RP between Ave, AJ and Yam
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AJ — 09/10/2020
Kali threw her arms around his neck, declaring they had company for dinner before pecking him on the cheek and flouncing off to prepare it. Kohler wasn’t expecting that, so he was left justifiably flustered. Well, flustered for him, which amounted to reserved confusion, his gruff quiet voice probing questions in that low, draconic roll. He pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his abominably broken nose and got to work preparing food alongside his daughter, not about to shirk such duties. Especially not in the face of company. He took to cutting vegetables and general prep work, his harsh face warmed in his daughter’s presence.
When she finally took off to fetch their ‘guest’, he checked the time almost religiously then went back to finishing prep work and checking how things were cooking. The little cottage was lovely and warm, all furs and organized clutter, but slightly crooked in that delightful way some buildings got with age. With story. The venerable old dragon paced a bit when he was sure she should be getting back by now, peering out through one of the windows and rubbing his knobby hands together. He didn’t do company very well, and his resting expression wasn't an inviting one. He couldn't help it.
His human form was considerably younger, comparatively to his dragon form, somewhere around early 50s in appearance with a long face, tidy beard, and shrewd eyes behind diminutive specs. His long hair streaked with grey and pulled from his face, and his impossibly tall, jagged form clothed in scholarly charcoal robes.
Ave — 09/10/2020
Köhler must know by now that his usually timid-natured daughter simply does not make friends. To put it simply, the company she wanted to bring was the absolute first. Definitely groundbreaking, and required some form of celebration. Why not do it in style?
Kali would not keep her silence about her new ‘friend’, either. As eager as a child the night before Christmas, she gossiped away happily while chopping shiitake mushrooms. “He is a bit reticent, but genuine, and I think you’ll quite like him! He came upon me by sheer accident... tried to hunt for the Dazecap I was sketching! Can you believe that? I have been looking for one for weeks! But, in the grand scheme of things, I am glad with how it all turned out, in the end.”
Kali smiled secretly down as the mushrooms joined the carrots, peas, and potatoes, softened by steaming grease from the handsome roast nestled in the middle of it all. The blended spices filled the room with its intoxicating scent. The ensemble was the perfect marriage of a good, hearty meal, and Kali was quite proud of her craft.
“We’ll have the the candied fruits and pastries, too, Papa,” the girl said. “The bread will be ready soon. It is almost sundown, I must be off. Я люблю тебя!”
Giving her father a peck on the cheek, the girl retrieved her heavy furs to wrap around her head and shoulders, and lit a lamp to guide her path—not that she or her friend will be needing it, but a light in the dark was a symbol of warmth and friendliness.
The mountain, though as pretty as a painting, would surely be frigid, despite it only being late summer. There was a smattering of snow defiantly clinging to the ground, glittering as the sun lowered in the horizon. The high altitude saw snowfall year round.
—
After Kali received her mystery friend at the forest clearing, she gaily traversed up that mountain with him, now gossiping away about her way of living. How she lived in her own little cottage a mile or so away, not terribly far from the cozy house in which her father lived, and where Kali preferred to spend her time. “He is old, and unable to do many of the things he used to do. So I stay and help where I can. I tend to the farm, and the gardens, and all the books that take an eternity to organize.” She laughed.
Köhler’s cottage was flanked by a large pond and a modest farm. “This is it! Come along, I’ll introduce you!” Kali led the way up the worn path. The cottage was inspired by German architecture, and was carefully maintained. Kali would never see the house fall apart. Behind it all, the mountain rose higher and higher, disappearing into grey, misty clouds. It looked like it might snow soon.
Kali opened the front door, and stamped her snow-sodden boots on the thatched mat. “Papa, we’re here!” If Köhler was not about at the foyer, she would take her friend further inside. “Allow me to introduce—“ She sidestepped, allowing their mystery company to step forward.
yam — 09/10/2020
Although not uninviting, Niveus' face was not blatantly friendly. No, his face was, by default, about as blank as they came. With doe-like eyes and a pouty mouth, he looked to some like a child and to others like a demure, boyish young lady. Alas, he was neither. He could not help that he looked that way! It looked as though there would be two low-expression individuals present this evening. This posed the potential of complicating things, such as communication. Oh dear.
His outfit was not chitinous or dark, so it did not contrast with his fair complexion or colourful hair. It was... quite average compared to the armour he donned when first meeting Kali. On his legs and feet, hand-tooled and ornate nearly knee-high leather gaiters attached to a pair of short, dusty brown boots, tucked into them dusty-olive leggings. From thereon up, a handsome, busy multi-green tunic accented in delicate gold around the damask's pattern. Around his neck was a light-weight, delicately woven and well-loved olive scarf. For the sake of keeping himself dry rather than offsetting the verdant look, he wore his dark cloak to take the brunt of the snow he would be encountering.
What Niveus had said before rang true: he seemed unbothered by the cold. He seemed more concerned in the potential of getting stuck or lost than in freezing. The gossiping was primarily one-sided, however he did gently pipe in commentary such as, 'that sounds nice', 'Ah,' and his signature 'I see', among other things. He did seem taken in the concept of farm, garden and book tending, offering little 'oh?'s of interest.
When they arrived, he grew very quiet and while blank-faced as always, the way his eyes explored exhibited a sort of curious wonder often seen in children admiring a grand spectacle. It likely had to do with being somewhere new and, to him, quite interesting. As was to be expected by the Niveus however, when Kali side-stepped as if to cue him to introduce himself, he remained stood in place and gazing about like a big dummy.
That is, of course, until he blinked rapidly and looked down. Kali's father may have been tall in his human suit, but Niveus, in his Niveus suit, was quite a bit taller still. "...E-euhh--" he refrained a bleating noise. "N-Niveus... hello." he offered an awkward, polite-intentioned bow.
AJ — 09/12/2020
Köhler was more apprehensive than intrigued. It wasn’t that he didn’t want her to have friends—he encouraged her to go out, expected that she would one day leave him. “Oh? Is he a herbalist or an artist?” He listened attentively to her words, adjusting his glasses before looking down at her warmly, forcing out more conversation just for her sake. Chopping vegetables, he paused to scrape them off into the pot alongside the roast. “I can smell it. A peck and a quiet hug.
---
It was to be a staring contest, then. At least the old dragon had longevity on his side. Although he crossed his arms briefly as he saw them coming up the path through the window, he moved instead to clasp his hands behind his back, his best attempt to look grateful and welcoming. He often stooped, though the anxiety of unknowns in his home left a rigidity and straightness in his shoulders, and the looming man brought out the briefest petty consideration of adjusting his own human form accordingly. No, he probably shouldn’t.
Reaching up with a bony hand to adjust his glasses yet again, he stared the young man down like a stern librarian assessing a man for his late returns might. “Köhler.” No mister; it sounded like a surname. ...Somethingsomething politeness. He glanced to Kali, looked back over his shoulder to the bubbling dinner, and awkwardly swept out an arm towards the living quarters, a sight more warmly inviting than him.
