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Jasper, as our sailing day grows nearer, I was wondering if you would like something of an historical experience in addition to my teaching you the ropes.
Of course, I have presumed that Rheas yacht is a touch more modern than what would normally suit for such a reenactment, but I would endeavor to do my best if you are interested.
-C
Cian,
I would love to see you in your element. If the historical experience is what's desired and preferred, simply say so that I might more fully help with immersion.
Signed,
Jasper
I have no preference, I do recall you mentioning wanting to see me at work, and this would allow you a private show. Like I said, I havent laid eyes on the vessel so I'm not sure how modern it is, but I may see what I can do to set the scene properly.
-C
The following is a suggested list of what one might want to bring and wear out on the water after sundown.
-C
The list is fairly expansive, mostly due to the number of options that solve the same problem.
Cian,
It seems you're a take charge type for such a private show. I'll make note of it.
I'm not seeing any particular undergarment listed in your decision as to what I will be wearing. As such, I will not be wearing any, as you prefer.
A few questions on which substitutions may be acceptable given the differences in technology...
And then lots of nitpicky "can I use this even though the buttons may not quite fit the era? What about nylon stitching,?" etc etc
This list was not intended as commanding or taking charge, merely to inform and teach. I interact daily with people who have no experience in sailing or even being on a ship, so I will assume your knowledge base is there unless you tell me otherwise.
What questions did you have about substitutions?
-C
Cian,
You prefer I take charge? Duly noted. I relish the opportunity.
My questions are: []
Signed,
Jasper
I would rather that no situations arise in which anyone needs to take charge.
At least for the moment.
-C
Cian,
You would leave a ship unmanned and with none at the helm? You are the seasoned seaman. I will trust that is wisest.
Signed,
Jasper
I prefer something more along the lines of cooperation and collaboration. On a boat things will de different, and I'll take charge out of necessity, considering I am playing the part of teacher, but in the other cases that I am sure you're thinking of, I would not enjoy someone else in charge of me.
-C
Cian,
I'm already learning things from you. I certainly don't mind the role of teacher or student as needed. Hopefully you accord me the same when you decide what you'd like taught in repayment.
Signed,
Jasper
What wealth of knowledge do you have that you have wanted an opportunity to teach to someone?
-C
Cian,
This is quite a difficult question to answer. Part of what I do by pseudo-vocation and by choice is teach. Imparting what I know of an age is something important to know.
There are many things I would enjoy teaching you. In no particular order, I will list them; floriography, high society dance, the ways to distinguish minute differences in blood samples, the occult significance and power of the blood, how best to read someone's intent with but a lingering glance, to race like the wind itself, to see a room as another person, how to make a coin disappear, the joy of memes, how to pick a lock, the best way to make a man shudder, baseball, poetry, the beginnings of spiritualism, how to feel every ridge of another's fingerprints, how to walk through a room of broken glass without being cut, or perhaps how better to sense the bonds you possess.
So many things could prove useful.
Signed,
Jasper
that is certainly a wide variety of topics, and all useful. I have passing knowledge of poetry, as well as floriography. As for the others...reading people in that way might prove to be the most useful.
-C
Cian,
I'm afraid it may take some time to build up the necessary skill. Are you certain you can stand me, and being a pupil, for that long?
Signed,
Jasper
I think I will need to spend more time with you, in order to discern whether I will be able to stand being your pupil for an extended period of time.
-C
Cian,
We shall see. Though familiarity over time becomes often something more. It's a gamble.
Signed,
Jasper
From what you have said, that seems like something that wouldn't be a problem for you, correct?
-C
Cian,
We've been corresponding likely more than you do with most of your nightly contacts based on my initial assessment of you. Is that correct? Would it be something you foresee being a problem for you?
Signed,
Jasper
I have enjoyed our conversations very much. I do not believe that they will be a problem in rhe future.
-C
Cian,
Then I see you've read my mind on the matter. Congratulations, you've reached a far adept state of Auspex already.
Signed,
Cian,
Might I ask you a few things about yourself? In order to get a better sense of you, of course. You are free to not respond to them, but I would take your nonresponse as an answer of its own.
Signed,
Jasper
Great minds think alike, as the saying goes.
You can ask me some questions, yes.
-C
Cian,
Were you aware that there's a similar saying of "Sick minds think the same thoughts"? It is much less flattering a conjecture for both of us however.
What is your favorite sense? Do you have a memory associated with it? Do you miss your kine family? What is the thing on another your eyes are drawn to most?
Signed,
Jasper
That is quite an unflattering conjecture, yes.
As for the questions, I don't know that I have a favorite sense. I suppose sound, or smell? Both associated with the sea in all her forms. My kine family is not something I would like to discuss at the moment. Forgive me if I am slow to talk about my history. I tend to be drawn to people's hands, and voices.
May I ask those questions of you in return?
-C
Cian,
Ah. Then it seems you are fixated upon the part of myself I would chance most if I could. Part of what I'm told now is a form of malnutrition as a child.
