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quaranmeme2018-06-20 06:40 pm
riverview: june test drive meme
riverview test drive memeWelcome to Riverview's test drive meme! Feel free to dip your toes in on the test drive meme to try out your character in the setting, play out a mission, and get samples for your application at the same time!
● There are currently 47 Character Slots available.
● Reserves are currently OPEN. Applications are currently CLOSED and will open on August 1st at 10:00 pm EST.
● Providing all parties are amenable, threads on the test drive meme can count as game canon, as the plot in the prompts presented is game canon.
● TDM threads do not count for Activity Check, but they do count for Activity Bonus Points, so long as all characters involved are accepted into the game.
● Threading on the TDM is intended for prospective new characters, so top-levels should only be posted by players of these characters. Since the events in the TDM are considered game canon, characters currently in the game are free to use the TDM prompts for logs and posts on the regular communities.
Feel free to use the prompts below or create your own scenario. The setting is built to be flexible, so feel free to make things up as you go.
information resources
premise ● arrival ● setting ● exploration progress report ● ask a question ● calendar ● navigation
After the unveiling of the newly cleaned-up amusement park, it's been going strong, open to the public and seeing heavy traffic flow from residents of the City. After all, it's been a while since a new attraction opened in Riverview. Slowly but surely, the people in charge of the park have been keeping it open later and later into the evening, testing the strength of the wall and trying to see how many monsters the bright lights and cheerful music and chattering crowds draw.
And it's all seemed to be just perfect - until the middle of June. It started with a few little critters, mostly the size of toy poodles and vaguely crablike, they skittered around the bottom of the laser fences, testing the strength of it. And then more of them started coming. By the 20th, there are probably hundreds of little toy poodle sized crab critters prodding at the fence, making a racket and making the guests nervous. Not a huge deal, not at first.
But apparently toy poodle sized crabs are really delicious, because predators have started coming over to the fence to feed on them. Between the horde of crab-critters and the marauding predators, there's starting to be a dangerous buildup of pressure against the fences.
The Perimeter Guard is putting out a call for anyone willing to help disperse the horde, and the owners of the amusement park are throwing in vouchers for free passes to the park (and all the fun rides!) for anyone who takes up the call. Care to join?
The amusement park isn't only the place where pint-sized monster pests are showing up - they're everywhere. Inside the city, they're a little smaller but far more insidious, and almost impossible to get rid of on a large scale. After a bit of consideration, the Government, in cooperation with the Perimeter Guard, has decided to set up a little competition to help with a bit of pest control. A scavenger hunt!
From the 20th of June until the 20th of July, the Government will be offering a reward to anyone who can prove they have 'taken care of' 5 or more each of the four pests causing mayhem in the city - a mildly-poisonous leathery-winged reptile that feeds on eyeballs, a mutated rat-like creature that likes to nest in the hair of sleeping people and animals and has a high-pitched scream that can cause disorientation, a beautifully sparkly delicate moth-like creature that causes intense mood swings through pheromones and hormones, and a creature that looks exactly like the standard domesticated foxes many residents keep as pets but who spit fire when angry.
The reward for bringing in proof of taking out 5 of each of these pests will be around 250 Units, or a gift or gift certificate of equivalent value.
Perimeter Guard Captain Anali Apple has released a statement regarding this challenge: 'And to all the animal lovers out there, if you've got a problem with killing these guys, then by all means go gather them up before they get killed. We'll reward people who catch and release, long as they're not in the city.'
Welcome to Riverview Quarantine! What's your talent?
Everyone who arrives in the Quarantine gets a short interview to try to place them in an appropriate job, but this month it's a little different. With Carnivale and its focus on creative performances right around the corner, the Orientation teams are asking an extra question - do you want to join a talent show? Characters new and old are invited to attend and perform in the Riverview's Got Talent show on a large stage in the city center, performing any kind of talent they might have, from singing to dancing to art to martial arts to magic or anything else you can imagine! After the performances, there will be free refreshments and a meet and greet so performers can get some feedback on their performance (please be kind!).
