Date: 06/18/Y2 - 9:00 PM - Location: Sanctuary
It was certainly a lovely night for a Big Gay Wedding. Well, the event in Sanctuary called the Big Gay Wedding. As far as Raziel knew, no one was actually signed up to get married tonight. At least, he hadn't really checked. He was mostly here for the food, and this year's Pride event promised to be particular fabulous.
Sanctuary's occasional spring snow storm and muddy rains had finally let up to make way for consistently warmer weather, and boy, were people out celebrating that fact! Even with the sun down, the air was warm with a gentle, cool breeze wafting past, carrying with it the scents of candies and breads and ale and savory soups from the Fireside Market. From the direction of the Temple in the Pines came the refreshing scent of pine, as well as pork, salmon, wine... Raziel's nose was just flooded with the promise of every tasty thing in sight. Oh, and somewhere, somewhere, there was chocolate... but that would probably have to wait until after a hearty meal had been had.
Since he didn't plan to go dancing, he wasn't dressed particularly dapper tonight. Brown shirt, grey pants, brown work boots: comfy attire for Raziel. Oh, and of course, the Key Gauntlet on his left wrist that marked him as an Agent at the Omphalos. He was technically off-duty but ya never knew if trouble was going to arise.
Raziel took a few moments in Sanctuary's Main Square just to take in the sight of everyone moving about and mingling. Some were dressed to the nines for the dancing and partying, others were sampling food from the Fireside Market, and some held hands with ribbons tied around their wrists from the Handfasting tent. Aww. Cute. Not many loners that he could see, but maybe they were just better at blending in than he was.
There was laughter and conversation all around, and somewhere, someone was playing music. It could be a little overwhelming, but Raz did his best to focus on the important thing: the food.
Well, better get to it. This stomach isn't going to feed itself, he thought as he started making his way through the Main Square, keeping an eye out for trouble as he walked. Please don't let there be trouble. He wanted a nice night off.
It was certainly a lovely night for a Big Gay Wedding. Well, the event in Sanctuary called the Big Gay Wedding. As far as Raziel knew, no one was actually signed up to get married tonight. At least, he hadn't really checked. He was mostly here for the food, and this year's Pride event promised to be particular fabulous.
Sanctuary's occasional spring snow storm and muddy rains had finally let up to make way for consistently warmer weather, and boy, were people out celebrating that fact! Even with the sun down, the air was warm with a gentle, cool breeze wafting past, carrying with it the scents of candies and breads and ale and savory soups from the Fireside Market. From the direction of the Temple in the Pines came the refreshing scent of pine, as well as pork, salmon, wine... Raziel's nose was just flooded with the promise of every tasty thing in sight. Oh, and somewhere, somewhere, there was chocolate... but that would probably have to wait until after a hearty meal had been had.
Since he didn't plan to go dancing, he wasn't dressed particularly dapper tonight. Brown shirt, grey pants, brown work boots: comfy attire for Raziel. Oh, and of course, the Key Gauntlet on his left wrist that marked him as an Agent at the Omphalos. He was technically off-duty but ya never knew if trouble was going to arise.
Raziel took a few moments in Sanctuary's Main Square just to take in the sight of everyone moving about and mingling. Some were dressed to the nines for the dancing and partying, others were sampling food from the Fireside Market, and some held hands with ribbons tied around their wrists from the Handfasting tent. Aww. Cute. Not many loners that he could see, but maybe they were just better at blending in than he was.
There was laughter and conversation all around, and somewhere, someone was playing music. It could be a little overwhelming, but Raz did his best to focus on the important thing: the food.
Well, better get to it. This stomach isn't going to feed itself, he thought as he started making his way through the Main Square, keeping an eye out for trouble as he walked. Please don't let there be trouble. He wanted a nice night off.
Dark Choco looked around, brow furrowed in a broody squint. He’d been coaxed out of his current lodgings by the loud sounds of celebration and now he was at the main square, watching people come and go. Different scents mingled in the air together with the joyful sounds of chatter, and the sweet scent of candies and pastries stood out to him in particular. It tempted him, he hadn’t really gotten anything to eat the whole day, but just being outside was already faintly overwhelming. He wasn’t quite sure if he actually wanted to engage with the goings on or if he even had a right to as an outsider.
He shifted uncomfortably in place as he stood off to the side of the square, ignoring the curious glances that the non-cookie, non-cake beings occasionally sent his way. He hadn’t bothered to dress down and wore his full set of dark cacao armor, greatsword strapped to his back. His gear, combined with his stormy expression, gave him an intimidating air and was enough so far to deter anyone from approaching him. But, it wasn’t enough to keep him from their scrutiny.
Which... was fair enough, he was an outsider after all. But, outside of his being a stranger, he remembers being told that it was his anatomy that was especially something of interest. He hadn’t fully paid attention at the time though. He only knew that it was something about his being a cookie combined with his Dark Cacaoan nature that frequently caused others to pause whenever they came near. This was a safe place (supposedly) and its people were his rescuers, but he’d yet to meet another Cookie or even just another being made out of sweets or dough. The several layers of unfamiliarity made him uneasy, which is why he’s now spent at least the better part of a half hour simply standing there instead of walking around or speaking to anyone.
Dark Choco clenched and unclenched his fists, huffing a little in frustration. Maybe he should just go back to his room before he could end up disturbing anyone (or before anyone could end up disturbing him). His broody squint darkened to a heavy glare as he looked to the ground and debated with himself.
He shifted uncomfortably in place as he stood off to the side of the square, ignoring the curious glances that the non-cookie, non-cake beings occasionally sent his way. He hadn’t bothered to dress down and wore his full set of dark cacao armor, greatsword strapped to his back. His gear, combined with his stormy expression, gave him an intimidating air and was enough so far to deter anyone from approaching him. But, it wasn’t enough to keep him from their scrutiny.
Which... was fair enough, he was an outsider after all. But, outside of his being a stranger, he remembers being told that it was his anatomy that was especially something of interest. He hadn’t fully paid attention at the time though. He only knew that it was something about his being a cookie combined with his Dark Cacaoan nature that frequently caused others to pause whenever they came near. This was a safe place (supposedly) and its people were his rescuers, but he’d yet to meet another Cookie or even just another being made out of sweets or dough. The several layers of unfamiliarity made him uneasy, which is why he’s now spent at least the better part of a half hour simply standing there instead of walking around or speaking to anyone.
