#luthir

for plover it'd either be something for his appearance or something praising his work

for emante it's pretty easy honestly like all compliments are great compliments to him

givana likes having her intelligence complimented

hmm wow this is a neat question :0

for those who take it similarly, uhhh plover and emante both generally appreciate it a lot and like to have their egos stroked. in emante's case though he'll snap at praise if he doesn't like the person who's giving it to him, whereas plover takes it from anyone and everyone lmao

[01:15] -- complacentComposer [CC] It's a crisp evening, made cooler still in this little spot of the planet thanks to the cold ocean air blowing over his mansion-like hive. The building is fancy, but not in any special way-- just big --

[01:15] CC: and elaborate, as one would expect from a mansion, with tall trees surrounding it on all sides except for that of the winding road leading up to it. Inside, things are much cozier. The two huge doors at the main entrance open into a grand foyer, and the most notable feature could arguably be how pristine everything is. Not a speck of filth or dirt to be seen, as is regulated by the numerous serva

[01:15] CC: nts shuffling about almost constantly. The hive's owner, one Luthir Vitula, can only be doing one thing, of course-- playing his violin. The mansion is designed so that the sound carries everywhere, all throughout the building and even a bit outside, if you listen closely. It's pleasant and soothing, and overall, the atmosphere is quite relaxed.

[01:41] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] He's been able to sit passively through his car ride here, though his driver kept reaching for his hand most of the way there. He now sits with his own hands clasped in his lap, looking out the windo --

[01:41] RU: w. Galfir gave what this troll asked for, and there would be no stray affections beyond what was required of him. A service for a service to further yet another service. It was all business and gain. As they pull to one of the most magnificent hives he's ever seen, he quickly opens the passenger side door and slides out, blowing a kiss to the driver and calling that no he doesn't need help getting

[01:41] RU: to the door but he'll certainly call when he needs picking up. He bends down to retrieve a small instrument case and shuts the door without another word, sidling up to the front door and knocking on it gently. He could already hear music from within, and his lips parted in a faint smile.

[01:46] -- complacentComposer [CC] A passing servant, a tall and soft-spoken cerulean lady, notices the sound of the knock and wanders over with a frown to see who the guest might be. With a duster in one gloved hand, the other tugs open the door about halfway and she gives the stranger outside a curious look. "Are you here for Mr. Vitula?" she inquires. --

[01:55] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] adjusts the collar of his shirt and grins sweetly at the woman who answers the door, straightening his back and almost looking upstanding were it not for the quick glance over he gives her. He holds up the case and nods. --

[01:55] RU: +*~AYe, MIss. Is He In?~*+

[02:00] -- complacentComposer [CC] smiles back a bit more humbly, treating him like a lowblood might treat a highblood, despite the fact that she's obviously higher than he is. She opens the door the rest of the way, inviting him into --

[02:00] CC: the foyer where a floor mat awaits his feet, and shutting the door behind him. "I will fetch him for you, if you could wait here, please. Mr. Vitula would also kindly request you do not step off the mat." With that, she scurries off to fetch the seadweller, leaving the guest to himself.

[02:12] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] smiles and nods as he's led in, and as he's left to wait, one hand rests on his hip. He glances around before kicking off his shoes, letting them fall to the side of the mat, thinking it only polite not to wear them around this place when the time comes to introduce himself to this troll. --

[02:19] -- complacentComposer [CC] Tall boots click on the floor to announce the arrival of the highblood, who turns the nearest corner shortly after, putting him and his guest face to face. The seadweller stops, looking the stranger --

[02:19] CC: up and down and seeming immediately displeased by the sight of him. As if a blatant lack of shirt wasn't bad enough, this man is quite obviously of the lowblood variety-- eugh. Dirty. He lifts his chin and peers down his nose at the other troll, frowning deeply.

[02:19] CC: ≡: ...May I help you? :≡

[02:37] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] turns his head back to face the other troll, batting his eyelashes at him before flashing a smile. --

[02:37] RU: +*~Mr. ∇ITUlA I presUMe? IT's A pleAsUre TO MeeT YeH AfTer All.~*+

[02:39] -- complacentComposer [CC] His distaste only seems to grow stronger upon hearing the redblood speak. What a hideous accent. He resists the urge to curl his lip, sighing instead and nodding. --

[02:39] CC: ≡: That is indeed who I am. :≡

[02:45] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] narrows his eyes just a fraction of an inch as he detects the other troll's sour attitude. He holds up his case, still holding his smile. --

[02:45] RU: +*~I reqUIre sOMe prOfessIOnAl repAIrs.~*+

[02:48] -- complacentComposer [CC] His expression softens ever so subtly when he spots the case, eyeing it thoughtfully for a moment before nodding, mostly to himself. --

[02:48] CC: ≡: Very well. Come with me, and bring your case. Do not touch anything. :≡

[02:48] -- complacentComposer [CC] With that he turns on his heel to begin walking off down the hall with his distinct click-clacking footsteps. --

[10:11] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] raises an eyebrow at the other troll and tries not to smirk as he pads quietly after the other troll, looking about but staying just behind his leader. He's curious but not stupid, glancing ahead and then around every once in a while. God, it's so tempting to run his fingers along some of the fineries in this place. --

[10:13] -- complacentComposer [CC] After about 20 seconds of walking, the seadweller stops abruptly and stiffens. There's only one set of footsteps achoing through the hall, he's come to realize. He whips around to stare at his guest, narrowing his eyes and looking down at the redblood's hidden feet. --

[10:13] CC: ≡: ...Show me your feet. :≡

[10:15] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] comes to a stop and tips his head, frowning. --

[10:15] RU: +*~pArdOn Me?~*+

[10:16] CC: ≡: You make no sound when you walk. Show me your feet, I said. :≡

[10:17] RU: +*~OH, AYe sIr, I'd lIke TO THInk I'M rATHer lIgHT On THeM.~*+

[10:17] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] pulls his skirt back with a swoosh to reveal his bare feet. --

