[...Amaya has to admit; for as much as this courtship makes her chest feel hollow and empty--and she wonders what she would truly feel. Perhaps that warm, gentle mirth of amusement at how seriously he's taking this. Perhaps even a bit of affection. It's something she never felt even when she did feel happiness in small doses. It's...
Strange, but not unwelcome to play her part, at least.
At the end of it all, though, Zvei nearly makes Amaya sputter a bit, and a small touch of pink rises to her cheeks--this man's an embarrassment. He can't really possibly mean...]
...Pardon me, then. I am simply...not so used to being pursued.
[Amaya does her best to compose herself after.]
Might we...go somewhere quieter, to get to know one another, if that is the case? I am not opposed to seeing how you plan to go about this, but this is a touch...overwhelming, in front of others.
[She'll take Zvei's arm with some gratitude, at least, as he thankfully spares her any further teasing. There isn't a specific path she follows, but she does try to go off to the side; away from prying eyes, mostly, and trying to ignore the increasing flush on her face.
This is happening. All of this is. It's almost dizzying, but there's still that hollow feeling despite it all. Amaya can at least recognize that this isn't unwelcome, but the familiar scent of sandalwood hits her nose and she finds herself drawing toward the confessional without thinking of the implications too deeply.
...Even as she opens the room and realizes it's quite. A bit smaller than the confessionals she was used to keeping. Quite a bit tighter, and for a brief moment she wonders if the two of them will actually fit inside, but...]
...I appreciate your willingness to apologize. It is simply a touch overwhelming in front of a crowd of others, but...
Would you be willing to tell me more about yourself?
[Ah, the confessional... oh, it's quite small isn't it. Hmm.]
But of course. Though first let us see if we can fit in here properly.
[We'll probably have to squeeze in tight, sitting close together, but Zvei has no problems with that if Amaya is unopposed! Once we're settled in...]
I am Zvei, of the guild Ruby Dawn. It is one of the largest guilds in Emirre and has quite a bit of influence in the surrounding countries, leading to interesting opportunities in my research. To put it simply, I research magical artifacts and study their usage within the world.
[He could go on and on (and on and on and on) about magicelite and the Aeli and all of that, but that's getting sidetracked and not exactly information about him.]
I'm also an amnesiac; I haven't been able to determine exactly what happened that cause me to lose my memories.
[He says it in the same light tone as everything else, though his expression is a touch more serious than it usually is.]
[Amaya tuts Zvei slightly, and though she can't smirk, there's a brief spark of something in those dead eyes of hers. Maybe it's genuine annoyance or maybe it's the closest thing to interest she can express, but...]
I can hardly judge you properly with that shirt on. I've gone through the trouble of disrobing, at least slightly; would it be too bold of me to ask for a return of the favor?
[Amaya is...well, if it were anyone else, she supposes she'd be opposed, but in the middle of hornytown, she'll take whatever bastion of familiarity she can get. If it means she's locked in a little tightly with an unfamiliar man, so be it.
Still, what Zvei tells her is fascinating. Not that much of her gaze can be made out in the scant light they have here, but Amaya's always had pretty good night vision; she watches Zvei talk with a surprising amount of interest, though it's more that she's staring right at him and barely blinking once. It's kind of. Eerie, maybe.
...But even so...]
Fascinating. [And that comes out surprisingly genuine, even if interest is yet another emotion the Dragon has taken from her.] It sounds as if your skills are indispensable to this Ruby Dawn. Knowledge of magic is no easy thing to obtain, my child, and your skills sound as if they are being put to good use.
[Even so, the latter bit gets a bit of a quirk in Amaya's brow.]
Amnesiac...strange indeed. And this guild, they took you in knowing that? You're certain they had no involvement.
[There's something slightly harder in Amaya's tone at that, but she waits for Zvei to clarify. She has a feeling he'll talk if he wants to, at least.]
