth be told... when one has so much time for idle laziness its easy not to have much ambition. I was told I had a defined role over a defined territory and I was brought up with the expectation that I would fill it, and was trained for really nothing more. Everything was taken care of for me- I didn't even have to pick out my own clothes." He smiled sadly, realizing perhaps for the first time how pathetic that sounded out loud.
"Once I was cut off and nearly died of exposure I quickly came to realize... I didn't know how to do anything. And had no idea where I even wanted to be."
He paused for a few moments. "You said she adopted you... you weren't raised by your birth parents?"
Ganu — 11/02/2021
Ganu nodded along, he could imagine having so much done for you might end up being unhelpful in the long run. He couldn't imagine Rufio surviving without Sullivan.
"I don't even remember my birth parents. I remember wandering the forest. I was quick on my feet, I assume others of my race were. Had to learn to survive quickly and I did. Learned a lot of hard lessons in the wilderness, survived many poisonings from eating the wrong foods" he chuckled softly. "I always dreamed of having a family but it was hard to find anywhere that'd have me, or keep me at least. I even started a family and..." he trailed off and reached again for that bottle for a long swig.
"Lets just say, I haven't had much luck" a pause and he grins weakly in some attempt to move on "Seer said I was a prince, you know." there was vague amusement there, cheeks warm from the alcohol. He nudges Elias with his elbow "M' more noble than you, hows it feel?" he laughs loudly and shakes his head.
"Nah, that's a life I'm glad i missed out on. I'm happy where I am."
He almost seems to forget he's meant to answer a question, the strength of the alcohol thankfully means that even in swigging that one bottle he starts to feel the world swaying peacefully beneath his feet.
".. oh yeah, your turn" a long pause "I think you mentioned being destined for marriage before all this? ... Did y' love her? or anyone, where y' were from? truly?"
Elias — 11/02/2021
There was a lot of history there, most of it painful. He wasn't about to ruin the mood by pressing harder. "Seems we've all lost something." He nodded.
"The lady I was betrothed to... she was intelligent and kind, a very sensible match, very capable. But I... guess I dont know if I loved her? I never had a chance for it to blossom naturally with anyone else really. I did like her and I do miss her but."
He took a swig of wine. "I don't long for her or ache for her. I don't pine. I suppose I miss her for her familiarity moreso than an actual emotional bond. As much love poetry as I've read, I don't believe I've felt that way."
He felt his ears getting hot.
"Have you been in love?"
Ganu — 11/02/2021
Ganu smiles gently, the buzz of alcohol actually stops his mood dipping too badly at the question, he’s enjoying the company too much.
“Yes. Very much so.” He leans a little closer to Elias but a loud POP of exploding fat makes him startle and quickly turn the spit, he’d forgotten entirely. He keeps one hand idly turning it while he returns to the question “I’ve felt my heart flutter, my stomach flip, all those stories of love bards sing about I’ve felt it.”
He keeps it vague, uninterested in getting into the who’s and the why’s of the past. “Do you ever wish for love?”
Elias — 11/02/2021
"Oh yes. I've wanted it dearly. Often felt jealous at the... the spark other couples seemed to have that just wasn't there with my own bride to be. More so than physical passion, I never really felt like we understood one another."
He idly poked the fire with a stick, making flames dance. "Once the... incident occurred and I found myself on the outside, I gave up on it. Who could love a beast? Was hard enough finding someone willing to even speak to me without screaming. Magic is unheard of in my homeland. It comes in from outside and is considered, largely, dangerous if not evil outright." He shuddered.
"...Being here though gives me hope for better things. I have you to thank for that hope."
The wine was making him brave. "... What do you find attractive in a romantic partner?"
Ganu — 11/03/2021
Ganu smiled and nodded, he agreed. Love and passion certainly didn't always come as a single package.
"Then hold onto that hope, people aren't so close-minded here, on a whole anyway."
the question that comes next gives him some pause, cheeks warming and a shimmer of light passing under his markings "Ah- quite a loaded question really" he smiles and looks at the boar turning on the spit "Kindness. Empathy.... a willingness to learn and change." he rumbles deeply "Those things are very important to me."
“A respect for others, respect for nature..” he seems deep in thought as if it has been a while before he has even thought about something like this “I do enjoy someone who can match my strength and erm..” how to put it innocently? “Energy” he laughs a little drunkenly, cheeks warm as he focuses on the spit.
“Someone who loves me back.” He says a little more solemnly before glancing sideways at Elias “...what about you, Elias?” He asks softly, secretively.
Elias — 11/03/2021
"Is it loaded?" He chuckled nervously. The hair on his neck was beginning to stand up.
"Makes sense... the physical aspect I mean. I hadn't thought of that. Maybe if I tried to go back to my "wife" back home I'd end up accidentally hurting her anyway."
He took a nervous sip from the bottle. "I never really gave a lot of thought to what I wanted from a mate... mine was already picked out after all but. Now that I'm free... I suppose someone who is a good physical match. Someone patient with me, there is much I don't know. Someone generous. I guess you could say I... I'm figuring it out quickly."
He cleared his throat.
"Do you think the meat is done?"
Ganu — 11/03/2021
Ganu reaches for the bottle and finishes it off with one gulp “takes a long time to cook an entire boar, but I reckon we could eat some of the flesh on the outside.” A pause “well I could eat it raw, not sure bout you” his voice slurs slightly.
The troll seems like he wants to say something else, leaning a little towards Elias again for a moment before finally standing up “gettin more wine, keep turnin the spit slowly aye?”
He returns shortly with another bottle but he offers it first to Elias “Elias I was uh... I was wonderin’...” he scratches the back of his head and looks away, it’s rare to see the troll so uncertain but he doesn’t manage to finish that thought right away.
Elias — 11/03/2021
He sat and turned the spit dutifully. He was hungry, yes, but his mind was too busy with other things to worry so much about dinner.
He tilted his head at Ganu curiously. "No, go ahead. Wondering what?" He said earnestly. He wasn't sure what he expected the troll to say, but for some odd reason he very much wanted to hear it.