[10:17] RU: +*~I'M A dAncer AfTer All.~*+

[10:19] -- complacentComposer [CC] stiffens and utters a strangled sound of disgust, immediately curling his upper lip. He ushers the redblood back the way they came, shooing him to the entrance and snapping at a nearby servant to start cleaning the floor in this area. --

[10:19] CC: ≡: Filthy! That is completely disgusting. /Where/ are your shoes? :≡

[10:21] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] giggles as he's practically pushed back toward the door, glancing over his shoulder at Luthir in amusement. --

[10:21] RU: +*~sWeeTHeArT, I lefT THeM Up AT THe frOnT! I AssUre YeH MY feeT Are ∇erY cleAn!~*+

[10:24] -- complacentComposer [CC] guides Galfir back onto the floor mat, clicking his tongue unhappily at his floor. He snaps his fingers at another servant, who seems to understand a wordless command and disappears only to come back moments later with a pair of plain white socks. Luthir turns, scowling, and gives them to the redblood. --

[10:24] CC: ≡: Highly unlikely. Put these on. :≡

[10:25] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] His smile immediately disappears when he sees the socks, and he tilts his head to give Luthir a deadpan stare. --

[10:26] RU: +*~dArlIn', THere's nO WAY I'M pUTTIn' THOse On.~*+

[10:26] -- complacentComposer [CC] narrows his eyes. --

[10:26] CC: ≡: I will not have you trekking your filth through my floors. :≡

[10:31] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] raises his eyebrows and places a hand lightly on his chest, obviously offended. --

[10:31] RU: +*~fIlTH? Angel, I'M THe MOsT flAWless THIn' In THIs HI∇e rIgHT nOW.~*+

[10:32] -- complacentComposer [CC] scoffs. --

[10:33] CC: ≡: Far from it. Are you even aware of the amount of germs you possess? Honestly. :≡

[10:33] -- complacentComposer [CC] offers the socks again. --

[10:33] CC: ≡: Do not be difficult. :≡

[10:33] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] snickers, stepping off the mat and shuffling off toward where they were heading originally. --

[10:33] RU: +*~nO THAnk YeH.~*+

[10:35] -- complacentComposer [CC] His eyes widen in outrage and several of the trolls nearby utter audible gasps. The seadweller practically leaps after the redblood, baring his teeth and attempting to steer him back to the mat. --

[10:35] CC: ≡: If you refuse to behave then I shall have you wait here while your instrument is looked after. :≡

[10:35] CC: ≡: Do NOT step on my floors! :≡

[10:35] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] chuckles again, pulling up his skirt so he can walk fast, even starting to run a little bit. --

[10:36] RU: +*~OHOHO If YeH cAn cATcH Me, deAresT!~*+

[10:38] -- complacentComposer [CC] He gives an angry shout at the blatant show of defiance, immediately picking up his own speed until he's running, too. --

[10:38] CC: ≡: Stop this! Get OFF my floors! :≡

[10:39] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] dashes around a corner, cackling. --

[10:40] RU: +*~I'M TrYIn', lO∇e! I cAn'T fInd THAT TInY MAT Of YeHrs THOUgH! perHAps I'd be beTTer Off geTTIn' Up On YeHr fUrnITUre InsTeAd?~*+

[10:41] -- complacentComposer [CC] screeches at the very idea, sprinting full speed now and painfully aware of each barefoot step the redblood takes. --

[10:41] CC: ≡: Insolent lowblood! Do not even consider it! Come back here! :≡

[10:44] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] shows no sign of slowly down, rolling by one of the servants with a wink and a quick "pardon me, sugar." before swinging through the boudoir and into one of the master bedrooms, running to the opposite side of the bed before stopping short and waiting for Luthir to get closer. --

[10:44] RU: +*~(OH MY, THIs Is pOsITI∇elY lO∇elY.) sIr! THIs Is jUsT lO∇elY!~*+

[10:46] -- complacentComposer [CC] bursts into the bedroom after Galfir, then skids to a breathless halt when he sees where the little runt has placed himself. Breathing heavily and looking tense, he points to the floor in front of his feet. --

[10:46] CC: ≡: Come here. :≡

[10:46] CC: ≡: Do not touch that bed. :≡

[10:47] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] pouts and holds up his instrument case, staying put. --

[10:47] RU: +*~AAWWW WOUld YeH prefer I leA∇e YeH TWO AlOne?~*+

[10:48] CC: ≡: That would in fact be ideal, so I may repair it and get you out of my hive, yes! :≡

[10:48] -- complacentComposer [CC] growls softly. --

[10:48] CC: ≡: Now come HERE. :≡

[10:48] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] lets out a sigh as he turns in a half-circle and seats himself on the edge of the bed. --

[10:49] RU: +*~YeH're nOT ∇erY HOspITAble, Are YeH, sWeeTHeArT?~*+

[10:49] -- complacentComposer [CC] screeches and rushes over with the intention of pulling the lowblood off the bed. Thank god it's not his own, or he might have to burn it and buy a new one, but still. --

[10:50] CC: ≡: YOU are a terrible guest! Off, off, off! :≡

[10:56] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] lets out a loud noise of disapproval and raises his hand, jumping up and stepping back before dropping it and disappearing in a cloud of purple smoke. --

[10:58] -- complacentComposer [CC] just sort of stops and stares at the spot where the redblood had previously been, his mouth open slightly in disbelief. He looks up and around, turning a full circle and looking increasingly panicked by the sudden disappearance of his guest. --

[10:58] CC: ≡: This is ridiculous! Where are you? :≡

[11:07] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] clicks his tongue from across the room, leaning on the door frame and wiggling his fingers at Luthir. --

[11:10] -- complacentComposer [CC] whips around and stares at the redblood with wide eyes, his fins and gills flared out in obvious distress. --

