A Titulary King [Iris/Open]

[Akito]

Alexis was determined. This was not the shallow ambition of an avaricious conqueror or the innate goal to breed men inherently feel. It was real, naked and completely innocent want.

Alexis would get himself a hot summer romance.

He could imagine it now; walking along the beach during sunset while holding hands, enjoying a picnic together under the shade of a tree and carving each others names on the trunk. Alexis sighed, how romantic, he thought, grasping the book appropriately titled "How to find a hot, summer romance for dummies,". While the novel was not quite as profound as the miles of ancient scripture on the old Magics Alexis had read libraries of long ago, it was...interesting in its own right. Needless to say it made an impression on the ageless sorcerer to which he concluded he would put his new found knowledge to practical use. One did not waste good knowledge, that had always been his motto.

Step One; women are quick to judge. A good first impression will go far.

Heeding the advice, Alexis had ensured he looked sharp. He had picked up a magazine on men's fashion and mimicked it accurately. His blue hair was pulled back with hair products, though fringes covered his forehead and sunglasses were donned in place of his normal pair of sepcs. He wore a loosely unbuttoned crimson shirt under a pitch black tuxedo; all neatly ironed. Around his neck were many a golden trinket or 'bling' as he was told they were called. Perhaps in another situation this manner of dress would be acceptable...but this was the middle of the day, a hot, summer day. Needless to say despite his manner of dress, he still carried with him his customary suitcase.

Ask Alexis to translate text in the Lost Tongue and he could do so in an instant, but when it came to common sense; his knowledge was limited. Thousands of years had not changed that; but he was trying.

Step Two; choose your targets well. A woman looking for a good time will always make herself obvious.

Unsure how to determine this, Alexis settled with the first woman he saw walking down the street. Tapping the lady on the shoulder, he regurgitated the lines he had learnt, "Yo, cutie, I know you want some," Alexis had assumed this 'some' must mean the period of time in which they would whisper sweet nothings in each other's ears. Or perhaps it referred to the grove of apples Alexis held in his suitcase? In any case, he had done everything perfectly; what could possibly go wrong?

[Iris|Kairi]

Not that Alexis hadn't stuck out like a sore thumb on his own, but perhaps, luckily for him, the girl he had tapped on the shoulder somehow hadn't noticed him despite the rest of the town buzzing with comments about him and his...unusual appearance. No, the nomadic girl, feeling the effects of being by herself for so long as well as the heart of this world, had been seemingly walking along with a purpose. Though she didn't need actual food to sustain herself, in moments such as these she liked to distract herself with some delicacies. Tastes amazed her, and she didn't have to worry about fat because her body quickly turned anything she possibly ate into raw energy.

Anyway, Iris couldn't have been more thrilled when she felt the tap on her shoulder...well, until she heard his words. Cutie was perfectly acceptable and rather flattering...but...the rest? The blond rotated slowly, her eyes both wide and heightened with that female instinct for insulting things. "I know you want some" was like a bullet through her pride and soul.

"That isn't something you should say to girls you don't know, sir..It isn't very nice." she chided him in her gentle, level voice. Her eyes rose to his hidden ones. It was then that his appearance struck her. The scolding look immediately left her soft features, leaving her similar to a deer in headlights, even as her teal eyes moved slowly down his form. She took it all in.

He...he looked completely ridiculous!

A slender pale brow puckered, but she managed to avoid giggles for now. Iris wasn't the authority on fashion or the workings of boys, but she had managed to pick up knowledge along her travels from world to world looking for her people. Te red shirt? Okay. The Tux? It looked good...but this wasn't the situation for one that she knew of. The jewelry was overkill... but maybe there had been some sort of event here. Surely no one dressed like this normally..

The star child did get a handle on herself, suppressing her thoughts, any pre-judgements and the rudeness that wanted her to laugh. It wasn't nice. Iris's eyes softened and she smiled at Alexis. "Can I help you?" she asked at last, wishing she could see his eyes. A lot could be told by a person's eyes.

[meiser]

Ah...What a hot day, good thing Meiser didn't care for the weather, because he was already sizzling hot, so he thought. Walking as he span his pistol in his right hand, he looked to the citizens around him. They were a bit...Different, instead of staring at him like he was some kind of freak, they all smiled to him...What kind of heck was he in? He smiled back, and waved with his left hand as he whispered to himself while smiling.

"These people are freaks."

As he passed by the majority of people, he came to the two characters conversing. He looked to the back of Iris, she had a nice shape and form...Meiser scanned her without shame, he never did have room for such a useless emotion. Approaching them, he looked over to the man, looking to the tuxedo, the jewlery, fake smile, and glasses...And began to laugh. This was no ordinary laugh, he crawled onto his knees, slamming his fists into the floor, laying on his back and cackling like a mad man. Standing, he laughed a couple more times, trying to look seriously at the man, but even he couldn't stop laughing as he spoke in large breathes.

