[open; July adventures]

[cryptsleeper]

Who: Alucard and open
When: July
Where: Aquila, Cadens, Ikorr
What: Closed text thread; some exploring in Ikorr; and delving into the aftermath of the Free Cities
Warnings: Added as needed

Comments

[cryptsleeper]

Yes. He's going to hate it. We lead with the arms.

[Alucard may be serious about this. He may not be. It'll be on Astarion to decide if they need to double down or just let it be a flight of fancy.

He isn't surprised that Astarion's thoughts immediately go to the actual time and effort put in to produce something like this. Alucard has wondered where the desire to do needlework came from in his friend, nor has there been a good chance to ask.

There's a faint temptation here to see if this has been sold. It probably has, given that the piece is historic and neither of them have the knowledge to appreciate it properly.]

I suppose if you have all the time in the world, you can pace yourself. [Still.] How long have you been doing your work for?

[ancunin]

[ Astarion gives another sharp but genuine laugh at the agreement, serious or not, but most of his attention is still on the work in front of him - until Alucard asks his question.

He frowns, taking a small step back from the artwork and folding his arms over his chest. ]

For about as long as I can remember. [ He says this with a shrug because, well, any statement about memory from him is a loaded one. His gaze turns distant, frown deepening. ] Our master wouldn't have us stalking around the streets looking completely haggard, mind you - [ an eye roll, followed by a scowl ] - but any minor repairs needed had to be done by my own hand. So, I learned. And... enjoyment did follow, eventually...

[ A hobby, although it's difficult to call it one. ]

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard can accept that there's some fuzzy detail to the memory. It isn't a surprise, given everything he understands of Astarion's past.]

I can see how it'd keep the hands and minds busy. And you're better than many I've seen here. [Or himself, truth be told.] For a moment, I thought you were going to tell me it had to do with the stitch count itself.

[ancunin]

[ He'll accept the flattery. And a slight redirect of the topic, away from himself: ]

Do you have any artistic pursuits?

[ Besides the architecture business, of course. ]

[cryptsleeper]

I'd consider food to be borderline. And I have dabbled a bit in needlework, although I feel my skillset is middling. [There's a small shrug.]

I've found it strangely easier to help do the organizing bits for others so they can focus on their work.

we can wrap soon if this gets too chitchatty!

[ancunin]

A vampire chef - what a concept. [ He gives a small shrug - to each their own. Especially to each who still have normal, functioning tastebuds when it comes to anything but blood. He's not particularly bitter about this one, at least not right now. He's actually remained in quite a decent mood. ]

So you enjoy managing people.

[cryptsleeper]

--Enjoy? No. But I think of it as building architecture for them? [The way Alucard's voice goes up makes it clear he's absolutely never thought about this for more than five seconds until now. He pauses, trying to make sense of the sudden thought.]

No, it's more...erecting scaffolding and support so they can focus on the important parts, I suppose. I've just been doing more of it lately because of current events, and the fact that I'm loathe to be overidentified with architecture itself after our last misadventure with that fucking rock.

[ancunin]

[ Astarion hums, a little tickled by the way Alucard is working this out aloud. And he supposes if he squints he can see what he means by that metaphor. ]

Because of...?

[ He waggles a finger, indicating the change Alucard received upon returning. ]

Well - in that case, I can't say I blame you. Although, despite the lack of consent that came with all of that - there's something rather beautiful about it. I think.

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard nods in confirmation. It's nice, not having to say that part out loud. The offending finger also wiggles, but--

--Okay there's only one way to diffuse the sudden onset of revelation here, and he's going to take it.]

What, the finger? All of myself? Because both of those are only slightly true observations. I'm looking at the more radical and beautiful transformation.

[Regardless of how that statement is taken, Alucard's bought himself some processing time. The words are warm though, even if it is all in his own sad attempts at deflection.]

[ancunin]

[ Astarion raises an eyebrow, then scoffs, rolling his eyes in his own attempts to deflect. He acts as though he loves to be bathed in compliments - and that's true, for the most part, but there is... something that makes him hesitate with Alucard now. Something that - whether the man is being earnest or deflecting himself, is best not to encourage right now, lest anyone end up hurt. ]

Why, no - the art of course! [ With a wave of his hand to indicate the gallery, the theme itself. But he can't help but grin as he turns, leading them back out. ] Come on. There's an alchemy shop down the street that was advertising perfumes I'd like to sample...

[ And off he goes! ]