The smells here are exotic to Arsenios. Strange spices and vegetables and even meats fill the air with their fragrances, and many of them hang in bundles from the rafters in the food preparation area. Moina leads the cheetah past the long wooden tables, where a few other servants are having their meals. Most of them are dressed in tunics and togas, which the Lapi explains as making them part of the housekeeping staff, as opposed to guest services staff.
"They make me feel naked," Arsenios signs to Moina, his lapi instructor. "How many guest servers are there and how many general staff?" He also sniffs lightly here and there at the air, marvelling at the scents.
"There are at least a dozen guest servers," Moina says, grabbing up a plate and moving into the kitchen, often dodging around the cooking staff as she plucks this and that from steam tables and pots. "The general staff.. I'm not sure. Don't mix that often, I guess." She soon has a plate with some steamed vegetables, some sort of roast tuber and two different leaf-wrapped meat selections.
Arsenios grabs a plate and follows after the lapi. "Is that food also for me since you took meat?" he signs, before collecting a plate for himself. "And have you trained most of the servers? I assume I am not your first student?"
EDIT: Before filling a plate for himself. He got a plate!
"This plate is for you," the doe remarks, and swaps plates with the Savanite. "I'm not a trainer, either; that's Pleione's position. I'm just to help you settle in and watch out for you. We don't get new people very often. And I still don't know if you're just here for training or for a position."
Arsenios takes the plate in one hand and tries to keep out of the way of the other staff. "Are you happy to be looking out for me? Or is it a bother for you? I don't want to cause you any complications," he signs.
The doe winks and says, "It's easier than real work. And it keeps me busy."
Moina fills her dish up with vegetables of course. Perhaps the leaf-wrapped meat rolls were chosen for Arsenios so she would be able to handle eating with him.
Arsenios winks right back. "And keeps your bed warm and satisfying?" he signs, then purrs briefly at her. He also looks at his dish and ponders how to manage this and the shadow. Maybe he can ease the shadow through his body, or eat, then excuse himself to a restroom and ease the shadow in before he gets sick.
He's never been this thoroughly transformed into a non-Eeee long enough where food mattered - and this was more thorough than usual, in order to hide his distinctive 'signature' markings. Kaira would probably know; but the dagger is in Pleinone's room.
Moina, meanwhile, has staked out space at a table and fetched water and wine. She actually mixes them together for herself, and just sets the pitchers down where Arsenios can choose for himself.
Arsenios may try a little and see if he feels queasy coming on. Perhaps he can snake shadow along the tendrils of light in his body since one does do to lower areas, might get close enough to enter his digestive tract. He shakes his head a little and heads over to sit down near Moina. He fills a glass of wine for himself without diluting it. He's still feeling a little on edge since he realized how vulnerable he is now and it ought to help ease that. "I'm pleased with the choice Pleione made for the one to keep me out of trouble," he signs while he takes a sip from his cup. "Talented, beautiful, and hopefully patient."
"I'm good and handling men bigger than myself," the doe says proudly, and even flexes her arm muscles. "One-quarter Amazonian, according to my grandma. At least that's what I tell the clients; they usually get an extra thrill from thinking that!" she laughs.
Arsenios' ears wiggle at that. "I like strong women," he signs, grinning, "Sometimes scary women, and taking care of them." He then deftly picks a bit of the meat from his plate and tastes it thoughtfully. One to see how it tastes ... and two, to see if it causes his stomach any rumbling.
Apparently the leaf wrap is meant to be eaten with it. The first bite is some sort of Rughrat or related beast, but much more tender. His stomach does rumble, but more from hunger than discomfort.
Arsenios decides to risk it and picks up the wrapped meat and takes a bite. He's not sure how to rally feel about his situation. It's not bad, he does have a nice woman looking after him ... but it's unsettling to think he really is at the mercy of someone's whim now. All his belongings are gone and he's stuck as a Savanite.
Moina pauses in her own nibbling to watch Arsenios's face and gauge how he likes the food. There's some rice and crunchy vegetables in the wrap as well, and it's pretty tasty for someone who never gets to taste much normally. So far his stomach hasn't revolted.
Arsenios makes a chirpy rumble sound in approval as he eats, his eyes drifting a little closed in pleasure from the taste. He also eases his leg under the table to rub it against hers since his hands are occupied and he can't sign to her.
