----------------------------------------------
BOUQUET ESTATE - AFTERNOON
----------------------------------------------
Narrator: Having received word that Ninell is welcome, Lis, one of the Estate maids guides the Knight through the halls, leading to a small sitting room with a nice window. She opens the door for Ninell and motion him inside, "I'll go let Master Calgwen know you're here, Sir. Make yourself comfortable."
Ninell, dressed in some of his preferred day-wear, nods amicably at the maid, smiling appreciatively at the assistance given. He answers as he goes to enter the room, careful to not accidentally brush against anything that might topple with his long tail. "Thank you, Miss. I appreciate your assistance."
Lis bows to Ninell with a smile and heads off to find Calgwen.
Ninell starts to look around the sitting room once the maid departs, his curiosity getting the better of him as he takes in the splendor of the manor. Though, his wonder is less about the wealth on display, and more the differences in how it's put on display compared to Eukune.]
Calgwen enters several moments later, towel in hand as he is wiping off his hands. The Dragon's ears are a bit extended out, slightly fuzzy and flopping down. He seems somewhat smaller than before, his suit uncharacteristically ill-fitting. "Ah, apologies for the delay, Ninell! I asked for some snacks to be brought in as soon as they're ready. Just some fruit and cheese. Things have been a little strange around here."
Ninell turns with a smile to greet Calgwen, having been inspecting the inscription on a stone bust with some curiosity moments earlier. His smile falters, though, when he sees the difference in appearance from when he last saw his friend. "It is, er... quite all right, Calgwen. Are... are you well, though? You seem a little different than before."]
Calgwen clears his throat, reaching up to adjust how his suit falls, "Ah, yes, as I said, things have been a bit odd. A bit of an incident with Rondelethia," he pauses, aware that he can't quite reveal his fiance's pregnancy yet, though it's the worst kept secret in the manor. "Nothing serious, mind you, but it triggered a bit of a transformation. We weren't quite expecting it to impact me as well, but I suppose these things happen. The worst part about it is that my bespoke wardrobe is sadly unprepared for such a thing."
Ninell gets a slightly uncertain, almost uneasy look on his face as he watches Calgwen fiddling with his suit. "Nothing serious... Are you certain? Transformation magic is... not something I would call 'not serious'... so if there is anything I might do that could help you...?"
Calgwen chuckles, letting his laugh die out into a sigh, "I know, I know. And it's not something we're dismissing or playing off. But... we know the reason, and we're doing our best to deal with it as we can. In short... Rondelethia is becoming draconic, but that dragon magic had to come from somewhere, hence..." he motions up towards his ears.
Ninell hums quietly, concern clear on his face as he runs a hand over the top of his head just to give himself something to do as he processes the information. "Well, as long as you know of the cause... though, I can understand not wishing to divulge the information in general." He sighs a bit, though he blinks and gives Calgwen a bit of a curious look after a second or so of quiet thought, "...Though, I do find myself curious. What does this mean for you, as a dragon, losing some of your magic in this fashion?"
Calgwen bows his head in a bit of shame, "Apologies Ninell, you're a good friend, and I would tell you the whole story if not for Rondelethia. I have to put her first. But when I'm able, I shall let you know the whole story." He pauses to consider his hand, looking at the claws, "It's not a thrilling aspect... it's strange. But at the same time, I know that this magic is protecting Rondelethia, and so I'm comfortable with the purpose of the change, even if the feeling itself is strange."
Ninell hums a bit and shakes his head. "I mean you, personally, Calgwen. I recall you mentioning that you have had quite a long life before now, a trait that my kind have not had for a very, very long time." He looks again at Calgwen's changed ears for a moment, "Will this transfer of magic cause issues in that regard? Your magic may be protecting Rondelethia in whatever is going on, but it also would mean that some of that same protection is lost from you, yes?"
Calgwen walks over towards the table and sets a hand upon it, "I suppose I can't say... but we have reasons to believe it will pass, and then things should go back to the way they were, more or less. And Rondelethia's sister Teis is conducting some tests in case as well, and I trust her skills. So for now, it is a unique experience, and certainly never one I imagined. And that is what life is about, yes?"
Ninell nods as he goes over to the table as well, following after Calgwen... and also more closely looking at the changes for a few moments while he's facing away. "About witnessing and being a part of new experiences, yes. Though, changes of such a magnitude, especially unexpected ones, are... hm..." He trails off with a little, thoughtful sigh, not really sure how to phrase it.
Calgwen nods, "Ah, yes. Concerning, at the least. I appreciate your sentiment, Ninell, I do. I don't expect these changes are quite over for me, or I would have gotten a new suit. I suppose I'll have to find 'something' to wear if I get any smaller. I must look a fright."
