May | Event: Flowers of Buffoonery

[jikan_mod]

Flowers of Buffoonery↲ OOC Plotting

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The month of love is in full swing! But there are some who are probably wondering: why is May the month of love, and why only in the West? Over in Tokyo, no such celebrations are being made, and even the Hanyo of Shitaya aren't gunning up for any major festivals of any sort, despite most of them having come from the West. But it's not because it's a new holiday. Rather, it's simply a Yokai specific one.

Because traditionally, May is the period where a Yokai's sex drive is the strongest. And while for most, this simply manifests as a desire for deep, emotional connections, for others, it's a month-long orgyfest.

And as the mysterious little flowers continue to bloom across Kyoto, something else begins to bloom between the refugees themselves.

The Season of Sex

Towards the middle of the month, refugees are sure to notice a change in the way the Yokai are behaving, particularly the group known as the "beast Yokai", which includes Kitsune, Bakeneko, and Inu Yokai. As it turns out, these three are among some of the only Yokai who still occasionally undergo a heat-like event, with most of these falling around the month of May.

But what does this have to do with the refugees? As many of them will quickly find out: they also will experience a heat-like state through the rest of the month. Upon contacting the scientists, they explain that because the Yokai were the indigenous people of Nippon, bonding with Nippon seems to have caused the refugees to become part Yokai in a way that differs from the native Hanyo. This is why they're able to use magic, and why many of them grow Yokai body parts when experiencing high levels of Kizuna.

"Oh, don't worry your pretty little heads! Sure, you lot seem to be more afflicted than us Native Yokai, but no one's going to judge you for your... biological needs, teehee!"

As the Yokai researchers explain, heats have become less common in the modern era, so it's entirely possible that some refugees won't experience anything at all. Feel free to use this to opt out of anything that makes you uncomfortable!

You All Know What This Event Is About Maryouku University, Kyoto
When a Yokai goes into heat, they tend to adopt one of three characteristics, known collectively as KSJ. Although most Yokai will always lean more heavily towards one in particular, some may experience all three throughout their heat:

Daikoh (大攻) causes Yokai to develop unusually dominant and possessive tendencies. While some may search for a single partner to keep to themself, others may try to gather as many partners as possible. Even passive and friendly Yokai may become inclined towards violence or unusual roughness, including marking their partners. Some may experience an inexplicable desire for passionate romance, while others may feel a desire to breed.

Daishoku (大食) causes Yokai to give off a magic aura that may trigger a heat in those around them. These Yokai are insatiable, seeking endless pleasure from anything and everything they can find, be it food, entertainment, or sex. It's not uncommon for them to have one thing in particular they become fixated on, though others may simply desire everything. They may even find it hard to sleep without some kind of stimulation to calm them down.

Daijuu (大受) causes Yokai to develop unusually submissive and needy tendencies. They crave physical affection to such a powerful degree that going without it may even become painful. It's not uncommon for these Yokai to only feel comfortable when wrapped up in a nest of blankets to simulate being wrapped in the arms of a lover. They may feel a strong desire to be cared for by another, or even impregnated by a mate, regardless of gender.

Obviously any of these would be pretty inconvenient, but perhaps the worst part is they can strike at any time. One might simply wake up in heat, while another may find themselves suddenly overwhelmed upon seeing a familiar face. And the truly unfortunate may find it happening in public, or even on a long train ride.

While most heats tend to be very mild, often to the point where one might not even realize they're going through one, some Yokai have the misfortune of going through an extreme heat, where the effects of KSJ becomes far more pronounced, even to the point of appearing to have a complete personality shift. Daishoku Yokai may fuck until they pass out, Daikoh Yokai may peruse individuals they would never otherwise be interested in, and Daijuu Yokai have been known to crawl into the beds of strangers to satisfy their need to be held. Heats can be as brief as a few hours, or as long as a few weeks, with varying levels of severity throughout. While most only occur once a year, you're free to utilize heats as a Severe Kizuna Effect at any time!

