naga-raja-suresh

[naga-raja-suresh]

It wasn't fair what he expected from his son. But Suresh didn't know how to be fair when it came to the things he wanted. And perhaps it would have been different if Levi was a Lotus Eater. But he wasn't. And while Suresh was immensely proud of what his son had built for himself here with his sanctuary. It still stung that he'd left in order to do it. Suresh constantly had to tell himself that children were supposed to leave their parents.

It was a very noble cause that Leto was engaged in. And he had taken after Suresh enough regarding business that it was going well. Again, he felt a deep sense of pride in Leto and his accomplishments. But of course his son was wildly capable. He let out a soft breath when Leto laughed. Happy that he hadn't been upset by the question. There was something distasteful to him at the idea of being placed in a tank like some aquarium exhibit. But he also knew that would never have been Leto's intention. So he kept quiet and listened. He still held Leto's arm, wrapped around his own as they walked. "It's very thoughtful of you to consider me in it's construction. But you know I don't mind company." It was a different way to say that Suresh detested being alone. Loneliness was torture to him. When it was only him and Desire, the aching gnawing need became impossible to ignore.

The shadow of Suresh's oldest friend still cast Leto into darkness. He wants to be someone that'd make both his fathers proud, but he'll never be able to be his first father. Maybe if Levi had been in the Lotus Eaters, things would've been different. Truth is, Leto loves that he has someone he can call his, someone that he doesn't have to share. The only other person like that islike his best friend. They are people that aren't connected to anything but him. How far from the truth he is. And it's better that way. And just like Suresh couldn't explain how that lost had affected him, Leto cannot put to word why he needed to have something that was his only.

"True. I mean, I am making money, but it's for the sanctuary and shelter. I want to protect those who cannot protect themselves or become collateral damages." He says with a gentle smile. Then he laughs at his father's comment about the tank. "Nothing. But I thought of you when building it; hoping that if you dropped out of the blue to visit me, then we could swim a bit. And who knows, maybe one day you'll want to swim alone without other merfolks." It's a massive tank. Big enough that when standing in the middle, you can't see the edges on any sides and deep enough that you barely see the bottom. "It's beautiful and you don't have to swim in it. I just like knowing that you have multiples places where you can rest. But I also didn't want to assume anything so no wards have been set either." Suresh is never out oc his mind, nor his heart. Most—if not everything—that he does is done while thinking about Suresh. Except for that one selfish request.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Golden eyes drifted over Fior's face at the genuine hope in his voice. But Suresh understood the thought behind the words. He smiled. The Lotus Eater leader was aware that he would not be the first to blink but if needs must he would respond. How the Blood Witch dealt with what was coming would inform what Suresh would do next. A line of decisions. But the Nameless would not be lost in this shuffle. Not if Suresh could help it. Suresh expected no apologies from those higher up. And that would not affect his manners towards Fior.

Suresh gave a small nod in agreement about avoiding misunderstandings. One golden tipped finger ran along the edge of the saucer holding the tea cup. Feeling a sense of calm from the other. Good. Another small nod in thanks. His eyes cut back up to the Emissary's face at the question. "As I am currently unsure about the status of the Lightless' priorities I prefer if we just focus on upholding the current agreement." A diplomatic way of explaining his level of distrust at the moment. But fairweather friends were no friends at all. Same went for allies.

"I am well enough considering." Suresh replied another small smirk on his lips as he brought his cup up and took a sip. He set the delicate cup down before he asked, "Would you like me to ask you? Even though I can feel it?"

"I hope it will." The way he says the words isn't malicious. It's more like a genuine hope that it won't be the Lightless. And that since he believes it won't be the Lotus Eaters, then hoping they will break their words first just means he wants neither to do it. Suresh is being extremely gracious, he's aware of it, but for how long? They truly cannot make an enemy of Suresh like that. But with this promise of help if a time comes where they need to stand together, then maybe he can convince Callum to apologize for the threat.