"AHAHAHAHA, Oh gods...You look like a clown from the 1600s! Oh, this is good. AHAHAHAHAHA, Oh jeeze, alright, alright...I'm cool."

(Who made this guy? Seriously, you either need to lay off the pizza at midnight or get some help. I mean, I'm sexy as hell, c'mon now.)

Looking over to Iris, his eyes met hers as he nudged at Alexi's shoulder, replying.

"This is how it's done."

Clearing his throat, now standing in front of Iris, he leaned his elbow over onto the wall. Smirking and giving her a wink with his right eye.

"Hey sweet-cheeks, mind going with me on a stroll around the city? We could go to the beach, watch a movie, or dinner. What ya say?"

[Akito]

(Busy week. I blame work and leprechauns)

Alexis was baffled, this reaction of hers was not in the book. She was meant to either a) slap him and stride off or b) fall into his arms. Certainly the latter would've been preferential. What had he done wrong? What wasn't very nice? Alexis did not comprehend; he who had, in the span of a week, learnt the intricacies of necessary preparation when committing a summoning ritual did not understand why this girl had not fallen for his quite obvious charm. Perhaps he needed to rethink his strategy.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes, please, if you wouldn't mind," Alexis agreed casually, the slightest hint of embarrassment a foreign object to him. "It would be pleasant to know how to appropriately woo a woman on this wor-" His question was interrupted by a rather loud roar of laughter.

A man approached with an air of confidence Alexis found quite admirable for someone so young. When the man offered to show Alexis how the deed was really done, why, the sorcerer king was thrilled! Watching a master at work would no doubt be highly beneficial to him. What a generous man to be doing this, Alexis nodded and smiled, thanking the man; surely he would succeed where Alexis failed.

[Iris|Kairi]

Iris was having various reactions at once. Things were happening fast, and really she wasn't sure what to do or how to feel about either of the men before her. Both seemed rather weird to her. One was a jumble of...fashion and the other was in a mask! This place was getting kinda intimidating for the star child, though she was grateful for people to interact with. She wasn't used, nor did she like being alone.

But..the masked man wasn't very nice either! Making fun of the other..when they were just as oddly dressed as each other! Her head tilted to the side, her teal eyes flickering between the two.

Oh, great! Now this guy was hitting on her...more successfully than the other but still..it wasn't her taste really. She blushed, smiling shyly at him, though she seemed a little uneasy.

"...Sweet cheeks?" she asked, shaking her head. These boys didn't even know her name yet... Call her old fashioned, but that seemed to fast for her.

Setting the comments she didn't like aside, she grinned. "Is there a beach on this world? I had no idea!" she giggled brightly, then an idea seemed to strike her. Her whole face lit up and she looked between them. "Hey! We should all go on a stroll. That sounds nice." Iris nodded at them both, eyes hopeful.

[meiser]

Meiser smirked as the girl put on a shy smile, she wasn't the type to go so fast it seemed. He shrugged to her comment about the beach, he really had no idea either.

"Eh, there probably isn't. It was just one of those options there were there y'know?"

His eyes met with her teal orbs, smiling beneath his mask at her proposal and nodded, a stroll sounded good about now. Besides, this meant he could teach this guy how to get girls and not read the ridiculous book he was staring at.

"Sure, stroll sounds fine to me. I can teach this guy a trick or two while we walk around too."

He nudged the man again, on the elbow with a wink. This woman was indeed beautiful, and she did seem very kind, so perhaps he could trust her. Though his trust wears thin on many people, there was something about this girl he could not put his finger on. He moved to the side, bowing as he waved his hands slowly in the direction they were going.

"Ladies first."

Though Meiser was the psychotic man he is now, he never lost his touch with women.

[Akito]

Alexis would mindlessly follow the pair wherever they led. Perhaps he needed reminding blankly following strangers was a sure way to get kidnapped or worse, once he had never gone anywhere without a royal procession. But those were different times and he was a different man then; a better man. In perspective, perhaps it was this girl that needed a lesson in 'stranger danger'. She invited two men whom she had yet to even share names with for a stroll. On a beach that, while was not deserted, it would not be hard to find an isolated area. Imagine the things they could do to her, Alexis wondered, why they could....have her sign a petition or listen to a lecture on the relation between physiology and arcane enchantments. How naive the girl was; Alexis would never be caught so unaware, oh no. However, being the civil society contributing person that he was (A behavior that regularly changed from world to world; once, he had contributed to a society of head hunters by drawing faces on head-shaped fruits), Alexis chose to introduce himself and thus take the step beyond stranger; to acquaintance, which was a stranger who had the tact to make you lower your guard.