Discount Dildo Emporium Gion, Kyoto
Just in time for the month of love, a new shop has opened up in downtown Kyoto. The elderly owner of Iyarashii Ryuu, an infamous dildo shop in Tokyo's Shinjuku, has partnered up with an equally amorous young Kitsune to open up a sister store in Gion. And if the large painting on the wall is anything to go by, their relationship probably goes beyond business partners... that's one feisty old lady.

Iyarashii Ryuu specializes in every shape, size, and function of dildo one can imagine, but unlike the Tokyo branch, the Gion branch of Iyarashii Ryuu specializes in enchanted dildos. These dildos are capable of moving on their own, growing in size, changing in shape, and even glowing in the dark! Because why not.

However, these are still a very new product, so they're depending on customer feedback to improve the spells! As such, anyone willing to test out a prototype enchanted dildo will both be allowed to keep the prototype, as well as select from any finished dildos in the shop free of charge.

Of course, some may not realize what they're getting into when they agree to test a prototype. One is designed to change size on command, but contains a bug that may cause it to grow larger than intended, and even develop a distinct knot. Another is designed to allow the one wearing it as a strap on to feel sensations as if it were real, but has a bug that instead causes both partners to feel both sensations, resulting in an extreme case of over-stimulation. Another is designed to move independently like a fucking machine, but seems to lack a means of turning it off. And another glows in the dark so brightly that it can be seen from the outside. Which isn't necessarily a bug, but it sure is something worth seeing.

And hey, for all you natural-dildo-havers, they're also testing a line of condoms designed to do the same things, with the added security of safe sex practices. Very sexy! Just watch out for that size-changing one, though. Some have reported feelings of insecurity upon watching their dangle return to its smaller size.

Fickle Flower Petals

In the midst of everything happening this month, refugees will begin to hear rumors of strange symptoms popping up around Kyoto. Flowers growing out of people's hair, sprouting from the ground with every step they take, or even tumbling out of their mouth. It's only then that the people realize what's happened: those little flowers from before weren't entirely harmless. They're sprouts from a Hanahaki, a very rare ayakashi that possesses flowers, named for the curse it inflicts on those who inhale their pollen.

Thankfully, Hanahaki is treatable, and can even be cured without the need of a specialist. But until the sprouts wilt, those living in Kyoto will simply have to bear with the symptoms.

Post Secret Kyoto, Western Kingdom
In its mild form, Hanahaki causes flowers to grow from a person's hair. These flowers range in size and species, and can grow over the course of mere minutes or many days. Those affected will be encouraged to allow the flowers to wilt naturally, as plucking them may cause permanent bald patches.

While this form can seemingly effect anyone, those hiding secret feelings of love or desire may instead develop a form that causes flowers to bloom on every surface around them. Although certainly the most charming, it's also the most conspicuous, with tiny gardens building up around them whenever they stay in one place for too long.

The true extent of the curse will become obvious to anyone riding the trains, as the entire inside of each car has become blanketed in thick green foliage and flowers. Some may discover that the flowers can even sprout on the other side of walls, potentially filling their neighbor's apartment with unwanted greenery. And let's not even get into the personality types that cause a nuruname to bloom. Best stay away from those folks!

So what's the solution? Well, seeing as not everyone is open to the idea of sharing their thoughts and feelings openly, a workaround has been discovered. All around Tokyo, refugees will find small wooden plaques known as ema hanging in populated places. Those affected by the Hanahaki are encouraged to write anonymous confessions on the ema and hang them up where they can be seen. After enough people have seen their confession, the effects of the Hanahaki will begin to go away.

Just make sure you're not seen hanging a confession up, or it'll defeat the purpose of it being anonymous!

To submit play-made secrets for characters to see in Kyoto, please see this post!

