jesterlies | OPEN POST 2 ELECTRIC BOOGALOO

[ Somehow Mavericks room is exactly as he imagined. Not that he thought of Mavericks room or anything. He glances up and smiles to the sky above them, then glances around slowly. Books, of course. Trinkets. A lovely telescope that Percy is itching to peer into, and he goes over to it to peer into the eyepiece, making a delighted noise to the sight. Of course the students were allowed to use their own during lessons but Mavericks is so higher of a quality. And it's always so nice to see so powerfully.

He's polite, at least, and doesn't peer towards Mavericks bedroom. But he will laugh to Mavericks grumping, lifting his eyes from the telescope with a little grin. ]

Oh, Seamus, that's your own fault. You know you mustn't leave words up to interpretation.

[ Then he double takes, because while the shirt hides his friends form... those pants do not. As Maverick ushers Bladimir out, Percy pulls away from the telescope properly to go over to him.

And with a healers hands he grips the shirt and pulls it tightly backwards against Maverick, forcing the fabric to stop billowing and cling instead. He promptly makes a distressed noise. ]

Seamus! You're skin and bones! What is this, are you not eating well? Do you feel ill?

[ Much like he would manhandle soldiers who are trying to hide wounds from him, Percy begins to try and pull at the collar of the shirt, peering downwards. He's beginning to make the noises one might associate with a distressed sheep. ]

There is no meat on you at all, my friend!! Dinner, at once!

[He's happy to let Percy look around while he fusses over Bladimir. Once he's gone, he only has a second to process his movements before Percy is promptly manhandling him. He makes a strangled noise in surprise to have his shirt suddenly pulled like that.]

[And it's true, he is rather bony, even for a mage. He sputters a few times,]

Percy-! No, I'm just fine, I'm not ill, please do let me-

[And then he's pulling at his shirt to look down, and of course, other than being able to count his ribs, Percy will also see that particular scar he has on his chest. A nasty thing that screams of having some kind of spear rammed through his chest, since Percy would have seen such wounds on the field.]

Percy.

[ The scar stops him dead, as well as the sound of Mavericks voice at the end. He silently studies the mark. He's very well aware of what it looks like. Something's gone through him. A sword. A lance.

It would have killed him. It should have killed him.

The feverish flash of a memory of Maverick pinned underneath something heavy. His screams.

He closes his eyes and unfists his fingers from Mavericks shirt, sighing heavily. Then he opens them to give him an apologetic smile, his fingers fluffing the shirt up a bit again to hide his figure. ]

I'm sorry, my friend. That was uncouth of me. Of course I was expecting you to be skinny, but the reality seemed worrisome. Are you certain you're all right?

Edited 2025-12-27 01:49 (UTC)

[After a moment, once Maverick is able to compose himself, his posture straightens out and he sighs a little, quietly though his nose. He shakes his head and reaches up to pull the strings on the front of his shirt a little tighter.]

...That's all right. I understand that you were concerned. I suppose on anyone else, my stature would be worrisome. I hadn't thought about it in some time.

[He steps away for a moment to open a cabinet near his desk and fishes out a bottle of wine and a few glasses. he will motion for Percy to have a seat at the small dining table set for two.]

This body of mine, it will not succumb to anything as a result its state. Come now, you know me to be thousands of years old, do you not? Do you think I would take such poor care of myself?

Mm, why doesn't that surprise me in the least.

[ As much as many things about his friend are still a mystery, that he fully intends to pry out of him over time, he knows the mans... almost seeming inability to focus on himself at times. Oh, he's haughty. He does himself up to look grand and pompous, because he quite is. At least pompous.

But he also knows the man who will spend hours debating a young eager eyed boy, pouring through old books and newly acquired ones, heatedly discussing newer applications of older ideas until one of them is face down in a book, snoring away. More often than not Percy, but in those moments had he ever seen Maverick eat? Sip at something?

He takes a seat with a little sigh, folding one leg over the others knee to get comfortable, looking amused. ]

My friend, so many stories about you drift from student to student, do you truly believe me to know which of them is real? Are you truly thousands of years old in body, or do you simply spirit jump from body to body and alter it to look as you need? Are you a Vampire or a perfected Homunculus. Ideal to a human in every way, but smaller.

