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

Oh, so you're from Heliodor? That definitely does explain a lot!

[He's been there plenty of times, both in his youth and while traveling with the circus. The sweets there are unparalleled. So this is not said judgmentally or anything.

He gives a thoughtful pause, watching his companion's expression, but doesn't make any move on commenting on it. His smile doesn't falter either, and he pours out another cup without missing a beat. As if he'd seen nothing at all.]

Isn't it just, though? I could name a favorite dish and drink in just about every part of Erdrea. But you know? I find the people just as exciting! I've met so many fun and interesting people while on the road- yourself included, of course!

[It hasn't been very long obviously, but there's something to this man... One definitely doesn't come across people like him every day.]

Born and bred, yes. We don’t hold a candle to Gondolia in the cakes department, but there are several establishments that really know how to put together a fruit sandwich.

[“are they really all that different,” one might ask, and Jasper will answer with a derisive sneer and never speak to you again.]

And I suppose that’s true, yes. I would not say I am always in the mood to be sociable, but I do like meeting interesting people when I am. It seems both of us have gotten lucky in that regard today, doesn’t it?

Agreed! Heliodor's fruit sandwiches are simply divine. You'll have to give me your personal recommendation before we part. My troupe has a show there on our tour!

[Imagine Jasper and Hendrik attending a show pre-canon... They'd totally go to be security detail. Nothing more. Totally.

With another of those signature winks, he raises his cup toward Jasper before downing what remains in it.]

So it does, and cheers to that! I couldn't ask for a better way to wind down for the night.

Ah, I'll have to see if I can find the time to go, then. My schedule isn't exactly predictable, but I might see if I can slot it in.

[...if either of them had time for that kind of thing, they'd probably both be squinting and trying to remember where they hell they met Sylvando for very different reasons...]

In any case, I'll write you a list of my top three, I think. I find myself looking for different things depending on my mood, so I don't find just one particularly helpful.

[...but that's for when he has some paper in front of him. For now, he'll raise his cup in turn and down it!]

You say that, but the night is still young...

[Sylvando's cup is cast aside for a moment so he can excitedly clasp his hands.]

Top three? Oh, goodie! I do love a little taste-testing excursion. I look forward to hearing your suggestions...and to potentially seeing you at my show!

[How fun would that be? He could do a sneaky little call-out!

Ah, but he can forget about silly hypothetical pre-planning for now. He rests an arm against the counter and props his chin against it.]

That's true! I even said that myself earlier, didn't I? Silly me! We're just getting started.

[He gives the second bottle a shake, and upon realizing it's about empty...]

Want another for the road, honey?

I have extremely high standards, so I can be certain you won't be disappointed in the least.

[...he won't be committal about the attendance at all. like, on one hand, he's pretty sure it won't be his scene. but on the other, he's kind of curious...

...and you know, he's feeling a little warm, so he has to think about it... is he drunk enough yet...]

Hm, yes. I certainly am feeling one more, I think.

[One more it is! Once Sylvando receives the bottle, he shifts to pour each of them their last cup and slides Jasper's back to him.]

We should get going after this one, so we can get to the bath house before they start closing down for the night. [The night is young, but not all businesses are open well into it.] I want to make sure you get the full experience!

Mmm, even if it is a bit of a shame, you are indeed correct. If only there were more hours in the evening...

[...maybe he actually should listen to his better judgment and stop before he has to stagger out, instead of just generally feeling socially lubricated.]

They don’t let you drink in the bathhouse, I would imagine...?

Water, maybe. But it's not good to go too hard on the booze before a trip to the sauna. The whole point is to sweat, you know. I'd hate to see you pass out of dehydration in there.

[Sylvando himself seems to be doing well enough. Then again, he's always been pretty good at holding his liquor better than others.]

Oh, fine. I suppose it really would put a damper on things if I passed out in the middle of the session, so I will cut myself off here.

[He finishes his cup and slides it towards the bartender. It’s probably for the best, no one should have to deal with Jasper when he’s wasted...]

Darling, I promise you'll have a good time without the sake's help. Don't forget, you're spending the evening with an entertainer!

[Because yeah, while he's taken a shine to Jasper, that doesn't mean he's willing to drag a drunk dude around Hotto. That's no fun for him!

After he's finished his drink and paid for everything, he gives the bartender one last wave before holding an arm out for Jasper.]

Come on. And no more pouting!

I will trust you to keep me entertained, then. At the very least, I doubt you will disappoint me.

[Jasper's not pouting anymore, at least!

...he does hesitate a minute before taking Sylvando's arm, just because it's a little...

...

Ehhhh, whatever, it's not a big deal. He's tipsy enough that it seems like an alright idea and he's not going to be prickly about it. He'll go ahead and take it!]

The Great Sylvando never disappoints!

[That little bout of grandstanding is accompanied by a playful laugh, and he happily guides Jasper on over to the bathhouse! It's not very far away at all, making their stroll through the pleasant night air short and sweet.

They end up with an exciting surprise once they arrive. Apparently the proprietor attended the circus show earlier, and is so thrilled to have Sylvando visiting his establishment that he offers him a free sauna visit. Jasper gets to be the +1, how lovely.

With their change of clothes in hand, Sylvando turns to Jasper with a smile.]

Time to change! I'll see you in there, darling.

[...honestly, Jasper is starting to wonder if he should make a habit of casually hooking up with entertainers or if this is just a Sylvando thing. ...no he’s slept with an actor and an actress or two before, this is definitely a Sylvando thing. Unless he’s been sleeping with the wrong actors.

