naga-raja-suresh

[naga-raja-suresh]

Grief was something that could constantly shift and change shape, splash up against other. Grief was water. A rip tide. A gentle brush of waves against a beach. A tsunami. Suresh wondered how many people he had forgotten. Names sure, basics, but that wasn't what made up the essence of a person. And a part of him wondered if he would forget Fior. Forget this night. All these things that felt so immediate in the now. Would become dust one day.

He looked at the piece of fabric and nodded. Sliding it into his own red jacket pocket. He moves along side the other man, content in the quiet, feeling that the Emissary's own turbulent mood had calmed. He finally paused, standing at the border between the shared French Quarter and the Lotus Eater's downtown territory. The Naga turned and looked at the Lionfish. "This is where we part." He slid the jacket off his shoulders and offered it back to Fior. "Thank you." And in the two words he was not speaking of the jacket. He stepped across the border and let his glamor shiver and make him disappear from view. He didn't want to be seen.

end

He's unaware of the complexity behind the naga's relationship with his son. But he's informed enough to know that Leto's father and mother had both been part of the Lotus Eaters. In fact, as far as he can tell, Alejandro Herrera had been a founding members. He can only imagine the kind of blow losing him must have been. And now Leto has retired, it must be a heavy weight added to the naga's shoulders.

Fior nods; he won't push the matter more. If this is enough for both of them, then all is well.

Perhaps—it's the kind of reply he's given often for the past six years. "There's still a present and a future. Perhaps it'll be useful one day. Please keep it, I insist." If the naga is alone with his tears one day, at least he'll have the handkerchief. Fior doesn't expect kindness to be repaid, not his at least. He nods and resumes their walk. The silence between is not heavy, almost enjoyable. He almost suggest to have tea one day,  but doesn't let the thought be more then that; a thought.

[naga-raja-suresh]

The tension in the room spiked as Corvinus came back to himself. Anger. An imprecise emotion. Pervasive. Now that Corvinus was holding one of his vials Suresh figured he would feel more secure. Even if Suresh was holding the coat with the other two. And so the threat came. The threat itself wasn't unexpected. Silly. But unexpected. An eyebrow arched up at the vitriol in the witch's voice. He didn't have to imagine how horrible it must have been, to be at someone's mercy for the first time in who knows how long. And now Corvinus knew that Suresh could break into his mind and emotions... well, he knew some of it. There were things Suresh had not shown the witch. Let him guess how much more was hidden. "Vivid imagery." Suresh replied coolly. He could tell that Corvinus would absolutely try and do it. "I hope I don't ever have to do that again."

He'd seen them, just as glimpse but he saw the scars. It hadn't been his original intention but the necklace had to be removed. And Suresh thought about the red hair, the two children, and how they hadn't been enough to stop him from his quest for immortality. And what was immortality than power? He hadn't expected to come out of this with more empathy for the witch. He had been prepared to make sure that the witch couldn't walk away. But if Suresh didn't feel something for this man, who would? Who could even come close to understanding what it costs? He smirked at the curse. He liked this rougher, angrier version of the witch. It was closer to the bone. Truth. Suresh pointed through the door to the room Corvinus' had been in the last time they were together. "I do. And I know it will fit you. Can I get it for you without worrying about you bolting for the door?"

Scales moved silently on the carpet. He got the black button down and hung it on the door frame, moving back to the chair. Giving the witch lots of space. What he'd done would have consequences. Suresh knew that. It's why most people that he used his powers on he either altered their memories enough for them to not remember or he killed them. Suresh listened as the witch took control back over his body and his emotions. But the Naga would not forget what he'd seen. The room was silent but it was not still for Suresh. He could still feel the witch. Darkness in the eyes that wasn't there before as Corvinus finally looked at him again. Suresh's smiled sadly at the comment about Corvinus' body. But let it pass. The bell could not be unrung. "I would have liked that. But yes, I do believe that I have ruined that for us..." He kept his distance from the witch, pulling out the chair he was holding and sat, his tail curled around it. The witch's coat folded on his lap. "Let us be ourselves with each other then. Something I think neither of us often is fully with anyone. A few things... I didn't have to let you go. But I did. I was told about your healing so if I had really wanted to be cruel I could have bitten you... But I didn't." He opened the hand that was holding the vial of Naga blood, holding it between two taloned fingers delicately before closing his hand around it again. He looked at the witch, "I understand that you are upset about the violation, just as I was upset about you having this blood, a different type of violation. I don't expect you to understand it but the closest thing I can think of is asking what would you do to someone who had taken the blood or bones of your children. And maybe you can see that my response was actually rather measured all things considered." Golden eyes stayed on Corvinus, "How many people have you let go when you didn't have to?"

He would equate it more like choking, that desperation he could feel that was, for once, not his own. It was a spot he was familiar with, though he had never turned to any deity for their aid and always took matters in to his own hands. Brief glimpses of others he didn't recognise, a mind too clouded to truly realise what he was seeing. That would come later when he had time to process the events of the night. For now, he could truly care less about the images as a part of him tried to claw its way back to the surface rather than feeling drowned in the memories of another, of a bygone era even he had not been a part of.