[11:10] CC: ≡: What are you doing. :≡

[11:14] RU: +*~nOT TOUcHIn' YeHr bed AnYMOre, Of cOUrse!~*+

[11:14] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] shrugs and heads back out into the hall. --

[11:17] -- complacentComposer [CC] groans. This man has to be the worst customer he's experienced by far. He follows after him, grumbling to the servants to clean up after them and jogging after Galfir. --

[11:17] CC: ≡: Mr. Narcus, I think this is more than enough. :≡

[11:22] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] heads for the entry way once more, fixing his hair with his free hand before glancing back over his shoulder. --

[11:22] RU: +*~enOUgH Of WHAT, lO∇e?~*+

[11:23] CC: ≡: Your-- your ANTICS, is what! I do hope you are prepared to be charged extra for your blatant disrespect towards myself and my belongings. :≡

[11:23] -- complacentComposer [CC] attempts once more to steer the redblood back to the floormat as they go. --

[11:26] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] turns around sharply so he's facing Luthir as they go, walking backward just as smoothly as he did forward. --

[11:26] RU: +*~HMMMMM. I dOn'T THInk I AM. HOW 'bOUT A deAl InsTeAd? A Wee dIscOUnT frOM YeH. And I prOMIse nOT TO geT AnY MOre Of MY "fIlTH" All O∇er YeHr lO∇elY HI∇e WHIle YeH're WOrkIn'?~*+

[11:28] -- complacentComposer [CC] scoffs and crosses his arms, looking insulted by the very suggestion. --

[11:28] CC: ≡: Preposterous. The damage is already done, and I expect compensation along with the standard price of fixing your instrument. :≡

[11:29] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] sighs once more, wandering to the side. --

[11:29] RU: +*~bUT THere's sO MUcH MOre Of YeHr lO∇elY HOMe I HA∇en'T seen.~*+

[11:30] -- complacentComposer [CC] stiffens. --

[11:30] CC: ≡: I do not intend to allow you to, either, unless you agree to proper footwear. :≡

[11:36] RU: +*~sAMe As YeH dIdn'T AllOW Me TOO jUsT bAck THere, sUgAr?~*+

[11:39] -- complacentComposer [CC] presses his lips together tightly. --

[11:39] CC: ≡: Mr. Narcus, you are being incredibly rude. I do not HAVE to repair your instrument. I am providing you with a service. :≡

[11:39] CC: ≡: Honestly, learn some respect. :≡

[12:19] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] pouts. --

[12:19] RU: +*~I HA∇e plenTY Of respecT! I WAs jUsT HA∇In' sOMe fUn 'bOUT THe plAce, seeIn' As IT lOOked lIke I WOUldn'T geT AnY OTHerWIse.~*+

[12:20] CC: ≡: You are not HERE for fun! You are here for my services! :≡

[12:20] -- complacentComposer [CC] spreads his gloved hands in exasperation. --

[12:20] CC: ≡: This is my hive and I do not appreciate you or anyone else running rampant through it. :≡

[12:30] RU: +*~generAllY OTHer TrOlls' ser∇Ices /Are/ fUn, dArlIn'. bUT I'M gOIn' TO end Up glIsTenIn' If I dOIn' AnY MOre rUnnIn' ArOUnd WITH YeH, sO I sUppOOOOOse THAT's fAIr.~*+

[12:31] -- complacentComposer [CC] returns his arms to a folded position and nods. --

[12:32] CC: ≡: Will you cooperate now, then? Or do you choose to wait here? :≡

[12:33] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] groans. --

[12:33] RU: +*~If YeH HA∇e sOMeTHIn' OTHer THAn THOse HIdeOUs eXcUses fOr fOOT WArMers.~*+

[12:34] -- complacentComposer [CC] seems mildly offended. --

[12:34] CC: ≡: I fail to see how it matters, considering your skirt hides your feet, in any case. :≡

[12:40] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] cocks his hip as he looks Luthir up and down. --

[12:40] RU: +*~Mr. ∇ITUlA I AM nOT 6 sWeeps Old. I dO nOT WeAr cOTTOn.~*+

[12:41] CC: ≡: Cotton is a completely viable material. You expect me to lend you my most expensive socks? :≡

[12:42] RU: +*~AYe! I MeAn, pleAse? IT's THAT Or bArefOOT, sUgAr I'M sOrrY.~*+

[12:44] -- complacentComposer [CC] stares at the redblood for several long moments before growling and turning on a servant, motioning them over. After sending them off to retrieve one of his own pairs of socks, he turns back to Galfir with a deep scowl. --

[12:44] CC: ≡: I intend to charge you for those as well. I WILL have to burn them afterwards. :≡

[12:46] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] raises an eyebrow and grins. That's more like it. --

[12:47] RU: +*~OH Angel If YeH're gOIn' TO bUrn THeM I'll jUsT keep THeM.~*+

[12:48] -- complacentComposer [CC] frowns. --

[12:48] CC: ≡: So long as you pay for them, I suppose so. They are not your colour, however. :≡

[12:58] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] rolls his eyes. --

[12:59] RU: +*~YeH'd be sUrprIsed WHAT cOlOrs I fIT InTO, deAr. And YeH Were gOnnA MAke Me pAY AnYWAY, AYe?~*+

[01:03] -- complacentComposer [CC] nods, and glances over his shoulder in time to see the servant returning with a much nicer pair of tyrian socks. Still scowling, he hands them to the rustblood. --

[01:03] CC: ≡: There. Nylon. :≡

[01:19] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] blinks as he takes them slowly from the seadweller and just sort of holds them for a moment. Staring. This man wears nylon socks. This man wears panty hose with the panty part cut off...Is this a joke? He glances over at Luthir once more, stifling a laugh, and slips them on. --

[01:19] RU: +*~THere. BeTTer?~*+

[01:25] -- complacentComposer [CC] Entirely oblivious, he huffs softly and nods. At least his floors are safe now. --

[01:25] CC: ≡: Much. Come along, then. And don't touch things. :≡

[01:29] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] sighs rather loudly, shuffling his feet. --

[01:30] RU: +*~∇erY Well.~*+

[01:35] -- complacentComposer [CC] With things hopefully a little more settled now, Luthir heads off down the rather long stretch of hallway, sighing to himself. This customer is turning out to be more trouble than he's worth. If it w --

[01:35] CC: asn't for his love of instruments, the seadweller probably would have kicked this lowblood out by now. Instead he leads him on, past ornate doors and frivolous paintings and all sorts of rather typical decorations for someone with as much money as him.