As for sense? It is most assuredly smell. It can bring so much to it. While now, I love to be able to smell the blood and vitae of others for it tells its own story in its own way. Long ago, I loved the smell of books. It was a rare chance to escape into something more than myself. A shared collection of life that one gave to others. I could simply step into a university library and close my eyes to begin the anticipation with but a breath. A chance to be part of something more through a single connection.
My own family are often remnants. So much is lost to torpor that you don't know to go looking for. They live within the pages of my diaries as much as in my memory, even with the impressive skill to bring it back to life, it's sadly not quite the same when it's such isolated pockets.
Signed,
Jasper
Apologies for calling attention to something that you may struggle with. We do so much with our hands that I've always found they can give a surprising amount of detail about a person. I confess I am also drawn to the smell of books - it is a goal of mine to curate a library of my own, someday. I have found it difficult to reconcile a library with my comfort on the water, as I don't dare bring things like books aboard. someday, if I manage to find a place to live near the water I can have both a boat and a library.
I hope the few memories you have of your family are happy ones.
This may be an overly intrusive question, but I confess I am curious. What part of the city have you carved out a home in, or is that not the sort of thing you do?
-C
Cian,
You are not wrong. They can tell much of a person. I must ask, then, what do you think of my hands?
As for where I reside, I am yet to find a comfortable permanent haven in the city for this era. My last burned while I was in Eclipse at another location. I'm still considering my options. What of you? Have you found a place that calls to you?
I invite your intrusive questions as I hope you invite mine. What drew you to your covenant? What do you do there that you could do nowhere else?
Signed,
Jasper
I confess I did not get a good look at your hands, though I would hazard a guess, from what I remember, that you're quite dexterous. I have found myself a basement flat near center city. It is not inexpensive, but it suits my tastes nicely. It is near to the river, which was a requirement for me. As for my covenant, I'm still getting my footing after leaving the Ordo Dracul. The Carthians promise a refreshing change to go with the new scenery here.
-C
Cian,
I suppose so. Careful in some ways. Quick, but that's the blood.
The Carthians do have a way about them. They're quite the recruitment agency.
Have you traveled much or is this your second big city change?
Signed,
Jasper
I have traveled some, Europe and Ireland as well as smaller excursions on this side of the pond. How about you, has your life taken you anywhere special?
-C
Cian,
Define special. Time. Moments, yes. Special places? Not many, I'm afraid.
Signed,
Jasper
My intended meaning was a special place, but will you tell me about a moment you won't forget?
-C
Cian,
There is no such thing.
Signed,
Jasper
Cian,
Forgive me my haste. Memory is rather mutable. One can recover it, but it is an endless battle with eternity. Time is the greatest thief.
Signed,
Jasper
That is certainly a dark outlook. I can amend to a special moment that is in the forefront of your mind right now, if you would like.
-C
Cian,
Sitting here, looking out the window, with the light of my screen showing my reflection and the smallest of smiles on my face as I talk to a man who makes me smile without even being in the room. It's been such a time since that happened. I hope to keep this moment for quite some time.
What about yourself?
Signed,
Jasper
You certainly can lay on the charm, can't you?
I have yet to experience anything better than exhilaration from my first time up a mast, seeing nothing but blue for miles around, the sun warm on my skin and the breeze ghosting fingers through my hair. It is not a moment I will soon forget.
-C
Cian,
You would be the one who would tell me such a thing. Tell me - do you find me charming? Are you charmed?
It sounds delightful. Perhaps with the moonlight more in my case, but I can only see how it would be enjoyable.
Signed,
Jasper
Objectively you are quite charming, yes.
I don't know if Rhea's boat has a need for a lookout of that sort - but if you're interested in sitting on top of the world, the ship I work on is plenty climbable.
-C
Cian,
You know that I am only interested in the subjective in this particular instance. But if you must occlude that fact for your comfort, I will only have to keep to my hopes.
I have expressed my interest in seeing your work. I find the whole concept fascinating.
Tell me, do you prefer this method to letters?
Signed,
Jasper
Letters have their place, but I find texting more convenient, given the speed that the world seems to run on these days. I would hate to miss something because I was waiting on a letter that could just as easily have been conveyed over text.
I was picturing more of a private excursion at my work. They do not allow just any guest up the rigging, and so it would be best to wait until we're the only ones on board.
-C
Cian,
That sounds terribly exciting. My heart almost beat thinking of it. Is yours?
Signed,
Jasper
Hah. It always gets near to beating when I have the opportunity to discuss sailing. What else do you find exciting?
-C
Cian,
There are many varieties of excitement. Can you narrow it down? Or would you like a few examples of the broadest categories?
Signed,
Jasper
Somehow I feel like I have walked myself into a trap, here. I would love a few examples, my criteria are simply that whatever it is excites you in some way.