Dark Choco clenched and unclenched his fists, huffing a little in frustration. Maybe he should just go back to his room before he could end up disturbing anyone (or before anyone could end up disturbing him). His broody squint darkened to a heavy glare as he looked to the ground and debated with himself.
As he walked through the square, the smell of chocolate only got stronger, and at its strongest, he glanced to the side to see a rather imposing figure just sort of... standing there. And glaring. Full set of scaled armor with some impressive pauldrons and - oh boy - a rather hefty looking sword.
Aww beans. Raziel just wanted a nice night off! But this looked like potential trouble. Thinking back to his earlier scanning of the crowds, he did now remember seeing this individual standing here but hadn't taken much notice of the details at the time. The fact that he was still standing in the same spot after a good while was... potentially concerning, to say the last.
No, Raz, don't jump to conclusions. Maybe they're just overwhelmed by the festivities. Maybe... they're just people watching. Heck, maybe they were new. It doesn't have to be a red alert.
Even so, he tapped the screen of his Key Gauntlet to life and swiped until he got to the screen that he could use to call in back-up. Just in case. With an ever so heavy sigh, Raziel changed course from the Fireside Market to get closer to this armored individual, making sure his body language was easy and non-threatening and his pace unhurried. Putting a good few feet between them, he sidled up next to the armored, chocolate-smelling being and just stood beside them for a few moments.
"Nice night for a party, huh?" Raziel finally said, trying to sound more friendly than he actually felt. "You okay there, buddy? You seem... well, a little angry for a celebration like this one." There was another internal sigh before he turned to look at them and offer, "Anything I can do to help?"
Aww beans. Raziel just wanted a nice night off! But this looked like potential trouble. Thinking back to his earlier scanning of the crowds, he did now remember seeing this individual standing here but hadn't taken much notice of the details at the time. The fact that he was still standing in the same spot after a good while was... potentially concerning, to say the last.
No, Raz, don't jump to conclusions. Maybe they're just overwhelmed by the festivities. Maybe... they're just people watching. Heck, maybe they were new. It doesn't have to be a red alert.
Even so, he tapped the screen of his Key Gauntlet to life and swiped until he got to the screen that he could use to call in back-up. Just in case. With an ever so heavy sigh, Raziel changed course from the Fireside Market to get closer to this armored individual, making sure his body language was easy and non-threatening and his pace unhurried. Putting a good few feet between them, he sidled up next to the armored, chocolate-smelling being and just stood beside them for a few moments.
"Nice night for a party, huh?" Raziel finally said, trying to sound more friendly than he actually felt. "You okay there, buddy? You seem... well, a little angry for a celebration like this one." There was another internal sigh before he turned to look at them and offer, "Anything I can do to help?"
Before he could come to a decision, Dark Choco’s brooding was interrupted by the sudden approach of a stranger. His form tensed as, from the corner of his eye, he saw a figure draw near and come to a stop next to him. He kept his gaze on the ground, not wanting to acknowledge them in case it was simply a coincidence that they stood so close. It revealed itself to not be a coincidence. Dark Choco looked up when the stranger spoke and he momentarily found himself taken aback at the stranger’s height. He was forced to tilt his head upwards just so he could place his gaze near the shape of their eyes.
For a few moments he simply stared at them, brow still set to a glare, before their words finally registered with him. Dark Choco immediately forced his face to relax.
“My apologies," he apologized with a low grumble and an accompanying nod. A thrum of embarrassment twisted the corners of his mouth downwards.
"Thank you for your concern. I'm not angry I'm just..." He was just what? Not knowing how to continue, he let himself trail off.
He turned and set his gaze out towards the square. It was a nice night. It's been a long while since he'd witnessed people making merry like this. His fingers twitched, flexing, before he caught the motion and forced his hands to still. In the few moments of silence, he warred with himself, before he spoke up once again.
"May I ask..." He turned back to look at the stranger, voice quiet in his hesitance. "What it is that you're celebrating?"
For a few moments he simply stared at them, brow still set to a glare, before their words finally registered with him. Dark Choco immediately forced his face to relax.
“My apologies," he apologized with a low grumble and an accompanying nod. A thrum of embarrassment twisted the corners of his mouth downwards.
"Thank you for your concern. I'm not angry I'm just..." He was just what? Not knowing how to continue, he let himself trail off.
He turned and set his gaze out towards the square. It was a nice night. It's been a long while since he'd witnessed people making merry like this. His fingers twitched, flexing, before he caught the motion and forced his hands to still. In the few moments of silence, he warred with himself, before he spoke up once again.
"May I ask..." He turned back to look at the stranger, voice quiet in his hesitance. "What it is that you're celebrating?"
After a slightly awkward staring contest, the stranger seemed to relax a bit. Okay... good. This wasn't someone about to go on a murderous rampage and just trying to decide when to do it. This was just a dude going through something.
"Hey, don't sweat it," Raziel said, feeling relieved when the other figure apologized. The stranger continued for a bit then trailed off. Yeah... definitely going through something. Best not to push too hard if it was that hard to talk about. Now Raziel felt a little bad for interrupting, but, maybe a distraction was what was needed? He let the silence lie between them for another few moments, watching them clench and unclench their hands at some internal conflict, until the stranger spoke again and asked about the celebration.
"Hmm? Oh. It's Sanctuary's Pride Festival, basically. Uh... do you know about Pride?" Raziel still didn't know how new this guy was to the area, but he definitely came from somewhere else. "Um. So like, celebrating the the LGBTQ+ rights movement and celebration of queer existence, history, and community?" He realized he just listed off a bunch of letters to someone who potentially still wouldn't know what that meant, but he waited to see if they needed further clarification before stumbling over further explanations.
Also, unrelated, but his mouth was watering from the strong smell of chocolate. Why... why did this fellow just radiate a chocolate aura? Was he packing open candy bars on him or something? Raziel still hadn't eaten and his stomach was starting to growl. Hopefully not so loudly as to be distracting to the broody guy he was talking to. That would be a little embarrassing.
