ᴋɪɴɢᴅᴏᴍ ᴏꜰ ᴀꜱʜᴇꜱ: ꜱᴇᴍɪ-ᴀᴅᴠᴀɴᴄᴇᴅ ʀᴏʟᴇᴘʟᴀʏ discussion

Illio loitered outside the entrance to the bakery, tucked beneath an awning across the cobbled streets. It was a busy day, the blazing sun deterring very few shopgoers as they went about their daily business, baskets and bags stacked high enough to warrant a hazard to the other pedestrians around them.

Illio picked at his stiff color, trying to lessen perspiration already forming on the back of his neck. He’d opted for one of his nicer shirts, something inconspicuously cream colored and something he tended to reserve for assignments rather than every day use, but he regretted it now, the stiff cotton unforgiving in the heat and the tiniest bit too tight

Well, it was much too late now to waste energy on considering about his shirt choices now that he was just outside of the bakery and several districts away from his lodgings. With a final adjustment of his waistcoat, he crossed the cobblestone road, ducking around various pedestrians as he wove his way through the crowd and towards the bakery entrance.

It was a cute little shop, though Illio couldn’t say he’d been there before. The establishments he tended to frequent had a significantly lower price tag and placed more value on discretion than hygiene. Nevertheless he was charging a steep enough fee for this mission he wasn't concerned spending whatever they were charging for a pastry, at least not this once. The door chimed as he opened it, the scent of coffee and baked goods hitting him like a beaded curtain. The shop was warm from the heat of the ovens, though it was out of the sun which made it more bearable.

Mod

Sebastain was taking a break from large group training for a few days while his mothers were out of town to help with the bakery. Even though he didn’t have much time to anymore, he loved to cook, still having all the recipes his parents taught him as a child memorized. It was like riding a bike- grabbing the correct measurements, doing the next step, all without even looking at the recipe to check. The muscle memory of it all made it easier to relax, and calmed his nerves when the pastries looked and tasted exactly the same as they usually did. Since he hadn’t baked consistently in a while, the days leading up to the present consisted of frantic memorization and practice that wasn’t even needed. At least he had a lot of muffins at his house now.

It had been a relatively slow day, his parents leaving at the least busy time of the year so as to not add too much stress to Sebastian, so when customers came in it was few and in between. When Lucien walked through the door, Seb smiled, recognizing him immediately, as he tended to do with anyone he’s had conversations with.

“Lucien,” he said in greeting, closing the oven and walking over to the counter. “Are you here to buy something, or am I the sole purpose of the lovely meeting?” He placed his face in his hands, leaning over the countertop while talking. “How’ve you been these past couple days? Rather peaceful, thank god. The riots are getting wild.”

Understatement of the century. The riots the past few months were violent beyond anything Sebastion had seen since when the Crimson’s first took over years ago. Blood, screams, cars breaking, glass shattering. Fires crackle outside so loud that Sebastain could hear them, almost feel them, from inside his house. Hospitals were being overrun, security in the villages increasing tenfold. Somehow, the bakery hadn’t caught in the crossfires.Well, not too much, anyways. The sign in the front was a bit burnt, and the flowers and bushes were slightly ruffled, but nothing major. It was a gift, a blessing. Something that made Sebastain hope for even longer.

Thankfully, this past week has been fairly calm. No riots, Less security. It was good- less violence, less destruction. But it also meant people were giving up hope in the royals. Which meant more people to rat him and his family out. There were people stowed away in the lower level right now. He had just gone down to bring them more food and water. No one else knew about the lower level, no one but him and his mothers. It was near the very back of the kitchen, hidden behind a cabinet, and overly locked from the inside. No one could get in without permission.

Ding. The new batch of cookies were ready. Sebastian reached back, still able to continue his conversation with Lucien as he took the cookies out of the oven and placed them on a rack to cool. They smelled amazing. Part of the problem with working in a bakery was that everything smelled good all the time, which means he felt hungry all the time. Food was good- a principal of life he felt all people should live by.

