They were in one of the main amateur galleries, where talented young minds had hung their various pieces on the wall for display and possible sale. After a lengthy chat with the curator, the arachnid shifter was accomodating his own section of wall with a giant mural that had been hanging around in his room for a while. Xerksis recalled being allowed to place paint on his fingers and smear them down the canvas at one point and tried looking for the spot while workers in the gallery carefully placed the mural on the wall under Nozami's instruction.
The brunette stared through paint-streaked bangs at the workers, his brown eyes reluctant and wary. It was all he could do to calm himself by playing with his lip-ring by occassionally flicking his tongue over it. Every now and then, he'd glance over to Xerksis, who sat in the corner busily muttering nonsense to his two favorite plush toys. So long as the kid didn't get hurt or anything, he'd be in the clear with his own father for allowing him out to do his own errands rather than playing with Xerk.
'You need to get out more!' That was what the reason for the whole thing was. Because apparently his choosing to keep to his room wasn't healthy. The odd thing was that in all technicality that room was outside and constantly plagued with snow. So the entire argument was a bit... lacking in the point. Still, here he was carrying the infant with him out for the day. The first promising place he'd seen for a good safe walk to waste time had been a gallery, thus the feline demon had chosen that for the topic. It seemed to be working well enough, even with the one dragon constantly making him think that some piece of art was going to get clawmarks from his nearly crashlanding on it. Which seemed to be amusing the child in his arms greatly, well to some extent.
Shaeria was more than happy to stare at the colourful things while clinging to the blue jacketed dragon in her arms, and Aru was happy to comply to being held. It was Edo who couldn't make up his mind about if he was going to perch on Tsuya's shoulder, or fly. The dragon was barely five inches long , but had taken to 'mastering' flight as soon as possible. Where Aru was happy to sit back and learn slowly. The two dragons had little in common aside from liking the child, which had been imprinted on as being 'mommy' to en extent. Ironic that such a young child was already somethings parent, but wierder things had happened.
The walk was going rather easy with Shae sometimes making a pleased little noise at a particular piece and then moving on again. Until the teenager managed to blunder into a room after Edo. The dragon had been first in, darting around a corner after circling the blue haired boy's hair and then nearly colliding with a wall. Then swooping around and through a door. That had been how the pair came to be watching some men putting up a piece of art, a particularly large one.
Obviously they weren't supposed to be in here yet. The boy quickly glanced up to try and call back the dragon only to find it circling something that ws a bit out of place. A young child, a bit older than Shaeria, was sitting off to the side playing. It was only understable that the dragon would like younger people, seeing as it was always around the infant, but it was practically falling on the kid's head a few times in it's curiosity. What a bother, they would be getting into trouble at this rate.
The young gelfling was too busy watching the men fiddle with the huge canvas to notice her little friend's antics at first. The thing seemed huge, like... Ymir big, to her. And colorful. It was mainly the colours that had caught her attention, it was like when the family was together. Lots and lots of colours. And being together as a group was good, so the mural was quite pleasing to the young child, earning a large smile as she reached one hand out for the thing, the other still clutching the minute dragon in her arms.
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Big and pretty. That's what the painting was to her. Big pretty and colourful. Like... like... The infant's face scrunched as she attempted to liken the thing to something she knew. Like a box of crayons. She saw theother kids make colourful things with them, so they were good. Yes, it was like a box of crayons. Which made it good. And anything that was good was to be adored. Or at least until something more interesting showed up.
Aru wasn't nearly as distracted with the painting. The dragon had watched the other's antics with the child with mild interest. It didn't seem like the best of ideas, especially with the boy had reached out to catch him. Of course, that wasn't enough to ward off Edo. Oh no, he was used to younger people reaching out for him happily. That was normal, Shaeria would catch him all the time. It didn't mean he was going to flop over into a strange person's arms though. He managed a messy dodge, at least his body did. Perhaps it wasn't so wise to leave the dragons dressed in their darling outfits. The lightweight cloth certainly did trail after him and if Xerksis had any sense of aim he'd have caught it.
Tsuya frowned slightly as he watched the dragon. Didn't it have any common sense? It should have come back right away... what was it's name? "Edo, stop that." It was more of a worthless plea than a command, and the chances of the dragon listening were little to none. However, there was one main use to it. Shaeria's attention was caught and she quickly hunted for the location of Edo upon hearing his name. Which led her to an odd scene indeed.
Aru wasn't nearly as distracted with the painting. The dragon had watched the other's antics with the child with mild interest. It didn't seem like the best of ideas, especially with the boy had reached out to catch him. Of course, that wasn't enough to ward off Edo. Oh no, he was used to younger people reaching out for him happily. That was normal, Shaeria would catch him all the time. It didn't mean he was going to flop over into a strange person's arms though. He managed a messy dodge, at least his body did. Perhaps it wasn't so wise to leave the dragons dressed in their darling outfits. The lightweight cloth certainly did trail after him and if Xerksis had any sense of aim he'd have caught it.
Tsuya frowned slightly as he watched the dragon. Didn't it have any common sense? It should have come back right away... what was it's name? "Edo, stop that." It was more of a worthless plea than a command, and the chances of the dragon listening were little to none. However, there was one main use to it. Shaeria's attention was caught and she quickly hunted for the location of Edo upon hearing his name. Which led her to an odd scene indeed.
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Trying to get away from him was it? The child was little detered by it, thinking it a game. A triumphant cry boomed forth as he managed to grab hold of the tail of that red coat. He did like to win. Edo was to be yanked down towards the boy, the hand not holding onto the clothes reachin out to grope out at whatever he could get, wanting to begin his exploration right away. In his excitement, he didn't think to be gentle. He was hardly ever gentle to begin with, not quite grasping the concept of it yet, unfortunately for the little dragon.
Hardly any attention was paid to the apparent owners of this dragon. What did they really matter at the moment? "C'mere..." He muttered at the creature, continuing to try and tug the poor thing closer, ever so curious and quite certain it would sit there nicely for him.
Hardly any attention was paid to the apparent owners of this dragon. What did they really matter at the moment? "C'mere..." He muttered at the creature, continuing to try and tug the poor thing closer, ever so curious and quite certain it would sit there nicely for him.