"Hey, don't sweat it," Raziel said, feeling relieved when the other figure apologized. The stranger continued for a bit then trailed off. Yeah... definitely going through something. Best not to push too hard if it was that hard to talk about. Now Raziel felt a little bad for interrupting, but, maybe a distraction was what was needed? He let the silence lie between them for another few moments, watching them clench and unclench their hands at some internal conflict, until the stranger spoke again and asked about the celebration.
"Hmm? Oh. It's Sanctuary's Pride Festival, basically. Uh... do you know about Pride?" Raziel still didn't know how new this guy was to the area, but he definitely came from somewhere else. "Um. So like, celebrating the the LGBTQ+ rights movement and celebration of queer existence, history, and community?" He realized he just listed off a bunch of letters to someone who potentially still wouldn't know what that meant, but he waited to see if they needed further clarification before stumbling over further explanations.
Also, unrelated, but his mouth was watering from the strong smell of chocolate. Why... why did this fellow just radiate a chocolate aura? Was he packing open candy bars on him or something? Raziel still hadn't eaten and his stomach was starting to growl. Hopefully not so loudly as to be distracting to the broody guy he was talking to. That would be a little embarrassing.
Dark Choco opened his mouth to answer that, yes, he knew of pride — of having pride, at least — though he was sure that probably wasn’t what the stranger fully meant. But then they continued speaking and Dark Choco’s expression, which was one of faint hesitance, shifted into complete puzzlement.
He tilted his head to the side and frowned. The stranger spoke as though what they listed was most likely common knowledge.
Should he know this? Scouring his memory for anything that sounded close, no, he found that none of it really rung a bell. It must be due to their differing worlds. Or perhaps his own lapse in knowledge, it wasn't like he had involved himself in any cookie community recently outside of terrorizing them in the name of Dark Enchantress.
His expression soured a bit at his own train of thought. He shook himself out of it and put his attention back towards the stranger.
"I apologize again," he said, countenance grave in genuine remorse, "I’m afraid I know none of what you speak of. I don't know of the history here."
"Is this 'LGBT' a group?" he asked. He glanced around the square, looking for markings of those letters, but it was a bit pointless. It wasn't as if he'd be able to read any sign from this distance anyway. "What does 'queer existence' entail exactly?"
He tilted his head to the side and frowned. The stranger spoke as though what they listed was most likely common knowledge.
Should he know this? Scouring his memory for anything that sounded close, no, he found that none of it really rung a bell. It must be due to their differing worlds. Or perhaps his own lapse in knowledge, it wasn't like he had involved himself in any cookie community recently outside of terrorizing them in the name of Dark Enchantress.
His expression soured a bit at his own train of thought. He shook himself out of it and put his attention back towards the stranger.
"I apologize again," he said, countenance grave in genuine remorse, "I’m afraid I know none of what you speak of. I don't know of the history here."
"Is this 'LGBT' a group?" he asked. He glanced around the square, looking for markings of those letters, but it was a bit pointless. It wasn't as if he'd be able to read any sign from this distance anyway. "What does 'queer existence' entail exactly?"
Oh. Oh boy. Raz sighed and scratched the back of his neck for a moment, grinning ruefully. This was not how he expected this night to go. First thing was first though. "Look, I'll answer your questions, but I've gotta grab something to eat. Do you eat?" He hoped it wasn't rude to ask - some folks around here didn't need to eat. "If you do, I'll gladly grab you something as well. My treat." Having said that, he gently gestured for the stranger to follow him towards the Fireside Market.
"Right," he began while they walked, "So. LGBTQ+ is an acronym. It stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender... Q stands for Queer, which is basically any gender or sexual orientation that is not an outright cisgender heteronormative experience. And the '+' sign stands for all the various other gender and sexual identities that would make the acronym really lengthy and hard to say." C'mon, man, break it down more. "Like... guys who fall in love with other guys, or girls who love girls, or people who love them both... or aren't into anyone at all... or are into all genders, sometimes dating multiple people at the same time...?" He wondered if any of this was ringing a bell for the newbie.
Raziel pulled them up to a stall that was selling a savory Banquet Noodle Soup; Raz ordered his with beef, and unceremoniously began to dig into it, talking between bites. Oh man, the soup was so good. Raziel couldn't help groaning happily at the taste, but he tried to cover it up by continuing his explanation. He did gesture to the Candied Almonds, Mini Cakes, and Ukrainian Wedding Bread stalls if the newbie wasn't interested in the soup. "Let me know what you'd like. Now, not every world is very accepting of people who don't identify as the gender they're assigned at birth or who don't fit the societally imposed 'norm' of boy-likes-girl and girl-likes-boy as the only way to experience love and attraction." SLURP "In some worlds, the LGBTQ+ folks fought back against the hate they were given, demanding equal rights to marriage and stuff and well... to generally exist without fear or threat of death or harm for being who they are, really."
Raz gestured around them. "Some places made a lot of progress. Pride is about celebrating who we are and the differences that make us unique. It's about celebrating those who fought for us and continuing the fight for the people coming after us. Pride lets people of different identities know they're in a safe space, whether they came from a safe place or not, and they're free to be who they are here."
This was a lot more talking than he was used to, but Raziel hoped it was helping. He looked over the new guy curiously. "Is any of this resonating with you?"
"Right," he began while they walked, "So. LGBTQ+ is an acronym. It stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender... Q stands for Queer, which is basically any gender or sexual orientation that is not an outright cisgender heteronormative experience. And the '+' sign stands for all the various other gender and sexual identities that would make the acronym really lengthy and hard to say." C'mon, man, break it down more. "Like... guys who fall in love with other guys, or girls who love girls, or people who love them both... or aren't into anyone at all... or are into all genders, sometimes dating multiple people at the same time...?" He wondered if any of this was ringing a bell for the newbie.
Raziel pulled them up to a stall that was selling a savory Banquet Noodle Soup; Raz ordered his with beef, and unceremoniously began to dig into it, talking between bites. Oh man, the soup was so good. Raziel couldn't help groaning happily at the taste, but he tried to cover it up by continuing his explanation. He did gesture to the Candied Almonds, Mini Cakes, and Ukrainian Wedding Bread stalls if the newbie wasn't interested in the soup. "Let me know what you'd like. Now, not every world is very accepting of people who don't identify as the gender they're assigned at birth or who don't fit the societally imposed 'norm' of boy-likes-girl and girl-likes-boy as the only way to experience love and attraction." SLURP "In some worlds, the LGBTQ+ folks fought back against the hate they were given, demanding equal rights to marriage and stuff and well... to generally exist without fear or threat of death or harm for being who they are, really."
