[ he definitely sends trevor a slightly incoherent message about meeting an elf so that the young man doesn't wonder where he is, then shoots cyril a text to sort out the place and time. he chooses a café near one of the smaller city parks, figuring it's a neutral enough place-- and since he's without his dominant in a public place like this, he has a scarf looped around his throat to mask the color of his mark. there's not much he can do about it if someone asks to see it, but thus far, since he's waited politely out of the way and with the meekest expression he can force himself to make, people have left him alone other than the usual interested glances he gets.
and no wonder, really-- he's done nothing else to hide what he is. in person, he's about four and a half feet tall and a little dainty, obviously designed to look pretty and harmless. around his left eye are a series of spiderweb cracks that reach nearly down to the corner of his mouth and nearly up to his hairline. it's the only obvious flaw in his appearance, though, and it's one he usually hides. not today, though-- today his hair's pinned back from his face with several pretty bobby pins, and he's dressed in a sweater that keeps slipping off his shoulder.
he kind of knows what to look for, but it's apparent when he spots cyril approaching, because his eyes go wide and delighted in his face, and he presses doll-like jointed fingers to his mouth in surprised pleasure.
oh. he's both exactly like and nothing like he was beginning to imagine. smaller than he'd expected (thanks to tolkien influence), and the tattoos on his face are unexpected. his ears, though.. holy shit, adorable. ]
Hi, [ he greets when the other man reaches him, hand dropping away from his mouth, smiling as he offers it out. if cyril takes it, it's small and cool to the touch and hard, obviously porcelain. it was also obviously made with care and careful attention to detail, from the meticulously painted nailbeds to the exact way each joint fits together. clearly, whoever made his last parts loved their job a lot. ] Um, sorry, just-- Well, I said I'd be embarrassing. [ sure, dragons and other magic mutations are fantastical, too, but they're a part of teddy's everyday life back home. elves are definitely not. ]
[Cyril had worried he might not live up to expectations. His people were long past their glory days. He wasn't this tall, magic wielding, ancient being. He was short, had a missing arm that had been replaced by a prosthetic, and his magical ability was null.
Still, he is pleased when the response to his appearance is excitement. He shakes the hand and fights the urge to try an examine the fingers.]
I don't think you were embarrassing at all. [He says, and there's something comforting in his smile and voice.]
You know, I realized on my way here that we never exchanged names. My name is Cyril, of Clan Lavellan.
Not yet, at least, [ he says with a bright little laugh, pressing the other man's fingers before he releases them. ] Give me time, though.
[ at the comment, though, he blinks, then smiles helplessly. come to think of it, he's right. while the network gives them a certain amount of information, it's not an introduction. ]
It's nice to officially meet you, Cyril. I'm Theodore Bell, but everyone calls me Teddy. [ at nearly eighty, he's more accustomed to his nickname than his full name. he's not even sure he'd reliably answer to it. ] Wanna' grab a coffee or something?
[And then he moves with Teddy to get in line.] You know, they don't have coffee on Thedas, or if they do it's all in the North and so I've never had it before I came here.
[Linneus is adjusting his hair as the video feed kicks in, an uncertain gesture but he lowers his hand again as he realise the recording has started. Apologetic-]
I'm not sure it shall necessarily be possible for us to meet quite soon. I wonder if it might be possible that we may discuss like this...?
[the Creator is bad - for the situation they find themselves in, the designations and restrictions. And yet in Linneus' estimation Nissen is worse, for how he had come over Yuletide and made toys of so many of them, Linneus included. While he could never call himself a supporter of either party, the shame and indignation still linger enough that he can make a strong enough judgement of the lesser of the two evils.
Not that that would ever convert to out and out support. He straightens a little at the mention of the fighting, concerned. He imagined Cyril to have kept out of it like he did, but...]
You were not involved, were you? In the fighting...
