Nikolai Lantsov ♛ Korol Rezni (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
reznikolai) wrote2021-01-30 06:21 pm
reznikolai) wrote2021-01-30 06:21 pm
I N B O X
@volkvolny NIKOLAI LANTSOV | ✉ ☏ 📷 |
continued from here;
[It isn't until after she asked for a better description of the person she is to meet that Konoha remembers... that was a very stupid question. She'd forgotten after a year or two in her home world what it was like to stand out... but stepping out reminds her. Oh, yeah. He'd... probably find her no problem.
But Konoha still takes the effort to find a conspicuous place near the main entrance of the Emerald Park to stand, tail flicking slowly as she scans the crowd for a... Her gaze flicks down to the device in her hands to check the photo. A handsome blond human sea captain???]
[It isn't until after she asked for a better description of the person she is to meet that Konoha remembers... that was a very stupid question. She'd forgotten after a year or two in her home world what it was like to stand out... but stepping out reminds her. Oh, yeah. He'd... probably find her no problem.
But Konoha still takes the effort to find a conspicuous place near the main entrance of the Emerald Park to stand, tail flicking slowly as she scans the crowd for a... Her gaze flicks down to the device in her hands to check the photo. A handsome blond human sea captain???]
[Well, it's difficult to appear like a captain without one's ship. In truth, Sturmhond has been retired for years — minus a brief appearance for vital business in Ketterdam, for which Nikolai assumed his old alias once more. Presently, a blue pea coat takes the place of the teal frock coat he used to favor in his role of captain. Black leather gloves seal his hands.
Spotting Konoha, Nikolai flags her attention with a wave. Although he had seen her picture, her equine form still manages to inspire some degree of astonishment. It's one thing to see still image, quite another to the fluid movement of human and horse parts in tandem.]
Good afternoon, Miss Konoha. I hope you're keeping warm. Winter in Sumarlok doesn't hold a candle to Ravka's winters, but there is a slight breeze.
Spotting Konoha, Nikolai flags her attention with a wave. Although he had seen her picture, her equine form still manages to inspire some degree of astonishment. It's one thing to see still image, quite another to the fluid movement of human and horse parts in tandem.]
Good afternoon, Miss Konoha. I hope you're keeping warm. Winter in Sumarlok doesn't hold a candle to Ravka's winters, but there is a slight breeze.
[From here.]
I certainly wouldn't want to step on anyone's toes. Metaphorically speaking, of course. I'm too graceful a dancer for that.
Chess it is then. Although I'll have to locate a set first.
I certainly wouldn't want to step on anyone's toes. Metaphorically speaking, of course. I'm too graceful a dancer for that.
Chess it is then. Although I'll have to locate a set first.
[ She's left a surprisingly neatly-written note, slipped under his door. ]
ℑ 𝔯𝔢𝔮𝔲𝔦𝔯𝔢 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔭𝔯𝔢𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔠𝔢 𝔫𝔢𝔞𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔣𝔬𝔯𝔢𝔰𝔱𝔰 𝔴𝔥𝔢𝔫 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔞𝔯𝔢 𝔴𝔢𝔩𝔩 𝔢𝔫𝔬𝔲𝔤𝔥 𝔱𝔬 𝔱𝔯𝔞𝔳𝔢𝔩.
- 𝔊𝔴𝔢𝔫𝔥𝔴𝔶𝔣𝔞𝔯
ℑ 𝔯𝔢𝔮𝔲𝔦𝔯𝔢 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔭𝔯𝔢𝔰𝔢𝔫𝔠𝔢 𝔫𝔢𝔞𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔣𝔬𝔯𝔢𝔰𝔱𝔰 𝔴𝔥𝔢𝔫 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔞𝔯𝔢 𝔴𝔢𝔩𝔩 𝔢𝔫𝔬𝔲𝔤𝔥 𝔱𝔬 𝔱𝔯𝔞𝔳𝔢𝔩.
