Nurano smiled slightly at Javelin's comment. He was witty as well as intelligent, a winning combo. <span style='color:gray'>"I'm quite aware of the foolishness. Trust me, after this is over, I'll be beating myself up about it for long enough to drive my mate insane."</span> He shifted, dropping his arms to his side. Nurano had a feeling that the facade wasn't working, and if it wasn't there was no need to maintain it. And Javelin suggested an end to the interrogation, Nurano noticed the quirk of his lips. It was, Nurano thought, one of the first expressions he'd seen the other show all evening. Interesting. A flock of small songbird-type creatures flew overhead, making trilling noises. They were black, looking like small versions of Terran crows. Had Nurano been in Javelin's position, he might have noticed that the birds reflected off his brown eyes. As it was, he paid them minimal heed, except to note that they annoyed him. He wasn't much for birds, even Nafel's Luthano. Nurano twitched his tail, the tail flame's tip bending slightly in the wind. It was almost ghostly looking with its white color, especially in contrast to Nurano's black pelt. <span style='color:gray'>"I'm all for an end to the interrogation. Especially since I'm not the interrogator."</span> He cracked a smile, appreciating how rare it was for him not to be. Nurano figured that as long as the 'dragon didn't catch a glimpse of his tattoo or find his surname, he was safe enough. Javelin would presumably not have any cause to look him up in the near future. Besides, if he looked at Nurano's school record, it quite clearly stated his trade. It was no secret. Nurano, in the spirit of ending the inquisition, volunteered a bit of information. <span style='color:gray'>"I'm Nurano. You are?"</span> He waited for a reply, wondering if Javelin would simply avoid the question as Nurano had earlier. Or if he would even tell the truth.
<font color=maroon>out.of.character - <u>harper thorne</u></font> This time I was on vacation. -death- <font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Javelin let a smile curl his lips at the other male's words. He pitied the female who had chosen such a man over all others - though he was also quite aware that she was lucky. That they were lucky, actually, Nurano and his girl. So many spies found it hard to maintain two lives. Though this other was young yet and he had plenty of time to decide which was of further importance to him. Hopefully he chose his family. Valimos had seen too many torn families to believe that the job of spying - beloved or not - was worth more than a mate and children could be. Someday, perhaps, Jace would even settle down with a spouse and offspring to wind down his days on Ramath-lehi. The spy watched the songbirds for a moment, then turned his eyes back to Nurano, noting the reflection of the dark birds on the other male's brown eyes, a bit of a curious thing. He didn't pay it too much heed, filing away the information for further thought later. Right now they were trying to get out of the interrogater-interrogated mind state so he had to be appropriately aware but not involved too much in the way the other acted and reacted. Of course it was hard not to be, given that his training was to the direct opposite. A pair of fingers ran up his arm, gently rubbing a muscle that was a bit sore, though the sensation faded quickly. It was almost a sign of trust, as some might see that as weakness. He could easily use the arm, though, so he wasn't concerned. A light yawn was stifled in the pendragon's throat as it tried to come out. He wasn't overly tired, it was just that standing out here reminded him that there was a warm bed to get home to, eventually. Right now he was waiting, though. The comment of the other about being happy to end the interrogation was regarded with a chuckle and a slight curl of Jace's lips in appreciation for the other's wit. As he continued, a soft frown etched into the place of the smile, though. A name was a sure sign of trust. With that name and the description he had - though surely altered by his fellow spy - he could harm this male. He owed something in return. So it would seem, anyway. <font color=maroon>"Most call me Jace, though my name is Javelin."</font> The male replied, extending dark fingers toward the other spy, an additional sign that they were to end this interrogation scene. Perhaps go somewhere else after the handshake?
Nurano smiled at the extended hand, which he shook, and name exchange. This showed that there was a thread of trust between them, and it was getting to the point where they'd stopped the interrogation. All in all, not bad. After Nurano dropped his hand, he considered what to do next. <span style='color:#666666'>"Well met, Jace."</span> Nurano thought for a moment more. He realized that he was still hungry, what with only having had a glass of beer for dinner. Not even a full glass, at that. Perhaps Jace wanted to end this conversation where it had started. <span style='color:#666666'>"I don't know about you, but I'm hungry. I never did get to finish my beer, either. D'you want to go back to our original bar?"</span> Nurano figured that Jace wanted to get some food and get out of here and back to home as much as he did. Being stuck in an alley in the piers was no fun. Nurano laced his fingers together, cracking them first that way, before cracking fists against each hand. It wasn't threatening, it was just that his hands got stiff after a while. Having fixed the problem, he smiled and explained himself. <span style='color:#666666'>"Sorry, stiff hands. So, whadya say to the bar?"</span> He was talking in his normal mode of speech now, with the slurred together words. It was a sign that he was at ease. <span style='color:#666666'>I want food.</span> was his oh so elegant thought.