"Alexis Fon Sariah," Alexis blurted out without rhyme or rhythm, context nor request, right in the middle of the other man's and the girl's conversation. It was rude to interrupt another person's conversation, yes, but Alexis wanted to feel included.

Eventually, feeling the heat bearing down on him, Alexis quite casually removed his jacket and allowed it to fall carelessly to the grand. Despite the fact the jacket had cost the same as a small house, Alexis gave it not another thought as he passed it by. He also let fall the gold chains around his neck, finding them uncomfortably weighty; there went the price of a cruise ship.

"Ladies first."

Ah, ladies first. An illogical courtesy Alexis had once been forced to partake. It was unreasonable, the other man was clearly closer to the beach and thus it would've been far more effective had he been the first to start walking as opposed to waiting for the girl. Alas, Alexis always found it better not to challenge the nature of a woman that wanted both chivalry and equality.

[Iris|Kairi]

Iris blinked and turned to look at her other companion, who was now shedding some of the more ridiculous articles. They looked expensive, but she really had no judgment to tell. Nomadic people didn't have much, and what they did have was cheap, or they didn't need anything else and didn't know how much things usual cost without extensive research..

Oh, that was his name.

"Wow, that's a nice name." she smiled at him, immediately losing track of her previous conversation due to the "prettiness" of it. She rolled it around in her head a few times, enjoying the ring to it before she offered her own, along with a slender hand to politely shake his. "Iris Aeronite. Nice to meet you..may I call you Alexis?" she asked with head tilted, though the soft smile was still in place.

As for the polite ladies first, she chuckled. "Thank you, but I can't be first if we're all strolling together. We're all first."

Ah, Iris was such a simple, care-free, happy soul. Truly a bright and shining star, to be exceedingly cheesy. Though it was kinda true..

[meiser]

Meiser arched a brow, turning to look at the man that randomly stated his name. He nodded to the strange individual, waving a hand to him. Gazing back to Iris, she wanted to be a smart one eh? He always had to get the ones with a mouth, snickering he nodded once again. Beginning to stroll along the street, his walk was very entertaining for it always had to be in some kind of rhythm.

"Meiser, nice to meet both of yah. So tell me, Iris. What brings you to London? We have perverted men, lots of crime, many idiots who think they are better than everyone else. But we got an awesome clock tower!"

He cackled to his joke, sure it was a lovely place, but him of all people would know to bring out the dark things in places. He actually wondered where they were headed, he never was one to have a good sense of direction. Either a device of his lead the way, or he didn't go at all. 'Hunches were for squares' he merely stated as an opinion.

"Where you both from? And where are you going after staying in this god-forsaken broken down town?"

[Akito]

"Iris Aeronite. Nice to meet you..may I call you Alexis?"

"Only if I might call you Iris," Alexis gave a curt bow; taking a step back, sweeping her hand in his and lowering his head to plant but a brief, courteous peck. It was an almost unconscious reaction. When one had been born a commoner and had to quickly learn to mingle with nobility; one learned it well or risk embarrassment. Though he had found issues with this behaviour before; different realms considered different things courteous and not. Once, he had kissed the hand of a woman and her lifemate swore he would be Alexis' eternal enemy. It was a shame, really, he was such a nice man; Alexis would have preferred not to have...gutted him like a swine. Oh well. These things happen.

Following Alexis' and Iris' example, the other man introduced himself as Meiser soon after. A name not any less peculiar than the girl's. Though, that aside...

"We are not in London, sir Meiser," Alexis stated matter-of-factly, without hesitation nor harsh words. "This is Traverse Town," An easy mistake to make, both towns were strikingly similar.

When asked of his origin, Alexis answered naturally, "Around," Though this was said with not his usual, casual and friendly tone. Rather, there was a subtle hint of malice, of foreboding terror; warning any who might press the matter to quit before it's too late. All men have things they prefer to keep to themselves alone.

Quite suddenly, Alexis realized he had yet to release ris' hand; or perhaps he had long realized and feigned innocence now? Whatever the case, Alexis promptly released her hand and instead offered her his arm. He was not sure how women are supposedly treated in this world (From what he had read, it was very different). However, how he had been taught was one offered a lady, be they peasant or Baroness, their arm to hook into so that you might escort them on their travels; no matter if the distance is leagues or paces away. With the same kind of soft smile she had given him, Alexis flashed her one in return.

[Shinn]

As the trio continued their walk along the streets of Traverse Towns Second District they would eventually see a booth with a person in a purple cloak pulling out some strange cards and laying them face down across the table. His face was hidden and all that could be seen were his big blue eyes. He heard the three coming his way and saw this as an opportunity to attract some new customers.