Since new characters or players may feel a bit shy jumping in on this one, there will be a mod-posted subthread for existing players to post up a quick description of a performance their character might put on for new arrivals to respond to. Any existing players should keep their top-levels to this prompt and this sub-thread, and only new characters should be responding to them - if you want to play out talent show performances and interactions with two characters already in the game, please post it on the logs community.
Residents new and old might notice advertisements going up around the city for a brand new restaurant - the Blind Date Café. A pioneering concept by a born romantic in the city, the Café is a concept business where it's Dragosta (the celebration of romantic love) all year around! Singles, or people who are into polyamory, can come to the Café and tell the host/ess what their romantic preferences are (gay, straight, bisexual, asexual, etc.) and be seated at complete random with someone else at the Café who has compatible preferences. Once the random pairing is seated, they can order from a pretty standard restaurant menu at one of the lovely flower-and-candle adorned tables with a complimentary glass of wine each (for the first 100 customers!) and share a nice romantic meal.
Paired up with someone you don't get along with? That's just fine. You can totally take your meal to go. Paired up with someone you really like, and you both decide to go on a second date? Both meals are on the house!
And what about people who just aren't into romance? Well, thankfully one of the preferences you can pick is 'platonic,' in which case you'll be sat with someone who might just be your new best friend...or your future worst enemy! Who knows?
New arrivals to the city (as played on the TDM) will receive a voucher to the Blind Date Café with their welcome to the city, entitling them to a free meal.
Whether your character is posting up a silly word game, trying to get hold of a friend, or putting out feelers for people to go out into the fray with, the network is going strong.
Alternately, an offer for a free app is popping up on new arrivals' devices - Friendr is a friend-finder and/or dating app. If characters choose to install it, they will fill out a short bio and parameters for what they're looking for, upload a snap of themselves, and then proceed to browse for matches. This is a typical swipe-left-or-right type app.
Friendr base code is by photosynthesis.
The code in the textbox is for the default color scheme, but the Friendr app has a wide variety of themes, so feel free to customize with colors and patterns as you see fit, but do not remove the credit line out of respect for the creator of the code.
Use the wildcard prompt to choose your own adventure and do whatever else you like in the setting!
iv.
Unflappable as he is, however, when he is escorted inside and seated at a table only to see that he is to be dining with Serenity, the very last person that he would have ever expected to find here, in this strange and unsettling other world, in a place like this, he can feel himself flush. Cheeks pink, he pauses before sitting down, and bows - it seems in a place like this, that a full prostration would be inappropriate, and so he does the closest he can without drawing undue attention.
Head still down, he speaks, his voice a little thin, a little tense, and even he cannot tell if it is with pleasure at seeing Edrehasivar VII when he had been feeling lonely already, or with fear at the thought of what anarchy must be shaking his home without Serenity there to keep things stable and kind.]
Serenity, we deeply apologize that we cannot show you the proper honour, and yet we are...are...we could not be more pleased to see you.
no subject
Csevet!
[ He blurts it loudly, unthinking and, for the time being, completely indifferent to the stares from the neighboring tables. Maia reaches out; his first instinct is to fling his arms around Csevet, the way his tiny nieces have taken to doing whenever he comes to visit them. But he restrains himself that far, at least. He only reaches out, gripping Csevet by the shoulder, wanting to feel that he is really there, not a fancy or a ghost, but solid and real. ]
I thought I would never see you again!
[ Maia is much too caught up in his emotions to notice or care that he has slipped into an informal address. His eyes are shining and he is beaming, face bright with wild happiness. Csevet looks just the same as Maia remembers him: so proper, so calm.