Illio watched Sebastian pull the cookies from the oven, the heat rippling the air around the air as Sebastian pulled the tray out, carefully balancing the tray and almost mindlessly putting them on a rack, his intent focus still on Illio. Illio cleared his throat, wringing his hands and glancing around the small shop. It was mostly empty aside from a sleeping customer, not that he planned to do any business that would require and empty room.

"Sebastian." he said in greeting, dipping his head and looking back at the other man. "And I was initially here solely to follow up with you, but those cookies might tempt me to empty my wallet more than I already will be." he said in jest, eyes crinkling at the corners and lips curling up into a small smile.

He quickly returned to his usual solemn expression, brow furrowing at Sebastians question of the riots. “I can’t say I pay much attention to the riots. I do my best to avoid them, that’s the most anyone can do right?” That much was false. Not knowing was the easiest way to get yourself bleeding out in an ally somewhere. Illio did his very best to track each and every riot, going as far as to mark each location and date on a map he hung in his “study.” Study was a generous word for it, but it was a small locked room and the closest thing to an office he’d ever have.

He usually did his best to steer clear of potential riots not needing the risk of getting arrested. If a constable poked a bit too hard, his whole facade might come crumbling down. But Sebastian didn’t need to know that. “How have you been? Stayed safe I hope.”

Mod

"Oh, business is slow today. Take a few on the house," he insisted. "As long as you don't tell my mothers." A glimmer of mirth shone through in his eyes, and he passed over a few cookies to Lucien. It surprised him when he had seen Lucien smile. Seb hadn't known him for long, but he didn't seem like the smiling type. Sebastain took a cookie for himself and ate it, grinning. "Again, don't tell my moms. They'd kill me."

Sebastain nodded along with Lucien's comments about the riots. It was strange that the man could afford to not think about the riots with how frequent and awful they were, but he didn't mention it. "I've been well, and safe. This bakery's been lucky to only have a few little scratches. I know some places, even some house, that were completely destroyed. But yes, safe, happy, thriving. The smoke's completely cleared, so the sun's out, which is lovely. How about you, Lucien?"

Illio couldn’t help but feel his stomach rumble at the wafting scent of cookies. He brushed a strand of hair out of his face, averting his gaze from the tray of cookies. The more cynical side of him told him to refuse the offer, not needing to build a debt especially not to a mark. The part of him who had cookies once or twice a year overruled though and he couldn’t help but offer a small smile. “A cookie sounds great. Thank you.” he said, looking over the counter at Sebastian. “Is this your mothers’ bakery?” He asked curiously, raising an eyebrow.

He accepted the cookie passed over by Sebastian and held it with his fingertips, the fresh cookie still hot enough to but. “Or is it yours?” He finished the question, lightly blowing on the cookie. He hesitated another moment before taking a small bite, watching Sebastian expectantly. The sugary wafer was better than it smelled, which was saying something. He held the hand not holding the cookie over his mouth as he swallowed, savoring the flavor as long as possible.

“And Ive been fine.” Illio said vaguely, offering a small shrug. “I’m glad it’s finally summer, the rainy spring days were starting to get to me. Though I didn’t realize it would be quite this hot today. If I had I would have worn something different.”

Mod

"It's my mothers," Seb confirmed, walked out from behind the counter to better talk with Lucien. He noticed his heavy clothing and snorted a little. "Yeah, I'm sure that's hot. I'd be sweating up a storm in that if I stepped outside for even a moment. Sadly, I'm stuck inside with air conditioning and good food." His words were laced with playful sarcasm. "So, what brings you here? Other than free food from yours truly."

Illio nodded, polishing off the cookie and brushing the crumbs off his fingertips. The sweet taste lingered in his mouth, and he he couldn't help but wonder what flavor the cookie was. Not that he had the means to make any of his own or buy too many of them. "Well send your mothers my compliments for raising such an excellent baker.

He adjusted his collar again, rolling his shoulders. "I shall endure." He said with a wry smile, wiping his forehead. "It's not nearly as hot as it could be." He raised his eyebrows at Sebastians joke. "It's really such a tragedy. Someday a young up and coming playwright will become famous writing about the sad baker out of the heat." He shook his head, grinning at his joke. "I came to follow up about the training. Given you are still willing and able."

