zauneyete | KENOS IC CONTACT

Hm, they wouldn't be able to... look? Me in the eye, then.

[ Look? Grimace at him in the eye? Silco was all affected cool. He didn't flinch away from the creature and kept his back straight, hands still clasped behind him. He stared at the thing, at its teeth -- because where else could he look? -- but didn't cower for it.

This was more an effect of will than a lack of fear. The creature was ghastly, and Sebastian's explanation made it Worse. Thankfully, there were no eggs around he supposed, bu the prospect of having one of those strangle him made a slight, sickening shiver crawl down his back, at the thought. After all, Silco had been strangled before and died of it too. At this point, asphyxiation was an old friend, but one that he didn't like the thought of.

This thing would have provided a gruesome death. ]

I don't think that sounds very pleasant. You weren't kidding, though. It's certainly not conducive to living. It sounds like they could spread fast, too.

[ A tip of his head, at Sveinn. ]

No chance of an outbreak here, then?

[ Sveinn is seemingly satisfied with whatever he was appraising Silco for and drops back to all fours to go skitter after Sebastian. It’s something he looks pleased by and nods in the same way someone might be proud of their dog for behaving in front of company. And in fact, with a little dark flourish of his hand, he creates a piece of meat that’s instantly recognizable as a heart still wet with blood. Based on the size, it could be human. ]

Not at all. They are not unlike bees in their hierarchy, funnily enough. He is a drone, so he is not capable of reproducing in the first place. They merely protect the queens and clutches.

[ As Sebastian gives his explanation, Sveinn is clearly very excited by the “treat”, but waits relatively patiently as it just stalks back and forth in a small area. Sebastian makes a clicking noise that’s similar to the sounds Sveinn is making, then tosses the meat towards him. It’s another horrifying little display, since when the toothy maw opens, out shoots a small, secondary jaw that grabs the meat and then tugs it inside the main jaw. Everything about Sveinn just sucks apparently, but at least Sebastian does at least seem to have him well-trained. ]

So, guarding is somewhat in their nature. I imagine it would be a rather striking comparison considering his appearance, but they really are the equivalent of guard dogs in my realm. Even demons are not free from things like assassination attempts, so they make quick work of lesser demons with more ambition than common sense.

[ Thankfully, Silco isn't really put off by the gore of it all, or seeing Sebastian just manifest what he can only guess is a human heart out of nowhere. He wondered if the man had gotten it from elsewhere, or if there was a sad stooge in his basement, rotting to serve as treats for Sveinn when he was a... good boy.

He watched the creature go for it with two jaws. Disgusting, and Silco did not want to encounter him without knowing for certain that he would not go after him.

Oh, if Sveinn was on his side, though, even Silco would give him a pat on the head, if he were amenable. Not that he was willing to Try, but the creature being able to protect him was find. He took a step forward, to watch. He was used to staring at unpleasant things until they became normal. ]

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that other demons would try to make off with the lives of another. They must be rather fierce, to serve as appropriate guards against another like you. [ A beat. ] Or a lesser you, as the case may be.

I assume I passed his muster?

You did. They are not so affectionate as cats, which is a terrible shame… Humanity certainly domesticated the cuter animals.

[ Sebastian answers that first with a laugh as he similarly materializes a towel to wipe off his hand. He watches Sveinn idly, and the process is definitely unusual. For it being a “treat”, the outer jaws don’t need to move further to make the bites smaller. It’s clear the smaller internal jaws are doing just that, though, since there’s the sound of tearing mixed with a bit of blood dripping from between his teeth. Absolutely charming. Sebastian shrugs with a little sigh. He’ll clean it when he’s done making the mess… ]

But that is why our taste tended towards the practical, I suppose. There is a rather strict hierarchy in my realm with a limited number of spots at the top. The closest analogue is titles of nobility, but it is a bit more vicious than that. If you want to claim a “title”, you murder the demon who currently has it and eat them. Not an easy feat when we are essentially immortal, so it generally takes a few centuries of scheming to get a chance. So, little fellows like this are helpful for keeping the ambitious sorts at bay.