Raz gestured around them. "Some places made a lot of progress. Pride is about celebrating who we are and the differences that make us unique. It's about celebrating those who fought for us and continuing the fight for the people coming after us. Pride lets people of different identities know they're in a safe space, whether they came from a safe place or not, and they're free to be who they are here."
This was a lot more talking than he was used to, but Raziel hoped it was helping. He looked over the new guy curiously. "Is any of this resonating with you?"
“I— Yes I eat..?” Dark Choco’s brows raised at the question, surprise causing his reply to come off more as questioning than sure. He floundered for a moment at the offer of a free meal, watching the stranger walk off towards the market, before he began to follow.
The ensuing explanation while they walked was initially... a bit hard to follow. With the meaning of the abbreviation being spoken aloud, the words ‘lesbian’ and ‘gay’ at least clicked with him as sounding familiar. A memory of Caramel Arrow came to mind, the way she’d shyly told him about this girl that she was frequently assigned patrol with and how she’d corrected him about ‘only liking girls’ when he tried to tease her about the boys in their ranks.
His face twisted in a tiny grimace. Ah. It was about romantic and sexual matters then, no wonder he didn't know. Things like that hadn't really been anywhere near his list of priorities, he simply didn't have the time for it, and after he got the sword... Well. Such things were impossible now.
Dark Choco watched as they stopped and the stranger got themselves a bowl of soup. He opened his mouth to protest and turn down their kind offer, but then they began eating. They continued on with their explanation and any attempts to decline died in his throat before they could be made. Dark Choco recalled his own hunger as he watched that bowl be devoured. He shut his mouth and found himself silently directing them towards the candied almonds.
After the stranger finished explaining, Dark Choco took a moment to fully take in their words. He looked around and watched the crowds pass by, listened to their cheerful chatter. Knowing now the reasoning for their festivities, a bittersweet feeling settled in his chest in place of that distant feeling of overwhelm.
“I see,” he said somberly. “It’s extremely unfortunate to hear of such ostracization. To know there are those who’ve been cast out, even put under the threat of death, simply for who they are and who they love. That much meaningless hatred and violence is..." He clenched his fists, lips twitching to peel back as anger flashed through him. He shook his head and forced a breath out his nose. "...Despicable.”
"I'm fortunate that my world doesn't have the same misgivings." His gaze lowered to the ground, his fists unclenching and the anger left as fast as it came as solemnity took over. A wistful look appeared on his face. "Or at least... it hadn't. Such hate did not exist in my homeland and I cannot imagine that a would cookie share in such beliefs."
Dark Choco raised his head and looked back up towards the stranger. He gave them a nod. "This... is a noble celebration. I must thank you for letting an outsider like me join in the festivities."
The ensuing explanation while they walked was initially... a bit hard to follow. With the meaning of the abbreviation being spoken aloud, the words ‘lesbian’ and ‘gay’ at least clicked with him as sounding familiar. A memory of Caramel Arrow came to mind, the way she’d shyly told him about this girl that she was frequently assigned patrol with and how she’d corrected him about ‘only liking girls’ when he tried to tease her about the boys in their ranks.
His face twisted in a tiny grimace. Ah. It was about romantic and sexual matters then, no wonder he didn't know. Things like that hadn't really been anywhere near his list of priorities, he simply didn't have the time for it, and after he got the sword... Well. Such things were impossible now.
Dark Choco watched as they stopped and the stranger got themselves a bowl of soup. He opened his mouth to protest and turn down their kind offer, but then they began eating. They continued on with their explanation and any attempts to decline died in his throat before they could be made. Dark Choco recalled his own hunger as he watched that bowl be devoured. He shut his mouth and found himself silently directing them towards the candied almonds.
After the stranger finished explaining, Dark Choco took a moment to fully take in their words. He looked around and watched the crowds pass by, listened to their cheerful chatter. Knowing now the reasoning for their festivities, a bittersweet feeling settled in his chest in place of that distant feeling of overwhelm.
“I see,” he said somberly. “It’s extremely unfortunate to hear of such ostracization. To know there are those who’ve been cast out, even put under the threat of death, simply for who they are and who they love. That much meaningless hatred and violence is..." He clenched his fists, lips twitching to peel back as anger flashed through him. He shook his head and forced a breath out his nose. "...Despicable.”
"I'm fortunate that my world doesn't have the same misgivings." His gaze lowered to the ground, his fists unclenching and the anger left as fast as it came as solemnity took over. A wistful look appeared on his face. "Or at least... it hadn't. Such hate did not exist in my homeland and I cannot imagine that a would cookie share in such beliefs."
Dark Choco raised his head and looked back up towards the stranger. He gave them a nod. "This... is a noble celebration. I must thank you for letting an outsider like me join in the festivities."
If candied almonds was what the new guy wanted, then candied almonds was what the new guy would get. Raziel was more than happy to hand over coin to the vendor and the bag of rainbow hued candies to his strange new companion.
"You know, they say getting an odd number of almonds in your bag is a sign of good luck in your relationships!" said the vendor happily, waving at the pair as Raziel led them somewhere quieter again. All the better to hear the fellows typically quiet remarks about everything that had been said.
Oh. Oh there was some dark history there. Something about wanton violence and hatred did nooooot sit well with this guy. Guess it's a good thing we're not discussing my personal history. "Despicable is a good word," Raziel offered, watching anger flare up in the other guy again, but it died down just as quickly. Good.
The next statement though was perhaps the most interesting. "Cookie? Did you say cookie? - I mean, yes, yes, it's a noble celebration and of course, everyone is welcome to join! But seriously, are you a cookie?"
Raziel waved his free hand as if to clear the air between them. "You know what, you don't have to answer that if you don't want to. I haven't even introduced myself. My name is Raziel Wright." He offered his free hand to the soon-to-be-acquaintance to shake. "And you really are most welcome here."
"You know, they say getting an odd number of almonds in your bag is a sign of good luck in your relationships!" said the vendor happily, waving at the pair as Raziel led them somewhere quieter again. All the better to hear the fellows typically quiet remarks about everything that had been said.