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Shaeria let out a little noise of protest as she saw the dragon yanked down out of the sky. Edo didn't look happy, not at all. What was the word you use when people were bad? She'd barely mastered that mommy thing that made Raja so happy, so the concept seemed so hard. Still, she had a new thing to reach for, this time far more frantically than her previous object of interest. For this time it wasn'tjust a pretty thing, but her friend. Her little friend who liked playing.
Even if the gelfling wasn't very loud in her protest, Edo made up for it. A rather loud mixture of a chirp and a squawk was emitted as he came to an abrupt halt as the fabric caught in the boy's hand. A moment as he hovered floating and then he was reeled in toward this stranger easily. Not that he was too worried it it, not at all. Recovering from the origionally lost composure he quickly hissed at the thing holding him. And tried to snap at it with the tiny little fangs he had. The dragon rarely listened to anyone, even his keeper, so why would he stand down and sit like a good boy. Especially when he didn't even understand the command given. Especially when the kid was hurting him.
From bad to worse, why couldn't a day go normally. Still, he had to go get the dragon, Shae was actually whining a bit. Which meant it was a big thing to her. A few quick steps brought him over toward the child. Kneeling down had him at the kids level in a moment, the problem was that before he got to say anything the infant was already babbling.
"Edo!" The title had been given since it was just the thing she'd managed to call the creature. It was simple enough she'd managed to blurt it out one day, though no one knew if it was really meant for the creature, it had stuck. So of course it was the first thing to escape her while she reached out to hopefully snatch the dragon. Not that she could quite reach him with the one outstretched arm. The other still craddled the rather bewildered looking Aru. But it was obvious who the dragon in question would rather be around.
Switching from snapping at the other boy he quickly made to escape for the outstretched arm, squeeking rather loudly as he did.
Even if the gelfling wasn't very loud in her protest, Edo made up for it. A rather loud mixture of a chirp and a squawk was emitted as he came to an abrupt halt as the fabric caught in the boy's hand. A moment as he hovered floating and then he was reeled in toward this stranger easily. Not that he was too worried it it, not at all. Recovering from the origionally lost composure he quickly hissed at the thing holding him. And tried to snap at it with the tiny little fangs he had. The dragon rarely listened to anyone, even his keeper, so why would he stand down and sit like a good boy. Especially when he didn't even understand the command given. Especially when the kid was hurting him.
From bad to worse, why couldn't a day go normally. Still, he had to go get the dragon, Shae was actually whining a bit. Which meant it was a big thing to her. A few quick steps brought him over toward the child. Kneeling down had him at the kids level in a moment, the problem was that before he got to say anything the infant was already babbling.
"Edo!" The title had been given since it was just the thing she'd managed to call the creature. It was simple enough she'd managed to blurt it out one day, though no one knew if it was really meant for the creature, it had stuck. So of course it was the first thing to escape her while she reached out to hopefully snatch the dragon. Not that she could quite reach him with the one outstretched arm. The other still craddled the rather bewildered looking Aru. But it was obvious who the dragon in question would rather be around.
Switching from snapping at the other boy he quickly made to escape for the outstretched arm, squeeking rather loudly as he did.
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At the squeaking and carry-ons, Nozami finally had to admit to himself that there was something else that probably required his attention. And when he turned, the artist was able to see just how much trouble Xerksis had made for himself in such a short amount of time. He watched as the little dragon managed to chomp into the boy's hand, and how the child's eyes suddenly widened. It was probably the first time the boy had ever experienced the sensation of pain, keeping in mind that Kyo had done very well to keep him sheltered and happy.
Confusion was in Xerksis for a moment, though his grip was almost a vice as far as toddler-strength went. He didn't know what this feeling was, but he did know the action was done with irritation. And that wasn't good, in his opinion- not even this neat little thing was going to be mean to him when he was just trying to look it over! The boy growled and gave the thing a reproachful shake, trying to snatch his hand back. When the girl got closer and began to call for the thing, however, his feelings quickly shifted.
Possessively, he yanked the dragon in an attempt to get it back in his vacinity, radiating anger and determination. "No." He told the girl firmly, pushing at her arm. "I'm looking."
"Xerksis!" Nozami hardly ever raised his voice. Even as a child, he was quiet and unmoved by anything; dispassionate. To hear the familar voice in such a tenor was enough to make the toddler glance over... as well as a loosening in his grip with which Edo could use to get away. The arachnid abandoned his painting to step towards the scene, his voice lowering. "Don't cause trouble..."
Confusion was in Xerksis for a moment, though his grip was almost a vice as far as toddler-strength went. He didn't know what this feeling was, but he did know the action was done with irritation. And that wasn't good, in his opinion- not even this neat little thing was going to be mean to him when he was just trying to look it over! The boy growled and gave the thing a reproachful shake, trying to snatch his hand back. When the girl got closer and began to call for the thing, however, his feelings quickly shifted.
Possessively, he yanked the dragon in an attempt to get it back in his vacinity, radiating anger and determination. "No." He told the girl firmly, pushing at her arm. "I'm looking."
"Xerksis!" Nozami hardly ever raised his voice. Even as a child, he was quiet and unmoved by anything; dispassionate. To hear the familar voice in such a tenor was enough to make the toddler glance over... as well as a loosening in his grip with which Edo could use to get away. The arachnid abandoned his painting to step towards the scene, his voice lowering. "Don't cause trouble..."
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No. She knew that word. No meant she couldn't have it. Or it was denied. He'd told her no and shoved her back. And Edo was pulled away too. That wasn't good at all, but she didn't know the words to counter it. She wasn't good at speaking yet so only a single word was repated. "Edo! Edo!" As if that would get the point across. Though this time it was less desperate and slight anger seeping in, the influence coming mainly from the boy. She didn't know why, but the fact he wouldn't give back her friend was making her want to do something back to upset him. To make him comply. Even if it didn't seem right.
The dragon wasn't about to sit still for a second,even when he was drug further away from the outstretched arm he continued his attempt to escape. He didn't like this person, they were rough, they didn't let go. He wanted to go. Finally his break came. A loud noise and the grip loosened. The dragon practically hurled himself at the arm and clawed his way up onto the gelflings shoulder huffing and managing a few shrill squeeks here and there. Still, once out of the other child's reach he calmed down a good bit and simply gave the boy death glares mixed with mild hisses from his perch.