Surprisingly, as much as Fior wants to see his wife and children again, this is more about his lack of fear or dying and being aware of his own mortality and hardship ahead. He'd told Attano that his likely survival if they went to war was unlikely. This is why his death is meaningless to him—collateral damages. Just another casualty of war. As long as New Orleans stands strong and its people are well, he'll find peace. There's another, but soft, chuckle—"And we know today I strive on explaining myself and misunderstand you. Better to avoid that, right?!" A sense of calm washes over him then and some more tension leaves his body. "I will make it my mission that the treaty is respected." He means it. There's a pause, before he finally asks—"Do you need help in Tremé or do you prefer the Lightless to stay out of it to keep some status quo?" He understands the delicate position Suresh is in and what it'd mean for the Lightless to potentially help; a stronger alliance, which in itself could put a growing target on the Lotus Eaters.

"How are you today?" There's mirth in his eyes—his question is far more specific than his 'how have you been'. Suresh is a great Leader for the city and its people, very neutral. He wouldn't want that to change and be stuck with someone new and less incline to neutrality. But maybe there's also a part of him that genuinely cares about his well-being as a person.

[naga-raja-suresh]

[naga-raja-suresh]

Assad Zaman as Armand

IWTV S2.E3 ∙ No Pain

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh had wound his influence through the Deathrunners one careful stitch at a time. For a long time in the city Suresh had time on his side. He knew a great deal of the inner working and petty drama's of the Deathrunners inner circle. But he was careful with the information he knew. Hoarding it like precious gems. Careful to only ever appear as Mathias' friend and ally from the first. Something that was even more important now.

"Did he say he didn't want it?" Suresh asked softly when Mathias spoke. A touch of heartache in Mathias' honesty. "If he didn't say it. Don't assume."

New Orleans was an older city for the United States but in general it was still young to him. The question drew a smile across Suresh's face. "What is it like?" Suresh hummed, lifting a golden tipped finger and touching his chin thoughtfully. "I don't have a good way to explain it. We are a part of each other. We have influenced each other over the centuries. It is symbiotic. We are a little bit of each other. But we are still also ourselves. If that makes any sort of sense? But that is how I can explain it. New Orleans is precious to me. What is she to you?"

It was funny to think how many Deathrunner members confided with Suresh and within his space. If Mathias were any other leader, he would have banned them from visiting the naga. It would keep any secrets they had safe and unable to be used against them. Sadly, Mathias didn't see any threat in their closeness. He still believed Suresh had his best interest at heart.

"Someone else" Mathias said honestly. "It would have been easy to do what I normally do, but I felt compelled to give my attention to one person. Even if he didn't want it".

Suresh was an ancient being, the first for sure ancient being he had ever met. The history the other leader had was vast and the experiences countless. "What is it like by the way? Being in one place for so long that it becomes apart of you? Is New Orleans you? Or are you New Orleans?"

[naga-raja-suresh]

All pretense at his humanity was gone. No reason to wear it or waste the energy needed to keep the glamour functioning. The frustration was having to chase the blasted thing. It could teleport and Suresh had been running around the city trying to keep it in one damn place. But now that it had been harmed, dripping rot off part of it, that was all Suresh needed to see. To know that it could be killed. He just needed it in one place for long enough to do some actual damage to it.

His body was already healed as he stood in the moment of silence. There was the briefest of seconds when Suresh wondered if the other would refuse. And if that happened, so be it. Suresh would do what needed to be done. He glanced down at the hand and curled his lip in disgusted snarl at the request. A strong intensity to refuse. But he let out a frustrated noise and placed his arm in the other's hand, he shoved a talon into his own wrist and held it there, drawing it out enough to let the blood well up from his warm brown skin. He only let a few drops hit Corvinus' hand before he pulled his talon out of his arm and let it heal. His golden eyes were unfriendly but he could put his personal feelings aside for this moment. "Just don't let it teleport away. Keep it here by the water." Suresh was stronger by the water. Not by much but it gave him another small edge to use his Naga powers.