Tell No Lies Kyoto, Western Kingdom | cw: This prompt contains Hanahaki-adjacent body horror.
With most cases manifesting as mild, some may be wondering why the curse is referred to as Hanahaki, meaning to spit flowers. In truth, the name is derived from the severe form of the curse: in which flowers begin growing internally.

The most common location is the throat, causing those affected to cough or hiccup flower petals throughout the day. But for those who are especially unlucky, they may grow down into the lungs, causing severe pain, a bloody cough, and trouble breathing. Due to the likelihood of choking in one's sleep, this form is considered the most dangerous.

This form of the curse manifests in those prone to frequently keeping secrets or telling lies, be it intentionally or as a result of being a rather private person. Much like the mild form, it can be treated naturally through open communication. However, the workaround used for the mild form will not work here. Only by opening up about themselves or the secrets they've been keeping will the flowers begin to wilt.

For those who are still opposed to the idea, a healer can forcefully remove the flowers with a spell. However, this method carries a 25% chance of losing whatever memories are tied to those secrets, ranging from the secrets themselves, to all memories of the people they wish to keep in the dark. Surely such a risk isn't worth it, right?

Party Time

Although the Emperor of the West has grown busy these last couple of months, far be it for him to forget his beloved Refugees during the month of love! And so, on the 25th, all refugees will be extended an invitation to an exclusive party in the Uji district of Kyoto.

Those who assisted in clearing it out earlier will be shocked to see the transformation the building has taken in just a few days, as bright and colorful décor can be found on every corner, and the scent of incense hanging in the air.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it would be most rude to refuse an invitation from the Emperor himself, wouldn't it?

With a Bang! Uji, Kyoto
Taking place at one of his many private villas, refugees will be met with an extravagant affair, filled with Humans and Yokai alike. During the day, there's no shortage of musical entertainment and dancing, along with free food and drinks, and a large outdoor garden to relax in. But at night, the mood of the party shifts dramatically. After a full day of pheromones tickling their senses, and no shortage of uki to go around, it was time for the main event: an orgy to celebrate the season of love.

"Greetings and salutations, my dearest friends from another world! I am Katsuragi no Mikoto, emperor of the Western Kingdom, and on this day, I invite you all to enjoy the many pleasures our world has to offer! Please, those who are inclined, make merry! And rest assured, this is a safe place to indulge."

The main room of the villa itself is designed with an array of sliding doors that can become walls to quickly close off corners for an illusion of privacy, as well as private and secret rooms for those who desire it. In the upper floors, rooms filled with all sorts of enchanted toys and costumes can be found, in addition to a small outdoor bathing area. And in the basement, there's what can only be called a sex dungeon, filled with all sorts of restraints and gear for whatever one's heart desires.

Any guests who stick around for the orgy will be asked to select from a number of colorful kanzashi they'll pin into their hair to convey what they're looking for:

Pink: Platonic, non-sexual physical affection only.
Red: Bondage, restraints, and sadomasochism.
Yellow: Open to kink negotiation or discussion.
Orange: Toys, magic or supernatural powers during sex, transformations.
Green: Costumes and sexual role play.
Blue: Powerplay: light blue for submissive, dark blue for dominant.
Purple: Public use, anonymous sex, exhibitionism.
Gold: Open to anything and everything.
Silver: No physical contact, watching only.

Outside of the Purple and Gold ribbons, all kanzashi are imbued with a spell that will sound a loud alarm if they person wearing it is touched in a manner they didn't consent to, upon which the one who activated it may find themselves thrown into the cold waters of the pond in the garden out front. Refugees are free to take as few or as many kanzashi as they desire, or swap them out as the evening grows long.

Denouement Engagement Uji, Kyoto
The party lasts well into the next morning, with guests welcome to stay the night with whoever they happened to bond with the night before. A nearby bath house is open exclusively for party guests, which is for the best, given the nature of the festivities. There will be no walks of shame coming from the Emperor's villa!