Ave — 09/13/2020
Kali looked between her father and new friend as she unwrapped her fur cloak, grinning brightly. Where Köhler was usually an imposing man by nature (especially in his alternate form), Niveus was tall by comparison, but a bit more meek. It was too bad that the girl saw past their discomfort. Kali was ignorant of all except of her own emotions. She reveled in having a new friend. The idea of it made her heart do the funky chicken, which expressed outwardly in the way her feet bounced and her huge blue eyes glittered.
“Papa, thank you for tending to the food, it smells lovely! Come with me,” she told both librarian and guest, “we’ll have our dinner in the dining room!” Not that Köhler needed help finding the dining room in his own house. This act was more for Niveus’ benefit.
Kali led the way. There was beauty in the chaos of books piled and stacked haphazardly nearly on every surface, but their spines and covers looked well maintained and dusted. Kali paused at the dining room door, beaming, before opening it.
The table was not very large, but it never needed to be, as they never had any guests of more than one or two people at best, if not ever. A handsome, solid square oak table just for Köhler and his daughter. It was well cared for despite the occasional scrapes and scuffs, unfolding a story of its use for many a good year. It was already laden with seasoned hard boiled eggs, sliced fruit, and toasted reishi mushrooms properly cooked with stuffed herb and melted cheese (this was made particularly with Niveus in mind). Three plates indicated where to sit. Goblets, mugs, and a pitcher of mulled wine was steaming, having been warmed to perfection. The outside was getting chillier by the minute, but thankfully, the dining room harbored a grand fireplace that was lit and blazing merrily.
“If you will make yourselves comfortable, I will return soon with the main course! Please, do not wait for me. You are welcome to eat what is already there.” Kali disappeared for a moment, leaving Niveus and Köhler alone... together.
A few minutes later, Kali returned carrying a huge pot roast between thick mittens. There was a space on the table pre-designed to let the roast sit, and that is where the girl let it rest. When she took the lid off, a magnificent scent of juicy meat and vegetables filled the air. Kali went ahead and served slices swimming in grease and the vegetable fixings in their bowls.
Then, the mulled wine was poured for everyone. Kali was happy, but also nervous, hoping she was doing this social thing right. When her father and guest was served first, Kali got her own helping of roast.
It was strange. Kali was so thrilled to have Niveus here. For some reason, she was stuck on what to say. It was easy to talk to him when they first met, but now? She was aware that they had someone new in their home. Kali could not recall the last time they (she, mind) invited a guest over.
yam — 09/13/2020
Niveus' eyes could not help but wander regardless of whether or not his brain wanted them to. Truly he had never seen so many books in one location... it was exciting to him. He had not known how to read for very long, mind, only a small handful of years, but he enjoyed it and was always amazed with how many different books there were and how there seemed to be a book about almost everything.
Forcing a smile toward Kohler, though it was small and frankly riddled with anxiety, he followed Kali. As they walked, his head would gradually tilt and his nostrils would flair, taking in the scents long before meeting the sights they originated from. Oh, but it was a wonderful set of sights to see and to smell, truly.
It took Niveus a bit longer than it should have to take a seat, likely because he was a great awkward thing who was terribly nervous all of a sudden, likely because of Kohler. He was used to unemotive if not stern faces: Frigus was full of them. He had, however, developed a caution toward such faces, as they were not the same as the ones back home. Stoicism could hide kindness, but it could also hide agendas.
When Niveus was left alone with that stern face, he thought he might faint but thankfully did not. He avoided eye contact and said little if anything, save for a shy, small 'Thank you for having me' in a voice barely over a whisper. When Kali returned, the sweating did not stop, but there was certainly an internal sense of relief in the fact. In an attempt to be nonchalant, he did not outwardly react to the presence of pot roast, however his nostrils were telling if not downright incriminating.
When all were served and that weighty expectation of dinner social crept up on the three, the Frigan would, whilst daintily prodding at a hot morsel of food he hoped to encourage in cooling, speak softly, managing a voice that did not stutter nor waver. "It is a beautiful home you have... and so full of information and stories... I thank you both for allowing me to see it."
AJ — 09/13/2020
Köhler kept his composure for her sake, clearing his throat uncomfortably and turning to walk with the pair. Not much of a conversationalist, he couldn’t even manage a smile back. He watched Niveus closely from behind instead, pausing only to straighten a stack of books as he walked past it, and stepping through the doorway into the dining room. Not one to leave everything to his daughter, he stepped ahead to take the lids off of pots, previously placed to keep everything warm until Niveus’ arrival, and filling the room with the rich smell of cooked vegetables.
The bearded man wasn’t exactly a friendly, welcoming, warm father-figure type, so Niveus’ anxieties were well justified, although he was doing his best not to intentionally Loom or intimidate. He started to offer his assistance in bringing in the main course, but Kali was an excitable, do-it-yourself type, and he ended up sliding into his chair instead as she bustled off. But that left the two of them alone, and Köhler looked towards Niveus, whose eyes averted. He stared. His voice was quiet and deep, and resonated with something inhuman. “Kali does not have many friends.” Oops, that could be code for ‘so I will tolerate you for her sake’. But it was difficult to tell by his tone of voice. It may simply be a statement of fact.
He helped in serving—quietly insisting—passing dishes across to his daughter until everything had made its rounds. He settled in to cut his food in silence. ...Oh. Societal Niceties. He cleared his throat again, looked to Niveus, then past him at the nearest collection of books through a doorway. “It is my profession.” Compliments—abort, abort. He rarely had company, and those that did come to his cottage were there to employ his services, and the dragon rarely allowed them to stay for dinner. It had been a long, long time. ...His mate had been the social one.
Ave — 09/16/2020
“Papa...!” Kali was always a do-it-yourself kind of person, so when her arthritic father insisted on helping, Kali grimaced, but let him help, only because of his persistence (and she did not want to embarrass him in front of their guest). “Thank you.” With a ladle in her hand, she pecked Köhler’s temple with gratitude for all that he has done to help.
Struck by inspiration, Kali suddenly waved her hands with ladle still in tow. “Silly me! I forgot a very important thing! That we—Papa and I—do sometimes before dinner.” Kali looked to her father, as if beseeching to proceed with the ‘tradition’. Bowing her head, the girl hastily released the ladle, then held her hands up, in a somewhat relaxed gesture.
“Father Bahamut, Lord of Dragons, let our voices be heard as far as the East Wind and beyond, where you dwell eternally in golden light. We have come together to rejoice and feast in your name, and thank you for this bounty spread before us. We ask that you watch over us; our family, and our friends. May your golden light continue guiding us wherever our paths may lead.”
The prayer had finished with no expectations for Niveus to join them. Kali broke off a piece of bread, and let it soak in the grease. “My mother was a devout follower of Bahamut,” she explained. “We continue her prayer, mostly in her memory. Papa and I are not very religious, but... we feel that carrying on with the tradition makes it feel like she is still here with us.” With her free hand, she reached out to squeeze Köhler’s hand, knowing that the memory of her was still as strong. “I don’t know my mother... she passed away years before I was born. But Papa speaks enough about her, that I feel like I know her.”