Mod

Sebastain laughed; his head was thrown back. It was a full belly laugh, accompanied by his usual wide smile. “I’m sure,” he replied, a snort following his reply. Sarcasm usual wasn’t his type of humor, but Luicein’s delivery made the jest so much better. He popped another cookie in his mouth, sighing when the warm dough and chocolate melted in his mouth.

He perked up and nodded. “Yes, I am most definitely free. I’ve stopped doing group sessions for the next two weeks while my mothers are away so I can focus on the bakery more. What times work for you?” He had thought about Lucien a few times since the meeting, and he had hoped that his answer would be a yes. Before he was just intrigued by the young man, but now he thought that maybe the two of them could become friends.

Illio looked back at the rack of cooling cookies, examining the crystalized sugar on top as well as the perfectly melted chocolate chips. Forcing his gaze back at Sebastian, he offered a thoughtful look as Sebastian talked about his schedule. "It's very nice of you to look after the bakery while your mothers are away." he said honestly, tilting his head. "And I'm in between jobs at the moment so forgive me if I put the question of timing back on you. I have very little preference."

Mod

The only reason Sebastain’s smile didn’t widen was because it would’ve hurt his cheeks. “Thank you, Lucien. It’s the least I can do for them.” The oven rang and he walked back to behind the counter, bringing out the next batch of cookies. They smelled wonderful, and he was so happy he got to take them home with him after the day was over. He placed them on the cooling rack and brought the other batch off. “That should be enough for cookies for the day,” he said aloud, to no one in particular.

“Oh, it’s no problem,” he said, waving away Lucein’s apology. “I don’t mind. I’m free all day Wednesday, in the morning on Thursday, and until noon on Sunday. Do any of those times work for you?” His hand accidentally bumped the hot pan and he winced a little, shaking his hand to try and do away with the sting. “Damn. Fifth time today,” he muttered.

Despite his experience in the kitchen, Sebastian never failed to leave without a few more scars and burns. He should be expecting it by now, honestly. He had numerous burns on his hands from when he was a child, even a couple scars from knives and things that he had once handled recklessly. Nevertheless, he soldered on, too in love with the craft to let go of it.

Illio nodded, watching Sebastian's long strides around the counter. He walked like he'd done this and many actions like it hundreds of times before. Illio felt foolish immediately after making the observation. Of course Sebastian had done this hundreds of times before, his mothers ran a bakery for gods sake. So much for exceptional observation skills he prided himself on.

"Are you sure it's enough cookies?" Illio teased, corners of his mouth pulling up. He considered the days Sebastian offered. "Wednesday works for me." he said after a moment of thought. "And I've never done anything like this before, what should I expect?"

Illio's head tilted as Sebastian brushed the hot metal. "Are you alright?"

Mod

"Of course not," he replied, and winked. "There's never enough cookies. I just can't make too many or else I won't even sell half of them." Sebastain grabbed sprinkles and icing and started to absentmindedly decorate while conversing with Lucien. "And Wednesdays it is!" He set up his supplies along the counter, making sure it was all in its place. It was completely unnecessary, since it would all get moved soon, but he didn't really care. It gave him a sense of 'i know what i'm doing'.

He brought the pan over to the counter so he could talk easier while also decorating. "Well, our first session we'll match you with a sword. The right length, the right weight, the right handle, etcetera. Then we'll just get a feel for your fighting, your weak spots, I'll teach you some of the basics maybe. But mostly it'll just be to help you get used to holding and using a sword." He reached behind the counter and switched out his gloves before really starting on decorating, so he didn't mix the chocolate and other ingredients with the icing on the sugar cookies. He didn't need a customer having an allergic reaction. "After that, the sessions will be tailored to your liking, skill level, and interests. It's honestly an easy process- you'll get used to it soon."

