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[hauntedking]

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[tattooism]

[It was an even flashier, dramatic ending to her wager than she could have imagined.]

My, my... I will remember that.

[But she does not curtsy or kiss his hand? Though the sensation of hers does seem to tangle briefly with his fingers, then release.]

As for this call... It was simply in gratitude. After all... You won me something quite lovely. Perhaps I should grant you something in return.

A favor... ?

[hauntedking]

[ It's a strange sensation - not entirely unpleasant - but he's still a little out of sorts. She gets an acknowledgement - almost a squeeze in return - before he replies. ]

A favor? I'm not sure what I might ask for. Or what you would be willing to grant or think appropriate... I don't have need of anything at the moment.

[tattooism]

Now, now... I did not say you had to choose right this moment.

[A little tutting sound, near his "ear". A click of sharp nails.]

We of opposite factions can do plenty for each other can we not? Cleansing Discord... providing things...

Why don't you save it for a rainy day? It's the least I can do.

[hauntedking]

[ The sensation - sound - of a sigh accompanies this. ]

Well. That makes sense. Perhaps I will have a reason to call on you later.

[ He hesitates. ]

I would prefer we not end up quarrelling.

[tattooism]

Who said I wanted to quarrel?

[Certainly not her. Why sigh, so, Your Highness?]

Zenith, Meridian... It matters little to me now.

[hauntedking]

It's something that seems to mark our stay here, regardless of whether we wish it to or not.

[ A part of him wishes he could stop caring, but... he knows that would be the very easy way out. ]

But I'm glad that we, at least, can have... Uh. A positive relationship?

[tattooism]

For some, yes. It does seem to.

[Some? Well, she had her own opinion on certain things. No comment~]

But I have no particular intention of fighting any of you... Nor do I have any particular desire to make enemies.

I am content to simply exist, and see which way fate weaves.

Positive or negative... That is up to you, champion.

[hauntedking]

In that, at least, we agree. I have no desire to make enemies of people. Although I do have my own thoughts on which way I believe fate should bend...

[ There's a mental little noise, like he's snapping his fingers or perhaps waving away a stray thought. ]

I will endeavor to make our interactions... positive, then.

[tattooism]

Of course you do. You are a stalwart Meridian, I heard...

["Heard".]

So I am looking forward to being saved~ And perhaps thanking you in person one day. I do still go to Springstar from time to time, after all.

An artist cannot be contained no matter the battles around her.

[hauntedking]

An artist? What is it you create?

[ That's a safe conversation topic, right? ]

[tattooism]

I'm a tattoist~

[So surely it makes sense why her "fingers" trace over the impression of his "arm" in this unreal space. Just. Talking about tattoos.]

Do you have any ink, Your Highness? You have such a strong body, it feels a shame not to decorate it...

[hauntedking]

Ink...? No. Nothing except the mark I got when I arrived here.

[ Despite himself there's a little shiver that runs through his body. Or whatever this is. ]

I've never really considered tattoos. They're not common in my country.

[tattooism]

You must allow me to open your mind to the possibilities... They were quite common in my world...

["Were", of course, because she is supposed to be Zenith and believe that her world was gone. Her fingers continue their casual, slow stroke along his arm.]

And I promise, I was quite well known for my skills.

Did you know even your Tribune has tattoos? Quite large ones, I hear.

[hauntedking]

I hadn't heard that, but I also haven't inquired too much into his personal business...

[ She assumes a great deal of intimacy and it throws him off a bit. ]

As for me, that's something I'd have to consider very seriously before I decided to indulge.

[tattooism]

Oh, my~ Perhaps I was a bit forward, asking as I did, then... But I couldn't help myself... It's my interest, after all~

And I wanted his permission to continue my work in Springstar, naturally. I am not trying to ruffle any feathers just to get to my clients. ♡

[... Who are more in Kowloon than Springstar proper, but. Though he might expect her to be annoyed with his answer, putting her off with it being a serious choice...]

Of course you do. I do not do work on drunk men looking to mark their friends as fools or twitterpated women who think they are in love and want to mark their lover's name on their body.

I only tattoo that which matters.

[hauntedking]

I find that rather admirable, honestly, even if I've never really gotten into that sort of artisanal work myself.

[ And he does sound like he thinks that sort of thing is very impressive! Admirable, even. ]

Especially with tattoos. Those are usually rather personal, aren't they? If you mark your own body...

[tattooism]

They are. That is why my clients must understand I only ink the most important of things... their duty, karma, sins, or glories... there, upon their skin, forever.

But some things deserve to be shown.

[hauntedking]

I've never thought of it like that. But I suppose it is a way to tell the world that you are there; that you exist. It simply isn't a tradition among my people.

[tattooism]

My~ A poet as well as a king.

[another fleeting sensation, like fingers through hair]

That’s exactly it.

I hope your are able to feast your eyes on some examples. It might inspire you.

[hauntedking]

[ That's simultaneously comforting and a little off-putting. He doesn't know why. ]

A poet? Hardly. I'm just... ignorant of this form of art for the most part. I know almost nothing of it or what makes it beautiful.

Learning more about it seems as if it might be enlightening, in a way.

[tattooism]

That approach is admirable enough itself~ To be open to learning, rather than rejecting that which is unknown simply for that sake.

[She keeps doing it, as long as she is not stopped.]

Shall I show you mine? I am quite proud of them.

[hauntedking]

I would be interested in seeing them, yes.

[ He's still wary, but honestly this is surprisingly pleasant so far. ]

Learning new things is always rather enjoyable.

[tattooism]

In person... ? Or here, in the world of smoke and whispers of the heart?

[She has her personal preference, but...]

[hauntedking]

I feel as if in person would have more of the desired impact, wouldn't it?

[ Completely guileless. ]

[tattooism]

I agree completely~

Shall I come to you... ?