<font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Jace wasn't sure if he had done the right thing. Maybe the better thing to do would be to give an alias. Nurano had trust, though, and Javelin needed to give something that would be equally a sign that something had changed here. They were almost friends. As close as spies could get to being friends without actually shaking hands and deciding that they were going to be pals. He doubted that he would ever have someone like that in the same profession, merely because it didn't work out well. Even when they were in the same cause, there was often a conflict of interests, and there was certainly competition - things that didn't work well to foster a friendship. Javelin grinned at the other's comment about being hungry. He could sympathize there. He had planned to eat when he was at the bar, but had been sidetracked by the other male's abrupt leaving. It was likely that the white-and-black spy would have gone somewhere else to eat if he hadn't decided to be chummy with his fellow spy. As it was the offer was an interesting and appealing one, something that almost made his stomach growl. He stopped it before it tried, though, focusing on something else to keep it from letting his answer be clear. Bah, he hated body functions, so frequently. He watched with interest as Nurano cracked his fingers. The explanation was unnecessary, though he greeted it with a slight, sympathetic nod. Jace himself didn't have stiff hands, but he knew others who did, and he had heard that they were a real bugger to have. Which made him feel rather lucky to not have that problem right now. <font color=maroon>"Sounds good to me. Shall we, then?</font> Javelin turned in the proper direction to go back to the bar, going the right pace that his fellow spy could catch up. He didn't quite trust the other pendragon, so he was cautious, attentive, though quietly so, not wanting to insult his "guest".
Nurano grinned and bowed his head. <span style='color:#666666'>"After you."</span> He caught up with Javelin and walked beside him, to the right. They weren't very far from the bar, for which he was glad. He hadn't been exaggerating about his hunger. His stomach sullenly agreed, giving a grumble of protest and being so long denied. Turning his gaze from his belly to Jace, Nurano was slightly amused to notice that he was still, unobtrusively, watching. Nurano wasn't bothered by it, the action was, for a good spy, second nature. He was returning the same discreet attention, for the same reason as his companion. <span style='color:#666666'>Better safe than sorry.</span> As they came closer to the bar, Nuran was able to catch a glimpse of the pier. It was lovely, as always. Nurano loved the water, as well as the gulls. Others thought them annoying, but Nurano liked them. They seemed to be more intelligent than 'dragons gave them credit for, or how else would they sustain themselves entirely on handouts of stale bread? He smiled absentmindedly as a few circled overhead, coming to land on the railings and walkways. Nurano saw the door to their meeting place earlier, and gestured to it. <span style='color:#666666'>"So, shall we enter? I could do with some refreshment of the alcoholic variety."</span> He smiled, chuckling a little, as he walked towards the door.
Valimos was actually kind of glad to be in the company of another spy. Nurano didn't think that he was paranoid just because he was being cautious. He understood that it was necessary in order to maintain one's lifestyle, as far as being in espionage went. Jace had long ago learned that others were less willing to be understanding, even if one explained that they were a spy. Lying, of course, giving a false identity, pretending they were unaffiliated, and being careful to have some sort of accent. Even if the other pendragon figured out that they were faking, that was also natural for a spy. It was unlikely that these habits would ever die - hard or otherwise. As they got close to the bar, Jace couldn't help but notice where Nurano's gaze went, and his own eyes followed. The water was quite lovely today, though it usually was, with birds soaring overhead in their little flocks. It was sad that most pendragons didn't fully appreciate nature's beauty. Rather interesting, too, that a spy had time to admire the landscape. Usually he didn't, but Jace enjoyed seeing it. He just usually didn't have time, unless he was off duty. Which, right now, he supposed, he was. Javelin chuckled in response to Nurano's words and followed, noting the strange look from the bartender as they entered and quirking a brow in a "what?" manner. The other male turned away as if he hadn't been watching. Which was a lie, of course, but it hardly mattered. The dark pendragon walked over to the table they had been at before, sliding into his old seat. <font color=maroon>"A good spot, this 'un."</font> The pendragon said with a grin that was mostly genuine.
