Eric
Tiny Vik
Astorian Wilds

This boy was special, he stank of both Death and Life, like himself. Although he was disappointed by the denial of his luncheon invitation, Vik knew better than to verbally persist.

"Me? You can call me Tiny Vik, or Vik, or Great Golden One. Your choice, I'm not picky." As he spoke he filled the two cups with the steaming liquid, setting one across from him near the sandwich.

Tiny Vik raised the cup to the lips of his mask and drank slowly, letting out a quiet hum of pleasure as the taste hit his tongue. It was his favorite tea, a deep orange taste that he'd grown a habit for.

"You can think of me as a sort of bringer of gifts, I help people get what they really want." He giggled. "And I'm not talking about a new shirt or horse, mind you."
Joseph
Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Astorian Wilds

That wasn't a first, some man claiming to bring gifts and be able to satisfy the wants of nobility. Mikhail didn't drink the tea, not partake in the food that was offered. Just because he hadn't experienced death again didn't mean he was going to risk it happening because of some magical creatures poison in a forest. 

"Well, Vik, who are you hoping to hell out here alone? Shouldnt you be wandering towards cities?"
Eric
Tiny Vik
Astorian Wilds

Vik couldn't help but giggle again, his favorite part was coming up soon. "Isn't it obvious, Mikhail? You and I are the only ones out here." He took another long sip of his tea.

It was really too bad he didn't want any of the food, he had worked so hard on it, nevertheless he picked up a raspberry tart and quietly bit into it, the sweet berry taste exploding across his tastebuds.

"Tell me young man, what is it you want?"

He did the closest thing to making eye contact he could behind his mask, his giggling no long following his words.
Joseph
Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Astorian Wilds

The Prince wasn't daft by any means. He saw where this was going moment the conversation started. And he ran his tongue along his teeth, trying his best.To emulate the confidence of his father. 

"I'm not in the business of telling people what I desire, Vik." He said truthfully, and let that moment hold. "You'll have to find another victim."
Eric
Tiny Vik
Astorian Wilds

Vik shook his head while making a "Tsk" Sound. This boy was going to be a test, contrary to the other recipients of his gifts that jumped at the opportunity to change.

"My dear boy, you mistake me. I'm not looking for a victim, I'm looking for a friend. In fact if at any time you're unhappy with my arrangements you can back out free of charge, no strings attached." He giggled again, taking yet another bite of his raspberry tart as he let the air stew between them.

Vik was half tempted to bring out one of his toys, always finding reliability in his new shows of power (The Crocodile trap being his personal favorite). Yet something about this young man was different, he not only seemed like he witnessed great feats before, but the stench that surrounded this boy made Vik almost certain he'd *Lived* Through feats that rivaled the powers held by his golden mask.

"I don't want anything from you, Princeling. Believe me when I say I know what it's like to live your life under the scrutiny of everyone's expectations. I want to help you, but I can only do that if you let me."

Vik set his tea cup back on it's saucer with a small *Clink* Before turning to look at his handy sack of odds and ends. Taking a piece of meat from one of the untouched sandwiches, he held it near the bags opening. Before long Captain Tiddlywinks, his faithful feline familiar retrieved the morsel and gave a quiet meow in thanks.
Joseph
Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Astorian Wilds

Something about Vik was oddly personable, and Mikhail would be lying if he said the temptation to sit and stay a while wasn't tugging at him. He was exhausted, not physically but mentally, his mind having run over the small bits of information he'd gathered with no conclusion in mind. 

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I feel friends looking to give out favors 'free of charge' always end up wanting something in the end. Or their gifts are never what they say they are." As he spoke, Vik dangled a piece of meat from the sandwich he'd pulled apart over his bag. 

The swipe of teeth had it disappearing, and the soft mew sounded in the clearing as if it had been right by his side. Mikhail inhaled, and finally moved to take a cautious seat at the mans makeshift picnic.
Eric
Tiny Vik
Astorian Wilds

Lunch was always so much better when you had someone to share it with, and now Vik didn't have to stuff two sandwiches back in his bag, they didn't keep well after a short while.

Vik raised his hand to his golden chin and scratched at imaginary stubble to convey he was thinking, a habit you have to develop when your face is always hidden. There was so much pain inside this boy, and sooner or later he'd find some way to pass this pain on, maybe Vik wanted to stop that. He hadn't decided yet.

"You poor thing. If that's what your friends do to you then I don't think you've ever had a true friend. I don't want to use you, Mikhail, I'm not like the others. In more ways than one." He paused to refill his cup of tea, a quiet hum escaping his lips as he worked, offering to pour some more of the warm liquid in the cup he'd prepared for Mika.

"Tell me about yourself, I'm dying to hear your story." Vik still didn't know why he was drawn to this child, and the curiosity was eating him away.
Joseph
Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Astorian Wilds

He still had no intention of making a wish before the creature, and as he refilled his own tea and offered to fill a cup for the Prince, Mikhail held a hand out, rejecting the offer once more. 

Really he shouldn't have even talked to the creature, but he was tired and the break was nice. 

"There isn't much to tell." He said simply, raising his good shsoulder in a half shrug. "How did you end up in Astoria?"