The doe's ears shoot up from the rubbing, and she gives the cheetah a head-tilted grin. "You should focus on what you're doing - namely eating," she notes. "A good servant is thinking in the moment - not about what he'd rather be doing."
Arsenios sniffs lightly and draws his foot back. He really should be focusing on eating, namely if his stomach starts complaining or not.
That's about when the cheetah's stomach starts to gurgle. There's no telling if it's an ominous gurgle or a 'starting to work for the first time" sort of gurgle. But he doesn't feel nauseous yet!
"You eat oddly," Moina points out. "Like you are afraid of the food. Are you allergic to anything?"
"Where are the servants' restrooms here?" Arsenios signs, taking a pause between bites to see if his stomach settles or gets worse. He'll need to know if it gets worse. "And some times I've had an upset stomach from eating; but I've never figured out what caused it. So ... I tend to be slow and careful until I'm sure a meal won't bother me."
The bunny points to an open archway at the back of the eating area, while she munches on a steamed carrot. "Through there," she finally says after swallowing, and looks concerned.
Arsenios smiles to the doe to try and reassure her. "I'll be fine," he signs and resumes eating!
The cheetah has never felt so full after finishing his plate. When using the shadow before, food would just vanish once it reached his stomach - this could actually be the first time he's had real food in there for more than five minutes.
Arsenios also tries to palm a bit of the food to feed to the shadow directly too, just in case it decides to act funny. "See, fine!" he signs with his free hand.
It takes a moment, but the shadow finally absorbs the morsel through the palm, briefly becoming.. gooey.. before changing back to the leathery cheetah palm-pad.
"Are you happy here?" Arsenios signs to the doe as he settles back a bit, oddly enjoying the feeling of being full. "Pleione seems .. stern but pleasant. Does she reflect the owners?"
"Well, given my other likely career choices.. I certainly was lucky to end up here," Moina says. "And Pleione is like a big sister. Strict, yes, but also quick to praise and reward, and make sure we're happy. I've only the met the owner once, to give him a foot-rub. He seemed a nice enough person, but not one to hold a conversation with a servant girl."
"So they do not request the attention of the servants often," Arsenios signs as he reasons it out and nods. "I'm not entirely certain what my future holds, but as you say this place would not be a bad fate. Are the other servers as welcoming as you are? Or ... will they be wary of me?"
"Some of the men might be wary," Moina admits. "Sophos is the only other male Savanite server here, and he might feel a little threatened."
"I will be sure to defer to him, then. Since has been here longer, it would probably be wise for me to recognize that and be respectful," Arsenios signs. "I would prefer to earn his friendship than his dislike."
"Until we know better, you may want to suggest that you are just here for training," Moina offers. "Which is probably true anyway."
"Okay. You're probably right on that so that is how I will answer any questions," Arsenios agrees in sign. He takes another drink from his wine glass and looks about for any other servers that may be lurking about, or watching him.
The household staff has moved on already, and none of the other guest servers seem to be taking their meal just now either. "I'll show you were to clean your dish and cup," Moina says, picking up her own settings as she stands.
Arsenios nods and rises from the table. He picks up his cup and plate, then tilts his head to indicate he is ready to go.
The cleaning area is fairly large, but only one 'trough' is set aside specifically for dishware. Moina shows Arsenios how to use the soap and cleaning rag, and how often to dip things into the hot water, and how to try and rack the earthenware afterwards.
Arsenios' attention is on the lesson, even though it's being given by a half-naked doe. The reality of the whole situation is such that it does well for keeping his mind on what he really should be doing and learning to be a proper server. He's careful with his plate and cup and makes sure to dip when instructed and how to double-check that they are clean before placed into the slots for holding the earthenware dishes upright to dry. When he believes he has completed what was needed, he dips his head once to Moina.
"Very good," Moina notes, smiling. It probably doesn't help that the steam from the hot water has made her chest glisten. "We should check in with Pleione to see if she anything special for us."
Remembering the rules, Arsenios decides to try and use more gesture than sign since they will be returning to Pleione. He dips down slightly in a bow, then extends his arm to indicate 'please, go ahead of me', and smiles to the doe. That way he also won't have to see her chest and the skirt thankfully chovers her backside reasonably well.