It is only as a waiter comes up to right Maia's chair that he realizes what a scene he is making and shrinks, chastened and embarrassed, but unrepentant. He gestures, Csevet to his seat and takes his own, but leans forward so far that the table does little to separate them. ]
When did you get here? I have- [ He pauses, catches himself: ] We have been here three weeks, and would know how the kingdom does in our absence. Are- are our nohecharei...?
[ He can't bring himself to finish the question, to ask what had become of Cala and Beshelar when he disappeared. ]
no subject
Csevet feels that strange squirming awkwardness as Serenity leaps up, knocks over his chair, jostles the table, cries out Csevet's name in public and speaks so informally, as if they were something other than Emperor and secretary, as if they were friends or kin or...
That thought is promptly cut off as Maia squeezes at Csevet's shoulder, and the touch and pressure and solidity of Serenity's hand makes the reality of the situation sink in a bit more. Csevet's cheeks flush a bit deeper, and he lifts his gaze, offers Maia a soft smile. A real smile untouched by sarcasm or judgement.]
We are glad to be needed, Serenity, and even moreso to be wanted.
[It's heartfelt, and as Maia urges him to sit, he does so, settling in at the table - they have eaten together, before, shared food and tea, but never at a table so small, never so close, elbow to elbow. Csevet again feels that strange and slightly awkward feeling that comes with Maia's kind improprieties, wonders as he usually does whether that feeling is why he's so fond of Serenity and always has been.
But that last question catches Csevet off-guard, and he pulls in a soft but telltale gasp of surprise, eyes widening and ears rilifting a little.]
Serenity, we have been here only two days, and we are certain that when we left, you were not in absence. There is simply no way Your Imperial Serenity could possibly have been missing for three weeks without the Elflands running mad, and we have seen no such madness.
no subject
Of course, he does not doubt Csevet, and his words alone are all that could have reassured Maia on this point. Even before the question in Csevet's voice becomes a spoken inquiry, Maia explains: ]
You were no doubt told, as we were, that after a period of some time, we might be returned to our homes, an we request it? That this- this portal, which brought us here, might return us even at the precise moment of our departure? We did not know if we should believe, yet it must be true, for our last day at the court was ten days before yours. Therefore we must return, and so will you.
[ And then Maia's eyes light up, realizing a connection he had not thought of before: ]
It is like in the wonder tale, about Iviru in the land of the fairies. She is brought there on a white horse with a blindfold fixed tight, and dances in the fairy court for a hundred nights without sleeping, and at the strike of midnight on her hundredth night, the horse reappears and she puts the blindfold on once more and is returned to the instant she left. But when her sister Neleis goes to the fairyland after her, and dances a hundred nights, she disobey's the fox's advice and removes the blindfold on the journey home. When she sees herself on that same horse, being brought away even as she is being brought back, her heart turns to stone and she dies. We- we are like Iviru.
[ He stumbled at the end, his enthusiasm at the beginning of the story stuttering away into embarrassment and uncertainty at the enthusiasm of his retelling. Such stories are, after all, childish things. Maia had always begged his mother to tell them to him. She was too sickly, many days, to walk out with him or play, but she could always speak, and knew all the best tales.
As if to compound things, a waiter with a fanged and surprisingly charming smile stops by their table and asks if they are ready to order. Maia, face hot, merely says: ]
We do not- any dish will please us, thank you.
no subject
As Serenity explains what they were told about the portal and it returning them home, Csevet nods with understanding, his eyes locked on Maia's dark face, his pale grey eyes as he speaks. Attentive. Truly, he understands the concept Serenity is explaining, but would never think to interrupt to agree.
And so, because he is intent on watching his Emperor's expression while he speaks, he immediately sees when Maia's eyes light up, his whole expression lifting, his ears rising with alertness, excitement, as he launches into an explanation of a wonder tale, and something about that moment makes his stomach seem to flop over with an emotion he's not sure how to name. Fondness, perhaps, but moreso.