He turned his face, his voice softly murmuring something old and forgotten into the air as the wind picked up and the storm clouds began to gather. The scent of lightning in the air growing heavy as static electricity built-up. A crack of thunder ripped through the sky as a bolt of white hot lightning hit the ground behind the creature. Keeping it from running. Rain began to fall. As another bolt hit the creature. Causing the animal heads to cry out. But it was still on it's feet and it was staring at the two of them with burning hatred in six horrible eyes. It stretched out it wings and the three heads made some horrible screeching noises.

There was always a level of beauty when it came to chaos that Corvinus could appreciate. Unfortunately, there wasn't much time to appreciate the scenery. The city would ultimately be useless if reduced to rubble and a pounding in his head was enough of a warning that such things were certainly not in a certain deity's plans. He'd mostly been more in the aftermath of the beast's passings, assisting where he could in brief spurts as he made his way to the cause of it all. Keep moving, keep heading where everyone else was fleeing from.

And there it was in all its beauty and apparently entangled with none other than Suresh. For a moment, Corvinus was content to let the naga have it out. See what he could do. The witch stood on the sidelines as others fled. Not yet stepping in but close enough just in case. And to no surprise, the creature could hold its own against the other ancient one. Let him try, let him fail. Still fascinating all the same to see him in proper action rather than their small scuffle. But it wasn't long before Suresh was beat back to where Corvinus was, waiting ever so patiently to step in. And, much to his surprise, was actually asked to.

His eyes flicked up and down the other before letting out a breath. His hand stretched out to the other expectingly. "Blood. Yours. Now." It wasn't up for debate. If Suresh wanted him to step in, then he'd need a little boost to his magic, especially considering his vials were empty. "I can keep it busy. Rest assured anything you give me is about to be used up so no collecting for me." He could at least keep it contained to an extent for the moment.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh did not appear in public without his glamour. Only in the water did he ever let it slip. That had always been a personal rule. He didn't want his true form to be common knowledge. He carefully cultivated his image over hundreds of years. But his vanity had to be put aside for the sake of the city. His beautiful city was bleeding. She had withstood so much and now, yet again she was being asked to pay a price for something beyond her ken. A wrecked celebration by a magical abomination. The source of which would be uncovered. But it could also be an imbalance in magic or nature that called this monster here. Suresh didn't know and needed to be present in the moment to try and help. Suresh was using his some of his influence to clear the streets, to get people to run and hide. To get them out of the way.

He doesn't think about what to do next when he catches sight of Fior trying to help others a little too close to the creature. Even with it's back to the Emissary the disparate pieces seemed to have minds of their own. The jellyfish like appendages moving closer. Suresh would apologize later. Moving at supernatural speed he knocked the Emissary out of the way as the tentacle like tails drew across his body. Suresh was immune to poisons. But the tails stuck to his arms and around his tail as he let his glamour drop away. Ripping the tails off of himself with his strength, watching the red stings drag over his body only to disappear from his skin. He turned his head to Fior, as he succeeded in ripping a tendril off with a disgusting wet noise as the monster cried out and turned around, swiping at Suresh and hitting him in the chest with a strength the other found surprising. He hit the bricks of a nearby building with a heavy thud. Taking a moment to get the air back into his lungs.

—Somewhere in French Quarter

He'd gotten out of the rumble eventually, then made sure the Lightless HQ was safe and protected before going back into town to help. A chimera, it's the only name he can think of—the closest thing to what the aberration is. It's easy to think this is the Nameless' doing, but he cannot jump to conclusion; he knows he's not thinking rationally at the moment. Once this problem is taken off, then the Lightless can regroup and think about what to do next; what Callum's move will be next.

He's covered in dush and blood by now as he helps civilians to escape from buildings and the creature as it draws closer. The devastation is tragic both to life and the city. He doubts his Goddess is pleased by this, but Fior also understands that each has a path to walk on, some longer than others.

With his attention between the beast and the people in need of help, Fior is aware that he's putting himself in danger, but this is the right thing to do.

