EXT - Seiiki Mill Meadow; day
Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) had sent a runner to ask Blake to meet him at this hour at this certain place, the wildflower meadow at the verge of the Seiiki. In one hand he carried a pair of parcels bound in cloth in the Japanese style; one promised more of Keiko and Aelwyd's home cooking, scones and noodles and steamed vegetables and fish packed for Dorian's own lunch. The other was broader and flatter, containing a set of clothes, and a book, bound up with a careful knot, both of which the middlest Windgrace hoped would fit his charge, catalog-ordered and not bespoke as what he donned. The book was a slender volume of poetry translated into English from French by Victor Hugo. It had touched him recently and he felt the black haired foreign and strange urchin of a fellow could use the reading material if they indeed had similar sorts of love affairs as Blake had insisted among the other things he said, in language sometimes near cryptic as Dinah's magical ones.
Walking along, glad for a normal sort of day after several strange ones, he was chattering to his brother, "--both of them really are fine, do not worry. Di even said she would keep PaPa occupied while he is here."
Blake Jermyn only arrived with his own merry self, skipping cheerfully through the brightly blooming field he had been summoned to, his fingers brushing the heads of the flowers as he walked. He made it about ten steps before his clockwork legs gave out from under him, balance clearly a struggle in the new limbs, but he only laughed, popping right back up again with a red clover in his teeth. "Heeeey buddy!" he called out even as he swallowed the blossom whole, waving cheerfully to Dorian as he arrived, then turning his bright, friendly grin onto Drystan. "Who's your pal?"
Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) jogged ahead to try to help Blake up, but it seemed the guy had his method, however taxing to get himself to his feet. Dorian could not help but admire the spirit it took aloud, "By the heavens beyond, good fellow, are you quite alright? You are rather determined, are you not?" He did hold out an arm to help the guy up if he needed it.
Looking back at his brother who was taking in the scenery for a moment, he'd explain, "That is my brother, Drystan, I wanted you two to meet. He is the eldest of us, here on the isle. I have told him a little about you. Are you keeping yourself well?"
Drystan Windgrace (jacksonn.shepherd) in turn, jogged up behind Dorian stopping a few paces off, watching Dorian interact with the young man. He lifted a hand and gave a bit of a wave, and pulled his face into a tight smile. He had not been ....himself...or he was himself? the night of that dinner party, and had heard scant bits and parts of the ordeal the man went through. He wasnt entirely sure what to say yet.
Blake Jermyn just laughed cheerfully in the face of Dorian's obvious concern, shrugging it off with his usual good cheer. "Don't worry man, I'm alright. Legs still feel kinda weird but they work like a charm, see?" He attempted to dance a little jig, immediately falling over again instead. "I'm ok!" he called out an instant later, once again popping right back up like a wobbly toy. Ah, the resilience of youth.
"Good to meet ya, Drystan!" he said as he turned that exuberant grin onto the other man. "I'm Blake. Dorian and I are pals," he said by way of explanation, which was to say, none at all. "Anyway, I'm doin' pretty good. APPARENTLY I'm goin' to Khymeia now," he said, and though the news sounded good enough, there was a distinctly irritated tone to his words, and he shot a glare off into the far distance, as if it would somehow catch the party responsible for this.
Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) watched with wide eyes as Blake toppled and fought against himself to go and prop the man up personally on sure feet as he had. Only it was clear it would be doing a disservice to a learning process. With half a wince yet residing, he'd remark, "I brought you these few things, but do not mind carrying them back yonder for you. To the academy, you say? That is... ...that is wonderful, improving yourself, getting stronger, that is the only way to move forward, I think. Are you... not altogether glad about this? Surely you were not ....conscripted..? pressed into academic service...?" As he let slip the last he'd glance over to his brother who'd know a thing or two about schooling being chosen for him before returning a bolstering grin toward the long-haired, half-legged man once more.