[That gets a laugh from Zvei; perhaps a normal person would find this slightly intimidating or embarrassing, but not him. Of course he wouldn't, as that would involve any sort of feelings of shame, which he clearly does not have.]
Of course, how silly of me~
[With that, he sheds his labcoat with an easy flick, leaving behind the short sleeved dark shirt. It noticeably doesn't have a back, a clasp up at the top keeping it on. Zvei reaches up to undo that, lifting the shirt up and over his head before dropping it onto his labcoat with a flourish.]
Ta-dah~! Like what you see, miss Amaya?
[Despite being a mage, he sure isn't built like it. Zvei is broad-shouldered, but wears a baggy labcoat which doesn't exactly show off his yaoimandorito-like figure. Now it is on full display. He even winks again for good measure.]
[Considering he does the exact same thing to people, the staring doesn't bother him in the slightest. In fact, he's doing that to her as well! Ominous.]
I would be quite surprised if they had! No, their hold is in the eastern half of the world, and I found myself awakening in the western; in the rather mysterious country of Ize-Vti, where Ruby Dawn has no hold whatsoever. If they had something to do with my memory loss, I imagine I would have learned of it by now.
[It's not entirely out of the realm of possibility, and it is something to keep an eye on... but he's also been working with them for years at this point. If they knew anything about his amnesia, surely someone would have dangled it over his head at some point.]
But you're right - my skills are quite important to the guild, and the world as a whole. I've worked quite hard to ensure my knowledge is of value.
[Despite the cheerful words, there's no real pride in it. It is what it is, and what it is is valuable work. Zvei loves his research - but he loves it about as much as he loves anything else. Which is to say, not much at all, really. Love is a complicated emotion that he's not entirely sure he's capable of feeling at all.]
[There's no hiding the surprise on Amaya's face that Zvei isn't a stick given human form. There's a part of her that thought he might have a little definition, working for a guild and all, but this...
It's honestly a little startling, and while the rest of her face is quiet stony, there's a very massive tell that it's affecting her.
Amaya is pale as sin, and the flush that is on her face looks like it's practically eating her face alive. Well. It seems the Dragon has elected to let her keep her sense of shame and embarrassment, but Amaya doesn't look away for even a second at Zvei. If anything, her eyes are transfixed on him, with an empty underlying feeling she cannot quite identify. It's strange, and not in a way that Amaya has experienced. She's not sure she hates it as much as her leftover feelings are trying to convince her that she does.
...She should give him an answer eventually, shouldn't she, she's not sure how her current reaction is going to be taken--]
I...believe so, yes. [The uncertainty that paints her tone gets her to shake her head briefly. No, no, that isn't the proper way to respond.] You're a perfect 10. No notes.
[...Much more acceptable but now her face is burning even moreso, great!!!]
[They really are perceiving one another, aren't they. It's...not entirely bad to be stared at like this, Amaya thinks; someone's attempting to see her for all she is or just has about as intense of a stare as her.
Truly, a match made in hell.]
...I see. Do forgive my suspicions; I meant no ill by them.
[The words don't quite reach a genuine tone of apology, sadly, but she does try and at least means it slightly.]
It is simply an intriguing circumstance that I wondered if they may have capitalized on, but it would seem that their desire for your presence was genuine. Tell me more, of the knowledge you have pursued; what is it that you have researched so thoroughly, and what have your findings managed to do?
[Amaya does sound as close to genuinely intrigued as she can, at least. Though she adjusts herself a bit--this place really is cramped and she's trying to get a little more comfortable, give her a moment. Maybe she'd be more comfortable if she leaned on her new husband, but even now, she seems reluctant to do so.]
[Oh! Look at that, he managed to get a blush from her! Wow, honestly Zvei was not expecting that, and his expression reflects it for a moment in the nearly-blank stare before he's laughing and waving a hand.]
Oh my, a perfect ten? And here I thought you'd have some critique for me... Why, Miss Amaya, you're making me feel quite shy!