- 𝔊𝔴𝔢𝔫𝔥𝔴𝔶𝔣𝔞𝔯
[He does follow her strange and rather vague directions, but en route to Emerald Park he gives her a call. This seems a fair compromise given her apparent distaste for the snappy convenience of text messages.]
Good afternoon, Gwenhwyfar. This is Nikolai speaking, if you couldn't already tell from the dulcet tones of my voice.
A point of clarification, regarding your note... Where exactly are we to meet? The forest is so very expansive, after all, that we could both be near the forest and yet stand in completely different places.
Good afternoon, Gwenhwyfar. This is Nikolai speaking, if you couldn't already tell from the dulcet tones of my voice.
A point of clarification, regarding your note... Where exactly are we to meet? The forest is so very expansive, after all, that we could both be near the forest and yet stand in completely different places.
NIKOLAI
good evening greeting
have strange question
did
you give i shirt?
beach shirt?
i no memory but
smell is NIKOLAI…
good evening greeting
have strange question
did
you give i shirt?
beach shirt?
i no memory but
smell is NIKOLAI…
Konoha! As always, I am delighted to hear from you.
I was wondering what happened to my shirt. I must confess that I have precious few memories of that particular night... But I am glad that I left it in good hands!
My natural scent IS rather delightful. 😏
I was wondering what happened to my shirt. I must confess that I have precious few memories of that particular night... But I am glad that I left it in good hands!
My natural scent IS rather delightful. 😏
[ For being the embodiment of the sun, Alina is not exhibiting a very, well, sunny disposition right now. She skulks along next to Nikolai on the beach, her mood a hilarious juxtaposition to their outfits and location. She's got her arms crossed protectively in front of her chest rather than offering her hand to hold in his. Her sunglasses are down, but they do little to actually hide her expression at the moment.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere: ]
You weren't going to offer her our spare room, were you?
Then, seemingly out of nowhere: ]
You weren't going to offer her our spare room, were you?
[To say that he can sense her displeasure would be an understatement. Even if Alina were not marking her annoyance with crossed arms and and a scowl, the invisible tether forged between them by synchrony passes her feelings to him. A faint impression, a prickling, as if left by a hand on the back of his neck.
Nikolai’s own mood is...well, honestly, he doesn’t know. His chance encounter with Zoya has ignited that familiar restlessness underneath his skin. The sight of her was welcome and unwelcome at once, her presence familiar yet jarring.
But he will have to sort out his own mind and heart later. Alina’s sour mood is the fire that requires putting out right now. He sighs and gives her a sheepish little smile.]
I am, on occasion, struck by a nonsensical notion. [A shake of his head.] No, Zoya is a big girl. I imagine she quite relishes this chance to live on her own.
[Unbeholden to him or to anyone else.]
More importantly...
[Despite Alina’s closed off body language, he drapes his arm over her shoulder and lightly squeezes her upper arm on the other side.]
It’s not my house, it’s our home. You have as much say in the matter as I have.
Nikolai’s own mood is...well, honestly, he doesn’t know. His chance encounter with Zoya has ignited that familiar restlessness underneath his skin. The sight of her was welcome and unwelcome at once, her presence familiar yet jarring.
But he will have to sort out his own mind and heart later. Alina’s sour mood is the fire that requires putting out right now. He sighs and gives her a sheepish little smile.]
I am, on occasion, struck by a nonsensical notion. [A shake of his head.] No, Zoya is a big girl. I imagine she quite relishes this chance to live on her own.
[Unbeholden to him or to anyone else.]
More importantly...
[Despite Alina’s closed off body language, he drapes his arm over her shoulder and lightly squeezes her upper arm on the other side.]
It’s not my house, it’s our home. You have as much say in the matter as I have.
Edited 2021-07-09 03:44 (UTC)
[ Something seriously must be going on if Gwenhwyfar feels the need to text. ]
please
tell me nothing happened
please
tell me nothing happened
Nothing happened.
I say this because you asked me to, but thankfully it turns out to be true too.
I say this because you asked me to, but thankfully it turns out to be true too.
[...Why is it that the pictures of Constantin's legs are the primary thing he's known for?]