[01:51] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] behaves himself, though the thoughts do cross his mind. He does occasionally run a finger along the frame of a painting but he brings no attention to his doing so, swinging the case a little as he walks. --

[01:56] -- complacentComposer [CC] Soon enough they reach a large wooden door and Luthir opens it, motioning the lowblood inside. It's pretty obvious that this is his workshop; it's a large room with notebooks and sheet music and instruments and tools all over the place, on various tables and benches. Miraculously, there's still space on one of those tables, and Luthir motions to it. --

[01:56] CC: ≡: Please set the case down there. :≡

[01:58] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] slides on through the door with his RAD NYLON SOCKS and comes to a stop infront of the table, setting it down as he's told. --

[01:58] RU: +*~nOT qUITe As IMMAcUlATe In Here, HMM?~*+

[01:59] CC: ≡: While things may not be any sort of conceivable order, they are still as spotless as anything else. I do not have time to organize while I work. :≡

[02:00] -- complacentComposer [CC] moves over to the case and opens it delicately, peering down at the viola inside with a thoughtful expression. --

[02:00] CC: ≡: And what is the problem that needs fixing here, then? :≡

[02:22] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] The instrument's clearly been through something awful. The frame's polished well enough, but the bridge has snapped clear of the frame, leaving the stringles coiled near the top of the instrument. --

[02:22] RU: +*~THe WeATHer's nOT been kInd TO IT, Angel.~*+

[02:24] -- complacentComposer [CC] clicks his tongue sadly at the sight of the thing, picking it up to examine it with an almost pitying expression. At this point I've realized if Luthir ever has a quadrant it's probably gonna be with a goddamn string instrument. --

[02:24] CC: ≡: Hmm. Unfortunate, but not unfixable, of course. :≡

[02:43] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] folds his arms and nods, looking around. --

[02:44] RU: +*~HOW sOOn?~*+

[02:44] -- complacentComposer [CC] ponders for a moment. --

[02:44] CC: ≡: I believe I can have it finished in a few hours at the very most. :≡

[02:45] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] claps his hands, lighting up. --

[02:45] RU: +*~perfecT! I'll WAIT Here.~*+

[02:46] -- complacentComposer [CC] sighs, sliding down to sit on the work bench. --

[02:46] CC: ≡: Very well. But no touching things. :≡

[02:46] CC: ≡: Behave, this time. :≡

[03:11] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] sidles over to lean against a work table and examine its contents. It's a bit of an eyesore to his dear sixth sight, what with almost everything in progress. All broken. He grimaces. --

[03:11] RU: +*~YeH dOn'T HA∇e TO WOrrY 'bOUT THAT Here, deAresT.~*+

[03:12] -- complacentComposer [CC] glances over and frowns. --

[03:12] CC: ≡: Leaning on the table does fall under the category of physical contact, Mr. Narcus. Please refrain. :≡

[03:19] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] glares back past his painted lashes. --

[03:19] RU: +*~YeH eXpecT Me TO sIMplY sTAnd In THe MIddle Of THe rOOM~*+

[03:20] CC: ≡: Yes. Preferably without making too much noise, as well. :≡

[03:21] RU: +*~HMMMMMpH. PerHAps I'll gO lOOk 'bOUT THe plAce InsTeAd.~*+

[03:23] -- complacentComposer [CC] straightens up and snarls at him, finally getting up and walking to a closet in the back of the room. He comes back with a towel. --

[03:23] CC: ≡: Here. You may sit so long as this is under you. :≡

[03:23] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] gives him a look that says "Are you fucking kidding me?" --

[03:23] RU: +*~OH I cAn'T e∇en MAnAge TO lOOk ArOUnd WITH THe sOcks On nOW?~*+

[03:24] CC: ≡: I suppose if you really wish for a tour I could have a servant guide you around... :≡

[03:24] -- complacentComposer [CC] frowns thoughtfully. --

[03:29] RU: +*~THAT WOUld be AccepTAble.~*+

[03:32] -- complacentComposer [CC] nods and motions for Galfir to follow, him out into the hall. He flags down a servant-- coincidentally, the same cerulean woman who answered the door before. He explains the job to her then turns to Galfir. --

[03:32] CC: ≡: Miss Riette will show you around. :≡

[03:33] CC: ≡: Please follow any rules she gives you, and again... do not touch anything. :≡

[03:38] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] clears his throat and smiles to the cerulean before winking to Luthir and standing beside her. --

[03:38] RU: +*~I'll cerTAInlY TrY MY besT!~*+

[03:41] -- complacentComposer [CC] gives the redblood a sour look, looking him up and down for a second before just sort of scoffing to himself and turning to re-enter his workshop, shutting the door behind him, leaving the two of them alone in the hallway. --

[11:45] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] cocks his hip, turning sharply toward the woman. --

[11:45] RU: +*~dO YeH TrUlY enjOY WOrkIn' fOr HIM?~*+

[11:47] -- complacentComposer [CC] blinks back at the redblood before a small smirk tugs at the corner of her mouth. She motions for him to follow her as she sets off down the hall, shaking her head-- though not to his question. --

[11:47] CC: He can still hear us, sir.