And then he was snapping back to reality, the pressure off his body as the tail unwound from around him. He startled slightly as he came crashing back down with a soft gasp and a slight feeling of nausea from it all. World spinning, his first thought back to his own vial of blood that had been discarded. Eyes found it, thankfully unbroken on the floor and with a wave of his hand, it found itself back in his grasp. Safe and secure, his own weapon in the moment if need be. And with how tightly his fingers curled around the glass, he was clearly all too prepared to shatter it to access the blood inside if any moves were made. Corvinus may as well be holding a grenade with how it sat in his hand. "If you do that ever again...I will rip you apart and hang every bloody organ of yours on display like an art museum," he hissed between his teeth and vengeance so tempting in the aftermath. Invading his own mind, his own feelings...that was a line crossed.

There wasn't a mark on him though as he leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees, he also didn't move like a man that had likely just had multiple bones frozen. No bruising from the skin visible though the movement to lean forward was a deliberate on to cast his chest more in shadow. To hide the deep scars that peeked through the gaps due to those fucking talons. To be so perfectly frozen in time also meant the scars of his past lingered. Unhealing, a constant reminder of a once mortal man. Corvinus didn't even respond to the eyes taking in his form, still trying to shake off the last webs in his head that still felt entangled. "And unless you have a shirt right fucking now to replace it, it won't do me any good, will it?"

Deep breaths; now was not the time to become unraveled. That would come later. He lifted up his free hand to momentarily cover his face as he forced himself to relax. There was a deafening silence in the room as he put himself back together. Piece by piece, correcting his image into that charming man rather than the vengeful blood witch he could turn into with ease. He still had another vial, still held the cards, still touted knowledge of the Nameless. The game wasn't over just yet and he'd be fool to fold so early. Slowly, his hand ran down his face before falling away once more and the anger was gone from his face though the amusement had yet to return. In his eyes, it was a violation of any sort of trust that could be built. Just because he had his own secrets didn't mean he'd force his way into someone's mind so deliberately, so directly.

His eyes found Suresh, taking in his own form now that it wasn't crushing him. A thousand times prettier than the near-corpse he had found or the one that fled and he barely had a look at. "A mutilated body like this is hardly extraordinary," he said dismissively though it was a subtle compliment towards the other's form. Pushing aside his own, he just was no longer in the mood for charm. And no point in pretending his scarring hadn't been on display though still mostly covered, thankfully. A sigh as he looked around the room. "And to think I came here to enjoy a night with you and give you information you probably wanted. And here I was playing nice. I guess that's out the window."

[naga-raja-suresh]

Leto's issues were of Suresh's own making. But he was hurt and angry and couldn't let it go. But he could pretend that it was fine. Because what was the alternative? He knew that Leto was with someone that would've left. That would have made Leto make a devastating choice. And he resented the knowledge and the happiness that his son felt with the vampire.

Suresh listened to his son and he understood some of the logic in Leto's argument. If there was something that would truly affect him Suresh would tell him. At least Suresh told himself he would. But all he could do right now was hold his sons hand. Leto hadn't loved him enough to stay. The brutal truth of it from the Naga's point of view. But the longing was so strong from his son he sighed before speaking, "There is a strange ancient blood witch in town. A man named Corvinus. That is the only change of note. Everything else is much the same. But it has caused some ripples. Nothing needs to trouble you. Let us be here together. That's why I came."

Suresh smiled at the change in topic and nodded his head, "I would very much like to see your rescued sea turtles." He tucked his son's arm into his own as he waited for Leto to lead the way, listening, "I don't know what that means. But I can understand that you are helping them."

Leto doesn't regret his choice, but he hates the consequences with a burning passion. He has no one to blame, but himself and it's doing more damages than anyone could've expected. Feeling unworthy is something carved into him, that and thinking everyone around him will eventually abandon him.

"I'm still your son and a disciple of the God of Desire. Everything I've done has always been out of love, not because I had to. I know you want me safe, but knowing nothing leaves me open and at the mercy of the unknown. If you are in danger or not feeling well, it's not a burden to know." He sighs, he knows this won't do anything. He wants to argue that the war will reach everyone at one point. But, his father's words are law to him, 'cause he's terrified that if he doesn't listen, Suresh will stop loving him. "Anyway, you don't want to tell me. So I'll just focus on us and this beautiful surprise you gaze me." He's been missing his father so much, so much that longing takes over his feelings even with Suresh by his side.

"Would you like to see our rescued sea turtles?" He asks, smile back on his face, some of the bright light he had in his gaze is gone, but it's still present. "A couple of them have Bubble butt syndrome, so we've 3D-printed harness to help them." He laughs; it's no laughing matter, but the name is funny to him.

[naga-raja-suresh]

The manger was still his choice and deserved a level of respect. He understood why she was upset but her interjections were not going to be helpful in solving the issue moving forward. And that was his goal. He caught the pout and just arched an eyebrow at her, watching her drop her gaze. He felt her accept the offering of calm. That cooling of her temper even as her skin began to cool. But he continued to hold her hand in his, feeling her relax. Good. Just for the time being.

