Video | un: runaway

[hideawayparadise]

[It's only because in his world the Fae typically don't use technology like this that he dares to show his face so openly. But honestly, Riley feels that the people here are more likely to be able to answer a question he has.]

Hi there.

[He offers a little smile and a wave.]

I guess you could say I'm a new guy here. But I have a bit of a weird question if anyone thinks they can answer it.

[He pushes his fingers through his blond waves before continuing.]

Do you think any of this could be Fae trickery?

[There's a laugh and he waves his hand like he's dismissing his own question.]

Okay, okay. Weirdness aside, what food would you guys recommend me trying? I figured I'd go get something to eat before finding a place to stay.

Comments

[outspokenlan]

[Jingyi gives a sheepish look.]

Oh, I see. Is that how you can identify a Fae? Someone healthy but slight in build?

[He tentatively takes a bite of his skewer, relieved he's not harming his new friend in some way.

Besides, of course, being somewhat tactless about his weight.]

[hideawayparadise]

One of them. There's different kinds but most often they'll be very slight like me.

[Riley shrugs some.]

Most of what I've learned is from books. I'm still figuring out how much of it is real but I have noticed that one is a good indicator.

[outspokenlan]

Huh.. well I've never met one before, I don't think. I'm glad the first one I met is you!

[He glances around as though trying to spy other suspiciously skinny people.]

You seemed worried about running into other ones but you're really relaxed about it now. Are you needing protection?

[hideawayparadise]

So far there's only one Fae here that I know of and he's not a fan of them either. He's already said he won't reveal me to them if they show up. Besides that I've had lots of people say they'll have my back.

[He picks a piece of meat off the stick with his fingers before putting it in his mouth.]

So I actually feel safer right now than I have in the past six years.

[outspokenlan]

Already? You just arrived here. Did you know them before you got here?

[Now that's talent! Get a bunch of people you just met to come to your defense. It was a nice statement about this strange city. He smiles.]

I'm glad you feel safe.

[hideawayparadise]

No. He replied to my post like you did and the other people did. People here are really great.

[He smiles back at him.]

I miss my family but this is the first time in awhile I haven't felt like I need to look over my shoulder ever five minutes. I like it.

[outspokenlan]

Hopefully we can all return to our families eventually or this world's magic will bring them here to us. Either way, that's wonderful that you've found such great support here. When I arrived there were a number of my elders here so I also found support right away.

[He tugs some meat off the skewer and offers a bite to Riley.]

This one is really good! You should try it!

Do you need somewhere to stay tonight?

[hideawayparadise]

[Without thinking much about it, he leans over to take the bite from his fingers with his mouth. It's something he always did with his family and friends so it doesn't occur to him in that moment it might be a little forward.]

Mm. You're right. That's so good. Here try this one.

[He holds out a piece of his for Jingyi to try.]

No. I've got a place to live. I'm going to go there after I eat. Well after I eat and finish hanging out with you. Don't want to ditch you or something like that!

[outspokenlan]

[Jingyi blushes as he watches the shameless act. He's never been flirted with so boldly before (or really at all) so he doesn't know what to do. He debates if he should make an excuse and leave. However, besides this incident Riley has been nothing but respectful and friendly. He tries to give him the benefit of the doubt.. but he might need to ask someone about it later.

When the meat is held out to him, he hesitates. He finds he can't bring himself to do the same in return. His heart belongs elsewhere. He hopes this will be a subtle and gentle rejection as he picks the piece up from Riley's hand before eating it.]

Oh, please, don't feel obligated to wait for me. I understand.

[Pause.]

I could help you find your way with this city being new to you.

[That wasn't too forward was it?]

[hideawayparadise]

Good right?

[Riley doesn't think anything of Jingyi taking it with his fingers instead. He just smiles then looks around to watch the people around them. It's nice being able to share some food with a new friend. It reminds him of eating with his friends back home.]

I don't mind waiting until we're done eating together. This is nice. Besides, having you show me around would be really great. That way I won't get lost!

[outspokenlan]

[Jingyi hums happily at the flavor of the meat and nods enthusiastically. He'd be glad to help out and show Riley the way and this skewer is yummy!

Although, a moment later the spice hits him and he coughs. His eyes widen as his mouth feels like it just got lit on fire.]

Are they trying to kill us?!

[hideawayparadise]

[Riley stares at Jingyi in shock, trying to figure out what is going on and patting his back in confused sympathy.]

Um...no? You okay?

[outspokenlan]

[It takes Jingyi another moment or two to get over the assault on his tongue.]

I- it's just really spicy. My clan doesn't use such hot ingredients.

[hideawayparadise]

Oh um...

[Cup...cup... He doesn't have one of those. So he instead summons water form into a ball of water.]

Here. If you put this to your lips you can drink from it.

[outspokenlan]

[The sudden appearance of a ball of water is almost enough to distract him from the lava in his mouth. He doesn't have time to fully appreciate it before he is urgently sucking on it. It's so weird but cool!

After a moment or two, he feels he can breath again. Sadly, the ball of water is gone.]

What was that? How did you do that?

[hideawayparadise]

Water. I just controlled it to stay in a ball.

[He forms another one in offering.]

It's magic I can do. Forming and controlling water. Though usually I'm better at it if I'm near a source of it...

[outspokenlan]

[Jingyi stares at it in amazement. It feels strange in his hand, but what a useful technique!]

Can you teach me how to do this?

[hideawayparadise]

Oh uh...

[He has to think about that.]

I could try? Do you know how to use magic?

[outspokenlan]

[He nods with a grin.]

I've been training with my golden core since I was young! I am well versed in cultivation!

[hideawayparadise]

I could try then. But don't get upset if it doesn't work, okay? I just have a very strong connection to water for some reason. Even I don't really know how my magic works.

[Because he's stumbled into figuring out most of what he can do.]

[outspokenlan]

No promises, I might sob for a week if I can't.

[He snickers.]

It would be fun at least to help you practice!

[hideawayparadise]

[He snorts a little.]

Honestly I just sort of envision holding a bubble of water in my hand and it forms.

[He demonstrates...and there it is.]

That's how I learned everything I can do with water actually. And illusions.

[outspokenlan]

[He blinks at it and then looks at his own hand. He concentrates but.. nothing happens. Scowling, he tries again.]

You have to be doing something! Can you feel where your producing that from your energy?

[What was that thing about not getting upset?]

[hideawayparadise]

Well I did say I don't really know how it works. It just happens. Before I learned that I was doing magic I'd just suddenly make something I touched cold and I figured it would be a fluke. A weird coincidence.

[He turns the ball of water into ice that looks like a crashing wave.]

After I learned I have magic I would just...do things on instinct when I thought about them. Well as far as water and illusions go. I still haven't figured out the rest.

[outspokenlan]

Oooh! That's pretty! Can you make a bunny?

[Pause.]

What if I was around you when you did some illusions and I can see if I can tell where the magic is coming from within you? I'd just have to touch your wrist while you do it. Would that be okay?