Oh. Oh there was some dark history there. Something about wanton violence and hatred did nooooot sit well with this guy. Guess it's a good thing we're not discussing my personal history. "Despicable is a good word," Raziel offered, watching anger flare up in the other guy again, but it died down just as quickly. Good.
The next statement though was perhaps the most interesting. "Cookie? Did you say cookie? - I mean, yes, yes, it's a noble celebration and of course, everyone is welcome to join! But seriously, are you a cookie?"
Raziel waved his free hand as if to clear the air between them. "You know what, you don't have to answer that if you don't want to. I haven't even introduced myself. My name is Raziel Wright." He offered his free hand to the soon-to-be-acquaintance to shake. "And you really are most welcome here."
Dark Choco considered the stranger’s, Raziel’s, outstretched hand. The warm and easy welcome settled wrongly in his gut. He should not be allowed such kindness but, they didn’t know. They didn’t know who he was and he found he didn’t want to tell of his sins and why he should be cast away. Not... Not yet.
He swallowed past the thick lump in his throat and he grasped Raziel’s hand in his own to give it a quick, firm shake.
“I forgot to introduce myself as well,” he said, palm coming to rest on his breastplate. “It is nice to meet you, Raziel Wright. I’m Dark Choco Cookie and I’m indeed a cookie. I hail from the Dark Cacao Kingdom, located in the lands of Crispia.”
“You must’ve gathered already that I’ve only arrived fairly recently. Corruption had swept through my world and I was rescued from certain doom by the magic of your agents.” He gave a curt nod. “They were kind enough to give me refuge here.”
He was going to stop there, but Raziel’s reaction to his cookie status... This is the first time since he’d gotten here that he’d engaged in conversation with another. The bag of candied almonds crinkled in his grip and he ignored the stinging shame in the back of his conscience, telling him that he was overstaying his welcome and taking advantage.
“I’ve come to understand that living beings such as Cookies and Cakes, or other sweets, aren’t commonly found here. Instead of dough, you people are instead made of... flesh..?” He spoke slowly and his eye squinted as he said the word, unsure if he was recalling correctly. “And your meats are not the same as meat jelly. I don’t think ‘flesh’ exists at all in my world.”
“You, yourself, don’t have to answer if you’re not willing.” Dark Choco tilted his head at Raziel. “But you are the same in that you’re made of flesh, correct? Do you have the answer as to why the people here are surprised when they come to learn of my ingredients? ...It is strange for me to encounter other beings as well, but while I don’t know what ‘humans’ are, they seem to know of cookies?”
He swallowed past the thick lump in his throat and he grasped Raziel’s hand in his own to give it a quick, firm shake.
“I forgot to introduce myself as well,” he said, palm coming to rest on his breastplate. “It is nice to meet you, Raziel Wright. I’m Dark Choco Cookie and I’m indeed a cookie. I hail from the Dark Cacao Kingdom, located in the lands of Crispia.”
“You must’ve gathered already that I’ve only arrived fairly recently. Corruption had swept through my world and I was rescued from certain doom by the magic of your agents.” He gave a curt nod. “They were kind enough to give me refuge here.”
He was going to stop there, but Raziel’s reaction to his cookie status... This is the first time since he’d gotten here that he’d engaged in conversation with another. The bag of candied almonds crinkled in his grip and he ignored the stinging shame in the back of his conscience, telling him that he was overstaying his welcome and taking advantage.
“I’ve come to understand that living beings such as Cookies and Cakes, or other sweets, aren’t commonly found here. Instead of dough, you people are instead made of... flesh..?” He spoke slowly and his eye squinted as he said the word, unsure if he was recalling correctly. “And your meats are not the same as meat jelly. I don’t think ‘flesh’ exists at all in my world.”
“You, yourself, don’t have to answer if you’re not willing.” Dark Choco tilted his head at Raziel. “But you are the same in that you’re made of flesh, correct? Do you have the answer as to why the people here are surprised when they come to learn of my ingredients? ...It is strange for me to encounter other beings as well, but while I don’t know what ‘humans’ are, they seem to know of cookies?”
It was a good thing that Raziel was very good at keeping his facial expression neutral because if anyone else had just said the words that Dark Choco Cookie had just said... he might've lost it with laughter. BUT he was doing his darndest to be on his best behavior for a lost newbie so instead he just nodded sagely like that string of words had just made perfect sense. "Well, Dark Choco, I can't say I've ever heard of the Dark Cacao Kingdom or the lands of Crispia, but they must be pretty sweet places. Booo, bad joke. Behave.
It was sad to hear that Dark Choco's world was taken over by the Corruption though. Raziel's world was experiencing pockets of it, which was scary enough, but to know your world was pretty much completely swallowed up? Heartbreaking. Had to be.
And now they were talking about what everyone else was made of not... cookie. "Yeah.... yeahhhh... You're definitely the first cookie person I've ever met. Most of the rest of us - and I say most, because there are always exceptions - are made of flesh. Yes." Raz looked down at the last piece of beef in his soup, which he'd save for last. Flesh. Yup. He ate it before he could overthink it, and it was delicious. "Don't know about meat jelly either, honestly. Our flesh is pretty uh... beefy? Uh.. solid but soft? With bones underneath to hold everything up?"
Raziel found a receptacle to get rid of the now empty soup bowl and spoon before turning to Dark Choco and holding out his right arm. He rolled up his sleeve and flexed, showing off his muscles. Then Raz poked at his own forearm to demonstrate. "You can touch it if you want to get a feel for how we're different." They had just shaken hands, but Raz knew he'd personally been too distracted by the cookie revelation to pay attention to how Dark Choco's hand had felt in his.
"And yeah, we have cookies here, except they're like... yea big?" He made a circle with his hands. "They're not sentient or anything. They're just food. And we eat them for dessert. Or a snack. Or anytime really, if we have them around." He looked at Dark Choco with concern, wondering how he'd take that information. Gods, he was going to need a drink after this.
It was sad to hear that Dark Choco's world was taken over by the Corruption though. Raziel's world was experiencing pockets of it, which was scary enough, but to know your world was pretty much completely swallowed up? Heartbreaking. Had to be.