Suresh looked back at Lili as she answered the question that he'd asked both of them. He nodded. That was fine and right for Dance Macabre business to be dealt with in-house. But months... The manage made his own comment about it not being something he felt Suresh needed to be bothered with. Suresh drew in a breath and let it out softly when she called the manage an asshole. Suresh's eyes fixed on the manager and seeing him open his mouth shook his head in warning to not respond to it. The manage closed his mouth. "Nevertheless. I am now aware of this and it will not continue past today." The Manager cleared his throat and nodded his head. "The safety of the dancers is paramount. The water needs to be cooled to the appropriate temperature first. And then rewarmed. If needed you can purchase something to help warm the water faster. If any of the other dancers have an issue with the changes made in the line up you can direct them to me. Is that clear?"

Suresh's attention was pulled back to Liliana as she leaned into him. He looked at Lili and saw her staring at the manager. Knowing that she was about to say something unhelpful before she did. Suresh bent his head down and said, "I don't know. Have you ever discussed your carnivorous proclivities with him? Also Lili-love how is threatening to eat the manager going to help this situation?" He looked up at the manager, "This will be fixed by tomorrow night. And i will be stopping by to make sure it is." He looked down at Lili, "Go get your things. You're leaving with me. Everyone will take then next twelve hours and cool down. And start fresh after. Yes?"

She felt the hand squeeze first, just enough to draw her rage filled gaze to Suresh and see that familiar stare. They'd certainly been in their fair of arguments over what she thought was deserved and what he saw as unreasonable. And while Liliana had no issues pushing him where she thought necessary, there was often that gaze that nowadays could halt her for the most part. For someone used to the icy cold waters, she certainly hated his colder gaze. Her lips formed a pout at him before her gaze finally dropped downwards to relent in her shouting for now; he was already dealing with the situation and clearly wasn't happy about it either.

It took a moment before she felt the sense pushing at her gently, one she was familiar with that rolled off him like cool waters she so loved. Finally, after several seconds, she allowed it to wash over her rather than sit as an open offer. Liliana felt the rage begin to dim into a soft ember rather than the wildfire it threatened to become. Her breathing evened, her grip on Suresh's hand relaxed to just comfortably hold it once again. Calm. He wanted her calm for now. Though he surely knew she'd be ranting to him in private later.

With a renewed sense of tranquility, it took a moment for her to hear Suresh speaking again. Like a dull buzz before she came back into focus as he gave suggestions as to how to fix the problem. Then questioning as to why he hadn't heard about it. Liliana was silent for a moment before clearing her throat though her eyes stayed more focused downward. "I've been...trying to handle it on my own," she finally said. It wasn't like she could run to Suresh over every problem, could she? Act first, ask for forgiveness later. She's been handling some on her own. Like other girls 'borrowing' her heels or makeup, or when she felt her time was cut too short. "I figured the asshole," her gaze did move up for a moment to look at the manager before looking back down, "Would have done something about it by now." She'd certainly been there long enough, Liliana had assumed he'd pay attention.

Eyes moved back to the manager, looking him up and down before leaning her head slightly towards Suresh, "Do you think he knows in the artic, we really like meat? Maybe he's more used to the ones that eat a lot of plants and small fish....less teeth to get a chunk of flesh out, you know." It was said in a whisper just loud enough the manager would be able to hear. Of course she didn't mean it, wouldn't even consider it, but it was more teasing to Suresh with that smile on her face and still basking in the calm aura. Just to poke at him a little without malice.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh accepted the invitation from the Lightless' Emissary without much thought. Now that he'd had his meeting with Mathias and discussed things with his advisor Suresh still had his plan. But he was curious what else he might learn or gleen from Fior. And there was the simple fact that he enjoyed the Lionfishes company. Even when they are speaking business.

His security had been a little more robust recently just due to the disquiet in the city. Suresh wouldn't begrudge them their jobs either. But they had been instructed to wait outside. He wanted the feel of privacy. And Suresh knew he was not in danger from the Emissary. Suresh stood to greet the other, "Emissary Anker." He slid back into his chair, looking across at the other man. "Let's not worry about cards at all. Let's just have a conversation as two grown adults that understand there are complexities to all diplomatic situations. We don't have to dance around the current problems. Loughty spoke to me. You spoke to Attano. I spoke to Attano. Loughty and Attano spoke and the world didn't end. Signs and wonders everywhere... So much fuss all over one troublesome Witch..."

—Secured Café. Night time (Lake Pontchartrain beach, Lakeview)

What a day! Few days actually! The irony of it all had been that the meeting that had gone the best so far had been with Corvinus of all people and it had been an impromptu one at that. But pourparlers and just conversations with the naga have always gone well, so Fior hopes to keep it that way as long as he can. He'd offered Suresh to have their meeting over tea and let the Leader pick the place they'd meet at as long as it was in neutral territories or only Lotus Eaters'. The chosen location is a nice one.