He frowned a little when he said, "I'm glad so many people are trying to learn stuff like this. More money, more business, more people being safer. But it's also becoming more of a precaution and less of a necessity every day, which I don't want. I'd rather give up half my customers and make half as much money if it meant people didn't even need to defend themselves. The area would be so safe, it wouldn't even cross their minds."

Alastair almost added how bad it was, and how the Crimson's made everything worse, but he bit his tongue. He had no idea if Lucien was a supporter or not, or if he'd rat him out. Best not to take chances, so he just brought his normal smile back. "Anyways, let's talk of something lighter. I hadn't seen you around before. Did you move here recently?"

"Well that's certainly a tragedy isn't it." Illio said, plucking a cookie from the rack and examining it. "How much would it be for a whole batch of them?" the question came out before he could think it through and he gritted his teeth, nearly imperceptible ducking his head and going with it. He examined the cookie before looking at Sebastian, eyebrows raised.

"A sword you say?" he asked, pretending to sound awed at the concept. "I can't say I've used one of those before but if you say it's an easy process, you're the expert here." He shrugged, leaning across the counter and watching Sebastian talk as he decorated the cookies. It was a type of talk he generally labeled as idealistic bullshit, but out of Sebastians mouth it had some weight to it, and Illio could almost understand the appeal.

Mod

"A whole batch?" he asked, humming a little as he thought of the prices. "If I'm correct, it would be about twenty-five to thirty dollars for a full batch of cookies." Of course, he had a bunch of cookies and cookie batter at his house that Lucien could get for free, but offering would losing business and it most likely would seem way too forward instead of a friendly gesture.

He nodded, smiling a little. "I'm sure you'll get the hang of it in no time." Seb finished the cookies and meticulously placed them on the rack in the back of the kitchen, making sure to not mess up a single one. "When are you able to start?"

Illio maintained a way to keep a straight face and not blanch at the price. He nodded thoughtfully, continuing to watch Sebastian decorate the cookies with a steady hand. It was almost as if he was preparing surgery or painting a masterpiece, albeit one much more edible than the traditional paintings.

Almost absentmindedly, Illio ran his thumb over the almost completely healed calluses on his right hand. Despite being typical of swordfighters with a bad grip, Illio had managed to pick them up after a particularly harrow shadowing job that had required some unfortunate climbing. "I'm sure I will. I'm usually a quick study." he shrugged, brushing his hands on his waistcoat. "And I can start whenever. I'm between jobs at the moment."

Mod

"How's this week?" he offered, washing his hands of the cookie stuff, and called out to the man sleeping, "Max, we're closing for lunch break!" Seb walked over and knocked on the table, waking him up. "I'm going to eat. Lucien, do you want to come with? On me." He figured he should try and get to know this man more, especially if he would be teaching him. And plus, he liked Lucien well enough, hoped they would be friends at one point. Maybe it was too soon to go and have lunch, but the worst he could do was say no.

Illio glanced at the other man, Max, storing his face away in the filing cabinet of his head. Perhaps he'd pay the man a visit some other day, given he was a regular at the bakery. See what the people close to Sebastian could tell him. Illio snapped out of his train of thought, glancing back at Sebastian. "What? Lunch?" He considered, thoughts moving a tad more sluggish than he'd like. "I don't want to impose..." he said, hoping his tone appeared unsure enough Sebastian would keep pushing.

Mod

"Oh, it's no imposition," he assured him, waving away Lucien's comments. "No pressure of course, but I'd love to have some company." He smiled widely; hands shoved between his pockets. "And I've pay for everything. No problem." Sebastain excused himself to go clean up the kitchen and close up shop before walking back out. "Either way, it's time to exit the bakery."

"Where were you thinking we would go for lunch." Illio asked, checking his secondhand watch. It was near lunchtime, though Illio wasn't hungry. He'd made himself his usual breakfast, and the cookie had tided him over. "And I would appreciate that. Thank you." he said to Sebastian's offer of payment. He headed towards the door.

Mod

((ahh im so sorry i didn't see this! should we move the rp?))

sure! is there a place they could go for lunch?

Mod

((yeah! they could go to the restaurant topic))

((that works for me! can you start?))

Mod

((yeah, just might be a minute))