What he doesn't see, is the jellyfish-like tails silently slippering closer to him and about to strike.

@naga-raja-suresh

[naga-raja-suresh]

The Deathrunners ran very hot in their emotions. Something about the flare of life holding on stubbornly before the end. Perhapst that is what bound them together, beyond the boy next to him. Mathias himself felt deeply and profoundly though Suresh did not go digging through those feelings. What Mathias felt for the Priest lived on the surface and was easy to feel. But he would not broach the subject. That was Mathias' to speak about if he wished too.

Suresh reached down and wrapped their arms together as they walked. He nodded his head as he listened fully aware of Mathias' usual way of celebrating. "Was it just the company and desire to do something different that brought you out this year? Or something else?"

He moved them slowly through the crowd, his influence keeping a small ring around them so they were not jostled even in the crowd. Suresh grinned at the comment, "The City and I have grown up together, symbiotic in many ways. Feeding at a distance and from a group is always less satisfactory than one on one. But it is convenient."

Suresh was one of the first people to know about Mathias' little crush on the former priest. It was another case of Mathias knowing that lying wouldn't get him very far with the naga. Also, he was quite sure his friend could feel the emotions he held for the vampire as well.

He smiled as he was kissed on the cheek, "You're welcome. I am enjoying it as I always do. Although, usually I find myself in a room at a hotel or one of your clubs watching the fun from the window with a body or two...or five" he teased. This was one of the first times Mathias was actually on the streets and not in a bed. It wasn't because he had no one to share a bed with, but rather...he wanted to walk with his advisor.

"You've been eating well then? It must be nice for you. This city is just an endless food source for you huh?".

[naga-raja-suresh]

Who: @silveredlies

Where: French quarter near the river

Mathias detonating had caused a ripple that Suresh had never felt before. But he had to rely on the Deathrunners to handle their own at a time like this. He had to find the creature. The long lasting repercussions of a magical creature attack on one of New Orleans' biggest tourist times couldn't be overlooked. Beyond the catastrophic damage it was doing. Suresh had been a part of this city for so long that he didn't know how to separate himself from it. Her pain was his pain. And now that he had the creatures scent he could find it. The tangled mass of abyssal and confused impulses that made up it's mind were like a magnet to Suresh.

Mathias had wounded it. With whatever it was the boy had done. And Suresh found it by the river. He wasted no power on glamour. Wholly himself as he looked that the large monstrosity. He reached out with his power to gather it's attention. Three heads looking at him. As his face became more and more monstrous, jaw extending. It came toward him and Suresh twisted his body hitting it with his tail and sending it stumbling. Talons raking across the goat face. It hit him and sent him tumbling. His talons digging into the ground to stop his movement. Rain clouds gathered, darkening the sky as Suresh's golden eyes glittered with inner lightening. The monster hit him with it's tail, poisonous jellyfish like appendages running over him and causing him pain as he tumbled again. But the poison had no effect on him. He felt himself stop next to someone. He glanced up ready to tell the person to run. But seeing Corvinus there. Suresh got up and asked, "Can you keep it here? It can't keep hopping around the city." All previous grievances and arguments put to the side for the time being.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh was on his own for the moment. In a crowd like this he never felt concerned. Passively feeding from the emotions of the people around him. But he had heard a few soft and disturbing whispers of something on the edges this year that had brought him further out more often than he would have been. His senses trying to touch the mass of minds around him.

He tasted the boy before he found him in the crowd. Mathias always had a very particular flavor as did anyone unique. The Naga's eyes found the retreating tall figure of the boy's advisor but said nothing. He turned his head as Mathias put his arm around his shoulders, looking down at the shorter man. He bent his head gently so Mathias could put the necklace on. He reached gold tipped fingers up to touch the beads. And bent his head down and placed a soft kiss on Mathias' cheek. "Thank you for the gift to my god. How is Life enjoying the fun?" His eyes flicked back up in the direction that Jude had been, "How could I not enjoy myself in this crush? A lovely all you can eat buffet..."

