An Exchange of Egos [Closed]

[The Jenn]

(Set before the gathering in the Selkie and after Dorian attained adulthood.)

Dorian walked lightly through the halls of the Czar's warren, eyes flicking around and admiring the fixtures that made the place more elegant and polished than the new warren he was working to build. Granted, he had taken the infrastructure from an abandoned warren and thus most things were pre-excavated, but he had yet to acquire the means of decorating the place to his standards. Such a demanding task would likely take years, if not decades, until everything met his specifications, and even then... whims changed.

Reaching the door to what he could only assume was either a sitting room or study, he waited as the Leveret knocked on the door and deferentially announced his presence before waiting to be dismissed. Such respect was an admirable trait in a servant, something he looked to cultivate in his own property as soon as he could manage.

"My good sir," he greeted, stepping into the room with a deliberately fluid step and posing for half a second before offering a gentleman's bow. He was younger, yes, and in the man's home. His posturing likely wouldn't stand him in good stead, but he didn't know that. If the man hadn't at least guessed at his ego from the style and language of their letters back and forth over the past few weeks, it would be surprising. "I thank you for welcoming me into your most elegant home. Dorian of the Hisstor, at your service." Oh, pleasantries...

[carcinoGeneticist]

Vikenti slowly ran the comb one last time through the thick mane of hair that covered his chin, nodding in approval as the Highland gold shimmered in the light. It had been quite some time since another Jack had visited his Warren, and this one was a bit of a special case. He'd heard rumors about the young Jack who would be visiting him, but most of all he'd seen from the man's letters that he had quite an ego about him. That was combined with the fact that he was a very young thing, barely an adult at all. Because of that, it seemed even more important to look his finest. He wanted to inspire awe in his attendants and Warren as well as his visitor.

When he did a quick glance-over, he felt very much awesome, indeed. His white coat shone, the slashes of crimson like blood, the swirls and gold tones bright. His ornaments had been shined by the Leverets until they were as bright as they'd been the day he'd gotten them. He was getting older, but he didn't feel it - and he certainly didn't look it, not with his muscles as taut as they'd been years ago.

As the door opened, he looked the other Jack over quickly. He could feel his mental hackles raising. What ego, for something that had probably only just begun to really live! And ever so gaudy... The adornments, beyond the skull that he seemed to carry as a weapon (Vikenti had to admit, that was rather delightful), seemed more suiting of a Doe! His exterior remained perfectly cool, however, amber eyes perhaps a small spark of amusement. "Ah, Dorian. Welcome,[/b]" he greeted, striding across the room smoothly. He was aware of how the motions accentuated the mass of his body, his bulk compared to the much thinner-build Hisstor. He extended a hand for a shake. It was best to get this part out of the way quickly, after all, and come to business.

"My daughters are precious to me, as you could understand,[/b]" he said, once they'd passed the idle chatter that was expected of them. Tea had been delivered, and Vikenti had offered Dorian a comfortable seat before taking his own. "I must admit, I am loathe to see them gone. I am glad to see one such as yourself has interest in them, however. Being around a Hisstor will make them feel much more at home, I'm sure. They're clever girls, and I'm certain they'll do you and your Warren proud.[/b]"

[The Jenn]

Quite the specimen of a Jack, especially with the muscles that bunched and rippled under the surface and the firm clasp of his handshake. This man obviously knew the sharp end of a weapon, or perhaps the blunt end. Whatever he fought with, it was obvious from his bearing and build that he could fight. Dorian had no desire to see him in action, absolutely none.

The mature Jack was intimidating, especially being on his home ground, which only made the Hisstor's spine straighten as he strove to compensate. The man couldn't even touch him on sheer beauty, but he had a stern kind of appeal that some people probably appreciated. Bah. If under-dressed and austere was handsome, he far preferred beautiful.