Shaerie only had a moment to run a hand over the dragon's back before it was up between her neck and Tsuya's chest. Reaching behind her was a skill she hadn't yet mastered, so he was as out of reach as he could be. Still, she had gotten what she'd wanted. Sort of. There was another person there now. Someone she didn't know and Tsuya seemed rather bothered by the whole event.
And he was. Social skills were something he'd never had an abundance of, and worse yet his shy side was starting to kick in. They were in trouble, that much he knew. Edo had tried to hurt the kid, even if the kid had grabbed him. It wasn't something that was allowed. You were supposed to keep dangerous pets on leashes or something so... "Uh... umm... I" He'd turned to the older male while shying away from the other child a bit to ensure no further dragon snatching. "I'm sorry about that. He doesn't usually bite people or..." Ok, he didn't really know, but he had to say something. "He didn't mean it!" Even if the dragon was still hissing in a manner that suggested otherwise.
The dragon wasn't about to sit still for a second,even when he was drug further away from the outstretched arm he continued his attempt to escape. He didn't like this person, they were rough, they didn't let go. He wanted to go. Finally his break came. A loud noise and the grip loosened. The dragon practically hurled himself at the arm and clawed his way up onto the gelflings shoulder huffing and managing a few shrill squeeks here and there. Still, once out of the other child's reach he calmed down a good bit and simply gave the boy death glares mixed with mild hisses from his perch.
Shaerie only had a moment to run a hand over the dragon's back before it was up between her neck and Tsuya's chest. Reaching behind her was a skill she hadn't yet mastered, so he was as out of reach as he could be. Still, she had gotten what she'd wanted. Sort of. There was another person there now. Someone she didn't know and Tsuya seemed rather bothered by the whole event.
And he was. Social skills were something he'd never had an abundance of, and worse yet his shy side was starting to kick in. They were in trouble, that much he knew. Edo had tried to hurt the kid, even if the kid had grabbed him. It wasn't something that was allowed. You were supposed to keep dangerous pets on leashes or something so... "Uh... umm... I" He'd turned to the older male while shying away from the other child a bit to ensure no further dragon snatching. "I'm sorry about that. He doesn't usually bite people or..." Ok, he didn't really know, but he had to say something. "He didn't mean it!" Even if the dragon was still hissing in a manner that suggested otherwise.
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The constant whining, the way the dragon strained for the girl... all of it was aggitating him and egging on his anger and frustration. He had tasted envy once before, and now he was feeling it again. The dragon belonged to the girl, he conceeded, but boiled over it while gripping his throbbing hand. Tiny pecks of red had began to show up, beginning to swell in size. Xerksis would have watched in amazement if he weren't so preoccupied. "Shut up." He told Shaerie, exercising his own first mouth-words.
Nozami loomed closer, unaware and likely uncaring of the snow leopard's shy tendancies. He was focused on Xerksis, who seemed to be bleeding. Ohh, he was going to get so much s**t for this, even though the boy probably deserved it for grabbing at foreign objects. At the words, the artist hefted a brow. "Didn't he, though?" A tan hand reached out for Xerksis, grabbing the boy's wrist gently enough and tugging it towards him for inspection. However, he didn't seem angry, turning the hand over. "Don't touch it." He was informing the Mindflayer. He was mildly wondering whether or not to get some disinfectant.
Xerksis ignored Nozami, allowing his hand to be looked over. He pushed to a stand, wobbling on unsteady legs made weak by sitting for so long. He copied Edo's look to a point, glaring at the dragon before turning it on Shae. For a moment, he held it, quite irritated with her, and very disappointed. "S'dumb..." He huffed, looking away again.
Nozami loomed closer, unaware and likely uncaring of the snow leopard's shy tendancies. He was focused on Xerksis, who seemed to be bleeding. Ohh, he was going to get so much s**t for this, even though the boy probably deserved it for grabbing at foreign objects. At the words, the artist hefted a brow. "Didn't he, though?" A tan hand reached out for Xerksis, grabbing the boy's wrist gently enough and tugging it towards him for inspection. However, he didn't seem angry, turning the hand over. "Don't touch it." He was informing the Mindflayer. He was mildly wondering whether or not to get some disinfectant.
Xerksis ignored Nozami, allowing his hand to be looked over. He pushed to a stand, wobbling on unsteady legs made weak by sitting for so long. He copied Edo's look to a point, glaring at the dragon before turning it on Shae. For a moment, he held it, quite irritated with her, and very disappointed. "S'dumb..." He huffed, looking away again.
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She hadn't understood what was said. Though the tone was bad, not friendly at all. Not nice, not happy. She didn't like it, but Edo was fine. So he couldn't be all bad. Even if the dragon was having a hissy fit behind her.
Tsuya was left with a question that did cause him to slump slightly, averting his gaze. "Y-yes... but... he was just scared. He only hatched back in December. He's young." Feeble excuses given with no conviction, but what was he to do? It was kind of his fault. He hadn't controlled the dragon. "Is he alright? I'm really sorry about this..." Gods, what more could happen. Oh wait, the seal could break and some rampaging demon would kill them. There was that. So it could be worse, just not much worse.
Edo didn't flinch under the heavy stare. Only returned it while snapping his mouth open and shut a few times as if threatening to repeat the oh so deadly action of the bites should the boy try something again. Though that was enough. As soon as the child turned the intensity of the look away the small creature finally crawled out from half hiding behind the infant's neck and plopped down beside the other dragon. Who had had the sense to stay out of trouble durring the whole ordeal.
Shaeria shrunk back as the glare fell on her, no longer spurred with the need to protect the look just made her feel bad. Bad bad things, that's what it was. She didn't want to be part of it, she didn't want to be angry. She had no need to be and so until he quickly let out a quick sentence and turned she sort of hunched down burrying her face among the leathery wings of the pair for comfort.
Tsuya was left with a question that did cause him to slump slightly, averting his gaze. "Y-yes... but... he was just scared. He only hatched back in December. He's young." Feeble excuses given with no conviction, but what was he to do? It was kind of his fault. He hadn't controlled the dragon. "Is he alright? I'm really sorry about this..." Gods, what more could happen. Oh wait, the seal could break and some rampaging demon would kill them. There was that. So it could be worse, just not much worse.
