video; un: riftdancer

[thavnairian]

WHO: Amal and you!
WHERE: The network
WHEN: March 3rd
WHAT: Amal looks for a new place to live.
WARNINGS: None

[Amal is very happy to have his foremost traveling companion, but this also presents some logistical difficulties. The video clicks on to show him at the park with trees in the background.]

I would like to announce that my days of couch surfing are over. This would be cause for celebration, except now I have to actually figure out a place to live that isn't an apartment.

You see, I found my best friend wandering around near my work...

[A giant dark eye and crimson feathers invade the frame. Amal reaches up and pats the mysterious beast. A better angle illuminates some kind of giant fluffy bird with a princess crown on its head.]

This is Lady Dansara, the most elegant and beauteous of chocobos. [Amal introduces her with a flourish. The bird preens.] And like any proper lady of refined taste, she deserves silk sheets and plenty of straw to lay in.

[Dansara gives an answering kweh!. It's almost as if she can understand what's being said.]

I need a place with some green space but a house is far too big for yours truly—even accounting for the pole room. So! If you need a place to stay and you don't mind a few quirks, let's talk.

Comments

Video; UN: Rose

[nefilim]

[Okay first things first - ]

She's so pretty! You have to let me see her once you're all moved in!

[Ana just really likes animals, she can't help it. But now actually turning her focus back to Amal; ]

But also congrats! I'll need to prepare a housewarming gift for you.

[thavnairian]

[He grins like a proud parent.]

Absolutely! My lady loves people. Isn't that right?

[Dansara preens his hair.]

... Really, she's very friendly. I'm the only one who gets this treatment—

—and thank you! No gift required, but you're welcome to knock anytime. I just need to figure out the paperwork and... of course, where I should live... no big deal.

[nefilim]

Ehe, I'll take your word for it. Lemme know what kind of food she likes so I can make a good first impression, though!

[She wants to befriend the... bird? It looks like a bird, so she'll go with bird.]

Unfortunately that is not an area I'm good in, but I will offer moral support... And like, food and drinks as well if you need it. Can't go house hunting on an empty stomach.

[Pause.]

Also, kinda jealous your job pays that well. The freelancing for Zodiac sucks.

[thavnairian]

Fruits and vegetables! Especially sweet ones. Vegetables are more healthy, but she goes crazy for apples of any kind.

[So basically like a horse...bird. He gently pats Dansara's cheek while talking.]

I appreciate the moral support. I'm thinking I'll make it Zodiac's problem since giving my chocobo a place to sleep is a priority. [He sighs.] I sort of know how this works back on Hydaelyn, but here...? It's a lost cause.

[He considers, and then a smile crosses his face that is all but innocent.]

Are you saying you can't dance? Because I so happen to know a very good dancer who could teach you some things. [He leans in.] Making money is easy when you're beautiful, my rose. Bat your lashes and sway your hips a little, and the coin flows like wine.

[nefilim]

Apples, got it!

[Time to spoil the bird! And she gives a sympathetic hum towards his plight of dealing with... well, paperwork. Since she imagines that's what house hunting chalks up to.]

The answer is always make it Zodiac's problem. If you can wring something out of them, do it. [Always gotta drag Zodiac as much as possible...

Though that not-so-innocent smile gets a brow to quirk, blinking for a moment before freezing at the little nickname there. She's quiet for a moment, then she splutters and chuckles quietly, almost bashfully - a hand resting against her cheek to try to hide how that actually made her fluster. No wonder he's so popular!]

C-c'mon, calling me something like that isn't fair! [She quickly clears her throat, trying to get herself back on track.]

Besides I'm more used to playing music than dancing to it, but if the teacher is that good I'm sure I can learn a few things from them.

[thavnairian]

Absolutely. They got me into this mess, technically, so I'm going to milk them for everything I can get away with.

[His eyebrows rise briefly as he sees that shy little reaction. It's genuine—not something to be made fun of, and one he makes a note of but doesn't point out. Then he's back to smiling.]

My apologies... but I'll likely do it again.

[At least he's honest.]

The important thing is that you have rhythm. Find the beat, and the rest will follow—I guarantee it. The body wants to move; dancing is simply using your body as an instrument.

video | un: deadpeopletea

[four_quarts]

[A chance to get out of these apartments and put a little distance between themselves and Zodiac? Oh, this does sound promising.]

Green space and a pole room, you say? Color me interested.

[A large, scaly head comes up to rest on Ghaleon's shoulder, looking at the camera quizzically. Ghaleon reaches up to give it a few skritches by the feathery ear... things.]

And it looks like Paarthurnax here is curious too.