Social niceties filled the air for several moments as they settled in comfortable chairs and sipped at freshly brewed tea. In the back of his mind somewhere, Dorian was taking note of how the man greeted and treated respected guests, comparing it to his father-Jack's warren and deciding which practices he would take for himself. The prompt tea was a nice touch. His Esterberry parent had never permitted drinks anywhere near his library.

"If your daughters in any way resemble their Hisstor mother, I'm sure they will do everyone proud," he agreed. Having never seen the Doe in question, only received word through his correspondence with Vikenti that one was half-Hisstor and the other a pure Highlander, he could still believe that the unnamed Hisstor mother did their realm justice in looks. And if they in any way resemble their stone-faced father, we will have words, I am sure. "Would you care to see the items in question now or later?"

[carcinoGeneticist]

Well, that was an underhanded sort of compliment, wasn't it? Mentioning the mother with not a word about his own part in their heritage... It made the man just a little bit happy that both girls had Highland blood in their veins, and that this man would be able to appreciate even the strange things their Hisstor side gave them. Vikenti sipped at his tea slowly, expression going serene as he masked his inner feelings.

He hated tea. He didn't understand the other Jacks, seeming to guzzle the stuff by the gallon. It was hard enough for him to stomach even one cup for a formal affair like this one.

Vikenti set the cup down again, glad to be rid of it, and folded his hands across his lap. "Oh yes, they both have at least a little of their mother in them. The Leveret has quite a bit, as well as some rather interesting traits that I hope you'll find to your liking. She's quite the worker, as well.[/b]" it was true. Since her youth, Aimili had become much more stoic in her work, less prone to wandering and better at keeping on task. "My good man, I trust well enough in your taste that I am sure they are items of the highest quality.[/b]"

A knock at the door caught his attention, and a small smile went over his face. "Ahh, this should be Aimili now with food.[/b]" Perfect timing. He'd wanted the man to meet the girl before they went through with the trade. He wondered what Dorian would make of her mutations, and if he would see in her... potential.

Almost fully-grown, the young Leveret hopped into the room, pushing a tray loaded with edibles on it. Small sandwiches with no crusts and a wide variety of toppings were piled on a plate, and a bowl beside it was loaded with the freshest clover the Highlands could offer. Vikenti had arranged for the girl and her brother to pick them fresh earlier that morning. She stepped away from the tray, bowing low enough that her ears scraped the ground, odd bone-paws held infront of herself.

"Lunch, sirs," she said in a soft and feminine voice, looking demurely to the ground. Such a handsome young Jack, but she couldn't feel the pang of sorrow in her gut. As pretty as he was... she'd never wanted to leave her home like this, without having a say in matters. She trusted her father, but she didn't understand why things had to be the way they were. At least she would be going with her sister. When she was not dismissed right, she looked up for a moment, curious.

"She takes after her mother quite a bit,[/b]" Vikenti said, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "And those fingers of hers are quite agile. I've found that she's very skilled in the kitchens, as she's got a little more dexterity than your average Leveret.[/b]"

[The Jenn]

Dorian had grown up with a fondness of tea for the image it projected, that of a cultured, educated individual who could appreciate the finer things in life. Somewhere along the way, he had actually begun to like the stuff, and now harbored quite a fondness. His cup was drained in a matter of minutes and another poured, which he left to sit and steam.

In contrast to Vikenti's posture, he crossed one leg at the knee, letting his hands rest one on above the other on top as he sat forward. Again, an 'elegant' gesture that he had seen and spent a few hours trying to perfect. "I'll admit, that sounds quite intriguing. Any traits acquired from a Hisstor are bound to be interesting, if nothing else. And if a Leveret isn't a good worker... well then, what else have they to offer their Jack? Beyond moving decoration and power in numbers, of course. I look forward to meeting the both of them."

His long ears twitched upright at the knock on the door and he turned his head, watching as the door opened and...