Except for her heart-shaped tail, which pokes out and bobs around as the doe walks ahead. Pleione's apartment is at the opposite end of the servant's wing, back next to the garden entrance. Mave is lying - apparently asleep - on the lounge, while Pleione looks over some papers at her desk. "Yes, Moina?" the Eeee whispers, knowing the Lapi won't have any trouble hearing her.
"Basic orientation is done, and he shows good talent with chamber music," the doe reports.
Arsenios looks to Mave, then back towards Pleione. He offers her a polite smile, but otherwise does not question or intrude. His hands fold together and he looks about now and then; possibly trying to see if his belongings are anywhere visible.
There are several trunks in the room - so chances are Nicora's things are in one of them. Pleione seems surprised at the report about Arsenios's musical skill. "Very well," she whispers. "He can play at dinner tonight for the guests. Until then, he's at your disposal, Moina."
Arsenios tries not to look frustrated that his hearing can't quite make out what Pleione said about him. He tries to counter this by practicing the stance that Pleione instructed him in, how to hold his head just so to suggest being docile, how to hold his tail to best accentuate his shape. He still feels quite naked, even in the skirt, bangles, and collar. It's ... an odd feeling, to feel like property.
Moina indicates that things are finished by taking the cheetah's hand and leading him out. "Back to our room for now, until dinner time," she tells him. "Then we will play more music."
Arsenios bows his head politely to Pleione as he leaves, then turns his attention back to the doe. "What shall we do until dinner? Are there more lessons you wish to teach me? Shall I clean your room?" he signs with his free hand once they are out of Pleione's room.
"Did you think it was disheveled?" Moina asks, pouting a little. They're soon there though, and the doe is sitting on the edge of the giant pillow-mattress. She squeezes the cheetah's calves and thighs then, without warning. "I wish there was a running track we could use," she laments.
"No, not at all. I'm just trying to be useful to you," Arsenios signs. He's about to sign more, but ends up barking softly in surprise when the doe feels up his legs. He rubs his throat, looking embarrassed to sound so surprised at the touch. "Running would be nice," he signs where he's still standing before Moina, then turns around in case she wants to check out any more of him ... and then playfully bats her with his long tail.
The doe laughs and grabs at the tail. "Well, you can make me feel nice," she offers, laying on her side.
Arsenios slips his tail away from her, then slinks up onto the bed as if stalking Moina. "And what makes the pretty lapi feel nice?" he asks in sign once he is crouched near her on the bed.
"Hmmm," the doe ponders, tapping her chin. "How about pretending I'm a client? Except, we don't have to stop if things get interesting," she suggests with a grin.
Arsenios runs his hands along Moina's sides. When his claws catch on the edges of her skirt, they trace along them, seeking out the ties. One by one he unties the wrap, then does about slipping it off her. His head tilts a bit to the side and he smiles, reverting his communication back to pure gesture. Her skirt is folded up and he leans over and neatly sets it on the floor near the bed. Once he sits back, he reaches up and gently tugs on her shoulder, trying to get her to roll onto her back instead of her side.
The doe complies, and has a look on her face as if she's trying to figure out what Arsenios is planning.
Arsenios straddles her waist and sits on her, though his weight is practically all on his legs and none really on her. He brings his hands up and cups each side of Moina's cheeks, then slides then back and down until they cup her shoulders and his fingers can curl under the back of her neck. The soft rumble of a purr comes from the Savanite as his hands start lightly kneading the muscles of her neck and shoulders.
Lapi have very flexible cheeks! Not so much shoulders though; those are normal. "Oooo," the doe coos. "Do you know how to do ear-bases?"
Arsenios answers this by leaning forward until Moina finds herself looking into the white-fur of his chest. There's a lick along the base of her ears as the Savanite starts to groom them gently. He careful to follow the direction of fur growth and is also mindful that his tongue is a lot rougher than it used to be. This quickly becomes intermixed with light nibbles of her ear bases, just enough to move and tease the skin a bit.
This causes giggles and twitches from the doe, but no complaints or requests to stop!
And so it continues until he's licking up along each of her ears, carefully grooming them with each pass. A few times he lightly bites down on their tips and gives them a playful tug before the grooming resumes. Nothing is rushed; his work is slow, guided by the sounds Moina makes.