[11:48] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] chuckles sauntering after her, dragging his hand along a passing table. --

[11:48] RU: +*~I'∇e dOne enOUgH TO THe pOOr MAn, I THInk He cAn HAndle lIsTenIn' TO A pOOr lOWblOOd gOssIp.~*+

[11:50] -- complacentComposer [CC] Her smirk fades and she glances over her shoulder at him, slanting her lips. --

[11:50] CC: As funny as it is, you... are kind of creating more work for us, you know.

[11:51] CC: We gotta clean everything you touch, y'know?

[11:51] CC: ...Like that table.

[11:51] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] glances back at her. --

[11:51] RU: +*~And If YeH sIMplY dIdn'T Tell HIM?~*+

[11:52] -- complacentComposer [CC] laughs, motioning up to the ceiling, where little black domes are placed at regular intervals. --

[11:52] CC: You think he'd let any part of his hive go unsupervised for any amount of time?

[12:02] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] peers up. His lips curls back in a snarl. --

[12:02] RU: +*~grAcIOUs, I'M en∇IOUs And dIsgUsTed AT THe sAMe TIMe.~*+

[12:03] -- complacentComposer [CC] lifts an eyebrow. --

[12:03] CC: Why?

[12:04] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] yawns idly, stretching as he walks. --

[12:04] RU: +*~WHO WOUldn'T be en∇IOUs Of A plAce lIke THIs, dArlIn'.~*+

[12:05] -- complacentComposer [CC] laughs lightly. --

[12:05] CC: You get used to it after a while.

[12:05] CC: Which parts were you hoping to see? Anything specific?

[12:08] RU: +*~THe pArTs I dIdn'T rUn THrOUgH, deAresT. WHIcH I belIe∇e WOUld be jUsT THe OTHer sIde Of THe HI∇e.~*+

[12:10] -- complacentComposer [CC] nods, adjusting her path a little so that they're headed for that side of the hive, certainly just as big as the other. --

[12:10] CC: Did you make it upstairs?

[12:32] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] chuckles a bit more as he looks around. --

[12:32] RU: +*~nO, Angel. jUsT ArOUnd THe bedrOOMs And HAllWAYs Here.~*+

[12:44] -- complacentComposer [CC] smiles. --

[12:45] CC: Well, the other side of this floor is essentially the same thing, except the bedrooms are for guests. Not that Mr. Vitula ever has any for that long, of course.

[12:46] CC: Upstairs are the library and ball room, among other things. And the third floor is the attic, but it lacks cameras, and as such is generally off-limits.

[12:56] RU: +*~OOOHH bAll rOOM YeH sAY? THAT geTs MUcH Use, dOes IT?~*+

[01:00] CC: Mr. Vitula is a fan of dancing as well as music. Other highbloods do occasionally get invites to parties here, but the guests are required to bring a clean pair of shoes and wear gloves. The cleaning job afterwards is horrid, to be honest.

[01:01] CC: He doesn't dance with the guests, of course, but he enjoys performing the music.

[01:01] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] grins, clapping his hands after a moment of though. --

[01:02] RU: +*~OH, sUgAr, I'd kIll TO see THAT.~*+

[01:03] -- complacentComposer [CC] laughs, stopping as they arrive at a set of stairs, though there's more beyond them. --

[01:03] CC: I doubt you'd ever be able to. Lowbloods don't get invited. He's convinced all of you are eternally filthy.

[01:03] CC: Do you wish to go up right now, or see the other bedrooms first?

[01:52] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] taps his lip thoughtfully. --

[01:52] RU: +*~HMMM, HOW 'bOUT We WOrk OUr WAY Up And THen bAck dOWn, sWeeTHeArT.~*+

[01:55] -- complacentComposer [CC] nods, heading on up the stairs with the redblood in tow. At the top, she motions about with a smile. --

[01:55] CC: Here we are. I'm guessing you want to see that ball room?

[02:00] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] grips the railing, because fuck it all with the "no touching" he's gonna break his goddamn neck trying to climb these stairs with these slippery socks. He rights himself at the top and clears his throat. --

[02:00] RU: +*~If YeH'd be sO kInd, lO∇e.~*+

[02:02] -- complacentComposer [CC] doesn't seem to notice his struggles, only glancing back at him once he makes it to the top as well. She turns left and waves him on, before arriving at a set of double doors and pushing them open to reveal the lavish, perfectly polished ballroom inside. --

[02:12] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] walks on in and turns in a circle, his skirts swishing around him. --

[02:12] RU: +*~MY, THIs WOUld be splendId fIlled WITH TrOlls! perfOrMAnces, And WHAT HA∇e YeH.~*+

[02:14] -- complacentComposer [CC] laughs lightly and nods, watching him from near the doorway and sort of taking a quiet moment to admire the sight of him. --

[02:15] CC: It's pretty nice, yeah.

[02:15] CC: You like dancing, then?

[02:15] RU: +*~OH AbsOlUTelY, deAr. I'M qUITe gOOd AT IT TOO, If I dO sAY sO MYself.~*+

[02:16] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] turns to her and wiggles his eyebrows. --

[02:18] -- complacentComposer [CC] laughs and quickly brings a hand up to cover her mouth to stifle the giggles. Grinning, she nods to the dance floor. --

[02:18] CC: Gonna give a demonstration, then?

[02:28] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] raises his eyebrows and kicks a foot out in her direction. --

[02:28] RU: +*~If YeH'd lIke TO see Me fAll On MY preTTY lITTle fAce, Angel. Unless I cOUld TAke THeM Off...~*+

[02:30] -- complacentComposer [CC] glances down and laughs at the sight of the sox. --

[02:30] CC: So that's why he wanted those.

[02:31] CC: I can't condone you taking them off, but we could switch pairs I guess? Mine are wool.

[02:53] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] wrinkles his nose and waves a hand, pulling off his vest instead of his socks. --

[02:53] RU: +*~feH, IT's fIne, deAr. All Or nOTHIn'. I'll MAnAge.~*+

[02:59] -- complacentComposer [CC] lifts an eyebrow and smiles, folding her arms comfortably over her stomach. --

[03:00] CC: Heheh, alright. Don't hurt yourself.

