[Maelle is upset with him, and almost certainly doesn't want to see him, but that doesn't mean he can't keep an eye on her. He's done it before, and it's almost easier here.
So of course he noticed this stranger with wings that she spent some time with. He decided investigating this person was worth it, so it's been a couple days of stalking. But evidentially this Alexander's a bit more observant than the usual Expeditioner. That, or Verso's losing his touch.
He steps out of the shadows with his hands raised, showing he means no threat. He gives a weak, sheepish chuckle.] Well, I was going to go four days, but I suppose there's no point now. You caught me.
[Alexander watches with a careful eye, but he has his hands up at the very least. Usually he can tell if someone is trying to ambush him or kill him, but this stranger doesn't seem to want to do that. Which makes him curious as to why he's being followed in the first place, but he can only cross his arms with a raised eyebrow.]
As an above average assassin, you may have been put in a body bag if I was several centuries younger.
[It's said with a matter of fact tone, but he surprisingly doesn't look annoyed. In fact, he's incredibly intrigued by it all. Still, he isn't going to let his guard down. He just stares with a pointed stare, giving this stranger a once over.]
That being said, what do you want? I usually keep to myself, but I caught your eye somehow. You have not tried to attack me, thus you do not want to kill me. But you've been watching me and my movements, so obviously you are interested in me.
I'd prefer if you didn't. That sort of thing doesn't usually stick with me, and I've dug myself out of enough shallow graves to not want to do it again.
[Nothing implies he doesn't think Alexander can't kill him, just that... well. He know it never takes.
But right. He doesn't want to admit he's watching him because of Maelle just yet. Maybe he can avoid that, and avoid it somehow getting back to Maelle. Maybe.]
Don't take this the wrong way, but you're far different from a human. [He gives a placating, almost apologetic look.] I usually prefer to spend my time with gestrals -- ah, a different species from my world -- so I suppose I was feeling... homesick.
[It's not hard to deny the sharp, cold stare that Alexander is giving to Verso. It may look like he's trying to kill Verso with his eyes, but that look suddenly drops. His guard isn't down, but he can appreciate the way that he was being followed. Not many would hide in the shadows for that long, so he has to commend it.
He'll give him a shot.]
I don't take it the wrong way. I am not exactly normal back in my world either, but I blend in enough.
[Verso looks human, but that doesn't mean anything in his world.]
So you decide to watch me in the shadows and wait until I call you out? I have to admire your tenacity.
[A pause.]
It is a strange compliment to be sought out for your homesickness, but I do appreciate that you are not chasing me down for my looks. Had you said that you were, you truly would have ended up with a knife in whatever socket hurts the most.
[He does let up though, and even takes a step toward Verso to give him a once over. Rugged, but doesn't seem unpleasant. He even has to admit that his vocal cords are quite smooth.]
I don't think I've ever seen you before... So I can either assume that you are new, or I have simply not been out enough as of late.
[Alright, well. He's not sure about this figure. He seems stern, withdrawn, and more than a little violent. But his interactions with Maelle haven't seemed as intense, so maybe it's just because Verso is a stranger.]
Ah... [Verso can put the pieces together. Alexander's certainly easy on the eyes, and if that's caused him some grief. Well. Verso thinks he gets it.] Good thing I didn't lead with a compliment. And to be honest, it's your height more than anything. I feel strange when I'm the tallest one in a room.
[Most adult gestrals are at least a little bit taller than him, and ones like Monoco and Golgra definitely are. Not to mention Esquie.]
New. Just got here a couple weeks ago. [He moves a little closer, to a more casual conversation space between them.] Verso. It's a pleasure. I'm used to meeting people in less... peaceful circumstances, so I suppose my socialization is still a bit off.
[Curious... Granted, he knows that he's tall. Tall enough to be staring down at Verso to get a better look at him from this distance. Though, that distance is closed, but not in a way that it's uncomfortable for him. He does twitch slightly, but it's subdued to keep his mask on. Just another act as he sees what this "Verso" wants from him.
Maybe he really just wants to be his friend. He doesn't know. For someone who is knew though, and has no knowledge of his parent before him... It's a little strange.]