But those who actually manage to stick around this long will have an opportunity to witness a rare event.

In the garden just outside the villa, Katsuragi can be found seated next to a young man who some will recognize as Karu, the emperor of the East. The former is once more clean and dressed in his finest regalia, while the Eastern emperor appears in more subdued colors, a parasol in hand in some attempt to hide himself. Perhaps most would be giving them some space, but those who sneak closer will be able to overhear their conversation. Katsuragi speaks of uniting the two kingdoms, and supporting Karu as the face of the Emperor, so he may focus on his "continuing recovery". For his part, Karu is almost completely silent, though it doesn't seem to impede on their conversation.

But one doesn't need to be eavesdropping to realize what's happening when Katsuragi gets down on one knee and gently takes Karu's hand into his own, prompting the latter to drop the parasol in shock.

What happens next, unfortunately, is just between the two of them. A snap of his fingers, and both Katsuragi and Karu vanish in the blink of an eye. Did he notice they was being watched? Or was he intentionally letting them see that much?

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's May event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• As with all Kizuna effects, you are free to opt out of any of the KSJ effects as well, or simply utilize the ones you are interested in. A Daijuu yokai could simply desire being held, with no sexual or breeding-related connotations, for example. Likewise, as this is inspired A/B/O tropes, you are welcome to use Kizuna as an excuse to utilize any additional tropes not included in KSJ.

• Feel free to mix the effects of the prototype enchanted dildos to include multiple effects at once, or create your own magical effects! With magic, the only limit is your imagination!

• Although not necessary, Japanese does have it's own language of flowers if you would like the flowers your character sprouts/spits up to have greater symbolism. A wider list of plant symbolism can also be found here!

• Hanahaki can produce native plants to Nippon, but cannot produce plant-like Ayakashi. So they can grow Uki in their hair, but cannot cough out a Higanbana.

• In case you missed it, the post for submitting IC secrets is over here!

• Players are welcome to handwave their character sleeping with the Western Emperor himself at the orgy, but don't expect him to remember their name the next day. The Eastern Emperor will not be present until the next day.

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Dohalim il Qaras || Tales of Arise

[ilqaras]

[I. KSJ]

[it hits him like a bag of bricks, making him stumble and pause for a moment as he feels a searing warmth flush his body. it’s familiar to what he felt at the hot springs months ago, but it doesn’t make it all the better, not when it almost floors him at the shop. luckily, it had been a slower day, and he’d been doing nothing more than arranging a few orders, but really, it can be hard to arrange flowers when his mind and body are preoccupied with other things. he should close up shop for the now, but maybe he can ride it out.

anyone who does walk in will see him mostly composed, but upon further inspection, may spot that something is wrong. maybe help him out a little bit… but don’t worry, he’ll be mortified about it later]

[II. Post Flowers]

[Dohalim knew something was wrong when he started sprouting flowers in his hair out of the blue, and that they’re not the usual red roses that bloom when he’s around Kisara or Red Wine. no, what grows instead are purple hyacinths, tucked away in the curls of his hair; he’d made the mistake of trying to pluck one out, only to stop as soon as he felt the sting of pain that also usually doesn’t accompany the kizuna effect. with his knowledge of flower language, it’s also easy for Dohalim to come to a quick answer before it becomes worse. while he’d been working on himself as of late, and while he’d been a lot better than before, he can’t lie to himself and say that he still seeks out forgiveness. he’d done and said things in the past that he’s terrified will come back to haunt him, and rip whatever good he has away from him, leaving him completely and utterly alone again. the thought itself is worse than whatever the Hanahaki could do.

when he does eventually find a way to put an end to his affliction, one may or may not be able to spot him trying to discreetly hang an ema up. who knows, maybe he’ll open up about it, if one were to gently prod him]

[III. With a Bang!]

