rondezview | please rp with me my inbox is so empty

[Leona, always unable to hide his surprise, stares at food with wide eyes, and then leans in without shame to take in the scent of the food.

It seems to pass the smell test, as Leona actually reaches out to to take a croquette.

He brings it closer, inspects it again, and deems it worthy of taking a bite.

And then he actually does continue to chew and swallow, one ear twitching to the side a few times.]

...Hmph.

Guess I'll stick around, then.

[As if he just now decided he would???]

[Azul watches, unable to hide his interest in making sure that the food is well received. And even though its not really that great of a compliment, just an affirmation really that they're "good enough" to keep Leona interested in staying, Azul's smile in response is bright.]

Wonderful! It appears that I've made the right choice here.

[And then, a slight touch more modest in his tone as he carefully reaches out and picks up a croquette for himself...]

I actually prepared these myself, rather than having Floyd or someone else in the kitchens do so for me. I'm pleased that they seem to have met your expectations just now.

[That gets Leona to look up from his, glancing at Azul's face for a moment. Leona's chin lifts and his eyes narrow, just a touch.]

Huh.

[That kind of consideration, down to anticipating Leona's palette...]

Nice choice. Execution's not so bad, either.

[It still sounds... a little condescending coming fron Leona, and definitely isn't the highest of praise, but it very much is still indeed a revised compliment.]

[... Well. As much as he would like more praise, it is in fact notable that Leona was willing to give that much here. At least it's a little better than when Azul had Silver as his judge in the crucible, who had just sort of shrugged when Azul had asked if he had anything other to add than just "it was good" in response.]

Thank you.

[He takes a bite of his own croquette: since he made all of them with meat filling instead of whatever healthy substitute he might have made for his dieting, he's decided that he'll just have to just try to show some restraint and not eat too many on their date here. Still, it's good: he's proud that he was able to cook and prepare it successfully.]

Edited (Hit enter before i was done rip) 2025-05-03 16:59 (UTC)

[..While Azul's busying himself with his own croquette, he might miss the way Leona watches him. It's analytical, but more than that, too. His ears flick, left, right— almost like fidgeting. He's restless, is really all.

There's a lot on his mind.]

...Yeah.

So.

[Leona leans back in the seat, crosses one leg over the other, relaxed and assertive all at once.]

You said you wanted to talk, huh?

[Azul nods as he finishes his croquette, and once he does--]

Yes! So like I said before, it occurred to me that I don't know a lot about your interests, outside of Spelldrive club I suppose? So I wanted to know more about you and what you like, or anything else in particular you want to share and talk about. And of course, I can answer any questions you have about me in turn.

Any other time, I'd figure you were trying to get some dirt on me.

[But the lack of ill-intent has already been established to some degree.]

But fine, I'll bite.

This is some kind of ice-breaker, right?

[To explain, he carries on;]

The only subject that really interests me here is Ancient Incantations.

Oh?

[Well that's fascinating to hear--and hey, it's something that Azul does have an interest in hinself, given the kind he used to try to study when he was younger among his grandmother's texts. Azul leans forward a little in his seat, interested in hearing more.]

And why is that?

Ehn.

Not that it's a big deal or anything, but they're the only thing that doesn't bore me.

More than half of them are over-complicated codes meant to conceal secrets, and most of those are next to impossible to decipher. Grammar, letters— they're all different, and all you can do is rely on similarities between one cipher and another, inching forward piece by piece.

[There's a certain lift to his words, even as he leans against his palm as though he's bored. Like maybe he really does find it fun.]

[Azul listens to his explanation, nodding along in agreement to the other's reasoning for enjoying this subject.]

It's true, many of those incantations feel like a puzzle to be solved sometimes, and it can be quite satisfying once you find the solution. At least, that's the feeling I get, especially when I was able to study the ones that were in my grandmother's notes back home.

Mmm?

That's right— you were gettin' all that magic trainin' somewhere.

[Leona's foot bounces, his tail curling and uncurling.]

Can't imagine what kind of magical texts an older sea witch has at her disposal.

Indeed: my grandmother is the one who taught me the basics of magic while growing up. Though, she could be strict as a teacher, as she was not afraid to scold me often if I botched a particular spell or potion in the beginning. At the same time however, she could also give the most grandiose praise whenever I succeeded, even if it was the most elementary of magic to perform.

[It's pretty obvious from his tone that Azul holds a lot of respect and fondness for her here as he continues.]

Regardless, she has quite the knowledge of ancient magic, thanks to her many years of honing her own skills as a mage. Some of which she actually taught me herself, or would at least allow me to peruse her books regarding old spells and potions on occasion. I'm sure you would enjoy reading those books as well, given your interest in the subject.

[Tap-tap-tap goes Leona's tail against the floor, much like Lucius's when a toy is dangled in front of him but he's pretending he isn't quite interested yet.]

Sounds like she was right to be strict with you.

Disregarding your propensity to crash out, you've got a lot more control over high-level magic than your peers. I can already tell she's quite the formidable mage herself.

[Now, that's a woman he wouldn't mind meeting. And those resources... it's true that he wouldn't mind the chance to read through them, either. It couldn't take more than a few days... And hell, strict or not, she certainly sounds like she would have been a less annoying teacher than his most loyal attendant...]

[Azul's foot just barely refrains from childishly kicking Leona's own under the table in response to that.]

How rude. I do not have a "propensity to crash out"...

[Anyway]

That aside, I think she would like meeting you if the opportunity ever presented itself. Getting to speak with those that are interested in the magic she grew up with as opposed to what we tend to be taught these days would make her happy, I think. Though, I dare say that if she grows to like you too much, she might try to spoil you like how she did to me growing up, when it came to things not having to do with magic...

Mm. Well, far be it from me to turn down attention from an educated lady.

You almost sound disappointed, though.

[He's smirking just a little, wondering if Azul perhaps got a little too much attention growing up.]

Oh, I'm not disappointed so much as a little embarrassed now thinking about it. When she was not teaching magic, she can be a very kind person... perhaps a little too much so. I spent a lot of time at her home while my mother was busy finalizing the divorce and running her restaurant, so my grandmother liked to act as if it was the highlight of her day every time she saw me. And I'd often come home from school to an entire table's worth of drinks and snacks that she insisted upon having me indulge in...

[He says, expression a little weary just thinking about it. So many calories...]

[Well, now, Leona's amused. Azul could really go on about this, couldn't he?

He adjusts in his chair, getting more relaxed and leaning back, content to let Azul keep leading the conversation.]

I hope you're not blaming your problems on your sweet little ol' lady, now.

Of course not. I have nothing but respect and admiration for her: she is the person who inspired me the most when it comes to gaining an appreciation for magic, after all. I'm grateful for everything that she has done for me.

[He's not the type to say it out loud, but yeah, Azul loves her. He could praise her all day if he wanted to... but then it seems he realizes something as he gives an awkward cough, picking up his cup to busy himself with for now.]

My apologies. I did not intend to spend so much time talking about my family, when this is supposed to be an opportunity to learn more about you as well.

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