I suppose you've made the right friend. I have a silver tongue, one might say, so perhaps I could... Aid you if you need someone to help you.
[He is well aware that his farce will be completely destroyed if he hears how he's actually like... But it's fine. Maybe. It might seem obvious that some of Alexander's dialogue is clearly rehearsed, with no mentionable tone behind it.
He can only hope that Verso hasn't seen him around with his friends. Completely unaware that Verso knows Maelle, and that he's likely seen them with their arms interlaced at some point.]
Well. Now I feel a bit bad for coming off so aggressively. Allow me to lead with a compliment then.
[Alexander stands tall, giving Verso a judgmental, but pointed look. He can be pretty charming if he wants to be, but in this mask. It's all about charm.]
Socialization issues aside, you are not a bad looking man. In fact, I would even say that you are quite attractive, but rugged. A shower may help with your appearance, but as I said before... You are indeed quite attractive; both in appearance and your socially awkward demeanor. Many people will be drawn to you, I think. Whether it be for good, or malicious reasons.
[That last bit... Is spoken from the heart. A barely audible shift in tone, but enough where Verso can notice.]
Those make an impression too, but I was worried it'd be rude to point them out.
[A silver tongue, huh. He can see, for a brief second, Alexander shuffle the mask. It's subtle, and he's certain most people wouldn't notice, but Verso knows that intrinsically. He's done it a million times himself.
Briefly, he wonders if Maelle was drawn to this stranger because he's a liar. Did she seek some sort of... replacement for him, in this world? He's briefly touched, and then a little nauseated.
Before he can say anything, though, Alexander starts complimenting him. Verso stares a little wide eyed, with a surprised smirk and a hint of a blush. When it's done, he clears his throat awkward.]
Wow, uh. You do have a way with words. [He's a little at a loss. Some it might be faked, but it's not a lie. Wow, damn.] You flatter me, really. And I've no ill intentions-- [Here, even if he's still lying about his mostives] --other to keep safe. Keep a few people safe.
Ah... that wasn't a very romantic response, was it?
[Alexander had shed a few masks at this point in his life. This particular one that he's wearing is still predominant in his life, but as he's gotten older, had children and had less time to pretend... Well. He might be a bit rusty; especially to people who might have a keener eye than most. The people in Faerie were smarter than the politicians or aristocracy at home.]
Everyone says that they have no ill intentions at first. I will take you at face value, for now. Since you did not attempt to harm me when you were stalking me, and came out when I asked... Then I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.
[Man... His body feels tired all of a sudden. It's been awhile since he's put on a mask in Faerie though, and he tries not to sigh in exhaustion. He just has to keep his head up and maintain a level of charm that he's... Not really used to using here.
Though, his facade seems to drop to a minimal amount. He can't say he doesn't understand... Because he does.]
Ah. Yes. We all do what we must to protect people we care about, right? ... By whatever means possible.
[His voice is willed into submission to force himself to sound cold. To sound threatening, but... Even he knows there's a hint of sentiment in there. His family and lovers have always been important to protect. Though, he does wonder who he knows here...]
You're in luck. I'm not on the market, so I could care less about a romantic response.
[Well... Since Verso is here, and Alexander is carrying this bag... Alexander slowly reaches for something in there, presenting him with a croissant.]
[By any means necessary. Right. He just nods faintly, avoiding reacting to that any more than he should have.
Alexander not being on the market -- or maybe just not interested and being polite -- makes Verso relax, somehow. There's so many people here, it's so easy to get entangled, and that's... it's difficult.
But then he stares when Alexander produces a croissant.]
Huh. Where did you get that? [But he holds his hands up, politely declining.] I can hardly steal your snacks when I'm the one who surprised you.
[Alexander seems unmoving with the croissant still in his hand; eyes looking far too dry as he stares at the other man with a flat look. Mask fading in and out as he grows tired of keeping up a charade that, in hindsight, he doesn't need to do while he's here. People know him for who he actually is, but it's hard for old habits to die.]
I own a pop up bakery stall when I have the energy to bake. As of right now, I have been baking for a young lady named, "Maelle". She mentioned that she missed pastries from back home, so I made these for her. Although, these are just left overs.