[Though given what you've seen of him thus far, did you think he would be? He doesn't have anywhere near enough feelings for that.
This is a very good topic though, and Zvei nods enthusiastically.]
I research magic crystals known as magicelite. They are quite the potent little things, created from the natural magic in the world, monsters' unique brands of magic, and those that people use. Their exact creation methods vary - and thus vary in potency - but they have a deep connection to the Aeli, the World Tree.
[Hmm, he should probably explain the Aeli too, as most people don't seem to have a World Tree...]
The Aeli is the source of all life in our world. Its Branches house particularly powerful monsters and magicelite; it is only with this potent magicelite that one can hope to pierce the barrier surrounding the Aeli itself to explore it. Considering how curious everyone is about the Aeli and how much is shrouded in mystery, it's been a goal of many guilds to finally explore it.
Ruby Dawn was finally capable of this; with my research and assistance, of course.
[Though he still sounds just as cheerful about the whole thing, there's no real emotion behind it. It is what it is.]
[Amaya's expression briefly slackens, into that blank staring and deeply flushed look that probably looks about the closest she can get to anything positive. Really, it's probably a sight to behold.
But Zvei's words and even his own blank expression seem to shock her out of it, and she finds herself shaking her head rapidly. Mostly to try and get ahold of herself, more than anything, but her expression is somewhat open with shock and a deep embarrassment settling in--maybe even some sense of shame for her shameless staring.]
T-That was not-- [Oh, her dignity has outright gone out a window and been left to die at this point.] ...You've worked very hard to maintain your body, and even the things that are oddities...they are a part of you, and add to it. They add to the way you look, and it is...
[...]
Do forgive me, if I did embarrass you. That was not my intention. You are, quite simply, appealing to the eye.
[The shame had to come from somewhere, after all!!!]
[The momentary confusion is gone now, instead replaced with a bright laugh as Zvei dips into a bow.]
Then you've my thanks, Miss Amaya! Truly, I could not be more pleased to have caught your eye so~
[Though she is right in that he's spent plenty of time maintaining this physique, so it is nice to be appreciated for his efforts. Odd, that he can even recognize it as something "nice", as that isn't usually a feeling he has. It's nice. A nice feeling, feeling nice. Hah.]
But you don't need to apologize~ I'm not the sort to be embarrassed, you know!
[Just look at him. Do you think this man knows the meaning of the word "embarrassment"? No.]
[Amaya listens with that same blank stare, taking everything in. It all sounds fascinating, truth be told; magicelite sound like an interesting alternative to the way magic in Madide works. No complicated elements to keep track of, no strange runes that one must use to increase their power. It's all deeply fascinating.]
Intriguing. That World Tree of yours, it sounds akin to the Goddesses of my own world and their jobs. A tree so full of magic and life and secrets...I can imagine that you must have been excited to finally see your research bear fruit, as the Ruby Dawn explored.
[Amaya adjusts once again, likely nudging poor Zvei in the process. She lets out a small sigh, at this point.]
Those magicelite sound akin to what we used on Madide. Much of it's...magic, is unfortunately quite dry and boring to explain, but all things in our world have an element to them. Honing ones abilities and increasing your power, it requires one to obtain runes of that specific element, as decreed by the Granter; the runes are Her reward to the hardworking masses, to encourage them to use their gifts to the fullest...
But ah. I've rambled. Do allow me to apologize. [The negative emotion of sheepishness gets Amaya to stop, at least, shaking her head and likely flicking her stupid long hair about.] Tell me more. What have you been able to find with the Ruby Dawn so far?
The Gods created the Aeli, so that is a very fair comparison.
[Though she nudges him, he doesn't flinch; perfectly content to remain sitting next to her. This would be easier if we were cuddling, but he's not going to initiate that since she doesn't seem the sort to want to cuddle. Still though, he listens curiously as she explains about her own work and shakes his head as she cuts herself off.]