Ganu — 11/03/2021
Ganu scooted closer this time than he had before, their legs are gently touching “well-“ even with all that liquid confidence in him he was still afraid of this. He could face ancient mountains that could walk and speak, he could face death itself but this? This was something else.
After more silence and pondering he finally reached out to place one large hand over Elias’ own so very gently “well I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me one night this week..? Like a... well, a date. If that would be agreeable?” He asked with a nervous smile and warm cheeks, eyes meeting Elias’ own “... I don’t know, it’s- it’s early days yet but- it’s been really nice having you around.”
Elias — 11/03/2021
"Oh!" Suddenly fur was sticking up all over. "Oh, y-yes! I think I'd like that very much." His tail flipped back and forth, agitated. Emotion was running a little high, he felt giddy.
"Sorry, am I too eager? I've never done this before with a... with a man." He rubbed the back of his neck.
"One condition though. I insist on treating you this time."
Ganu — 11/03/2021
Ganu’s face lit up rather literally as Elias reacted with such enthusiasm, his lips stretched taut across his lips in a broad smile “not at all. It’s nice to feel wanted heh!” He squeezes the hand he’s holding.
A condition is raised and Ganu lets out a bark of laughter as the tension leaves his shoulders “alright! You’ve got it.... do I get to know what you have in mind?” He asks deeply, leaning ever closer. His tail flicks and brushes against Elias’ own and small flowers blossom around the log they’re sat upon.
Elias — 11/03/2021
He trembled a bit as Ganu came closer. "Well... something outside, definitely. Are there any parks or gardens nearby we could have a picnic? Maybe enjoy some of the fine weather?"
He tapped a finger to his chin. "Or maybe make a game of it and try foraging for ingredients for said picnic... or fishing. I'm open to ideas."
Ganu — 11/03/2021
Ganu's tail dares to wrap itself lightly around Elias' waist, holding him sweetly without putting his arm around him "A picnic sounds wonderful.... a foraging game with me is a little unfair though, don't you think?" that and...well, Elias had spoken of his own foraging prowess and how he'd nearly killed himself with some of the things he had 'foraged', the picnic needn't be fatal.
"I can sense the plants, even grow them" he grins cheekily "It'd be cheating. But I'd still like to go foraging with you... I could teach you how to find safe foods, and where they are if you'd like? It'd be nice.... how do you feel about mushrooms? it's a good time of year for them." he realizes he's still holding that hand and gently releases it.
"Apricus park is a nice place for a picnic."
The boars skin crackles and spits, Ganu's stomach growls in response. The pros of a boar on a spit? lots of meat. Cons? cooking time.
Elias — 11/03/2021
"Mushrooms are excellent. Id love to give it a try, if you're up for it. I dont mind a bit of cheating so long as we're having fun." He scooted closer, allowing the tail to curl around him a bit easier.
"Apricus park it is. Don't think I'll make you do all the work though, I'll take care of wine and dessert. Sound fair?" He smiled sheepishly.
"Goodness. This is exciting.. I think I'm learning a lot about myself in a short amount of time here."
Ganu — 11/03/2021
The troll's heart hammers in his chest as Elias moves closer. He can hardly wipe the smile from his lips "Sounds fair to me." he leans his shoulder against Elias' own "I didn't even ask if you liked men" he laughed deeply and pressed a hand to his face.
"...I got vibes, i'll admit" he rumbles and reluctantly pulls away to get each of them a hefty bowl. He starts carving juicy boar meat from the outside of the boar and letting it fall into the bowls, he'd at some point gotten some buttered bread rolls to go with it too. He sat down, offering Elias a bowl.
"Do you think you'll ever go back?"
That'd make things difficult, if they did hit it off.
Elias — 11/03/2021
He accepted the bowl of food gratefully and began to tuck in. "Go back? No. Don't think I could even if I wanted to." The way he said it seemed to indicate that he didnt want to.
"The world is much bigger and more interesting than I've been led to believe. If you'd asked me straight up if I'd liked men before I don't think I'd have had an honest answer."
He chuckled. "Marriage was always supposed to be about good business, about preserving the family empire and making lots of little Blackbulls to inherit all of our crap." He said with a loud hiccup as the drink swam in his head.
"No, I think this... will be more natural."
Ganu — 11/03/2021
Ganu washed down the first mouthful with some wine and the truth was that basilisk paired very nicely with pork. Ganu sways a little, quite aware that he's more than a little drunk when the world starts to feel like it's moving beneath the log.
It's nice, though. Just out here with a friend in his garden, drunk, enjoying the peace and talking of dates. Talk of marriage has the troll shrugging "There's so much more to life, and love than marriage."
He devours the first portion of pork and then turns towards Elias and leans in fully this time. Those deadly tusks slide either side of Elias' neck and the troll plants a gentle kiss on his cheek before leaning back, all somehow without stabbing the poor guy in the chin or the neck.
"Thank you, for everythin.."
Elias — 11/03/2021
He froze as his head was framed by Ganu's tusks, but despite being drunk he was so very mindful of that heavy equipment. The flustered noble was left wringing his tail nervously with both hands.
"Goodness. I ought to be thanking you." He chuckled and coughed. "I must be very lucky, to find myself here after everything."
Ganu — 11/08/2021
Ganu couldn't look any happier, drunkenly leaning into Elias just to enjoy the closeness of someone being next to him. Argus idly glances at them now and then, eyes curious and equally lazy.
"I feel lucky that you found yourself here." His brain struggles to stick to sensible tracks, foggy with alcohol. After a moment he manages to drag his eyes away from Elias to cut them each some more meat.
"I don't think we were done with our game.... It's my turn, right? to ask you- okay hmm hmm" he smirks playfully to himself.
"Most embarrassing thing you've ever been caught doing?" he asks with a DEVILISH grin.
Elias — 11/08/2021
Oh. That question got him all poofy again.
"Well... that would be. The time I was caught by my religion teacher while I was reading erotic poetry in the library. That was a very awkward walk down the hall, let me tell you. She did that thing people do, you know, where they take what you're reading and read it out loud to demonstrate how ridiculous it is?"
He chuckled darkly.
"Saucy limericks are apparently not the proper reading material for a young noble. But how about you? I can't let you get away with that one if you don't share yours."