[He stares down at the small bag, and then at the croissant.
Verso probably thinks these are poisoned, which he would be absolutely in the right for being concerned. He isn't surprised that he doesn't want to take it, so he simply puts it back into paper bag.]
I see. Well, more for her, I suppose.
[Alexander hugs the bag a bit closer to him; giving the man another once over.]
[Getting him to mention Maelle that quickly, huh? This is going better than expected. He hums faintly, contemplatively.]
I'll have to stop by sometime. [He's not hungry right now. Or he doesn't want to deprive Maelle of her treats.] If you're baking for her, you two must be pretty close.
[It's casual how he asks. Light and airy. There'd be no reason to suspect anything.]
Me? Dusk. I don't particularly know why, but... [He shrugs.] And you?
[Alexander can only make a face as he eyes this man quietly. He knows that Verso can see it; he isn't exactly hiding it. Though, it doesn't seem like he's bothered by the other man anymore.]
Close? Perhaps. I don't want to assume what level of closeness I have with any friend.
[Although, he's always been like that. He can't trust his judgement when he's being himself because he knows his own brain clouds his judgement. So, he can only defer that to his friends, rather than himself.]
Dusk? I have met a few people from dusk. Though, I truly don't understand what courts are useful for... But that is because the fae from back home are different from here.
[He pauses in thought, wondering if he should lie.]
Winter, but I don't live in the castle. ... But I figured you gathered as much, if you have been following me.
[Would he feel better or worse if Alex admitted to being close? Even so, if he's looking out for Maelle, it relaxes him a little bit. Maelle does surround herself with older brother types, and adults who will be responsible enough to keep an eye on her. This is probably fine.]
Beats me. These courts seem like silly ways to divide us, but maybe there's some secret meaning I don't understand. [He shrugs. At least he's not like, in spring. That would feel particularly ill fitting.]
True, but I like to hear it from you. [He hums faintly.] Why don't you live in the castle?
I'm not a fan of being part of their theatrics. However, I have mainly stayed far away from everything. An attempt to be boring so they might banish me out of this place.
[He can only hope... But he's with Verso on this one. He doesn't understand either, because these fae are highly different than what he's used to. He doesn't like it. Not knowing anything, even after being here for as long as he has.]
Ah. Well.
[His brow constricts. He should give a diplomatic response, but this question in particular... It always makes him honest. With the lack of support from his usual loved ones back home, he doesn't have anyone to supplement his lies. In some ways, he is truly helpless.]
Because I hate people.
[It's said flatly, but Verso might be able to see beyond the mask.]
I don't trust strangers, nor do I like being around them. Almost everyone who has come into contact with me has some malicious intent, so you can see why it would be rather difficult to sleep in a room with someone I do not know.
[Well. Alexander can be honest, and Verso's a little touched he's pulled that out of him. Or maybe not, because he can still see the masks. Ah, ah, he gets it.]
In your home world, or here? [Paranoia from home he can understand. Still, there's a lightness in his question, like he doesn't actually expect Alexander to answer.] But I get it. Betrayal is a quick way to make one antisocial.
....But you're not entirely antisocial, are you? You're hanging out with that, what was her name, Maelle? And me, now.
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prestigiously) wrote2025-07-30 08:31 pm
no subject
So of course he noticed this stranger with wings that she spent some time with. He decided investigating this person was worth it, so it's been a couple days of stalking. But evidentially this Alexander's a bit more observant than the usual Expeditioner. That, or Verso's losing his touch.
He steps out of the shadows with his hands raised, showing he means no threat. He gives a weak, sheepish chuckle.] Well, I was going to go four days, but I suppose there's no point now. You caught me.
no subject
As an above average assassin, you may have been put in a body bag if I was several centuries younger.
[It's said with a matter of fact tone, but he surprisingly doesn't look annoyed. In fact, he's incredibly intrigued by it all. Still, he isn't going to let his guard down. He just stares with a pointed stare, giving this stranger a once over.]
That being said, what do you want? I usually keep to myself, but I caught your eye somehow. You have not tried to attack me, thus you do not want to kill me. But you've been watching me and my movements, so obviously you are interested in me.
[He pauses.]