What a anomalous thing to say! Born years after? What kind of nonsense was that? Kali did not think to extrapolate on it, so she lifted the bread to her lips and nibbled on the savory flavor of bread soaked in grease.
Kali had noticed before when Niveus looked this way and that, impressed, she assumed, of the sheer amount of books her father owned. She leaned in. “What you see barely scratches the surface,” she whispered in excited undertones. “Hadn’t I said the whole mountain is a library?”
The mulled wine carried a rich aroma that Kali was only pleased to dip her nose in, and breathe in deep. She harbored an intense passion for food and drink, if the fancy preparation was any indication. “Cinnamon, orange, sugar, honey, and maple. With a decent helping of red wine, of course! These are a few of my favorite scents!” All of these smells Kali could distinguish easily. “They remind me of campfire and good music. This is most definitely a nostalgic kind of drink! What do the smells remind you of, Papa? Niveus?” It was important for her to know, it seems, the way her impassioned glance drifted between them both.
yam — 09/16/2020
Niveus had only had grandiose, and yes, he considered this very, a few times in his life. Even in Frigus, 'grandiose' cooking was not the same at all and at a glance to any surface-dweller, it would likely look ghastly. This was more like a pretty picture by Niveus' standards. Something bordering on unrealistic due to it's loveliness.
When Kali began her mealtime prayer, Niveus remained quiet, simply observing. He felt awkward and... frankly, a little bad, but only because he had no knowledge of this Bahamut, so he had no way of relating or offering appropriate commentary or participation. So he suffered (albeit mildly, thankfully) in silence.
When all was done, he continued to abstain from commentary, partly in fear of Kohler's reaction and partly because... he was terrible at conversation at the worst of times. He did, however, offer a small smile at mention of the mountain being a library.
And then a real question. One that, frankly in his anxious state, put Niveus on the spot. But that's alright! He could manage! ...Couldn't he?
"...Cinnamon reminds me of Tal Kulha... the oasis my bird-friends come from. There is a market area there, with flat bowls made from dried gourds, filled with spices... Orange, the same... they also had reed baskets full of fruits, like tuna, kumquat, pitaya, pomegranate..." Niveus' smile grew relaxed and genuine. Remembering these things, it brought him peace. "...Sugar..." he sounded amused all of a sudden.
"There is a spot where cane is grown, but there are moths that like to eat the cane as larvae... there are geckos that eat the moths and worms though, so it works out I suppose..." Honey.
"I first tried honey in the desert... I did not know the bees stung, so I got stung very many times. I had smelled something sweet and I knew bugs some times make sweet things, so I went for it..." and finally... "There were sugar maples in the Northeast in Dhul. It is the only place where the trees bleed sweet..." he seemed completely at ease now. Good. Alas, he had not touched his food yet. Reminiscing kept his mouth busy.
AJ — 09/17/2020
Köhler chose his human form because it allowed him more flexibility in his old age. And despite everything, he still wanted to dad. Kali was incredibly independent, but he would not let everything fall to her. He could take equal part of making and serving dinners, doing the dishes... He wanted to. He mumbled some words of gratitude (“It’s all right, Solnyshko. I have it.”), not to worry, and accepted her little peck with a quiet, downcast look.
He hadn’t been sure if she intended to continue their custom in front of guests, so he made no move to remind her, but when she came about it herself, he settled back down in his seat and folded his hands together. Allowing her to lead, and speaking in a quiet whisper. More to his late mate, than anyone else. When Kali took his hand, he squeezed it back, his so much larger and old, reaching across with his other hand to pat hers warmly. Despite all of the praise she heaped on the man’s late wife, he added no comment of his own. She had always been the more talkative one.
He did look to her again at mention of his extensive collection, a little worried she’d brought him home just to traipse through his mountain. Oh no, not those books. Those in the cabin were fine. Perhaps. “...I am a bookbinder,” he offered, in way of explanation. A bookbinder that evidently did not give up the books he bound.
Kali was trying so hard to draw them both into conversation with each other, and he cleared his throat, reaching up to adjust his glasses and push them further up his bent nose. He smelled deeply from his cup. “Something nostalgic. The cooler months near the fire.” Niveus’ thoughts were... More involved. “You have travelled some.” Despite that low, even tone, he sounded interested.
Ave — 09/18/2020
Being the daddy's girl that she is, you better well believe she would let Köhler do his thing. They were moments Kali clung on to, because she was never sure how long yet she could let Köhler do any of these things.
It was unfortunate, perhaps, that Kali had not quite grasped how private Köhler preferred his library. Having made a new friend, poor Kali was only too eager to share her entire world with Niveus. "Papa is the best bookbinder this side of Hy-Brazir. You will never find another who cares more for books than he." She turned and smiled at her father, for rarely did the girl ever make an insincere comment, least of all to, or about him.
"Oh, yes, Papa! I suppose this drink is best suited for the holiday, or when the season reaches its coldest..." Kali took a sip, and sighed with a pleased smile.
Kali had barely touched her food, choosing instead to savor the bread and listen intently to Niveus, and chatter back animatedly. "Tal Kulha sounds like an incredible place to be," she commented with a longing sigh. "Oh--Niveus was raised by a bird couple." She added this nugget of information for Kohler's sake.
"But pomegranate... what I wouldn't give to taste one... the merchants in the valley haven't sold any... the books describe it to be a bit like ripe cherries or sweet grapes..."
A grin spread wide on her face at the mention of 'sugar', anticipating a story. It left her nodding and grinning, only too happy to share in these delightfully sweet memories. "You should let me make you a batch of strawberry tarts one of these days. The secret to its exquisite taste is--no, not the strawberry, but... the butter. It's impossible to eat just one. After the first bite... it's a slippery slope!"
A hand settled over Kali's mouth as she looked on piteously. "Oh, you poor thing! Bees! The price we must pay for our sweet goals... alas..." Remembering that she had a wonderful roast waiting to be consumed, she took up a fork and started stabbing into it, and pulled a chunk away, and bit into it. The meat was tender and hot in her mouth. She swallowed. "A hard lesson learned, I take it? I'll bet the sugar maples were lovely. Gods, I long to see the places you've described..."
yam — 09/19/2020
Niveus... could not relate. Not fully, any ways. He had grown up with a 'father', whom he came to find was not his father by blood but has raised him as he would his own: with muted kindness, as most Frigans were, to a degree, capable of kindness (particularly males who were known for being docile and mild-mannered in addition to the more nurturing of the two sexes). While he did not see him as his father, he did see him as a trusted father-figure. That said, being a young adult (under a century) when Niveus was born meant by the time Niveus was an older youth, he did not have any age-related complications that would call for Niveus to aid in. Even now being handicapped to a degree due to an injury caused by a rock collapse, he was still fairly able bodied and needed no help in his usual duties.
