[RP] The Inn of Peace - IoP (Open to all)

[Astra_Senpai]

Tamirel watched him for a long moment, why in the world was he holding that fork like he was going to stab someone? How in the world did she address is politely? She had to bite her tongue on that one- well at least try to. Nope, Tamriel could not hold it in. "Malachai, forgive me- but," she would pick up her own fork, standing by him so he would not have to mirror her, "I mean no insult but who taught you to hold a fork?"

"The tines, prongs, face away, downward, from you. The index finger is straight, and rests on the back-side near the head of the fork. Not so close you are in danger of touching the food in case it's hot. The other four fingers wrap around the handle... allowing you more dexterity." Once done, she would wait- either he'd walk away or scold her- she couldn't fathom worse.  

[Gren_Eckener]

He blinked, halfway through a bite. "Nobody did. I'm not good at forks and pencils yet...I'm only a starter." he said with a pout.

Brow furrowing, he watched Tam, setting down his plate as he tried to rearrange his fork to hold it correctly, only to drop it by accident. "Damn. See?"  

[Astra_Senpai]

Tamriel would, if he allowed, reach out with jeweled hand and place the fork in his hand, gently and carefully showing him the gesture she had instructed but not forcing it. "It's never easy the first few times. You're lucky to get real silverware to work with- mine was made of glass."

If her reach was rejected, Tamriel would simply lace her fingers and bow her head in apology.

No matter which, a small sad smile would cross her neutrally colored lips, the shock blond returning, "I suppose it isn't important... if no one else has said anything. As far as pet peeves go... I suppose it's an odd one."  

[Gren_Eckener]

"It bothers you that I'm not holding it right?" he asked with a pout, letting her work on his hand, holding the fork tightly.  

[Astra_Senpai]

"A large part of my childhood was spent learning manners for royalty and nobility. The rules and regulations of how one must act in the presence of those who own you and are aware of it. Many long nights tied to a chair because I would not sit up straight, many ugly bruises for choosing the wrong salad fork," her eyes half open, she exhaled softly, her free hand underneath to catch the fork if it fell.

Her tone pure honey, calming, "Malachai, relax at the wrist a bit please. You don't have to hold the fork so tightly- I promise even if it falls it will not run away."  

[Gren_Eckener]

He pouted, eyes darkening. "Nobody owns me." he said stiffly, sure on the idea, unwilling to lose it. "No incubus wants to be captured." With that, he clumsily stabbed at some chicken, tines scraping the plate as he speared it. "If eating prettily means I'm owned, forget it, I'll eat with my hands." He took the bite, proving he could, then setitng down the fork.  

[Astra_Senpai]

She laced her fingers, watching him, absolutely shocked- it's not what she'd meant at all. She bit her lip before setting her jaw, back straightening a bit, lifting her chin- making herself look taller as she'd been taught a long time ago. Her tone was warm, polite, "Just because it was why I was taught doesn't mean it was why I was showing you." She took a tiny step forward, the quarters were close enough, "I am sorry if that was how you took it. It wasn't my intent. I only wished to share something I know about with you."

She's wait, studying him without making direct eye contact. Her gaze held no curiosity but a long ingrained coolness meant to diffuse through showing her position as solid yet submissive. Tamriel was not good with her word choices- she realized it by his reaction and would have to work on it with people who were not sympathetic to her.  

[Gren_Eckener]

He blinked, thinking. Nobody else was owned here either, were they? Did the use their forks the same way as Tam? Thinking a moment, he nodded looking doleful. "You're right, I'm sorry..." he said quietly, tucking his tail close in submission as he set down his plate. "It's, it's...nothing. I'm sorry, Miss Tamriel."  

[Astra_Senpai]

She shook her head, "There isn't anything to be sorry about. I found a sore spot, something you are uncomfortable with. Everyone has them and they're entitled to them."

She relaxed a bit, her hand resting on her hips, her smile becoming natural once again, "When you want to tell me why- if you want to. I'll happily listen, I've been told I'm a good listener." She would then hold out her arms in an offer to hug but did not move forward or step away, "I've also been told hugs are a nice casual way to say everything is okay. Do you agree?"  

[Gren_Eckener]

He looked down and away. "No, thank you. I've heard enough sad things from sad people today; I don't want to add to it. Not with such terrible things."

He didn't look sure about the hug, holding all the expression of a scolded dog. "You're not mad?"  

[Astra_Senpai]

Tamriel continued to hold the position, "Why should I be mad when you were simply honest?" Honestly he could have picked up the fork and stabbed her with it and she would simply taken it with as much grace and dignity as someone who'd just been stabbed by a fork could without raising her voice.  

[Gren_Eckener]

'Because honesty to the wrong person means death.' he thought, shuffling into a hug, not believing she wasn't mad but willing to take the chance.  

[Astra_Senpai]

Once in her grasp she'd hug him nice and tight, like an an older sibling would a younger. She'd let go after a small, but not inappropriate, amount of time would pass and step back. "Oh Elder Jeanette would love you to pieces, Malachai. You produce an interesting amount of heat- it's nice. Huldra are always cold."

Tamriel, cheerful, would begin to clean up her mess- leaving his plates for him to work on if he chose to. "I will do my best to not stress you with my past, though I promise it isn't all horror stories. I have to work on tact I think."  

[Gren_Eckener]

Malachai flicked his wings curiously, standing out of the hug. Jeanette? Another person he didn't know and wasn't going to learn more about, probably. "Well, we're infernal..." he said with a small smile. "It happens. If you'll excuse me, though, I'm gonna bring Felix his dinner before it gets cold. He forgets to eat when he's busy."  

[Astra_Senpai]

She nodded, pausing her cleaning, "I hope Felix likes it. Thank you for joining me." She returned to cleaning- her intent to leave this kitchen just as clean as she had found it- there'd be plenty of leftovers, that was for sure. Once done, she'd pour herself another glass of wine and stand in the kitchen- uncertain of what to do from there.