Edo didn't flinch under the heavy stare. Only returned it while snapping his mouth open and shut a few times as if threatening to repeat the oh so deadly action of the bites should the boy try something again. Though that was enough. As soon as the child turned the intensity of the look away the small creature finally crawled out from half hiding behind the infant's neck and plopped down beside the other dragon. Who had had the sense to stay out of trouble durring the whole ordeal.
Shaeria shrunk back as the glare fell on her, no longer spurred with the need to protect the look just made her feel bad. Bad bad things, that's what it was. She didn't want to be part of it, she didn't want to be angry. She had no need to be and so until he quickly let out a quick sentence and turned she sort of hunched down burrying her face among the leathery wings of the pair for comfort.
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“Young,” The brunette’s tone sounded doubtful, though he really wasn’t feeling much more on the subject aside from his punishment for it. His adoptive father would probably give him more chores or -worse- want to take him out to another of his little social events with Ptolemy and Zetsu. The teenager almost shuddered at the thought, his stomach seeming to bulge out momentarily beneath his knitted shirt. “I don’t know if he’s alright...” He had a tendency to be more worried about bites than any other small injuries, for the first and last time he himself had performed the act succeeded in melting the skin off the place and hospitalizing the person. “Is it venomous?”
But Xerk wasn’t so worried, mostly occupied with staring at the floor. There was a mix of things in him- jealousy and dissapointment, mostly, and perhaps a little bit of dejection. He certainly didn’t know just how rough he’d been, or that he may have hurt the little guy...
“Sorry.” He grunted finally, shuffling his feet. Usually that made things okay- temper tantrums only usually worked when he was with his mom. Those odd eyes devoid of a customary pupil peered through the equally strange purple bangs, studdying the dragon, his counterpart, and the girl. He gave his hand a tug, successfully pulling it from the spider’s grasp. He seemed alright.
But Xerk wasn’t so worried, mostly occupied with staring at the floor. There was a mix of things in him- jealousy and dissapointment, mostly, and perhaps a little bit of dejection. He certainly didn’t know just how rough he’d been, or that he may have hurt the little guy...
“Sorry.” He grunted finally, shuffling his feet. Usually that made things okay- temper tantrums only usually worked when he was with his mom. Those odd eyes devoid of a customary pupil peered through the equally strange purple bangs, studdying the dragon, his counterpart, and the girl. He gave his hand a tug, successfully pulling it from the spider’s grasp. He seemed alright.
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Poisonous? The leopard quickly shook his head. "He's harmless, Raja would never have gotten Shaeria a toxic." All the dragons could really do was bite and scratch. They weren't meant to be able to hurt anything. They were for looks and being cute, small pets. Least, that was how he saw it. "They're harmless, really. Edo just doesn't like strangers I guess." He briefly glanced down at the dragon who seemed content to stay out of the kids reach.
Problem averted and no longer the center of all that was disliked the girl calmed again. He didn't seem angry now, so it was out. He really didn't seem so bad either now that he wasn't upsetting her friend. Just another person, a small person. Like her siblings right? Which meant he hadn't meant bad. He hadn't really hurt Edo, because he seemed ok, a quick glance at the dragon proved that, so maybe he was like them. That had to be it.
Sorry. That was something said when you misbehaved, or felt you did something bad. He was trying to make up. Which meant he wasn't bad at all. A smile perked up on the girl's face at that realization along with a new idea. Or perhaps just the recollection of what a word meant. Look. He'd just wanted to see Edo, but Edo didn't like him. So... She lifted her head a bit and moved her arm trying to carefully catch Aru in it. The dragon gave her a look before yawning and shifting to sit on her palm. Looking was fine, Aru didn't mind people looking.
So with that in mind she leaned forward a bit in Tsuya's arms to try and lower her arm to let the other child look at the more friendly of the two. "L-luhhk." That was a new word, but hopefully he'd understand.
Problem averted and no longer the center of all that was disliked the girl calmed again. He didn't seem angry now, so it was out. He really didn't seem so bad either now that he wasn't upsetting her friend. Just another person, a small person. Like her siblings right? Which meant he hadn't meant bad. He hadn't really hurt Edo, because he seemed ok, a quick glance at the dragon proved that, so maybe he was like them. That had to be it.
Sorry. That was something said when you misbehaved, or felt you did something bad. He was trying to make up. Which meant he wasn't bad at all. A smile perked up on the girl's face at that realization along with a new idea. Or perhaps just the recollection of what a word meant. Look. He'd just wanted to see Edo, but Edo didn't like him. So... She lifted her head a bit and moved her arm trying to carefully catch Aru in it. The dragon gave her a look before yawning and shifting to sit on her palm. Looking was fine, Aru didn't mind people looking.
So with that in mind she leaned forward a bit in Tsuya's arms to try and lower her arm to let the other child look at the more friendly of the two. "L-luhhk." That was a new word, but hopefully he'd understand.
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Then he is alright.” With that, Nozami finally stood,really taking in Tsuya for the first time. Black and white with hints of blue in his hair... and yet they weren’t contrasting tackily with the other teen’s skin tone. From his physique, he imagined the other to be quite lithe and nimble. The small hints of coloration in his cheeks alerted the artist to the demon’s nervousness better than just about anything else could. The child and her pets were evaluated next- she was small and adorable by society’s standards. Her hair was also quite colorless.
It hardly came to Noza’s attention that staring and evaluating the characteristics of people was rude and perhaps quite creepy, but he did turn his head upon hearing a soft thump nearby. Ah, they finally had the mural on the wall. Which reminded him. “You’re in here a bit early. This exhibit isn’t finished,” It was a statement only, not a suggestion, which was proved by his next, “If this galleria had any good help it would have been. I am Nozami, and this is Xerksis. If you intend to stay... I could show you around. I guess.” A short sigh came with it, as if the young man couldn’t care whether they stayed or went. The Mindflayer didn’t seem displeased enough to try and ward them away, so maybe it was alright to keep the group around.
The smile made Xerksis relax minutely. He liked smiles, though he didn’t often produce them himself. It meant this one was going to be friendly. When Aru was held out, the boy almost became excited again, his eyes flashing momentarily. The first reaction was reaching out- and then he determined what had been said. His fingertips wriggled in mid-air, a small whine leaving him as he understood that he wasn’t suppossed to touch. But he would look, dropping his hands to his side and leaning in a little more to study the dragon Shaeria held out for him. Soft approving sounds came slowly, as he tilted his head and looked it over. “...Oh kay.” He conceeded. “S’not...stupid.”