-C
Cian,
I'm an elder Invictus. You walked yourself into a trap by the time you stepped into the building with me the very first time.
Things that excite me, in no particular order; the smell of a new book, the crack of lightning, the sound of flesh trailing across glass, seeing the joy on another's face when they don't realize they're showing it, the feeling of the wind moving around me as I run, having secrets.
Seeing strong men fight, laying on a rooftop and being able to see the stars, finding a new favorite book to read with someone, fucking someone so thoroughly while their partner watches and knows they could do nothing so well, ballroom dance, new varieties of blood.
Finding just the way to make a man beg to squirt, librarians, men of substance, using a man's lips as he looks up at me, finding a quiet spot of green in the middle of the city, seeing vampires in movies when they get most of it right, festival games, new art, walking through gardens.
What is it that excites you, my intended?
Signed,
Jasper
Quite an extensive list, I appreciate that.
I am also enamoured of the smell of a new book, as well as the smell of old libraries and used book shops. To continue the list: the screech of gulls over the water, the way the moonlight shines on a calm sea. Torrential rain pounding against the windows of a cozy haven.
Finding a bit of detail while researching that ties everything together, the shock of cold when jumping in the water, the ripple of skin when I shift into an animal's form, the clatter of wheels on cobblestone streets, an unexplored alley in an unfamiliar part of town.
Sailing. The spray of salty water as a ship cuts its way through waves. A new chapbook of poetry.
I am sure there is more, but this is what comes to mind, at the moment.
-C
Cian,
What's it like to be in an animal's skin? Do any of them feel better than another?
Signed,
Jasper
It's exhilarating to see the world through an animal's eyes. I'm very at home as an otter. I've tried larger animals, but otters are the most comfortable for me. That may change, I don't know.
-C
Cian,
Perhaps one day you can be an otter for me. It would be a novel experience, I should think. Maybe I can throw you clams.
Signed,
Jasper
Perhaps. I haven't eaten clams in a very long time. Did you have a favorite food, in life?
-C
Cian,
Food was not something that we had a lot of money for. Most of what I ate while alive was for sustenance over pleasure. I did remember being fond of wine, but no particular food.
Is that strange? Looking back on it, it seems like perhaps that's strange. Did you have a favorite meal?
Signed,
Jasper
I very much miss strawberries, of all things. Wild or cultivated, they were quite the treat.
That you don't have a favorite food is not all that strange to me, given what you said about your history. Pity that now, with such a wide variety of food so easily accessible, it's not the thing we can really experiment with.
-C
Cian,
While it is a shame, we have other more refined things to consume. Do you have a particular vintage you're fond of? Have you tried any of the exciting varieties?
Signed,
Jasper
I would not consider myself a connoisseur, though my hunts tend to focus around those at least twenty five years old, up to around forty. I wouldn't say I've specifically sought out varieties, though I am often faced with a higher alchohol content, in general.
We are talking about wine, of course?
-C
Cian,
You're delightful. I find a lot of my own end with a higher alcohol content as well. I often find the older the vintage, the deeper the well of taste.
Signed,
Jasper
I don't tend to seek things out for their taste, or else I would certainly branch out more I'm sure. Do you have a particular variety you hunt for the most?
-C
Cian,
Do try not to judge me too moral for propriety. I very early developed a taste for the criminal element.
Signed,
Jasper
Oh? That sounds like a story I would be interested in hearing, if you're interested in telling it.
Either over text or in person, O have no preference.
-C
Cian,
I think that is a better in-person discussion. All the better to make you hungry for our time spent together.
Signed,
Jasper
There you are again with that confident charm. I am already fondly anticipating our next meeting, wherher it be for sailing lessons or not.
-C
Cian,
You like confident men? I suppose I never asked at all and instead relied on my natural intuition. Gaydar, as internet culture is calling it. You enjoy men?
But I hope that we can meet again at your earliest convenience. You need only say when.
Signed,
Jasper
Post Script - As you were one of the Defiant, do not choose noon. I will not be pleased.
Objectively yes, I enjoy men. Mostly from afar, as I have said, I tend to have things higher up on my list of priorities than examining my emotions and desires with regards to romance and sex.
I would be happy to text you the next time I make an appearance at the Bellevue, if you might want to meet there.
-C
Cian,
Then I believe you have your answer and time frame for when you will see me next. Do you have any requests with regard to attire or scent?
Signed,
Jasper
I do not see why I would.
-C
Cian,
Perhaps as a way of remembering or liking me to a moment with your past, an idle thought you'd had, or simply testing my willingness in such a matter.
Signed,
Jasper
I do not see a need to do that, your presence will be welcome enough, I'm sure. There is no need to try to impress me with your willingness.
-C
Cian,
There is a fine difference between impressing one and leaving an impression. Though I suppose it's likely the second option already.
I look forward to it.
Signed,
Jasper
I suspect you make it a point to leave an impression on those you wish to continue to interact with. I has worked.
-C
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