searchingforlove | IC Inbox

It does. There are many a magic user. However, you're wrong on one part, dear. My features might be delicate but I can use a sword as well as magic in combat. And have on more than one occasion.

[She's not as strong as someone fully trained in swordsmanship but that Jack-of-all-Trades thing she has going? It makes her quite the force to be reckoned with.]

No, wait -

[ There's panic in his voice as his hands hover above the scarf. He really doesn't want Manuela to leave, not after he's come this far - he's already wearing the blasted thing, for god's sake, and there's nothing but a piece of cloth separating it from the world. It shouldn't be so hard to - just -

His hands tremble, unmoving. It should be simple, but the idea of everyone seeing paralyzes him. He can't make himself take that next step, he can't...

He can't.

Damn it. He knows what he has to do. ]

...Make it an order. Please.

[ And when you've gotten the P-word out of Valmont, you know he means it. ]

[He reassesses her with this in mind, what's visible of the surface of her hands. Appearances really can be deceiving. She'd be able to make good use of arcane swords, too.]

Well, you've survived all those years. I'm sure that's owed in part to your prowess. As for me, I also happen to fight using magic. I'm rather, well... inept at swords. I haven't got the necessary strength to put the endeavor to good use. It would be a waste of my time and effort.

[Which should be obvious. Look at him. What a weenie!!!]

I'm curious about your magic, though. Most of my world's magic when applied to the battlefield consists of elemental attacks and healing... as well as other tricks, like putting enemies to sleep. How does it compare?

[It's been awhile since he thought about the things he liked to do, though now that he's not fighting a war he could bring back the interests he pushed to the back of his mind.]

Hmm, oh I know! I'm interested in cooking, reading, plants, and swimming. I haven't gone swimming in awhile it would be fun to go back to that again. I'd like to try the food here too. Oh! There should be a place where they have books, right? Should I go to the library or are there more places? Where do you find everything here?

[The stores were much different than the merchants stands back home.]

[Well now. This is an interesting turn of events. Manuela turns to face him with a brow lifted before she walks closer to him. Studying him for a moment or so, she considers the fact that he's very much just said please to her. A man of such pride isn't going to say that so easily.

Interesting.]

Remove the scarf, Valmont. Do not wear it in my presence.

[An order. She can easily do that.]

All those years? I'm hardly old, you know.

[Someone is sensitive about her age. Does it show? (It probably shows.)]

As for what you want to learn that is up to you. However, learning something of the blade wouldn't hurt should you be unable to cast magic for whatever reason.

[It's good to have options.]

That does sound similar to the kind of magic done in my world. Of course putting the enemy to sleep doesn't appear to be something we share between our worlds.

You see? You have a great deal to do here. And we could easily cook together. After all, I do so love to do it and I don't get to cook with company that often unfortunately.

[Usually she's cooking for other people. Which is vastly not the same thing.]

It will be good to have company in the kitchen with me.

[ There it is. Unconsciously, he runs his tongue over his lips, feeling something small and freeing shift within him. ]

Well... it would be bad form of me to refuse, wouldn't it?

[ In a moment the scarf's off, collar on display and leash cascading free, and maybe people are looking, but you know what? It was an order! He can't do anything about that! ]

Right. Well. That's over with. Shall we find a table?

[ His face is still burning, but this much, at least, he can handle. ]

I'd love to cook with you! There are so many different ingredients I saw here that I can't wait to try. I don't have many cooking utensils either I found a pot, a pan, and some silverware I'd love to get some more things that I could use.

[Ashe looked forward to being able to cook again with the new equipment that was around. Maybe he would be able to discover some ingredients that he could use too.]

What do you do around here?

[So it does work. He wants her to have the control over him. Oho but this is a fun development. She smiles as she walks closer to him.]

Find us a table, Valmont. One with a view. I want to enjoy that while we sit together.

[Okay so the order thing? It's a lot of fun.]

Oh you should see some of the spices they have too! It's amazing really!

[And the ovens and the stoves! It's been such a cooking wonder for someone like her. She smiles, almost looking giddy.]

Let's see, when I'm not at the school I'm usually at home. There's a good number of people I spend time with. Seteth, Sylvain, Atsushi... They're all quite the delight to have around.

I - I didn't mean you had to order me to do everything...

[ But it's barely a complaint. He's not going to protest now, not when every command she gives leaves a thrill running through him in its wake. Good god, how long has this tendency been in him? Maybe it's just an Iris thing. Maybe it'll go away on its own.

He's not entirely sure he'll be happy about that.

