kingdomtalks | Entry 1

Entry tags:

xiang chang

Entry 1 - 22/01

So I'm assuming, based on what people have said, that someone can see this? If so, hi. I'm Xiang, I'm new here and I don't really know anyone.

If not, I guess nobody needs to know I'm trying to write to imaginary people in my journal. Ha ha.

Anyway, I got here a few hours ago, and to be honest, I'm pretty lost. It seems like a nice place, don't get me wrong! But it's a lot to take in. Would anyone like to show me around a bit? Especially the town and so on? I promise, I'm really good company!

Oh, and this is kind of a swotty question, I know, but are there any other libraries round here, or just in the castle? All my reading material's back in my flat, and it doesn't look like I'll be back there any time soon, so it would be nice to get something to keep me occupied!

Sorry for rambling. I'm really looking forwards to getting to know you all, though! Especially my fellow apprentices!

OK, I think that's everything. If you actually are reading this, how about you leave me your name and, I don't know, tell me what your favourite thing about this place is? You don't have to, but, hey, it could be a good kick-off for a conversation!

-Xiang Chang

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[Wow. She didn't expect him to actually take her up on that. Not sight unseen, anyway.]

[...And, well, what the hell? It's got to be worth getting to know people. Besides, she's got no money, and rule one for broke witches is never turn down a free drink.]

If you mean that, sure. How about now?

Sure, why not!

Oh, you should probably know, though, [how courteous of him! how sincere!] there aren't a lot of places around here that I'd call "classy".

I'm from Glasgow. I can cope.

Where should I meet you?

[Oh man he is SO GETTING LAID TODAY. That's the enthusiasm he wholeheartedly channels into the directions he gives her, to a pub not too far from the castle.]

See you there?

See you there!

[Sure enough, she'll arrive at the pub a little while later, asking at the bar after a Kaphlar Kinra. She's not looking her best - a lot of her beauty regimen relies on spells which don't work here and products that she doesn't have - but she's done what she can with what's available to her.]

[Which is to say, she looks pretty but not perfect, so it isn't good enough.]

[Now, Kaphlar Kinra considers himself a man with pretty high standards. Standards that, he finds, most common women in the village simply cannot live up to, even if it's just because they usually smell faintly of manure. The few female outsiders he's met don't have that problem, but they do tend to have this other problem where they have some kind of beef with him for one reason or another.

All this to say that Xiang has none of these problems, and as such, he is VERY happy to see her.]

Heeey! Over here!

[If it weren't for the green hair, Kaph would look like any other clean-faced east Asian young man.

There's also his lack of decent pants, but that's not his fault.]

[She looks up, and smiles at him, clearly relieved. It's much easier to relax when you're not actively looking for someone.]

[Plus, honestly, he's kind of cute. That helps.]

[She tucks her hair back behind her ear and heads over there, smoothing down her robe unconsciously with one hand before she offers the other to shake.]

Hey. I'm Xiang, but I suppose you guessed that, huh? Nice to meet you.

The pleasure's mine.

[For a second, he thinks of taking her hand and kissing it, but hm. That's more corny than charming these days, isn't it? A handshake it is.]

So, got your eyes on anything in the menu yet? [He lowers his voice to a whisper and winks slyly:] Don't worry, it's all regular, non-magical booze. The special stuff usually gets more fanfare.

[She laughs obligingly, sitting down across from him.]

"Special", huh? What, the stuff with the love potions in it?

Think I can get a rum and coke, or is this a bit too medieval for that?

If that's what you wanna call 'em.

[He throws a quick glance at a list behind the counter. There are a fair number of drinks there, some with more familiar names than others.]

You just have to phrase it right. I think what they call "fizzy sugar juice" is almost a coke.

Well, I guess if literalism's what you're going for...

If I'm lucky, I'll drink enough to stop noticing the difference. [She winks. Even as winks go, it's a flirty one.]

I'll take a fizzy sugar juice and boozy sugar spirit, then.

[He laughs, his expression settling into a satisfied smirk in response to her winking. This is going great.]

Gin for me, [he quickly signals to the bartender before turning his attention back to her.]

Pretty bold, wanting to get hammered on your first day here. Or is it because it's your first day?

Well...

[She laughs a little sheepishly, ducking her head and tucking her hair back behind her ears, looking like she's been caught out at something.]

It is a lot to take in...!

[For just a moment, he pauses, almost like he's trying to figure out the appropriate reaction. But the moment passes quickly, and then his smirk softens.]

Hey. I get you.

[So does his voice, for that matter. It's nowhere near tender or anything, but it is noticeably softer.]

This place is downright crazy until you get used to it, and even then, well...

You know what I mean. But anything you need, I'm right here to help you with.

Thank you. That's really sweet of you. [She leans in a little, touches his hand. The softness in his voice is noticable, and really, that's all she wants right now. A little tenderness. A little care.]

[So what if they both know what he's after? It seems like a fair enough deal to her.]

Have you been here a long time, Kaph? Can I call you Kaph?

[Score. Her touch is met with a somewhat devious smile - but once he opens his mouth to answer her question, he leans back again, resting his elbow on his chair.]

Sure you can! Let's see... It's been a good few months by now, actually! Not a year yet, I don't think.

Oh, so you're a real veteran, huh?

[She chuckles, leaning back in her own seat and flicking her hair back.]

So what's it like, living here? Being an apprentice? Tell me everything!

You're about to be very disappointed.

[Despite the fact that what he's about to say genuinely frustrates him, he grins - but the expression is somewhat stiff.]

In all this time? They haven't taught me a LICK of magic.

Really? [She pulls a face, throwing her hands up.] Ugh! And she won't let me in the library?

It's almost like we're really just servants with a fancy title!

[Ah, no, that's not a grin anymore. He's just gritting his teeth now.

It's funny. It's weird trying to charm someone while you're actually super mad at someone else. He wants to lash out, but he CAN'T. And he can't just wait until this is over and go paint the town red at night because he's NOBODY here, and...

Ugh. His drink can't come soon enough.]

[Her smile falters, and she reaches over, uncertainly, to touch his arm.]

It can't be all that bad. I mean...

...Can it?

[It's not her touch that calms him, exactly. It's the opening she gives him. Just... right there for him to seize.

He hides his teeth behind his lips, takes a moment, puts on a smile again.]

That's true. I do get to meet... gorgeous people.

[She laughs, leaning in across the table and putting her chin on her hand. That's defused the situation back to something she's comfortable with, and she's relieved.]

Mr Kinra, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were coming on to me.

Now why would you think that?

[There we go. He relaxes in his seat again, and what's more, their drinks are finally here. Things are looking up.]

It's not just a compliment if it's true, now is it?

[That gets another laugh, and she takes her drink, raises it to him in a little, slightly sardonic toast.]

Wishful thinking?

Here's to compliments, then.

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