Nonsense, it's quite fascinating! I've only ever known our one system of magic; to hear about another world's is simply delightful! "Dry and boring to explain" it may be, but it is truly interesting! We have spells of certain elements, with monsters being weak to some verses others, but most people do not have an elemental affinity. Nor do we have the Granter or Her runes... though some do use runes to cast their magic.
[Bits and pieces that almost line up, but aren't quite in the same position. Truly, it's fascinating. He could talk at length about her world's system of magic and how it compares to his own, but she's asked him another question so Zvei settles back where he's sitting.]
Ah, we located the Aeli Itself, the near-Godlike being that controls the Aeli and its Branches. An interesting individual, certainly, though I was taken from just after meeting It, so unfortunately there's much I have yet to explore and learn.
[That is all technically true! It's just leaving out the part that he merged with the Aeli and kind of intentionally shoved a god in his brain. Totally normal things.]
[Oh, she definitely feels teased right now. How unfair. Terribly, awfully unfair, and a pit of jealousy settles in her stomach as her emotions war with themselves. Shame, disgust, embarrassment, all in equal measure, despite the fact that this is what she wants, she wants dammit, why can't she just be--
Amaya breathes, gently trying to center herself. Being bare as she is right now, Zvei might be able to see strange, blackened lines flare up along her arms; a magic of sorts, most likely, but it disappears as Amaya wills it down gently.]
It is not in a priestess's nature to be so...shameless. [...] But I shall note this. I did not think that you had a concept of shame, and I am glad to see that my theory was correct.
Do work hard to keep maintaining it. I would...not mind seeing what it could be capable of, one day.
[...Oh, that's. Huh. Amaya's look almost perks at that, though for her, perking is more akin to her eyes briefly widening with some strangled semblance of hope. It seems the Dragon's hold on her heart still persists, but this isn't bad at all. No, despite the empty feeling that creeps in, it's...
Nice, she thinks. That he'd genuinely like to listen.]
...You finally saw your efforts bear truly ripe fruit, and were taken just from it. That's certainly one way to yank a researcher's chain; I do hope that you're able to return in time, and be able to ask the Aeli all of the questions that It can answer for you.
[Amaya pauses a bit, tempted to shift again, but...she's going to have to realize that it's going to look like she wants out if she keeps doing this. It gets a small noise out of her as Amaya looks to Zvei, briefly.]
...Zvei, I apologize. Would you mind too terribly if I came closer? I'm having quite the hard time finding a comfortable way to sit in here, I'm afraid...
[and like hell is she going back outside! it's horny out there!!!]
[Ah, what a beautiful expression... He has to wonder what it is he said that caused it. Perhaps he'll find out. After all, they've plenty of time to get to know each other here.]
Of course; I'm looking forward to it.
[But for now he can focus on this, and at her question, he laughs softly.]
You don't need to ask; particularly if we are to be married, after all!
[He says, with absolutely zero shame or hesitance.]
[WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS!!! SHE IS SO RED IN THE FACE RIGHT NOW??? she's feeling the full force of the embarrassment here, her pale skin ensuring that her flush is even WORSE than it was earlier. she may in fact be steaming.]
That is--that is not even close to what I mean, you!
[It's about what she's come to expect of Zvei at this point; if she could smile, she would at the gesture, letting out a small noise as she pushes herself closer to him.
He was always bigger than her; she knew this from the moment they walked down the aisles, that he practically dwarfed her in height. And yet the feeling of leaning into him, not quite climbing onto his lap but allowing herself to get closer to him, it's...
...Amaya doesn't know why the word safe enters her mind, but it's there, and she doesn't find it the worst thing in the world. Her legs finally have some room to stretch out at least, even if they're likely at least slightly a tangle of limbs right now.]
I only thought to do so out of respect, my child. [...] Thank you. You are quite kind. Is there anything I can answer for you, of my own world? I would...not mind. Staying like this, I mean.
[Sure, they could go to a room, but in a strange way, she feels comfortable in this space. Sure, it's a strangled feeling, but it's there.]
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