[by now Dohalim’s grown used to the heat-like effects washing over his body, coming and going like the ebb and flow of waves. some moments are stronger than others, but for the most part, he’d been able to quell it enough for it to be a mild inconvenience.

this does, however, change as soon as he’s at the party. really, he should have stayed home, but how could he resist? he always does like indulging in festivities, grand and small, and for the Emperor himself to send an invite… how could he pass this up? of course, he stays for the entire day, indulging in everything the party has to offer, including the uki. perhaps this is what leads to his downfall, so to speak.

as night falls, and the party’s atmosphere shifts, so too does Dohalim’s mood, as he pins a gold kanzashi into the thick curls of his hair. the mild discomfort of his arousal is now a raging fire in him as he stumbles around the villa.

(a) maybe one will catch him in one of the upper floors, curiously looking at the offered toys, sneaking glances at anyone who is willing to participate in using one with him. he leans to the closest person, not realising or caring that it may or may not be a stranger, as he murmurs to them]

Perhaps this one may be enjoyable, if you would like to try.

(b) or maybe one will catch him downstairs in the sex dungeon, catching him watching someone in the middle of a lewd act, or catching himself in the same way. in the midst of his heated arousal, he does pay attention to those with different coloured kanzashi, keeping mostly to himself unless propositioned.

it doesn’t take much for Dohalim to be convinced at this point to participate in anything if asked; it may be the reason why he finds himself bent over a bondage horse, wrists and ankles tied to each point, to show off just how pretty he is (someone else’s words, not his own). it’s so easy and enticing to take him from behind, or in his mouth, and if one were to do so, they would be met with a certain eagerness that only heat and uki could cause.

(c) as the night progresses, so does Dohalim throughout the dungeon. at some point, he'd been untied from the bondage horse, but he doesn't remember how long ago that was. really, the passage of time is lost on him, mind more or less focused on his arousal, and how to satisfy the burning need in him still. what he didn't expect is to be talked into something he never knew about until that moment. something about suspension play... it's a quick discovery as he's bent over and a balled hook is slipped into him, before rope is strung through the loop, and through the hook overhead. it's pulled taut enough to lift his hips up that it's on the edge of discomfort. he thinks that's that before his wrists are bound with the end of the rope, over his head, arching his back; he quickly realises just what happens when he tugs on the restraints binding his wrists, driving the hook further into him. a bit of a shock, but with the dribble of precum dripping from his cock, it isn't to say that he doesn't like it. he glances at anyone who walks by him, eyes pleading for any sort of release]

Please... I need...

[do none of these tickle your fancy? wildcard me! DM me at krispykween#2343 on Discord or drop me a line here!]

With a Bang - B

[darkdisgrace]

[Well it's certainly fair to say Dohalim looks eyecatching with how he's splayed out on that bondage horse, and Chuuya's certainly enjoying the view when he spots it. The redhead just stands there and watches for a moment, blue eyes tracing the arc his body makes where he's tied down so nicely. Dohalim is probably well aware of how many stares he's drawing at this point.

After a few moments Chuuya dares to approach, and though he isn't particularly tall in stature and certainly has a pretty face, his naked torso certainly sends a different message: He's built like a fighter, muscled and scarred, a smirk on his lips as he reaches down to run gloved fingers over Dohalim's cheek, tucking them under his chin to arch his neck even more, to bring Dohalim's eyes to meet his.]

What a lovely sight you make, all trussed up like that. Like a work of art.

[ilqaras]

[Dohalim isn't sure how long he'd been tied down, or how many times he'd manhandled by passers by (in forms of ass pinches or smacks on the milder side, to a wide variety of insertions), or just how many people have stopped to watch. not that he minds in the slightest, as his erection presses in between the leather and his belly. cum slicks up both the smooth fabric and his skin as he ruts slightly against the bondage horse, waiting for the next person to have their way with him.

as Chuuya tilts his head up, Dohalim looks up, eyes trailing up along every muscle he can see. his eyes glow a golden orange, bright and eclipsed by blown out pupils; he licks his lips before answering]

I... Beg to differ, but I appreciate the compliment.