But that's not what this is about! Although the situation (and the observed interactions) certainly had caused the thoughts to drift to and from his mind. "A bookbinder...?" Niveus had offered with clear interest: he liked to learn how things worked, how they were made, what made them exist and be what they were. Books, he had dabbled in minimally, but had found fascinating. For as simple an object as a book could be, many were very visually stimulating in the manner in which they were made: leather, metal, paper, glue, sewing. It ranged, as many other crafts did, and was very often overlooked because they were such commonly encountered objects for so many. It perhaps helped Niveus that he had minimal exposure to books until he was an adult, so they were that much more fascinating to him.
"I have, yes..." From Kohler to Kali, Niveus nodded a little. "I was not raised, so much as taken in by them... I was already by human standards a young adult..." still an idiot child by Frigan. "Pomegranate is very nice, but very messy... it is sweet but has a tart bite to it... they are beautiful inside, too... but they are very juicy, and stain things." he learned the hard way. He spared them the details, but he had stained a perfectly good hand-made fine cotton carpet. It likely was still in use, as it had been when he left the oasis, but it had a tint to it that no washing could budge.
"The maples are particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves change... I did not have time as I did not stay long, but I would have liked to save some of the leaves... they were the most brilliant shade of orange." like someone's hair, though Niveus only thought of it after the fact.
"Travelling is... comforting to me, but... I have come to realize that it is because I have never felt truly at home anywhere... even when I stay somewhere for years at a time, it does not feel like home..." nowhere did. Not even Frigus, where he was born and raised. Tal Kulha came close, very close, and when he had owned his own shop and home, that almost felt like Tal Kulha, but never in his life had he felt so perfectly at ease with a residence that he could say that it felt like home.
Perhaps blessedly as he spoke and relaxed, he had began daintily nibbling on things. Although subtle, it was clear when he liked something because his ears would dip, perk, and his eyes would widen for a split second- and the faintest rosy tint had settled into his cheeks.
He paused though. "...I have considered writing a book about my life, but... I do not want to seem self-centered, or like I want to be pitied. I have read autobiographies, and they do not always seem truthful, and even inflated. I do not want to do that, or come off as such."
AJ — 09/26/2020
Köhler was an incredibly long-lived individual... Despite being advanced in his years, he likely still had a few more of this twilight time left in him. He balked under his daughter’s compliments. A dip of his chin in a nod to Niveus, and the quietest clear of the old man’s throat; bashful.
“Quite fitting for the mountains,” he offered. The snow stuck around nearly year round, although the spices still had a very festive nostalgia to them. A quiet, “ah, I see,” as Kali filled him in on Niveus’ background. “They are very strongly perfumed, pomegranates.” He had travelled, once upon a time. His memory was still sharp. Niveus, to them, came off well-travelled and humble.
“People will think what they will about books. You cannot write one and expect to control the myriad of reactions. In the grand scheme of things, the publication will likely to be lost to obscurity. It should not stop you from publishing it. Some may find it interesting.” He spoke bluntly. Oops. It wasn’t unkind—but he was a little out of touch with ‘people’.
Ave — 09/30/2020
Kali sighed, pleased by the description of the pomegranate from both Köhler and Niveus. “They’re quite beautiful, too. Depicted in almost every book that I’ve seen, the artist’s rendition of them, I feel, hardly does them justice...” Okay, Kali, calm down, it’s just fruit. And not the hardest thing to come by! If only she would take a few steps further into the market, depending on the season, who knows what goodies she’ll find.
“I wonder if pomegranate would make a nice dye? If the color stains... Niveus, what do you think?” She nodded, keen about maple, as well. Honestly, being such a foodie, Kali enjoys anything to do with taste. It was always a plus if the fruit looked aesthetically pleasing, thus her obsession with pomegranates! “You should see this side of the forest in autumn. When the sunlight hits below the mountain just right, it is like looking upon a sea of gold.”
Kali piped up, echoing her father—while Köhler’s remark might have come off as a bit cutting without meaning to, Kali offset it with bracing words of her own. “Papa is right, you cannot hold yourself back for fear of what others might think. I think writing a autobiography would be splendid! You should do it! I’ll read it.” But then again, Kali is pretty nosy. “Papa, have you thought about writing an autobiography? You have seen so much and done what most people have only dreamed about. I’ll bet recording your adventures would be a delight, too.”
yam — 09/30/2020
Perhaps blessedly Niveus did not react poorly to Kohler's words. He took them and accepted them. He was mature and realistic. He understood. Because of this, he offered a small and gentle smile, dipping his head. "In a world so vast I know few will likely even come upon it. It would feel good to have it written down though, I think... if not for others to enjoy than for myself, to remember..." He had a good memory but he was no dragon. He may live to be a good, ripe old age but he would not outlive a beast such as the likes of them. He very well may lose his sharp memory the older he got. He did not know.
"It could, I think. I have done a little bit of hand-dying, and have watches others do it. I think the colour is heavily dependent on the temperature of the dye bath, the mordant used and the age of the pomegranate itself... I suspect the fresher and riper the fruit the more pink the dye..." Nerd. As for the leaves... "That sounds beautiful."
When Kali went off about how she'd read his autobiography, then transitioned into the notion of her father writing one, Niveus smiled a little to himself and simply ate in quiet, listening. He liked to see a child so passionate and full of life having such positive interactions with their parent, no matter how stoic they might be. He had never had such experiences but he could appreciate them for others.
AJ — 10/03/2020
Köhler was not nearly as poetic. ...Out loud. Around strangers. Otherwise he might have waxed something about scarlet rubies. Kali’s longing got a sad, fond look. He would have to make sure she got a chance to experience pomegranates, a chance to explore. Not just the market.
The man was quiet, but attentively listening to his Niveus and his daughter’s exchanges, dipping his head in a thoughtful nod at the dyes and quietly cutting up his own food rather than adding any more cents. He looked up again when the discussion of autobiographies brought things around to his own work. “Writing a book first for yourself is a worthwhile pursuit.” Who would read it if the author wouldn’t read it? But then Kali was looking at him expectantly, and the sawing motion of knife and fork stilled as he cleared his throat. “My... Your mother often wrote down our life, when we travelled.” He had likely shown her bits and pieces, but perhaps never brought up her intent to compile the biography. “...I have never added to it.” Maybe to reminisce. ...Perhaps he should.
Ave — 10/22/2020
"Word of mouth will spread, advertising your wonderful work!" That was the optimistic hope, anyway. She continued to smile encouragingly. "Yes--enjoy it for you, above all things, first.
"I had no idea you knew so much about dyes! I may have to try it, I do very much love the color... even if it comes out as a pale red--excuse me, pink..." Her thought process faded as she turned to her father. "Oh," she said quietly, but not out of sadness. Where her mother was concerned, she was very much celebrated in Kali's mind. "That is very beautiful. One day, perhaps...?"
Kali ate the rest of her meal in silence now, realizing that she had done more talking than actually eating. Once it seemed like they had all started slowing and getting full, Kali offered to take their plates and bowls if they were finished with them. "Any room for dessert?" For Kali's bottomless pit of a stomach, she always had room for anything, but decided she will not indulge if either Niveus or Kohler did not want anything more.