And now they were talking about what everyone else was made of not... cookie. "Yeah.... yeahhhh... You're definitely the first cookie person I've ever met. Most of the rest of us - and I say most, because there are always exceptions - are made of flesh. Yes." Raz looked down at the last piece of beef in his soup, which he'd save for last. Flesh. Yup. He ate it before he could overthink it, and it was delicious. "Don't know about meat jelly either, honestly. Our flesh is pretty uh... beefy? Uh.. solid but soft? With bones underneath to hold everything up?"
Raziel found a receptacle to get rid of the now empty soup bowl and spoon before turning to Dark Choco and holding out his right arm. He rolled up his sleeve and flexed, showing off his muscles. Then Raz poked at his own forearm to demonstrate. "You can touch it if you want to get a feel for how we're different." They had just shaken hands, but Raz knew he'd personally been too distracted by the cookie revelation to pay attention to how Dark Choco's hand had felt in his.
"And yeah, we have cookies here, except they're like... yea big?" He made a circle with his hands. "They're not sentient or anything. They're just food. And we eat them for dessert. Or a snack. Or anytime really, if we have them around." He looked at Dark Choco with concern, wondering how he'd take that information. Gods, he was going to need a drink after this.
“Dark Cacao is actually quite bitter,” he replied, the corners of his lips turning up slightly.
“Hmm, beefy...” Dark Choco muttered under his breath. So far the make up of humans sounded pretty similar to cookies in anatomy. It was either this ‘flesh’ was simply a type of dough that didn’t exist in Crispia, or they were truly different in a fundamental way.
When Raziel showed off his arm, Dark Choco‘ brows raised but he still stepped closer to see. His hand hesitated in the air, hovering just over Raziel’s skin, before he let his fingertips touch and drag along the surface.
“You’re smooth.” Dark Choco’s eye widened in surprise. In contrast, Dark Choco’s own skin was rough and bumpy, despite looking deceptively smooth from a distance.
Overtaken by fascination, he wrapped his hand around Raziel’s flexed forearm. He gave it a small squeeze and his eyebrows rose even higher.
“I can tell that you’re strong, but there’s no crisp to you at all,” he said, a bit awed. “How strange...”
“Healthy cookies usually have crispy skin,” Dark Choco explained, figuring that this ‘flesh’ must not have that kind of trait. A bit like a Cake’s, though even Brute’s arm was spongier than this.
He dropped Raziel’s arm and took a step back. He raised his hand to his own arm on the opposite side and pushed away his cape to reveal an armored bicep. He wrapped his hand around it and gave his bicep a strong squeeze. Even through the armor, there came the sound of a muffled “CRUNCH”.
“Crispy,” he said after his demonstration.
At Raziel’s explanation of what their ‘cookie’ equivalent was, Dark Choco’s face scrunched up. It was strange mix of a glower and a grimace, a close replication of his bewilderment.
“I see...” He said, though he didn’t, really. A lifeless cookie? Just food? It was a disturbing thought and he could hardly picture it. Sure, a cookie’s own food could be made out of the same ingredients, but a cookie wasn’t simply dough, they were... — Well. If they were that small, then a human’s ‘cookie’ must really just be lumps of dough that they also apparently called by the same name.
“I...” He started but then he shut his mouth again, still not sure what to say.
“What’s a ‘Raziel Wright’, then?” he asked instead, not wanting to stop on that strange, unnerving note. He would rather not think too much about it if he could. “If that isn’t too rude to inquire.”
“Hmm, beefy...” Dark Choco muttered under his breath. So far the make up of humans sounded pretty similar to cookies in anatomy. It was either this ‘flesh’ was simply a type of dough that didn’t exist in Crispia, or they were truly different in a fundamental way.
When Raziel showed off his arm, Dark Choco‘ brows raised but he still stepped closer to see. His hand hesitated in the air, hovering just over Raziel’s skin, before he let his fingertips touch and drag along the surface.
“You’re smooth.” Dark Choco’s eye widened in surprise. In contrast, Dark Choco’s own skin was rough and bumpy, despite looking deceptively smooth from a distance.
Overtaken by fascination, he wrapped his hand around Raziel’s flexed forearm. He gave it a small squeeze and his eyebrows rose even higher.
“I can tell that you’re strong, but there’s no crisp to you at all,” he said, a bit awed. “How strange...”
“Healthy cookies usually have crispy skin,” Dark Choco explained, figuring that this ‘flesh’ must not have that kind of trait. A bit like a Cake’s, though even Brute’s arm was spongier than this.
He dropped Raziel’s arm and took a step back. He raised his hand to his own arm on the opposite side and pushed away his cape to reveal an armored bicep. He wrapped his hand around it and gave his bicep a strong squeeze. Even through the armor, there came the sound of a muffled “CRUNCH”.
“Crispy,” he said after his demonstration.
At Raziel’s explanation of what their ‘cookie’ equivalent was, Dark Choco’s face scrunched up. It was strange mix of a glower and a grimace, a close replication of his bewilderment.
“I see...” He said, though he didn’t, really. A lifeless cookie? Just food? It was a disturbing thought and he could hardly picture it. Sure, a cookie’s own food could be made out of the same ingredients, but a cookie wasn’t simply dough, they were... — Well. If they were that small, then a human’s ‘cookie’ must really just be lumps of dough that they also apparently called by the same name.
“I...” He started but then he shut his mouth again, still not sure what to say.
“What’s a ‘Raziel Wright’, then?” he asked instead, not wanting to stop on that strange, unnerving note. He would rather not think too much about it if he could. “If that isn’t too rude to inquire.”
Heyyy! This guy's got jokes! That lightened things up for a moment, which was appreciated.
Now that they were both paying proper attention, Raziel did notice that Dark Choco's hand was rather rough, not smooth. Kind of like, well... a cookie. Or a pastry of some kind. Weird... but cool? And the crispy skin description was... interesting. "Yeah, if a human has crispy skin, then usually something is wrong. Like... extremely cold, dead skin from frostbite or the opposite direction where they're severely burned. I'm sure there's any number of other medical conditions in between."
Raziel was visibly alarmed when Dark Choco demonstrated what exactly what he meant by 'crispy' though. He took a step closer, hovering with worry. "Gods, are you okay?? That almost sounded like you broke something!" Dark Choco didn't seem fazed at all though. If that was usual for his anatomy, then... Raz guessed it was fine?! He'd back off once he knew things were truly fine again.