He gets there alone; he's never been one to have company with him in the first place. There are some guards outside, but inside, it'll only be them. He appreciates the gesture. "Leader Lal." He greets once inside, before they sit. "How would you prefer to proceed? Cards on the table or close to the chest?" By now, the naga knows Fior is generally honest, but that as an Emissary, their might be things he'll keep to himself. But he's offering to be more opened if the naga is willing to return the favor.

@naga-raja-suresh

[naga-raja-suresh]

When the witch sat down with him, he didn't mind. His golden eyes drifting over her as she settled in with her own mug. It was rather cozy and he enjoyed the personal touch. He smiled at the question. "Nothing supernatural. I just run night clubs so my hours are a little topsy-turvy." Suresh brought his cup to his lips and enjoyed the warmth of the drink as he felt it spread through him. He blinked at her response to his question. And decided to smile and ask innocently, "An old book. How very mysterious. An old book of what? Recipes for cinnamon rolls?"

Meg decided to sit in front of him as he decided on a table to sit, coinciding with her favourite one, not too far from the door but guarded enough, close to the bookstand just behind. Coming with a mug of her own she wondered. " Why does it work differently for you?" Meg asked, getting the warm tea, not coffee, she would get too riled up for coffee at this hour. " Oh, it's just an old book from back home." she lied.

[naga-raja-suresh]

The soft feeling of the water cradling him as he cut through it with slow, strong movements. He listened and smiled as the Emissary didn't answer him. But turned the question back around. He felt no need to respond. Letting Fior worry just a little bit. Finally he spoke in a low, relaxed tone, "I am not offended. My question was a serious one though. Do you like that question? How have you been? Frustrated, elated, bored, playful, good, great, annoyed, fine, fatigued, thoughtful, a tapestry of emotions from one day to the next. All things I have been. And will be again. But am not now." The circle he made around the Lionfish became tighter, now inside of the soft bioluminescent light, catching his golden eyes and a the soft shimmer of scales. "So now that you know you haven't offended me... How are you right now?"

"Understandable." He cannot argue with that; it makes perfect sense. "Did my question offend you? If so, you have my sincere apologies. Though, I never asked you to summarize anything, Suresh. I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't interested in the answer―as long as it may be." He has somehow taken a liking to their strange conversations. He hasn't felt much since his wife and children passing; curiosity is something he hasn't experienced in quite some time. "Right now? It'll vary based on whether I offended you or not with my question." A part of him would be chagrined by it, but it's not something he's aware of right now.

[naga-raja-suresh]

The joke did more to calm the Naga than anything else the witch could have said. It showed his strength, his truth and Suresh found himself softening to that piece. It changed nothing but it was enough to make Suresh chuckle and say, "Terrible of me. Apologies..." Even as he slowly dug his metaphorical claws into the witch's brain. It was difficult, but his victory was inevitable. And the Naga felt a sense of pride and gratitude to his god. Even this formidable witch he could subdue. He would never have this opportunity again. But if there was a next time. It would be fangs and Suresh would be far less caring about the mental damage he did. And he would have the blood and remove that avenue from the witch as well.

The problem with having a connection so wide open to the witch meant that Suresh felt what Corvinus felt. He'd thrown off the stops to dig his way in but things could pass through the holes he'd made in those defenses both ways. And Suresh suddenly found himself plunged into memories. Red hair. Children laughing. Earth and air. Love. Death. Loss. Stale blank spaces and bitterness. A need to hide from reminders. To hide away the aching emptiness at losses that could never been filled. He'd gotten what he desired and lost everything he'd had. Roads not taken. -so very long ago.-

Buried. Forgotten. Fill the void. A deep shiver of revulsion from the intensity of the familiar loneliness. Like looking into a mirror in the dark. "That's always the price isn't it?"

Suresh had forgotten too. Flashes of his own losses, some still had names, some still had faces... A long parade of loss. A gnawing need. Pain. Pain. A sacrifice not understood until it was too late. An ancient, hungry thing that had accepted Suresh's pleas for help. Help him save the people he loved and himself. The heat of a jungle and the smell of stones and blood. An endlessly hungry emptiness. Suresh's breath caught on a pained gasp. And then something ripped inside of the Naga's mind and a darkness spilled out, covering everything like oil. Snuffing out the pictures into that blank and empty void. A ripcord to stop whatever was happening. And he surfaced out of the thick oil back into his body, which had gone on moving and speaking, away from whatever shared liminal place he'd been in with Corvinus.

Suresh heard the witch speak and nearly snorted at the cockiness of bringing the blood to this meeting. But it made sense why he'd removed his coat now. The comment about the coat made him chuckle, "Of course. I'm not a monster..." The last words meant to to be ironic. Suresh released them both, moving in that liquid like speed as he unwound himself. Snapping the connection shut as he removed his hands. Between one breath and the next his whole body was off the couch and back at the table. He held the jacket, body between Corvinus and the door more on accident than on purpose, his fingers finding the tear and fishing out the vial, he opened it just to be sure. And it was. He held it tightly in his palm and nodded his head. Good.