Drystan Windgrace (jacksonn.shepherd) stepped up closer when Blake went teeter-tottering back and forth like some sort of air sock being propelled by a fan outside of a yachting sales place. But - Blake got his footing as it were, and flailed himself back upright. "Whoa whoa now easy man, Those Aetherite powered?" He lifted both brows some and set a smaile on his face and went hands free. It was nice seeing his brother be ..older brotherery to this young man. It also made him feel far older than he actually was, which was pretty old. But then again, his own father would be there soon and he had his head stuck in history and such. "Never gonna find another school like it, even if it is facking school, you know? A few students actually live next door to us now i do think."
Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) spied Blake's incomplete ear as his dark hair shifted and peered at it, obviously, and as he did so, reiterated to his elder brother, "I think he is from one of the colonies, the way he speaks, but I am certain he means well." He was imitating big brothering he'd seen Drystan do, had received. If there was one thing this generation of Windgraces had going for them it was strength in numbers. He'd hang back from further questions, since there was already one on the floor and he did not mean to flat out interrogate his little buddy. Eventually he'd get around to the parcels he held, but curiosity won out over that too.
Blake Jermyn shook his head, waving a hand. "Nah, I'm good, I can carry my own stuff. As long as it's not, like, a fancy whipped cream cake I'm gonna face-plant into," he said with a laugh, though as Dorian went on he pointed a finger, a light going off behind his eyes. "Yeah! That! Exactly! I mean I ain't got a thing against learning new things, don't get me wrong. I'm just not really a classroom type of guy, ya know? I'm more the type to learn on my feet, gimme a library and a few chances to get it down and I've got a way better hang of it than if I had to sit in some stuffy old classroom all day." He huffed a sigh.
"See? you get me," he said, gesturing towards Drystan, "school is for /losers,/ even the good ones. But, well, my baby doll's gonna teach technomancy there soon's he's feelin' good again, so I thought I'd help him out. He's not super great with words, y'see, so I thought I'd lend him my gift of gab." A little, blushing shrug. "Oh, yeah, I'm from out towards New Amsterdam," he said to explain his accent and vocabulary, though he'd been making at least a cursory effort to avoid his more anachronistic phrases.
Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes): || With his golden curls atremble, he'd look to his brother and nod when Blake explained where he came from, but it took him a moment to follow the vernacular. He was not about to argue about school, though the part of him that spoke in Dinah's voice argued in his mind. He was not a classroom sort of guy, either.
Drystan Windgrace (jacksonn.shepherd): "Aye, well maybe you can work this deal to your ...advantageous self? Pop into a few of the more interesting classes, Help your babydoll, and get access to one of the most fascinating libraries around in these days. It's no Alexandria, but it surely must contain untold levels of knowledge not open for just any man on the street, right? I think You'd find yourself sittin' pretty given what sort of joint it is. And... our sister is going to be teaching there as well! You'll have good people in all the right places. " He nodded at the young man and crossed his arms nudging Dorian and his nice packages. "This guy seems bright as the sun, you think he'll have that school running his way in say...a month? I'll put a sterling on that." This was the kind of big brothering he did to Dorian, probably for far too long, because time is an abstract when you live through so many days, but he nodded at Dorian, knowingly.
Blake Jermyn pointed an enthusiastic fingergun to Drystan as he spoke up. "That's the plan, my man! I don't think I was actually signed up to any of the classes besides technomancy, so if they're expectin' me to do that myself, well, I'll just see if I can pull one over on 'em. Spend the rest of the time in the library where all the /real/ knowledge is hidin' at. You get it. You get it completely. His brows rose at the wager, a fire igniting behind his eyes as his grin grew brighter. "That a challenge, big guy? Careful what ya wish for, there..." Oh no. Ohhhh no. Then, without a second thought, he said to Dorian "oh, and if I see ya gal there I'll tell her hi from ya. Though she seemed kinda scared of me last I saw her...." Admittedly, last he saw her, he'd been freshly escaped from Roesler, covered in wounds and dragging himself along by his hands.
Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) handed out the parcels by the knots that bound them, laughingly responding to his brother first, "I give it a month before he is running the place. Look at how much spirit he has! And do conduct greetings to our sister from us whenever you may. She will be delighted to see you standing, I am sure. Mr. Jermyn, brother, I thought we might offer the young man a position running the counter at the shop. I had not known he might be in need of spare change for books and bouquets and apples for teacher. What do you think, fifteen hours to twenty hour weeks? Flexible hours, let us say something to the order of 125-50 pounds sterling, per week? Would that be amenable?" Now that Dorian had gotten around to it, his whole thrust of coming to the meeting, he'd look between them to see how it landed.
Drystan Windgrace (jacksonn.shepherd) lifted his brows and smiled at the response that came from Blake. He also nodded in accordance to what DOrian had proposed, if he was paid fairly, he probably wouldn't steal anything, plus his higher up would be Delilah, and she could put the fear of God into the Devil himself if she wanted.
Blake Jermyn blinked in surprise as the parcels were handed to him, taking them and turning them over curiously. "These for me? Well I'll be damned, thanks man. Not used to this much generosity to be honest..." A small, soft laugh, a scratch at the back of his hair. But he took the packages happily enough... Before his jaw dropped, staring at Dorian as if he were speaking some manner of ancient, cursed moon language. "....My buddy, my guy," he said, completely forgetting his effort to avoid anachronism, "I've never worked an actual above-board job for a single day of my life. You SURE you got the right guy?" One dark brow rose incredulously.
Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) was only floating an idea, as he'd explain without compunction, nor any apparent agitation, "I vowed I would help you get to your feet. But that only goes as far as you wish it to. You know where to find me if you should like to take us up on it." He personally would like the free hours to get some spare dueling practice in, but he was not without options, no wealthy titled man was, given the right parentage. As a dutiful piece on the board in his father's game, he had what little authority and command of finances to offer this, and attain a loyal employee. But, he would not lean on anyone, beyond remarking, following Blake's remarks and slang as far as he could, "I am your buddy, your ahhhm mate, yes, and that means leaving you the freedom to choose your path as you wish it. I just want to see you successful."
Drystan Windgrace (jacksonn.shepherd) added, "We've got paths a plenty too, not just the shop." He slowly placed a finger to the side of his nose and tapped it a couple of times, giving Blake that gleaming sort of mischievous grin that Dinah always would smack his arm for and tell him he was out of line, or too...something. Thats how he knew it worked! It spoke all languages and could cross any border. The knowing grin. This kid had the piss in him alright, and it looked like the world had tossed him around a right bit too in his life. So if he came back looking for a job, he was sure he could figure something to give the kid something to do.
Blake Jermyn cocked his head, catching that sly gesture from Drystan and winking right back in turn. "I mean, I don't wanna turn ya down completely, like... I may not know nothin' about like, regular work, but if you got IRregular work, well, I'm your man. I mean, not to cast aspersions on your fine business or nothin', but... If you ever /do/ need dirty deeds done dirt cheap, well, you know who to call. That, or if you wanna drum up some eyeballs, I'm something of a performer, and nothing gets people in a purchasin' mood quite like a good old dog and pony show, right? Like, say you got a hot new record at ya record store, maybe I could do some magic tricks or juggling or something out front to the beat of the new tune, get people into the song so they'll wanna take it home. That sound like somethin' y'all could use?" He cocked his head, a bright and hopeful look in his eyes.
Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes): "Oh!" Dorian was a little slower on the uptake with the subtle things, and when Blake and his brother exchanged looks and meanings, he'd tack on, "Absolutely. In fact, next week we could use just that sort of thing. I shall send you word on the details of the thing, but we are looking to attract attention to the shop and spread a little sweetness around the island when our bananas come in. Juggling sounds fantastic, spreading good cheer. Anything he might need." The blond one nodded his curly head his brother's way, and renewed his grin, showing there were no hard feelings.
Drystan Windgrace (jacksonn.shepherd) smiled and nodded jutting his thumb at Dorian. "Oh yeah it'll actually be fun, something I think we could all use some of? hm?" He pushed his hands into his pockets. He wasn't sure of what else he may need other than letting this guy have a good grande time with just some shipment of fruit, but, one does what one can.
