An Exchange of Egos [Closed]

[Nako]

Her claws? An issue? That might not have been -exactly- what he meant. Usually the adornments were considered more a strength than a weakness... but she understood. It was a.. powerful part of her, one that the weaker jacks would be wary of. She might have been a bit overzealous with her extracting of them, revealing the bladelike claws with a neat 'snikt'

For the life of her, she couldn't help the smile of pride that went over her face at the very sight of them. Quickly though, she tweaked her grin into a more acceptable smile before raising a paw most daintily to allow a better look at them. What would he think of them? Would he cringe in horror at the sight of them? She was taking care not to be menacing; surely that would mean being snatched up by her still tender ears. She'd stopped acting foolish around her father quite early. That fire in her soul though.. it was always smoldering underneath her cool exterior.

[The Jenn]

The gesture of vanity in touching the mask told Dorian that he'd scored a hit and he didn't even try to hide his pleased expression. "Oh, very much so. Any Hisstor Jack should be proud possess a Doe with such a lovely adornment." Such a young thing, and to be in her father's warren... a virginal Doe for sure. He would be her first. That was a heady thought, and she should consider herself lucky for the privilege.

At mention of an 'issue', the young Jack's ears flicked upward slightly and he returned his attention to the Czar. Some part of his mind began to revolve around the thought that she might be flawed in some way, like his current Doe, something perhaps less visible but no more impairing. What was this 'issue'? What claws?

A quiet 'snikt' and gleam of metal in the light brought his eyes once more to the Doe and they widened slightly in comprehension as he took in the full measure of her 'issue'. Natural weaponry... how unbecoming of a Doe. Nevertheless, they weren't a concern so long as she could keep them retracted around him. "Ahh, I see your meaning. So long as she is comfortable with keeping them contained, I foresee no problems. Her natural charms and becoming accessories more than make up for their presence." Not in a million years would he imagine a Doe using such things against him.

[carcinoGeneticist]

Vikenti chuckled at that, a deep rumbling sound that reverberated around the room. "I'm glad to hear you say that, my dear man.[/b]" he was, too. It was a very strange thing for a pure Highlander to have, but it wasn't nearly as odd as the black mane of his son... But that was a thought for another day, when more important things weren't on the table.

As Aisha moved to show the other Jack her claws, Vikenti couldn't help but watch her. The way the blades slid from their sheathes and gleamed in the light of his room brought a smile to his face. It was a curious mutation for a Doe to have, for sure... But it intrigued the war-like man and always had, struck the part of him that missed War between Warrens as beautiful. His daughter was such a vicious little thing, all spitfire and Highland pride. In some ways, it delighted him more than he could say. He expected big things of his lovely daughter, however, and had drilled into her head that the claws, beautiful as they were, should only be used in the matter of defending her own honor and not just because she didn't like her Jack.

When the Hisstor began to speak, Vikenti turned his attention back to the man. If not for the heavy weight holding them back, his ears would have rotated forward in a clear sign of interest, but as it was he looked fairly stoic. The bands had many uses, indeed.

"I assure you,[/b]" he said, straightening in his seat ever so slightly as he looked at Dorian. The posture was imposing, but his face was calm, and he was still smiling to himself. "You will not see them unless you request it.[/b]"

[Nako]

Aisha's eyes had carefully rolled back to glance at her father, catching the smile on her face. The corners of her mouth curled just a bit in response before looking back to the Hisstor Jack. Her smile broadened and she tilted her head down respectfully before retracting the claws in one swift, effortless motion. The widening of his eyes told her all she needed to know. He certainly didn't like it, but he would grow used to it.. or trade her.. one or the other. One wouldn't know until that time came.

She was a strong creature. This silence on her part and demure nature felt alien and wrong to her. Still, she held her tongue. She'd not embarrass her father. The remembering not to 'speak unless spoken to' was keeping her from speaking boldly out of terms. She always felt as if she had something witty on the tip of her tongue. It was frustrating that she could not share this.. aggressive charm. She was feeling quite pessimistic about the Hisstor's tolerance for such things. Then again, it was probably best to expect the worst and be pleasantly surprised.

[The Jenn]

"Yes, very good," Dorian agreed with a brief nod, eyes still on the Highland Doe sitting in front of them. She was a far sight nicer to look at than her father, especially with those oddly pretty feathers fluffing out of her tail. In their own way, they complimented the stolen prizes that adorned the front of his mane, though hers were a vibrant contrast to her natural reds and golds. Really, if not for the white base, she would be a blotch of primary colors.

He poured himself a second cup of tea, pulling it close in preparation for a sip and then pausing. "Darling lady, I hope that you and your sister will find my warren to your tastes. It's a tad dry and warm for most of the year, but providing that you can control the static and frizz, there's nothing better than a fresh-picked orange or date from the nearby oasis. I'm sure that your sister will be able to attend to your needs very well."