Nurano made a half-mocking bow to the barkeep, who looked rather stunned. He bit his tongue to keep from laughing at the elderly 'dragon, and sat down across from Jace. <span style='color:#666666'>Probably the fact that we ditched the accents. Or I did, anyway.</span> Nurano turned to Jace, picking up a small pamphlet with a least of the food the bar served as well as a (quite extensive) beer and wine list. Nurano was hungry, but he didn't know if the other wanted to split something, or each get their own, or what. <span style='color:#666666'>"They've got a special on a fried fish appetizer. From what I know about this place, it should be more than ample. Do you want to split that, or not get anything, or get seperate things, or what?"</span> Nurano raised his eyebrow. While he waited for Jace to decide what he wanted to get or not get, Nurano scanned the alcohol selection. There were several varieties of beer that looked good, including the house specialty. He decided that he'd go with a beer that, if he were to think about such things, might be considered his favorite. <span style='color:#666666'>I think I'll get that. Good stuff, it is.</span> Nurano placed the pamphlet back on the table, turning to see if he should get up to order the beer of if someone would come to the table. It was hard to tell if there were waiters or waitresses around, or just customers.
Jace settled comfortably in his old spot, leaning back a bit and closing his eyes for a moment, reveling in the peace of being off duty. At least he felt like he was, even if, technically, he wasn't. Anything suspicious, he would have to investigate, for the sake of the Graders. That was what he was paid for, after all, even if it was a strange situation that found him already at journeyman so young. This wasn't the time to be thinking about that, though, he had to pay attention but still be off duty. Relax. The pendragon listened to the question of his companion and quirked an eyebrow in response. Fried fish, eh? The best place to get seafood was right around here, that was for sure. The East Piers were famous for the variety of fish dishes they could cook up. That sounded good, actually, and his stomach almost growled, but he managed to stifle the thought, grinning instead, and nodding in response, picking up the alcohol pamphlet that Nurano had just put down. His gaze was level, over the top of the menu, as he replied, making sure that he was clear about what the plan was. <font color=maroon>"Sharing one of those sounds good. Haven't tried it before and the fish is always good around here."</font> As for a drink... Javelin regarded the menu that Nurano had discarded carefully, slowly nodding as he picked what he wanted. It was actually just very lightly spiked with some good wine, as he wasn't much of a drinker. Of course he had gotten used to the alcoholic beverages, seeing as he went to a lot of banquets were it would be rude not to drink the champagne. Though he didn't tend to like it. What he was getting tasted vaguely like the wine it was mixed with, but mostly had the flavor of raspberries, which made it quite interesting to taste. Actually, the ordering menu had it listed with a strawberry taste, but he had come here before and ordered the raspberry kind. They were happy to accommodate.
Nurano nodded and waived a server over. She gave the usual "Good evening, welcome, our specials tonight are..." speech, and Nurano listened duitifully to all of it. <span style='color:#666666'>"I think I'll have one of these,"</span> he pointed to the appropriate selection on the alcohol pamphlet, <span style='color:#666666'>"And we're going to split a fried fish basket. Jace?"</span> Nurano made a waving motion to direct the server's attention to the other, so he could tell her what he wanted to drink. Nurano looked about the bar while he waited for his companion to order. There were the usual sorts there, including the rather enchanting pink-flamed femme from earlier. <span style='color:#666666'>I must say, that is a nice mutation.</span> He continued to look about, even glancing at the seabirds in the window. The server walked off, apparently Jace had ordered. Nurano drummed his fingers on the table, at a loss for what to say. He wasn't usually in a situation remotely approaching this odd, since he almost always was just with classmates or Nafel. Nurano wasn't very sociable by any means. He looked hopefully to Javelin for a conversation topic. Maybe something about the weather? Or alcohol... but Javelin didn't appear to be much of a drinker. He still waited, hopeful that something might come up.