[03:18] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] takes out his jewlery and slips it on one piece at a time, glancing back at her. --

[03:19] RU: +*~IT WOUld be sO MUcH beTTer WITH THe fOOTWeAr bUT AlAs. I sUppOse I sHOUld sTOp cOMplAInIn'.~*+

[03:21] -- complacentComposer [CC] holds her hands up helplessly, shrugging. --

[03:21] CC: Sorry buddy, but I don't feel like scrubbing down the floor here today, y'know?

[03:21] CC: If it's any consolation you look pretty good as is, heheh.

[03:42] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] sighs and gives her a polite "thank yeh," before raising his hands over his head, looking down at himself, and finding a rhythm. --

[03:45] -- complacentComposer [CC] watches him with interest, eyes drifting lower several times but overall keeping to his whole body. It's easy to tell right away that he wasn't lying when he said he's a good dancer. Her smile grows the more she watches, and she quickly decides this is one of the better tours she's given here. --

[03:56] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] There comes a moment when he almost loses his balance thanks to those damn socks but he turned it into a cartwheel, recovering with a proud sort of grin and giving a bow. --

[03:57] RU: +*~Well, I THInk THAT's enOUgH fOr nOW, HMM?~*+

[03:59] -- complacentComposer [CC] The cartwheel is a bit of a surprise, but it seems pretty nice in the end, and she breaks into a grin, clapping delightedly when he's done. --

[04:00] CC: Hehe! You're very skilled.

[04:10] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] places a hand on his chest, the trinkets on his wrists jingling quietly. --

[04:11] RU: +*~OH, sUgAr YeH're TOO kInd. YeH OWe Me fOr THAT sHOW THOUgH.~*+

[04:11] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] he winks at her. --

[04:12] -- complacentComposer [CC] laughs, obviously not taking him entirely seriously but content to play along anyway. She nods and motions to the door. --

[04:12] CC: All finished here, hotshot?

[04:55] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] smiles and slips his vest on at least, keeping his jewelry on for now. --

[04:55] RU: +*~∇erY Well, leT's keep THIs TOUr MO∇In'.~*+

[05:00] -- complacentComposer [CC] leads him back out into the hall and sets off toward the library, next. --

[05:00] CC: Mr. Vitula has a pretty impressive collection of books, too. You like books at all?

[11:58] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] rolls his shoulders in a shrug and clasps his hands behind his back. --

[11:58] RU: +*~prObAblY nOT THe kInd He OWns, sUgAr, bUT I'd lO∇e TO see AnYWAY.~*+

[12:02] -- complacentComposer [CC] shrugs back, smiling as they make it to another set of double doors, these ones smaller and much less imposing. She turns the knob and steps inside, motioning with a hand for him to come on in. Inside, it becomes apparent quite quickly that there must be thousands upon thousands of books here, with shelves that reach the ceiling and each filled to the brim. --

[12:03] CC: His collection's pretty big. You'd be surprised.

[12:26] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] raises his eyebrows and skirts about the room, looking over everything. It's certainly impressive. Not something he'd own, well, maybe not in those titles, but impressive nontheless. --

[12:27] RU: +*~dOes He HA∇e AnY...Older bOOks, dArlIn'?~*+

[12:28] -- complacentComposer [CC] spreads her hands in a sort of "I dunno" motion, following idly after the redblood. --

[12:28] CC: They're not sorted by age and I certainly haven't seen 'em all, so I couldn't tell you. But I'm sure he does.

[12:28] CC: I rather expect he does, though they might not be on the shelves.

[12:39] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] hums thoughtfully reaching out to trace his middle finger down the spine of a book. He turns slowly to look at her and grins. --

[12:39] RU: +*~And WHere WOUld THeY be, eXAcTlY?~*+

[12:40] -- complacentComposer [CC] slowly drifts over and takes out a cloth to wipe at the spine of the book he just touched, giving him a "seriously?" look for it. At his question, though, she frowns thoughtfully. --

[12:41] CC: Erm, he has some in his office, I think. The rest are in a room at the back of this library, but that's off-limits. He's never said why, but we're not allowed in. Nobody but him is.

[12:53] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] his eye lights up as he turns in his heels and heads for the back of the library. --

[12:53] RU: +*~WOnderfUl!~*+

[12:54] -- complacentComposer [CC] Her eyes widen and she quickly jogs after him, slightly alarmed by his apparent disregard for most of what she'd just said. --

[12:55] CC: No, what-- hang on, I'm serious though! We can't go in. Unless you got x-ray vision, I don't know what you're so excited about.

[01:03] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] gave up trolling complacentComposer [CC] at 01:03 --

[01:03] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] changed their mood to OFFLINE --

[01:07] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] changed their mood to CHUMMY --

[01:07] -- complacentComposer [CC] Her eyes widen and she quickly jogs after him, slightly alarmed by his apparent disregard for most of what she'd just said. --

[01:08] CC: No, what-- hang on, I'm serious though! We can't go in. Unless you got x-ray vision, I don't know what you're so excited about.

[01:23] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] chuckles, not faultering in the slightest. --

[01:23] RU: +*~YeH cAn geT In THere, cAn'T YeH?~*+

[01:24] CC: Well, technically yes, but it's entirely forbidden! I can't let you in there, Mr. Narcus.

[11:33] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] raises an eyebrow and tilts his head, a sly grin on his face. --

[11:33] RU: +*~nOW WHY WOUld A rOOM Of bOOks be fOrbIdden?~*+

[11:36] -- complacentComposer [CC] frowns, shaking her head and trying to steer him away from the locked room. --

[11:36] CC: I'm not sure, but Mr. Vitula probably has his reasons.

[11:36] CC: I imagine they must be old and fragile, or something like that.