It was- [he wants to say that it was probably harder in the Down. Perhaps it may well have been - since it's generally harder to get hold of things when all the buyers are in the Up. But he catches himself, still] I'm... not sure whether I can compare, or if it is right that I should do so. I'm sure it was equally difficult on both sides.
[and in so many cases they were simply trapped where they were living.]
There were many injured. I tried to help those who were able to tend them - though I'm no doctor by any means...
[supplies though. He was able to... negotiate for supplies.]
["Negotiating" for supplies was how Cyril helped too. It had at least been something he could do without worrying about supporting either side in this terrible war.]
I'm sure they felt better for the company. Sometimes, knowing you aren't alone and someone is there can be a huge help.
For me as well. It has been... some time... since my last submissive disappeared from the city. I hadn't been letting myself be concerned about what they would do to me if I kept putting it off.
Knowing you were in the same boat gave me some needed motivation.
Honestly, I was worried it was a bit forward of me to bring it up. We haven't spoken much, but you did leave a good impression when we did speak.
No, it wasn't forward at all. I don't think it is necessarily for the best to shy from these discussions.
Though I find I rather tend to do so. I was... owned, previously - before I came here. I find myself in the position of not wanting to be kept again, but also... somewhat unsuited for freedom, as well.
[with events like this, he can't help but think perhaps he is simply not meant for a settled life as his own person.]
[The fact that Linneus was a slave in his homeworld makes this situation feel even more fucked up to Cyril. He bites back any of his own emotional reaction, not wanting to force those reactions on Linneus. It's not up to Linneus to handle Cyril's hang-ups about this.]
I will do everything I can to respect your autonomy, my friend.
Let me know what you need from me, and I will give it to you.
Ah, I am still... not sure. I thought I was, before but...
[recent events have thrown everything off for him, again. A sigh, settling himself on his sofa, bringing his knees up to his chest. Gathering himself]
I thought if I just had somewhere to go back to I would be able to manage in the Down - I have been in and out of the Up several times, as I think we talked about before, and I thought if I had somewhere of my own, without having to rely on anyone else...
[gesturing to his surroundings, trailing off]
...but I am not sure that is the case anymore. Even after I was gifted this home...
With the Creator in charge, that safety is threatened? [That's what he assumes is the problem anyway.]
If you'd like... I could stay there with you? Even if just on paper. I think if they believe a Dom has some say in it, they might be more inclined to let you keep it.
I... don't know. I thought a home would give me more stability but that's not the case. Perhaps it would be different if it were entirely mine but as it is...
[his position and circumstances have prevented him doing much to make the home his own; and it helps little that the Down is not the easiest place to live in the world.
It's hard. He's afraid to get invested, still has the servant's fear of everything being taken away from him]
I think the Down is perhaps not the easiest place to live.
[the softest laugh with that - understatement much, Linneus?]
If I were to live with you in the Up though... I don't think it would put this place at risk. It was meant as something I might come back to, something that would still belong to me, even if I were to contract. But perhaps - if you might allow me to maintain it?
If you are averse I can of course simply prepare it for my absence.
I'm not averse. As I said, I want to give you what you need from this contract. If you want to keep the house, then keep it. The only reason you have to ask for my permission is because of the system we find ourselves in. We will make sure to work it into the contract so it's legally protected.
Nothing that I think possible to write into such a contract. Certainly given more recent circumstances. And I struggle to ask for things in most cases, though that is a product of my background and no fault of yours.
[the hug he has around his legs is comforting; and he gathers himself in a little further]
I'm not sure I need spell them out to you, but I think anything more would be... more like gentlemen's agreements founded on trust. That you would not push me into anything I am uncomfortable with, save where it is necessary for our own protections. If anything like the Fort should happen again...
[a little shudder - discomfited just by the mention]
...I am not a performer. But if it is needed, I shall.