Javelin gladly let Nurano take charge of ordering for both of them, though, of course, the other male didn't know what Jace wanted to drink. It hardly mattered, though, at least someone had taken over and there was no awkward silence as they tried to figure out how to give the news to the server. Though he did get a significant, strange glance, as if the 'dragon who was serving them was wondering if they were a couple or something. The mere idea made him want to laugh out loud, though the idea did work well with the way they had acted earlier, as well as they way they were acting now. As long as they didn't start holding hands or something, though, it should be obvious that they, in fact, weren't. As the other basically directed the server to get confirmation from Valimos, the spy gave her a winsome smile and a slight chuckle, winking dramatically, before speaking. <font color=maroon>"Indeed, we are going to share that. I'd like this, though make it a raspberry instead of a strawberry."</font> Jace said with a firm nod, grinning hugely once more. She gave him an odd glance, but nodded, then bustled off to get their orders set up and find other pendragons to serve. Javelin noticed the silence and the finger tapping. What to talk about? He had no clue what the other was interested in, besides spying. That topic was unsteady territory, though, and the male had no intention of bringing it up. That would bring this back to business and away from a companionable meal. Besides, it wasn't the sort of information one exchanged with ease here, where others were gathered. Even if they could give each other little things that were of little consequence, dangerous things were better left unspoken. <font color=maroon>"So... into any sports? Myself, I'm a sandboarder. Though I've never met anyone else who enjoys that."</font> He looked slightly hopeful, though he knew it was obscure. In fact, was it even a sport to anyone but his family? ... hell if he knew. Never had been much concerned by its history.
Nurano noticed the odd looks that they were getting as well, and it took a great deal of self-control not to laugh. He could see why they might think that, but Jace and himself were by no means a couple. <span style='color:#666666'>If Nafel could see me know...</span> After the server left, Nurano was saved from having to scramble for conversational topics by Jace speaking up. <span style='color:#666666'>Sports? Interesting.</span> Nurano nodded at Javelin's speech, wondering what sandboarding was. <span style='color:#666666'>"Sports? No, not really. I've never been very good at them, for whatever reason. What's sandboarding, though?"</span> Nurano wondered about how Javelin had come across such a sport. It sounded like something that was done at the beach, since it involved sand. Perhaps Javelin had grown up near the shore? Nurano knew the question probably wouldn't be answered (or if it was, not now), because it was fairly personal. He shrugged. Since it was now Nurano's turn to start up the next thread of conversation, he picked Javelin's drink choice. <span style='color:#666666'>"Do you not like beer very much? I noticed that you didn't drink much of it when we were here the first time."</span> Nurano had wondered about that, once he'd had a chance to think about it. <span style='color:#666666'>Don't know any 'dragons who don't like alcohol much, 'cept for Nafel... Then again, my circle of aquantinces isn't very large.</span> He turned his head to see if their server had come by with the food yet. No such luck. Nurano sighed, turning back to the conversation.
Javelin stretched his fingers lightly, marveling at the complexity of his costume. His disguise was quite good - no one would even recognize him as the handsome young black-and-white male who frequented many social events. Of course that was Jace, who attended them, and he wasn't a spy. He was a bored Valimos, one of the few who didn't have a great deal of magical ability. Only his parents knew the reason for that - his father wasn't his sire, just an adoptive second parent. Which was true for most of his siblings. With the exception of Korin and Duncan, that was. The latter was already showing an aptitude for the trade that everyone who knew about the Valimoses associated with them. Jace was actually quite proud of his little brother. The male listened quietly as his companion spoke in turn. Alas, he hadn't found another sandboarder to speak with about his passion. Well, his second passion, anyway, one of the "other things" that he had a great deal of interest in besides spying. Very few had learned that particular sport, though, and, in fact, he wasn't sure there was anyone else who sandboarded at all. It was very likely that Jangor - his "father" - had created it solely for the purpose of his son's enjoyment when they were among the dunes. Before he was introduced to that strange sport, after all, he had been rather unhappy when they went somewhere that had so much sand. <font color=maroon>"It's like snowboarding - you know what that is, I assume? - except on sand dunes, instead of mountains. Quite fun, actually. You should come out to the dunes sometime and try it."</font> Of course that sort of ended that particular topic. Unless, of course, they wanted to discuss plans to go sandboarding, but he doubted that was the sort of thing that would be brought up right now. If anything, Nurano and Javelin could make such plans later. He doubted that it would be an offer accepted, in any case, seeing as most spies didn't socialize all that much, especially those that weren't on the same side. He shook his head slightly to clear it, then listened to the other's question. Jace smiled slightly, then shook his head, affirming what the other had said. <font color=maroon>"No, not really. It's just... tasteless, to me, and the hangovers just aren't worth it if I drink too much. So I tend to get it mixed with something. Can have more that way. Though some wines are quite good."</font> Jace said, trailing off as he realized he was taking over the conversation. Alright, Nurano should have a chance to speak, too.
