driftfleet | Spend some time with dad

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Spend some time with dad

Who: Kogarasumaru
Broadcast: Nope
Action: Iskaulit
When: Today until the 11th

Iskaulit - The Dojo

[This is a place where Kogarasumaru offers swordsmanship lessons but also a chance for people to spar in safety. However, today this space doesn't appear to be used for either of those things. In fact, if one is to come to this space for either they will instead find the tiny sword dancing. There's no music but it almost seems like it doesn't require it really. There's a sort of tranquility to his expression as he moves before he turns towards the one who has stepped inside and offers a smile as he holds his hand out towards that person.]

Will you watch or dance?

[He's now paused in his motions as he waits for the answer.]

Iskaulit - Fox Park

[Despite the snow, there is a pretty young man sitting there with a fox sleeping on his lap while he strokes the fur gently. He has no shoes or gloves on and clearly doesn't appear to be bothered by the snow. Is it cold? Well he's showing no signs of caring about that or even recognizing the fact and instead just enjoying the company of his companion.

Seeing someone, he lifts a finger to his painted lips in a soft shhh before smiling.]

Softly now. This little one sleeps.

Iskaulit - Hallway

[At some point he'll be found simply standing in a hallway looking thoughtful. There's really not much else going on honestly. He's just sort of looking off into the distance pondering something. At least until he notices that he isn't alone. At that point he'll turn with one of his customary smiles.]

Would you happen to be able to tell this father which establishment you would recommend for drinks? I would like to partake in one right now.

[Who better to ask than another person, right?]

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[Kogarasumaru smiles at him, not at all bothered by the intrusion. Rather, he looks past him to see that there is indeed only shadow there. A rather unique little trick right there. Looking back to the young man, he shakes his head.]

There is no need for apologies. This father does not mind the sudden company. May I ask where it was you wished to go?

[He squints at "this father". What is that about?

He huffs, looking around.]

I was trying for the library. [Which this definitely is not.] Am I even close?

[He pauses to consider that, fingers to his chin. The library... Ah.]

Not quite. I believe the library to be a few floors above this one.

[Kogarasumaru looks at the young man again before adding a question.]

I have not seen you before. Are you new?

[Then again, he hasn't seen everyone here so it's possible that's the case too.]

[He looks up at the ceiling with a groan. Of course. At least he was, kind of but not really, close.

A sigh.] Depends on how you define new. I've been here a month or so.

That can be quite new compared to some here. Would you care to take a rest here before you continue on your quest?

[He can at least offer that.]

I can prepare tea.

I ... I guess that's okay.

[It couldn't hurt to get to know more of the people here, for good or ill. Anyway, he won't admit it, but the moving through shadows, it's exhausting.]

Thanks, um...

This one is called Kogarasumaru. It is an honor to have been joined by you.

[Setting his things down, he pads over to where he keeps his tea set and kneels before it so he can start heating the water.]

Would you like a pillow to sit upon?

[Most aren't used to sitting without one these days. So he's made sure to provide cushions for those that are like that.]

[He tests the name under his breath. He can usually tell when he's dealing with a mortal or a non-mortal, and he doesn't want to offend in this case.]

My name is Nico di Angelo. Nico is fine.

[He follows Kogarasumaru and sits right on the floor.]

No, thank you. This is fine. I'm sorry I interrupted your practice.

Nico it will be then.

[Putting leaves into the pot, he laughs gently and shakes his head.]

There is no need to apologize. I was simply dancing for pleasure. It is a fine way to pass the time when I have no students.

Oh.

[That was good, at least.]

You're a teacher?

I am. I offer lessons in swordsmanship here or opportunities to spar.

[He points to one of the walls where there are wooden Japanese swords on display.]

It is what I know most intimately.

[He's not super familiar with Japanese swords, though he does recognize them from pictures and displays in mall sword shops.]

So you must be really good.

[There's some interest there. More than some. He hates that he doesn't have his sword here.]

I am.

[It doesn't sound like bragging through. Just him saying things as they are.]

So I felt I could share my knowledge with others. To help them should there ever be conflict.

[That's fair. He nods.]

I've never used swords like yours, but I could use some practice.

[It's not like he could summon dead warriors to spar with here.]

I would be willing to teach you if you would like. If not then we can simply spar. When we are not drinking tea, of course.

[Which he now offers a cup of.]

Right.

[He takes the offered tea carefully and lets the warmth seep into his hands. They're always cold, it feels good.]

I never had a teacher. Just tried to figure it out on my own.

[Mostly by copying what he saw in his sparring partners. He didn't think he was too shabby, to be honest.]

There is no harm in doing so. After all, this is how the first great swordsmen had to learn for they had no teacher to guy them. Still, if you should like one for yourself or even just a guide to help you perfect what you know then I will be here.

[He certainly won't be telling the boy that he's wrong for the way he's gone about this. Not at all. But that also doesn't mean he can't offer a helping hand should one be desired.]

[There could still be a catch, so he waits a moment for one to present itself. He had a mentor once, before figuring out that he was being manipulated. It was much harder to put his trust in others after that.]

Thank you. I might take you up on that.

[He takes a sip of the tea.]

It's good.

Thank you. I gathered it from one of the systems we visited.

[Taking his own up, he lifts it to his lips and has a sip. With a soft sigh, he lowers it down before focusing his attention on the boy again.]

If you do not mind my observation, you seem like one who has been stung before by kindness. It is a look in your eyes when I look at you. Though my words cannot gain that trust immediately, I hope my actions will provide the comfort you need.

[He smiles gently at him.]

Please let my dojo be a safe space for you. Whatever you may require.

[He knows how open that invitation is but he fully intends to back that up by following through. If this boy ever wants to go somewhere to feel safe then he wants this space to be that for him.]

[He knows he tends to think the worst of people. Or rather, he believes they think the worst of him. Either way, the result is the same - save his sister, he's avoided forming connections with anyone. It was starting to change, with Reyna, and Jason, and he was warming up to Will. But...]

Sorry. I'm not used to... [He makes a small gesture.] I've been on my own for a long time. I'm still getting used to trusting people.

Thank you. It's... You're very generous.

You have nothing to apologize for. Trust is a difficult thing. I will have to prove to you that I can be trusted and that is fine with me. So I'll start with this for now.

[Kogarasumaru hardly minds that fact. He means no harm so what's so bad about proving that?]

You are not alone now at least.

[In a way, he's reminded of Jason back home, though they had started at a place of distrust. But eventually, Jason had tried to earn his trust. Had earned it. At least here, no one was influenced by who he was or what he'd done.

Not alone. That ... He doesn't know how to respond. He nods quickly and finishes off the tea.]

[A warm smile and he gets up. When he returns he comes back with a paper and a brush with ink. It takes only a few strokes before he is blowing gently on the paper to dry the ink. When that is done, he folds the paper several times to make it easier to carry before handing it to the boy.]

To give you better luck on your journey. So you may find where you seek with less trouble along the way.

[He sets his cup aside and watches, and when the paper is handed over, gingerly receives it.]

I ... Thank you.

[He tucks it away safely in his jacket. Where he's from, if someone gives you something for luck, you keep it. He wishes he had something to give in return.]

I don't want to keep you from ... whatever else you have going on. But thank you for your hospitality.

You're welcome. I hope I will be able to see you again.

[He leans forward to rest his hands on the floor as he bows politely to him.]

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Spend some time with dad

apologies for the delay! it seems I never got notifications for this post!

No prob!

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