On the other hand, Dark Choco did in fact seem fazed by the description of this world's cookies though. Raziel felt like he'd kicked a puppy. Choco clearly had some thoughts on the matter but didn't seem inclined to say any of them, or at the very least, he didn't seem to know what to say. Instead, he switched it over to a different topic. Raz was incline to oblige his wishes.
"What is a 'Raziel Wright'? That's an excellent question." He lead them to a quieter end of the street where they wouldn't be in the way. "Raziel Wright is a being. An individual. I'd like to fancy there are none other quite like myself. Although it's just a name; it doesn't denote a species or anything. 'Raziel' is also the name of an angel in Jewish mysticism - a religion from my world - that was the Angel of Mysteries and Keeper of Secrets. Though you can just call me 'Raz.' A 'Wright' is a skilled craftsman, maker, or builder. Specifically, I was a 'shipwright' who helps build boats, oh, a few centuries ago."
Glancing around to make sure he wasn't about to alarm anyone - he didn't want anyone slamming him with a Security Warning for this - Raziel continued. "If you want to know what I really am, well..." Brown and orange scales began to grow over his skin and under his clothes, and two pairs of horns began to grow from his temples and just behind his jaws. His eyes turned an even more electric blue as his teeth grew pointed. Holding his humanoid form with just a few dragon-ish traits could be tricky but it was just for dramatic effect. He had no intention of doing a full transformation. Not here. Not now. "This Raziel Wright is really a dragon. Who can take on the form of a human to blend in." He knocked one scaled knuckle against his scaly arm for a satisfying thock thock sound. "Not quite crispy, but tough enough, yeah?"
Now that they were both paying proper attention, Raziel did notice that Dark Choco's hand was rather rough, not smooth. Kind of like, well... a cookie. Or a pastry of some kind. Weird... but cool? And the crispy skin description was... interesting. "Yeah, if a human has crispy skin, then usually something is wrong. Like... extremely cold, dead skin from frostbite or the opposite direction where they're severely burned. I'm sure there's any number of other medical conditions in between."
Raziel was visibly alarmed when Dark Choco demonstrated what exactly what he meant by 'crispy' though. He took a step closer, hovering with worry. "Gods, are you okay?? That almost sounded like you broke something!" Dark Choco didn't seem fazed at all though. If that was usual for his anatomy, then... Raz guessed it was fine?! He'd back off once he knew things were truly fine again.
On the other hand, Dark Choco did in fact seem fazed by the description of this world's cookies though. Raziel felt like he'd kicked a puppy. Choco clearly had some thoughts on the matter but didn't seem inclined to say any of them, or at the very least, he didn't seem to know what to say. Instead, he switched it over to a different topic. Raz was incline to oblige his wishes.
"What is a 'Raziel Wright'? That's an excellent question." He lead them to a quieter end of the street where they wouldn't be in the way. "Raziel Wright is a being. An individual. I'd like to fancy there are none other quite like myself. Although it's just a name; it doesn't denote a species or anything. 'Raziel' is also the name of an angel in Jewish mysticism - a religion from my world - that was the Angel of Mysteries and Keeper of Secrets. Though you can just call me 'Raz.' A 'Wright' is a skilled craftsman, maker, or builder. Specifically, I was a 'shipwright' who helps build boats, oh, a few centuries ago."
Glancing around to make sure he wasn't about to alarm anyone - he didn't want anyone slamming him with a Security Warning for this - Raziel continued. "If you want to know what I really am, well..." Brown and orange scales began to grow over his skin and under his clothes, and two pairs of horns began to grow from his temples and just behind his jaws. His eyes turned an even more electric blue as his teeth grew pointed. Holding his humanoid form with just a few dragon-ish traits could be tricky but it was just for dramatic effect. He had no intention of doing a full transformation. Not here. Not now. "This Raziel Wright is really a dragon. Who can take on the form of a human to blend in." He knocked one scaled knuckle against his scaly arm for a satisfying thock thock sound. "Not quite crispy, but tough enough, yeah?"
Dark Choco’s lips twitched upwards, faintly amused by the other’s concern as usually his level of crispiness would inspire the opposite reaction. But, considering how smooth and soft Raziel’s skin seemed to be, he could understand why a human would worry.
“Yes, I’m okay.” Dark Choco reassured Raziel with a nod. “My father managed to bake me perfectly, so my dough is quite thick and crispy.”
He followed Raziel as they continued their conversation. Interest was clear on Dark Choco’s face as Raziel explained the meaning of his name. He’d asked that question thinking that ‘Raziel Wright’ were ingredients that he simply didn’t know of, but apparently not. Named after an angel and a role? While the latter was common, the former was... unconventional. He’d heard of cookies choosing names that didn’t fit the customary way before, but it usually still had something to do with their make up or about them as a person. Being named after something — or someone — else, seemed a bit arbitrary. Unless Raziel was related to that angel in some way...?
The mention of ‘a few centuries ago’ intrigued him as well. While he wasn’t a stranger to long-lived beings, it usually wasn’t the norm for one to live for centuries. He opened his mouth to ask about it, but the words died in his tongue as Raziel began to transform.
He stared wide-eyed at the scales that replaced Raziel’s skin and the horns jutting out from the other’s temples. His jaw hung open, left so in his surprise.
“You’re a dragon?!” he exclaimed, stepping back. His hand reflexively jerked upwards, up towards his sword’s handle, and he blinked. He immediately dropped his hand and fell back to a neutral stance, sending a flustered glance around and towards Raziel.
“I-I apologize, that was unbecoming of me.” He bowed his head in shame. “I didn’t mean to yell, I was simply caught off-guard. I hold no issue with you being a dragon.” He quickly added, not wanting to offend Raziel after having been treated so kindly this whole time.
“My father— He’s told me stories of the dragons of the North and South but he sealed them away long before I was born. And I’ve heard rumors of dragons being able to take cookie form, but I have never actually encountered one before as none of my travels ever warranted finding one. So this is a first for me, you see. I’ve always—” His mouth swung shut, teeth clacking together as he cut himself off.
A hint of dark colored Dark Choco’s cheeks and he seemed shrink into himself, turning timid in embarrassment.