Well now. Wasn't that a fascinating little creature? He couldn't help but uncross his legs and sit forward, watching her move and listening to the clicking of her forepaws against the floor. The food looked delicious and he would be sure to compliment the other Jack later, but just then he was far more interested in observing his future property than filling his admittedly empty stomach. Traveling left him terribly peckish.

"Yes, I can certainly see how that would be the case," he murmured in agreement, appraising her. "The mane is quite fetching, and her ornamentation is just lovely. I've never seen such a severe mutation on the forepaws. Really, I can see why you would hesitate to trade her." Oh, but he would have the pretty thing. The Hisstor in him screamed it, the same little voice that wouldn't let him leave the home of the Rabbit Elders without paying an obscene amount of money for his new bone ornament, the skull of something with ridiculously splendid fangs.

[carcinoGeneticist]

A flash of a smile went across Vikenti's face as Aimili sat quietly, letting them discuss her like a piece of art. She had grown up well, which pleased him. He'd worried about her for a long time... she'd always put on a happy face that had come across as irritatingly false, and whenever it wasn't there she was a rather stupid girl who was prone to bouts of sadness. She seemed to have gotten over all of those things and learned her place in society, and he had no doubts that she would do him proud in life.

At least, she had better. He had high hopes that a young and handsome Jack like Dorian would be able to bring her out of her shell and perhaps... help her with becoming a Doe. That would really make him proud.

"I'm very pleased that you approve,[/b]" Vikenti said, leaning back and steepling his fingers. He looked at Aimili for a moment. "Aimili, gather up the Lady Aisha.[/b]"

The young Leveret hesitated for a moment, and then bowed once more to the strange new Jack that she would, apparantly, be living with. She just didn't know what to think of him. He was just starting out a Warren, after all, and was inexperienced... How would her life with him be? She couldn't imagine it would be much improved, and it would probably only get worse from here. With his interest, he'd almost certainly want her as his Doe. "As it pleases you, m'lord," she said softly, excusing herself before bounding off to find her sister.

Aisha would freak.

"My Aisha... She is the real prize, if I may be frank. She's only just into adulthood, and she's been trained her whole life by her mother and my other Does about how to be a proper woman.[/b]" the man looked at Dorian, feeling glad that things were going as well as they were. He reached out, taking a sandwich, and took a bite. It was a moment before he spoke again, an eyebrow raised. "I'm ever so glad you could make it out here. I know the journey was a long one. As such, I would be honored if you would stay as long as you need to rest before you even consider leaving.[/b]"

Aisha and Aimili would return soon, he was sure. He couldn't wait for the Jack to see his gorgeous Doe daughter.

[Nako]

"Oh... Dear girl. You are so beautiful! I'm so proud of you..." Ashta breathed out, eyes fluttering as she ran the finely toothed comb once more through the pristinely groomed brown mane. So fresh. So young... Only so recently coming into adulthood. A perfect gift to any Jack.

Those large ears quivered just so. Aisha's eyes were blank as she stared off into nothingness. "I... I don't wanna..."

"Shh...." Ashta was surprisingly gentle as she set a paw on those quivering lips. "It is only natural to be afraid, dearest daughter. It shows your virtue. I understand this.. but please do not show such hesitance around the men. It is proper to be shy, but not to cower or be cold. I know you well, Aisha. You will not do this family shame."

She wanted to cry. By the White Rabbit, she wanted to break down right then and there. She hadn't cried when her mother held her down and forced the rings into her ears.. she hadn't cried while she bled down her Highland pelt while the woman she so hated and loved as her mother decked her in the glorious decorations the Czar had so graciously bought her.

But her life was changing, and she didn't know if it was for better or for worse.

Swallowing thickly, Aisha managed to nod her head, flinching as her mother quickly dabbed her watering eyes. She was chastised, something about not wanting to make her face puffy from her emotional outbursts. Aisha hadn't realized the tears had started to fall.

"I... Yes. You're right. I'm just.. I haven't done this before." Hesitantly, she glanced toward her mother, expecting retribution... or disappointment.

