guffawsungraciously | PSL TIME: THIS TIME IT’S SYLVANDO INSTEAD

[Sylvando always gets excited whenever the circus makes a stop in Hotto. Not only is the culture there completely different and fascinating, but the people are always so hospitable! It's so lovely to get to relax at the bar and maybe even rest his weary muscles at the sauna after a particularly rigorous performance.

So with another successful show over and after many autographs have been signed, Sylvando dresses himself down into something comfortably casual (and far less flashy than his usual repertoire) and makes for his favorite Hotto hotspot.]

Good evening, darling! It's been far too long!

[He's been here enough to be recognized by the bartender, whom he immediately gets into a lovely chat with as he settles in at the counter for some of Hotto's famous sake.

Little does he know that tonight's going to be just a little more eventful than just winding down and chatting the night away.]

[As much as Jasper had a... very severe reaction to not being as widely recognized as Hendrik, it was kind of convenient to be able to be a little more anonymous at times. Sometimes you wanted to relax at Puerto Valor among your men and other people who probably might recognize you, and sometimes you just want to... you know. Go somewhere, hit the bar, pick someone up, and take them to the inn for a night of carnal indulgence.

And, well, even though his usual type was generally fairly low-drama, sometimes you just want to meet up with someone good looking and fun enough who you will likely never meet again after you part the next morning. And, well, his master had sent him to check on the monsters in the Cryptic Crypt to see how many of them were on board with stepping into action whenever the Luminary turned up again, and Hotto was lovely this time of year... so why not make that the destination? Even if he didn’t meet anyone particularly attractive, he could still hit the sauna after a few drinks without anyone getting on his case about “having too much” or “wearing the provided clothes instead of just a towel” or “being careful he doesn’t overheat.”

He’s dressed for travel as he walks into the local establishment, but, well, that’s still fashionable, with thigh-high riding boots, a fancy traveler’s cloak, a loose white shirt, and a simple cravat. You know, like the fancylad he is. He scans the bar, looking for anyone interesting, and... hm! The bar isn’t terribly active, but at least there’s someone who stands out pretty much immediately. He lowers his hood and heads over to the seat next to the man and pauses for the sake of politeness.]

Excuse me, but is this seat taken?

[Sylvando is still chatting up the bartender—something about a dance routine he’s been working hard on lately—when the bartender politely informs him he’s being addressed.]

Hm?

[He shifts in his seat to find himself face to face with quite the handsome stranger. A curious look is quickly replaced with a smile.]

I’m so sorry, honey! I didn’t realize you were talking to me. [He gives the empty seat a pat.] It’s not taken, no. You’re more than welcome to change that though, of course.

[IT’S FINE, JASPER’S USED TO PEOPLE NOT NOTICING HIM... it’s... not a dealbreaker if it happens once, okay, he can deal... just... take it graciously...]

I believe I shall, then.

[He’ll sit down next to the other man, surreptitiously give him a once-over, and... well. You know, when it comes to men, he usually goes for the more muscular sorts due to being an absolute parody of himself, but he can’t deny how attractive this particular man is. Immaculately styled hair, those extremely nice eyelashes... Well. Hopefully he’s interested at the end of the night.]

Are you a regular, then? Well, regular enough to know the best thing on the drinks menu. I can tell you’re not a local.

[...it’s a pretty obvious statement, like, he’s not speaking in haiku or anything, but.]

[IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH JASPER, HONEST. Sylvando is just...super chatty and has So Much to say.

His full attention is on Jasper now, though.]

“Regular enough” is a good way of phrasing it. Work brings me here from time to time.

[The last bit gets a small chuckle out of him too. Indeed, he does stick out like a sore thumb amongst the locals.

He lifts up the bottle of sake that he’s been steadily working his way through.]

This is my absolute favorite from Hotto. Want to give it a try? If you like it enough, maybe you can help me finish it.

[Either he’s already taken a shine to his new acquaintance or he’s just Like This.]

[Free sake? Hot damn! He’s already liking this. Of course, he doesn’t really mind paying, since he’s paid reasonably well, but nobody hates free stuff!]

I believe I shall. Here’s hoping our tastes match up, then. Bartender?

[He holds out his hand for a cup and takes it from the bartender, and upon receiving it, slides it over to his companion.]

What is it you do, anyway? I believe I heard you discussing dance routines earlier...

Considering my own taste is on the line here, I'll hope so too.

[He gives a playful laugh after, though. If this guy doesn't like his suggestion, that's okay. He's got others up his sleeve!

He's quick to fill the cup and slide it back over before refilling his own.]