It hardly came to Noza’s attention that staring and evaluating the characteristics of people was rude and perhaps quite creepy, but he did turn his head upon hearing a soft thump nearby. Ah, they finally had the mural on the wall. Which reminded him. “You’re in here a bit early. This exhibit isn’t finished,” It was a statement only, not a suggestion, which was proved by his next, “If this galleria had any good help it would have been. I am Nozami, and this is Xerksis. If you intend to stay... I could show you around. I guess.” A short sigh came with it, as if the young man couldn’t care whether they stayed or went. The Mindflayer didn’t seem displeased enough to try and ward them away, so maybe it was alright to keep the group around.
The smile made Xerksis relax minutely. He liked smiles, though he didn’t often produce them himself. It meant this one was going to be friendly. When Aru was held out, the boy almost became excited again, his eyes flashing momentarily. The first reaction was reaching out- and then he determined what had been said. His fingertips wriggled in mid-air, a small whine leaving him as he understood that he wasn’t suppossed to touch. But he would look, dropping his hands to his side and leaning in a little more to study the dragon Shaeria held out for him. Soft approving sounds came slowly, as he tilted his head and looked it over. “...Oh kay.” He conceeded. “S’not...stupid.”
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A slight internal sigh was aired and likely quite visable on his face as seemingly the act had finally been forgiven. Trouble put aside for the time being. To make things better it seemed like both children had calmed down as well, even that they were getting along to some extent. Definitely a relief to say the least. Until the mention of the exhibit. "Ah... w-well.. it was kind of an accident. We didn't mean to cause trouble." Though the next bit did prove that the statement hadn't been meant to cause the reaction it origionally had. A mild smile was managed at that. Friendly terms he could handle, well at least better than being a problem. "I'm Tsuya. This is Shaeria and her two pets Edo and Aru. Edo is the one who Xerksis got ahold of earlier."
At the mention of staying he took to watching the two children a moent. She'd have more fun playing with someone her age, wouldn't she? So after a quick nod to himself he glanced back at the spider as he knelt down a bit to set the infant on the ground. "That would be nice." Standing back up and taking a moment to ensure there wasn't a sudden relapse in the kids getting along he turned his attention back to the tanned boy. "Umm... so are you the artist?" Kind of a stupid question, but it was best to ask. Assuming often led to issues.
Xerksis. The other kid thing had been labeled Xerksis. So that was what it was, but when he spoke up again he'd gotten the name wrong. Aru was not a stupid. Or an oh kay. He was an Aru. So even after she found herself plunked down on the floor, a slightly confusing thing that earned Tsuya a confused look briefly before her attention had returned to the mindflayer. "Arrrruuu." She corrected quietly as the small creature shifted to remain balanced on the hand that started to bob a bit. Though that was about as far as the conversation went. Shaeria wasn't exactly versed in the land of speech yet, she just tended to figure out a few things. "Edo. Aru." She shifted her armthat held the still mildly disgrunted dragon first and then the other arm which held Aru. Just to further clarify what they were.
Aru didn't mind the fact the child was looking at him in the least. If anything he was sort of curious right back, just not curious enough to leave his safety perch. It didn't stop him from leaning over and sniffing at fingertips that were briefly near him though. He emitted a slight squeak at the odd noises the person emitted before plunking back down on the three fingered hand that was his support. Odd child thing.
At the mention of staying he took to watching the two children a moent. She'd have more fun playing with someone her age, wouldn't she? So after a quick nod to himself he glanced back at the spider as he knelt down a bit to set the infant on the ground. "That would be nice." Standing back up and taking a moment to ensure there wasn't a sudden relapse in the kids getting along he turned his attention back to the tanned boy. "Umm... so are you the artist?" Kind of a stupid question, but it was best to ask. Assuming often led to issues.
Xerksis. The other kid thing had been labeled Xerksis. So that was what it was, but when he spoke up again he'd gotten the name wrong. Aru was not a stupid. Or an oh kay. He was an Aru. So even after she found herself plunked down on the floor, a slightly confusing thing that earned Tsuya a confused look briefly before her attention had returned to the mindflayer. "Arrrruuu." She corrected quietly as the small creature shifted to remain balanced on the hand that started to bob a bit. Though that was about as far as the conversation went. Shaeria wasn't exactly versed in the land of speech yet, she just tended to figure out a few things. "Edo. Aru." She shifted her armthat held the still mildly disgrunted dragon first and then the other arm which held Aru. Just to further clarify what they were.
Aru didn't mind the fact the child was looking at him in the least. If anything he was sort of curious right back, just not curious enough to leave his safety perch. It didn't stop him from leaning over and sniffing at fingertips that were briefly near him though. He emitted a slight squeak at the odd noises the person emitted before plunking back down on the three fingered hand that was his support. Odd child thing.
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The arachnid merely gave an acknowledging sound to such apologies, for he was only feeling generous for only one reassurance to he issue, even though it intermingled with a new one. The names recieved a nod, and were filed away for probable future use. He arched a brow mildly at the question, though, tongue flickering over the piercing in his lip as he wet the lower one in preparation to actually speak. "I am. At least, the paintings in this room are mine," The brunette informed him, waiting until Shaeria was set down to gesture for Tsuya to follow him. She'd be alright with Xerk- he wasn't THAT much of a threat, especially now that he seemed somewhat content. Nozami wasn't one for vanity; he didn't like to sit around and watch closely at observers for their approval or critisism of his art. That was for someone who wanted to please the world with art. Alot of what he'd chosen to put in was his insight, only a few of which were for possible sale. And like a lot of his views so early in life, a lot was abstract. A lot needed to be explained. As long as it was just this boy -whom he did feel some small connection to for hints of reclusiveness- and a few children he had to accomodate, he wouldn't mind overly much talking about the art. After all, the chances that he ever really talked to anyone were slim to none outside of his home.
