On the contrary, it's something you once ardently pursued.
I'm in need of assistance with securing my gem-bindings each night and releasing them in the morning. Matt has been generous enough to help me this week, but I can't keep monopolizing his nights. Unfortunately, there are very few to whom I've entrusted my secret, and you're one of them.
[The news that Nikolai suddenly needs people to help secure his gem bindings each night makes Liem wonder what happened to cause this abrupt change. Did Alina get sent back home? He'll never get used to how easily people in this world can completely vanish without warning.]
I am of course happy to be of assistance. Just as long as you don't get cold feet and jump out my window.
[Bedtime story and kiss? Is that a thing some people do?]
Or, would you prefer I come to you? I don't mind spending a few nights away from home, if you need to stay there with Ponchik.
No smashing the window this time. You have my word.
I'm hoping to make arrangements for Ponchik on certain nights of the week, but I may need you to come to me. Not to worry, I have a guest room that's very comfortable and tastefully decorated.
[Also...his own bed. But it seems gouache to make such a direct proposition at this stage.]
LOL...but where's the fun in simply inviting you over?
In return for your services, you'll receive dinner and breakfast cooked by yours truly. Since last time, I've expanded my culinary repertoire beyond beef wellington. Though it's certainly on the menu still.
Well, I don't know. I would want to be sporting about it. It wouldn't be very fair if I just challenged him to an archery contest.
On the other hand, there are definitely things that he would soundly defeat me at, and of course that defeats the purpose of challenging him to begin with.
So it would have to be something that we're both good at, don't you think?
That depends on the kind of multitasking I'm expected to be doing. The last time my abilities in that area came into question, I ended up filling Constantin's kitchen with smoke.
If it helps, I am a very mediocre poet, and my skills at portraiture rest somewhere just shy of abysmal. In fact, a blindfold might actually improve my performance as an artist.
[What exactly does forgo the canvases mean in this context? Are they supposed to be painting each other? Nikolai? This thread of conversation has long since left behind any actual resemblance to being about duelling.]
That would certainly help to disguise my abject lack of talent.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
@volkvolny
I have a favor to ask of you. But in return, I offer my own myriad services.
Are you enticed yet? 👀
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Is this something I'm going to dislike?
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I'm in need of assistance with securing my gem-bindings each night and releasing them in the morning. Matt has been generous enough to help me this week, but I can't keep monopolizing his nights. Unfortunately, there are very few to whom I've entrusted my secret, and you're one of them.
Bedtime story and kiss are negotiable.
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I am of course happy to be of assistance. Just as long as you don't get cold feet and jump out my window.
[Bedtime story and kiss? Is that a thing some people do?]
Or, would you prefer I come to you? I don't mind spending a few nights away from home, if you need to stay there with Ponchik.
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I'm hoping to make arrangements for Ponchik on certain nights of the week, but I may need you to come to me. Not to worry, I have a guest room that's very comfortable and tastefully decorated.
[Also...his own bed. But it seems gouache to make such a direct proposition at this stage.]
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[For both the health of his windows, and for the selection of tastefully-decorated bedrooms to choose from when it comes to sleeping arrangements.]
I can easily provide assistance with your gem bindings, and of course the pleasure of my company comes complementary with this service.
But if you want me to come visit you, you don't need this kind of excuse.
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In return for your services, you'll receive dinner and breakfast cooked by yours truly. Since last time, I've expanded my culinary repertoire beyond beef wellington. Though it's certainly on the menu still.
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What if I decide I enjoy being catered to and I don't want to leave? Will I have to duel Matt for the position?
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On the other hand, there are definitely things that he would soundly defeat me at, and of course that defeats the purpose of challenging him to begin with.
So it would have to be something that we're both good at, don't you think?
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🤔🤔🤔
Blindfolds might have to be involved.
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Don't tell me you're incapable of multitasking, Father Lime.
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But I would think that a blindfolded duel involving hot stoves and sharp blades would be a terrible idea regardless of other circumstances.
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[Hm. They may have strayed wildly off topic.]
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If it helps, I am a very mediocre poet, and my skills at portraiture rest somewhere just shy of abysmal. In fact, a blindfold might actually improve my performance as an artist.
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To really make things interesting, we could forgo the canvases...
[Maybe a joke...maybe not...]
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That would certainly help to disguise my abject lack of talent.
But how would you judge the winner?
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[Even he's not entirely sure how serious he's being. Just let the heartbroken man have a little fun...]
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Use of colour. Technique. Flexibility.
[In the work, obviously. Creative flexibility. Unless...?]
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