Maybe it's all transported the doe back to her coneyhood, from the relaxed and happy noises she makes. She's gone almost entirely limp, aside from the occasional leg kick that jostles the cheetah's tail.
The ear-grooming continues for quite some time before Arsenios sits up a bit more. He lifts up one of the doe's limp arms and proceeds to groom it now in a very feline fashion; more gentle licking. Shoulder to the tips of her fingers he goes. When he's at her hand each of the doe's soft fingers gets carefully taken into his mouth, then drawn out slowly as he licks over each in turn.
"You aren't tasting me are you?" the doe asks coyly, fluttering her lashes at the cheetah.
Arsenios' head tilts just so and the smile he offers practically creams 'not yet'. His head dips back down and he grooms the base of her neck, then starts scooting backwards as he slowly works down the doe's front. She did get a little wet earlier from the washing up, he would be remiss if he didn't help groom her back into pristine condition.
This time the giggles turn more towards coos, and the wiggling is more.. deliberate. "That tongue makes things interesting," Moina purrs.
Arsenios answer to that is a purr then a deliberate rasp of his rough tongue over two sensitive spots on the doe before he works his way down. Soon, he's licking circles around the doe's navel, ears wiggling in amusement. Apparently, he decided to give his client a tongue-bath.
As things progress.. well, things progress. Arsenios finds out that the raspiness isn't limited to feline tongues either! And that vigorous activity after eating a big meal can cause all sorts of interesting internal noises.
Arsenios is cruel, the bath continues until he's finished licking each of Moina's toes, then even the bottoms of her feet! Then he makes her roll over and he works his way back up her back; trying to torment his 'teacher' for as long as possible. That also engages a few instincts built into the new body ... and there's significant difficulty in resisting biting the 'scruff' of Moina's neck. It almost seems like he's about to leave the poor doe when he starts to lift away, but soon one of his arms wraps around her. And in the spirit of the lessons to seem a phantom taking care of his client ... a union of slaves occurs on Moina's soft bed. The soft chirps and rumbles that come from Arsenios sound alien even to himself and the feel is even moreso. It's going to be an interesting time until dinner!
Arsenios and Moina have started playing before the first guests arrive, while the house servants set the out the dinner service. It isn't long before Mave arrives on the arm of a handsome older Khattha with tan markings, dressed in a single shoulder toga while Mave wears the 'guest skirt' she was given and the decorative nipple shields from Chronotopia. Tulani trails behind the pair, looking a bit nervous about her own similar attire.
"I bet that is the house owner," Arsenios thinks as he spots the khattha on Mave's arm, "He had best be careful or Mave will end up owning him!" It's also a testament to his skill at playing that he's able to suppress the grin that wants to come and continues to play along with the lapi in a flawless, if simple, harmony of light tones.
While Mave sits at the owner's right hand, Tulani sits further down. The Sphynx also seems to shrink a bit when more people arrive; a tawny Kahttha lad that must be one of the master's sons from his looks, who takes a seat right across from Tulani and smiles flirtatiously at her. More guests arrive, led by servants; an older Gallee couple, a Jupani family and young human couple who can't seem to take their eyes off of one another. While the younger pair do wear the wrap-around skirts, the woman has also added a bikini top - but humans tend to be shyer about such things in general (Snow notwithstanding).
"I hope he does flirt with her. I can't touch her ... but that doesn't mean she should be denied fun. The owner's son looks quite handsome in his own right," Arsenios thinks rather generously. Or perhaps having lapi-on-demand has managed to calm his own urges. On he plays as he watches the guests, pondering who they might be. The Gallee ... well, he doesn't like them but since they're older he finds his anger is less for them.
The Jupani family must be Rephidim warrior-caste nobility, given their conservative attire (and the way the two teenaged children, a boy and a girl, both gawk at all of the exposed fur on display). The Gallee are likely from Gallis itself, given the overly-coiffed and decorated nature of their dress and undress.
As for the humans.. they could be from anywhere, although their lack of a tan should place them from Sylvania or Chronotopia. And their behavior seems to fit that of newlyweds on honeymoon.