He didn't bother with his glamour. What was their to hide now? Instead he looked at Corvinus curiously. Holding the witches coat slung over one forearm, his other hand holding the back of a chair nonchalantly. His tail and body slowly coiling in around himself. Gold eyes took in the witch slowly. Clothing a little rumpled. But only the ripped shirts, where he'd torn the necklace off, tattered strips where his talons had cut through, showed that anything had happened to the witch at all. Suresh couldn't help but whisper, "Extraordinary..." The next words were back to normal, "I'll be happy to replace the shirts I ruined." Like he'd accidentally spilled a drink on them. It hadn't been more than twenty minutes since Corvinus had first stepped into the room. As time reoriented itself to this new shared reality. What had Suresh said they would be... friends?

Ill omens, as if Corvinus believed any of that shit. No, that was Callum and his fucking forms and his fucking beliefs. Corvinus had never been one to be afraid of superstitions or the taboo; if he was, he certainly never would have gained the immortality he now held. "Don't confuse the Irish and Scottish now. Practically an...practically an insult." The words were getting harder to say, slurring with every subtle push. There was a thought that perhaps most would have buckled under the weight of the powers by now but Corvinus had thankfully built up some resistance after centuries alive. That, and likely the blood of the naga helped a bit as well, but one could only hold out so much under the influence of a literal deity, even someone like Corvinus.

What did he pay? He still had dreams of them, the past coming to haunt him in his most vulnerable moments. He could recall walking behind her, her red hair bouncing with ever step, their fingers intertwined even as she insisted she move first. The scent of flowers and freshly tilled soil, laughter ringing in the air. He could recall standing on the front steps of that little cottage, seeing the two young children playing in the gardens full of magical herbs they had planted. The two crouched down, the dark haired boy holding up some frog he had found to his red-haired younger sister. The spitting image of both parents. Yet he never saw their faces, not anymore. If he were honest with himself, it was likely because the memory of their faces had faded away into nothing, any paintings locked away in his manor to avoid being reminded. There was a bitter smile on his face, eyes glazed over with the memories. "Everything," he replied in a whisper as the smile died away. "The payment was...everything. I lost it all." For a moment, he had been a better man. He had been content to give up his status, to settle down in obscurity and live a normal life. There had even been a period he had sought mortality again.

But that was so long ago, a different life entirely lived by a man of another name that Corvinus had long since forgotten. It wasn't anything he sought any longer, a hope crushed and a mere flicker of joy in a life spent trying to fill a void with more and more power. "But that was...so very long ago." His own story, locked away and somewhat of a sobering one at that.

He was only vaguely listening to Suresh at that point, his mind still entangled on red curls and the sound of children laughing. But then the mention of blood and Corvinus forced the smile on his face again. He wanted one of the vials...Corvinus's head turned, eyes finding the jacket he had discarded earlier. "There's a rip in the seam of the inner lining. Just around the edge. It's in there. I soaked the bottle in perfume to hide the scent." Cocky in all ways, dipping back into his own ego despite the drunken haze of the power pressing into his mind. "Di, um....Do be careful not to tear it further. It's quite...expensive to fix."

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh thought about stories he knew about the destruction of kingdoms both on and off land. Too many to sort through without some help. But it was curious. So was the loss of memory. Something to be looked into at another time. Suresh knew something about traumatic memory loss after all. But these were deeper questions for when he had more time. Too many other things were pulling at his attention at the moment. For him to indulge in a little mystery.

Yes, he was being a little cruel, just a little teasing touch. Because while Mingi is worth taking back, still he'd abandoned them. And that was not something Suresh took lightly. Suresh smirked, "This is not me being mean as fuck." The last two words mimicking Mingi's own words but the smile was still there. Suresh caught the other easily as he nearly flopped into his arms. A soft grunt as he felt the singers lips on his cheek. He reached up and cupped the side of Mingi's face, and patted it gently. "You can sing me something if you'd like."

The question takes Mingi by surprise. "I don't know." They admit. "I don't have memories before the age of 10. So all I know is what I've been told. I apparently lost my memories due to trauma after an attack on the kingdom my family and I lived in. The kingdom was also destroyed." But it almost makes no sense that someone who doesn't remember anything gets so fucking terrified like they had.

But they'd come back, unable to resist a pull. They just don't know what that pull is, but some of it has always led them to the naga. The comment makes their jaw drop before it snaps shut quickly. "Now you're just teasing me and it's mean as fuck, but I deserve it—I guess." But as soon as Suresh stands, Mingi is almost jumping into his arms. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" And without thinking about it, they give the nage a happy kiss on the cheek. "I know I'm not starting now, but I could sing for you?"