Kali threw her arms around his neck, declaring they had company for dinner before pecking him on the cheek and flouncing off to prepare it. Kohler wasn’t expecting that, so he was left justifiably flustered. Well, flustered for him, which amounted to reserved confusion, his gruff quiet voice probing questions in that low, draconic roll. He pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his abominably broken nose and got to work preparing food alongside his daughter, not about to shirk such duties. Especially not in the face of company. He took to cutting vegetables and general prep work, his harsh face warmed in his daughter’s presence.
When she finally took off to fetch their ‘guest’, he checked the time almost religiously then went back to finishing prep work and checking how things were cooking. The little cottage was lovely and warm, all furs and organized clutter, but slightly crooked in that delightful way some buildings got with age. With story. The venerable old dragon paced a bit when he was sure she should be getting back by now, peering out through one of the windows and rubbing his knobby hands together. He didn’t do company very well, and his resting expression wasn't an inviting one. He couldn't help it.
His human form was considerably younger, comparatively to his dragon form, somewhere around early 50s in appearance with a long face, tidy beard, and shrewd eyes behind diminutive specs. His long hair streaked with grey and pulled from his face, and his impossibly tall, jagged form clothed in scholarly charcoal robes.
Ave — 09/10/2020
Köhler must know by now that his usually timid-natured daughter simply does not make friends. To put it simply, the company she wanted to bring was the absolute first. Definitely groundbreaking, and required some form of celebration. Why not do it in style?
Kali would not keep her silence about her new ‘friend’, either. As eager as a child the night before Christmas, she gossiped away happily while chopping shiitake mushrooms. “He is a bit reticent, but genuine, and I think you’ll quite like him! He came upon me by sheer accident... tried to hunt for the Dazecap I was sketching! Can you believe that? I have been looking for one for weeks! But, in the grand scheme of things, I am glad with how it all turned out, in the end.”
Kali smiled secretly down as the mushrooms joined the carrots, peas, and potatoes, softened by steaming grease from the handsome roast nestled in the middle of it all. The blended spices filled the room with its intoxicating scent. The ensemble was the perfect marriage of a good, hearty meal, and Kali was quite proud of her craft.
“We’ll have the the candied fruits and pastries, too, Papa,” the girl said. “The bread will be ready soon. It is almost sundown, I must be off. Я люблю тебя!”
Giving her father a peck on the cheek, the girl retrieved her heavy furs to wrap around her head and shoulders, and lit a lamp to guide her path—not that she or her friend will be needing it, but a light in the dark was a symbol of warmth and friendliness.
The mountain, though as pretty as a painting, would surely be frigid, despite it only being late summer. There was a smattering of snow defiantly clinging to the ground, glittering as the sun lowered in the horizon. The high altitude saw snowfall year round.
—
After Kali received her mystery friend at the forest clearing, she gaily traversed up that mountain with him, now gossiping away about her way of living. How she lived in her own little cottage a mile or so away, not terribly far from the cozy house in which her father lived, and where Kali preferred to spend her time. “He is old, and unable to do many of the things he used to do. So I stay and help where I can. I tend to the farm, and the gardens, and all the books that take an eternity to organize.” She laughed.
Köhler’s cottage was flanked by a large pond and a modest farm. “This is it! Come along, I’ll introduce you!” Kali led the way up the worn path. The cottage was inspired by German architecture, and was carefully maintained. Kali would never see the house fall apart. Behind it all, the mountain rose higher and higher, disappearing into grey, misty clouds. It looked like it might snow soon.
Kali opened the front door, and stamped her snow-sodden boots on the thatched mat. “Papa, we’re here!” If Köhler was not about at the foyer, she would take her friend further inside. “Allow me to introduce—“ She sidestepped, allowing their mystery company to step forward.
yam — 09/10/2020
Although not uninviting, Niveus' face was not blatantly friendly. No, his face was, by default, about as blank as they came. With doe-like eyes and a pouty mouth, he looked to some like a child and to others like a demure, boyish young lady. Alas, he was neither. He could not help that he looked that way! It looked as though there would be two low-expression individuals present this evening. This posed the potential of complicating things, such as communication. Oh dear.
His outfit was not chitinous or dark, so it did not contrast with his fair complexion or colourful hair. It was... quite average compared to the armour he donned when first meeting Kali. On his legs and feet, hand-tooled and ornate nearly knee-high leather gaiters attached to a pair of short, dusty brown boots, tucked into them dusty-olive leggings. From thereon up, a handsome, busy multi-green tunic accented in delicate gold around the damask's pattern. Around his neck was a light-weight, delicately woven and well-loved olive scarf. For the sake of keeping himself dry rather than offsetting the verdant look, he wore his dark cloak to take the brunt of the snow he would be encountering.
What Niveus had said before rang true: he seemed unbothered by the cold. He seemed more concerned in the potential of getting stuck or lost than in freezing. The gossiping was primarily one-sided, however he did gently pipe in commentary such as, 'that sounds nice', 'Ah,' and his signature 'I see', among other things. He did seem taken in the concept of farm, garden and book tending, offering little 'oh?'s of interest.
When they arrived, he grew very quiet and while blank-faced as always, the way his eyes explored exhibited a sort of curious wonder often seen in children admiring a grand spectacle. It likely had to do with being somewhere new and, to him, quite interesting. As was to be expected by the Niveus however, when Kali side-stepped as if to cue him to introduce himself, he remained stood in place and gazing about like a big dummy.
That is, of course, until he blinked rapidly and looked down. Kali's father may have been tall in his human suit, but Niveus, in his Niveus suit, was quite a bit taller still. "...E-euhh--" he refrained a bleating noise. "N-Niveus... hello." he offered an awkward, polite-intentioned bow.
AJ — 09/12/2020
Köhler was more apprehensive than intrigued. It wasn’t that he didn’t want her to have friends—he encouraged her to go out, expected that she would one day leave him. “Oh? Is he a herbalist or an artist?” He listened attentively to her words, adjusting his glasses before looking down at her warmly, forcing out more conversation just for her sake. Chopping vegetables, he paused to scrape them off into the pot alongside the roast. “I can smell it. A peck and a quiet hug.
---
It was to be a staring contest, then. At least the old dragon had longevity on his side. Although he crossed his arms briefly as he saw them coming up the path through the window, he moved instead to clasp his hands behind his back, his best attempt to look grateful and welcoming. He often stooped, though the anxiety of unknowns in his home left a rigidity and straightness in his shoulders, and the looming man brought out the briefest petty consideration of adjusting his own human form accordingly. No, he probably shouldn’t.
Reaching up with a bony hand to adjust his glasses yet again, he stared the young man down like a stern librarian assessing a man for his late returns might. “Köhler.” No mister; it sounded like a surname. ...Somethingsomething politeness. He glanced to Kali, looked back over his shoulder to the bubbling dinner, and awkwardly swept out an arm towards the living quarters, a sight more warmly inviting than him.