I think you mean the Nikolai who SKILLFULLY and GENEROUSLY drove a bunch of furniture to your new place. But yes, this is he.
And I assume this must be Miss Nyskie, Constantin's housemate?
I think you mean the Nikolai who SKILLFULLY and GENEROUSLY drove a bunch of furniture to your new place. But yes, this is he.
And I assume this must be Miss Nyskie, Constantin's housemate?
[She asks about Alina, but she addresses the text to him. An olive branch, or a bid to gather intelligence? Perhaps a bit of both?]
Now isn't this a pleasant surprise, Captain Ghafa.
Quite well. Astonishingly well, even. 😄 What level of detail would you care to hear in regard to recent happenings?
Now isn't this a pleasant surprise, Captain Ghafa.
Quite well. Astonishingly well, even. 😄 What level of detail would you care to hear in regard to recent happenings?
heeey :) i don't know if you remember me, this is ryan, we met like, a month and a half ago? sorry for not catching up sooner, august got kind of wild.
anyway i wanted to see how you and the little doughnut are doing, and if maybe your pup would like to try some gourmet dog biscuits?
anyway i wanted to see how you and the little doughnut are doing, and if maybe your pup would like to try some gourmet dog biscuits?
How could I forget the man who got Ponchik to sit without even trying? 😄
I'm terribly sorry that I missed the housewarming party, by the way. Matt invited me, but a dog-related emergency sunk my hopes of attending. The little doughnut is fine now. He just ate something he clearly should not have.
Gourmet dog biscuits would make him a very happy boy. I'm afraid he's thoroughly spoiled.
I'm terribly sorry that I missed the housewarming party, by the way. Matt invited me, but a dog-related emergency sunk my hopes of attending. The little doughnut is fine now. He just ate something he clearly should not have.
Gourmet dog biscuits would make him a very happy boy. I'm afraid he's thoroughly spoiled.
Edited 2021-09-08 00:19 (UTC)
[Well. This is...something. Actually, for once he doesn't quite have words for what this is.]
SEARCH RESULTS:
The Soggy Cock Wine Bar
1475 Opal Ave
Sumarlok, Sumar Province
Enjoy a diverse menu of wine and cocktails in a subtly lit setting that encourages brooding.
SEARCH RESULTS:
The Soggy Cock Wine Bar
1475 Opal Ave
Sumarlok, Sumar Province
Enjoy a diverse menu of wine and cocktails in a subtly lit setting that encourages brooding.
come back to bed 🥺😭
[ sent at 7:22am ]
[ sent at 7:22am ]
[He's ten thousand percent sure this is not intended for him, and equally sure he knows who exactly Brekker shares his bed with. But where's the fun in honesty?]
Persuade me.
Persuade me.
[It’s been some time since a certain King of Ravka sent a very tasteful apology gift basket to the address of a converted barn in Emerald Park’s agricultural district called home by a certain married woman who may have been left a bit sudden and bereft after a gem and heat-fueled liaison.
Except, unlike the last time he sent one… This one isn’t acknowledged at all. No message. No return to sender. No contact since.
It isn’t until a later date, after words and apologies exchanged between women, that the same gift basket makes its way home. This time, the contents have been replaced with a variety of home-made sweets fitting (by some people’s reckoning) for the coming autumn season: steamed red bean jelly with chestnuts wrapped in dried bamboo leaf, moon-viewing dumplings, and sweet dried persimmons.
Attached, a short note,]
apologies for delay
thank you for gift
it was delicious.
please enjoy
share if you like
- konoha
Except, unlike the last time he sent one… This one isn’t acknowledged at all. No message. No return to sender. No contact since.
It isn’t until a later date, after words and apologies exchanged between women, that the same gift basket makes its way home. This time, the contents have been replaced with a variety of home-made sweets fitting (by some people’s reckoning) for the coming autumn season: steamed red bean jelly with chestnuts wrapped in dried bamboo leaf, moon-viewing dumplings, and sweet dried persimmons.