[ He gives a little nod to Sveinn, then looks back up to Silco with a slightly wry smile. ]

And naturally, Sveinn is at your disposal as well, should you wish. If you ever find you need to close up our little shop down below for a time, Sveinn will be an excellent ward against any trespassers.

Hm, agreed. Cats are not so bad, are they?

[ But they were better used as... experiments? Don't ask Silco about the cat he and Singed had in the canning factory. Whose cat was it? No clue, but Silco probably at least pet it once. You know. Before the Thing that happened. We won't talk about it.

He watched the pet for a moment more, observed the blood that dribbled down its chin, and the way its jaw worked as if it were chewing, but there was little he could discern, without looking inside the gaping mouth. Was that second jaw doing all the work? Horrific! But delightful. ]

That's a fair point. I'm certain at some point we'll be leaving at Yima's bidding. I would hate for our supplies to be put into danger. [ Or for someone desperate to break in. ]

Does he require anything, or is he like you? Functionally immortal?

[ Sebastian nods to the statement with a gentle sort of seriousness that right away gives the impression that perhaps Silco should. Not mention the fate of some of those cats. I hate that if there’s a line to cross that would be one of them. But luckily, with no inkling otherwise, Silco is saved from Sebastian’s diatribes about how great cats are by the more practical matter, which he nods to. ]

Indeed. It was something I had been lightly considering, but Sveinn will likely be the most efficient option.

[ There’s no need to pay him off or scare him into silence, after all. Sveinn may only be able to understand relatively simple commands, but “anything that comes in here is food” is very simple indeed. The question gets Sebastian to laugh, though, and he shakes his head. ]

Oh, they are not immortal at all. Difficult to kill, certainly, but they absolutely can die. Though their blood is very caustic to flesh, so it is a nasty surprise even if you do manage to take one down, generally. [ Truly, a monster… But now that he seems to be done with his meal, Sebastian walks back to mop up the blood and gently hold up Sveinn’s head to catch the remaining on those awful teeth as well. ] I believe he would get hungry after a few weeks, but they are not terribly needy beyond that.

How useful.

[ Silco continued to watch Sveinn's chomping with a mild sort of interest, since it was so odd and unusual, before his scarred lips curled into a slight smirk. ]

I suppose it comes in use, if they aren't so easy to be rid of. He'll be a fine guard.

[ After a moment, he shifted. ] I assume he's tame enough to leave, as well, if needed?

Well…

[ Sebastian laughs a bit as he pulls away and neatly starts to fold the bloody towel. It’s just his usual, neat habits. ]

He is tame enough to leave, yes, but the question is really if the neighbors are tame enough to not attack him, yes? They would find it a bit difficult to injure him, so I am not concerned with that, but if attacked, well… You would not simply allow that, would you? That would definitely provoke him.

Ah, yes. Of course.

[ Silco looked Sveinn up and down. ]

The horrible monster features, yes? I suppose they would incite the foolish to attack, wouldn't they?

[ A slight lift of his lips, into a smile. ]

I take it he has to have supervised walks then, hm?

[ And Sveinn has finished his “snack” at this point, so with no other snacks or toys (whatever that might be, don’t think about it too much,) to play with, he seems content to go remake the “nest” that Sebastian had so rudely messed up by tidying up. Sebastian laughs fondly as he starts, and as yet another contrast to the rather soft, almost normal motions of a pet-owner… The answer is, uh, not. ]

Indeed. There are certainly hours where things are quieter in Highstorm or at least those where the most interesting folk come out. They have been curious indeed when seeing him! Or they rather quickly flee. Either way…

[ Sebastian laughs like this is charming instead of, you know, feeling bad for the poor people that see Sveinn, ]

I have taken him for a longer walk or two in Ryad, just for my own curiosity. It is likely a more enriching activity for him as well.

[ Eh, those people are clearly weak-willed and not used to monsters. Silco barely bats an eye at it, maybe half because he knows better than to show weakness to Sveinn or Sebastian, and half because Sveinn is being introduced to him in a controlled environment.

Better this than Sebastian unleashing him out of nowhere, he supposed. ]

There he can truly stretch his legs, does he not? I'm sure the people in Ryad find him... adorable, don't they?