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no subject
Date: 2019-01-18 03:57 pm (UTC)and no wonder, really-- he's done nothing else to hide what he is. in person, he's about four and a half feet tall and a little dainty, obviously designed to look pretty and harmless. around his left eye are a series of spiderweb cracks that reach nearly down to the corner of his mouth and nearly up to his hairline. it's the only obvious flaw in his appearance, though, and it's one he usually hides. not today, though-- today his hair's pinned back from his face with several pretty bobby pins, and he's dressed in a sweater that keeps slipping off his shoulder.
he kind of knows what to look for, but it's apparent when he spots cyril approaching, because his eyes go wide and delighted in his face, and he presses doll-like jointed fingers to his mouth in surprised pleasure.
oh. he's both exactly like and nothing like he was beginning to imagine. smaller than he'd expected (thanks to tolkien influence), and the tattoos on his face are unexpected. his ears, though.. holy shit, adorable. ]
Hi, [ he greets when the other man reaches him, hand dropping away from his mouth, smiling as he offers it out. if cyril takes it, it's small and cool to the touch and hard, obviously porcelain. it was also obviously made with care and careful attention to detail, from the meticulously painted nailbeds to the exact way each joint fits together. clearly, whoever made his last parts loved their job a lot. ] Um, sorry, just-- Well, I said I'd be embarrassing. [ sure, dragons and other magic mutations are fantastical, too, but they're a part of teddy's everyday life back home. elves are definitely not. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-01-18 08:14 pm (UTC)Still, he is pleased when the response to his appearance is excitement. He shakes the hand and fights the urge to try an examine the fingers.]
I don't think you were embarrassing at all. [He says, and there's something comforting in his smile and voice.]
You know, I realized on my way here that we never exchanged names. My name is Cyril, of Clan Lavellan.
no subject
Date: 2019-01-19 10:49 pm (UTC)[ at the comment, though, he blinks, then smiles helplessly. come to think of it, he's right. while the network gives them a certain amount of information, it's not an introduction. ]
It's nice to officially meet you, Cyril. I'm Theodore Bell, but everyone calls me Teddy. [ at nearly eighty, he's more accustomed to his nickname than his full name. he's not even sure he'd reliably answer to it. ] Wanna' grab a coffee or something?
no subject
Date: 2019-01-22 03:33 am (UTC)[And then he moves with Teddy to get in line.] You know, they don't have coffee on Thedas, or if they do it's all in the North and so I've never had it before I came here.
video - un: Linneus.
Date: 2019-10-14 08:00 pm (UTC)[Linneus is adjusting his hair as the video feed kicks in, an uncertain gesture but he lowers his hand again as he realise the recording has started. Apologetic-]
I'm not sure it shall necessarily be possible for us to meet quite soon. I wonder if it might be possible that we may discuss like this...?
no subject
Date: 2019-10-14 08:07 pm (UTC)How are you doing, Linneus? [Said with some real concern in his voice. Everything that's been happening lately can't be reassuring for submissives.]
no subject
Date: 2019-10-14 08:21 pm (UTC)Well, I am still here. Though I had to leave a little while. It was... disconcerting to be by myself.
[being around others was... not much better, all things considered. But he won't dwell on that.]
I am all right. Have you kept well?
no subject
Date: 2019-10-14 08:28 pm (UTC)[He's been dealing with his own stuff, and he isn't even sure how to approach that topic with Linneus, so he just doesn't.]
I'm pleased the fighting as finally stopped.
[Even if he hates everything the Creator stands for, at least innocent people won't be caught in the crossfire.]
no subject
Date: 2019-10-14 08:38 pm (UTC)Not that that would ever convert to out and out support. He straightens a little at the mention of the fighting, concerned. He imagined Cyril to have kept out of it like he did, but...]
You were not involved, were you? In the fighting...
no subject
Date: 2019-10-14 08:41 pm (UTC)That said, I did what I could to protect and provide for others caught up in it. They were what mattered to me most.
What about you? seems like you stayed safe?
no subject
Date: 2019-10-14 08:49 pm (UTC)...that is a relief.
