[center][h2]Xinhua and Zane - A Whole New World[/h2] [sup]Collab w/[@Ryteb Pymeroce][/sup][/center] [hr] Xinhua waited in front of her room, clock ticking nearer to the appointed time of her 'date' - Xinhua gave a short, amused chuckle. Contrary to popular opinion, which stated that Xinhua shot down all men she did not see as worthy, she actually accepted offers like this quite readily. Romance was not a field she was comfortable with, but she was not so insecure as to withhold her affection for another. Yes, her standards were high, but she did not expect anyone to meet them all. The priestess had some room for allowance, and those that did not meet them were rebuffed, but not so in a way to shatter their egos. Still, one's reputation is crafted by one's personal high and personal lows, and Xinhua, when it came to dealing with her myriad of suitors, had many lows indeed; those that could not take a hint, low-lives of the most pathetic stripe, and pigs that thought of nothing but carnal pleasure. Many a man (and woman) had to be stopped the hard way, and such methods tended to be loud and attention grabbing. Xinhua was not expecting much out of Zane, no, but he prayed the fool was not expecting too much out of himself either. Zane arrived quickly having dressed up in a formal kimono. They looked similar enough to robes to get past the morons obsessed with the past while being breathable and easy to move in. This one in particular was black with golden accents, having a pattern of nordic runes based on resistance to lightning. It paid to be prepared for the option of inevitable death in the case of a failed date. [color=blue]"A presentable attire," [/color]Xinhua's remark was nothing but passive, not particularly critical sounding, though her expression was approving. The corners of her mouth twitched upwards as she took notice of the patterns being presented on Zane's clothing. [color=blue]"Not too confident you will impress me, Zane?"[/color] Zane gave a wry grin at her calling him out on his defences. [color=green]"It pays to be prepared, milady."[/color] he replied, [color=green]"After all, many of my fellow students can attest to the pain of displeasing a goddess such as yourself."[/color] In theory, he could survive getting hit by her physical attacks if he boosted his durability, the trouble was that he'd run out of mana before her stamina ran out. It was a sad thing to admit that he'd finish before the woman, but honestly what do you expect when facing a dragon? Xinhua laughed and presented her hand to the enchanter. [color=blue]"Keep that tongue silver, and perhaps you may yet strike gold."[/color] Though she didn't think that he would earn her ire by that degree, it was telling of his personality that he would so brazenly show his preparations for her wrath. [color=green]"Well then milady, shall this silver tongued rogue show you to where we shall be having our evening meal?"[/color] Zane joked, extended his hand for her to take it to make leading easier. The priestess took his hand. "Lead the way then." Zane led her through the halls, offering a few amusing anecdotes of some of his less risque escapades that had occurred in some of the classes, sprinkled in with some questions about her. After about five minutes of small talk, they reached the classroom turned longhouse. [color=green]"I figured you've probably eaten the best china has to offer, so I decides on something a bit more traditional and western."[/color] he explained, moving over to the firepit and spearing the meat, [color=green]"I come from a line of blacksmiths who follow the old ways, from before the bloody prick Jehova became 'God'."[/color] He turned the spit, adding various spices, [color=green]"Anyway as it's currently Ostara, I figured we could pay homage to the gods of fertility with a feast."[/color] [i]"So far so good,"[/i] thought Xinhua. Still, flair like this was nothing she had not seen so far, though admittedly the flavor of it was new. Xinhua also found herself a mite entertained by his recollections, brief though they were. He was as much a jester as she thought he was. [color=blue]"Quite nice,"[/color] she remarked. [color=blue]"Though I do hope that was not an attempt at a pick up line - a man paying homage to a god of fertility with a woman present, why, it does imply certain things."[/color] There was no heat in her voice, and her mood was clearly at ease. [color=green]"Yeah, I wouldn't annoy them by implying that. People forget that Kronos was a god of farming."[/color] Zane replied, giving a smirk, [color=green]"Anyway, it's a relatively simple ritual, we offer a portion of our feast to the gods as tribute. Back in the day it'd be for a bountiful yield in the Autumn. Are there similar traditions where you live?"[/color] Honestly it was nice to talk about the old ways with someone other than Viola. While the diminutive summoner was a wealth of information on the old rituals, her disdain for gods, and humans, made it a bit of an awkward conversation. She frowned, her voice not quite lowering, but lacking its forceful quality. [color=blue]"Though it saddens me to say, we have no such traditions, where I had lived."[/color] There was the barest hint of melancholy in her voice, but the Dragon Priestess was much too disciplined to let such an emotion dwell, and her lips soon quirked up into a smile once more. [color=blue]"But let me hear of your home. What traditions do you observe?"[/color] Zane thought for a moment, before beginning. [color=green]"Well, there is obviously the Midsummer and Midwinter feasts, celebrating the solstice. Then theres Samhain which is much more interesting. It's the day when the living and dead are closest, so we set the table for family members who have passed on and dine in the dark."