Cheeks still pink, he nods again as Csevet explains, and exhales a soft noise that's halfway between a laugh and a gasp, his eyes widening slightly, his own ears lifting with interest. It's not a wonder tale he's heard, and perhaps a bit childish. But the truth is that Csevet had never had much of a childhood, and hadn't heard many wonder tales - the stories he's heard have generally been either stories more crass, told around the campfires of the couriers, or whispered half-true bits of gossip that he's bartered like coins to aid Serenity as best he can.
As Maia finishes his story and the waiter comes by, Csevet can see his painful discomfort and embarrassment. As always, Csevet steps in gracefully, drawing attention to himself so Serenity can collect himself, offering a soft smile to the waiter, lashes dipping slightly.]
What is it you would recommend? We must admit to being less than familiar with the cuisine of this place.
[It's soft, polite, and Csevet engages with the waiter for a few moments before glancing over at Serenity to see if he wishes to be ordered for or to choose for himself, now that the moment of discomfort has passed.]
no subject
So, when Csevet glances back up with those lovely eyes of his - eyes Maia hadn't even realized had become a part of every day of his life - Maia is staring at him with a soft, fond smile. He realizes Csevet is checking with him, and Maia gives a tiny, wordless gesture of approval. The two of them had gotten good, after all this time, at interpreting one another, even without words. As soon as the waiter leaves, propriety be damned, Maia says fervently: ]
We cannot tell you how much we missed you, Csevet.
[ Not just for the help he provides, but just for... him. His familiar face, his familiar voice. His confidence and capability and grace.
But there is something, Maia realizes, that he should say. Before he makes assumptions, allows Csevet to fall back into the old well-worn pattern of service. That bright-eyed fondness ebbs, gives way in his face to uncertainty and a touch of shame. He ought to have lead with this, rather than get distracted telling tales like some eager child. Maia pulls his hands into his lap, folding them and keeping them still - not realizing, of course, that it is as clear a signal of his nervousness as it would be if he allowed himself to wring them. ]
Csevet, we must speak plainly. We are not the emperor, in this place. There is no emperor here. People regard one another all as equals, and we must- we should respect the customs of this land. What is more.... we wish to. So please, do not- do not behave to us as if we are Edrehasivar the seventh. You must try to imagine us as we were when you first met us. And-
[ He has been stalling, but cannot keep it up any longer. With a large breath, Maia forces out the rest: ]
If- if you should choose... if you would wish your time here to be a respite from us, of course, you do not- we would not reproach it. We absolve you of any... obligation you may feel.
no subject
For a moment, after he does so, he keeps his eyes down, folding the menu and then looking up at the waiter, avoiding eye contact with Serenity until he's certain that his decision to have what he wants will draw no ire. (And it's stupid, to think it will, after having seen Maia prove again and again how kind he is, how humble and even-tempered, but there are certain patterns of thought that are woven into the fabric of who he is that aren't so easily ignored.)
Finally, he lifts his eyes back up to Maia and finds the Emperor looking at him with that expression, fond and soft, and Csevet's ears and cheeks go pink, he has to look down again, heart beating too hard as Serenity says that he missed him.]
Were we aware that you were absent, Serenity, we would have missed you terribly.
[Dragging his eyes back up to Maia, his expression goes a little softer, his smile fades a little as Serenity says that he must speak plainly. As he continues speaking, explaining that...explaining what he explains. For a moment, Csevet's heart starts beating harder, his ears pull back against his head in alarm, the pink washing out of his cheeks and leaving him pale, eyes slightly round.
For a moment, he imagines himself cast aside by Maia, released from service, no longer wanted, and his throat feels tight, he drops his hands to his lap to hide any sign of fidgeting, then lifts them to the table again, trembling slightly but still as he can keep them. Hiding his fidgeting might as well be the same as fidgeting in the first place, after all.]
Serenity...
[His voice is quiet, a little thick, and his eyes stay on Maia's face.]
