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 Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2023 8:30 pm
Quote: It was already late in the evening but the merchant seemed unfazed by the passing of time. He sat, poised and elegant, watching the world around him. He didn’t seem bored, even as he leaned forward and laced his fingers atop the table; below it, he kept his toe tapping to some silent tune in his head. He was tall, by human standards, though while sitting down he didn’t seem particularly threatening. If you didn’t look at his face. He had graceful features--sharp and refined. His chin and nose tapered to a point, giving him an air of sophistication, but that, combined with his slitted eyes and pointed teeth, there was something undeniably predatory about him. He watched with a hungry gaze and a mischievous, nearly sinister smile. His ears were pointed and were prominent despite being tucked behind his vibrant, multi-colored hair. The most intrusive feature that indicated there was something not human about him were the curling horns protruding from his temples and the oil-slick black scales that brushed his cheeks and forehead. He was well dressed, in a fashion obviously otherworldly, and seemed to enjoy dressing himself up in glistening gemstones. His table was somehow both simple and overwhelming; it was draped in a dark purple tablecloth, with extravagant embroidery in different designs. Scattered neatly atop the table was an array of items that seemed to carry some magical weight to them. He did not seem intimidated in the slightest and, upon noticing that the barrier surrounding him rippled when his visitor entered, he smiled. He did not rise to meet them nor adjust his position in the slightest. He followed them with his fierce eyes and greeted, in a silky voice, “Welcome.”
"I heard you were back, just as you said you would be." Smirk in place the blond haired senshi of glaze couldn't help staring at the other as he apporached the table. He'd been hoping the other would indeed return, even if he had a calling card for the merchant, he'd been excited to find out that he had indeed returned. To see the merchant sitgting there as he was, seemingly almost bored, after someone just left he shook his head slowly. How amusing really. He must have ploped right back into his seat once the other had left and started waiting all over again.
"I hope your tavels have been well and safe." Though he was certain the other could keep himself safe if need be. "Did you miss me?" The ancient asked as he held out the pod filled tupparwear. "Care to tell me why you are looking for pods that are stuck to a tree? Something isn't right about them but I'm unfamiliar with them. I could try and look them up but it would take time, with no idea where to start my search." Having no idea where they came from would slow his search, he'd have to go through everything in his planets library. If he at least had an idea, which he didn't at the moment, he could cut down the search time and do the research himself.
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 10:43 pm
Almadel laughed richly, obviously in good spirits. In his seat again, and when he realized it was only Selinur, he leaned back a bit and stretched. “Oh, I’m working very hard, my friend, don’t tease me. I’d say I’m surprised to see you still on Earth, but I find myself always drawn back to it.” “I’ve been on my feet more than usual. Picky customers, sometimes they don’t know what’s good for them. These are such cute little specimens that you’ve brought me. I like the larger ones, but you know–diversity is good. I’m glad to see you back. I enjoy your questions. But don’t go telling everyone you meet what I want these for, all right?” He peered in to the plastic container but didn’t try to pick them up just yet. A content smile was on his face as he met Selinur’s gaze. “I’m looking for them because I am going to eat them, my dear. They’re quite the delicacy. Well, if you have the stomach for them.” He looked rather pleased with himself for being among those who could consume them.
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Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2023 11:29 pm
Shifting his weight he eyed the other, smile still in place. "Mmm, I'm sure you are working very hard. All those pods and so many collecting them for you. All those deals, I'm sure it's tiring for you."Oh there was certainly an undertone to his woprds, nothing mean of course, it was only too obvious what was on his mind. "I'm still here because my own planet is still uninhabitable, something I'm in the process of working on." Also hard, and tiring, work he could assure.
"Humans eat bugs as well, I did have a feeling it would go that way. Though I can't say that I'm jealous you can manage to consume them. Nasty, vicious, little things. I was wondering where in space they were from." Since he wasn't familiar with them, but likely he could go searching for information on them.
"Do they need to be prepared in a certain way or just eaten as they are? Or perhaps both..." Trailing off as he peered into the contained and looked up at the other than. "I could feed you one and perhaps help you off your feet, so you can enjoy your hard earned meal." The only thing tAlmadel had done was make deals with people for them, and post signs, it was everyone else who did the hard work of collecting the pods. However, that didn't much matter to Selinur at the moment.
"If you have something you'd like to offer, something extra, I think I'll leave it to you. I trust you, you know my people likely more than any other ancient on this planet, we were after all rather good with keeping our secrets." Information, secrets, were prized amongst his people. "Not to mention the charm you gave me last year has come in very handy this summer. It's more than appreciated." As it helped him in dealing with the weather on this planet.