[/color] He suppressed a small chortle at a memory, [color=green]"My Master managed to stab himself when he attended the first time. We also put a horseshoe over our door every full moon, as that is when the fae are free to roam. They cannot enter a dwelling girded with iron."[/color] He stopped to add some vegetables to a soup broth. [color=green]"So what about you. You must have some interesting traditions coming from a land unchained from the monotheistic hypocrites?"[/color] Giving a rueful shake of her head, Xinhua's tone turned disdainful. [color=blue]"Traditions, where I come from, are all but gone. Would you believe I was not raised in the magical world?"[/color] Not a fact that she shared frequently, but not many people bothered asking, really. It was not a fact that she was ashamed of - it merely was what it was. [color=blue]"Most traditions that I have come to learn where late in life, away from my birthplace."[/color] [color=green]"I'm sorry."[/color] Zane spoke, his voice leaden with emotion. For one like him who delighted in magic, being raised without knowledge of their world was torture. Deciding to push away from the topic, he figured she could use a good laugh. [color=green]"Hey, did you know Thor once had to dress up as a woman because a giant stole his hammer? No joke, the god had to trick them into thinking he was Freya. Not sure whether it says more about his masculinity or the giants stupidity that it worked."[/color] She had to admit, she was rather shocked with how affected Zane seemed to be about that small bit of her past; she'd have thought it more acting on his part, but he felt genuine, here. She saw his attempt to lighten the mood, and she took it, more for his sake than her own. [color=blue]"Or perhaps, it might say something about Freyas' femininity, that it worked?"[/color] Xinhua was not one to slander gods, out of respect - but these were not [i]her[/i] gods, and they were not here, at the moment. [color=green]"I'm just going to step away from you in case of sudden smiting."[/color] Zane laughed, only half jokingly. Goddesses tended to be a smidge more vengeful than gods. Just look at Hera. [color=green]"Hmm... the meat seems to be cooked mostly through, so want to grab a plate?[/color] As he said that he lifted off the skewer and with practiced ease began slicing up the meat into strips. Smells of beef, pork, and venison wafted out as he separated it into strips. He placed it on the table next to bread and some salad. [color=green]"Sorry about the lack of potatoes or rice, they didn't come into Europe until Christianity turned this into Easter."[/color] Chuckling, she turned her attention to the food, as requested. [color=blue]"While the lack of rice is displeasing, it will be good change of pace for me,"[/color] she said. [color=blue]"If we do this again, perhaps I can show you cuisine from my homeland in turn?"[/color] Stepping up to the food, her head tilted for a moment, before turning to Zane with a quizzical expression on her face. [color=blue]"So how does one eat this?"[/color] [color=green]"Well, classically one ate with their hands and a knife. But that is far too barbaric so we shall make do with a more modern invention."[/color] Zane hands her a fork. [color=green]"Not quite as sophisticated as chopsticks, but eh, it's what we use in the west."[/color] He gave a cheeky grin at the lady, knowing full well she knew what a fork was. Xinhua did not snort, definitely not. [color=blue]"One day you western barbarians will learn. For now, I will have to debase myself to such simple tools."[/color] Taking the fork from his hand, Xinhua went through her meal. The food on her plate disappeared quickly, but the woman kept her same poise and grace, even as the food was practically vacuumed into her mouth. [color=blue]"Hmm, acceptable. May I have another?"[/color] [color=green]"Of course, milady."[/color] Zane replied with an exaggerated bow, [color=green]"Clearly battle is not the only thing you have an appetite for."[/color] And so it progressed, with Zane continuing to cook portions and Xinhua devouring them with both speed and finesse. Truly it was a wonder that someone could eat that fast while not a drop of food made it onto her clothing or the table. Xinhua, for her part, seemed to have no issue with the food presented before her. It was only when she felt eating anymore would be base gluttony on her part that she stopped. [color=blue]"My compliments to the chef,"[/color] she said, giving an approving nod. [color=blue]"I must say, for someone that first struck me as a mischievous jester, you have proven surprisingly gentlemanly."[/color] In fact, while perhaps not the most eventful - or even exciting - date she's had, it was by far the most relaxing. Perhaps it was because Zane acted like he had nothing to prove to her, which in itself was a surprise. [color=green]"The Fool can play many roles, it's why it is both the first and last of the Greater Arcana."[/color] Zane laughed, before leaning in and whispering conspititirially, [color=green]"Though it is probably down to the fact my father would kill me if he found out I didn't treat the women I go on dates with right. My mother would probably do worse."[/color] He shuddered slightly at that though. Whichever idiot claimed druids were peace loving had never met a real gaelic druid. Xinhua's eyes lit up at the mention of his family. [color=blue]"Do tell?"[/color] she asked, urging him to continue. [color=green]"Well, my mother hails from Ireland's druid enclaves. Druids are actually similar to you in the fact they are both magi and priests, channelling the powers of their gods for magic. My mother's patron was Lugh, the god of the sun. Let's just say she is a very proud Destruction Aeon and move on."