"Those Jupani are a lot ... cleaner than Arkold ever was. But that doesn't take much," the savanite thinks in amusement as the music scale travels downward in time with Moina. His eyes never linger on any one of them long, if for nothing less than staring would not be polite for a servant.
The thought of Snow also makes him feel wistful; he does miss his travel partner, but Rosalind, well, he misses more than ever now that he's back to being male and doesn't have the constant reminder of her when he looks in a mirror.
Servants begin to bring out bread and cheese and wine, along with appetizers. Tulani squeaks and Mave does something to her under the table, causing her to sit up straighter. The young Kattha across from smiles at the resultant jiggle. The elder feline at the head of the table stands once everyone has their wine, raising his glass. Moina stops playing, so as not to interrupt, and gives Arsenios a 'stop for now' look.
Arsenios removes his instrument from his mouth and lowers it, letting it rest lightly in his lap. He also finds himself nodding ever so slightly that Mave induced a wiggle from Tulani ... and that caught the attention of the male across from her. "For once, being evil fits, Mave," he thinks.
When all heads are turned towards the host, the man toasts, "I, Polydorus, welcome you all to the House of Kallistrates," he says, his accented Standard seeming to roll in a particularly feline way. "It is my hope that you will forge good, lasting memories of your time here, and that you will return again." Everyone lifts their glasses with murmur of approval, and then take a first sip. Except for Tulani, who downs the glass in one go. When lord Kallistrates sits, Moina begins playing on the harp once more.
Arsenios lets Moina take the lead, only raising his instrument once she has re-established the play tone. He then joins back in, his a tailing tune, accentuating the 'story' her harp is telling the chamber. Well, it is mainly telling the chamber how to relax while sitting mostly naked in mixed company. The whole experience feels strange. They don't even acknowledge them; it's like almost being furniture.
Even without Eeee hearing, Arsenios is able to pick up quite a bit from the conversations. The boy interested in Tulani is the host's middle son, Ramos, just back from studying at the Library of Logos. The Gallee is a merchant, who decided to bring his wife along for a bit of holiday while waiting for a caravan from Tizhar to arrive. The Jupani family is indeed from Rephidim; the father is high-ranking military officer, who decided it was high time his lazy offspring got a look at 'real culture' down on the surface. He seems to ask Tulani a lot of questions about places she's seen, since they're sitting next to each other. The Sphynx seems to welcome the distraction, since Ramos tends to speak little and leer a lot. The newlyweds hardly talk, busy feeding one another tidbits of food, until it comes out that Mave is a Yodhinala - and after a slight explanation of what that means, they seem interested enough to ask her to meet with them after the meal.
"And I'm sure a donation will be involved," Arsenios thinks when the Yodh manages to worm her way into a honeymoon night with two humans. She is so true to form. His opinion of the son, though, has gone down some. Leering is only allowed if you really know Tulani and are joking. She does deserve to be treated with some respect after all. Still, it can't voice his displeasure and just plays on while they dine and chat.
The meal is no simple affair; there are no less than six courses, with ample breaks in between. By the time the dessert is being cleared away, Arsenios can feel his tongue drying out. As people begin leave for their various evening entertainments, it is Tulani who lingers a bit. Ramos leaves on his own, having to return to his studies, until just the Sphynx and the wait staff remain. Finally, Tulani approaches the musicians and says, "Thank you for the soothing music, and for grooming earlier." She gives them both a genuinely warm smile as she says it.
Arsenios sets his instrument aside then leans forward slightly as if bowing where he sits and dips his head respectfully. He even averts his eyes as if not worthy to look upon such a lady. What follows is a soft smile ... and no sign. He remembers his lessons, communication through simple gesture only. "I wish I could think of a way to tell her we were honored to do so ... even if it was inspired by the desire to torment her," he thinks. Still, the less gestured the better, probably, to keep the disguise.
Unsure of just how to respond, Tulani reaches up and scratches the Savanite behind the ears. "When my friend gets back from whatever weird errand Mave has her on, I'll ask that you tend to her too," the Sphynx purrs, although there might be hint of mischief in her eyes.
Arsenios' tilts his head slightly and as he lets his eyes close halfway, he purrs. Both in amusement that Tulani is still trying to torment him ... and in that Tulani would have probably been right. Had it been Nicora in her place, the touch and nothing more would have been maddening!