Nurano nodded in reply to Jace's description of sandboarding. <span style='color:#666666'>Interesting. Means that he's from a desert of something similar, I suppose. Not a beach.</span> Nurano knew that the invitation was probably not serious; as Jace also knew, Spies didn't associate out of the line of work... Unless it was through some interesting coincidence, or set of them, as this was. In fact, the entire evening was the bizarre sort of tale that the crazy oldsters would tell if you lent them half an ear and a pint of beer. But, of course, it was not some bizarre set of lies. It was just some incidence of Fate kicking Nurano (and Jace, no doubt) rather forcefully in the head. Nurano was thankful that he had few such instances. Very thankful. In response to the discussion about alcohol, Nurano replied with, <span style='color:#666666'>"Yes, some of the wines are nice... I prefer beer, myself. My mate hardly drinks anything, but when she does, it's wine."</span> Nafel was so biologically abnormal that beer was best avoided. She didn't even drink wine more than once a month. She preferred water and tea, really. Nurano, however, was a different story. His father lived in Bhim where he brewed beer, and so Nurano and Jyta both had a great fondness for it. Jyta, though, had a borderline obsession. Nurano smiled a little, thinking about his cousin and his mate. <span style='color:#666666'>Lookit me, getting all sentimental.</span> The waitress appeared with their food. She was a sandy colored femme with a purple mane, dressed in a black shirt and non-descript jeans. She smiled brightly, though she looked a bit tired. <span style='color:purple'>"That's a basket 've fried fish, and a beer 'fer you, and a raspberry for you. Just give a shout if y'need anything."</span> She nodded and walked off, to take the order of the next table. Nurano smiled, happy that the food was there. The fish was golden, and looked delicious. Nurano took some, and was glad to discover that his hopes held true. Nurano knew that he was supposed to continue the conversation, but he was at a loss for words. He was not one for talking while eating, and he figured that if Jace wanted to talk tome more, he would. Meanwhile, Nurano enjoyed the fish.
He found it interesting that the other male spoke of his mate. It was information of the sort that many spies would have jealously guarded. Those they loved were best left forgotten when they were in the murky, backstabbing world of spying. Many didn't even have others that they cared about for just such a reason. They could be used. Frequently were, actually. There was no problem if aliases were always used - as no one could track Joe Pendragon when there really wasn't one - but that wasn't the case in this scenario. Jace knew the other male's real name. At least he assumed it was. Of course, it could be his favorite alias, but somehow Valimos doubted it. There had been sincerity there. To Javelin, though, it wasn't Information. That being the sort he would store and return to later. Instead, it was information (the difference being his mental capitalization). Maybe he would consider it later, if he thought about Nurano (unlikely), but he would never use it for purposes except those that were purely friendly. Which meant he wouldn't use it. Sure, it was nice to be around another spy, and he was surprisingly comfortable, but that didn't mean that they were going to do it more than this once. Unless they had another chance meeting, the pair would probably go their separate ways and never meet again. Shaking their heads at the way fate worked and the (perhaps) interesting conversation and meal that they had shared. With a few chuckles for the odd looks they got. As the waitress appeared, he quirked a silent, appreciative eyebrow, one that was followed rather quickly by a thankful smile. It was always best to try and make the pendragons who were working happy and let them know what they did was appreciated. He knew that, if he was wait staff somewhere, he would want to get a few smiles from the customers. Make him feel as if he was doing something good for them, instead of just shoving fattening food in their faces. Which reminded Jace... he would have to go sandboarding later on in this week to lose some of the weight he was sure to gain if he kept eating like this. Of course he was only going to eat half - so that was a lot better than if he had been here alone. The spy took a sip, first, of his drink, reveling in the smooth mixture with a faint smile. This was the good stuff. Now to see if the fish were also up to standards. Taking a piece, Javelin bit into it, savoring the taste for a few seconds. Perfect. He was going to have to come back here someday and have some more of this fish and raspberry combo. They worked rather well together. Oh, conversation. Well... he would rather enjoy his meal and they could talk again afterwards. Right now, there was good food to eat, and a good drink to consume. Not to mention the interesting company. Even in silence, Nurano was something that was there, and it added to the "experience", so to speak. Just because Jace usually didn't have anyone to eat or drink with - and it was a nice feeling.
