hexstrapper: (Default)
Viktor ([personal profile] hexstrapper) wrote2025-04-04 11:53 am

caldera inbox.

V
voice · action · text
lordofrats: (pic#17997829)

[personal profile] lordofrats 2025-08-23 09:52 pm (UTC)(link)
He gripped his hand and planted his cane firmly to the ground, keeping himself steady so Viktor could leverage himself up. He released him once he was on his feet.

"If you're worried a little dirt might scare me off, you are very much mistaken. We are going to be outside anyway, and you look just fine."

Xander would help him clean up anything that needed to be cleaned up, and put up any tools that might get in the way for others. "I do apologize for taking you from your work. Is this the chair you were talking about?"
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[personal profile] lordofrats 2025-08-23 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
"If there is any way I can help, please do not hesitate to ask." He made sure to say, even if he had offered as much before. Xander was nothing if not eager to learn, even if their areas of expertise differed.

When he suggested they head out, Xander smiled, nodded, and picked up the basket again, carefully hooking it into his elbow. He turned toward the door, moving as fast as he could to assure he held it open for Viktor. Like a gentleman. "I—" okay. He should have mentioned this sooner, but... "I may have rented a carriage to drive us to and from the destination." He motioned to the horse drawn waiting outside the workshop. "Don't worry, they won't be prying on our... outing."
lordofrats: (pic#17997819)

[personal profile] lordofrats 2025-08-23 11:33 pm (UTC)(link)
The funny part was — this was the bare minimum for Xander. An Imperial nobleman wasn't going to walk to his destination whether he was in perfect health or otherwise. And he certainly wasn't going to ask his date to take a hike through the woods after such an impromptu invitation. He only thought to warn him now because he recalled that vision he had seen. Viktor... probably was not used to this like Xander was.

"Why not?" He asked earnestly as he turned to smile at him. "I am taking you out. I may as well make it comfortable and worthwhile. If we were to walk, our time would be wasted resting once we arrived."
lordofrats: (pic#17997781)

[personal profile] lordofrats 2025-08-24 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
There was a moment where Xander, once again, wondered if he overstepped. The familiarity he felt with Viktor may have muddled his mind and he read the situation wrong and —

Oh. Nevermind. Their arms were linked now, and Xander felt his heart race with excitement. He took a breath and moved forward, the dryad serving as their chauffeur kindly opening the door for them. Xander shifted for Viktor to enter first, then followed after. Luckily, it was only one step up, so it wouldn't cause them too much grief.

"You do like wine, yes?" He asked as they settled onto the cushioned benches. He should have asked sooner.
lordofrats: (pic#17997833)

[personal profile] lordofrats 2025-08-24 01:11 am (UTC)(link)
Rawdogging hand holding? What next? Longing glances across a crowded room? Disgusting.

He gently squeezed Viktor's hand. Soon enough, the carriage started moving, slow and carefully through the streets of Grey Ward and out toward the farmlands. "Out in the woods — not far enough in for any danger, but the flowers are blooming and the shade will be nice."
lordofrats: (pic#17997823)

[personal profile] lordofrats 2025-08-24 05:06 am (UTC)(link)
It was simultaneously an easy question to answer and an incredibly difficult one. Xander's cheeks warmed with a blush.

"A desire to be closer to you, somewhere outside of the workshop." Where they worked and socialized, yes, but they did not focus on personal lives as much. "If you would allow me to be so bold, I am quite fond of you already."
lordofrats: (pic#17997823)

[personal profile] lordofrats 2025-08-25 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
"I will admit, I worried I overstepped a few times so far." He sounded amused, at least. More nervous than uncertain now. "I've never met another so eager to learn as I am. It's nice to meet a like mind that will not judge me for my sometimes wild suggestions to improve the world."

A brow raised; quizzical. "I do not mind at all. I was hoping I might do the same for you. And you do not have to wait for us to settle — if there is something pressing you wish to know now, I will answer."
lordofrats: (pic#17997782)

[personal profile] lordofrats 2025-08-25 12:54 pm (UTC)(link)
"I had not intended to rush. It has been a long time since I attempted to court anyone." And he had no idea if this would even work? But at this point, what was the harm? Celene had been telling him for years to try and get out there again.

He shouldn't have been surprised by that question, and yet he still seemed to be when his eyes widened slightly. "A bit different than yours, if I had to fathom a guess. I was born in the Empire — a vast part of the world consisting primarily of humans. Coin and prestige are vital to survival, and I was lucky enough to be born into a noble family — the Riverwatchers. I have a younger sister, Petra, who became a Temple Knight. Ah..." he frowned. "They are an order who hunt down unsanctioned mages in the Empire. At any rate—" moving on from that! "I was blessed with access to the vast libraries of the realm, and I took to them in my youth. My fascination with the human body came from an older scripture, that I knew when seeing it was... partially outdated." He chuckled. "The old illustrator was still alive and displeased when I suggested he had labeled some things incorrectly. I was 12."
lordofrats: (pic#17997782)

[personal profile] lordofrats 2025-08-25 06:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Xander would not get into the religious aspects associated with the stigma against unsanctioned mages, and how much the Empire sucked with regards to the rights of anyone that was not noble born. That did not make for good date conversation.

"Well enough." He said with a shrug. "I made a few friends — but school was always a competition, and there were so few who desired to study medicine, that said competition was even more intense. I was too caught up in my books either way to do much... socializing beyond what was mandatory." But it seemed like it might have been better than what Viktor went through? At least from what he could parse in that vision. "I was young and spry, then. Shame we did not meet when we were younger."
lordofrats: (pic#17997829)

[personal profile] lordofrats 2025-08-25 10:33 pm (UTC)(link)
His gaze softened, tan cheeks tinged with a blush once more. "I had a lot more energy then. Perhaps I would not get so easily exhausted by late night sessions in the workshop." He chuckled softly. "But I am glad you like me as I am. That means a lot." And perhaps he shouldn't have sounded so surprised by the admission.

"Oh, most likely. I nearly suggested we visit the library when we first met, but I had thought we might do just that. It did not make for good conversation. Your schooling was... different than mine, I gathered? Socially, at least."
lordofrats: (pic#17997819)

[personal profile] lordofrats 2025-08-25 10:54 pm (UTC)(link)
"I am more than happy to be the encouragement you need. We will get nothing accomplished if we're exhausted." Then they'd waste even more time sleeping. God forbid.

Xander leaned into him in turn, and if their hands weren't interlocked, he'd be tempted to wrap his arm around him. The slight bumpiness and the abundance of shade and foliage outside the window suggested they had made it into the more verdant path outside of town.

"That was bold of you." He said, his tone suggesting a genuine awe. "Many would not dare to impersonate a noble back home — and fewer would live if they were caught doing so." He almost made a joke about taking his last name. Too soon for that, even in jest. "Tell me about Jayce."
lordofrats: (Default)

Ah yes the palate cleanser i needed

[personal profile] lordofrats 2025-08-27 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
"You mentioned him briefly." But there had to be more. Something in Viktor's tone suggested it.

Xander listened intently. "That is... an amazing story." He sounded almost breathless, like he was so awed by the tenacity it stole the air from his lungs. "And you worked together for a long time after that, I hope?"

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