What kind of interest, though.
no subject
[Nothing implies he doesn't think Alexander can't kill him, just that... well. He know it never takes.
But right. He doesn't want to admit he's watching him because of Maelle just yet. Maybe he can avoid that, and avoid it somehow getting back to Maelle. Maybe.]
Don't take this the wrong way, but you're far different from a human. [He gives a placating, almost apologetic look.] I usually prefer to spend my time with gestrals -- ah, a different species from my world -- so I suppose I was feeling... homesick.
[Sure, let's go with that.]
no subject
He'll give him a shot.]
I don't take it the wrong way. I am not exactly normal back in my world either, but I blend in enough.
[Verso looks human, but that doesn't mean anything in his world.]
So you decide to watch me in the shadows and wait until I call you out? I have to admire your tenacity.
[A pause.]
It is a strange compliment to be sought out for your homesickness, but I do appreciate that you are not chasing me down for my looks. Had you said that you were, you truly would have ended up with a knife in whatever socket hurts the most.
[He does let up though, and even takes a step toward Verso to give him a once over. Rugged, but doesn't seem unpleasant. He even has to admit that his vocal cords are quite smooth.]
I don't think I've ever seen you before... So I can either assume that you are new, or I have simply not been out enough as of late.
[Another pause.]
Alexander. And you are?
no subject
Ah... [Verso can put the pieces together. Alexander's certainly easy on the eyes, and if that's caused him some grief. Well. Verso thinks he gets it.] Good thing I didn't lead with a compliment. And to be honest, it's your height more than anything. I feel strange when I'm the tallest one in a room.
[Most adult gestrals are at least a little bit taller than him, and ones like Monoco and Golgra definitely are. Not to mention Esquie.]
New. Just got here a couple weeks ago. [He moves a little closer, to a more casual conversation space between them.] Verso. It's a pleasure. I'm used to meeting people in less... peaceful circumstances, so I suppose my socialization is still a bit off.
no subject
[Curious... Granted, he knows that he's tall. Tall enough to be staring down at Verso to get a better look at him from this distance. Though, that distance is closed, but not in a way that it's uncomfortable for him. He does twitch slightly, but it's subdued to keep his mask on. Just another act as he sees what this "Verso" wants from him.
Maybe he really just wants to be his friend. He doesn't know. For someone who is knew though, and has no knowledge of his parent before him... It's a little strange.]
I suppose you've made the right friend. I have a silver tongue, one might say, so perhaps I could... Aid you if you need someone to help you.
[He is well aware that his farce will be completely destroyed if he hears how he's actually like... But it's fine. Maybe. It might seem obvious that some of Alexander's dialogue is clearly rehearsed, with no mentionable tone behind it.
He can only hope that Verso hasn't seen him around with his friends. Completely unaware that Verso knows Maelle, and that he's likely seen them with their arms interlaced at some point.]
Well. Now I feel a bit bad for coming off so aggressively. Allow me to lead with a compliment then.
[Alexander stands tall, giving Verso a judgmental, but pointed look. He can be pretty charming if he wants to be, but in this mask. It's all about charm.]
Socialization issues aside, you are not a bad looking man. In fact, I would even say that you are quite attractive, but rugged. A shower may help with your appearance, but as I said before... You are indeed quite attractive; both in appearance and your socially awkward demeanor. Many people will be drawn to you, I think. Whether it be for good, or malicious reasons.
[That last bit... Is spoken from the heart. A barely audible shift in tone, but enough where Verso can notice.]
no subject
[A silver tongue, huh. He can see, for a brief second, Alexander shuffle the mask. It's subtle, and he's certain most people wouldn't notice, but Verso knows that intrinsically. He's done it a million times himself.
Briefly, he wonders if Maelle was drawn to this stranger because he's a liar. Did she seek some sort of... replacement for him, in this world? He's briefly touched, and then a little nauseated.
Before he can say anything, though, Alexander starts complimenting him. Verso stares a little wide eyed, with a surprised smirk and a hint of a blush. When it's done, he clears his throat awkward.]
Wow, uh. You do have a way with words. [He's a little at a loss. Some it might be faked, but it's not a lie. Wow, damn.] You flatter me, really. And I've no ill intentions-- [Here, even if he's still lying about his mostives] --other to keep safe. Keep a few people safe.