[ A quirk of his lips, as if to say: or they got eaten, huh? ]

I am sure. I know in at least one case there was someone that wisely chose to stay back, so...

[ Sebastian shrugs as he walks closer to Silco and gestures to the door. The introduction is done and Sveinn can laze about happily (presumably, since it's difficult to tell), so Sebastian considers it done. Despite his rather frightening appearance, Sveinn seems to be rather cat-like in his preference to laze about rather than be more active. ]

I am sure we will begin to hear interesting little stories drifting out of Ryad. I already left a letter and a token of appreciation to Mr. Szczepański, so the matter is squared so far as he is concerned.

[ Silco offered it one final look, before he turned his back on it. It was an over-confident gesture, perhaps, but he intended it to be so. To show the creature that he didn't fear it in the slightest. Creatures, predators, often reacted more to fear than confidence, and so Silco intended to treat it like he would any feral cat or rat that he'd encounter in the streets of Zaun. With straight-backed confidence, and dismissiveness when they were done. ]

Oh, good. Heaven forbid Yura find out and be annoyed by it. [ He said with a half-laugh. ] No pin for Sveinn either, hm?

[ That, at least, as he started back down the stairs, was a joke. ]

[ As Silco turns his back on Sveinn, he’s given an approving little nod of Sebastian’s head in turn. It’s not as if Silco needs it, but still. Sebastian appreciates his master’s more steeled nerves, at least compared to his previous one. Though, naturally, he also thinks it’s also a confidence that can only come from the assurance Sebastian himself provides. ]

It seemed prudent, at least. It seems like a place where ne’er-do-wells may release troublesome creatures, so I wanted to at least assure him that a new one was my responsibility. So far as I can tell, he found my tribute acceptable.

[ Sebastian follows Silco down the stairs, and in response to the joke, he jokes back. He gives a sigh that’s playfully dramatic. ]

But alas, no such luck… Mr. Szczepański is rather strict on his principles, it seems. Darling little Sveinn will have to fend for himself.

What a shame. I'd place one on his collar, but... I don't know that he would really approve. Though I suppose it's best if we stay in Yura's good graces. We never know when we're going to need to barter for something in Ryad.

[ It's said with a soft laugh, and a twinge of... mostly joking.

Although one never knew when they would need to use Ryad a little more than Yura may wish them to, given the nature of Shimmer. ]

I do doubt it, and thus, I agree. My Sveinn is an amusement, but I would not endanger a more important relationship for simply that.

[ Or, well. Not this one, at least. Part of what Silco is paying for is Sebastian's keen instincts in social matters, so he considers anything that would benefit his master more important than personal preference. It's the sort of odd, alien perspective that made him incredibly effective. And in fact, ~~now that I mentioned it anyways~~ to give Silco a little more bargaining power, should he need it, he explains it a bit further. ]

I had never met a vampire before Kenos, mind, as I thought they were simply human imagination at work... But here, I have found that there are certain areas in which we share interest. So, should you ever have need, you are welcome to offer them a taste of demon's blood. So far, it is so intriguing a prospect that none have refused. Not that I actually have blood, but... Even my imaginings of what human blood must be like is enough to be a worthy gesture.

Hm.

[ Now that was a curious bargaining chip. His eyes flicked to Sebastian, and then toward his neck, as if he would see the remains of a vampire's attentions there, as if Sebastian could not heal from something like that nearly immediately.

He had little knowledge of these things, but tales of Vampires had even reached Zaun, so he was at least passingly familiar with the concept, and had strove to learn more since arriving. All the better to learn about the new residents here, of course. Silco was not about to be caught ignorant, and he was used to gathering enough information to remain passingly competent. ]

I'll keep that in mind. We never know when a vampire might be of interest, and when their compliance would be welcome, do we? I'm sure the blood of a demon -- however...constructed -- would be quite the draw.

[ The flicker of Silco’s eyes just makes Sebastian smile all the more. There’s naturally no mark left, since as Silco guesses, such small puncture wounds heal quickly. Even the loss of blood isn’t an actual inconvenience for the demon beyond making his disguise less convincing were he to be injured again. With the limitations imposed by Kenos, it did take time to recreate the correct volume of blood, but losing it was of no consequence. That’s simply not what his stamina drew from, though they could be closely related in a confrontation. ]

Very much so. At least for some personalities, it is not unlike the draw that the dryad’s soul held for me. A curious, rare delicacy.