[naga-raja-suresh]

Aposematism : the use of a signal and especially a visual signal of conspicuous markings or bright colors by an animal to warn predators that it is toxic or distasteful.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh could feel the snap of bones shifting back into their rightful spots as he gave them room to fix themselves. An astonishing healing ability. Not simply accelerated since they were moving back to their correct positions rather than healing in the wrong ones. Almost a need to move back to statis. Suresh wondered if there would be any bruising once he let go. Curiosity filled the Naga for the unique witch and the limits to this gift of his. But still, Suresh held Corvinus fast.

His magic seeped into the witch, slow spread, he could have pushed harder but there was a cruel streak in the Naga that wanted Corvinus to feel what was happening to him. And the two of them were long past subtly now. Suresh smiled softly at the drunken laugh, "Europeans and your ill omens." He'd tried to tell Callum that the tide of the world could be seen. And places of upcoming tragedies or great events had their own pull and signs if you knew what to look for. "Is he?" Suresh could feel the slowing down, the break down of the witch's defenses. His voice a soft whisper, "What did you pay?"

Ah, so it was a him. That was useful to know. Suresh wondered about the kind of magic needed to hide from all three of the gangs and yet let Corvinus find the Leader of the Nameless. He slowed his influence down just a little, a soft creep through Corvinus' mind like a silence, steady fog bank, "Why wouldn't you just run to him for protection?" Suresh chuckled again at being told what he had to do. His cool, dry fingers still holding Corvinus' face, "What I'm doing? This is just a taste of it... Would you like to know a secret?" Suresh closed his eyes, breaking the gaze but leaving his god's power pressing gently through Corvinus' mind. He tilted his head to the side and whispered, "I don't have to look at you or touch you to do it either... I can make you feel anything I want... I can make you want anything I say..." Not exactly true but how was Corvinus going to know that? He let out a soft sigh and looked at the witch again, but his eyes were only his eyes. "Let's start small shall we? Bring me your vial of naga blood. As a show of good faith... If you don't I'll know you're a liar and if I can't kill you I will run you out of my city or make you wish you were dead. If you do, we will be friends. And then we can discuss you delivering the Leader of the Nameless to me... Say yes and I'll let you go just like you ask, body and soul." And Suresh would, he was many things but he was a creature of his word.

As the grip around his body began to loosen, it allowed just enough room for bones to snap back into place. Painfully with several cracks from where they had been crushed. But pain was a powerful wake up call, just enough to keep him barely hanging on, reaching for that single thread of his true self, of his goals. Each bone pushing back into place, bruising, then healing in the matter of seconds but it was all he needed to keep hold of some form of clarity despite how sluggish his mind had become. Still holding on to that thread so desperately as the words to rest pushed in to his mind. His rest had been over a thousand years ago and a time long since passed. No rest for the wicked.

An ill omen, he recognised those words. It was enough to make him laugh though it sounded breathy and more like the laugh of a drunken man. "A stain on this world, an ill omen that brings nothing but death for the sake of bloodshed and gain...I would say a hound is more of an omen, no?" Who else would tell Suresh to bury him in a box, to know enough to give warning? Who else knew of his history to show up before major bloodshed? Not that it was hard to know, Corvinus merely kept up with the news to know when tensions were growing too high in an area. "He's...he's paranoid. Said I should pay for my sins. But I already did. Long, long...long ago." The words were getting so hard to say now.

But he caught his attention. Good. As interesting as it was to be the one left vulnerable for once, it wasn't a role he preferred to take on. "I could get him to you. Lure him in...bring him straight to you..." It was getting harder to focus, he had to keep that hold over his own mind despite the situation. "But...you have to let me go. Right now. With your tail and....whatever the hell you're doing." He recalled briefly their first encounter, when Suresh had let a small glimpse of his powers show before Corvinus had immediately halted him. So this was the might of the naga, nothing in comparison to the one he had stumbled across. The one that had been hunted by fucking pathetic poachers.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh waited until the audience dissipated. He wasn't much for public humiliations and despite whatever headache this was he still wanted to give the Manager space to explain the situation. But he hadn't been happy at the temperature of Lili's skin. As a creature that was susceptible to temperatures himself he found it dangerous not just disrespectful. He didn't look at Liliana hoping she was take the queue and let him talk.

He felt her manipulate his hand, taking it in her own and bringing it to her chest. His fingers closing around hers. Partially in response and also to have a grip on her. He knew that what she was doing was partially for her own comfort, something he understood completely and a little of her own display to the manager. A reminder that she was one of Suresh's favorites. It was not a secret.

Suresh listened to the manager. And his mind came up with several possible solutions almost immediately. Because no, Suresh did not want the other merfolk to be freezing either. This was a logistics problem and one that was eminently solvable. He felt her fingers tighten. And then she began to speak. Suresh gave her a look and squeezed her hand, projecting calm through his body and letting it brush against her. It was hers to take or not. A gift and also a warning. "Stop."

He turned back to the manager and crooked a finger to bring them closer. So no one needed to shout. "Good earners get better perks. But the tank is not a perk, it's part of the set. Tell me the reason why we can set the line ups to have our non-merfolk go between our merfolk sets? Give time to cool and heat the tank so that all of them can perform at their best?" Suresh paused, "You are not merfolk, and while fifty degrees may not seem like a lot it can be dangerous. This isn't about keeping one or many happy. This is a safety concern." He sighed, "Also, why am I only hearing about this now? After months? I have been here at least twice and no one thought to bring this up to me until there is a full blown fight in the back like we are some cheap strip show like the Kitty-cat club off the highway?"

