video; un: aquila

[leitstern]

Name: Jasper
Date: 8/2
Format: Video

[An elegant man sits behind a writing desk with both feet ungraciously raised on the grain. Pristine white sleeves rolled to his elbows, his spotless waistcoat embroidered with gold. The heroic image is shattered by the expression upon his face; quiet and solemn as the grave. Fingers massage where his neck and shoulder meet before he utters a word.]

May I have the pleasure of your ear a moment? I am informed by the Coven that I would do well to find a partner. Only they encourage me against their better judgement, as I am afraid I am a terrible partner for anybody.

[He does little but focus on playing with his fringe for ten seconds, maybe twenty.]

So forgive the ironic curiosity - it will kill me one of these days - and kindly share what you like to see in a partner. Age? Beauty? Perhaps you harbour a fondness for wealth?

Sentimental fools believing in love and friendship need not waste my time.

If the first, I should laugh. If the second, I should call you a fool.

Comments

[leitstern]

[Jasper clears his throat a little. It might be because of her audacity. It could also be of the wine he had ten minutes before. When stuck in a foreign land one might as well sample it's delights, right?]

Oh necessity, of course. Better to ask today than to plead next month, correct?

[Yes, he's heard about what happens when people don't bond. He can do without that hassle, thanks.]

[sparkstrikes]

[Lightning tries not to smile when he clears his throat, and even harder when he answers her question so willingly. She doesn't have much reason to want to talk to him, but she can't pass this up before she gives him a real answer.]

So, this is a solicitation for a bond.

[A booty-call?]

At least offer to buy me dinner first.

[leitstern]

[They sit there looking at each other for several moments.

Too many emotions flicker across Jasper's face. Surprise, bewilderment, awareness forgotten for irritation soon washed away by indignation.

He feels his entire body stiffen, the steel in his voice slightly shaken.]

Are you mocking me?

[sparkstrikes]

[Got'im.

She doesn't humour his question with an answer, besides the obvious snort under her breath, and gets right into the real discussion at hand. That's what you get for calling her boring, Jasper!]

So, which side of the coin'd you get? Witch or Monster?

[leitstern]

Perhaps you will take one look at me and that will answer your question.

[His voice drops and runs dry. Since he is walking around without feathers and claws and all - and oh doesn't he realise the irony in it - there is really only one answer. Best offer it for the poor thing.]

They call me a witch.

[sparkstrikes]

Could've been a tail.

[She offers that comment with a shrug. Wouldn't have been the first time she'd seen someone unable to control their new, extra limbs.

Her expression falls serious then, when she remembers what it was like to be a witch without a bondmate, back then. Now, she'll give him a real answer.]

Most important thing is someone who gets you and can mind their own business when it comes down to it. Unless you like other people knowing what you're feeling?

[leitstern]

[Jasper massages the side of his neck and looks anywhere but at his conversation partner. Discussions about bonding are near as uncomfortable as the act; a bad combination when one considers the blow to his pride.

And that's what it boils down to, isn't it?]

No. I think nothing can be more heinous. I do not believe most people are capable of minding their own affairs, either. Humanity tends to be too curious for its own good.

[sparkstrikes]

[That much they can agree on, and if he looks back at all, he'll see her briefly nod to that sentiment. She's been trying to be more open, but she's still as emotionally closed off as ever, so the idea of anyone being able to know what she's feeling at any given point is unnerving.

Hearing that, though...]

They told you that your bonds can feel what you're feeling, right?

[leitstern]

[The disgust on Jasper's face isn't easily disguised. He snarls his upper lip and wrinkles the top and bottom of his nose. Her feelings are irrelevent compared to the knowledge her friends will know every little emotional secret. Clearly, he is not looking forward to the same.]

Yes, it fills me with revulsion.

[He crosses his eyebrows and sliently mouths his disgust.]

I dislike being a filthy little eavesdropper, myself.

[sparkstrikes]

What they don't tell you is if there's a way to stop or control it.

[If she could, she would. Not just stop others from knowing what she's feeling, but from knowing what her partners are feeling, too. That's the part she's having the hardest time grasping when it comes to bonding...

Anyway.]

So, what is it you're looking for in a bond partner? Outta curiosity.

[leitstern]

[The news potential bonds can be controlled lends itself to dark thoughts - not relieved ones. His worries for the world tree. His concern for her state. Bonds should be nothing more than one more tool to keep in his arsenal should old friends come calling.]

Intelligent people who refuse to meddle. That should be a start.

[At least he's honest about it?]

[sparkstrikes]

[Among the other things, honesty is also a good trait.

She pauses to readjust, sitting back on the couch she's been seated on for the duration of their conversation.]

What about friends...? You wanna get to know the person before you bond with 'em.

[There's something sad about the way her expression drops then, but she makes no further comment. She has a friend... that she's been thinking about... but it's complicated.]