Instead she was met with a smile; an expression clear and unveiled from her typical dreamy demeanor that was... in all honesty, somewhat startling. Aisha stared into that sad smile, trying to decipher a truth.. some validation of her fears. Instead, she got something else.

"I know, Aisha. By the White Rabbit, I know all too well. Please... don't let him get to you darling.. Don't let him. It'll drive you -mad-...

A knock at the door, and Ashta's eyes glazed over once again and a complacent smile wiped her face of all that seemed any semblance of... something else. With quick reflexive swipe across her torn ear with a paw, she all but sang toward the door. "Come Iiiiin..."

Upon the leveret's entry, Ashta's face brightened even more.. if that were even possible. "Oh.. oh goodness, is it time! Okay Aisha... go on now... go go.. Do not worry, young Sir Dorian is a -good- Jack. Your father wouldn't have it any other way."

The two slipped out into the hallway. Aisha didn't look at her sister. If the girl was about to tell her anything, Aisha sucked in a breath and shook her head. "No no.. just.. let me meet him. I don't want to hear anything. So help me, I just can't take it, Aimili. I just... I'll cry if you tell me anything. Please. Just..." Another breath, and she looked on, walking steadily and willing he claws not to reflexively move in and out of their sheaths. She hardly registered the heavy knocking on the door, the beckoning to come in. She could hardly feel her legs as she walked numbly inside. Oh goodness. She couldn't break down. She just -couldn't-....


What... what was with that -hair-!? Her heavy baubles wavered gently as she canted her head just slightly, wide eyes taking in the man even as he was looking at her. He was... Was that what a Jack was supposed to look like? He was too pretty. The only part of him that appeared powerful at all was the imposing, very appealing skull upon his forearm. Otherwise he seemed unimpressive in the way that a masculine creature should. He looked vain.

There was a moment of silence. Introductions must have been made, because everyone was staring at her expectantly. The Czar's expression was darkening. Aisha had to force herself to keep from trembling, for the only thing she truly feared, and ever would fear, would be her father. It wasn't physical harm that made her quiver, but his disappointment.

"My... greatest apologies, My Lord Dorian. You had me.. breathless." At that last word, she dropped her head in a manner that would appear to be shy, cutting up her great, brown eyes up toward him in a way that only a virtuous Doe would. In truth, it was because she was embarrassed with herself. Breathless would not have been the word she would have first chose. It was more along the lines of -speechless-. Of course, she wanted nothing to do with the potentially negative connotation to that word.

Still.. that damned hair. Goodness! She wondered if it was as soft as it looked, and it disgusted her that such a thought would go through her head!

[The Jenn]

Dorian sat back to nibble at the foodstuffs as the Leveret left the room, content to enjoy his host's hospitality while they conducted this most pleasant business. After seeing the one daughter, he had no doubts as to the value of the other, especially not with her rank having been established from birth, much like his. There always seemed to be that added... splendor to a naturally-born Jack or Doe. They carried themselves with importance from the moment they could conceive of it, which in his case had been very young.

"After viewing your home and receiving your hospitality, my good sir, I have no doubts as to the quality and decorum of your daughters. I would also be a poor guest indeed if I did not honor my host with a visit of at least two or three days. Thank you for the invitation." He nibbled at another small handful of clover, enjoying the stuff while he could. It just didn't grow in the Wastes, though other delectables certainly did. Between the date palms and small citrus trees grew near the warren he had claimed for himself and he'd come to love the things.

When another knock eventually came at the door after several more pleasantries, his head perked up and he self-consciously smoothed back a strand of hair that floated around his face. Finally, the most significant reason for his visit. Acquiring another Leveret was important, especially if his new warren was to function correctly, but he would remain a Jack with little to recommend him unless he had at least two Does to vie for his attentions and dance attendance on his whims in ways that servants simply couldn't manage.