Why would we wish respite from you?
no subject
We have learned much of this place, since we arrived. We do not know if you were told, as well, but- we have heard that the portal transports those who feel an unease in their life. Who are beset by a compelling enough unhappiness that it reaches the ears and heart of whichever god chose to bring us to this place.
[ Normally, he would not allow his belief in the gods to show so visibly, but he has a momentum now that he doesn't wish to interfere with. ]
We... do not know much of your life, apart from your service to us. But we know that our reign as emperor, and our great need of your service, must have been extremely disruptive. And we have found our freedom in this place a- a relief. Our privacy, our anonymity, our- our temporary release from the weight of the crown. We would not... deny you, that same freedom and joy, merely because we selfishly wish to keep you by our side.
[ His ears dip a little, at that. He knows there is weakness in that, in admitting how badly he wants Csevet not to take up this offer. But Maia has always worn his heart much too close to his sleeve. He could not hide how delighted he had been to see Csevet, and he cannot hide his feelings now. But that doesn't change what he is saying. ]
You owe us nothing, here. We have spoken to those in charge of the portal, and as soon as there is opportunity to transport the both of us home, we must go, and things will return to the way they were. But there are no servants here. In the eyes of everyone in this place- [ And he gestures at the room around them, the happy diners, the waiters chatting and laughing and pouring wine. ] -we have no power over you, and we must bend to the customs of this place. We must adapt, and fit in.
[ Maia waits until Csevet looks up and meets his eyes. Then, he drops formality - easier, after the practice of living in this place a while - and finishes: ]
I... wish you to be free to chose. Truly free. And if you choose to never see me again until the day we return home... I will not begrudge you that, Csevet. I swear it, on my mother's tomb.
no subject
But on this topic, he seems to be an unabashed expert, his voice held carefully even as he speaks, and Csevet listens, attentive, turning his mind to deconstructing what Serenity is telling him, asking of him. Working out what the Emperor truly wants of him isn't difficult - he makes it obvious in how he speaks and the words he chooses that what he wants is for Csevet to stay with him. By far more difficult is working out what Serenity's motivations are. It isn't as if Maia is opaque or dishonest, not at all, it's simply that Csevet often finds himself wondering why Maia could possibly want the things he wants for the reasons as genuine and kind as the ones that seem to drive Serenity. It isn't that Csevet himself is unkind, but he has been surrounded all his life by unkindness on every side - and in truth, Maia's kindness is what drew Csevet to him like a moth to flame all those months ago in Edonomee - so he finds it hard, at times, to understand the reasoning that comes with kindness.
That seems to be what's at work here, and Csevet's ears slowly relax as he listens, his eyes soften, some of the tension goes out of his shoulders, and he follows Maia's hand as he gestures at the place. Tries to understand why Serenity thinks that the customs here must be bent to, and understands all too clearly at the same time.
When Maia is finished speaking, Csevet is quiet for some time, his hands in his lap, his eyes down after having held eye contact for those few seconds that had felt like eternity, before Maia spoke to him so personally, so informally, offering him his freedom. Swearing to him on his mother's tomb. It was spoken with such gravity that it would be disrespectful to rush into an answer even though Csevet knows himself to be fully decided, doubts that anything could change his mind - still he takes his time to go over everything that Maia had said and be sure to have an answer, a reason, an explanation in his mind.
Then, finally, he lifts his head and meets Maia's eyes again.]
Serenity, we fear you may have misunderstood our meaning when we asked why we would ever want respite from you. You see, it is not that we feel ourselves your servant, though truly we are, nor that we feel we owe you anything, though truly we do.
[A pause, and a soft exhalation, and Csevet leans in, eyes on Maia's face, cheeks a bit flushed, ears up and alert.]
It is that something one wishes a respite from must be, by definition, unpleasant, and we have never found your company to be so. Though we were brought into your service by release of Chavar, and also by your request, we admit to hoping to be asked.
[A pause, and Csevet hesitates, choosing his words carefully, uncertain how to word what he's thinking without being too forward or giving offense. After a moment, he exhales softly, and forges ahead.]