@naga-raja-suresh **pre part 2**

Mathias was enjoying himself as much as he could. There was a lot on his mind still, and even the festivities couldn't distract him from that. Things were happening faster than he could keep up with, and he needed to figure out which side he wanted to stay on or if he just wanted to stay out of it.

It was a lot to think of, and when he saw Suresh, he realized he didn't have to figure it out on his own. He excused himself from Jude's side, telling him that they'd meet up again later and to enjoy the fun. Mathias slid next to the Naga, putting his arm around his shoulder but not before putting some plastic beads around his friend's neck.

"An offering for the god of desire. Are you enjoying yourself, Suresh?"

[naga-raja-suresh]

"Why shouldn't I want to show you off?" Suresh replied with his own mischievous smile. The Naga did just enjoy the wolf's company but it was also important that anyone watching understood that the wolf had certain protections from his new title. And Mardi Gras was the perfect time to announce it. He could feel the affection and loyalty coming off the other in waves. It sank into his skink and warmed him. A soft passive meal as Suresh drank the other down. So willing. Suresh turned golden eyes to the wolf and his suggestion, the playful smile still on his lips. "I think that is a marvelous idea. Neither one of us should peak either until the end. So it's a surprise."

They walked and Suresh didn't have to think much about the direction, these streets were well trodden by him countless times. His attention for his wolf and the people that stopped or greeted him. Suresh ran his other hand along Versi's arm, feeling the intensity of the happiness. The Naga's smile widened as Versi stopped them, a sea of people bending around them. His gaze fully for the wolf's, eyebrows going up but as Versi leaned in Suresh lifted a hand to caress the others cheek softly, keeping the kiss soft. "I was starting to suspect that you might enjoy my company as much as I enjoy yours."

"I would be happy to just walk around and enjoy the ambiance with you." And then they were walking again and both of Suresh's hands were holding one of Versi's. "Tonight? For as long as you'd like barring any emergencies."

Versi coyly smiles, feeling his cheeks heat up, “I should be the one thanking you, Suresh. I’ve never been on a public date like this before.” Or been treated the way Suresh treats him, let alone to be claimed as someone’s anything. My wolf. It sounded very nice coming from Suresh, and it couldn’t have been truer. Suresh has Versi’s loyalty, affections, along with anything else the naga wanted from him. The only person to maybe give him some competition would be Rus. If only because Rus had extended a roof and friendship when no one else would. He’d always remember such kindness, as he would always remember Suresh’s kindness. He turns to look at Suresh, smiling, “I would love to pick out masks with you. Maybe you could pick my mask, and I can pick yours?"

They continue to walk towards the French Quarter, holding hands, and Versi can't shake the way he's practically vibrating from happiness. "You know, I don't really mind if all we do is walk around. You might find this to be a bit of a shock, so I must prepare you," Versi pauses in their walk, turning to look at Suresh, " I like spending time with you." He keeps a srious face for about five seconds before breaking into a playful smile, leaning in to peck a gentle kiss to Suresh's lips. Off they go again, heading towards the French Quarter. "Speak of time, how long do I have you for this evening?"

[naga-raja-suresh]

He didn't worry about his choice in drink, just nodded his head at her response. It would have been something to see a vampire blush but he could feel the shift in her as he smiled. "Yes, but can you really call this work?" He said with a soft teasing but good natured tone. His golden snake eyes looking into hers. "Hello Liesl Aurora Schneider who is a doctor. I'm Suresh Lal. Decidedly not a doctor." His eyes drifted over her face for a moment, "What are you a doctor of?"

⸻ ❛ Nice choice. ❜ She refers to what he chose to drink. For her, too, she does not care what people drink, as long as they have fun. Upon his revelation that he owns the club, she feels like blushing. ❛ OHh, well, it makes sense that you are always here. ❜ Then she picked up the drink from his hand and took a sip from it, looking into his gaze before answering. ❛ Liesl. Liesl Aurora Schneider. I'm a doctor. ❜ Or was… She is truly thinking of returning to her work anyway.