He winked.
Before any of this, Ganu had taken Elias to get suited out nicely at a tailors, insisting that he needed to look ready for an interview just in case they ran into any opportunities while they were out. He'd let Elias pick the colours of course, but he'd suggest that he looked good in contrasting shades of grey or black and gold. He'd smiled and appreciated every outfit the man had tried.
Now? outside the shop he'd turn to Elias "How does it feel? movement feel good in it?" he asked warmly.
He was quick to move on though "Not far from here there's an upper-end sort of restaurant." Fancy nobles loved food and wine etcetera, right? It was a good place to start even if it was a bit of a stereotype. "Why don't we head on over there and have a look at the sort of jobs you might be able to do there, hm?" he rumbles and places a large hand upon Elias' back.
Elias — 10/28/2021
After much fussing and insisting he didn't have to do this Elias stood in the mirror in a fresh cut of clothes that looked... surprisingly dashing.
He had to admit, even with the fur and tail and horns he still wasn't accustomed to... he could almost say he looked good.
"It is an impeccable cut. Very fitting. I daresay, too good for me now that I've had such a drastic change in station." The way he stood a little taller in it though, it was clear he was back in his element.
"I think the establishment is as good a place to begin as any. With any luck I'll eventually bump into someone I know. Could be a good first step to getting my identity back. And if not, well. At least a bit of coin in the mean time."
He sounded hopeful. Being around Ganu made it hard to be a pessimist.
Degu — 10/28/2021
g: "You're a lot more humble than I'd expect a noble fallen from grace to be, Elias, I'll admit that. It's... nice. It shows you're willing to adapt and learn. The makings of a true leader, should you ever return to your people" he says with a smile, guiding Elias towards the canal across Apricus Park.
They stepped up to the front of the beautiful restaurant ( 🟢-apricus-restaurant ) and needless to say their appearance made some of the hoity toity mundane crowd a little uncomfortable. Ganu seemed completely unaware, or he was ignoring it "Here we are, you know it's fancy if it has marble pillars inside" he chortled and stepped into the building, holding the door open.
"There's a bar, think you can picture yourself pouring wine and fixing up fancy drinks? ...or maybe the table service, or hospitality. You used to be a leader, right? means you must have some good communication skills."
The lady at the front desk looked very awkwardly between them for a long moment, they TOWERED over her "Uh-uhm, Can I h-help you gentlemen?"
Elias — 10/28/2021
"It's easy to be humble when one has been humbled I suppose. It's hard to feel sorry for myself when someone has my back I suppose." He gave the troll a smile.
"I used to spend quite a lot of time at very boring parties in places similar to this one. I bet I could make for a decent wine server, I was a bit of a wine connoisseur... oh."
He turned to face her and smiled brightly, showing off the fangs that matched his horns and claws.
"Ah! Salutations madame, Elias Blackbull at your service." He gave her a formal bow. "I am an educated man who's had a bit of a change of life situation recently and I was wondering... if... your fine establishment needed any extra hands?"
Ganu — 10/28/2021
The woman looks down as if to confirm that Elias even has the aforementioned hands and not just hooves and then squeaks as she looks back up into those fangs. Between those and Ganu's tusks she's trembling "I- I'll ask the manager!" she squeaks and runs off in the direction of the kitchen.
Ganu reaches out to grip Elias' wrist "Do not be disheartened, you may have to fight a little harder than ever before. Just stay patient and understanding until they deserve sterner words." Ganu wasn't going to tell Elias to roll over and take injustice, stern words after attempts at bridging the gap with kindness were fine. Their sort needed to stand up for themselves.
"If you know wine then that's a good start. Heck, I know a guy - well he's more Maxie's friend, the guy who gave us a ride when you arrived. He runs a winery, we might try at his shop after this." Wine, right? it was a good start. Regal, dignified, he knew it wasn't too many thousand miles from Elias' comfort zone.
The young girl didn't return but the manager headed straight for them like a shark towards a baby seal. Her face was angular, eyes dark "Would either of you two 'gentlemen' like to explain why my hostess is having a meltdown in the store room?"
Ganu blinks....well that's a bit dramatic! He takes a deep breath and smiles at Elias, nodding for him to speak to the manager. You've got it, dude! no matter what.
Elias — 10/28/2021
"Goodness. Is she alright? She seemed quite fine a moment or two ago." It wasn't clear if he was feigning ignorance, or just genuinely didn't understand. Maybe it was just a slow, dawning realization that he had, once again, scared someone.
"Elias Blackbull at your service sir, I was just trying to inquire about the possibility of joining your establishment as an employee- I think you will find me very easy going with guests and I have spent many a long hour in similar venues..."
He gave a pained, toothy smile. Why did he feel like this wasn't working?
Ganu — 10/28/2021
The woman let out a bark of laughter but then looked between them "...Oh dear you're serious" she fans herself with her hand "Mm ah- hmm- no I don't think we have any vacancies right now. I expect we won't for a long time." she says quite curtly and looks towards the door as if to silently hint that she wanted them to leave.
Ganu's brows furrowed "Well you're missing out on a fine, well-mannered gentleman. Come on Elias." he grumbles to him and turns to head on out. He doesn't even wait "I'm sorry, realized there was no point trying. Looks like a mundie-only place." he looks back towards the window and sees a hand snap out of the curtains to turn the 'HIRING - ENQUIRE INSIDE' sign around so it couldn't be read, rolling his eyes irritably.
"But wine! That's a start, right? you like wine a lot then? good at tasting it?" he started across the bridge at a leisurely pace. "We could check out that friend's winery, or - go out on a limb and look at something different. How about entertainment industry? The coliseum is bound to be a little more open minded."
Elias — 10/28/2021
His brow furrowed as they were quickly ushered out. It was a good thing Ganu was there to chase him out before he could get ornery over it.
"...When I get my name back I'm going to purchase that restaurant and have her clean fish guts for me." He snorted.
"Wine is... a good start. I suppose its the closest thing I have for a job in food service. We could try your friends winery."
He blanched a bit at mention of the Coliseum. "Does the ah... Coliseum need wait staff? I don't know that I have much of a heart for competition..."