The way she simply stood and stared made his chest slowly puff out as his head craned back, the better to show off his slender physique. Obviously the girl was lost for words with how she stared, and he simply couldn't conceive of any feeling other than awe behind the attention. Every second her eyes lingered, his bearing became all the more self-assured. His arrogance would allow nothing else. When she finally found her voice, it only cemented that fact in his mind.

"Lovely lady, I should expect nothing less," he reassured her, taking in the way her brown eyes peered up at him shyly from within her mask. A Highlander born and bred, the stereotypes of the realm apparent in every aspect of her looks. Her father had decked her out in brilliant baubles and that mask... it only served to enhance the natural beauty of a born Doe. He would delight in wooing her. "Your father did not misspeak when he made mention of your beauty. I can see that you do your region proud. And your mask, would that be your mother's influence?"

[Nako]

The nerve! Her disgust only doubled at his arrogance. So far he'd done nothing to prove himself at being more than a pretty waif, and there he was talking all sorts of nonsense.... What did he just say?

The insides of her ears flushed visibly at the compliment. Beautiful? She'd hardly considered herself such. In fact, she had generally been cold to the idea of it most of her life. But... to hear it from someone other than a family member, especially by some strange Jack... it was enough to rob her of her words, and her sharpness right off the bat. The mention of her region.. yes.. She liked that very much.

A paw came up reflexively to touch the mask. She forced herself to put her paw back down. Her mother always said it was most unbecoming to fiddle with it. "... Thank you.. Yes, it is. Is it to your liking? The question was an afterthought. It wasn't wise to not inquire such things to a Jack. They always had to feel involved.. feel like they had a say in things. If they didn't feel like they were.. they'd make themselves involved in ways that were generally unpleasant. Well.. that was the drabblings she'd heard from both leveret and Doe alike.

[carcinoGeneticist]

At his young guest's answer to the affirmative, a small smile twitched at Vikenti's lips. It was always lovely to have visitors to his Warren - after all, it had been some time since a Jack had dropped by - and it did add to his reputation, having guests stay for more than a day or two. He could even hope that perhaps in the time the young Jack stayed, he could educate the young man on a few points of his demeanour, subtly of course. It always joyed the older Jack to help the younger generation.

When his daughter was brought in, the man's smile only grew. He made introductions, happy to see that the girl was finally adjusting to the multiple piercings, even more happy to see that Aimili was finally learning how to be a proper Leveret - she'd followed her sister in like a shadow, sitting quiet and respectful behind her sister, saying not a single word but instead staring at the floor. He waited for Aisha's reply, an expectant smile on his face. She'd do him proud, he was sure.

But the seconds crept by, and though he kept the smile still on his face, his expression grew darker every moment his daughter-Doe did not speak. He knew why she was silent. He knew his daughter almost as well as he knew himself, and the look on her face did not please him. He'd know she wouldn't be delighted by the situation, but he'd certainly expected her to better hide it... He was preparing himself to apologize for his daughter's sudden retardation, but the girl surprised and delighted him by opening up.

The dark expression vanished from his face in a moment and he settled once more, beaming. He was very much pleased to see that the man took what she'd said at face value, even more pleased that he wasn't offended. That would have been a disaster. As things continued, he only became more comfortable with the situation. Aisha was recovering graciously. Her mother had taught her well. This left one more thing to get into the open, and he could only hope that Dorian could deal with the dangerous as well as the beautiful

He waited until the other man had replied to his daughter's question, then looked at the man. "I'm afraid there is one other issue I must call to your attention, but I would rather you knew now than be surprised by it later.[/b]" hopefully, the mutation wouldn't be seen in too negative a light. "Aisha, dear one, please show Dorian your claws. She was born with them, but unlike her sibling she had the luck of having them be fully retractable. She's been working with them all her life, and so I can guarantee there will never be a slipup.[/b]"

Any damage done would be purely intentional, he knew.