Ninell seems a little lost in thought as he gazes at Calgwen with distant eyes for a second, before he just shakes his head. He seems to have missed a bit of what Calgwen just said as he answers. "Well, I suppose this is not Eukune. Different places, different customs..." He quirks up a little smile and reaches over to gently adjust a bit of his friend's suit that's bunching up just a little oddly, "You do not look too bad, but certainly not as, ah... sharp as you tend to present yourself, yes."
Calgwen sighs, looking more crestfallen by that accusation than of anything regarding the changes, "Ah, it's true. Still, perhaps I can make something work." He rubs his chin thoughtfully, then glances towards Ninell. "What about Eukune, hm? If I might ask? We've discussed your homeland a bit before. I assume such changes are rather rare there?"
Ninell grimaces a little, shifting awkwardly for a few moments at the question. "Ah, well... about that... Yes, those sorts of changes are... quite rare, and for good reason... But since we are friends, and alone..." He glances around for a moment, clearly a bit uncomfortable as he lets out a quiet sigh, "Similar transformations are occasionally used as a form of punishment for especially severe cases of insubordination in some regional militaries."
Calgwen listens carefully, frowning slightly. "Ah, I see. I hope it's not too uncomfortable. In this case, it is simply a..." He hestitates to say 'accident', "Ah, again, I must apologize that I cannot give you the full story, but let us simply say the outcome is a desired one, and these changes are simply a means to that end. When it is over, it will overall be a positive gain for everyone."
Ninell shakes his head a little as he continues to explain, now that it's in the open between him and Calgwen. "I can understand the reasoning, even if it sits poorly. If someone is confident enough to disobey orders from a superior... put them into a body they are uncomfortable in for some stretch of time before changing them back." He sighs again as he glances away for a second, "But if the outcome is something you and Rondelethia are wishing for, then I hope these changes will leave no lasting marks on either of you."]
Calgwen nods, "As do we both, thank you. It seems a strange, but perhaps effective punishment? Rondelethia and I have certainly had some struggles in getting used to even the small changes."
Ninell hums quietly, nodding in turn. "Insubordination is often a result of supreme confidence in oneself over anyone else. Shake one's confidence, and one is more likely to follow orders afterwards." He shakes his head, "But it is not a punishment that is given lightly."
Calgwen: "Most cases I have heard from Sarn are results of magical mishap, or in more extreme cases, of a curse. I'm not terribly learned in magic, however. Both Rondelethia and her sister have far more experience than I in that regard. Still... I should hope it is not given lightly, yes."
Ninell takes a few seconds to rub his chin. "As I said, it tends to be reserved for especially bad cases of insubordination. Thankfully, what you and Rondelethia are going through seems to be unexpected, but still at least somewhat planned." He hitches up a small smile, "And if Teis is as skilled with magic as you say, then... I am hoping these changes do not inconvenience you two all too much."
Calgwen chuckles, "Suit sizings and dietary preferences aside, we've managed to maintain things around here quite well. But ah, my apologies, there's no need to linger on this. How have you been, Ninell?"
Ninell hums, his smile growing a bit more. "I have been well, and helping Aelia with her studio as best as I am able to, though she knows far more about dancing than I."
Calgwen hears a knock at the door, and calls for the servant to enter, with Lis returning to bring in some snacks and refreshments. Calgwen motions for Ninell to take a seat first, "Oh, I imagine she would. She was earning quite the reputation in Sarn, from my understanding. A rather brilliant talent, such a waste if she were to never utilize it again."
Ninell goes to take a seat at the table once offered, then nods in agreement. "She really is quite amazing at what she can do, yes. I have been learning a bit from her, to help her further around the studio, but I am still but a student when it comes to the dances she can perform."
Calgwen takes a seat once Ninell settles in, "I have two left feet myself, but I suppose you must have some degree of coordination, being competent in combat as you are." He hums, "I have submitted some permits to build a theater in Respite... my offer still stands if she ever wishs to teach or perform there, but I won't pressure her."
Ninell chuckles. "If you wish to try and pose the question again, she is available whenever you might wish to do so, at the moment. She does seem to really want to make something of her time here in Aephix, so now that she has settled in more comfortably... maybe she will be more amenable."
Calgwen nods, taking a piece of fruit from the tray. "Ah, that is good to hear! I know she was having some difficulties, but I had really hoped things would turn around for her."
Ninell likewise snags a piece of fruit and takes a hearty nibble out of it. "She still has some things to be sorted out, yes, but stability certainly has been proving helpful in that regard. Given a little more time, I suspect she will be happy to consider your offer again."