Ganu — 10/28/2021
Ganu smiles at the water, a few ducks linger at the waters edge and look up at them, swans avoid romantic gondolas going by with couples cooing over each other inside. Thornmouth sure has a lovely atmosphere to soak up.
"Oh it's not a....stabby killy sort of coliseum" he chuckles deeply "But there are a variety of hospitality roles from serving drinks to selling tickets but... lets try the winery, hm? It's not far from the coliseum anyway" he says but seems to be walking painfully slow, they obviously aren't going to get there any time soon at this rate.
Ganu just seems to be smiling and soaking up the afternoon atmosphere for a moment.
Elias — 10/28/2021
"A winery is basically my natural habitat. I hope I can at least do something. I'm not important enough to be useless anymore."
He sighed. Truth be told, the nervous noble was also in no hurry to embarrass himself again. If Ganu wanted to take the scenic route, all the better.
"... is the weather always this nice here? We did get some snow back home."
Ganu — 10/28/2021
Ganu tilted his head towards Elias and chuckled softly "It snowed last year, but an old fae brought the snow. It's certainly normally warmer than this. I'd say it's a fair bit cooler than it has been."
He takes half a step closer to Elias as they walk, enjoying his company. They cross another bridge and Ganu stops momentarily to look over the rails down at the water.
"Perhaps he will bring ....snow...this year" there's a little dread in his tone "hmm I hope he wasn't the one you angered....he took the form of a white stag and initiated a hunt. I forget his name... hmm let me think"
He shook his head and shrugged "I expect not anyway. Perhaps if he returns you can shoot him and win a prize" the troll laughs and nudges at Elias "You're good at hunting? past aside. Maybe that could be an avenue to explore."
Elias — 10/28/2021
He let out a deep growling laugh. "If I see that bastard again, I don't know if I'd shoot at him or just run for the hills. I'm lucky I still have all of my important body parts, albeit with some creative modifications."
He leaned against the rail and looked into the water, only to frown and look away from it when he spotted his own reflection.
"I was a decent hunter. Good horseman too. I know the basic ins and outs of each but much of the dirty work was taken care of for me."
He turned away from the water to lean with his back against the rail. "The sorts of things I'm good at like archery and horseback riding would probably fit well with security of some sort but ah... I get the impression they're even less friendly to my sort than the restaurants are."
Ganu — 10/28/2021
Ganu saw the way Elias looked away and stared a little more sadly down at his reflection.
He listens in silence for a moment and then reaches up to tap him on the shoulder in the hopes of getting him to turn around again.
If he does, he'd gently grip Elias' by the goaty beard on his chin and tilt his head down towards the water again.
"There's nothing wrong with you. You look good today, don't let the close-minded make you think otherwise." he says it as if he has some experience. He gently releases Elias, his tail swishing to the side to brush briefly against his.
Elias — 10/28/2021
He was struck silent as he was grabbed and led by the beard. Made to look at his own reflection once again, he made a point, this time, to actually do so, and stared into his own (watery, distorted) eyes for a few moments.
"You're right. But its easy to know something in your head and still not feel it in your heart."
At the touch of Ganu's tail, though, he felt himself unexpectedly flush hot.
"Should we head to the winery then? I have a good feeling about this one."
October 29, 2021
Ganu — 10/29/2021
Ganu looks at him for a moment and beams "It takes time to feel it, even I still struggle with it and i've dealt with it my entire life." he murmurs.
"But lets get going. It's just around this corner" he makes his way across the rest of the bridge and down some steps towards a garden with a row of grapevines that stood there for aesthetic alone.
He led him to the door "I hope he's in the store today, if not we'll ask to speak to him" he explains and pushes the door open, holding it for Elias.
"He's here" he whispers quickly.
Rufio is stood there looking out of sorts. He always is when he and Sullivan need to be in different places. Sullivan keeping the vineyard running while the pompous rooster came down to the shop itself in town.
He was watching his worker stack new bottles on a shelf with his hands on his hips, turning his head and blinking at the sight of the huge beast men stepping in.
"A-ah! Ganu- I see you have brought a - mm- friend?" the rooster steps back a little against his counter as Elias all but dwarfs him. "Hsk! hsk! look- fire-! fire bad" he spat a few pathetic flames between his teeth at Elias "I bet that fur is flammable you heathen!"
"Master Delgado, we are friends" warned Ganu in a low voice as if to say 'stop being rude'. He smiles at Elias and encourages him with a nudge. Go for it. His eyes ask his friend to trust him.
Elias — 10/29/2021
He turned and looked at Ganu with a raised eyebrow of surprise. "You've struggled with it too? I honestly wouldn't have guessed. You seem so confident, so sure of your place, your next step." The implication of course, was that Elias was not confident and was jealous of the fact.
He did smooth out his shirt and try to stand tall when they entered. He was content to let Ganu do the talking... but then this odd man was making noises. It took him a moment to realize the abuse was directed at him.
The little spit of fire made the fur on his neck stand up, and suddenly he was looking even bigger than before somehow.
"Ex-CUSE me! Do you have any idea who I am?" He said in a deep grumble. He'd had enough of that for the day, and now poor Rufio would hear it.
"I am Elias Blackbull! Principality of the northwest Albionne kingdoms, and I have had quite enough of people talking to me like that!"
His fur eventually settled, and he was left looking quite embarrassed.
Rufio Delgado — 10/29/2021
Rufio's eyes widened and a hand pressed quickly over his own heart as Elias raises his voice.
Do you have any idea who I am?
His frown is gone, mouth agape with interest.
There's a pregnant silence after the man finishes what he's saying before Rufio pushes away from the counter and the worried looking employee.
The rooster struts in proper cockerel fashion around Elias in a circle, eyeing him up and down "Elias Blackbull, well why didn't you say you were important?" he had no idea who this guy was but only someone on his level could pull the 'DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?' spiel and be convincing.
"Well Mr. Blackbull, I hope you like wine" of all the tasks in the world Rufio considered to be beneath him, pouring wine wasn't one of them. He quickly snatched up a bottle of Basilisk from the shelves, quickly pouring the two of them a glass, forgetting Ganu is even there.