[even through the lust in his voice, he'll always be verbose]

[darkdisgrace]

[It's strange. Chuuya's pretty sure this guy wouldn't have let himself be tied up like this if he didn't like being watched, and yet the denial gives him pause.

Hm.... Interesting.]

Oh? So you're putting on a show, but don't think you're a show worth watching? That's rather unfortunate. I'm far from the only person in the room who's appreciative.

[He lets his thumb trail over Dohalim's cheek, his lips-- clad in skin-warm leather, soft and supple. He presses the digit in just slightly past the man's lips, teasing. His other hand comes up to curl in bright red locks, tugging lightly.]

And you still don't look satisfied, either. Go on then... tell me, what do you want?

[ilqaras]

[there’s a fine line between liking being put on display, but not liking how he looks. While his self esteem in himself has improved in the last few months, there’s still that nagging thought that tells him that he isn’t worth looking at, despite the many people telling him otherwise. It’s something he’s still working on, unfortunately.

But that’s a thought for another time, especially not when he’s bound and presented lewdly.

Dohalim’s lips part slightly as the gloved thumb presses in gently; he lets out a soft sound before he answers back]

I want... I want to please you however you want me to.

[darkdisgrace]

[Meanwhile, Chuuya was a man of fairly healthy confidence, ultimately. It hadn't always been that way, completely but--

Well, questions of humanity were best left in the past.

Still, that also means he doesn't hesitate to push Dohalim, pressing his thumb deeper into the man's mouth with a bit more force, pressing down against his tongue as he pulls the man's neck into a slightly more painful arch by the grip on his hair.]

Now that doesn't give me a lot of direction. If I can't satisfy my partner, I'll be unsatisfied myself you know. Or is that what you want... To be used like a pretty toy? Or maybe you want to be hurt.

[There's an edge to his smile that says he certainly wouldn't mind providing that.]

I'm a man of many tastes, so I'd be happy to provide. But only if that's what you want, too.

[He only pulls his thumb back to allow him enough give to speak again.]

Personally, I think you'd look lovely choking on my cock.

[ilqaras]

[Dohalim wraps his lips around the imposing thumb to suck on it for a moment, before his head is tugged back; he lets out a soft sound at the twinge of pain shooting up his neck. does he want to be hurt? it all depends on if he thinks he deserves such punishment. but the idea of being used as a toy for Chuuya's pleasure... well, Dohalim would be lying to himself if he says he isn't guilty of indulging in such lewdness with any of his partners.

it doesn't help that the heat in him only makes him want those things even more, as his back arches, pressing his hips into the leather pressed in between his legs. really, what Chuuya had listed off just turns him on even more than he is already as he ruts against the bondage horse. he's not usually one to voice his wants when it comes to intimate settings unless with certain company (a habit he's slowly breaking out of), so it's a surprise, the words that slip from his lips]

Use me... Use me for however you see fit... And punish me if I do not satisfy your needs.

[he lets his jaw hang slightly as he runs his tongue along Chuuya's thumb, wanting more than just the gloved digit in his mouth]

high class hos time / ksj

[decori]

( Getting flowers is one of those things Thea used to do a long time ago. Regularly, in fact. They used to be a comfort, a necessity in her bedroom. Then... Well. Things changed. And she stopped buying them.

But they're still quite beautiful, and she still finds herself lingering outside flower shops, even to this day, considering.

It's this pause, this moment to look at flowers in the window, that coincides with the way the presumed proprietor of the place twitch and freeze for a moment. And that's a curious enough occurrence that Thea takes it as a sign to walk in. To find out more. )

Excuse me... I hope I'm not disturbing.