"Come one come all! I, the great Lucius Fortune Teller Extraordinaire have traveled long and far to this world to reveal the secrets of the universe. Ask me what tomorrows weather will be and it shall be done! Want to know how business will be in the next year? I can tell you this and much much more. Want to see how your love life is and who is destined to be your one and only? The cards know it all, I am simply the vessel that speaks for the cards."

He looked over at Iris and pointed straight at her. Compared to the other three he felt she would more likely be a better person to try this out on first.

"You there pretty lady, how would you like to know your future? I can already sense something very good would you like to know?"
He grabbed the cards from the table and began to shuffle them around. Once he finished he placed three of them face down on the table and looked back at her.

"For someone as lovely as yourself there is no charge today."

[Iris|Kairi]

Iris's eyes widened slightly as she stared at Alexis. She was starry eyed, to be cliche. Oh...charmed. Oh dear, she'd really been charmed. A light blush rushed to her cheeks. She'd never had come into contact with a man that treated a lady like this...and she decided immediately that she preferred it. Sure, he had been pretty weird upon first meeting, but now he seemed perfectly sweet. "You...you may call me Iris, yes..." she replied in a distant voice before looking away shyly, but not without a small smile. If only he'd acted like this from the start!

"I...I'm-I'm from...Around..as well. Well, I'm originally from everywhere, I guess. My people travel the universe continuously as nomads." she answered as she recovered from her rare bout of losing her cool, looking around for the clock tower Meiser mentioned. She didn't see anything..and maybe Alexis knew why. this wasn't London...so why did Meiser think it was? Oh well. Iris giggled softly to herself anyway.

As Alexis offered his arm to her, she gladly took it and continued the walk. The walk didn't last long. More compliments! Iris wasn't one to be suckered...but this Lucius did have a way of sparking the interest. She paused in front of him, looking to Alexis since she had his arm. "You can tell me my future...for free? How?" she asked, tilting her head bewilderedly. It sounded ridiculous...

[Shinn]

"Ah I'm glad you asked my dear. It's very simple really, I pull out three cards from my deck and place them on the table like so and all you have to do is touch one of the cards that you see fit. Your cosmic energy will choose your destiny and reveal it in the card."

Lucius grabbed the three cards that were placed on the table and began to move them around switching them to different spots. It wasn't any type of ritual really, he just wanted it to seem more interesting than it really was. Once he was done he waved his hand over the cards while making a humming sound then slammed his hand on the table. The three cards seemed to shine more brightly when he did that.

"So before we get started may I have your name?"

[meiser]

Meiser arched a brow, looking around the area for a Clock Tower...There were none! Scratching his head, he scratched at his chin till the mystery was solved. The world traveling worked, this place just looked a lot like London! He jumped around, shouting in praise and grinning wickedly. He stopped, looking to the master of cards with wonder, how can one tell the future of one other being?

The masked man jumped up beside the card dealer, a smug upon his lips.

"Can you really do this? C'mon, lemme see you do this with your eyes closed!"

The mercenary knew this had to be some kind of hoax, no man could determine his fate nor future. This was foolish, but he had to have the card dealer enlighten him. Jumping back with the group, he leaned over onto Alexis' shoulder. Eyes set on the cards, not keeping his gaze off of it to make sure he didn't cheat in any way. Meiser was always one to crack mysteries or hunches of his, plus he was great at the guessing game! He would let this man know how much better he was!

[Akito]

Ho, she responded well to his gesture. For one, she hadn't spat in his face or drew a sword on him as others had before; which was always a good sign. Their cultures must coincide; but now it was clear this Iris girl was not from around these part. It made sense why Alexis' previous by the book appeal had no predictable effect on her now. A nomadic people who traveled the Universe? At this, Alexis raised an eyebrow. He had once met a tribe of people who survived on the power of stars, their tribe dating back to before even his era. They were a lovely people, a little perky perchance, but good natured. The shadows had played havoc with their lives as they did many others, apparently. It was good to know there were still some of those Sons and Daughters of the Stars running about.

When they chanced upon a most gracious entertainer, Alexis was overcome with delight; an almost childlike sense of glee brightening up his face. An entertainer! Though not quite like the court jesters he had once indulged, no. The man spoke of destiny, of cosmic energy, and Alexis had to stifle a smirk. Cosmic Energy? Destiny? Hah. However well a destiny may be written, or however likely it seems to be; it is never absolute. These are the hands, one's own hands, that tear out destiny's throat and step over it's corpse to follow one's own path. But, Alexis would humor the entertainer; after all, it was but a sidelong triviality for women and children.

A weight bore down on Alexis' shoulder as Meiser leaned on him. Meiser seemed intent on proving the hoax false, for whatever reason. Alexis himself was merely content with observing a master sleight of hand; after all, though knowledge is valuable, there is oft greater satisfaction to be had with mystery. "Please, continue,"