The toddler blinked, associating the sound Shaeria to a poor impression of a coyote. It won a small snicker from the child, as he fell back onto his rump in a simple, lazy movement. She was a weird girl, but funny. Not like Artemis, who was wholly boring aside from the fact she paid him some attention. But as she insisted, his brow furrowed a little in confusion. "Eh-do, Aru..." A snap of realization. "Names! Eh-do, Aroo, Shay... Serk-sees... Names." A small, flippant gesture and a nod. Yes, those were all names. Maybe she could be taught more? Reaching out behind him, he drew a small backpack of his toys closer, picking out two odd excuses for dog plushies.
"Min-yon," He coppied her gestures, raising the black one, then the white. "Cohort." These were his own favorites, though he was dissappointed they weren't nearly as animated as Shaeria's Aru and Edo, nor were they named by him. She probably got to name hers.
The toddler blinked, associating the sound Shaeria to a poor impression of a coyote. It won a small snicker from the child, as he fell back onto his rump in a simple, lazy movement. She was a weird girl, but funny. Not like Artemis, who was wholly boring aside from the fact she paid him some attention. But as she insisted, his brow furrowed a little in confusion. "Eh-do, Aru..." A snap of realization. "Names! Eh-do, Aroo, Shay... Serk-sees... Names." A small, flippant gesture and a nod. Yes, those were all names. Maybe she could be taught more? Reaching out behind him, he drew a small backpack of his toys closer, picking out two odd excuses for dog plushies.
"Min-yon," He coppied her gestures, raising the black one, then the white. "Cohort." These were his own favorites, though he was dissappointed they weren't nearly as animated as Shaeria's Aru and Edo, nor were they named by him. She probably got to name hers.
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Tsuya was more than happy to just listen and follow along. Perhaps ask for clarification here or there, but he was much happier to just remain silent. Talking often became akward around new people, and he didn't have much to say anyway. Best to just learn what he could and understand the ideas that were meant by each piece placed in the gallery. At least, that was his assumption anyway.
The gelfing didn't realize that the snicker was at her own oddness. Rather, she simply applied that laughter meant he was happy and that she must have done something right. So she simply smiled in return before bobbing her head at the names. Shae, that was right. She was Shae and they where Edo and Aru. So he was Xerksis. "Seerrrkeeess." Repeating after him. "Neeems." Another fun new word to try out. He'd said it before and after though, so it was related to all of the other things. And then he was grabbing something new.
The backpack. Within which where... two things she did recognize to an extent. Dolls. She had a lot of dolls. Though she didn't have doggy ones like that. Mostly plushies like people, with dresses and pretty things. Then a name was givne to them. "Minun." She mimicked the sound as best she could, placing Aru on the ground in order to point at the one labeled that. Another name. "Cuhrt." As she switched to the second before grinning. They both had friends. Friends with names. "Edo. Aru. Minun. Cuhrt. Nemz." She shifted Edo who'd previously been nestled in her arm to set him on the floor with Aru. Letting the two play a bit more freely. To which Aru had decided to try and sniff at the latest addition to the games, the plushie. Edo followed suite to an extent, though more hesitant due to the fact he had to make sure the evil child didn't snatch him up again. Best to be on his guard. Still, plushie were nothing knew to the dragons, seeing as their keeper's room was home to an assortment of little plushes of every kind. It was only customary to meet the new ones when they arrived.
The gelfing didn't realize that the snicker was at her own oddness. Rather, she simply applied that laughter meant he was happy and that she must have done something right. So she simply smiled in return before bobbing her head at the names. Shae, that was right. She was Shae and they where Edo and Aru. So he was Xerksis. "Seerrrkeeess." Repeating after him. "Neeems." Another fun new word to try out. He'd said it before and after though, so it was related to all of the other things. And then he was grabbing something new.
The backpack. Within which where... two things she did recognize to an extent. Dolls. She had a lot of dolls. Though she didn't have doggy ones like that. Mostly plushies like people, with dresses and pretty things. Then a name was givne to them. "Minun." She mimicked the sound as best she could, placing Aru on the ground in order to point at the one labeled that. Another name. "Cuhrt." As she switched to the second before grinning. They both had friends. Friends with names. "Edo. Aru. Minun. Cuhrt. Nemz." She shifted Edo who'd previously been nestled in her arm to set him on the floor with Aru. Letting the two play a bit more freely. To which Aru had decided to try and sniff at the latest addition to the games, the plushie. Edo followed suite to an extent, though more hesitant due to the fact he had to make sure the evil child didn't snatch him up again. Best to be on his guard. Still, plushie were nothing knew to the dragons, seeing as their keeper's room was home to an assortment of little plushes of every kind. It was only customary to meet the new ones when they arrived.
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Well, he was happy. Happy to be amused, even if she might be a little strange. Strange didn't seem a bad thing to him. And as she repeated him as well as she could, the boy nodded, pleased and not really concerned by the perfections of the sounds. She seemed happy too, which was good. It wasn't as if he was a brat ALL the time, after all. Tilting his head down and watched the dragons at play as well as setting down the plushies for them to look at. He did wonder what exactly they were. While he knew their names, he knew they didn't really define what they were, since they were so alike in features. He and Shae were children, Minion and Cohort could be called dogs... But Aru and Edo? Xerksis didn't suppose he could ask her. She was a little kid.
His hands reached out, about to grab the plushies by the backs and put on a show. This was a chance to show off, though. Something the boy was not about to willingly pass up. Drawing his hands back and placing them in his lap instead, he stared expectantly at the toys on the floor. And when the little reptiles were close enough... they twitched, leaning. Xerksis grinned, willing the plushies to twitch more, shifting their forepaws and tilting their heads. This much he could do, not knowing it to be any more than a neat little trick. His toys just did what he wanted them to, whether it was making a ball roll to him or all of his toys simultaneously falling off the shelves. He made small yipping sounds as he moved them in minute ways, watching Shae and her dragons for reactions.
His hands reached out, about to grab the plushies by the backs and put on a show. This was a chance to show off, though. Something the boy was not about to willingly pass up. Drawing his hands back and placing them in his lap instead, he stared expectantly at the toys on the floor. And when the little reptiles were close enough... they twitched, leaning. Xerksis grinned, willing the plushies to twitch more, shifting their forepaws and tilting their heads. This much he could do, not knowing it to be any more than a neat little trick. His toys just did what he wanted them to, whether it was making a ball roll to him or all of his toys simultaneously falling off the shelves. He made small yipping sounds as he moved them in minute ways, watching Shae and her dragons for reactions.