Oh, you heard that? [He's so pleased! What a good conversation starter!] I'm a performer! I just had a show earlier tonight.

[After taking a sip from his cup,]

What about you, darling? What brings you to this wonderful village?

[Jasper takes the cup, though he responds before taking a sip.]

Well, that must make for an interesting life. I presume it went well, then?

[He doesn’t know the field all that well, but he’s been in enough bars to know that you can just sort of tell when someone’s day has gone bad...]

I’m afraid I’m not here for anything quite so exciting—a bit of business earlier, a bit of pleasure on my way home. It’s a perk of traveling that you get to stop along the way to see the sights.

[He’ll take a sip and... hm! Well, he usually likes the sweeter things, but not everywhere has Puerto Valor’s fruity cocktails. He can deal.]

[They don't know it, but that's something they'd agree on at least. Puerto Valor has the best goods. Alas, he's not going back there anytime soon...]

It absolutely does. I've been in the business for a few years now, and honestly? I couldn't imagine doing anything else! [Going in for another sip...] You presume correct, by the way. This is celebratory sake. And for winding down, but that doesn't sound nearly as fun.

[With a wink, he raises the cup to mimic a toast.]

Business, eh? [Sylvando's figuring this man must be a merchant of some sort, then. He's certainly dressed the part of a more well-off one.] Well, you've found yourself in an excellent place for sight-seeing. Hotto has an amazing sauna house, you know. I'd say the sake is second to that.

[That earns a Look from the bartender, all in just of course. But Sylvando still flashes him a smile.]

No offense, darling.

Well, you know how it goes. The old saying that if you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life is a cliche for a reason. Would that everyone in this world happened to be so lucky.

[It’s not said with any sort of bitterness, at least. He likes his vacations, but hey. It’ll all be worth it in the long run.]

I tend to visit coastal destinations more often than inland ones, so I’m rather interested in picking up the local flavor. It seems like one of those things you ought to do before you die, and I’ve never actually been, so why not?

[He takes another drink of sake before raising his glass.]

And if it’s better than this local flavor, it must be absolutely essential.

[Sylvando's smile softens to something more sympathetic.]

I really do wish it were that simple for everyone. [Putting himself on this path didn't happen without consequence of course, but...] But that's why I put so much into my work. I want to lighten all of those weary eyes and bring smiles to as many faces as I can. You know, lighten their loads if only for one mesmerizing night.

[Was that a little corny? Maybe. But Sylvando is entirely sincere about it. This is his calling, after all!]

Oh, but listen to me rambling away. My apologies, darling. [He shakes the sake bottle, assessing how much might be left in there.] If that's a sign of interest I'm hearing, I'd be happy to show you the way! I was thinking of dropping by after this anyway.

[While he doesn't outright say it, it's very much implied that he wouldn't mind some company.]

[...wow, Jasper is just going to wind up ruining this guy’s whole career in a few years, huh. Or he’s going to give him so much more work, thinking about it. He’s not gonna say it out loud, but he’s definitely gonna think it...]

No, I’m finding it all very interesting. That’s a valuable service you provide, actually. I never quite thought of it that way, but I suppose that’s the benefit of chatting up interesting strangers at bars.

[...BUT YOU KNOW...]

If you’re offering, I absolutely won’t turn you down. It never hurts to have someone more experienced along for the journey.

[Ahhh, it's so hard not to hide his excitement...]

In that case, thank you for hearing me out! It makes me so happy to have given someone a fresh perspective on the business.

[And considering how this conversation is going, he'll even crack a sly little grin.]

Sure! Why not? The night is young, after all. [Not that Sylvando's ability entertain ever sleeps.] Plus it's much more fun with company!

[...it’s so easy to get this guy excited about literally anything, it’s kind of cute. Jasper is sure he’d probably get annoyed eventually if he had to deal with this 24/7, but hey. It’s one night. He can have little a change of pace, as a treat.]

Oh, I’m sure it is. There’s something to be said for just letting one’s mind empty itself, but there are times when scintillating conversation sounds far more appealing.

[And honestly, if he’d been in the mood for that, he probably would’ve just considered Zooming to Puerto Valor instead.]

Are you in the mood for a few more drinks before we go, then?

[... he probably should limit himself a bit, but ehhh it’s probably fine.]

[What do you mean he wouldn't want the True Sylvando Experience 24/7...!]

I could go for a few more, and more scintillating conversation to go along with it.

[Repeating such a lofty word seems to amuse him enough to giggle over it. Goodness, what stuffy language. But that's okay- there's still plenty of potential with this one.