It was- [he wants to say that it was probably harder in the Down. Perhaps it may well have been - since it's generally harder to get hold of things when all the buyers are in the Up. But he catches himself, still] I'm... not sure whether I can compare, or if it is right that I should do so. I'm sure it was equally difficult on both sides.
[and in so many cases they were simply trapped where they were living.]
There were many injured. I tried to help those who were able to tend them - though I'm no doctor by any means...
[supplies though. He was able to... negotiate for supplies.]
no subject
Date: 2019-10-14 08:54 pm (UTC)I'm sure they felt better for the company. Sometimes, knowing you aren't alone and someone is there can be a huge help.
no subject
Date: 2019-10-14 08:58 pm (UTC)[talking about the negotiations would probably work the same way, if that weren't something Linneus is determined to keep on lock.
That hand strays back into his hair. If he'd had both free they would be twisting, fidgeting with jewellery or rings-]
About what we discussed before...
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Date: 2019-10-14 09:00 pm (UTC)Are you still interested in contracting with me? [He might as well be the one to say it so they can start talking about details.]
no subject
Date: 2019-10-14 09:03 pm (UTC)I can't help but feel it might be for the best...
no subject
Date: 2019-10-14 09:42 pm (UTC)Knowing you were in the same boat gave me some needed motivation.
Honestly, I was worried it was a bit forward of me to bring it up. We haven't spoken much, but you did leave a good impression when we did speak.
no subject
Date: 2019-10-15 06:12 am (UTC)Though I find I rather tend to do so. I was... owned, previously - before I came here. I find myself in the position of not wanting to be kept again, but also... somewhat unsuited for freedom, as well.
[with events like this, he can't help but think perhaps he is simply not meant for a settled life as his own person.]
no subject
Date: 2019-10-15 06:16 am (UTC)I will do everything I can to respect your autonomy, my friend.
Let me know what you need from me, and I will give it to you.
no subject
Date: 2019-10-15 09:37 am (UTC)[recent events have thrown everything off for him, again. A sigh, settling himself on his sofa, bringing his knees up to his chest. Gathering himself]
I thought if I just had somewhere to go back to I would be able to manage in the Down - I have been in and out of the Up several times, as I think we talked about before, and I thought if I had somewhere of my own, without having to rely on anyone else...
[gesturing to his surroundings, trailing off]
...but I am not sure that is the case anymore. Even after I was gifted this home...
no subject
Date: 2019-10-15 05:15 pm (UTC)If you'd like... I could stay there with you? Even if just on paper. I think if they believe a Dom has some say in it, they might be more inclined to let you keep it.
no subject
Date: 2019-10-15 05:54 pm (UTC)[his position and circumstances have prevented him doing much to make the home his own; and it helps little that the Down is not the easiest place to live in the world.
It's hard. He's afraid to get invested, still has the servant's fear of everything being taken away from him]
I think the Down is perhaps not the easiest place to live.
[the softest laugh with that - understatement much, Linneus?]
If I were to live with you in the Up though... I don't think it would put this place at risk. It was meant as something I might come back to, something that would still belong to me, even if I were to contract. But perhaps - if you might allow me to maintain it?
If you are averse I can of course simply prepare it for my absence.
no subject
Date: 2019-10-15 05:56 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-10-15 06:25 pm (UTC)[but he's settled a little by their talk, too. Shifting his shoulders with a little sigh]
All right, then.
no subject
Date: 2019-10-17 09:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-10-17 09:36 pm (UTC)[the hug he has around his legs is comforting; and he gathers himself in a little further]
I'm not sure I need spell them out to you, but I think anything more would be... more like gentlemen's agreements founded on trust. That you would not push me into anything I am uncomfortable with, save where it is necessary for our own protections. If anything like the Fort should happen again...
[a little shudder - discomfited just by the mention]
...I am not a performer. But if it is needed, I shall.