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The gelfling was more than happy. She usually didn't get to play with older children since most of the family was either quite young or old enough to play outside on their own. So it was either the less than natural games with adults or dolls and dragons for her. This new game of mimic was a new one, and fun. Especially when the other person seemed to like it too. Edo and Aru were having a good time too it seemed, what with exploring the plushies. AT least until the new show started.
Shaeria glanced up as the other boy withdrew his hands and sat back a bit. Then her attention was drawn down as a startled squeak came from one of the two dragons. It was Aru, who had been closest to the plushes when the first had twitched. Though both dragons began to back pedal as the previously immobile creatures began moving as if suddenly alive. That wasn't normal, not at all. And neither dragon was all that thrilled with it.
On the other hand, Shae was having a ball. She'd quickly placed her hands infront of her to be able to lean closer, watching this new brand of toy she'd never seen before. One that played back. They were a lot better than her dolls, but not quite as nice as Edo and Aru. "Ip!" A quick noise to copy one of the little calls that Xerksis had made for the animal before she tried to pat one of the two on the head. They were good doggies. Good Minion and Cohort.
Not that the dragons wanted anything to do with it for now. Both had taken to huddling behind the hand that was still planted on the ground to support the girl. Edo curiously peaking out here and there before ducking back at the noise. Things were alive or dead, not both. So the thing that was dead that moved wasn't exactly their cup of tea.
Shaeria glanced up as the other boy withdrew his hands and sat back a bit. Then her attention was drawn down as a startled squeak came from one of the two dragons. It was Aru, who had been closest to the plushes when the first had twitched. Though both dragons began to back pedal as the previously immobile creatures began moving as if suddenly alive. That wasn't normal, not at all. And neither dragon was all that thrilled with it.
On the other hand, Shae was having a ball. She'd quickly placed her hands infront of her to be able to lean closer, watching this new brand of toy she'd never seen before. One that played back. They were a lot better than her dolls, but not quite as nice as Edo and Aru. "Ip!" A quick noise to copy one of the little calls that Xerksis had made for the animal before she tried to pat one of the two on the head. They were good doggies. Good Minion and Cohort.
Not that the dragons wanted anything to do with it for now. Both had taken to huddling behind the hand that was still planted on the ground to support the girl. Edo curiously peaking out here and there before ducking back at the noise. Things were alive or dead, not both. So the thing that was dead that moved wasn't exactly their cup of tea.
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Their reactions were indeed satisfying, a small peal of laughter swelling forward at the startled dragons. They really believed that the dogs could move without him! Yes, it was a good trick indeed. An enthusiastic nod was given at the mimicking sound effects, for again the toddler believed that progress was being made upon this other child. She was so quiet! And maybe that was more or less a good thing. As noisy as he was when he was that age and still could be, he wouldn't tolerate most of it from others. Hence his first word- 'shutup'.
The dog she patted flopped onto its side compliantly, and Xerk reached out to prop it up again. He was proud of them, yes! But like he couldn't have the dragons no matter how much he liked them, it was the same for Shae. He did, however, feel like perhaps she needed something. She had made him happy, unlike a lot of the encounters he ran into, and now he had his backpack of toys... Snagging the strap of it, he pulled the thing up into his lap and stared into the zippered mouth. One pale arm fished around inside as he made a thoughtful sort of murr. "Like kitties?" He asked her, wondering if she knew what that was. It seemed to him like a girl would know about kitties and cute things when they were born.
The dog she patted flopped onto its side compliantly, and Xerk reached out to prop it up again. He was proud of them, yes! But like he couldn't have the dragons no matter how much he liked them, it was the same for Shae. He did, however, feel like perhaps she needed something. She had made him happy, unlike a lot of the encounters he ran into, and now he had his backpack of toys... Snagging the strap of it, he pulled the thing up into his lap and stared into the zippered mouth. One pale arm fished around inside as he made a thoughtful sort of murr. "Like kitties?" He asked her, wondering if she knew what that was. It seemed to him like a girl would know about kitties and cute things when they were born.
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Shaeria quickly pulled her hand back as the thing flopped over at her touch. She hadn't meant to break it. A quick frown as she waited to see if it got up, but the thing didn't. Though Xerksis quickly solved the problem by propping it up again and it seemed as good as new. Odd though, the thing had seemed so alive on it's own before. Ah well, the boy didn't seem angry so it obviously wasn't broken. Always a good sign.
The two little dragons were rather pleased when one of the things seemed defeated, until it was set back up. A quick little pip of a hiss from Edo was snorted at the thing from his safe hideout before things went back to avoiding getting attacked by the zombie plushies. Or whatever they were.
She blinked at the question proposed, not really sure where it was heading. She did know what a kitty was. They had one at the house, by the name of Ichigo. She didn't exactly get along with Ichigo, but she did like looking at her.Ichigo just wasn't much for being pet and usually hopping away. Still kitties were nice and pretty. So a quick nod was given after a moments thought. Kitties where good, just not good for petting and snuggling. She had Edo and Aru for that though, so it wasn't something she saw as a problem. "Leike kikis."
The two little dragons were rather pleased when one of the things seemed defeated, until it was set back up. A quick little pip of a hiss from Edo was snorted at the thing from his safe hideout before things went back to avoiding getting attacked by the zombie plushies. Or whatever they were.
She blinked at the question proposed, not really sure where it was heading. She did know what a kitty was. They had one at the house, by the name of Ichigo. She didn't exactly get along with Ichigo, but she did like looking at her.Ichigo just wasn't much for being pet and usually hopping away. Still kitties were nice and pretty. So a quick nod was given after a moments thought. Kitties where good, just not good for petting and snuggling. She had Edo and Aru for that though, so it wasn't something she saw as a problem. "Leike kikis."
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She did, then? Good. Xerksis hadn't met a cat yet that he really liked, mostly because none of them over at his babysitter's house hadn't really paid him any mind. But then,he had been given a cat for a toy, and he didn't really favor it. Not so much as his dogs. Nodding at the girl, he smiled, pulling a small jar free from his backpack. Inside floated a little purple kitten, held up by whatever forces were being worked in the jar. It was set in front of the dogs, for Shae to observe, though he did nudge it towards her. There- take it if you like it.