Ah... that wasn't a very romantic response, was it?
no subject
Everyone says that they have no ill intentions at first. I will take you at face value, for now. Since you did not attempt to harm me when you were stalking me, and came out when I asked... Then I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.
[Man... His body feels tired all of a sudden. It's been awhile since he's put on a mask in Faerie though, and he tries not to sigh in exhaustion. He just has to keep his head up and maintain a level of charm that he's... Not really used to using here.
Though, his facade seems to drop to a minimal amount. He can't say he doesn't understand... Because he does.]
Ah. Yes. We all do what we must to protect people we care about, right? ... By whatever means possible.
[His voice is willed into submission to force himself to sound cold. To sound threatening, but... Even he knows there's a hint of sentiment in there. His family and lovers have always been important to protect. Though, he does wonder who he knows here...]
You're in luck. I'm not on the market, so I could care less about a romantic response.
[Well... Since Verso is here, and Alexander is carrying this bag... Alexander slowly reaches for something in there, presenting him with a croissant.]
Here. You must be hungry, right?
no subject
Alexander not being on the market -- or maybe just not interested and being polite -- makes Verso relax, somehow. There's so many people here, it's so easy to get entangled, and that's... it's difficult.
But then he stares when Alexander produces a croissant.]
Huh. Where did you get that? [But he holds his hands up, politely declining.] I can hardly steal your snacks when I'm the one who surprised you.
no subject
I own a pop up bakery stall when I have the energy to bake. As of right now, I have been baking for a young lady named, "Maelle". She mentioned that she missed pastries from back home, so I made these for her. Although, these are just left overs.
[He stares down at the small bag, and then at the croissant.
Verso probably thinks these are poisoned, which he would be absolutely in the right for being concerned. He isn't surprised that he doesn't want to take it, so he simply puts it back into paper bag.]
I see. Well, more for her, I suppose.
[Alexander hugs the bag a bit closer to him; giving the man another once over.]
What court are you in?
no subject
I'll have to stop by sometime. [He's not hungry right now. Or he doesn't want to deprive Maelle of her treats.] If you're baking for her, you two must be pretty close.
[It's casual how he asks. Light and airy. There'd be no reason to suspect anything.]
Me? Dusk. I don't particularly know why, but... [He shrugs.] And you?
no subject
Close? Perhaps. I don't want to assume what level of closeness I have with any friend.
[Although, he's always been like that. He can't trust his judgement when he's being himself because he knows his own brain clouds his judgement. So, he can only defer that to his friends, rather than himself.]
Dusk? I have met a few people from dusk. Though, I truly don't understand what courts are useful for... But that is because the fae from back home are different from here.
[He pauses in thought, wondering if he should lie.]
Winter, but I don't live in the castle. ... But I figured you gathered as much, if you have been following me.
no subject
Beats me. These courts seem like silly ways to divide us, but maybe there's some secret meaning I don't understand. [He shrugs. At least he's not like, in spring. That would feel particularly ill fitting.]
True, but I like to hear it from you. [He hums faintly.] Why don't you live in the castle?
no subject
[He can only hope... But he's with Verso on this one. He doesn't understand either, because these fae are highly different than what he's used to. He doesn't like it. Not knowing anything, even after being here for as long as he has.]
Ah. Well.
[His brow constricts. He should give a diplomatic response, but this question in particular... It always makes him honest. With the lack of support from his usual loved ones back home, he doesn't have anyone to supplement his lies. In some ways, he is truly helpless.]
Because I hate people.
[It's said flatly, but Verso might be able to see beyond the mask.]
I don't trust strangers, nor do I like being around them. Almost everyone who has come into contact with me has some malicious intent, so you can see why it would be rather difficult to sleep in a room with someone I do not know.
no subject
In your home world, or here? [Paranoia from home he can understand. Still, there's a lightness in his question, like he doesn't actually expect Alexander to answer.] But I get it. Betrayal is a quick way to make one antisocial.
....But you're not entirely antisocial, are you? You're hanging out with that, what was her name, Maelle? And me, now.