When we first met you, your first inclination was to treat us with kindness, and we admit, from that moment, we wished to stay by your side.
no subject
There are any number of reasons, why Csevet might have been hoping to be asked. If he had been ambitious, if he had disliked the Lord Chancellor, etcetera. But Maia knows that Csevet isn't those things. He remembers how Csevet had stuck with him, even when it became clear how unqualified he was. Csevet could have advanced himself more by using his access to Maia and then betraying him, to others at court. But he hadn't.
And when Csevet says it was back when they first met at Edonomee that he wished to stay by his side, Maia can't help it. He laughs, a little surprised, and then smiles. He knows, Csevet had not been treated kindly, before. And he knows how it is, to be startled by the kindness of others. So he accepts Csevet's answer.
But he doesn't accept that things will remain the status quo. And to prove that, he reaches across the table, taking Csevet's hand in his. His heart is racing as he does it. What he's asking for is, perhaps, something Csevet won't be willing to give. But he wants to ask. It is possible for him to ask, here, in a way that it wasn't, in the Untheileneise Court. ]
If that ever changes, you need only tell us so. But for now, in this place, let us... [ The plural, not the formal. ] ... let us be friends.
[ Maia rushes on before Csevet can say anything, the words pouring from him, quick and nervous and heartfelt: ]
You must know- surely you must realize we have always considered you our friend. The very first one we ever had.
[ At that moment, as if on cue, their food arrives, and Maia releases Csevet's hand, moving to make room for the plates and drinks and things, holding his head high, embarrassed to be caught in such a gesture but stubborn in his insistence that he is speaking the truth. ]
no subject
Truthfully, the reason Csevet had wanted to be asked so much was because of Maia's own nature, so clearly demonstrated in those crucial first few hours of his newborn reign. That nature had been why Csevet chose him, why he would've found a way to join his staff even if he hadn't been asked to as he had, why he'd gone out of his way to assist the new Emperor instead of finding a way to disappear into the staff and find his way back to Chavar as he so easily could have.
So it seems strange when Maia laughs at his comment that it had been his actions at Edonomee that made Csevet wish to stay by his side, and Csevet's ears lift enquiringly, curious. But the incredulous question he expects doesn't follow, so Csevet disengages, leaves it be, understanding from Maia's expression, his body language, that he understands and accepts Csevet's explanation.
Then Serenity takes it a step further, asking Csevet to be friends, confessing that he'd always considered Csevet to be his friend, his first friend, reaching out to take his hand, folding it into his own strong grey-skinned hand. For a moment, Csevet's eyes remain on their hands pressed together - as friends would - on the table, and then he turns his, curling his fingers around Maia's hand and squeezing, his heart racing. For a moment, it seems to be the only thing that exists in Csevet's world, the heat of Maia's hand in his and the frantic beating of his own heart in his ears.]
Serenity... [It's almost shameful, how soft and breathy his own voice comes out.] ...we would be honoured to count ourselves among your friends.
[Swallowing hard, he looks up when the waiter comes back over and puts down their food and drinks, smiles and makes small talk for a moment, eyes warm and half-lidded, flirting just a tiny bit to draw the attention to himself before the server leaves them to their dinner.
Glancing back over at Serenity, he exhales softly, his mouth curving into a warm smile, the tips of his pierced ears and his throat a little red.]
We had not realized that Your Serenity considered us as a friend, and are deeply pleased to hear it.
[There's no questioning the truth in what he says, his voice rings sincere, but he can't quite bring himself to say he considers Maia a friend, not just yet. It seems too forward, too dangerous, too conceited.
Instead, he pours chamomile tea from the small teapot the server brought into a cup and lifts it, handing it to Serenity, his eyes on his face.]
Please believe us when we say we are loyal and we wish for your happiness.
no subject
So Maia lets his hand go and takes the cup of chamomile tea, holding it between both hands, glad for something to occupy them. Maia feels light, and his voice is cheerful as he declares: ]
As I wish for yours.
