kingdomtalks | Entry 1

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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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.

Hey, don't get me wrong.

[He takes his own drink to reciprocate the toast, a satisfied smile on his face.]

If you want me to flirt, then I have no problem taking up the challenge.

Oh, it's a challenge now?

[She's teasing, of course. Her eyes meet his.]

I thought you were already doing it. Dread to think how it'll look at full force.

[It's always a good sign when he gets their eyes, he figures. It usually means they have no problem with his eyes being red, or it actually kind of turns them on, which is even better.

Not that there's anything particularly sinister about his eyes. He just doesn't like having his looks questioned, is all.]

Oh, you'll know when I knock you off your feet.

[His eyes are... well, they're red, but they're human. And she's not one to judge a book by its cover.]

[She leans in, keeping eye contact, and there's a glimmer of a challenge in her brown eyes.]

Try me.

Hey, it's only gonna be when you least expect it. Nice try, though.

[He, in turn, leans in as well.]

Keep that up and I might just jump the gun.

[Xiang laughs, resting her chin on her hand.]

Normally I'd say "buy me a drink first", but I guess you already did, so that won't fly...

Hell, isn't that how this got started? So step one's done.

[And then he does his very best to sound TENDER:]

I must be getting sloppy, if you're not convinced yet.

[She laughs, low and very flirtily, and reaches over to pat his arm]

Don't worry. You're not getting sloppy.

[He chuckles in kind and fires right back, leaning in even more:]

Would you like me to?

Mm. [She bites her lip, raising one eyebrow.] I'm more into hard than sloppy, if you must know.

Why don't you buy me another drink and we can see where the night takes us?

[Man, he's not complaining that that line worked, but holy shit, that line worked.]

Sounds like a deal.

[She laughs, and finishes off her drink, waggling her empty glass at him.]

Glad to hear it. I'll have the same again.

So, uh, tell me about yourself, why don't you?

[He takes a swig of his own drink to finish it off, then signals for more. He's not worried about getting too drunk to fuck this up - even if his alcohol tolerance weren't preeetty good, they're getting drunk together, so what's the harm?]

Oh, I was a pretty big deal back home. Magical fox, way over 300 years old. Owned a mansion.

[She tilts her head to one side, looking him up and down.]

Huh.

Can't say I'd have guessed fox, but I suppose it explains the eyes. Kitsune, huh?

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