((I'd say this one's close to being done, after they all retire. Is there anywhere else you want to take it, or will a few more posts be satisfactory? Either's great. ^_^))

[carcinoGeneticist]

With the positive turn of events, Vikenti grinned broadly and leaned back in his chair, posture restful. The feeling of a well-carried out trade was better than any he'd ever experienced before, and watching his young daughter interact so well with the man lit a spark of pride deep within. Pride for his offspring, but more importantly, pride with himself for raising such a proper daughter. He would have to thank his precious Ashta as well, for giving him such a lovely creature. He could only hope that he'd be lucky enough to father more.

"Aimili will be happy to attend to the both of you, I'm sure.[/b]" then the man stood, looking at his daughter with a face that shone with approval. "Now, if the pair of you will excuse me... I'll go find her and make sure that she will have Aisha's belongings together before the time you must leave.[/b]"

He bowed respectfully to the younger Jack and gave Aisha a small glance before exiting the room. He would find Aimili, of course, but that wouldn't take long. Really, he wanted to give the pair a chance to speak in private. It only seemed right to let them get somewhat of a feel for each other before they jumped right into a living situation. Feeling oddly chipper, the huge Jack turned and made his way down the hall to find the girl's sister, and from there, his Ashta.

[Nako]

Aisha couldn't help but watch her father go, veiling it as respect for a Jack leaving the room with a small bow of her head, but those eyes lingered for a moment upon the door as it snapped closed. Now she was alone with a strange Jack that she'd spend however long with till he became bored of her. With an intake of breath, she calmed her nerves and turned to the Jack with a cultivated smile, inclining her head politely toward the Hisstor. "Sir Dorian." She said in a carefully soft voice, a tone of acknowledgment and respect. It would not be wise to.. strike up a conversation with him on her own accord. Not just yet, anyways. Till then she'd indicate her receptiveness to conversation if he so wished to have one. Yes, staying silent would have made her look dumb. Both her mother and father would have been most displeased if they heard of her going silent again.

He wasn't.. so bad, was he? He was Hisstor at least; it was something that reminded her of her crazy yet beloved mother. Living in Hisstor, that was nowhere near as appealing. Then again once she'd heard the whisperings of his origin she knew it would have to be so. Her thoughts went back to what her father had said. The pair of you... An obvious sanctification of their union.. as sanctified as union between Doe and Jack became, anyways. It felt so official when her father had said it. It was a milestone that made her father so proud. She should be proud too... she wanted to be.

But wanting water to turn into wine did not necessarily make it so.

[The Jenn]

Dorian stood with his host, making a polite gesture to the man before settling himself in the chair once again and half-draining his cup in two sips. Delicious stuff, tea. He could drink it like water if given the chance.

After the Czar exited the room, he was left solely in the company of his new Doe, his but for the technicality of the items that he would present to his host sometime after dinner. "Lady Aisha," he responded, a quirk of amusement to his lips. Was she going to say anything further? No? Probably waiting on his signal to speak. A well-trained girl, certainly, and he wouldn't expect anything else with a father whose reputation and title spoke for themselves.

"So tell me, darling, are you at all looking forward to the move?" How biddable would she be? How much personality was hiding under there? Would it compliment his? He watched her with his ears back and slightly up, one twitching and making his ornamentation gleam in the light.

[Nako]

Hm. Was that question a test of some sort? Her ears gave an answering quiver upon her head and she gave the most subtle tilts. "Why ever would I not, good Sir? I hope I have not acted in such a way as to make you think such a thing." His gaze though, was searching, and her mind was active and thinking of the appropriate responses to such a question. So far, she was sounding demure and dumb. No, dumb just wouldn't do.

"My mother speaks highly of the Wastes. I look forward to seeing her homeland very much." She wasn't truly sure how much she was really looking forward to it. She'd heard it was a very barren, dreadful place from some; all desert and dust storms. And the odd waves... Her mother spoke of them as if they were a thing of beauty. Aisha was afraid it was such forces that drove the Hisstor mad.

[The Jenn]

All of her answers were things that Dorian wanted to hear and the made him smile contentedly, finishing the rest of his tea as he watched her. Really, that mask was a most becoming accessory. He hoped she didn't feel the need to remove it often.

"Nothing you said... I was merely curious," he replied with a thoughtful nod. Then he stood and took a few steps closer, looking at her curiously. "What do you think you will do in your spare time to entertain yourself? I currently have only one other Doe and I'm not sure how pleasant or otherwise a conversationalist she'll be. Vishka is a dear, but I've never seen her around another Doe before."

Privately, he wondered if the two of them would get along and share him or fight over him. The prospect seemed rather fun. He would probably need more than two Does to have them start something like that, though. He looked forward to the day that he could juggle the affections of several at once. In his mind, it was far less exhausting than it probably would be in reality.