He slides a full glass towards Mr. Blackbull with a sly glimmer in his eyes "So, Mr. Blackbull (Ironic name..)" he mutters the last part under his breath "What brings you to my fine establishment?" he practically purrs as if he's sweetening up someone wealthy for the deal of a lifetime.
Ganu doesn't seem to mind being forgotten, Elias might hear him chuckling subtly. He should have considered the two might have the potential to hit it off.
Elias — 10/29/2021
His embarrassment quickly faded to polite smiles. "Wine is actually what brings us this way. My friend here, Mr. Ganu, tells me this is the premiere wine establishment in Thornmouth, and he hasn't steered me wrong yet."
He cast a sly wink to his companion. Raising the glass to his muzzle, he made a show of swirling it, smelling it before sampling a small sip.
"Ahh, now that is a fine red. Deep and fiery, warms the core. Are you the vintner, then? It takes a very clever palate to correctly fix these tinctures."
Rufio Delgado — 10/29/2021
Rufio squeaks in delight "Indeed it is the premier establishment! indeed indeed! Mr. Ganu is smart, he certainly is correct" he'd almost said 'smart for a troll' but avoided that. He had to be nice.
Ganu's a little surprised by the wink, smiling and feeling a warmth to his cheeks.
Rufio almost raised his own glass to his lips but then paused to watch Elias, there was a great importance to the way that Elias sampled it. He passes some sort of unspoken test.
"That's Basilisk, my strongest wine. I dare say it competes quite easily with elven wine" he preens and swirls his glass "Large supernaturals like yourself need a little something more than the Delgado brand, that's for the little humans more than anything" he laughs with a roll of his eyes.
"Oh yes I'm the vintner, but something tells me you didn't come here simply to taste my wine, did you?" he leans forwards expectantly, bright golden eyes transfixed on Elias's own questioningly.
Elias — 10/29/2021
"Competes? I should say it surpasses some of them. I would know." He finished off his glass with a genteel sip. It was powerful stuff- made his tail curl, but in a good way.
"Actually, there is something more. Mr. Ganu and I were talking about the wine establishments in town, and we got around to mentioning how hard it is to find good help."
He cast a quick glance at the clerk stocking bottles. "That its a shame for such a creative vintner to have to take time away from the art and the chemistry of wine making to have to run the counter." He shrugged.
"You've done so much good here, especially keeping the riff raff like vampires fed. I just wonder what you could come up with next, if only you had the time..."
He brushed his nails against his shirt. "It actually just so happens that I'm taking an extended stay in Thornmouth, and I was looking for some form of work suitable for my station to occupy my time while I sort out some land dealings."
Rufio Delgado — 10/30/2021
Rufio purses his lips to one side in thought, eyes slowly drifting to Ganu and then back to Elias "Is that so? hmm hm hm." he tapped his lips with two fingers, side-eyeing his hard working employee with vague irritability.
"Yes, yes I suppose you're right... We are a little short at the moment~"
He clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth "what do you say... we give you a trial period hm? you'll be paid, of course, but if i find out you are in fact lying to me about your drinking prowess you will be terminated- from the position, I don't kill employees these days"
The employee kneeling by the display looks up sharply from what he's doing with concern. Rufio chortles and waves a hand "Don't be so serious! It is a joke mi amigo! a joke!"
Rufio did another circle around Elias "Hm, come in tomorrow...dressed like so" he motions to Elias's current get up "And we will see what you are made of, won't we? At noon." the rooster flicks his hair and turns away, hands on his hips.
"Now I'm very busy, I will see you at noon tomorrow, Mr. Blackbull."
Ganu grinned and held the door once more, eyes gleaming as they sought Elias' own before he nodded towards the door. He was happy for him!
Elias — 10/30/2021
"I think I'll find that my expertise exceeds expectations, sir. I look forward to it. Shall we, Ganu?"
He turned to his compatriot, and waited till they were both outside and safely out of eye and earshot to grab the troll in a massive hug.
"IT WORKED! I cannot believe that worked!"
Ganu — 10/30/2021
Ganu wasn't expecting the sudden hug, eyes wide as he's wrapped around. He felt the warmth shoot up to his cheeks, his markings brightly shimmering through his body.
He cleared his throat, smiling almost ear to ear as he wraps strong arms around Elias and drew him closer into a tight embrace.
"I knew you could do it. Now you've just got to keep the rooster happy and things'll go swimmingly i reckon" he rumbles and rests his head against Elias' own. This is nice.
Elias — 10/30/2021
As if realizing what he was doing, he abruptly released Ganu with a sheepish look on his face. "Oh yes, he said to come well dressed and to know my wine. Those are two things I am quite well versed in, I think he and I will get along swimmingly at this venture."
He sighed happily. "Thank you. Without your help I'd be out there freezing to death in a hollow log with a belly full of grubs."
Ganu — 10/30/2021
Ganu never stops smiling, releasing Elias gently shortly after he himself is released. "Well.."
He begins walking and then says a little more shyly "Thank you. My home has been lonely for a while." Albeit he hadn't been living in it for technically three years earth plane time but the time away had been lonely too.
"Argus is wonderful company, but... well, you know." he hums and looks straight ahead now as he heads towards home on the far other side of the city.
"We should do something tonight to celebrate, a little wine and a good meal. You don't need to work until the afternoon anyway."
Elias — 10/30/2021
"I'd like that." He smiled warmly. "I admit I've been very lonely too. I had wondered if I could ever integrate into society again, honestly. And now look at me, well dressed and employed."
"And say, now that I'm earning a little money I'd like to treat you to something nice once it starts to properly come in. What are you in the mood for? Wine typically pairs well with meat."
Ganu — 11/01/2021
Ganu couldn't stop beaming, he was proud of Elias. They'd only met recently and he was still so proud of him.
"I want a big juicy boar. I've got a spit in the garden out back." his stomach growls at the mere thought of it. "I know a place."
He'd stop by Arron and Quinne's butchery on the way home to purchase a whole darn boar and head on home with it slung across his shoulders, most likely catching the stares of passers by.