Tulani finally relents, and says, "Well.. goodnight then. Perhaps we'll meet again tomorrow!" With that, she heads off towards the guest wing, tail sweeping over the floor.
"I think she likes you," Moina tells the cheetah.
Arsenios reaches out and cups his fingers lightly around Tulani's tail as she retreats, letting it slide through them before coming free without effort. He grins to Moina when Tulani is out of range, then signs to her, "But she cannot be intimate with me. It may frustrate her." Of course, that was the point!
"C'mon," the bunny says, hopping down from her stool and picking up her harp. "If we don't hurry, all the good leftovers will be gone!" she warns, as she heads for one of the kitchen entries.
Arsenios shakes his head, amused. He slips off the stool and pads after Moina. "All of this feels so strange. I really do feel like a servant," he thinks as he goes, "But it's not bad. They're treated well here." He also can't help but smile as he watches Moina from behind. "And the perks of having a mentor aren't bad, either," he decides.
The kitchen is bustling, and it seems like every off-duty servant in the villa must be in attendance. Some are likely here for their evening meal, but others are just there for what must be a serving-staff feast. There is plenty of food; either extra that didn't get served to the guests or else didn't 'make the grade' as quite good enough, along with lots of leftover desserts. Sepcha is at one table, a big plate of some sort of bread pudding smothered in cream before her - until Sophos sits across from her and starts eating it as well. There's a brief duel involving forks as a result.
"Are they family, or friends?" Arsenios signs to Moina then nods towards the dueling savanites. "And I suspect they would feel offended ... well, Sophos, if I asked to sit with them." Soon his hands are occupied as he's filling his plate up with leftovers; primarily of the meat variety.
"Siblings," Moina explains, focusing mainly on desserts and fruits - which then takes right over to the cheetahs' table, along with her harp.
"Well, I don't feel as much of an intruder, then," Arsenios decides as he follows Moina over to the cheetah's tables. "May we join?" he signs single-handed when they get close. He is not about to presume and just sit down.
The squabbling brother and sister don't seem to notice the new arrivals, but Moina gestures for Arsenios to sit. "They get like this every evening. Lots of energy to burn off, or something."
"No running path," Arsenios reminds Moina in sign. He settles down by the doe. Soon he's nibbling at his meal (again to make sure he doesn't react badly), while he watches the siblings squabble. "They're both cute when they do that," he decides, ears wiggling. He figures the dueling savanites will notice them eventually.
A truce is reached.. of a sort, as the pair decide the only way to declare victory is to eat more of the dessert than the other. Only when the plate has been cleaned (but not licked, since it must have been a draw) do the cheetahs look to their tablemates. "Greetings, New Guy," Sophos signs in Formal. It's hard to tell, since Arsenios doesn't know all of the nuances, but he does get the impression that the message is given as from someone with seniority in the pecking order.
"Greetings, Sir," Arsenios signs to the other male, then even dips his head once. "I hope that we are not intruding. Moina has been assigned as guide while I am here being trained. I follow where she leads me. I also hope that I will be able to learn much from you two while I am here as well."
"We are the best when it comes to sensual care," Sepcha butts in with a grin. "I am better than Sophos of course." "Ignore her, her head is full of fluff," Sophos counters.
Arsenios ears wiggle again. "I expect I will need to learn from both of you," he signs, trying to be diplomatic about it, "As I am not sure who I will ultimately be serving. Therefore, I will need to know multiple techniques and styles for different species. Perhaps even genders ... but, best not to worry about that yet!" He grins, then eats a bit more of his meal.
"You sign very wordy," Sophos notes, economically. "Where are you from?"
"All over," Arsenios signs, "Never any place for very long. You?" He the occupies himself with eating again, worried he may have damaged his 'cover'.
"Born here," Sophos notes, gesturing around as if to indicate the entire estate.
"Have you been happy here?" Arsenios asks in sign. "Treated well?"
Sepcha licks a bit of pudding from her nose, and just shrugs. "Do not know anything else," is her signed answer.
Arsenios considers that, then shrugs. "It seems a nice place. There are many far worse," he signs then resumes eating one of the wraps that was left over from the meal.