[ He falls silent after his tease, setting his folded hands together on the table, leaning over them, towards his friend. ]

I have seen you while away hours with me until we were both stiff from our seated positions, and have heard your joints make truly ghastly noises as you stretched. Do I think you would take poor care of yourself? Oh yes.

Hm.

[He pours them both a glass and sets the bottle down carefully. He picks it up and then offers it to him in a gentle toast.]

[But of course then punctuates Percy's words by sipping the wine very casually. Here he is drinking Percy, he has ruined the mystery. Anyway he does remarkably not twitching at the part about his height and he leans his cheek into his fist as he props himself up a bit to look over at Percy.]

I need to start coming up with more interesting stories, I think I've heard all of those already.

[It almost seems like he's not going to comment on the rest before he hums and looks off to one of the windows a moment.]

I suppose you and Lily would be in agreement. Ah, but that does remind me, were you not the one most invested in learning my secrets while in school? I feel as though I heard about your little theory board. Tell me, did you ever come up with a proper guess?

[ He takes the offered glass gently, raising it a little in return to the gentle toast, before taking a sip himself. Oh, it's rich. Definitely a wine to nurse slowly over time. And hm... Maverick IS drinking the wine. Surely he can't be a Vampire then, as Percy tastes no iron in the wine that would suggest it's blood. Unless it's covered in magic. Hm hm hm.

He snorts gently, setting his glass down after another sip, smiling over at his friend. It's a small intimately set table, which is a little surprising to be honest, but it means he can lean in close and conspiratorially.

Which he doesn't want to do right then when Maverick hits him with knowing about his board. He leans back instead, affronted and sputtering once more, his cheeks and ears cherry red. ]

I had no such thing!

[ He's a horrible liar even then, and he huffs and puffs heavily as he picks up his glass again to sip, scowling off to the side. His voice is pouty as he admits: ]

I had settled on possibly Minor Deity. Mayhap not a Saint but perhaps something close. Or a Minor Demon. I was never truly sure on which side you'd lay.

[ He smiles against the rim of his glass, using it to hide himself a bit as he slides his eyes back to Maverick. ]

I also thought perhaps Púca.

[He is drinking the wine! And not just pretending, either, he polishes off about half the glass before setting it back down again. Realizing that he's gotten him pegged though, gets a laugh out of him.]

[Of course he knew about the board, he maybe didn't see into his dorms, but he did hear him mutter about it constantly through the halls. Also, most everyone had some kind of theory notes about him, he is the Tower's biggest, most interesting mystery after all.]

Oh? Fascinating. Why not a full Saint? Or Demon, I suppose. Do I not embody such otherworldliness?

[Though his expression drops and he sighs. Puca. He picks his glass up again to swirl it.]

Yes, well, that is at least an imaginative guess! I suppose shapeshifter is not a poor description of some of my abilities.

[Ah, there's a knock at the door, that must be dinner. He will get up to fetch it. Coming back is of course, nothing especially grandoise. It's still the same food they eat from the Hall for meal time, just made a little fresher. There are two plates and also, curiously, another glass for Maverick. A deep, rich red wine, though it seems rather thick.]

Hm? Are you saying I should consider you a full God, then? Something with immense, world shifting powers?

[ His tone is teasing but his eyes are on Maverick with a sharp scrutiny that Maverick has seen plenty of times. When Percy has begun to truly dig into something. Maverick gave him a bone, and he will gnaw on it until it shatters under his teeth.

The disdain for Puca makes him laugh, delighted. ]

Oh, come now, do you not embody the spirit of an imp who may be good or naughty depending on it's fickle mood?

[ He settles back, sipping his wine, as dinner is brought in and though it may be simple fare, the same sort he'd always get in the Tower before, his eyes land on it like it's a feast.

War meals aren't exactly glamorous, after all.

The other glass gets Percy studying it, thoughtful. He watches the way the liquid moves, notes the color. Too thick for wine, not thick enough for blood. Blood would coagulate too.