[/color] [color=blue]"And what of your father?"[/color] [color=green]"An enchanter. Not one of those pansy ones who just take a made item and shove a few spells on them. He weaves magic into the item as it is forged."[/color] [color=blue]"You have a high opinion of your parents,"[/color] she noted. [color=blue]"They must have taught you much."[/color] [color=green]"They taught me the wonders of magic."[/color] Zane smiled fondly, [color=green]"How about you, anything interesting about your parents?"[/color] She shook her head with a laugh. [color=blue]"Nothing interesting, not even mundanely. My parents were, what was the term used now? 'Muggles'? And not very impressive ones, at that. Less than impressive, actually - they were scum."[/color] Her words were cutting, but her tone was casual, as though this was an old topic that no longer concerned her. Her eyes did not say differently - they were as undisturbed as ever. [color=blue]"You are blessed Zane, never forget that."[/color] Zane didn't know how to respond to that. Pity wasn't something she would need nor want, her pride would make that hurt her. Instead, he merely gave his cheeky grin. [color=green]"Of course I must be blessed, to be on a date with such an angel."[/color] Xinhua snorted. [color=blue]"I am unsuited to such flattery. If you must compliment me, simply call me by what I am - a Dragon, most noble and powerful."[/color] Without lacking in bravado, the Priestess stood up, a hand over her chest as sparks flew in her eyes - literally. Grinning, she continued: [color=blue]"With that being said, you have exceeded my expectations Zane. Tonight was more relaxing than expected,"[/color] a mischievous glint shone in her eyes, [color=blue]"however, it would be a shame to end our date and waste all the effort you spent on your wardrobe, now would it not?[/color] Zane responded to that glint with a twinkle. [color=green]"Oh, my dear dragon? What do you have in mind?"[/color] [color=blue]"Tell me, have you heard of the legend of Sun Wukong?"[/color] [color=green]"We aren't going to steal magic peaches are we?"[/color] Letting out a delighted laugh, Xinhua shook her head. The atmosphere suddenly darkened, and the sound of rumbling could be heard overhead. [color=blue]"Oh no, but how do you feel about riding a storm cloud?"[/color] [color=green]"Sounds like a fun time."[/color] Zane laughed, [color=green]"Thought I thought I was supposed to get you wet, not the other way around."[/color] [color=blue]"You have yet to climb a waterfall high enough to manage that feat, jester,"[/color] she said with a roll of her eyes. [color=blue]"But, if you want to make an effort, perhaps you can start now?"[/color] She approached a window and thrust it open. Outside, it looked a storm was gathering as dark rumbled overhead - however, it seemed this storm was localized entirely above the building they were staying in. [color=green]"Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus indeed..."[/color] Zane said, silently vowing to not get on her badside. With a smirk, Nulong hopped out of the window, only to be struck by a bolt of lightning. Rather than being burnt to a crisp, the womans' form cackled with energy coursing through her veins, and a mist formed underneath her, eventually forming into a dark grey cloud. She sat on top of the cloud, which was lighting up every few seconds as flashes of lightning bounced around inside of it. Grinning, Xinhua extended her hand out to Zane. Zane grabbed her hand, feeling like they were about to rip off the scene from Aladdin. Though if she tried to get him to sing he'd take his chances with gravity. It wasn't that he was against singing in general, but musicals irked him somewhat fiercely. Once Zane was on the cloud, the first thing he would probably notice was that it was as if he were on top of a particularly soft couch - the second was that his runes would be working into overdrive to keep him from being electrocuted. [color=blue]"How is it?" [/color]she asked, a corner of her lips tugging upwards with mild amusement. [color=green]"Enlightning."[/color] Zane joked, his teeth chattering slightly at the electricity passing through him, [color=green]"Maybe you could open a taxi ride for drunk students."[/color] Laughing, she looked upwards then back at Zane. [color=blue]"Do you think you can handle more?"[/color] [color=green]"Well far be it for a gentleman to bow out before the lady is satisfied."[/color] [color=blue]"You may regret your words jester!"[/color] With a jovial, wild cry, the cloud shot upwards at a frightening speed, joining the large clump of darkness above. There, the lightning was as a trees to a forest - the night sky lit up with a rumble of thunder and lightning. Meanwhile, Xinhua and Zane bolted through that same sky at the same breakneck speed, with the priestess clearly enjoying the thrill, despite (or perhaps because of) errant bolts of lightning striking her majestic figure. The two had ridden for roughly five minutes, before Xinhua felt it was time to return. After their trek through lightning covered skies, the cloud circled back towards the classroom they had occupied. Xinhua hopped off their ride, clearly exhilarated and with a smile from ear to ear, without so much as a hair out of place. [color=blue]"Thank you, Zane. Tonight was a good night."[/color] [color=green]"Any time, my dear dragoness. If you ever need to forget the drudgery of the world give me a call. For now, I have counter-revenge to plan, adieu!"[/color] Zane said, ninja vanishing in a small explosion. Xinhua chuckled. [color=blue]"Very well jester,"[/color] she said as he left. [color=blue]"Until next time."[/color] A good night indeed.