Right. A view, is it? See and be seen - she'll be putting him on display as much as anything. The thought is still tremendously embarrassing, but, well, an order is an order. He scans the shop, eyes settling on a small table near the front window. Nice and visible, and he tries not to betray his hammering heart as he points it out: ]

That one, then?

[ Does it meet her approval? ]

[Whoops. Looks like the tactless tactician has stumbled headfirst into a sensitive topic. If he says anything else to that, he's liable to dig himself deeper. Best hold his tongue... and use it for sarcasm instead, thanks.]

You're absolutely right. It wouldn't hurt my opponent. Not much. [The ones who aren't squishy, anyway.] They'll just counter my feeble attempt and crush my wanting defenses in two hits or less. And imagine if my enemy has backup to finish me off... I'd be better off ducking out of combat than openly embracing my death with good weapons made inferior by my hands. Inventory could be distributed more efficiently.

I can see where a situation like this might arise, though. Enemies that carry Silence are few and far between, but it can quickly render mages and healers all but useless for a while. [Does she know what he's talking about? He's curious to see.] In that case, a sword or a dagger might suffice for self-defense.

[She doesn't have to but clearly he wants her to. He's complaining but also seems very interested in it. Which is more than good enough for her. She smiles as he gets them a table. Well, finds them one as she asked.]

Perfect. Come along now.

[Going over to sit down, she makes sure to present herself in a way that does wonders to show off those lovely legs of hers. She knows they're some of her best assets.]

Really though, we will have to work on all the complaining. Especially when you love when I order you around.

I'm aware of the use of Silence, dear. I use that spell myself. There are several of my former students who do as well.

[Well, they do in her timeline. Keeping all the timelines straight was a nightmare she never really put effort into sorting through. There really isn't much point to trying, after all.]

I'm not sure what the mechanics of magic are where you come from but anyone can learn to use it and magic where I come from. I like the idea of people being open to many aspects of combat since there is always something that can be countered and it provides options to someone on the field.

[ At least she didn't pull him along by his leash, Valmont supposes, following her to the table. Baby steps.

But then Manuela busts out the L-word just as he's sitting down, and it's a miracle he doesn't miss the chair entirely. ]

Love - ? I don't recall saying anything of the - yes, I'll grant you it has its... enjoyable aspects, but - I'm doing it for you, that's all!

[ Yeah. Definite baby steps. ]

Yes, dear. You love it. Now...

[She smiles at the person coming to take their order and gets herself some tea, pretending like it's nothing unusual to be sitting across from someone wearing a collar and a leash.]

I categorically deny this.

[ Hell, in Prismatica, it's probably a lot less unusual than it could be, but he still tries not to blush or fidget too obviously with his collar as the waiter comes over. His eyes flicker to Manuela before he speaks - is he allowed to place his own order? ]

[ It's with intense reluctance that Valmont presses the call button on his communicator. But he's backed himself into a corner, and he can't think of anyone else to ask for help. He's been a good boy recently, relatively speaking, hasn't he? He can only hope Manuela will be inclined to listen. ]

Er, Miss Manuela, do you have a minute? I believe I may be in need of... some assistance.

[Valmont asking for help? Willingly? Color her impressed. It's certainly enough to hold her attention enough to set down what she's doing to call him back.]

My, what a surprise this is. And how can I help you, dear?

[ All right, he's got through the hard part. Now everything should be fine, if they can just pretend this is business as usual and no one acknowledges it's strange for him to be asking for help -

Oh god, she's acknowledging it, he can't do this. ]

I, er, that is...

[ If there's any mercy in this world, she won't also acknowledge the way heat's rising into his face until he's almost surprised steam doesn't shoot out his ears. He's got to say something, or she's going to start to think this is a sex thing, and for once, it isn't. ]

I was hoping - that is, wondering if - you know a thing or two about magic, don't you...?

Professor Casagranda,

I heard about the school you run, and was wondering how one might get a tour. I am a wizard with some experience in teaching, and was curious about both possibly attending and teaching, if such could work out and would be allowed.

--Harry Dresden

Well, you are on the right track for getting a tour since one should speak to me about that. I can't say I've had anyone who wanted to attend and teach but I wouldn't be opposed. Of course after we talk. I do like to make sure I can trust my staff before people in charge.

Would later today work for you?

Yes. We all know you have a denial issue.

[She waves her hand to give him permission to put his order in. Really now. He's got so much denial and yet he can't get enough of obeying her every whim. It's quite the power trip actually. One she thoroughly enjoys.]

I know a good deal about magic, Valmont. I use it and I have taught it for several years now.

[What is this about magic? She lifts a brow higher as she waits for him to explain himself. Honestly she has a feeling she'll enjoy where this goes.]

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