She hadn't noticed him within the small crowd of people that were forming. Not until he spoke over her. Most staff members had their issues with Liliana's 'needs', she wouldn't deny that. Though she did try to at least be sweet to them but this had been repeated negligence. What had once been sulky pouting to try and get her way had grown into frustration and now yelling and threats. But Suresh was probably the one to soothe her the most if one of her tantrums came up. This went beyond just that though and she wouldn't be so appeased with sweet words. When her eyes found him, she was all too ready to defend herself. Feeling his touch on her shoulder, lips parting to immediately argue, but his attention was quickly diverted to the manager instead.

Liliana fell silent. One hand moved to his on her shoulder, moving it off only to intertwine her fingers with his and pull his hand to her chest, keeping her hand in his like a child holding a favourite object close to their body. It was calculated on her part. A way to soothe herself as well and knowing he would likely react quickly if she lashed out...as well as vice versa or so she liked to think. She subconsciously even moved closer to him though she let him speak without interruption; if she had learned anything under his employment over the years, there were moments to speak up and carry on and times to just let him talk.

"The other merfolk complain when they go in right after her that it's too cold. Which one am I supposed to keep happy? The single one or all the others that like the warmth?" The manager tried to defend though it warned a scoff from Liliana.

Her hand still holding on to Suresh's gripped just a little tighter, the mermaid careful to not let her manicured nails dig in; he wasn't her target right now. But she did stay still for the moment. "I've worked here long enough and get in enough money to earn some fucking ice in my water! And it's best to have me in at prime hours to show off the fucking princess, don't you think?" Maybe she wasn't the brightest over basic things most land walkers knew, but she knew how to keep her profits high.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh tired to honour Leto's choice of retiring. But his boy didn't make it easy. Suresh had to set firm boundaries so Leto could focus on his new life. As painful as they had been. The Lightless and Deathrunners seemed to respect Leto's retirement and so Suresh did what he could to ensure it wasn't seen as a ruse. Everything came down to ensuring that Leto could have the life he wanted. No matter what it cost Suresh. He didn't always do it in a way that was kind. And he detested the vampire that his son loved, but that was not something he should tamper with more than he already had. But he was trying.

Suresh gave the smallest shake of his head, "I can feel it change in you. That's enough for now." The kindness surfacing gently in that great sea of numb. But at least the pain had calmed back into that ocean.

"Perhaps." Suresh replies, knowing the other was right. But unable to commit himself to such a thing. Suresh looked at Fior's arm, surprised at the movement until he remembered he was wearing Fior's coat. He let's the Lionfish press the handkerchief into his palm. And looks at it blankly. It had been the one tear and Fior had taken care of it. He shook his head, "They are past. I am fine now. But that is another kindness you have shown me tonight. I will remember that." He looked in the direction of his club and nodded his head, "We should keep walking."

Not only does Fior understand how Suresh feels as they're both father, but he also understands what it meets to be in a faction and having your children standing beside you in the battle. Luckily for the naga, his son is still alive. Fior knows he cannot change thing, nor will he ever want to transgress the path he's chosen, but if time travel ever comes to be, he'd want to spend one more day with his family.

It's like the last time, there's some natural heat of skins coming into contact, but that's all he feels. He knows Suresh must be holding back his power not to affect him as he touches him. "Thank you. I'm sorry I cannot offer the same to you right now." 'Cause it must have been something important in the end to make the naga shed a tear. Even through his grief, pain and guilt, Fior is still have kindness inside of him, but he's mostly empty. This is happening 'cause he'd been emotionally distraught and so is Suresh apparently.

"You should allow it more often." There's a faint smile there, but something else in his gaze, like he knows he's no better. Since there aren't moving, he reaches into the pocket of his jacket over Suresh's shoulders and takes out a handkerchief before he hands it over to the naga. "You're welcome to keep it, just in case." He means for the tears.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh gave a small bob of his head in acknowledgement to Fior's invitation to talk under water. "I don't like to discuss work in a place I find imminently peaceful. But I appreciate the offer." He moved through the water like he did on land, slithering through with soft liquid movements. In the water he didn't wear the trapping of humanity either, more animal, more true to himself. Not great for diplomacy. He swims in lazy circles like a shark, bigger and smaller, "Do you like that question? I have never truly understood it. To summarize a plethora of emotions into one overarching comment... I have been many things since we last spent time together. But right now I am... calm. And how are you right now, Fior?"