"Time for wind-change," Sophos signs, and then the spotty siblings are hurrying to take their plate to the washing area.
"Wind change?" Arsenios signs questioningly to Moina then motions in question if they should do the same and follow.
"Oh, the wind changes in the morning and evening, like.. uh.. like the tide on the lake," the Lapi notes, then looks at Arsenios. "So, you really aren't from around here at all then, are you, if you don't know that."
"Traveled a lot. Sorry. I know I seem stupid," Arsenios signs then gets up and takes his place settings so he can wash them up as well.
"Oh, you might want to watch then," Moina notes, taking her plate to clean as well.
"I don't have to, if there are other duties I should tend to," Arsenios signs before his hands are busy cleaning his plate similar to earlier, then drying the earthenware off and slipping it into the rack.
"We won't have anything more until morning, so you might as well join in the launching," the Lapi says with a grin, and holds her hand out.
Arsenios makes sure his hands are dry, then take's the doe's hand. "Lead on," he signs to her.
Moina leads the cheetah back out into the garden, where he can spot Sepcha and Sophos working with something near one of the gazebos. But the Lapi is dragging him off in a weird pattern, where she'll head for one of the tall fruit trees, then stop and change direction towards a different one. "Ah, this one!" she finally decrees at the base of an apple tree. "Boost me up to that branch there," she asks as she points to a sturdy branch about eight feet up from the ground.
Arsenios peers at the tree, unsure what is so special about this one. Still, there is probably a reason. He kneels down beside the doe, then pats his shoulders to indicate for her to step on. His hands then go to brace him against the trunk so he can stand up without wobbling.
Climbing up the cheetah lets the doe reach her branch.. which she then abandons for a higher one. "Come along," she tells Arsenios. "You know how to climb tree, right?"
Arsenios just sticks out his tongue. Of course he knows how to climb a tree! He grew up in Sylvania. Even with the altered body, he still has claws and the concept of climbing isn't that different. So, he tries to hook his toes and their claws in firmly into the bark, then boost himself up to the branch!
The most awkward part is getting used to to toes that can't grab things. Once that passes though, he's able to scramble up into the tree after the climbing doe. Eventually the both reach the topmost (safe) branch, and are able to stick their heads out and see over the villa wall, all the way down to the harbor. The last of the fishing fleet is tying up. "Whew, we made it!" Moina says.
"Ah, views of the ships. Dreaming of travel?" Arsenios signs with one hand while the other works to stabilize his balance. He supposes ships are fascinating to watch when one can't take to the air themselves. He drapes that free arm around Moina's shoulders.
"Ships? No, I don't like the smell of fish," the doe says, and seems to be scanning the sky. "There, the first one!" she says excitedly, and points over towards the south, where a lone glowing object is rising up into the air. Others follow, one from each estate, but it isn't until Sepcha and Sophos launch one with the 'Gardens of the Sky' motif on it that it becomes clear what they are: paper balloon lamps, fueled by candles.
Arsenios watches the balloons lift into the air. "/Guiding the souls,/" he thinks, "/The old gypsy tradition of putting a candle on a small boat and sending it down a river to symbolize the journey of the spirit to the next life." He realizes this has nothing to do with that tradition since the name on the balloon makes it clear it is ... advertising. Still, it is pretty to watch and the savanite quickly finds himself feeling a little melancholy.
The balloons drift aimlessly, until they float higher than the cliffs of Parthos. Then they begin to stream eastward, out over the Lake of Langour as the wind changes.
"Where will they end up?" Arsenios signs as he watches the balloons drift so lazily.
"In the water. Sometimes fishermen find them, and get a token from whichever house it belonged to," Moina says. "Although I heard a rumor that once, the wind is strong enough that they get close enough to Amazonia that there's a huge flash of light in the sky from them being shot down somehow."
"Really?" Arsenios signs. He had heard Amazonia was very backward; so what would they have possibly used. He shrugs it off, though, as now is not the time to think about it. It's peaceful to just watch them drift away; getting lost in the air. Feels like his life, really; lost and adrift. Even nwo with the skin he wears; another disguise. It seems like he's always trying to fit in where he doesn't really belong. Even the same can be said for Draco County; he's no noble; he's just ... The savanite sighs, forcing away those thoughts before a nice evening turns sad.