Attached, a short note,]
apologies for delay
thank you for gift
it was delicious.
please enjoy
share if you like
- konoha
[The silence stretches on. Knowing that there is nothing more he can do or say to heal the wound he's inflicted, he allows Konoha her space. Then, finally, an olive branch.]
So far the little tea cakes are my favorite. In case you were wondering.
[The dumplings, he means.]
So far the little tea cakes are my favorite. In case you were wondering.
[The dumplings, he means.]
[ So it has come to this. The High King of Faerie is sitting hunched over on his bed in the late afternoon, having just roused himself from uneasy slumber, staring at his phone.
After a few minutes' consideration, he finally gives in and types up the text. ]
Nikolai. I have need of your expertise.
After a few minutes' consideration, he finally gives in and types up the text. ]
Nikolai. I have need of your expertise.
[Now, this is curious. More often than not it's Nikolai who initiates their text conversations.]
I am an expert in so many matters... You must specify, my friend.
I am an expert in so many matters... You must specify, my friend.
She messaged me to let me know. But I'm glad to hear from you nonetheless.
Tell me what you need of me. I can come by to get you, or I can give you space. Just say the word.
Tell me what you need of me. I can come by to get you, or I can give you space. Just say the word.
Can I get your opinion?
A.
[ Below the letter, there's a photo of Matt. He's sprawled on a scarlet shag rug, wearing a black choker around his neck and a black lace bodysuit. ]
Or
B.
[ Same rug, but this time all Matt's wearing is a pearline harness. The collar's built into this one. ]
or maybe C: something else?
A.
[ Below the letter, there's a photo of Matt. He's sprawled on a scarlet shag rug, wearing a black choker around his neck and a black lace bodysuit. ]
Or
B.
[ Same rug, but this time all Matt's wearing is a pearline harness. The collar's built into this one. ]
or maybe C: something else?
[He spends a long moment enraptured by each photo in turn. Since Matt has asked his opinion, it's only right that he should evaluate the merits of each piece quite thoroughly.]
You're gorgeous in both. But those pearls are exquisite. A gift fit for royalty.
[In this bit of flirtation he finds private amusement, well aware that he has never divulged his status to Matt.]
You're gorgeous in both. But those pearls are exquisite. A gift fit for royalty.
[In this bit of flirtation he finds private amusement, well aware that he has never divulged his status to Matt.]
[ This is so awkward after the dream of home she had in which Nikolai was glimpsing into Gwenhwyfar's mind. ]
Are you well?
Are you well?
[He hadn't seen her much in the autumn, owing, he supposes, to her hermitic ways. But still they checked on one another every once in a while. And then, that curious dream, where she bloomed into a more confident version of herself.]
Splendid, in fact. And how have you been, Gwenhwyfar? The weather is turning colder...are you still skulking around the park reserve?
Splendid, in fact. And how have you been, Gwenhwyfar? The weather is turning colder...are you still skulking around the park reserve?
I didn't know you were so concerned with my well being.
Or is it that you like to imagine me tossing and turning?
Or is it that you like to imagine me tossing and turning?
[In all honesty, Konoha hesitated to give the gifts she had picked out for Nikolai and Alina after... whatever has happened. But in the end, "two" can be any sort of combination of people, and maybe using the same pelt to make their gifts was meaningful, in some way. They were connected as coming from the same world no matter how their relationship changed going forward, so. Whether Nikolai attends her "longest night" party attempt at blending in to Gem traditions (and also, you know, not being alone) and gets them in person or she ends up needing to have them delivered...
The king of Ravka will end up with a handmade leather pouch for bullets and powders decorated with the fur of Primaveran deer-equivalent, accompanied by a thick cookbook containing a variety of recipes... and Konoha's recommendations and endorsements on various pages that she tested to make sure the recipes were gift-worthy, with comments such as "this one is much delicious!", "a little sweet", "i think cook few more minutes" and "careful with beet root stain" written in Konoha's careful but still inexperience hand in the corners of the pages.]