Jace didn't pick up the conversation again, and Nurano was content to let it be silent for the moment. He picked up his beer, savoring the sip he took before swallowing it. Though he could drink a lot, he was not like Jyta. He worried about her, sometimes. She spent almost her entire day in full on "Seductress" mode, which was fine, but she spent her entire evening getting as drunk as possible. She was older than he was, he knew she knew better. He sighed slightly as he thought about his older cousin. He knew that there was nothing that he could force her to do, since she was well and grown and had been for many years, but he missed the Jyta he'd known as a child. He accidentally set his glass down a wee bit hard, since he was being absentminded. A little bit of the beer sloshed over the side, to the male's embarrassment, and he was quick to mop it up with the nearby stack of paper napkins. Now people, the same ones as before, were looking at the pair. They were annoying, in a nosy sort of way. The seemed to be the type that were constantly into everyone's buisiness. <span style='color:#666666'>Or maybe I'm just paranoid and we're louder than I thought.</span> It wasn't very much liquid so there was nothing to really worry about. The onlookers turned away soonafter, going back to whatever conversations they'd been previously engaged in. Nurano balled up the wet napkins and put them to a corner of his side of the table. Nurano was a bit tired of the silence, now. His own thoughts did not seem to be productive ones. He turned his head to look at the window, noticing the fast-fading sunset. It was getting a little late. <span style='color:#666666'>"The weather here is always so much nicer than where I'm from... Probably just because I like the water. Do you swim?"</span> Nurano enjoyed swimming, even if he wasn't especially good at it. It was a pretty common hobby, so he figured that Jace would at least have an opinion on it. Hopefully it wouldn't be too strong an opinion. Nurano had met people that didn't like swimming, but never anyone who truly hated it, like some things. Sports were tricky conversation topics, since you never knew the other's feelings for something that was a holdover from some primative day. He shrugged, glad that at least his thoughts were moving on to bigger and better things.
Jace was actually a quiet creature by nature. If he had grown up a bit differently, Valimos would have been a book lover, with his nose always shoved in the latest novel, digesting as much information as he could over the course of his years. In fact, he could have been a brilliant writer, if given half the chance. That was part of what made him such a good spy. His imagination was always prepared to accept new things and come up with new theories to "solved" cases. There were a lot of things going on at once in his mind and, once he retired, it was likely that the spy would become a teacher or some such thing. Of course his trades weren't exactly the most desirable for teaching positions, but there were some places where a course by a learned spy would be welcomed and desired. Javelin blinked a bit more rapidly as Nurano spilled his drink. For a second, he was tempted to assist the other male in cleaning up the spill, but his fellow spy seemed to be in control, so the journeyman withdrew the hand that had been moving toward napkins. He sent a quiet glare in the direction of a particularly interested couple, which sent them into a panic as they realized he had noticed they were watching. They promptly turned back around and started chattering somewhat loudly to make sure it was clear that they hadn't been looking at Nurano and Javelin. No, no, of course not, they would never do that. They weren't eavesdroppers or gossips! Right now, the male was actually a bit suspicious of that couple. The pair had been a bit too eager to turn around and start talking again. It made him suspect that they were more than they were letting on. That they were playing a part. For a moment, he paused, staring critically at them, then focused on Nurano again, expression blank. No need to worry the other. At the inquiry, Jace smiled. He did enjoy swimming. His second favorite hobby, as a matter of fact. It depended on where he was, of course. Snowboarding was fun, as was surfing, and he wasn't against a little bit of the more "social" sports such as jemdrull. Then again, he was an athletic sort, who didn't like to just waste time sitting around. Even if with all of the distractions that machina and the like offered, he found himself preferring the great outdoors. Maybe that was his eventual calling, to live out among the trees and to enjoy his time there. Actually, he had considered, recently, taking hawking classes, but he really didn't have time. Maybe someday. But that someday wasn't now, so he really had to keep his mind off of it. It would be a while before he was ready to give up this spy business and until then, he had to be focused and entirely committed. <font color=maroon>"Swimming is quite fun. Especially out in the water, not in a pool. There is a lot more... freedom in doing that."</font> He said with a grin.