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Most anything that was small and cute could be liked. And why should she not like something simply for the fact it didn't like her? Getting along seemed the best option, so there was little she could say she didn't like. Certainly she would never change them to liking her if she was mean. Just don't force something on anyone and there wouldn't be a problem. As far as she saw it. It was the method she'd been trying with Ichigo, but it wasn't really working. The cat seemed to have no interest in making friends. Though it did try to catch the two small dragons from time to time.
Still this little kitty was different. Much smaller than Ichigo, smaller than the two dragons who were taking a look at this new threat warily. And it was in a bottle for that matter. Also, it was purple, not pink. Not to mention the floating bit. Ichigo jumped a lot, but never floated. This kitty was very different. It still got the same approach though. Leaning closer to peer at it she carefully prodded the edge of the bottle, eyeing it. It was solid of course, and it didn't seem to fall out of the air. Another odd thing. Something Xerksis seemed to like keeping in his bag really. At least she hadn't broken this one. "Kikis."
Still this little kitty was different. Much smaller than Ichigo, smaller than the two dragons who were taking a look at this new threat warily. And it was in a bottle for that matter. Also, it was purple, not pink. Not to mention the floating bit. Ichigo jumped a lot, but never floated. This kitty was very different. It still got the same approach though. Leaning closer to peer at it she carefully prodded the edge of the bottle, eyeing it. It was solid of course, and it didn't seem to fall out of the air. Another odd thing. Something Xerksis seemed to like keeping in his bag really. At least she hadn't broken this one. "Kikis."
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Odd things were something Xerksis liked to keep close to him, though he hadn't ever noticed it, nor been confronted with it before. Everyone in his family seemed to be oddballs, so it wasn't likely that it would ever be brought to his attention that way. And no one seemed to mind, either. For now, his quirks ran to tearing things apart and experimenting. Usually the victims were things like bugs... or dragons.
But as far as what living things he liked and did not mostly depended on the things themselves. If there was a negative response to him, he gave it back. If someone was nice... not so much. He was vindictive at this early age, and could hold a grudge. When someone didn't pay him attention, he usually got mad about it. Luckily, he could be easy to forgive. That was why he wasn't still holding Ed in contempt of the bite, though he didn't like the hyper dragon so much anymore.
"Kitty." Xerksis agreed. "S'purple." He also felt the need to point out, reaching up to stroke a finger over one of his purple bangs, then point at the kitten.
But as far as what living things he liked and did not mostly depended on the things themselves. If there was a negative response to him, he gave it back. If someone was nice... not so much. He was vindictive at this early age, and could hold a grudge. When someone didn't pay him attention, he usually got mad about it. Luckily, he could be easy to forgive. That was why he wasn't still holding Ed in contempt of the bite, though he didn't like the hyper dragon so much anymore.
"Kitty." Xerksis agreed. "S'purple." He also felt the need to point out, reaching up to stroke a finger over one of his purple bangs, then point at the kitten.
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Shaeria's household wasn't exactly normal either. From dragons to demons and one crazed harpy. It was anything but normal. So they child fit in well enough, and it wasn't considered odd that she had only three fingers. It would have been a wonder if people had even noticed it beyond mention that she'd never be gifted with most instruments. Not that it mattered, it didn't earn her special treatment of any sort. Which was likely good. Often treating a child as if they were normal was best. Coddling her wouldn't have taught her how to react to situations. It would have left her with a greater dissability.
It also left room for growth. Which was measured in many ways. One of which was learning new things. Like words for example. She'd already known the colour, though hadn't been using the word for it yet. Just that she liked the shade. "Kikis perpul." Not the easiest word in her growing book to say really. "Leike perpul."
It also left room for growth. Which was measured in many ways. One of which was learning new things. Like words for example. She'd already known the colour, though hadn't been using the word for it yet. Just that she liked the shade. "Kikis perpul." Not the easiest word in her growing book to say really. "Leike perpul."
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Three fingers. Xerksis was noticing it now, or as she touched the jar. He did wonder about it, but didn't really know how to bring it up. His eyes did lower to his own fingers, though, particularly to the ones on the wounded hand. One...two... Well, more than her, anyway. The woman needed to teach him more. It wasn't like he was coddled either- in fact, he was more or less ignored whenever he screamed for attention, even becoming hoarse once for it. He had to go find fellowships himself.
Xerksis knew a lot of words. He knew things that had never actually been told to him, too. Granted, he couldn't say half of them. His mouth was far too slow to catch up with the rest of him, and it was something he was frustrated with often. "Yus. Purpool is gooood." Might as well show her some more, right? With a gesture to Minion, then Cohort, he pronounced. "Black, weit."
Xerksis knew a lot of words. He knew things that had never actually been told to him, too. Granted, he couldn't say half of them. His mouth was far too slow to catch up with the rest of him, and it was something he was frustrated with often. "Yus. Purpool is gooood." Might as well show her some more, right? With a gesture to Minion, then Cohort, he pronounced. "Black, weit."
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She beamed nodding a bit at the agreement. Then it was settled. Good colour. Which meant the kitty was good too. And that of course made more things, well, good. So of course she was happy about it. Even more, there came the mention of two new things. For minion and cohort of course. "Blahk. Waiht." She repeated, eyeing each doll in turn as she said it. "Blaaaaaahk. Waiht. Perpul." And back to the kitty with the last one. Three names for three colours.
Everything had a name for it, the problem was learning those names. She'd learned a few over time, things like mommy, like, no, yes. Simple things that everyone picked up, but everytime people spoke it did prove how little she knew, how little she could say. So she was utterly pleased at the bit she was learning. The older children always talked so fast and she couldn't keep up, but if she learned more she'd be able to play too. Not just talk to her dolls and Edo and Aru. She'd be able to be included in the games too. And wasn't being able to be with everyone the best option?
Everything had a name for it, the problem was learning those names. She'd learned a few over time, things like mommy, like, no, yes. Simple things that everyone picked up, but everytime people spoke it did prove how little she knew, how little she could say. So she was utterly pleased at the bit she was learning. The older children always talked so fast and she couldn't keep up, but if she learned more she'd be able to play too. Not just talk to her dolls and Edo and Aru. She'd be able to be included in the games too. And wasn't being able to be with everyone the best option?