[11:38] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] digs in his heels, peering back at the door. --

[11:38] RU: +*~YeH IMAgIne? WHY nOT knOW fOr cerTAIn!~*+

[11:40] -- complacentComposer [CC] Oh he's being stubborn, is he. She huffs and tries outright pushing him now, even though he's considerably larger than her. --

[11:40] CC: Absolutely not. Are you crazy?

[11:41] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] hums thoughtfully, slipping around her and taking her by the shoulder to pull her back toward the door. --

[11:41] RU: +*~I'∇e been TOld sO On OccAsIOn, AYe. regArdless!~*+

[11:42] -- complacentComposer [CC] Now it's her turn to dig her heels in, rather fruitlessly. She glances around nervously, but of course, there's nobody around. --

[11:43] CC: This is a terrible idea, Mr. Narcus.

[11:43] CC: We can't go in there.

[11:44] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] gives her bedroom eyes as he continues to inch backward. The more she resists the more he wants to go in that room. --

[11:44] RU: +*~We cAAAnnn. I WOn'T Tell If YeH WOn'T.~*+

[11:47] -- complacentComposer [CC] peers between the door and the... certainly persuasive-looking redblood peering down at her, conflict obvious in her expression. --

[11:47] CC: I could lose my job...

[11:48] RU: +*~And I cOUld be kIlled On THe spOT. YeT Here I AM~*+

[11:51] -- complacentComposer [CC] is silent for a loooong time before finally sighing reluctantly, her hand moving to hover over her keys. --

[11:51] CC: We shouldn't be doing this...

[11:51] -- complacentComposer [CC] She mutters it even as she unhooks the keychain, though she hesitates with the ring in the air. --

[11:51] CC: We really shouldn't.

[12:04] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] gives her a pitiful look that only lasts a moment before he's grinning excitedly. --

[12:04] RU: +*~IT's THe rIsk THAT MAkes IT fUn, sUgAr.~*+

[12:15] -- complacentComposer [CC] just kind of sighs in defeat and shakes her head like she's disappointed more so in herself than in him. She reaches forward to slip the key in the lock. --

[12:15] CC: You owe me for this. You really do.

[01:03] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] nods in agreement, smiling and placing his hand on her shoulder, trying not to be too pushy about wanting her to open the door. She's doing what he wants, he's not going to argue. --

[01:06] -- complacentComposer [CC] glances at his hand, then sighs again, finally twisting the key and opening the door to the room inside. It's fairly small, about the size of a round walk-in closet, with a very small selection of books lining the walls. It's obvious they're a special collection. --

[01:06] -- complacentComposer [CC] moves faster now, ushering him in and shutting the door behind them to avoid being seen. --

[01:07] -- complacentComposer [CC] just sort of turns to huff at him --

[01:07] CC: ≡: Are you happy now? :≡

[01:07] -- complacentComposer [CC] oops no quirk --

[01:21] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] slides past her and immediately begins pacing by the books, brushing his fingers against some of the spines, and squinting to see if he can read them. --

[01:21] RU: +*~OH Yes sWeeTHeArT, ∇erY HAppY Indeed.~*+

[01:22] -- complacentComposer [CC] grimaces as she watches him touching the books, but Luthir rarely comes in here anyway, so it's unlikely he'll even notice. She folds her arms and stands by the entrance, watching him. --

[01:22] CC: Why'd you even want in here so badly?

[01:29] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] his pacing slows to an idle stroll as he clasps his hands behind his back. --

[01:29] RU: +*~HMMM, cUrIOsITY I sUppOse, deAr.~*+

[01:30] -- complacentComposer [CC] snorts. --

[01:30] CC: Well I hope you appreciate it.

[01:31] CC: Are you at least going to read something? I'm not risking my job so you can window shop, y'know.

[01:39] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] rolls his eyes and sighs loudly, plucking a book nonchalantly from the shelf while he gives her a look. that grimace of hers isn't enough to keep his attention for long, however, as he opens the book and carefully thumbs through it, still walking in a little circle. --

[01:41] -- complacentComposer [CC] As uncaring as she had seemed to be, she doesn't watch him a little bit closer as he finally picks out a book, admittedly curious. She nods to it. --

[01:41] CC: Well?

[02:06] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] thumbs through it and seems slightly surprised, then amused. He snaps the book shut and glances up at her. --

[02:07] RU: +*~OOOO HIgHlY IllegAl TO e∇en be reAdIn' THAT sOrT Of THIn'. UncensOred, Un-spOnsOred HIsTOrY. Tsk Tsk, I cAn see WHY YeHr bOss keeps THese lOcked Up~*+

[02:08] -- complacentComposer [CC] breaks into a bit of a grin and laughs. --

[02:08] CC: Wow. I never woulda thought he had it in him.

[02:08] CC: Acting all stuck-up and holier-than-thou all the time but keeping these books, huh?

[02:11] RU: +*~MMMM AWAY frOM THe prYIn' eYes Of HIs ser∇AnTs. TrOlls WOUld gI∇e THeIr lIMbs Or WOrse fOr sOMe Of THese bOOks, If THIs One's AnY IndIcATOr.~*+

[02:11] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] shuts it and holds the cover up closer, narrowing his eyes at dark flecks that stain the leather. --

[02:12] RU: +*~I IMAgIne sOMe Of THeM AlreAdY HA∇e...~*+

[02:12] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] shrugs and places it back on the shelf, looking for another. --

[02:13] -- complacentComposer [CC] raises her eyebrows, but refrains from commenting again. She simply watches him once more and waits to see what he'll pick out next. --

[02:20] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] circles back, this time picking out an older book. It's written in ancient alternian, and he grins. Never forget how to read this. He's a bit more careful with this one. The writing is enough to show its age. --

[02:23] -- complacentComposer [CC] notices his change in demeanor and lifts her eyebrows even higher, curiosity growing stronger. --

[02:23] CC: Whatcha got?