In any case, he smiles a bit wryly as he heads over to the changing room.]

You certainly don’t disappoint, do you? I have to wonder if I’ll pay for anything whatsoever during this excursion. But yes, I will see you in a bit.

[but anyhow. Hmm hmm hmm, take off normal clothes, put on the sauna clothes, tuck his pendant into the shirt, and head on into the sauna!]

[Sylvando is just that charming. It's a pretty great perk, and even better for his hookups!

Just as Sylvando said, Jasper will find him in the sauna room just ahead of him, beefing up the sauna heater's steam with a splash of water over the coals. His stylish hair is now accented with something akin to a scrunchie, and he's wearing his sauna shirt very loosely. This is not the ultra modest sauna shirt, but one that has a more open front.

He turns to see Jasper entering, and happily makes a quick clap.]

Ah, there you are! Let's have a seat.

[He takes a spot on one of the front benches close to the heater so he can attend to it if needed, primly crossing his legs and arms.]

Yes, let’s.

[...oh, nice, tits out right away. Jasper is pleased by this turn of events, even if he doesn’t actually comment on it. He just, you know, takes notice as he sits down. It does stand to reason that the job would require a certain level of physical fitness, and he’s used to actors looking good, but dang.

Jasper’s posture is considerably more relaxed as he sits down, kind of settling into... well, more of a lounge, really. He takes a deep breath to just... take in some of that steam.]

Ah, that is nice. What a good way to end a day of travel.

[................like he still could just use zoom. But honestly... honestly....]

[It's hot in here and sweating is gonna happen, so yes, the tits are definitely out. Sylvando does catch Jasper sneaking a glance, and flashes a knowing smile right back at him, but he doesn't really draw much attention to it outside of that.]

Isn't it, though? It really loosens up all those overworked muscles. I'm not usually a fan of my hair getting all out of sorts, but it's worth it for this.

[It's not so bad when he washes up afterwords anyway.

Speaking of loosening up, Sylvando allows himself to lean back against the bench behind him.]

If only every place our work brings us to had something like this, eh?

Believe me, I understand that.

[Jasper flicks his bangs out of his face, as he is wont to do...]

It’s all a bit annoying to handle on the road, though not completely unmanageable. I’d imagine yours requires a different sort of upkeep that this all is a bit harder on, granted.

[though he’ll be cross if this results in frizziness and tangles...]

But you certainly are right. I suppose just about every locale has its own charms in that regard...

[...he makes a face.]

Well, aside from Sniflheim, I suppose.

Oh, absolutely. I'm not one to toot my own horn too much, but I try to put a lot of effort into my hair. It's such a pain when all that product comes undone! [Enough to give him shypox sometimes, apparently. But he won't mention that part.] Still, I bet having hair as long as yours comes with its own set of obstacles.

[Come to think of it, he doesn't think he's ever met another man with such long hair! It's very pretty, he won't lie.

--Oho, is this some potential gossip he hears?]

Not a fan of Sniflheim? I've actually never been! It's kind of out of the way for the circus to travel to- long ship rides and all.

[...and they'd have to pass through Puerto Valor, which is Not Gonna Happen.]

Well, it’s all about managing your own individual stylistic choices if you decide to put in the maintenance. I’ve grown accustomed to mine to the point that I rarely, if ever, have issues... and even then, it’s certainly worth it.

[FAVORITE THING ABOUT HIMSELF: THE WIND BLOWING THROUGH HIS LOVELY HAIR......... but honestly, while he pretends his look is effortless, he would certainly have his own list of hair-related shypox issues...]

And, well, that is part of the problem... there’s basically nothing worth going there for save the Royal Library, which is far enough out of the city to be horrendously inconvenient to get to. Even discounting the monsters, it’s always miserably cold at best.

Ahhh, I'm positively envious! I think by the time this is all over, I'll have asked you for so many kinds of recommendations!

[Jasper doesn't look like he needs to worry about keeping his hair in place, but maybe he's got some great anti-frizz products?!

As for the topic of Sniflheim, even Sylvando makes a face at the thought dealing with a wintery locale.]

Snow can be pretty, but I don't know if I could handle an extended stay there. Not unless they had a nice hot spring or something equally warm like this! Does Sniflheim not even have that?

I think at this point I have to ask how well entertaining pays.

[Because like hell he skimps in his hair care products. Only the best for him!!]

But no, it doesn’t. It gets clammy at its warmest up there. I suppose you come to truly appreciate being able to sit by a fire with a warm drink in your hand and a blanket over your lap, but quite frankly, that can be done anywhere that actually does experience winter.

Oh, well enough! I paid for your drinks tonight, didn't I?

[That sake wasn't cheap! Bring on the fancy shit, Jasper.]

Hmmm. Well, it's good to know what to expect if life ever brings me there, but I'd much rather spend a vacation on the beach! [But that's his upbringing talking there. He is definitely a fun-in-the-sun kind of guy.] I hope you haven't had to endure those conditions too often.

Fair enough. I’ll add it to my list of recommendations, then.

[because why not? He’s still got the nicest hair in Erdrea. Queen Eleanor rivaled him once, but no longer.]

Oh, as would I. Unfortunately, I spent four years of my life in Sniflheim when I could’ve been spending those years somewhere like that. It wasn’t a total waste, granted, but I did not exactly develop a love for the place.

[Yikes. Sylvando holds a hand to his chest, aghast.]

Four years? What on Erdrea did you need to stay so long for? Is there a good training program for merchants there?

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