crescentview | FALL CATCH-ALL

...Thank you.

[ He wasn't expecting this, for some reason! Under the lamplight, it's pretty obvious how the gold settles on his cheeks as he gingerly takes the stem of hydrangeas. A silly, sheepish, almost lovestruck smile crosses his face as he holds it close. He has never received flowers before!!

After a moment, he looks up. ]

Shall we?

Edited 2023-02-17 09:29 (UTC)

[Syrlya's smile grows wider as it's well received. He wouldn't say he was worried exactly, just... butterflies and all that.]

Oh, yes. [Syrlya shifts to Trahearne's side so they can walk together to the host, but he assumes Trahearne will need to handle confirming the table.]

[ It's not far!

They're right on time--Trahearne gives his name, and they're led to a private booth in the back corner. On the table, a chilled bottle of champagne is already waiting for them. They're handed menus to look through before the host retreats.

Trahearne doesn't look at the menu right away, though. His gaze remains fixed on Syrlya, a small smile on his face, as he places the chocolates and the hydrangeas down. ]

I hope it's to your liking.

I did enjoy the food the last time I was here. [A quick glance at the menu and most of it is the same, with some sides and specials changed for the current season crops.

He's hardly noticed the chocolates yet.] Did you want to share an appetizer?

[ Trahearne hums in agreement. He's probably come here a couple of times. It's good.

He scans the appetizers before glancing over at Syrlya's menu--not like it's any different, but. ]

Why not? The calamari sounds nice, or perhaps the caprese salad.

What do you think?

[ They'll get to the chocolates. ]

Why not calamari? That isn't something I get to eat much. [Actually, has he ever properly had it? He can't recall.

He gaze continues to travel the menu, getting an idea of what he wants to order for the proper meal.

And then he sets it flat on the table, folding his hands over it as he looks up at Trahearne.]

Calamari it is, then.

[ Squid! A rare treat, he thinks.

Trahearne does the same, scanning the food, wondering what he should eat--if he should have dessert, especially since he brought the chocolates--when he realizes Syrlya is quiet. He looks up to see him looking at him, and a smile crosses his face. ]

Yes?

Hm? Nothing. [He just wanted to look at Trahearne's face.

But before he can explain himself the waiter returns, popping open the champagne and pouring their flutes. Syrlya requests the appetizer, but after a quick look with Trahearne asks for a little more time to decide their meal.

Once the waiter leaves, Syrlya takes his glass and holds it up at a tilt--for a toast.]

[ Trahearne just smiles back. Nothing, in this case, is perfectly fine.

With flute in hand, he turns to Syrlya and tips his glass towards him, the quiet clink filling their corner of the restaurant.

Trahearne's eyes are fixed on Syrlya the entire time, though, admiring how he looks in the low restaurant lighting. ]

To... [ He pauses for a moment in thought, eyes fixed on him. And when he makes up his mind, his smile widens. ] ...To us.

[Syrlya chuckles, because that's exactly what he was thinking of anyway.] To us.

[And then he tips back half the flute because he doesn't need manners in front of Trahearne.]

[ Trahearne is the same. Who cares? There's plenty more champagne, anyway.

As he sets his glass down, he looks to Syrlya with a refreshed, undaunted smile. ]

I am genuinely happy to be here with you.

I hope so! I'd hate to be the only one who is. [He sips more champagne before setting his glass down.] So, let's catch up. What's been exciting outside of tiling the land and accidental memory displays?

[ Trahearne hums in thought. He honestly really likes tilling the land! Farming is fun! But he'll oblige. ]

I don't know if it was a curse of sorts, but I could hear everything the animals on the island were saying for most of last week. [ His eyes go wide for a moment. ] They have quite a lot to say.

[ lewd. creatures. ]

Oh? [Syrlya props his chin on his hand. He supposes that's not the same as the talking bear.] And what sort of things did they say?

There is quite a complicated political landscape on this island.

[ He reaches for his flute again, except rotating it in his hands to play with it as he recalls some conversations he'd overheard. ]

And a very complicated web of relationships. The pigeons, in particular, are vicious towards one another.

[ they could give the people here a run for their money... ]

Oh, so there are factions among the pigeons, or do they just all hate one another? [He's going to make Trahearne answer seriously, even if he just thinks it's funny.]

[ IT IS GENUINELY FUNNY. And Trahearne will answer seriously, because he's apparently a pigeon gossip now. ]

There seem to be clear factions, yet these lines are quite fluid. I could only understand them for scarcely a week, yet I saw the divides between social groups change at least once a day. [ He takes a sip of his champagne. ] I am glad we are not pigeons.

[ As he sets his drink down, he smiles. ] And? What sort of things have you been up to?

[Syrlya pauses, considering that. He can't really talk about... everything with Adelis and Mishka. Partly because it's personal, partly because it would kill the mood. So would everything he saw of people's memories...]

I've been exchanging those chocolates. Of course, they do strange things which seems expected by this point... though I have not worked out just what effect it causes. I have foraged so many berries. I almost wonder if I should give them to someone who can make something before they turn.

[ Trahearne is lucky he was suddenly hit with odd curses right after the ship, giving him something to talk about.

He does not want to talk about Mishka, and he is cognizant that is not the appropriate topic for them.

Trahearne brightens a bit. ] You should speak to Kaspar, or Ori. I'm sure either one of them could concoct something delicious out of your berries. They'd appreciate it.

Did you-- [ He reaches for his chocolate and begins to speak...when the waiter comes back to take their order!

Oh well. They can continue after this. Trahearne hurriedly opens his menu to order a seafood risotto. ]

[Oh, and bringing them to Kaspar would be so easy since he's Trahearne's roommate. Maybe Syrlya could even send them along with Trahearne after this--

The chocolates are missed entirely as the waiter returns with their appetizer and to take their orders.]

I'll have the creamy lemon butter salmon and asparagus. [He offers his menu politely. And once the waiter collects them he refills their champagne and then leaves again.]

[ Seafood all around! It must be good, considering how they live on an island.

With the menu gone and the glass refilled, Trahearne takes his glass and holds it close.

He tilts his head. Back on topic-- ]

Did you bring your chocolates with you?

Oh, no, I left them in the ice box back home. [Refrigerator. He starts on some of the calamari, dipping it in the sauce and popping it on his mouth. That earns a hum of satisfaction.]

[ Ah, that's unfortunate. Trahearne picks at the calamari as well, dunking it in sauce. Is he getting any batter or squid? Doesn't matter.

After a moment of chewing-- ]

I brought mine. [ There's a little twinkle in his eyes. ] We can share later.

Oh? [That makes him pause halfway into his flute, raising a brow.] What do yours do?

[ Without another word, Trahearne reaches for the box, takes out a piece, and pops it in his mouth. As he chews, he never lets his gaze leave Syrlya, studying him as he waits for the effect to take hold.

And when it does, his eyes soften, and his mouth curls in a loving smile. ]

I love your laugh. [ A little huff of his own escapes his lips. ] I can think of no other sound more joyous and delightful in the world--in any world.

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