Upon reaching home Ganu heads straight for the garden, finding Argus already lounging out there in the bushes at full size. He lets out a deep 'Rauuu' in greeting but doesn't bother to get up. The troll goes about getting the boar onto the spit pretty much straight away "Why don't you go change into something more comfortable? don't want you getting boar fat on your lovely new suit!" there's a pause and then Ganu frowns "Oh- we forgot to get you something casual" he turns, he still needed to wash Elias' other clothes.
".. I should have a robe you can borrow in the bathroom if you'd like? Sorry" he rumbles and forces the boar further down onto the spit.
Elias — 11/01/2021
The sight of raw boar made his mouth water. The fact that it was hauled on Ganu's broad shoulders all the better...
A show of strength. He wondered inwardly how much stronger he'd gotten. He knew there was some changes, but he hadn't properly put his beastly form to the test. Maybe in time... but then the question.
"Oh! I'm so used to going around in my fancy buttons I completely forgot. A spare robe would be fine, thank you."
Or he could go around in his tights, but he left that part out.
"Can you show me how to properly prepare a boar? I'd love to help."
Ganu — 11/02/2021
Ganu glanced at the boar and then back at Elias before beaming "Of course, go get into a robe before you get grease all over that suit though. I'll wait."
Whenever Elias would return the troll would show him the basics of prepping a boar for the spit, at times giving him a sharpened blade and gripping his wrist to guide him in the right motion, but of course this would result in the troll leaning quite closely over his shoulder. A brush of a tusk here, a warm breath there, even Ganu was a little warm in the cheeks by the end of it. He slipped off to find the stronger Basilisk wine and returned, not bothering with a glass but instead deciding they'd share a bottle.
Finally with the boar seasoned, Ganu would sit on the log nearest the handle and invite Elias to join him with a smile. Occasionally he'd slowly turn the spit and then let the boar rest for a while. With a moment to spare the bottle was popped open and the first swig was offered to Elias "This is nice." the troll says after a time "...there's still so much I don't know about you, I feel like. And vice versa. Perhaps we ought to make a game of it" he said idly with a low, playful chuckle and flick of his tail.
Elias — 11/02/2021
Elias, to his credit, did genuinely want to know more about food prep. The feeling of Ganu's hand on his own though, and the overpowering aroma of meat and spices (his sense of smell had improved more than tenfold) he found himself quite distracted.
Finally though, there was a moment to sit and enjoy the fire and the company. He accepted the bottle gratefully.
"Is there any actual blood in bloodwyne? I've heard tales that once an animal has tasted blood it becomes ferocious for life, do you suppose the same is true of a beast man?"
He didn't seem afraid of the notion and took a hearty swig of the powerful brew before handing it back.
"Hmm, what did you have in mind, something like a, truth or dare?" He flushed hot, but blamed the alcohol. For now.
"Who starts?"
Ganu — 11/02/2021
Ganu chuckles deeply "From what i heard from a seer, I was raised eating raw flesh and blood. I drink bloodwyne, it has not changed me. It's important to make sure it's sourced ethically of course. Some brands i've come across in the past were less so..." he rumbled but then beamed "Ah yes, a bit like truth or dare!"
Perhaps Elias should have kept his mouth shut, Ganu seemed entirely entertained by the notion of truth or dare.
He pulls out a strange black coin with a scarab on one side of it, it seems to just have been in his pocket. "Heads or tails?" after flipping the coin he'd grunt.
"Heads." he said as the scarab faced up "Looks like I'm first, what do you want to ask me?" he takes a long swig "I'll answer honestly, promise" he rumbles, offering the bottle back and tucking the coin away again.
Elias — 11/02/2021
He stroked his beard for a moment in thought. "Hmm. I've got one. Where did you grow up?"
An innocent question, to begin the evening. "You're an elemental, were you born here or there?... are trolls born in the ah, traditional sense? Sorry if that's an insensitive question. I dont even know if you're technically... like... a mammal."
Ganu — 11/02/2021
The first question gives Ganu some pause. "I... well I don't entirely know. I know it was a swamp bordering a forest. I know I was part of a tribe with some rather bloody rituals. I'm an elementalist, Argus is an elemental." there's a sheepish smile and Argus lazily glances over before going back to sleep.
"So I was born on the material plane to answer that question. And yes we're pushed out in the traditional way" he burst into cheerful laughter, slapping his lap "Luckily the tusks grow in after that!"
It was a little insensitive, maybe, but Ganu didn't seem to notice or care "My turn. What about you? ... What were your parents like?" he changed the question up a little, curious about Elias' noble upbringing.
Elias — 11/02/2021
He nodded as Ganu answered, and chuckled a bit at the tusks comment. "I see."
Compatible anatomy then. Cough.
"I wish I could tell you about my parents but truthfully they didn't have much to do with raising their sons- there were three of us. All raised by a slew of nannies and nurses. My mother had a good sense of humor, laughed easily, visited when she could. Father was stern and formal but he did teach me to hunt."
He took a drink. "Though that didn't do me much good. Now, my turn to ask you again?"
He scooted a little closer. "How did you become an elementalist? What drew you?"
Ganu — 11/02/2021
Ganu nodded and patted Elias' knee sympathetically "Bout standard for a lot of noble families I know. Aye, ask away."
He pretends not to notice that scoot, but he's very aware that they're closer. He clears his throat and reaches for the drink almost as soon as Elias is done swigging from it, taking a swig himself to wet his dry throat.
"I was born one. My people supposedly all express it in some ways. At least that's what the seer said." he didn't offer the bottle back immediately this time "Didn't know till I was about eight years old though. I admired this woman called Phoenix, an archmage in a tall tower. She became like a mother to me even while I was living in the forest outside a small town. My powers awakened in my sleep...I had a bad dream, woke up to find i'd summoned some horrible vine creature that tried to kill me. She started teaching me after that, was the first person to adopt me. Albeit it did not last very long, but I hope she's still out there somewhere." he smiles a little more tightly at that and takes a long drink. He still wondered about her all these years later.
Finally the bottle is offered back "Did you ever dream of being anything other than the role you were born into, Elias?"
Elias — 11/02/2021
He nodded as he listened, and finally accepted the bottle back, swirling the contents idly in thought.