The king of Ravka will end up with a handmade leather pouch for bullets and powders decorated with the fur of Primaveran deer-equivalent, accompanied by a thick cookbook containing a variety of recipes... and Konoha's recommendations and endorsements on various pages that she tested to make sure the recipes were gift-worthy, with comments such as "this one is much delicious!", "a little sweet", "i think cook few more minutes" and "careful with beet root stain" written in Konoha's careful but still inexperience hand in the corners of the pages.]
Well, if I must submit to practicality, then I'm limited to what can fit in my garage and driveway.
I'm delighted to hear from you again, Eustace. 😄
I'm delighted to hear from you again, Eustace. 😄
[when considering who to recruit for a certain secret party planning committee she had considered who was a mutual friend... but more importantly, when she thinks about it, this particular person might need a distraction, so...]
greetings NIKOLAI
is konoha
is now alright for speaking?
greetings NIKOLAI
is konoha
is now alright for speaking?
Good evening, Konoha. 😄
Now is a fine time. What do you need of me?
P.S. How is the new stove treating you?
Now is a fine time. What do you need of me?
P.S. How is the new stove treating you?
[Nikolai doesn't believe much in signs, but...it's a curious coincidence that they're both awake at this small, dark hour when they should be asleep. That he happens to reach for his phone at that moment, restless in his half-empty bed. He stares at the question for so long that his eyes forget how to discern shapes in the surrounding dark of his room. All he can see is her searing bright words, and nothingness.
Yes, he begins to type. One by one, he deletes the letters. He's had enough of getting burned by honesty.]
Why, are you taking a poll?
Yes, he begins to type. One by one, he deletes the letters. He's had enough of getting burned by honesty.]
Why, are you taking a poll?
Edited 2022-01-23 17:46 (UTC)
[Unlike some of the edible gifts they have exchanged in the past, there is nothing pleasurable beforehand to predict the arrival of a package at Nikolai’s door. It’s just a normal day, (to most people), just a late winter chill in the air and spring beginning to hint at an arrival with the third moon of the year near full. The only ways some people had to count the months and guess how long it had been since-
The package contains… a large amount of red bean rice, some boiled oden, a seabream so well-cooked the bones could be removed… Coincidentally, all foods very easy to chew.
And there’s a note, in Konoha’s distinctive, still-learning hand, the characters occasionally shaky yet from her sincere attempts at proper calligraphy.]
made much too much food
please assist
thank you
enjoy.
[And that is all.]
The package contains… a large amount of red bean rice, some boiled oden, a seabream so well-cooked the bones could be removed… Coincidentally, all foods very easy to chew.
And there’s a note, in Konoha’s distinctive, still-learning hand, the characters occasionally shaky yet from her sincere attempts at proper calligraphy.]
made much too much food
please assist
thank you
enjoy.
[And that is all.]
[While it's not unusual that Konoha would deliver food to his house, he can't help but feel that something is off. No cheerful text message announces that the food is on the way, as he has come to expect when she has a surplus to offload. No bump has set their friendship off-keel lately, nothing that would need to be smoothed over with apology gifts as they've made a tradition of. Even her note is all wrong. Her writing has always been choppy, yes, but the succinctness of the message is uncharacteristic.
These clues clutter Nikolai's thoughts as he goes about his evening, until finally it clicks together. When they'd met last year, how old had Konoha said her daughter was? And what season had she left behind in her world?
When he's finished eating, he messages her.]
What a delicious package I found waiting for me when I got home. Thank you, Konoha. I'm always happy to make myself useful. 😄🍚🥘🐟
I was just thinking that inviting you to lunch may have been one of the wisest decisions I've ever made.
These clues clutter Nikolai's thoughts as he goes about his evening, until finally it clicks together. When they'd met last year, how old had Konoha said her daughter was? And what season had she left behind in her world?
When he's finished eating, he messages her.]
What a delicious package I found waiting for me when I got home. Thank you, Konoha. I'm always happy to make myself useful. 😄🍚🥘🐟
I was just thinking that inviting you to lunch may have been one of the wisest decisions I've ever made.
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