Ave — 09/13/2020
Kali looked between her father and new friend as she unwrapped her fur cloak, grinning brightly. Where Köhler was usually an imposing man by nature (especially in his alternate form), Niveus was tall by comparison, but a bit more meek. It was too bad that the girl saw past their discomfort. Kali was ignorant of all except of her own emotions. She reveled in having a new friend. The idea of it made her heart do the funky chicken, which expressed outwardly in the way her feet bounced and her huge blue eyes glittered.
“Papa, thank you for tending to the food, it smells lovely! Come with me,” she told both librarian and guest, “we’ll have our dinner in the dining room!” Not that Köhler needed help finding the dining room in his own house. This act was more for Niveus’ benefit.
Kali led the way. There was beauty in the chaos of books piled and stacked haphazardly nearly on every surface, but their spines and covers looked well maintained and dusted. Kali paused at the dining room door, beaming, before opening it.
The table was not very large, but it never needed to be, as they never had any guests of more than one or two people at best, if not ever. A handsome, solid square oak table just for Köhler and his daughter. It was well cared for despite the occasional scrapes and scuffs, unfolding a story of its use for many a good year. It was already laden with seasoned hard boiled eggs, sliced fruit, and toasted reishi mushrooms properly cooked with stuffed herb and melted cheese (this was made particularly with Niveus in mind). Three plates indicated where to sit. Goblets, mugs, and a pitcher of mulled wine was steaming, having been warmed to perfection. The outside was getting chillier by the minute, but thankfully, the dining room harbored a grand fireplace that was lit and blazing merrily.
“If you will make yourselves comfortable, I will return soon with the main course! Please, do not wait for me. You are welcome to eat what is already there.” Kali disappeared for a moment, leaving Niveus and Köhler alone... together.
A few minutes later, Kali returned carrying a huge pot roast between thick mittens. There was a space on the table pre-designed to let the roast sit, and that is where the girl let it rest. When she took the lid off, a magnificent scent of juicy meat and vegetables filled the air. Kali went ahead and served slices swimming in grease and the vegetable fixings in their bowls.
Then, the mulled wine was poured for everyone. Kali was happy, but also nervous, hoping she was doing this social thing right. When her father and guest was served first, Kali got her own helping of roast.
It was strange. Kali was so thrilled to have Niveus here. For some reason, she was stuck on what to say. It was easy to talk to him when they first met, but now? She was aware that they had someone new in their home. Kali could not recall the last time they (she, mind) invited a guest over.
yam — 09/13/2020
Niveus' eyes could not help but wander regardless of whether or not his brain wanted them to. Truly he had never seen so many books in one location... it was exciting to him. He had not known how to read for very long, mind, only a small handful of years, but he enjoyed it and was always amazed with how many different books there were and how there seemed to be a book about almost everything.
Forcing a smile toward Kohler, though it was small and frankly riddled with anxiety, he followed Kali. As they walked, his head would gradually tilt and his nostrils would flair, taking in the scents long before meeting the sights they originated from. Oh, but it was a wonderful set of sights to see and to smell, truly.
It took Niveus a bit longer than it should have to take a seat, likely because he was a great awkward thing who was terribly nervous all of a sudden, likely because of Kohler. He was used to unemotive if not stern faces: Frigus was full of them. He had, however, developed a caution toward such faces, as they were not the same as the ones back home. Stoicism could hide kindness, but it could also hide agendas.
When Niveus was left alone with that stern face, he thought he might faint but thankfully did not. He avoided eye contact and said little if anything, save for a shy, small 'Thank you for having me' in a voice barely over a whisper. When Kali returned, the sweating did not stop, but there was certainly an internal sense of relief in the fact. In an attempt to be nonchalant, he did not outwardly react to the presence of pot roast, however his nostrils were telling if not downright incriminating.
When all were served and that weighty expectation of dinner social crept up on the three, the Frigan would, whilst daintily prodding at a hot morsel of food he hoped to encourage in cooling, speak softly, managing a voice that did not stutter nor waver. "It is a beautiful home you have... and so full of information and stories... I thank you both for allowing me to see it."
AJ — 09/13/2020
Köhler kept his composure for her sake, clearing his throat uncomfortably and turning to walk with the pair. Not much of a conversationalist, he couldn’t even manage a smile back. He watched Niveus closely from behind instead, pausing only to straighten a stack of books as he walked past it, and stepping through the doorway into the dining room. Not one to leave everything to his daughter, he stepped ahead to take the lids off of pots, previously placed to keep everything warm until Niveus’ arrival, and filling the room with the rich smell of cooked vegetables.
The bearded man wasn’t exactly a friendly, welcoming, warm father-figure type, so Niveus’ anxieties were well justified, although he was doing his best not to intentionally Loom or intimidate. He started to offer his assistance in bringing in the main course, but Kali was an excitable, do-it-yourself type, and he ended up sliding into his chair instead as she bustled off. But that left the two of them alone, and Köhler looked towards Niveus, whose eyes averted. He stared. His voice was quiet and deep, and resonated with something inhuman. “Kali does not have many friends.” Oops, that could be code for ‘so I will tolerate you for her sake’. But it was difficult to tell by his tone of voice. It may simply be a statement of fact.
He helped in serving—quietly insisting—passing dishes across to his daughter until everything had made its rounds. He settled in to cut his food in silence. ...Oh. Societal Niceties. He cleared his throat again, looked to Niveus, then past him at the nearest collection of books through a doorway. “It is my profession.” Compliments—abort, abort. He rarely had company, and those that did come to his cottage were there to employ his services, and the dragon rarely allowed them to stay for dinner. It had been a long, long time. ...His mate had been the social one.
Ave — 09/16/2020
“Papa...!” Kali was always a do-it-yourself kind of person, so when her arthritic father insisted on helping, Kali grimaced, but let him help, only because of his persistence (and she did not want to embarrass him in front of their guest). “Thank you.” With a ladle in her hand, she pecked Köhler’s temple with gratitude for all that he has done to help.
Struck by inspiration, Kali suddenly waved her hands with ladle still in tow. “Silly me! I forgot a very important thing! That we—Papa and I—do sometimes before dinner.” Kali looked to her father, as if beseeching to proceed with the ‘tradition’. Bowing her head, the girl hastily released the ladle, then held her hands up, in a somewhat relaxed gesture.
“Father Bahamut, Lord of Dragons, let our voices be heard as far as the East Wind and beyond, where you dwell eternally in golden light. We have come together to rejoice and feast in your name, and thank you for this bounty spread before us. We ask that you watch over us; our family, and our friends. May your golden light continue guiding us wherever our paths may lead.”
The prayer had finished with no expectations for Niveus to join them. Kali broke off a piece of bread, and let it soak in the grease. “My mother was a devout follower of Bahamut,” she explained. “We continue her prayer, mostly in her memory. Papa and I are not very religious, but... we feel that carrying on with the tradition makes it feel like she is still here with us.” With her free hand, she reached out to squeeze Köhler’s hand, knowing that the memory of her was still as strong. “I don’t know my mother... she passed away years before I was born. But Papa speaks enough about her, that I feel like I know her.”
