白竜; King

thesingingpoet:

It wasn’t as if Rufus was expecting guests tonight. In fact, he was used to being alone at this time of the day. It helped him think, helped him write. A bit of wine was the cure for his ailment—confusion. If he got just the right buzz then his head would be clear, or so he lied to himself. 

But lo and behold, here came company. Thankfully he had just started on his wine, only a sip, before the person took a seat next to him. He didn’t even need to look up to know who it was. The voice could only belong to his comrade, or so he would like to think, Sting. Both of them hadn’t been very close, though the poet liked to spend some time around the others. However, the time spent was mostly for study and memorizing facts about his teammates. It helped to know a person’s weaknesses, and Rufus’ magic required the use of others’ in order to be at its full strength.

A small smile made its way to Rufus’ face while listening to Sting. He sounded awkward, uncertain. Perhaps that was because things were changing in Sabertooth, becoming friendlier and warmer. Rufus knew it was the right direction to go, but things had become unstable like a fawn learning to take its first steps.

“I’ve not seen any girls lately that have caught my eye” To be truthful he’d been more worried about nursing his hurt pride. “I’ve not dated in quite the while now to be honest. I’ve not had time since I joined Sabertooth” His eyes sparkled as he jested. He’d had a crush while younger, but it never went very far. 

Taking a sip from his wine glass, a frown settled on the poet’s face. “We have been in the guild for some time now, you and I. Seven years. ‘Tis an odd thing, to think back when I was twelve. I still remember leaving home” He looked to Sting, the playful smile back, “Perhaps I was foolish to join the guild. Fate only tells her tales once we’ve played our parts. All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts. I think on these lines often” Perhaps he should change the subject, as these things were often over people’s heads. "Might I ask why you have come here, Sting? I imagine it to be more than indulging in my life.“

”“”“”
The Guild Master sighed at hearing that answer from the poet. ‘Hadn’t had the time? Or too busy reading…in general’?  A frown tugged on his lips and he shook his head lightly and swirled his drink about. He opened his mouth to speak but decided to hold off on his words and closed his eyes as for now, he decided to listen to his comrade. His blond brow raised as Rufus began to reflect on the past and a warm smile spread across his face as he leaned back and sipped his own amber liquid as he listened to the other go off on one of his many poetic monologues. By now, Sting had grown accustomed to it and just went with it and understood it, now…mostly.

“…Right. So we make our own lives as we see fit, yeah? Why not just say that Ruf? Why go all complicated?"  he laughed and patted the other on the back, possibly more forceful than intended. "No need to be poetic all the time, unless that makes ya comfortable, then go for it."  With a shrug he took another sip and raised a brow, "Mhmm?” he asked mid-swallow and smiled warmly at his comrade. “I cam cause I wanted to spend time with you, that so bad? 'Sides, I…realized as guild master I ought to know everyone and well…."  he trailed off and shook his head, ”—No, as your comrade, I want to get to know you. Forget the title, that means nothing. It’s….the bond between people, their feelings that matter and I realized that you and I….we don’t know much about each other. So, I figured now was a good time as any, yeah?“  And so casual about it too. He laughed lightly and put his arm around him, so shall we dance in this…lovely banquet of words~?" his face scrunched up, ”–wait, no, I meant ball? Er, Masquerade? Whatever, that poetic crap ain’t my forte.“  A slight scoff came from the blond as he sipped his drink again and smiled at the other.

"You need to loosen up Rufus. Spend less time readin’ books, and people,"  he paused and leaned back in his chair, "the more you read people from a distance, whether it’s next to them or afar, you don’t really get to know them….You know?”