Nurano smiled. He was glad to find that Jace shared an interest in swimming. It meant that the conversation wouldn't die; for a few more minutes, anyway. He nodded in agreement with the other's comment about the outdoors versus a pool. Nurano had always thought it odd to replicate something that was in fairly large supply, swimming holes, and place it in a small, closed in space. Half of the reason that Nurano didn't like such pools was that he always felt somewhat trapped. Being a Spy, he had more than his fair share of paranoia, which was helpful in his trade. He was not by nature vary social. Though there were 'dragons that he was friends with, he did not like large groups of 'dragons. His speciality was blending into the background, and observing. Nafel was the same way, except that she was not silent by choice; just because she was painfully shy. As a consequence, they spent a lot of time in sparsely populated areas such as lakes. Nafel seemed to feel at ease with nature, and Nurano was happy to be away from others of their species. Especially if he was only accompanied by Nafel... He gave a wry smile, knowing where such thoughts might lead... Nurano had caught the flicker of attention on Jace's face, towards the other couple. He could, if he turned his ear in the proper direction, hear their conversation. It was slightly too loud, but that was quite possibly just because they were embarrassed at being watched. Nurano figured that since the other male had a better view of them, and was more experienced, Jace would take care of anything that came up. For the moment, Nurano just ignored them, and stared at the amber liquid in his glass. <span style='color:#666666'>"Do you like to read?"</span> Nurano did. Not nearly as much as some that he knew, who were borderline obsessive, but he wasn't loathe to open a book. His favorite texts were, rather unusually, the history books that some found utterly dull. He found it fascinating to read about the history of Ramath-lehi and of other planets that the Pendragons had been in contact with. It never hurt, especially if you were a Spy, to have a knowledge of strategies that had worked (and hadn't worked) in the past. Nurano also enjoyed the books written to tell the more intimate details of historical figures' lives. It was always interesting to find out how just utterly messed up some people were, and how well they managed in life. Nurano turned his head away from the glass to meet Jace's eyes, continuing with his current thread of discussion. <span style='color:#666666'>"I like History texts. Not much for fiction, really. Exciting, aren't I?"</span> He snorted with what passed for laughter in the ebony male.
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>Almost a whole month! I am so, so, so sorry. That as absolutely terrible of me. And I really thought I had replied to this. ;;</td></tr></table> Jace was beginning to find that small talk with someone who knew he was a spy was hard. He had so many interests, but so infrequently had reason to express them to someone. It was usually through poetry that he told such thoughts. It was a strange thing, to be sitting here, conversing so freely. It was mostly because he knew he would never meet Nurano again. Not unless they happened to both be covering the same target. In which case there would be a great deal of professional competitiveness in both and definitely no time for idle chitchat like this. Then again, that was mostly the problem. What if he gave up too much to this other? What if the espionage that this male had set out to do was being fulfilled and it was info on Javelin Valimos that the other had been sent to get. Unlikely, but definitely a possibility. From what he understood, no one knew about the strange young Journeyman spy for the Graders. No one except those with access to the files, that was. And it was impossible for them to send someone after him when he was disguised - quite well, he might add. A hand reached up to flick irritating bangs out of his eyes, all focus lost temporarily as eyes clouded, his thoughts turning toward a potential song that might display his feelings, but it was disregarded rather quickly. It would require time, later, to work with the vision he had, and there was no reason to waste the time he had in this strange feeling of peace on such thoughts now. Much as he loved writing his songs, the ‘dragon knew that this was a rare occasion and he should take advantage of the tranquility and friendly face in front of him while he had the chance. Hopefully this meeting wouldn’t come back to bite him in the near future. That would be a serious annoyance. Nurano’s next question caused him to give the other a strange, startled little glance. As if there had been something deeper inquired there that lay underneath the first question. Of course the look vanished almost immediately, replaced by a glimmer of interest, the slightest chuckle escaping his lips. Reading… as a hobby, it had been a long time since he could read for pleasure. But for work, it was a frequent factor. He had to read up on those that he wanted to follow and also tended to read anything he could get his hands on about spying. Not to mention texts on various ways of disguising himself and ways to talk. He was in the middle of a book about speaking, reading, and writing a different language. But he didn’t read fiction books, not anymore. At least not lately. Jace gave a slight nod at the other’s beginning comment about what he liked to read, then chuckled lightly at the last bit - about being exciting. <font color=maroon>“Oh, very, don’t worry about that. You managed to get a mate, so obviously you’re doing something right."</font> Javelin said with a somewhat teasing wink. He truly did enjoy this other’s company and was letting himself be happy about it, for now, to be amicable. For more reason than one, though he didn’t reveal that. <font color=maroon>“I like to read fiction, but rarely have time. Very busy with reading nonfiction stuff, though. Most of the histories end up being a litany of past leaders and such, so I usually skip those. Now some… others that pertain to our profession, those are interesting."</font>