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Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2023 9:33 pm
Almadel laughed richly. “Of course I’m working hard. Who could doubt me? If you want to succeed, there’s no shortcut to success. Selinur, please, don’t be silly. I don’t want to eat bugs. I was so specific in my request because I want the pods that haven’t been infested. Here, I’ll teach you. I know you like to learn.” He reached under the tablet and pulled out a beautiful black box. It was simple in decor, but clearly meant for practicality. He removed the top and set it off to the side so he could tip it forward and allow Selinur to see within. Inside, an orange-brown fruit that seemed like it secreted the same goo that leaked from the pods. It had been cracked in half and two thirds of it was already eaten, leaving only a wedge behind. It had a hollowed out core, like an avocado without the pit. “The bugs are too much trouble, you have to catch and prepare them. They’ve got a different texture, you’re really not missing much by going right for the fruit. They incubate in these pods and eat the fruit inside. When there’s no insect inside, the fruit ripens. Sometimes it ferments a bit, but that’s fine. I like it like that.” He packed it up quickly enough after the information, if only to keep it fresh. “Now, about your rewards, oh. I suppose I could give you some old books to add to your library, but some of them are in languages even I can’t read. A lot of pretty pictures, though. If you’re into artistic things. I don’t think you ever told me, though.” He tilted his head just slightly as he tucked the box away under the table. “What sorts of things catch your eye. Someone as distinguished as you must have some refined interests, no?”
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Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2023 10:07 pm
Listening to the other, who was likely older than himself, he was surprised to find out about the apparent fruit the other was looking for. "So it's not the bug inside, but they are eating the fruit you want." Watching, glad for the lesson, the other at least knew what he liked - knowledge. "Sop the bugs grow inside the fruit and only leave once they've finished the fruit. What brought them to this planet as they aren't native here." It was interesting and made some sense. They weren't anything he'd seen nor heard of, he was certain the other had however. "Are they from your home or elsewhere?" His own planet, which played host to so many from all over the Cosmos, had never had such an item as far as he knew. They would have had a file on it and everyone would have been aware of it, if only because people would have been talking about it over dinner. Word would have spread.
"I wonder, if you could make a wine or something from them then if they ferment." As most, if not all, fruits fermted most could be made into a wine or something similar.
"Books are nice, I have a lot of thosee as I'm sure you can imagine. I might have books even you would find to your liking to be fair. And that would be the obvious choice, seeing as I do appreciate knowledge." As knowledge was power, it was a lot more power than some thought it was, it could stop a war before it even started if weilded correctly. It could do a lot of things if used right. "Art isn't my thing." Nothing he was bothered by, he didn't much care for art and that was ok.
"Refined by my standards perhaps, maybe not by others. These humans are rather interesting, and their refined taste is rather odd in some cases." He didn't see what the point of consuming food covered in gold dust, or flakes of gold, it all seemed over the top for no reason than to be over the top.
"Secrets, knowledge, power, combat and hunting though I sadly cannot put my hunting skills to use on this planet. I cannot hear, see, nor smell as I should on this planet. A shame but also people do not hunt their own meals here." It made him feel as if his own people, his own planet, was somehow behind in the times but perhaps a thousand years ago they weren't but had they remained that way till this time they would be. He was just antiquated because he'd been stuck in the past for so long and could not grow as Earth did.
"Perhaps you have something else which might be outside of my taste. Something I might find a use or a liking for. Surprise me, I do enjoy a good surprise. You know this planet and you know me and my people." He also still wished to take the other up on the same thing he'd wanted last year, but that could wait a bit of course. "How about something you find most interesting or useful? I would like to know what you find to be most precious here and useful."
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Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2023 6:58 am
“From my home? Oh, no. They’re from Kastorra. You might have heard of it? It’s a single great tree, with roots that spread out to make its land. It travels the universe and sheds its seeds as it passes through. There used to be many trees to pick the fruit from but it’s been quite a while since it’s passed through anywhere. I worry something’s happened to it. I’ve had my eye on this one for a while, so imagine my surprise when I saw it finally fruiting! The bugs are an unfortunate, but predictable, issue. It would probably be possible to make a wine from it, but I’m so busy,” he sighed. “I’ll take what I can get and enjoy it while I can. It’s a bit sad, I used to be able to visit Kastorra itself, but it’s been so long. I hope it shows up again. These taste almost just like it but there’s a unique Earth flavor. I quite like it. I hope this one fruits again. But I’ll keep visiting Earth, regardless.” He smiled at Selinur as he considered what he might offer. “You ask for quite an item. Certainly you must understand that I think all of my wares must have some value. But for you? Hmm.” Something surprising, something outside of his tastes. There were nearly infinite options. He reached for a thin, carved box, and placed it in the center of the table, just before Selinur so he could examine it easily. “This is something special. You might like it. It’s got a natural magic about it. It’s an incense burner, but it doesn’t need anything to burn. Of course, you can use your own incense, but once you set it up it will give the same effect without anything. It’s got a very calming, nostalgic smell to it. It’s different for everyone. Maybe it will help you miss home a little less?”
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Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2023 11:00 pm
"I have heard of Kastorra, but that was a very long time ago. It didn't pass by Selinur ever, at least not whilst I was alive." Perhaps after his planets near death which left him as the only survivor, perhaps than but he'd have had no way of knowing. "Mmmm, perhaps I can gather more of the fruits and try to ferment them properly for you." Something for the others nextg visit perhaps. It would be a nice treat he was certain, it also wasn't like he didn't know how to make wine. His people made their own drink, they were that sort of peopple. Anything guests were served ccame from elsewhere - imports.