What a anomalous thing to say! Born years after? What kind of nonsense was that? Kali did not think to extrapolate on it, so she lifted the bread to her lips and nibbled on the savory flavor of bread soaked in grease.
Kali had noticed before when Niveus looked this way and that, impressed, she assumed, of the sheer amount of books her father owned. She leaned in. “What you see barely scratches the surface,” she whispered in excited undertones. “Hadn’t I said the whole mountain is a library?”
The mulled wine carried a rich aroma that Kali was only pleased to dip her nose in, and breathe in deep. She harbored an intense passion for food and drink, if the fancy preparation was any indication. “Cinnamon, orange, sugar, honey, and maple. With a decent helping of red wine, of course! These are a few of my favorite scents!” All of these smells Kali could distinguish easily. “They remind me of campfire and good music. This is most definitely a nostalgic kind of drink! What do the smells remind you of, Papa? Niveus?” It was important for her to know, it seems, the way her impassioned glance drifted between them both.
yam — 09/16/2020
Niveus had only had grandiose, and yes, he considered this very, a few times in his life. Even in Frigus, 'grandiose' cooking was not the same at all and at a glance to any surface-dweller, it would likely look ghastly. This was more like a pretty picture by Niveus' standards. Something bordering on unrealistic due to it's loveliness.
When Kali began her mealtime prayer, Niveus remained quiet, simply observing. He felt awkward and... frankly, a little bad, but only because he had no knowledge of this Bahamut, so he had no way of relating or offering appropriate commentary or participation. So he suffered (albeit mildly, thankfully) in silence.
When all was done, he continued to abstain from commentary, partly in fear of Kohler's reaction and partly because... he was terrible at conversation at the worst of times. He did, however, offer a small smile at mention of the mountain being a library.
And then a real question. One that, frankly in his anxious state, put Niveus on the spot. But that's alright! He could manage! ...Couldn't he?
"...Cinnamon reminds me of Tal Kulha... the oasis my bird-friends come from. There is a market area there, with flat bowls made from dried gourds, filled with spices... Orange, the same... they also had reed baskets full of fruits, like tuna, kumquat, pitaya, pomegranate..." Niveus' smile grew relaxed and genuine. Remembering these things, it brought him peace. "...Sugar..." he sounded amused all of a sudden.
"There is a spot where cane is grown, but there are moths that like to eat the cane as larvae... there are geckos that eat the moths and worms though, so it works out I suppose..." Honey.
"I first tried honey in the desert... I did not know the bees stung, so I got stung very many times. I had smelled something sweet and I knew bugs some times make sweet things, so I went for it..." and finally... "There were sugar maples in the Northeast in Dhul. It is the only place where the trees bleed sweet..." he seemed completely at ease now. Good. Alas, he had not touched his food yet. Reminiscing kept his mouth busy.
AJ — 09/17/2020
Köhler chose his human form because it allowed him more flexibility in his old age. And despite everything, he still wanted to dad. Kali was incredibly independent, but he would not let everything fall to her. He could take equal part of making and serving dinners, doing the dishes... He wanted to. He mumbled some words of gratitude (“It’s all right, Solnyshko. I have it.”), not to worry, and accepted her little peck with a quiet, downcast look.
He hadn’t been sure if she intended to continue their custom in front of guests, so he made no move to remind her, but when she came about it herself, he settled back down in his seat and folded his hands together. Allowing her to lead, and speaking in a quiet whisper. More to his late mate, than anyone else. When Kali took his hand, he squeezed it back, his so much larger and old, reaching across with his other hand to pat hers warmly. Despite all of the praise she heaped on the man’s late wife, he added no comment of his own. She had always been the more talkative one.
He did look to her again at mention of his extensive collection, a little worried she’d brought him home just to traipse through his mountain. Oh no, not those books. Those in the cabin were fine. Perhaps. “...I am a bookbinder,” he offered, in way of explanation. A bookbinder that evidently did not give up the books he bound.
Kali was trying so hard to draw them both into conversation with each other, and he cleared his throat, reaching up to adjust his glasses and push them further up his bent nose. He smelled deeply from his cup. “Something nostalgic. The cooler months near the fire.” Niveus’ thoughts were... More involved. “You have travelled some.” Despite that low, even tone, he sounded interested.
Ave — 09/18/2020
Being the daddy's girl that she is, you better well believe she would let Köhler do his thing. They were moments Kali clung on to, because she was never sure how long yet she could let Köhler do any of these things.
It was unfortunate, perhaps, that Kali had not quite grasped how private Köhler preferred his library. Having made a new friend, poor Kali was only too eager to share her entire world with Niveus. "Papa is the best bookbinder this side of Hy-Brazir. You will never find another who cares more for books than he." She turned and smiled at her father, for rarely did the girl ever make an insincere comment, least of all to, or about him.
"Oh, yes, Papa! I suppose this drink is best suited for the holiday, or when the season reaches its coldest..." Kali took a sip, and sighed with a pleased smile.
Kali had barely touched her food, choosing instead to savor the bread and listen intently to Niveus, and chatter back animatedly. "Tal Kulha sounds like an incredible place to be," she commented with a longing sigh. "Oh--Niveus was raised by a bird couple." She added this nugget of information for Kohler's sake.
"But pomegranate... what I wouldn't give to taste one... the merchants in the valley haven't sold any... the books describe it to be a bit like ripe cherries or sweet grapes..."
A grin spread wide on her face at the mention of 'sugar', anticipating a story. It left her nodding and grinning, only too happy to share in these delightfully sweet memories. "You should let me make you a batch of strawberry tarts one of these days. The secret to its exquisite taste is--no, not the strawberry, but... the butter. It's impossible to eat just one. After the first bite... it's a slippery slope!"
A hand settled over Kali's mouth as she looked on piteously. "Oh, you poor thing! Bees! The price we must pay for our sweet goals... alas..." Remembering that she had a wonderful roast waiting to be consumed, she took up a fork and started stabbing into it, and pulled a chunk away, and bit into it. The meat was tender and hot in her mouth. She swallowed. "A hard lesson learned, I take it? I'll bet the sugar maples were lovely. Gods, I long to see the places you've described..."
yam — 09/19/2020
Niveus... could not relate. Not fully, any ways. He had grown up with a 'father', whom he came to find was not his father by blood but has raised him as he would his own: with muted kindness, as most Frigans were, to a degree, capable of kindness (particularly males who were known for being docile and mild-mannered in addition to the more nurturing of the two sexes). While he did not see him as his father, he did see him as a trusted father-figure. That said, being a young adult (under a century) when Niveus was born meant by the time Niveus was an older youth, he did not have any age-related complications that would call for Niveus to aid in. Even now being handicapped to a degree due to an injury caused by a rock collapse, he was still fairly able bodied and needed no help in his usual duties.