[ It’s why Sebastian had offered. He understood the curiosity of a strange new meal, especially when you were something long-lived. Novelty was a far more appealing payment than most things. As they come to the bottom of the stairs again, Sebastian gives a polite little nod back towards the kitchen, though it’s more habit than anything else. He expects that Silco is plenty sharp enough to memorize the layout of his home immediately. ]

It is a shame there are none amongst the Shard-Bearers. [ that he knows of, at least, ] It would be a very interesting bargaining chip within our ranks.

Perhaps with time we'll obtain one, hm?

[ He asked, and among all the possibilities, he certainly could see this one coming to be. They had demons, gods... what was another immortal, unknowable being? A vampire was small potatoes, compared to the rest of them. ]

I suspect it's only a matter of it, given how... unique some of our fellow shard bearers are -- not excluding you, of course.

[ Sebastian was, after all, a Demon, and a powerful one. It wasn't even a compliment to curry favor with the demon, but rather a statement of fact. He of course, didn't know how different he was from Sebastian's former master, but the difference is likely stark. ]

There's an old phrase, about how the path to someone's heart is through their stomach, but I suppose even for Demons and Vampires, that rings true, hm? I think the bargaining chip is curious to keep as a possibility, regardless.

[ He gives a pleased little bow of his head at the indirect praise. As complex and alien as he could be about some things, there were others where he was very simple. If Silco feels he’s getting his “money’s worth”, then Sebastian is pleased by that. Of course, the saying gets him to laugh, and he gives a helpless kind of shrug. ]

Well, it is true for me at least, I admit! There is surely part of it that comes from our longevity, as I think it pushes one towards desires a bit more indulgent…

[ He thinks humans would be the same if they lived longer. It just so happens that the longer lived sort of person also just tends to have a diet that was a bit more sanguine. ]

But all the better, as such. It is why I have ingratiated myself with any of the more long-lived sorts rather well, or so I would like to think. A useful quality for you to use as you please, of course. I am building a little repertoire of contacts and favors.

Ah, that is useful.

[ He admitted. Sebastian was better at this than he. Silco was used to... tactics more suited to Zaun -- or Kowloon -- and that is where his efforts lie. He was not without his silver tongue and mind, but he was no politician, making deals and ingratiating himself toward others. Money spoke, and he could use that, but he would use threats, bribery, and other such tactics. Sebastian, on the other hand, had a... helpfulness that others zeroed in on, and found useful.

Silco did too, but in a different way, of course.

He could see why he used the tactics that he used. ]

I'll keep that in mind. I'm sure that we'll need to employ some of those contacts in the future. Especially once we start ramping up production.

[ Since... this is before... gestures... at other threads lmao. ]

[ And now that they’re in the kitchen, Sebastian goes to briefly busy himself with those buns that are nice and cooled at this point. He pulls out two baskets and simple linens to line each, then starts to neatly pile them in. It’s again the sort of domestic task that he seems perfectly at ease with, yet the seamless continuation of the conversation makes the contrast stark. ]

I imagine so. Granted, I would not have guessed that manufacturing drugs would have been where such efforts would be utilized, but luckily being able to be free and open about my existence also means that I am able to find more disreputable company rather easily.

[ It’s not as if he wouldn’t have been able to manage, but more disreputable sorts also thought as Silco did when they’d first met. Sebastian’s impeccable manners and mask of gentility didn’t inspire trust. Though once he admitted he was a demon, it tended to make more sense. Mostly, anyways. The baking and the like always threw people off. ]

Ah, though speaking of, it did occur to me recently! Should you ever wish for a bit of something to make a bit of profit in the meantime, I can offer up opium without any issue. It is not uncommon here, mind you, but none that I have tried is quite as fine as the sort that a business associate of my previous master peddled. Just before I was brought to Horos, we were spending a time in his opium den in hiding, so I became quite familiar with it. [ He laughs, amused at this own memory as he neatly wraps up one basket ] Well, and earning our keep as an attendant, as everyone else was beyond useless.