It's not that he wants to talk about work, but he feels like it'd be polite to offer. "If you ever prefer when we meet again to talk underwater; it's not an inconvenience to me." On land or underwater, he's at the mercy of the naga. It doesn't change much for the Lionfish. He doesn't take care of himself―or so Agnès' family keeps telling him. He cannot deny that they're right, but he's alive right?! But he shouldn't resist this―when the water calls. He's a merfolk; it's unhealthy to stay away too long. "How have you been Suresh?" Strange question to ask; body barely moving, but it's just enough to stay in the spot he is. Fior knows better than to make any sudden move.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh watched the witch move around behind her counter, the steam from the coffee wafting up into the air. His eyes drifting back to the old book. The smell of the cinnamon thick and strong, mingling pleasantly with the coffee, drawing his attention away from the book now and then. He moved to find a table not too far from the counter, prefering to be away from the front door and out of any draft if it opened. He moved his sleeve to check his watch and nodded, "You'll have to forgive me. I sometimes lose all track of what time normal people keep. You just seemed so content with what you were reading." He smiled at the question, "Just fine. About to be better with something warm to eat and drink inside of me... I was curious. I like antique books. What is the one you're reading?"

" Great choice." She smiled. Meg walked behind the counter, poured the coffee into a mug and placed a bun on a plate, to bring it over to him. " Very...I guess it's still a bit early for the whole town to come around. Give it time. How are you?" she asked, serving it to his table. Meg looked at was he kept staring, it was the grimoire she had taken from her coven the day she had fled.

[naga-raja-suresh]

A very small world. But now some of how Ricardo felt made some more sense to the Naga. That necromancer pined like no one else Suresh had ever met. Suresh frowned at the comment about a destroyed kingdom. "How long ago?" Since the intensity of the response spoke of something recent but there was also something about it that didn't' feel recent either. Pieces forced into a picture that looked right but didn't feel right.

Suresh wondered about the timing and if Mingi had that same pull that other creatures sometimes felt. Suresh raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Technically you have been. Every day that you just didn't show up. You were considered late first. Before I fired you in absentia." Suresh sighed and got up out of his chair, waving the siren over, "Come on then."

"Yeah—I loved Ric with all my heart, but my kingdom was destroyed; that's how I lost my family, so I got freaked the fuck out." They admit. Mingi doesn't feel bad for leaving, but they feel awful for the people they cared about and left behind. "I just had to come back. I can't explain it." Just like they'd wanted to come back here to work, when they could've just stayed at their new place. They'll do their best to stay out of faction business; even though they barely know anything about it.

"Come on now! I've never been late a single day of my life." Mingi laughs, they know everything will be alright now. "Everyone has an inferior voice to mine." It's both a blessing for work and a curse for their personal life. "Can I hug you now? Please?!"

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh did not think of it as being pushed aside. He had given Leto his freedom but that meant that his access had to change to keep him safe to live the life he'd wanted with his vampire. The Naga was aware that his son felt hurt but that hurt he assumed was related to the natural change in how things were and that his son would grow out of it.

There was a deep disquiet he could taste in his son's mind but he didn't poke at it. Leaving his son to bring it up when he was ready. And perhaps there was a little satisfaction in knowing that his choice caused Leto some pain. It had wounded Suresh deeply. Even if the Naga felt that he had to give him permission. Suresh unkindly hoped that the tension in his son was regret.

Suresh let's Leto move him somewhere more private even if that would not change what the leader of the Lotus Eaters would share. Even with his son. He looked down at the warm hands holding his. Leto was no longer his Underboss, no longer his right hand. Yes, his son. Which meant he was a noncombatant that must be treated as such. Suresh looked up at Leto's face and reached his free hand out to stroke his son's cheek and nodded. "I do know. I can feel it inside of you. I promise that I know my darling boy. But you are out of this war. There is always someone or something threatening me, or my territory. You know that. But you're a civilian now, not a soldier. I want to hear about how you are enjoying your retirement. Not burden you with details of things that do not touch you here."

The thing is that Leto had wanted to have his father in his second life too, but he'd been pushed aside. He tolerates it for now, 'cause he won't disobey his father. But the spoiled kid in him knows that one day, he'll be done with this and just demand his father's attention.

The truth is that Leto thinks lesser of himself. He thinks Levi is too good for him and that it's a miracle someone still wants to be around him after his father pushed him away. At first, he'd thought it'd been retaliation for leaving the Lotus Eaters, but Leto is so fucking quick to spiral out of control, that now, he thinks Suresh has always wanted to get rid of him and him asking to retire had just been the best excuse to use to push him away. All Leto wants, it's to be loved and close to the two most important men in his life.

Leto understands what his father is saying and doesn't like it one bit. Something is brewing and it's important enough to cause ripples. Leto says nothing at first, but pulls his father in a place where he knows no one will come. Then he turns to face him, holding the naga's hand with both of his. "I might no longer be your Underboss, but I'm still your son. If was comes for you and the Lotus Eaters, I will fight by your side. You know that—don't you? Please tell me you do—that I would never abandon you. If someone or something is threatening you, I still want to know." He's frowning and suddenly it hits him, does his father thinks there's not enough space in his heart for him anymore? That leaving the Lotus Eaters meant leaving him too? No, it's impossible, his father knows how much he loves him. "I'd still die to protect you."