[ There is no way that Csevet will miss the change in formality - this time, it is intentional. Maia takes a sip of the tea, finds it too hot still, and sets it down. His grey eyes are bright as he says, a little amusement creeping into his voice: ]
Well, then, as your friend, I would ask- and it is a request, not an order- that you call me 'Maia'. After all, I am not the emperor, here. The people in this place do not use titles, and we- [ The plural, that time, assuming he can speak for himself and for Csevet ] -want to fit in somewhat, do we not?
[ Maia, it is clear, has taken some steps in pursuit of fitting in. He is no longer, for instance, wearing clothes of the sort he arrived in. He is still dressed decorously, in well-fitted black pants and a long-sleeved shirt with a line of buttons down the front. But he isn't wearing any jewelry, and his hair is done up in a simple bun of three braids twisted together. The effect is asymmetrical enough that it is clear he did it up himself. ]
But tell me, what has happened since you arrived? Have you been given a job? Quarters? Is there aught that you need?
no subject
Truly, that is a path Csevet knows better than to allow his mind to follow, and he ducks his head as if to avoid it, though he is still smiling slightly as Maia says he wishes for Csevet's happiness. His heart fluttering in his chest, Csevet notes the informal and tries to imagine using it in return as Maia most likely expects, and he's barely become accustomed to that thought, foreign and frightening and exciting all at once, before Maia is asking him to use his true name.
To call him Maia and not Serenity or Edrehasivar VII. A request, and not an order.
Lifting his chin, Csevet looks at Maia for a few moments, searching his face as if for some sign of deceit (though truly he knows that there will be no such sign, that deceit is not something Maia dabbles in or excels at) or something else, something he can't put words to. After a moment, he exhales, settles his slim hands on the edge of the table, and lowers his lashes slightly, looking at Maia through them.]
If that is what Serenity wishes... [A pause, a momentary, uncharacteristic hesitation-] ...then I will...I will call you Maia.
[It feels strange and awkward and wonderful on his lips, and Csevet immediately lowers his face, cheeks flushing bright pink, the tips of his ears going almost red but lifting slightly with his happiness and anxiety. Maia continues to speak while Csevet's head spins, leaves him almost dizzy with shock and pleasure, and when he looks up again, he's still smiling slightly, though he's composed himself a good deal.]
I suppose it would be best to fit in. I admit, finding appropriate clothing has been difficult. Everyone here seems to wear so much less than we...I am accustomed to, though it's so overwarm I can hardly blame them.
[It's a tentative foray into humour, the kind he shares with his casual friends among the servants and the couriers, and he watches Maia's face for any sign of displeasure at his flippancy. But, if Maia truly wishes to be friends, then Csevet will make an effort to speak to him as a friend, even if it's tentative, a little frightening.]
I have been given a job, Sere- [A pause.] Maia. A position in which I feel not at all ill-used, though I much preferred my position in the Alcethmeret, and quarters that are much like the dormitories I stayed in at times while I was a courier.
no subject
Maia is not displeased by Csevet's humorous remark, about the clothing here and the warm weather. Instead, he just grins, leaning forward a bit and saying: ]
You cannot yet have seen the half of it. A few weeks ago, there was a grand parade, and most everyone was parading around in- well, in almost nothing. Just- scraps of cloth, and feathers, and string. But do not worry. I know a few shops that I believe will not displease you.
[ Maia sits back, taking up the silverware and beginning to dig in to his dish, saying as he does: ]
It will be as it was when I first arrived at Court, only I will be the one helping you become accustomed to your new surroundings. Only doubtless you will be a far faster learner than I was, and will know more about the ins and outs of this place than me within the week.
[ Maia's voice is warm with fondness as he delivers this compliment, newly relishing his ability to do so, without Csevet being able to refuse it by saying that the emperor should not speak that way to a servant. ]
What is your job?