[ Silco's single eyebrow lifted, and his head tipped in curiosity. ]

Can you, now?

[ He asked, not doubting him, but a rhetorical question. As much as he wanted Sebastian to focus on recreating shimmer, seeing it as a...particularly integral part into getting the leg up he needed in Kowloon. Silco saw it as the key to getting a centralized space of power, and if the opium there was substandard compared to something Sebastian could fabricate...

Why, perhaps that would be of use. The smile that curled on his lips said exactly that. ]

So it's fresh in your mind, hm? While I can't say that I think our...benefactors would be too pleased, perhaps seeding some of that about in Kowloon would be to our advantage. If we offer something better than what Draumahol has...

[ Birdie would be furious, perhaps, but it would be the least of the crimes committed against her by the time the next month was over. ]

They'll practically be begging us to offer it elsewhere, won't they?

[ Somewhere more official, perhaps? ]

Indeed. I imagine it will be something that would be offered to more… exclusive clientele, shall we say? I can produce it, but at scale, I do not know! If there is a barrier to how much I can create, I have yet to find it, but it offers a good enough excuse to make it profitable. Besides, its preparation is likely to draw a more distinguished sort because it is meticulous rather than a quick intoxication. Think the difference between cheap gin and a Grand Cru wine.

[ Does Silco know what Grand Cru means? Probably not, as Sebastian knows that’s likely rather unique to his world, but he’ll get the point. Besides that, the shadows cast by the baskets and other objects on his counter snake out to a section on the corner and form a full array of items to demonstrate what Sebastian means. It’s not a very large tray, but it’s nearly covered with many tools ranging from the pipe and lamp that are at least obvious in their use to delicate scissors and bowls that are a bit more obscure. ]

I have been to some parlors that here that offer this service in part, but absolutely not to the level of quality that Mr. Lau offered. In fact, most of I have sampled burns the opium quite terribly. A lost art, I suppose?

[ He shrugs, since it’s a bit interesting, but not so much that he sought to correct it. The high itself did nothing for him, after all. ]

Well, regardless, I would have to be your sole attendant until I could train a person or two on its proper preparation, but I suspect that will not be off-putting. I am quite persuasive, after all.

[ Silco doesn't know what a Grand Cru is, sure, but he gets the gist of what he's saying from context alone. Some sort of fine alcohol of some sort. Rarer than a cheap gin, something that he is incredibly familiar with. In fact, he made a note of interest as Sebastian manifested the tray, and he took to looking them over, tipping certain tools in his hands, to level them, look them over. He knew what Opium was, of course, but the array looked so similar to something he would have seen from his world. Fine, exacting tools, with just a touch of adornment. The ways in which their worlds were similar was always fascinating.

Silco would admit to himself internally, that if he had the privacy of his own space, and without Sebastian near, he would perhaps be interested in trying this "particular" preparation of the drug. He had not, after all, admitted to Sebastian of his own indulgence in shimmer -- medicinal or not, as it was not a weakness he would give up to the Demon -- nor had he admitted to his own attempts at pressing his fingers to his ever-open eye, to test the dose himself. He had that ever-precious vial from Yima, but... no gun to administer it, so...

Fingers it was, even if they were not the lightning-quick pierce against the surface of his eye.

He wondered how it would compare, this opium that Sebastian spoke up. Not that he'd indulged before, but... well. He spoke so highly of it, and in Zaun these days, it was mostly shimmer that anyone indulged in, in every form, or laced with it. Speaking of...

He tipped his eyes toward him, and said: ]

That fine, is it? I'm sure Birdie would love to get her hands on you. [ lol. ] Let's wait until we have a proper establishment, hm? Then we can introduce Kowloon to something a little more...proper, hm? I trust it would be exemplary if you're serving it.

[ Silco doesn't exactly trust Sebastian, but the man took pride in what he served to others. In all things, it's obvious. He didn't doubt the opium would be to that same high standard. ]

Although... I wonder what it would do, if combined with Shimmer.

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cw eye trauma