[thavnairian]

That's right! Poledancing is good exercise and extremely fun; I highly recommend it.

[He brightens when he sees the pokemon.]

Oh! Looks like Anshu might make a friend. He's at the apartment right now. [He attaches a little picture.] I told both of them to run free in the park and I'd visit every day, but they want to be close to me anyway...

I'm Amal, by the way. You just got here recently, right? Sorry I don't keep up with everything.

[four_quarts]

Ghaleon. And no need to apologize, my dear. Keeping track of people is difficult enough even within a contained space, and frankly, this city is the largest I've ever seen. ...At least if you're counting urban sprawl, and not average ceiling height.

[They smile pleasantly.]

Regardless, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, as I'm sure it will be with your feathered friends when I-- [Paar gives a soft, indignant trill. Ghaleon rolls their eyes fondly.] Okay, okay. When we can give them both a proper greeting.

[thavnairian]

Right? I thought Radz-at-Han was huge—it's a trading hub after all—but I think there might be the population of two city states living here. Maybe three!

[He chuckles good-naturedly at the eagerness Paar displays. Dansara kwehs curiously and pecks at Amal's phone.]

Pardon me!

[BIRD PLEASE.]

All right. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? Just to be clear, I'm not turning anyone away unless I think they'll have a hard time living with me specifically.

[four_quarts]

[Ghaleon makes a less-than-dignified noise of amusement that's somewhere between a snort and a wheeze at Dansara's antics before reigning it back to a smile.]

Ask whatever you'd like. If I end up having problems with anyone else, I'm sure we can deal with those like reasonable adults when they come up.

[thavnairian]

Of course.

[REAL MEN TALK WITH THEIR FISTS-- just kidding, no he's not going to duel Ghaleon.

Unless he asks.]

First question: do you have any issues with my line of work? I'm a dancer and I work late nights—I'm not back until after midnight, generally, but I don't make a lot of noise.

Second question: do you have a steady job?

Third question: do you think we should have an age limit for people who stay here? If some younger people end up needing a place to stay for a few days, I don't want to violate any boundaries. I don't plan on having any company, per se, but... some of my traveling companions before were sixteen-ish, so...

video | un: fashonti

[thaumewturge]

Oh, she's adorable! If only mine would let me dress him up...

[The Titania barding doesn't count, her 'bo thinks it makes him look bigger and scarier.]

Where do you work? I'd love to get out of these apartments, but I haven't found any job that would likely hire me.

[thavnairian]

She says thank you. [Dansara preens as if she knows she's being spoken about.] I'm fortunate that she seems to like wearing costumes and barding, so long as it isn't too tight or bulky. The last thing I put her in was some kind of Far Eastern silk, but it looks like it didn't make the trip.

[Not a surprise considering his ENTIRE INVENTORY EXPLODED when he first woke up in the labyrinth.]

I work at Club Mana in the entertainment district. [He taps his chin and studies the video feed.] Maybe with a little polishing... Tell me, my educated Keeper friend, can you dance?

[thaumewturge]

Absolutely not.

[Said with a smile and a laugh.]

Perhaps if you give me a few drinks, or it's a slower sort of dance then maybe, but otherwise I've the dancing ability of tonberry.

[thavnairian]

That's too bad. A girl like you could break some hearts.

[Seriously, he's seen the money Ranaa brings in.]

Taking clothes off is the best part, but I have a feeling you're more the modest type.

[thaumewturge]

You would not be the first one to say that, about me and breaking hearts. But what gave my preferred modesty away? Was it the long sleeves even though it's getting warmer?

Video; un: ZW🌹

[wilder]

Wow, I can't believe Amal of all people found a chick and is settling down!

[thavnairian]

[Amal tries to keep a straight face but he sporfles a few seconds later. It is actual genuine laughter because the man is weak to a good pun.]

I was going to sign a pre-nup but I can't figure out if it comes before or after the egg.

[wilder]

No one knows! It's an age old question!

[He's grinning. He does like it when he actually gets people to laugh.]

I'm fine with my current living situation, but I'll be sure to get you a housewarming gift when I come to tour your home!

[thavnairian]

[Amal beams, all sunshine after a good pun and of course an excuse to have Zelos over.]

It'll be a great party. You won't want to miss it!

I'll even let you try out the dance pole.

[wilder]

Wouldn't miss it for the world!

[At least he's a little more sincere about that than with usual party invites. He did like Amal]

Haha, nice! I've never done that before- gonna give me pointers?

text; un: no

[dirtdevil]

what the fuck am i looking at

text; jesus christ sorry this is so late

[thavnairian]

a chocobo!!!

no worries! this is also late smh

[dirtdevil]

that's not a word