<span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class=ooc><tr><td>No problem at all. ^^ Your posts are nice and long, so it's all good.</td></tr></table> Nurano let out a bark of laughter at Jace's comment, a sign that he was quite genuinely amused. Doing something right indeed! He smiled, taking another sip of beer. As Jace finished his comment, Nurano nodded in agreement. <span style='color:#666666'>"Interesting indeed. I wonder how some of them managed to get published! You'd think they'd have at least a little bit of trouble... But we're the ones that benefit, I can't complain."</span> Nurano laughed again, shifting in his chair to lean against the back of his seat. He placed his elbow on the table, knowing full well that it was bad manners and not really caring. It made him look more at ease, and it was more comfortable besides. He wanted to look as relaxed as possible, he had sensed Jace's startlement at the last question. <span style='color:#666666'>Getting a little too personal for comfort, I suppose.</span> Nurano picked up another piece of fish, which was now slightly tepid. It still tasted fine, even if it was cold, so Nurano nibbled on it. He wasn't really hungry, he was just eating the fish so he'd have something to do while he thought of his next course of action. He knew that he needed to be going home. Nafel knew where he was, so she wouldn't think it amiss if he didn't come home until the next day, but it never hurt to be home early. Nurano was tired of the day's events, and wanted to go home and sleep. He was unsure how to gracefully end the conversation, though, so he decided that he'd stay a while. <span style='color:#666666'>A few more minutes won't hurt... I'm sure he wants to go home just as much as I. I'll wait for him to suggest what to do.</span> Nurano's glass of beer was now less than a quarter full. He was slightly miffed, since the beer was lovely. Hover, he knew that he didn't need (or want, really) more, so he shook off a passing waitress' question about if he wanted another. Nurano wondered what time it was; he didn't have his watch on him. He shrugged. <span style='color:#666666'>I suppose it doesn't matter, really. It's either too late or not too late, and I'll find out whichever it is when I get home.</span> He smiled at his use of what Jyta called "stubborn logic". His family seemed to have a percent for it, she used it just as much as he. Nurano was unsure of what to say, so he remained silent. The conversation was in Jace's hands now, since Nurano didn't know how personal the other wished to get.
Jace was growing tired of all of it. Normality was fun, but it wasn't something that could stimulate the spy for an extended period of time. That was why he didn't live in that type of world. The world where he was expected to be like everyone else. To have conversations with other pendragons, edging toward personal questions without feeling awkward. As it was, the male sat there, somewhat uncomfortable with the other's presence. Simply because not all information was safe. There could be nothing here but an exchange and Javelin was not willing to give up anything. Not when so many things could happen if he did. Pain was the very least of his troubles if he was "caught". Yet there was no reason to linger on such negative thoughts and the male quickly diverted his attention back to the conversation. He took in the other's words with a little wavery smile, one that seemed dimmed by the dangerous topic that Nurano had highlighted. That there was danger in being known and in teaching what one knew. At least that was what had been meant from what Valimos could tell. A subtle hint, perhaps, that the other knew well that their conversation could be considered very dangerous indeed. Especially if Jace's employers thought that he was trading info with a Anti-Grader. But they weren't so stupid as to think that their prized little spy would do something so treasonous without investigation. So he should have been more comfortable. Perhaps it was habit that drove him to remain solidly secretive about anything that might assist this other espionage trainee. As it was, he crossed his legs under the table, leaning back to permit his back some support from the hard wood behind it. With a slight smile, the male spoke in response. Wondering if, perhaps, his host - or was Nurano the guest? - was boring of this conversation. <font color=maroon>"You know, Nurano, if you want to go home you can just say so. I don't want to keep you away from your mate."</font> Jace said softly, kindly, aware that there were more things in life than conversing with other spies. Different though the event was from one's everyday things.