[02:28] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] flips it open and coos. The books old enough that paintings replace pictures of trolls depicted in it, he looks over the faces one at a time. --

[02:28] RU: +*~AH, A recOrd bOOk. eXecUTed felOns. perfecT fOr A lIgHT reAd O∇er breAkfAsT, WOUldn'T YeH sAY?~*+

[02:29] -- complacentComposer [CC] chokes a little. That was a bit unexpected, to say the least. Finally, she moves from the wall to stand with him, peering at it as best she can without being able to look over his shoulder. --

[02:29] CC: How far back does it go?

[02:33] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] purses his lips and starts flipping further back. However, he does a double-take at one point, turns back a page, and stiffens up, trying very very hard not to look shocked. --

[02:34] -- complacentComposer [CC] He can try, but she's close enough to feel the way he gets tense, and it's not as if the double-take didn't give him away anyhow. She glances with interest between him and the page he's open to. --

[02:34] CC: What?

[02:42] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] is completely silent as he reads the page in its entirety. He's staring himself in the face. But it's not him. Not even "old" him. It's the troll who came before, the writer of the journal....They go --

[02:42] RU: t her face right, but they changed her horns in the picture. No doubt to hide the fact that an heiress was executed like a common criminal instead of at the hands of the empress. There's a name under it. A different name. His gaze slowly shifts to the adjacent page. A troll with a confident, cynical red gaze stares back at him. Not scarlet. Maroon red. True red. And the horns are exactly the same.

[02:42] RU: ....He drops the book suddenly, and it makes a brittle, unforgiving thunk as it hits the ground.

[02:42] RU: +*~WOOps!~*+

[02:44] -- complacentComposer [CC] That certainly startles her and she jumps back with a yelp, putting a hand to her chest. Immediately though, all her concern flocks to the book and she rushes to pick it up. --

[02:44] CC: Be /careful/!

[02:44] CC: He'll skin us alive if this gets damaged!

[02:44] CC: What is your deal?

[02:44] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] chuckles lightly, placing a hand over his heart. --

[02:44] RU: +*~sOrrY sUgAr! THOUgHT I sAW A spIder On THe pAge THere!~*+

[02:45] RU: +*~fAlse AlArM, IT seeMs~*+

[02:47] -- complacentComposer [CC] gives him a skeptical look, then sighs and shakes her head. She looks over the book, but thankfully it landed with the covers shut, so the spine is fine. --

[02:47] CC: If you say so.

[02:47] -- complacentComposer [CC] pauses, then holds it out to him in offering. --

[02:47] CC: You want it back?

[03:02] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] laughs a little louder that time. --

[03:02] RU: +*~AHA nO I THInk I'M dOne sUgAr! dOn'T WAnT AnYMOre UH, AHeM.~*+

[03:03] RU: +*~spIders~*+

[03:03] -- complacentComposer [CC] lifts an eyebrow at him, then shrugs and puts the book back. --

[03:03] CC: Alrighty then.

[03:03] CC: Does that mean you're all done in here?

[03:09] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] looks the room over before nodding. --

[03:10] RU: +*~AYe, I THInk sO...WOUldn'T WAnT TO spend TOO lOng In Here WOUld We?~*+

[03:11] -- complacentComposer [CC] shrugs and looks around, smirking. --

[03:11] CC: Already in here, I guess. Can't do much worse.

[03:11] CC: But I mean, if you're done with the books, there isn't much more reason to stay.

[03:23] RU: +*~AlWAYs A gOOd pOInT~*+

[03:23] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] smirks and saunters back over to the door. --

[03:24] -- complacentComposer [CC] nods and flicks the light off, then heads after him, unhooking her keys again in preparation of locking the door. --

[03:34] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] stands back out in the main library, glancing around in case someone new happens along here since they've been inside --

[03:37] -- complacentComposer [CC] steps out as well and quickly locks the door behind her, biting her lip as she turns to look around as well. --

[03:38] CC: It looks like nobody noticed.

[03:38] CC: ...But if he finds out I'm pointing him your way, mister.

[03:40] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] manages a smile. --

[03:40] RU: +*~I dOUbT I'll be ArOUnd ArOUnd fOr HIM TO pUnIsH AnYWAY~*+

[03:41] -- complacentComposer [CC] gives him a look before ushering him away from the door. --

[03:41] CC: Come on. Let's not attract any attention by hanging arounf.

[03:41] CC: *around

[03:46] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] clasps his hand behind his back and takes up stride next to her, dodging her ushering hands. --

[03:50] -- complacentComposer [CC] hooks the keys back onto her belt and walks with him to the hallway again, pausing there to glance around, then looking up at the redblood. --

[03:50] CC: What do you want to do now?

[03:50] CC: We can check on Mr. Vitula if you like.

[03:51] CC: See if he's finished with your instrument.

[03:58] -- repulsingUniversal [RU] perks up at that idea. --

[03:58] RU: +*~OOHH Yes AlMOsT fOrgOT! I THInk We'∇e gI∇en HIM plenTY Of TIMe fOr THAT.~*+

[04:03] -- complacentComposer [CC] smiles and nods, leading him off down the hall and towards the stairs to the first floor. --

hmmMMMMmmm

emante wanted to be a superhero-type person lmao he was such a little nerd. he wore that cape around and pretended to fight bad highbloods and protect lowbloods

when he was WAY young plover briefly went with the typical dream of ruling the empire but charda got ahold of him at a young age and he was pretty easily steered towards the path of dentistry

givana wanted to be a hair stylist and/or fashion designer and that still shows through. she doesnt have an official salon or anything but she'll do your hair for a reasonable price as more of a paying hobby than anything else

[12:04] CC: ≡: They are nonsense, Mr. Terois, because they revolve entirely around the idea of highbloods such as yourself and I preening ourselves and acting in ridiculous manners that quite frankly remind me of mating dances seen in birds of paradise. :≡

[11:18] CC: ≡: The state of his instrument was appalling, he expressed a distaste for violin, insulted my musical ability, and then touched my instruments without permission. :≡