[naga-raja-suresh]

[naga-raja-suresh]

Mardi Gras and all the weeks leading up to the actual day were the busiest season the Lotus Eaters. They were bound up with tourism, hedonism and all of the enjoyments that the Big Easy offered. And The Mardi Gras season was one big extended party. He had his arm wrapped around Versipellis' own arm, walking through the extremely crowded streets. It was magic that they were able to walk unimpeded, a small flex on Suresh's part to help people give them both just a touch of space. A soft suggestion projected outward. He could feel the crowd like a soft buzz. Hard candy stuck to his teeth. Suresh stopped to speak to anyone that wanted to say hello. Even just a greeting. He still made the effort. Remembering details of the locals or plucking the details out of their minds so make each small exchange more personable.

Suresh's fingers brushed the inside of Versi's palm. Turning his golden eyes over to the wolf and smiling slowly. "Maybe we can walk down to the French Market and pick out masks? Other than that I hadn't thought of much beyond doing whatever it is you wanted to do my wolf." He looked around the crowds again, "I am finding my enjoyment by feeling yours. Thank you for taking some time off, I know this is a busy time for ghost tours."

for: suresh ( @naga-raja-suresh ) location: mardi gras

Versi was practically vibrating with excitement at attending Mardi Gras this year. Mardi Gras had always been one of Versi's favorite festivities in New Orleans and it was even better this year because he was attending it as someone's date. Not just anyone's date, but Suresh's date. It was one of the biggest honors the wolf has ever had bestowed upon him, to be someone's date. Even if he should've known that Rus was right, because Rus was typically right about a lot of things, Versi did not truly see Suresh's celebrity status in full play until this very evening.

How odd it felt to be seen by so many people, and respected. It seemed that was the case when he was around Suresh, Versi was treated like he was a someone in those moments. Mostly it was interesting to see how these people were all so fond of Suresh and it just made the wolf even more determined that Rus had nothing to worry about when it came to the man next to him. He looks over him as they walk, "What do you want to do tonight, Suresh? Bar, dancing, walking around?"

[naga-raja-suresh]

It wasn't Fior's apology that he wanted. But he also knew it was the only one that he'd be getting. Suresh said nothing just bringing his teacup up to his mouth, held delicately between his his fingers. Gold eyes looking over the edge of the cup. That had been the original explanation for when the Lightless and Lotus Eaters had been at war, balance. Suresh had too much control of the city. Balance. Where was all the talk of balance now? He put his cup down and leaned back in his chair, putting an arm casually over the back, "Time will tell. But I will not be the first to break my word."

The comment about a few more meetings over tea and Suresh smirked, lifting one hand to brush something completely invisible off his own lips. The smirk smoothing back out into a more neutral expression. But the Naga was pleased that the Emissary had appreciated his tease. There is just a momentary pause as their eyes meet, nothing much longer than a breath but he let's it happen. And sees the exhaustion. Suresh can only imagine how complicated it was.

Fior minimizing his own survival doesn't surprise Suresh. A man that was just waiting for Death to call him home to his wife and children. Of course he isn't concerned with what happens to him. But he nods because Suresh also cares about the well being of the city and his people. The chuckle was a surprise, a little treat that the Naga had not expected since the other was so taciturn. He smiled, looking down at the other's teacup as Fior said his name. "Can't be too serious over tea." Suresh shook his head, "Simplicity avoids misunderstanding." Suresh raised an eyebrow, "You want me to recite verbatim the previously written and agreed upon treaty? I know the Lightless have a copy and I want you to show it to your Leader, point out his signature on it while you're at it. I don't have it memorized but it is a mutual non-aggression pact with agreements for shared supplies and support between us in Mid-city against the Nameless. As well as the ability to move through Algiers and Treme without issue in service against the Nameless."

A trap. If Suresh had voiced his thoughts, Fior would've told him that not knowing is what bothers him. Corvinus is playing with all of them, but for what purpose is unknown. He might have implied that Fior isn't of importance, but at the same time, simple Pawns can still be useful in the end.