“Ah,” he vocalized, but didn’t say any more, words running out after having unintentionally run his mouth.
“Yes, I’m okay.” Dark Choco reassured Raziel with a nod. “My father managed to bake me perfectly, so my dough is quite thick and crispy.”
He followed Raziel as they continued their conversation. Interest was clear on Dark Choco’s face as Raziel explained the meaning of his name. He’d asked that question thinking that ‘Raziel Wright’ were ingredients that he simply didn’t know of, but apparently not. Named after an angel and a role? While the latter was common, the former was... unconventional. He’d heard of cookies choosing names that didn’t fit the customary way before, but it usually still had something to do with their make up or about them as a person. Being named after something — or someone — else, seemed a bit arbitrary. Unless Raziel was related to that angel in some way...?
The mention of ‘a few centuries ago’ intrigued him as well. While he wasn’t a stranger to long-lived beings, it usually wasn’t the norm for one to live for centuries. He opened his mouth to ask about it, but the words died in his tongue as Raziel began to transform.
He stared wide-eyed at the scales that replaced Raziel’s skin and the horns jutting out from the other’s temples. His jaw hung open, left so in his surprise.
“You’re a dragon?!” he exclaimed, stepping back. His hand reflexively jerked upwards, up towards his sword’s handle, and he blinked. He immediately dropped his hand and fell back to a neutral stance, sending a flustered glance around and towards Raziel.
“I-I apologize, that was unbecoming of me.” He bowed his head in shame. “I didn’t mean to yell, I was simply caught off-guard. I hold no issue with you being a dragon.” He quickly added, not wanting to offend Raziel after having been treated so kindly this whole time.
“My father— He’s told me stories of the dragons of the North and South but he sealed them away long before I was born. And I’ve heard rumors of dragons being able to take cookie form, but I have never actually encountered one before as none of my travels ever warranted finding one. So this is a first for me, you see. I’ve always—” His mouth swung shut, teeth clacking together as he cut himself off.
A hint of dark colored Dark Choco’s cheeks and he seemed shrink into himself, turning timid in embarrassment.
“Ah,” he vocalized, but didn’t say any more, words running out after having unintentionally run his mouth.
"My father managed to bake me perfectly," was not a sentence that Raziel expected today, but neither was most of this conversation. Why wouldn't cookie people bake new cookie people into being? Made perfect sense, he guessed.
And Raziel really should've thought of the potential consequences of partially-shifting into a dragon in front of this new guy, dramatic effect be darned. The moment Dark Choco reached for his sword, Raz's hands were up in a sign of surrender, hoping to placate the cookie man. The sword was never fully drawn though, and Dark Choco seemed more embarrassed by his reaction than anything.
"Hey now, it's okay. It's gonna be okay," Raz assured him, trying to sound soothing. Probably not succeeding very much with those fangs still out. "If anything, I should be apologizing to you for startling you like that! I just thought you wouldn't believe me without some proof, heh." Raz closed his eyes for a moment and concentrated, willing all the dragon traits to withdraw back into his being. It took a few seconds, but soon he was human-looking again. Human, but looking pretty sheepish. "Sorry about that, really."
He kinda wished Dark Choco had finished that "I've always-" statement though. Raz did raise an eyebrow at that. That seemed like it was going an interesting place, especially combined with the darker tinge to his cheeks and what was clearly utter embarrassment. Was Dark Choco... actually interested in meeting a dragon? But Raz generally wasn't one to pry... especially with someone so generally close-lipped.
Hooo boy. He looked kinda cute though, all shy like that. But this was not the time to be thinking such thoughts. Raz was supposed to be behaving and he'd just put Dark Choco in an awkward spot. Putting his hands down, Raz sighed and shook his head. "I really am sorry. I shoulda thought about that more. Come sit down, or something. You haven't eaten your almonds yet."
Raz lead the way over to a wooden bench under some trees and gestured for Dark Choco to sit. "I'm gonna... grab an ale. You eat, and uh... I'll be right back."
Absconding awkwardly, Raziel did as he said and purchased himself a Warnog Ale, one of the occasions special treats. It didn't take that long in actuality but hopefully it was long enough for them both to gather their thoughts after that little transformation fiasco. He took a sip of the warm beverage as he made his way back to the bench, hoping Dark Choco would be there and hoping he'd actually managed to eat some of his food.
And Raziel really should've thought of the potential consequences of partially-shifting into a dragon in front of this new guy, dramatic effect be darned. The moment Dark Choco reached for his sword, Raz's hands were up in a sign of surrender, hoping to placate the cookie man. The sword was never fully drawn though, and Dark Choco seemed more embarrassed by his reaction than anything.
"Hey now, it's okay. It's gonna be okay," Raz assured him, trying to sound soothing. Probably not succeeding very much with those fangs still out. "If anything, I should be apologizing to you for startling you like that! I just thought you wouldn't believe me without some proof, heh." Raz closed his eyes for a moment and concentrated, willing all the dragon traits to withdraw back into his being. It took a few seconds, but soon he was human-looking again. Human, but looking pretty sheepish. "Sorry about that, really."
He kinda wished Dark Choco had finished that "I've always-" statement though. Raz did raise an eyebrow at that. That seemed like it was going an interesting place, especially combined with the darker tinge to his cheeks and what was clearly utter embarrassment. Was Dark Choco... actually interested in meeting a dragon? But Raz generally wasn't one to pry... especially with someone so generally close-lipped.
Hooo boy. He looked kinda cute though, all shy like that. But this was not the time to be thinking such thoughts. Raz was supposed to be behaving and he'd just put Dark Choco in an awkward spot. Putting his hands down, Raz sighed and shook his head. "I really am sorry. I shoulda thought about that more. Come sit down, or something. You haven't eaten your almonds yet."
Raz lead the way over to a wooden bench under some trees and gestured for Dark Choco to sit. "I'm gonna... grab an ale. You eat, and uh... I'll be right back."
Absconding awkwardly, Raziel did as he said and purchased himself a Warnog Ale, one of the occasions special treats. It didn't take that long in actuality but hopefully it was long enough for them both to gather their thoughts after that little transformation fiasco. He took a sip of the warm beverage as he made his way back to the bench, hoping Dark Choco would be there and hoping he'd actually managed to eat some of his food.
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