07.13c: Go, Do Something

[kitsunenotsume]

Taking the opportunity to replicate the gesture, Caelund looks down past the man, giving an appraising glance over the drawing and raises eyebrow ever so slightly.

"I find it a matter of principle that one accepts an invitation, arriving with a tangible contribution is implicit. In this case, pastries seemed appropriate. If you've a hand to spare from your most curious illustration, Mister Lydre, I could plate you a dish." If accepted, he will serve another Gingerfire Special to the mage, as well as either of the duelists if they appear to show an interest in the confection.

[Rasanam]

"Hm. Not a principle I'm familiar with, aside from some specific cases. Still, I suppose culture does vary quite a bit... and since you have already gone to all this trouble..."

Rasanam sets the sketch down and extends a hand to accept the offer of a pastry. Once it is lit on fire, he regards it curiously, as though it were a puzzle to be solved. "Interesting... I expect there is some tradeoff in flavors and consistency depending on how long one lets it burn?" He pauses for several more seconds, pondering, before blowing the flames out and taking a bite.

Then he nods - as if confirming expectations - and takes a second bite, before setting the pastry aside and going back to his sketching, starting to fill in metaphors (dragons and fortifications and for some reason arcane equations) across the board as the midgame goes by.

[Joshua]

with appologies to the other conversation happening at the same time....

Anriki will ponder the board and Lyra's plays. "It is one I had not considered. Although, there are flaws here and there. Still, I wish to see if you are merely thinking ahead to a different conclusion." He will also add on the note of combat. "Personally, I despise physical confrontation. I am a pet and I prefer that role, not a guard-dog. This board is my territory; and little else matters. Of course," he will nod briefly to Nia, "There are other things that can be done when one is not playing a game. But honor is not usually derived from such things."

Nia's face is unreadable. Utterly, highly unreadable*. If offered, she will gratefully trade a cup of perfectly brewed tea for a pastry, which she will taste, then offer to Anriki. Without a word, she will attempt to recreate the seasoning in one of her teas, although, tea is not very flammable**.
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*: Decent Psyche, knack, and concealing facial makeup.
**: No Flaming Homer.

[ShadowOfPreservation]

Lyra looks slightly confused by his last statement but declines comment. She continues working on a strategy, trying to maneuver things so a slight advantage can be turned into an all out attack when the time is right. "I'm not sure I've set my sights on a definitive conclusion yet. We shall see," she replies with a smile, moving another piece. Looking up, she addresses Caelund. "Good to see you made it! You seem to be little worse for wear."

[Joshua]

For the record, Nia is the server that Anriki walked in with. His girlfriend... Not to be confused with Ninear who is at another table.

Anriki will physically wince* when Lyra turns her attention from the game. He covers it up quickly, but in a "I just got punched in the gut but I'm okay..." method.

"That was not the distraction I was referring to, but I suppose food is a necessity." Anriki will state, taking a brief break to ponder his next mood and the tea he is offered by the Lady Nia. And letting the other conversation occur.
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*: There is actual physical pain involve.

[ShadowOfPreservation]

Lyra looks surprised, turning back to Anriki. "Did I? Sorry, I didn't know." Since he seems alright however, she takes advantage of the break to acquire a pastry and glance at her husband's artwork. "Well that's certainly interesting!"

[kitsunenotsume]

With nowhere near as much grace as the fey , Caelund exchanges the pastry for the beverage will due ritual, appreciating the cup and fluid within before taking his time to sip and savor the tea. He has turned his attention to the board when Lyra (and by extension Anriki) reacts to his presence.

"Apparently*. As we are in a somewhat more suitable situation and environment than wounded on a public docks, I presume you may have further inquiries." His words are clearly directed to Lyra, but he seems to avoid actually looking in her direction, focusing instead on analyzing the game and the curiously reactive tanuki as he plates and serves another confectionery for the draconian.
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*: Initially a reaction to Lyra's statement of his health, but an equally apt reply to effectively every comment since.

[Rasanam]

While Rasanam had intended a 'halo of mirrors' effect around Anriki, it seems that most of those details got transposed all in the same direction, resulting in a ghostly image of Lyra looking over the tanuki's shoulder and pointing towards some important focal point on the game board.

And, with Anriki's power currently disrupted, Rasanam will take this opportunity to fill in details of the raccoon-dog without such distractions.

[ShadowOfPreservation]

Lyra gives Caelund more of her attention as she responds though she settles back down in her seat to enjoy her pastry. "Further inquiries...well certainly. Given our previous situation we didn't really have the chance to speak much. I've heard you've been in Amber for some time. What house are you with?"

[kitsunenotsume]

"All and None, Many and One. My services fall to the paying employer, but loyalty is not to be bought. My allegiance aligns with the statehood of Amber, though agendas intrinsic are sought. From a more practical standpoint, I am currently representing a small bakery in the trade-wards."

He then retrieves the lightly steaming teacup from his platter and continues to savor the blend in small and sophisticated sips.