Reaching for the item presented to him, lifting the lid slowly, he listened to the other. "I do like the sound of this." And for him it was a fair trade, especially since he had no plans to eat the fruits himself. "For the fruits this works. Perhaps if this tree continues to grow fruits I'll make you a wine between now and next year." He'd offer to try and grow such a tree on his home planet but he was unsure if it would work. Perhaps something for him to try when he got the time, it couldn't hurt could it? Or would he have to worry about such bugs on his own planet?
"If this smells anything like home I'll be letting it burn round the clock." Because he did indeed miss his home, but who didn't. He was certain even the merchant here missed his own home from time to time while traveling the Cosmos.
"Now, you have more fruit and I've a lovely gift from you, which I much appreciate. I would however like to offer something else, something I mentioned last year. It's been a long time and this planet is full of children, aside from a few like myself, and so many of them are uninteresting." The only interesting one his own planet, and himself, had a bit of bad blood with. It also wouldn't do for him to go offering himself to any and every ancient senshi, but really there was such an itch which needed some relief. He wasn't one for attatchments to others, he'd leave that for others. Almadel however was not some children, nor was he of this planet, and he liked his treasures and secrets. He knew a great many things it seemed as well. Selinur could appreciate the other a great deal.
Leaning down to sniff at the box he smiled up at the other, blue eyes glittering, as he closed the lid and sent it off to subspace for safe keeping till he got home.
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Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2023 11:28 pm
A wicked little grin manifested on Almadel’s face, and he leaned close to Selinur–just a centimeter away–when there was movement behind the Senshi. In the distance, a group had appeared, and though they were just slightly in the distance, he lingered for a second. He drummed his fingers on the table and then drew back with a heavy sigh. “I really do need to make more trips here. It’s always business. You poor thing, you must be so lonely. If it’s any reassurance, Earthlings mature rather quickly compared to my species as well. Some of them are really rather charming. At least, for a night. You should give it a go.” He reached up a hand to cup Selniur’s, gently, and stroked his cheek. “Such a pretty thing you are, I hate the idea of you pining. Business hours demand my attention, tonight’s been so busy, my dear. Maybe one day I’ll steal you away from this planet for a bit. If I can ever find some free time.”
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Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2023 8:59 pm
For a moment he wondered if turning and cursing whoever was approaching, more like using his magic on them, would be a terribly bad idea. Perhaps it would be, at least to them, but he wasn't really concerned with their opinions in all honesty. They were interupting something, even if they'd not arrived yet, a shame they were arriving now and interupting his evening.
"Mmmm." Leaning into the hand cupping his face he felt a smirk slowly twisting, and reforming, his lips. "They might age faster physically but mentally is another thing. They are still so young and boring, they've not the experience of those who are older. They don't find delight in the same things I do." Or that Almadel did, knowledge and items and the like. Some humans might but they still felt like infants to him.
"Mmm, you deal with buisness. Perhaps after hours you'll allow a visit. Otherwise I do implore you to kidnap me for a short time, otherwise I might have to put your calling card to use and force my own kidnapping." If he had to make the free time for the other he would find a way, and he would continue to tempt the other. "And all you are telling me, when speaking about age, is that you are like a fine wine...you've aged slowly and well. Something worth time and attention." These Earthlings aged so quickly but because of that they lacked in experience and time..maturity.
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Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 9:34 pm
Almadel seemed amused, perhaps at Selinur’s boldness, but it really wasn’t difficult to infer what the Senshi was implying. “Well, you certainly know how to make age sound appealing. I’ve been around the universe a few times, that comes with years. Naturally I think I’m a bit of a better catch than your standard stray,” he paused to eye the approaching customers, but there was only so much that he could make out about them for now. He smiled sweetly when he returned his gaze to Selinur. “But there’s no harm in testing the water, I always say. Especially if you’ve got the advantage of wit and knowledge on your side. But I can’t blame someone who isn’t as adventurous as I. I’ll see you again, I’m sure. Take care of yourself. Live a little. For me.”
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Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 9:56 pm
"Age is appealing." And it always would be, at least for him, it came with knowledge and secrets. it came with experience, of all sorts, and that all appealed to the senshi of glaze. "I won't disagree with you being a better catch." That was why Almadel was, right now, the only catch Selinur was interested in. But it seemed he wasn't going to get his wish tonight, perhaps not till next year, but he did have the others calling card and he might just have to put that to use at some point.
"Perhaps, though I doubt I'll find as much pleasure in it as I would here." He'd rather someone of equal to himself when it came to knowledge, and perhaps experience, he wanted someone to keep him interested and on his toes.
"Indeed, I'll see you soon I'm certain of this." He would see to it infact, just not yet. "Do enjoy your buisness tonight." A quick press of lips, why not leave the other qith a quick taste? And off the ancient senshi went into the night. The incense burner in his arms, held close to his chest, as he planned to put it to use tonight and see what it did for him.
The Space Cauldron I think this would be a good close. Clearly he thinks Almadel needs to give into his own wants...and Selinur thinks he should summon the other sometime, maybe winter time, for a nice evening together- lol.
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