Calgwen hums, "Good. I do suspect your influence has likely helped her. Ah! Not that I mean to pry. Only that, it seems you have been quite a helpful presence, along with her other employee."
Ninell tilts his head curiously for a moment. "Her other...?" He blinks, then nods hastily, "Ah, yes, you must mean Phoebe? Yes, between the two of us, we are able to help Aelia out quite a bit, and ensure she can focus on doing what she is able to do best."
Calgwen: "Very good! I'm glad you and Phoebe both have found a way to help her along." He takes a piece of cheese and chews it thoughtfully for a moment, "That... is a story I wish to know the whole of someday. But again, I have no wish to pry."
Ninell hums, smiling. "I am sure Aelia will tell you one day, yes. Or Phoebe and I can if Aelia would rather we tell you once she is ready."
Calgwen raises a hand, chuckling, "Quite fair, yes. I can make my interest known when I next ask her about performing. It will take some time before my theater is constructed anyways, so there will be time." He smirks at Ninell, "Perhaps you would like to perform there as well, if your dancing improves enough?"
Ninell chuckles in turn. "Oh, I am fair at dancing as it is, but I do not know dances from Sarn, or any of the other realms of the world. I do, however, know several dances of Eukune by heart, if that might also find a place in the theater, one day."
Calgwen nods, "It might indeed! I would be intrigued to see it, at least. Perhaps others would as well, who can say?"
Ninell shrugs, still smiling as he finishes off a piece of fruit and opts for a slice of cheese as his next snack. "Who can say, indeed? I have definitely heard that unusual performances tend to draw crowds out of sheer curiosity."
Calgwen: "They often can. I do hope to employ the buskers who operate in the market as well. At the very least, I'd like to give them a place to perform, even if they wish to continue to do their shows for charity."
Ninell nods along. "I do recall seeing them performing in the past. They even put on a performance a few times regarding some more recent events, did they not?"
Calgwen hums, "They did indeed, some rather heroic seeming plays about the War against the Saur, though with some of the Saur settling into town, my understanding is they have opted to ah, 'retire' those performances. Still, a very talented lot."
Ninell hums in agreement. "Agreed. Did you inquire with them to see if they might be interested in performing once your theater opens up? It would certainly open up many opportunities for them, supported by a nobleman in such a way."
Calgwen nods, taking another piece of cheese, but simply holding it in hand for the moment, "I did. They have expressed interest, but would prefer to do things 'their way'. I assume they think I wish to place some creative restraints upon them, so it will simply take a bit of time to establish some trust, and things here have been a little hectic of late."
Ninell nods again as he samples the cheese slice he'd grabbed from the plate. A short raising of his eyebrows shows he's quite appreciative of the flavor. "Of course, there are numerous moving parts in all of this, on your end, and undoubtedly on their end as well. Some of the things most worthwhile take time to come to fruition, though."
Calgwen chuckles, "Oh, trust me, I know. But I wish to do something that will benefit the town, and truly have a lasting effect."
Ninell grins. "If the theater is capable of achieving popularity as theaters and similar places in Eukune see... it will leave quite a lasting legacy, indeed, as long as it is built to last."
Calgwen lifts his chin proudly, "I wish to ensure it is. You'll have to tell me more about the kinds of entertainment which are popular in Eukune. In Sarn, it is a good deal of performative dance and song, at least amongst the nobles. It can be very impressive to watch, but I find the more story driven performances to be more entertaining."
Ninell likewise seems to be quite proud of the topic of conversation. "My kind in Eukune love the performing arts. Music, theater, dance... and even such things as chanting and ritualistic performances are somewhat common." He gives Calgwen a smile, "I believe you would enjoy your time in Eukune when you do get the time to visit."
Calgwen hums, considering it. "I believe so. Perhaps someday I can get Rondelethia to go away with me on a vacation."
Ninell nods. "Perhaps once you two have settled back down from your current situation, yes. Hopefully, by then, I will be free enough to accompany you with Aelia and Phoebe, and give you a proper tour of my homeland."
Calgwen: "Ah, I would be honored to be on such a tour, Ninell. And yes, once things calm down." He chuckles to himself, "That may be some time, but we shall see."
Ninell chuckles in turn. "Indeed, given some time, like most things, we can simply plan for the vague future, yes? After all, much can happen in a short stretch of time."
Calgwen chuckles, giving his hand another once over, as if expecting fur to grow in any second now, "Indeed, no need to make definite plans just yet, but we can at least discuss a potential trip and... well, we shall see what happens!" The two continue to talk through the afternoon, snacking a bit as they discuss what a hypothetical walking tour of Eukune might look like.