"Truth be told... when one has so much time for idle laziness its easy not to have much ambition. I was told I had a defined role over a defined territory and I was brought up with the expectation that I would fill it, and was trained for really nothing more. Everything was taken care of for me- I didn't even have to pick out my own clothes." He smiled sadly, realizing perhaps for the first time how pathetic that sounded out loud.
"Once I was cut off and nearly died of exposure I quickly came to realize... I didn't know how to do anything. And had no idea where I even wanted to be."
He paused for a few moments. "You said she adopted you... you weren't raised by your birth parents?"
Ganu — 11/02/2021
Ganu nodded along, he could imagine having so much done for you might end up being unhelpful in the long run. He couldn't imagine Rufio surviving without Sullivan.
"I don't even remember my birth parents. I remember wandering the forest. I was quick on my feet, I assume others of my race were. Had to learn to survive quickly and I did. Learned a lot of hard lessons in the wilderness, survived many poisonings from eating the wrong foods" he chuckled softly. "I always dreamed of having a family but it was hard to find anywhere that'd have me, or keep me at least. I even started a family and..." he trailed off and reached again for that bottle for a long swig.
"Lets just say, I haven't had much luck" a pause and he grins weakly in some attempt to move on "Seer said I was a prince, you know." there was vague amusement there, cheeks warm from the alcohol. He nudges Elias with his elbow "M' more noble than you, hows it feel?" he laughs loudly and shakes his head.
"Nah, that's a life I'm glad i missed out on. I'm happy where I am."
He almost seems to forget he's meant to answer a question, the strength of the alcohol thankfully means that even in swigging that one bottle he starts to feel the world swaying peacefully beneath his feet.
".. oh yeah, your turn" a long pause "I think you mentioned being destined for marriage before all this? ... Did y' love her? or anyone, where y' were from? truly?"
Elias — 11/02/2021
There was a lot of history there, most of it painful. He wasn't about to ruin the mood by pressing harder. "Seems we've all lost something." He nodded.
"The lady I was betrothed to... she was intelligent and kind, a very sensible match, very capable. But I... guess I dont know if I loved her? I never had a chance for it to blossom naturally with anyone else really. I did like her and I do miss her but."
He took a swig of wine. "I don't long for her or ache for her. I don't pine. I suppose I miss her for her familiarity moreso than an actual emotional bond. As much love poetry as I've read, I don't believe I've felt that way."
He felt his ears getting hot.
"Have you been in love?"
Ganu — 11/02/2021
Ganu smiles gently, the buzz of alcohol actually stops his mood dipping too badly at the question, he’s enjoying the company too much.
“Yes. Very much so.” He leans a little closer to Elias but a loud POP of exploding fat makes him startle and quickly turn the spit, he’d forgotten entirely. He keeps one hand idly turning it while he returns to the question “I’ve felt my heart flutter, my stomach flip, all those stories of love bards sing about I’ve felt it.”
He keeps it vague, uninterested in getting into the who’s and the why’s of the past. “Do you ever wish for love?”
Elias — 11/02/2021
"Oh yes. I've wanted it dearly. Often felt jealous at the... the spark other couples seemed to have that just wasn't there with my own bride to be. More so than physical passion, I never really felt like we understood one another."
He idly poked the fire with a stick, making flames dance. "Once the... incident occurred and I found myself on the outside, I gave up on it. Who could love a beast? Was hard enough finding someone willing to even speak to me without screaming. Magic is unheard of in my homeland. It comes in from outside and is considered, largely, dangerous if not evil outright." He shuddered.
"...Being here though gives me hope for better things. I have you to thank for that hope."
The wine was making him brave. "... What do you find attractive in a romantic partner?"
Ganu — 11/03/2021
Ganu smiled and nodded, he agreed. Love and passion certainly didn't always come as a single package.
"Then hold onto that hope, people aren't so close-minded here, on a whole anyway."
the question that comes next gives him some pause, cheeks warming and a shimmer of light passing under his markings "Ah- quite a loaded question really" he smiles and looks at the boar turning on the spit "Kindness. Empathy.... a willingness to learn and change." he rumbles deeply "Those things are very important to me."
“A respect for others, respect for nature..” he seems deep in thought as if it has been a while before he has even thought about something like this “I do enjoy someone who can match my strength and erm..” how to put it innocently? “Energy” he laughs a little drunkenly, cheeks warm as he focuses on the spit.
“Someone who loves me back.” He says a little more solemnly before glancing sideways at Elias “...what about you, Elias?” He asks softly, secretively.
Elias — 11/03/2021
"Is it loaded?" He chuckled nervously. The hair on his neck was beginning to stand up.
"Makes sense... the physical aspect I mean. I hadn't thought of that. Maybe if I tried to go back to my "wife" back home I'd end up accidentally hurting her anyway."
He took a nervous sip from the bottle. "I never really gave a lot of thought to what I wanted from a mate... mine was already picked out after all but. Now that I'm free... I suppose someone who is a good physical match. Someone patient with me, there is much I don't know. Someone generous. I guess you could say I... I'm figuring it out quickly."
He cleared his throat.
"Do you think the meat is done?"
Ganu — 11/03/2021
Ganu reaches for the bottle and finishes it off with one gulp “takes a long time to cook an entire boar, but I reckon we could eat some of the flesh on the outside.” A pause “well I could eat it raw, not sure bout you” his voice slurs slightly.
The troll seems like he wants to say something else, leaning a little towards Elias again for a moment before finally standing up “gettin more wine, keep turnin the spit slowly aye?”
He returns shortly with another bottle but he offers it first to Elias “Elias I was uh... I was wonderin’...” he scratches the back of his head and looks away, it’s rare to see the troll so uncertain but he doesn’t manage to finish that thought right away.
Elias — 11/03/2021
He sat and turned the spit dutifully. He was hungry, yes, but his mind was too busy with other things to worry so much about dinner.
He tilted his head at Ganu curiously. "No, go ahead. Wondering what?" He said earnestly. He wasn't sure what he expected the troll to say, but for some odd reason he very much wanted to hear it.