Blake Jermyn absolutely lit up as his suggestion was taken up with such alacrity, exuberant energy overflowing to the point that he began to bounce on his metal feet. "No way, really? I'd LOVE to, man! I think I could manage juggling bananas, they're kind of a weird shape but nothing I can't handle. Make people stop and stare, then when they hear how delicious they are they'll leave with a basketful. Works every time. There used to be a guy I knew who had one've them patent medicines, got his kids to put on a circus show in the street, then hawked the medicine after the show and made a killing." Alright, so he'd seen it in a movie rather than knew the man personally, but same difference, right? He gave Drystan another subtle wink and thumbs up the moment Dorian looked away, as if to silently communicate to the man /hey, thanks for saving me there, I very nearly became a responsible working adult./
Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) missed the exchange between Blake and Drystan but clapped his hands together as it came together and chuckled because it seemed like a win all around. Everyone's wishes attended to, everyone profiting, and maybe he would even get some time off of being the Windgrace buffoon when it came time to showmanship down on the pier. Grinningly, he'd assure his dark-haired accomplice from the other side of the world, and tracks, "I shall have the hours drawn up for you and brought over to the Sakura, with regard to the bananas, and we can talk on a, what is it called, ad hoc basis by the hours and tasks. Excellent, this."
Drystan Windgrace (jacksonn.shepherd) padded his brother on the shoulder well and good. "Look there? Sounds like everything is good here! It was a bright spot in the day to have met you Blake." He offered the young man his hand from out of his pocket to shake, leaning on his golden brother.
Blake Jermyn mirrored Dorian's eager smile, bouncing and wiggling with an excess of joyful energy. "Yeah! That! I like that, that, uh, ad-hoc thing. How I always worked before, never kept track of hours or wages or nothin', just, you gimme the job, I do it and take whatever cash ya think the job's worth. Means no one minds too much if I sleep 'till noon most days," he said with a laugh. He took Drystan's hand as he held it out, giving it a firm shake. "Good to meet ya, man! Guess I'll see ya 'round for any, uh, business ya need done. You know where to find me, Sakura Tea House," he said as he gave the departing Drystan a cheerful wave. But as the man departed, Blake leaned in to Dorian, voice low and hushed. "So.... Uh.... I know Dinah there's your babydoll forever love, but.... What about him? Is he on, ah, active duty if ya know what I mean?" His cheeks were beginning to turn pink, his squirming turning distinctly awkward.
Dorian (alexandros.lycomedes) buried his face in his ring-bedecked hand in response to Blake's question, the instant the meaning of it dawned on him. His white ears were turning pink, as he managed, dropping his hand to speak, haltingly, "Well ah ah ah, I mean, Drystan is beloved by us both, but as the eldest he has ever been his own man too. He has seen more of the continent than I have. Has the fortitude and latitude to find his own path. For what it is worth, I think he enjoyed meeting you." Perhaps he should have warned the man on mechanical legs to be careful, but he had a feeling that would be as useful as anyone telling him the same. He'd suggest though, changing the topic, "There are to be fireworks tonight. Find yourself a good spot to watch, maybe bring your special friend. You will love the way the lights look upon his face. Better than the show in the sky."
Blake Jermyn squinted as Dorian stammered, trying to put the equations together in his head. So were they... A three-way? With the twins exclusive and Drystan open? And he thought whatever the fuck he had going on with Deadman and Sato was weird... "Uh, good to know, sorry if I made it weird... Aaaaaanyway yeah, go treat ya girl to some fireworks, bet she'll love 'em, fireworks are great. And thanks for the stuff... That a book? Aw shit, he'll fuckin' love this..." He beamed, going giddy with the mere thought of serenading Deadman with poetry. "Well, it was good seein' ya as always, guess I'll see ya again for the banana thing, huh?" He grinned, giving Dorian a wave. "I gotta go get ready for them fireworks, I love a good show..." And with that, he was scampering off into the meadow, falling down and bouncing right back up again every few steps.