He sighs. "You have my most sincere apologies for that then—" it was out of line to threaten you—is the part he keeps to himself, but the sentiment is there in his spoken words already. Their alliance with the Lotus Eaters is already on shaky grounds, Fior cannot let it be any more damaged. As strong as the Lightless are, going from neutral faction to being at odds, isn't good for them. Fior truly believes that they must remain neutral just as Death is and only intervene when the balance is truly jeopardized. "I can only hope this won't put any more strain on our alliance then." He cannot cully defend something he doesn't agree with.

"Give me a few more meetings like this and I should be fine." He replies. He's not smiling, but his eyes are filled with mirth. Though, Fior doesn't really grasp how his words could be interpreted.

Fior hold his gaze; not out of disrespect, but showing that he's opened. The Lionfish leans back into his chair at the comment and lifts his cup to his lips. For a second, exhaustion passes through his eyes, but it's gone quickly. "Being in my position has been—complicated lately." He admits, 'cause there's no point pretending he has everything figured out, when he doesn't. "I'm not concerned with what happens to me, but the well-being of the city and our people." And then, he chuckles out of the blue. "And you are teasing me a lot today." The chuckles die down, but a warm smile remains for a few more seconds before it's gone. "Thank you for keeping the mood light, Suresh." The name is itself a way for Fior to pay his gratitude, before switching back to Leader Lal. "I don't need simplicity. Please, let me know what you want. Though, if you insist on simplicity, reinstates the agreements for me." Fior will make sure to tell—more like beg—Callum not to mess or threaten Suresh again. The Lightless cannot let themselves become a bigger problem than the Blood witch or the Nameless.

[naga-raja-suresh]

Suresh laughed, "No, sadly. We'll have to change our PCP date to something else." He shook his head still chuckling as he watched the necromancer shove the pill into his cigarettes and tuck it away again, "Mardi Gras is coming up and it's always a busy season for us. So many tourists looking for the most memorable experiences." His golden eyes drifted over the young necromancer. How someone took a compliment told a story all on it's own. The Naga shook his head, his smile shifting into a grin, "Only to the ones I like."

Suresh stood up from his seat, picking up a map of the city before he brought it over to where Chester was still seated. He opened it, smoothing it out with ringed fingers. "Don't cross the river with my drugs. These are the places you can sell. Lakeview, Downtown, The Quarter, Gentilly, Mid-city and Tremé are a bit more dangerous but still within bounds. You'll connect to one of my captains, they see you supplied on either a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Money goes back to them. You will get a commission based on what you move. Any product missing without money or a very good explanation you will pay for. High earners get special rewards." He paused and looked down at Chester, "Questions?"

"Drugs don't work on you? Shame, I was hoping we could get together one time and take a shit-tonne of PCP one day," Everything out of Chester's mouth contained that teasing, almost musical lilt, a mind racing a mile a minute as his green eyes stared at the small pull in his hand. Taking out a half-crushed back of cigarettes, he placed it inside for safe keeping before shoving it back into one of his many pockets on the combat trousers he wore. Mardi Gras was coming up, never was there a better time to be tripping balls.

Then came the compliments, even with a scrawny build and thrifted clothing, such things gently stroked Chester's ego and made them purr like a kitten all the same. I have a sense about these things. "You're a real charmer, Suresh, I bet you say that to all the boys,"

He downs the rest of his drink, smacking his lips together in a rather un-dignified manner afterwards. "I'll write down my findings, present them in an academic paper for you. Now, you gonna tell me where's best for me not to be, with pills on my person?"

[naga-raja-suresh]

These were the dark secrets that only his closest circle knew about. But sacrifices had been part of worship since the dawn of time. To get something you must give something. He didn't trust many people to find him someone suitable either. But he trusted Emiliano. As he'd gotten older he needed to truly eat less and less. But there was no true replacement for it when he needed to. Suresh laid in the bath, eyes closed, slowly drinking his glass of wine as he waited for his friend to bring him his meal. The sounds of laughter from downstairs made Suresh smile. Setting aside the mostly empty wine glass he turned over so he could watch the door. Head resting on his arms. His beautiful Emiliano spinning a pretty lie for the soul he'd found. Suresh listened quietly. The anticipation growing and making his mouth water. The prayer was a nice touch.