[ilqaras]

[it really is a moment, more for Dohalim to gather his bearings again and make sure he's not a complete mess for when the next person comes in. he'll always be thankful that traditional clothing in Nippon also includes loose fitting hakama like his regalia.

as Thea opens the door, Dohalim looks up, nearly dropping the vase in his hands. he's not one to be so clumsy, but with the heat as well as a rather beautiful woman in his presence, it's making it a bit difficult to stay as decorous as he usually carries himself. Dohalim clears his throat before shaking his head and offering the woman a gentle smile]

Not at all. Welcome to the Oasis. Is there anything you were looking for?

[surprisingly, Dohalim's voice is steady, with practiced ease]

[decori]

( Well, isn't that the question. Now that she's in here, she's realising she needs a reason beyond you seem a bit peaky, my dear. )

I... am rather new to the area. ( Where is she going with this, who knows? She'll just see what her mouth comes up with. ) And I wanted to brighten up the, ah, refugee apartment I've been given.

What would you recommend?

KSJ ayo

[devilsgame]

[he'd meant to make it here ages ago, really. with the stipends provided by the NRL, money isn't anything troublesome to come by - but magic and showmanship, those are the thing that kept him alive for most of his life. in any case, what that means is he still needs to find a place to get flowers with some regularity - preferably high quality ones, well-suited to his sleight of hand. dealing with going out with the faint cloying heat... well, there are worse ways to be right now.

so, here he is, pushing open the door to the flower shop and pausing upon entry, running a hand through his hair. the scent of flowers is almost nostalgic somehow, after all the time he'd spent running around doing everything Yohan asked of him.]

Pardon me.

[honestly, it doesn't take him long to sense it. when you're used to the smell of humans, little changes stick out a lot more. Vael's brows furrow briefly, but for the moment, he doesn't bring it up. it'd bother him if someone else just came out with asking if he was okay, after all.]

ayooooo

[ilqaras]

[it's a shame Vael chose now to come in and not when Dohalim is in a more level head. but, somehow, he manages to keep himself relatively composed, unaware of what Vael can smell in the air, as he puts together an arrangement in a vase. honestly, he should have made the wiser decision to close up shop, but with the work he has to finish, and the disappointment customers may feel for making the trip out only to find that the shop is closed is something he wants to avoid. it's just a mild inconvenience, it's fine.

the tall flowers hide some of his face, but he peers through and over them when he hears the voice. it's a split second to make sure his voice is steady, before he offers the other man a small smile, moving the vase out of the way]

Ah, welcome. How may I be of service?

[devilsgame]

[of all people, Vael knows just how strong the instinct to keep working can be, no matter what's going on. Still, he has to take a second to watch the man before he responds in kind, lips pressed together briefly.]

I've been meaning to come by to source some flowers for magic tricks, but ah... is now a good time? [normally, he wouldn't say anything. He knows how it is. But this poor guy seems like he's really going through it...] It seems more like you might need some assistance than I do.

[ilqaras]

[flowers for magic tricks... that's an interesting use for flowers, and Dohalim can't help but be curious about it. but the question catches him off guard; is it that obvious? he could've sworn that he'd kept himself pretty composed, even with his little predicament, and he's more or less hidden behind the counter and flowers, so how...]

I... am fine.

[of course, after being called out, the strain in his voice becomes a little more apparent, but he braves it and moves the flowers out of the way to look at Vael better]

Now, what kind of flowers were we looking for?

[devilsgame]

... if you say so.

[He doesn't smell fine, but Vael can't exactly go about bringing that up without, you know. Explaining what he means, and he'd rather not if he doesn't have to. Especially since it's not like he can get away with just saying it's obvious when the guy is behind so many strongly scented flowers. He doesn't look convinced though, sighing and rubbing the back of his head.]

Roses, peonies, sunflowers, chrysanthemums... I've used any number of them. Mostly ones with long, sturdy petals and small stamens.

[His gaze is a little sharp, red eyes flicking away from Dohalim after another moment.]

Ah. And nothing toxic to cats.