But that's not what this is about! Although the situation (and the observed interactions) certainly had caused the thoughts to drift to and from his mind. "A bookbinder...?" Niveus had offered with clear interest: he liked to learn how things worked, how they were made, what made them exist and be what they were. Books, he had dabbled in minimally, but had found fascinating. For as simple an object as a book could be, many were very visually stimulating in the manner in which they were made: leather, metal, paper, glue, sewing. It ranged, as many other crafts did, and was very often overlooked because they were such commonly encountered objects for so many. It perhaps helped Niveus that he had minimal exposure to books until he was an adult, so they were that much more fascinating to him.
"I have, yes..." From Kohler to Kali, Niveus nodded a little. "I was not raised, so much as taken in by them... I was already by human standards a young adult..." still an idiot child by Frigan. "Pomegranate is very nice, but very messy... it is sweet but has a tart bite to it... they are beautiful inside, too... but they are very juicy, and stain things." he learned the hard way. He spared them the details, but he had stained a perfectly good hand-made fine cotton carpet. It likely was still in use, as it had been when he left the oasis, but it had a tint to it that no washing could budge.
"The maples are particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves change... I did not have time as I did not stay long, but I would have liked to save some of the leaves... they were the most brilliant shade of orange." like someone's hair, though Niveus only thought of it after the fact.
"Travelling is... comforting to me, but... I have come to realize that it is because I have never felt truly at home anywhere... even when I stay somewhere for years at a time, it does not feel like home..." nowhere did. Not even Frigus, where he was born and raised. Tal Kulha came close, very close, and when he had owned his own shop and home, that almost felt like Tal Kulha, but never in his life had he felt so perfectly at ease with a residence that he could say that it felt like home.
Perhaps blessedly as he spoke and relaxed, he had began daintily nibbling on things. Although subtle, it was clear when he liked something because his ears would dip, perk, and his eyes would widen for a split second- and the faintest rosy tint had settled into his cheeks.
He paused though. "...I have considered writing a book about my life, but... I do not want to seem self-centered, or like I want to be pitied. I have read autobiographies, and they do not always seem truthful, and even inflated. I do not want to do that, or come off as such."
AJ — 09/26/2020
Köhler was an incredibly long-lived individual... Despite being advanced in his years, he likely still had a few more of this twilight time left in him. He balked under his daughter’s compliments. A dip of his chin in a nod to Niveus, and the quietest clear of the old man’s throat; bashful.
“Quite fitting for the mountains,” he offered. The snow stuck around nearly year round, although the spices still had a very festive nostalgia to them. A quiet, “ah, I see,” as Kali filled him in on Niveus’ background. “They are very strongly perfumed, pomegranates.” He had travelled, once upon a time. His memory was still sharp. Niveus, to them, came off well-travelled and humble.
“People will think what they will about books. You cannot write one and expect to control the myriad of reactions. In the grand scheme of things, the publication will likely to be lost to obscurity. It should not stop you from publishing it. Some may find it interesting.” He spoke bluntly. Oops. It wasn’t unkind—but he was a little out of touch with ‘people’.
Ave — 09/30/2020
Kali sighed, pleased by the description of the pomegranate from both Köhler and Niveus. “They’re quite beautiful, too. Depicted in almost every book that I’ve seen, the artist’s rendition of them, I feel, hardly does them justice...” Okay, Kali, calm down, it’s just fruit. And not the hardest thing to come by! If only she would take a few steps further into the market, depending on the season, who knows what goodies she’ll find.
“I wonder if pomegranate would make a nice dye? If the color stains... Niveus, what do you think?” She nodded, keen about maple, as well. Honestly, being such a foodie, Kali enjoys anything to do with taste. It was always a plus if the fruit looked aesthetically pleasing, thus her obsession with pomegranates! “You should see this side of the forest in autumn. When the sunlight hits below the mountain just right, it is like looking upon a sea of gold.”
Kali piped up, echoing her father—while Köhler’s remark might have come off as a bit cutting without meaning to, Kali offset it with bracing words of her own. “Papa is right, you cannot hold yourself back for fear of what others might think. I think writing a autobiography would be splendid! You should do it! I’ll read it.” But then again, Kali is pretty nosy. “Papa, have you thought about writing an autobiography? You have seen so much and done what most people have only dreamed about. I’ll bet recording your adventures would be a delight, too.”
yam — 09/30/2020
Perhaps blessedly Niveus did not react poorly to Kohler's words. He took them and accepted them. He was mature and realistic. He understood. Because of this, he offered a small and gentle smile, dipping his head. "In a world so vast I know few will likely even come upon it. It would feel good to have it written down though, I think... if not for others to enjoy than for myself, to remember..." He had a good memory but he was no dragon. He may live to be a good, ripe old age but he would not outlive a beast such as the likes of them. He very well may lose his sharp memory the older he got. He did not know.
"It could, I think. I have done a little bit of hand-dying, and have watches others do it. I think the colour is heavily dependent on the temperature of the dye bath, the mordant used and the age of the pomegranate itself... I suspect the fresher and riper the fruit the more pink the dye..." Nerd. As for the leaves... "That sounds beautiful."
When Kali went off about how she'd read his autobiography, then transitioned into the notion of her father writing one, Niveus smiled a little to himself and simply ate in quiet, listening. He liked to see a child so passionate and full of life having such positive interactions with their parent, no matter how stoic they might be. He had never had such experiences but he could appreciate them for others.
AJ — 10/03/2020
Köhler was not nearly as poetic. ...Out loud. Around strangers. Otherwise he might have waxed something about scarlet rubies. Kali’s longing got a sad, fond look. He would have to make sure she got a chance to experience pomegranates, a chance to explore. Not just the market.
The man was quiet, but attentively listening to his Niveus and his daughter’s exchanges, dipping his head in a thoughtful nod at the dyes and quietly cutting up his own food rather than adding any more cents. He looked up again when the discussion of autobiographies brought things around to his own work. “Writing a book first for yourself is a worthwhile pursuit.” Who would read it if the author wouldn’t read it? But then Kali was looking at him expectantly, and the sawing motion of knife and fork stilled as he cleared his throat. “My... Your mother often wrote down our life, when we travelled.” He had likely shown her bits and pieces, but perhaps never brought up her intent to compile the biography. “...I have never added to it.” Maybe to reminisce. ...Perhaps he should.
Ave — 10/22/2020
"Word of mouth will spread, advertising your wonderful work!" That was the optimistic hope, anyway. She continued to smile encouragingly. "Yes--enjoy it for you, above all things, first.
"I had no idea you knew so much about dyes! I may have to try it, I do very much love the color... even if it comes out as a pale red--excuse me, pink..." Her thought process faded as she turned to her father. "Oh," she said quietly, but not out of sadness. Where her mother was concerned, she was very much celebrated in Kali's mind. "That is very beautiful. One day, perhaps...?"
Kali ate the rest of her meal in silence now, realizing that she had done more talking than actually eating. Once it seemed like they had all started slowing and getting full, Kali offered to take their plates and bowls if they were finished with them. "Any room for dessert?" For Kali's bottomless pit of a stomach, she always had room for anything, but decided she will not indulge if either Niveus or Kohler did not want anything more.