Ganu — 11/03/2021
Ganu scooted closer this time than he had before, their legs are gently touching “well-“ even with all that liquid confidence in him he was still afraid of this. He could face ancient mountains that could walk and speak, he could face death itself but this? This was something else.
After more silence and pondering he finally reached out to place one large hand over Elias’ own so very gently “well I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me one night this week..? Like a... well, a date. If that would be agreeable?” He asked with a nervous smile and warm cheeks, eyes meeting Elias’ own “... I don’t know, it’s- it’s early days yet but- it’s been really nice having you around.”
Elias — 11/03/2021
"Oh!" Suddenly fur was sticking up all over. "Oh, y-yes! I think I'd like that very much." His tail flipped back and forth, agitated. Emotion was running a little high, he felt giddy.
"Sorry, am I too eager? I've never done this before with a... with a man." He rubbed the back of his neck.
"One condition though. I insist on treating you this time."
Ganu — 11/03/2021
Ganu’s face lit up rather literally as Elias reacted with such enthusiasm, his lips stretched taut across his lips in a broad smile “not at all. It’s nice to feel wanted heh!” He squeezes the hand he’s holding.
A condition is raised and Ganu lets out a bark of laughter as the tension leaves his shoulders “alright! You’ve got it.... do I get to know what you have in mind?” He asks deeply, leaning ever closer. His tail flicks and brushes against Elias’ own and small flowers blossom around the log they’re sat upon.
Elias — 11/03/2021
He trembled a bit as Ganu came closer. "Well... something outside, definitely. Are there any parks or gardens nearby we could have a picnic? Maybe enjoy some of the fine weather?"
He tapped a finger to his chin. "Or maybe make a game of it and try foraging for ingredients for said picnic... or fishing. I'm open to ideas."
Ganu — 11/03/2021
Ganu's tail dares to wrap itself lightly around Elias' waist, holding him sweetly without putting his arm around him "A picnic sounds wonderful.... a foraging game with me is a little unfair though, don't you think?" that and...well, Elias had spoken of his own foraging prowess and how he'd nearly killed himself with some of the things he had 'foraged', the picnic needn't be fatal.
"I can sense the plants, even grow them" he grins cheekily "It'd be cheating. But I'd still like to go foraging with you... I could teach you how to find safe foods, and where they are if you'd like? It'd be nice.... how do you feel about mushrooms? it's a good time of year for them." he realizes he's still holding that hand and gently releases it.
"Apricus park is a nice place for a picnic."
The boars skin crackles and spits, Ganu's stomach growls in response. The pros of a boar on a spit? lots of meat. Cons? cooking time.
Elias — 11/03/2021
"Mushrooms are excellent. Id love to give it a try, if you're up for it. I dont mind a bit of cheating so long as we're having fun." He scooted closer, allowing the tail to curl around him a bit easier.
"Apricus park it is. Don't think I'll make you do all the work though, I'll take care of wine and dessert. Sound fair?" He smiled sheepishly.
"Goodness. This is exciting.. I think I'm learning a lot about myself in a short amount of time here."
Ganu — 11/03/2021
The troll's heart hammers in his chest as Elias moves closer. He can hardly wipe the smile from his lips "Sounds fair to me." he leans his shoulder against Elias' own "I didn't even ask if you liked men" he laughed deeply and pressed a hand to his face.
"...I got vibes, i'll admit" he rumbles and reluctantly pulls away to get each of them a hefty bowl. He starts carving juicy boar meat from the outside of the boar and letting it fall into the bowls, he'd at some point gotten some buttered bread rolls to go with it too. He sat down, offering Elias a bowl.
"Do you think you'll ever go back?"
That'd make things difficult, if they did hit it off.
Elias — 11/03/2021
He accepted the bowl of food gratefully and began to tuck in. "Go back? No. Don't think I could even if I wanted to." The way he said it seemed to indicate that he didnt want to.
"The world is much bigger and more interesting than I've been led to believe. If you'd asked me straight up if I'd liked men before I don't think I'd have had an honest answer."
He chuckled. "Marriage was always supposed to be about good business, about preserving the family empire and making lots of little Blackbulls to inherit all of our crap." He said with a loud hiccup as the drink swam in his head.
"No, I think this... will be more natural."
Ganu — 11/03/2021
Ganu washed down the first mouthful with some wine and the truth was that basilisk paired very nicely with pork. Ganu sways a little, quite aware that he's more than a little drunk when the world starts to feel like it's moving beneath the log.
It's nice, though. Just out here with a friend in his garden, drunk, enjoying the peace and talking of dates. Talk of marriage has the troll shrugging "There's so much more to life, and love than marriage."
He devours the first portion of pork and then turns towards Elias and leans in fully this time. Those deadly tusks slide either side of Elias' neck and the troll plants a gentle kiss on his cheek before leaning back, all somehow without stabbing the poor guy in the chin or the neck.
"Thank you, for everythin.."
Elias — 11/03/2021
He froze as his head was framed by Ganu's tusks, but despite being drunk he was so very mindful of that heavy equipment. The flustered noble was left wringing his tail nervously with both hands.
"Goodness. I ought to be thanking you." He chuckled and coughed. "I must be very lucky, to find myself here after everything."
Ganu — 11/08/2021
Ganu couldn't look any happier, drunkenly leaning into Elias just to enjoy the closeness of someone being next to him. Argus idly glances at them now and then, eyes curious and equally lazy.
"I feel lucky that you found yourself here." His brain struggles to stick to sensible tracks, foggy with alcohol. After a moment he manages to drag his eyes away from Elias to cut them each some more meat.
"I don't think we were done with our game.... It's my turn, right? to ask you- okay hmm hmm" he smirks playfully to himself.
"Most embarrassing thing you've ever been caught doing?" he asks with a DEVILISH grin.
Elias — 11/08/2021
Oh. That question got him all poofy again.
"Well... that would be. The time I was caught by my religion teacher while I was reading erotic poetry in the library. That was a very awkward walk down the hall, let me tell you. She did that thing people do, you know, where they take what you're reading and read it out loud to demonstrate how ridiculous it is?"
He chuckled darkly.
"Saucy limericks are apparently not the proper reading material for a young noble. But how about you? I can't let you get away with that one if you don't share yours."
He winked.