Assuming he did indeed wind up liking the sake, Sylvando motions for Jasper's cup so he can refill it.]

So! We're a little overdue for introductions, wouldn't you say? What's your name, honey?

[have you seen what he has to deal with on a regular basis already. It’s a lot.

...and please don’t make fun of him, he’s worked very hard to be as pretentious as he is. Jasper frowns a bit, but doesn’t draw too much attention to it. And hmmm... well, he prefers to use an alias when doing this sort of thing, so he’s back to smiles as he passes his cup back over.]

Ah, how rude of me. Call me Homeros. And forgive me for not having a name to attach to your face just yet.

[It's good-natured fun! There's a certain sort of charm to pretentious types...and watching them slowly unwind at the seams after a bit of play!

Sylvando waves a hand dismissively as he pours more sake with his other. Oh, that's the last of it. He'll have to order another.]

Not rude at all. There just wasn't an opening until now! [Jasper's glass is slid back to him while Sylvando gives the bartender a signal for another bottle.] Sylvando, by the way. It's a pleasure to meet you, Homeros darling.

[It seems that the pet names are never going to stop, even now that he has a name for his evening companion.]

I hope you don't mind me being a bit nosy here, but- does your work lead you all over Erdrea, then? Got any favorite sights or locales?

[look just wait until he’s had a few too many drinks, then he’ll really unwind... but in any case, he raises his glass a bit jauntily.]

Cheers to that. I’ll be sure to remember you, then.

[SPOILER: he won’t.]

It does, thought I most often find myself in the Heliodor region. I’ll admit to being partial to Puerto Valor, though. There are certainly other beaches in Erdrea, but none with the quite the same combination of quality cocktails, dining, and gambling establishments.

[He will at the most hilariously unfortunate moment. That said, Sylvando will return the gesture with much enthusiasm.

As for Jasper's answer, well...]

Ahhh, you're speaking right to my heart! Puerto Valor is where I grew up. [If his accent didn't make it obvious enough.] It's so true, though. You will not find finer drinks in all of Erdrea than Puerto Valor's margaritas!

[It makes him feel so nostalgic... He really does miss his home. Perhaps a small bit of this wistful nostalgia crosses his face for Jasper to notice, but he seems to return to his chipper demeanor just as quickly...once he's had another sip of sake.]

Please tell me you've had plenty during your visits!

Oh, I absolutely have. There are some who would say I have had too many, but I would vehemently disagree with them.

[jasper, your men had to scramble to find an identical pair of swim trunks because they couldn't find yours.]

I must admit, though, I'm partial to strawberry daiquiris. Whoever decided to introduce ice magic into the drink-mixing process is a genius who deserves a knighthood.

There is no such thing as too many! [A sip, and...a thoughtful pause.] Well, in one sitting, maybe.

[But details.]

Hmmm! Normally I would disagree, but I'll allow strawberry daiquiris as an alternative. They are particularly good on a hot summer day.

Hmm. I can never exactly remember the exact number where it crosses a line.

[he says, knocking back some sake.]

But you’ll have to forgive my biases. I have never met a strawberry-flavored menu item that didn’t immediately win my heart, save perhaps for one instance where I am not even sure they bothered to actually include the things.

[After a light giggle,]

Is that number ever the same, anyway? So many factors go into it!

[Sometimes you have a couple with dinner, sometimes you have a really rowdy celebration and don't realize you've downed six margaritas until it's too late.]

Everyone has their favorites, darling, I'm not offended! But now you've piqued my curiosity about this one instance...

See, you understand. It’s completely unpredictable, but who really cares as long as you’re having a good time?

[MORNING BE DAMNED.]

Ah, it’s not that thrilling a story. Sometimes you simply learn that it really isn’t worth gambling on every pastry shop that opens its doors in your general vicinity, that’s all. Perhaps if I kept returning to see what else they’d managed to ruin I’d have more tales to tell, but when it comes to food I’d rather stick to quality rather than indulging my morbid curiosity.

[There's probably some kind of hangover cure-all, it's fiiiine.

A playful smile appears on Sylvando's face and only grows wider the more Jasper goes on about his woes with an ill-fated pastry shop. This is so charming?!]

Oh honey, there are few worse things than looking forward to a tasty treat and ending up with a heaping of disappointment instead. You have my condolences.

[Like, he's legit pouring one out for this sad affair. Drink sake to pay respects.]

I can see why you're so keen on daiquiris, though. Sounds like you have quite the sweet tooth!

in which Jasper is, apparently, down to clown

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