Suresh was still resting his chin on his arms, smiling as the door opened and the lovely creature that Em had brought him kissed his Advisor feverishly. The moment the human's eyes touched his he reached into them and held them still. He rose up out of the water and came towards the sacrifice. His eyes drifted to Em with a grateful smile and a nod. Suresh had his little ritual. And perhaps some people would find what he did cruel. As he slowly coiled around his meal, he whispered to them beautiful dreams and nightmares. Running them through extreme highs and lows, he drank their desire down first, until the only desire left was the strongest, the desire to live. Killing something that wanted to die was far less satisfying. He wrung out everything that they were, or everything that they could be before he consumed their physical body. And it all happened without a sound or a scream. Breath crushed out of lungs as their tears mixed with blood from their eyes. This was dark truth of desires endless hunger.

Suresh lay on the tiles of the bathroom for a while after. Enjoying the cool on his face for a few moments. He knew he needed to get up. Finally forcing himself up and drying himself off, hair still damp, his thick coils sliding along the floor, using his tail to close the door to the bathroom behind him. Suresh had a soft, lazy expression on his face, smiling at Em as he nodded. "Much better..." He looked at the tea and shook his head, "No, thank you. I'm so full. Come to bed with me?" This was part of the issue when Suresh had a full meal, everything about him moved slower, and he was so sleepy, his body swaying gently like the room had a soft breeze. He'd be back to himself in the morning. But right now, he was vulnerable. He moved to the bedroom and slipped onto it, under the covers, his lower half curling in on itself. His eyes barely able to stay open. "Tomorrow... We'll decide what to do about all of them..."

Em nodded at the request, bringing over a neatly poured glass of wine, “You won’t even notice I am gone.” And with that, he makes his exit. When it came to picking out people for Suresh to, well, eat Em was very particular about who to bring over when Suresh needed to eat. He even has a group of ‘disposable’ friends he kept around for emergencies, in case he could not make it out to scout people, all of them checked out to make sure that nobody would come snooping around for them. Maybe it was a bit much to do such a thing, heartless even, but Emiliano did not do anything half assed. He wanted to make sure Suresh was safe and satisfied at all times. It was, after all, what he felt his purpose in life was. But tonight he did not call upon one of his friends, rather he hunted down a soul. Someone who stood out amongst the rest, while also being able to keep them hidden in plain sight, and he chose that person to come over his place. They came because they were under the impression that they would be having a good night with Emiliano, but the night would end good for only one of them.

The moment he could, Em brought them over. The entered his apartment with laughter, Em telling some made up story about how they could have breakfast in the morning. “You know what would really good right now?” Em asked, “If we dipped into my hot tub.” And the person he was with was more than excited to get that going, which made it easier for Em to guide them in the direction of the bathroom. Now he knew the moment that person walked into the bathroom it was over, and being the person he was, he turned that person around to give them a quick little prayer. “Don’t mind me, darling. Shall we?” He wasn’t expecting that person to just begin making out with him, but whatever that worked, he simply shifted his hand and opened the door so they both stumbled into the bathroom. He parts their lips so that he can get away from them, leaning against the door ever so casually so the person did not get any ideas. The person began to look around, until their sights landed on Suresh. Em’s gaze flickered to Suresh for a moment as a silent acknowledgment that he was leaving, before slipping outside the bathroom. He waited in the kitchen as he prepared a nice cup of lavender tea, humming softly to himself. He went to set up the bedroom for them, making it as comfortable as possible, knowing Suresh would be tired after everything. It was only when he saw Suresh reemerge from the bathroom that Em steps into his living room area, “How are you feeling, my friend? Care for some tea?”