Unless... he studies his glass and Mavericks newest, thoughtful. His voice sweet, curious.

His eyes the same sharp look. ]

Oh? Was the wine you were sharing with me not enough?

Of course you should. Have I not shown such, in my ability to pass down knowledge to the world? Is this tower not a testament to my own divine purpose? Am I not beholden to the outreaching hands of those wishing to learn?

[Of course he says it like he doesn't believe his own words. A bone, sure, but Maverick is spinning it like one of his great tales. It's too on the nose, clearly.]

Mm, sometimes you say things like that and I am not sure if you're being sincere with me, considering our history and my legacy. If a mere imp is the impression I have given, then I must have gone wrong somewhere!

[Of course he finishes off the first glass quickly so he only has one at the table. He picks it up with a smile.]

A treat from the kitchens, I would be rude to turn it down.

[He tips it into his mouth.]

Are you curious? Would you like to try?

Would I never NOT be sincere with you? You are my dearest friend, Seamus.

[ He puts his hand on his chest, over his heart, his smile soft. Headmaster or not, Maverick is the one that encouraged him the most. Took a simple, mostly blind shepherd boy, and encouraged him to run with his curiosity. Even amongst the other students, there is no one Percy trusts more, confides in more.

And of course, he's not one to turn down a learning experience, so he tilts his head. ]

Hmm, I am most curious. Would it be all right?

[ He stretches out his hand, as if to take the glass, but pauses only mid-way. Waiting for Maverick to offer it properly. As he does, he studies Maverick.

No, surely not. Vampires have more signs. More tells. They've studied them, after all, just as they've studied every other supernatural creature, including themselves.

Hm... but the older books... ]

I suppose out of respect for your history I've no choice but to trust your sincerity! It would be wretched for you to lead me astray, after all.

[Of course, he took pride in encouraging him. Even now he has nothing but pride for the man Percy has become, even as he torments him for a laugh. Which is why they're up here speaking like this in private, and why Maverick may finally, after all these years, give him a little hint about his nature.]

[He hands over the glass with a smile, and then leans on his hand once more as he tries it, eyes sharp.]

[Percy will certainly taste a few things. The immediate taste of iron, that's then overwhelmed by the burn of a fine red wine. The liquid is slightly warm, and it is thick in the mouth. Maverick won't be offended if he spits it back out, just maybe not into his glass.]

Well?

[ He doesn't spit it out immediately. Rather he rolls it around in his mouth, gaze thoughtful. Hm, the wine is there, but it's not enough to cover the blood. And Percy has had blood enough in his mouth to know the taste. The metallic coppery taste of the iron. Not entirely fresh, but combined expertly with the wine and other ingredients to keep it from losing it's potency.

He doesn't swallow though, knowing well enough blood in his system will make him ill. Instead he delicately picks up an empty cup that is meant for water and spits it out there. Then hands the glass back to Maverick.

Curiosity still burns hard in him, his eyes alight with it. ]

A distinct vintage indeed! You know, I wonder. They have recently discovered a state of blood called 'plasma'. It takes a bit of refining to separate it, but have you tried using it for wine instead of whole blood? It has saved a number of soldiers lives.

[ A Vampire! Or a creature that needs blood. There are not many that require it to feed, but there are quite a few that expend it to cast their magics. Is Maverick such a being? Ah... he needs his board... ]

[He takes the glass back and drinks quite a bit out of the glass before finally putting it down. And then of course, he begins cutting into his food like he intends to eat. Percy did nag him earlier.]

Yes, they're very kind to me in the kitchens.

[He pauses a little, listening to him explain plasma and then pops a carrot into his mouth to chew on thoughtfully.]

I've heard a little here and there about such a thing, though I admit that knowledge hasn't yet come to me in full. I worry that such refinement would alter the properties of blood too much for my needs.

Edited 2025-12-27 04:27 (UTC)

[ And not many creatures that need blood and then proceed to eat human food! Oh, his friend, what are you! An enigma indeed!

He hums thoughtfully and uses a little bit of wine to rinse his mouth out, then digs into his food as well. With gusto. It's just as he remembers it. Hearty and rich, filling while being simple. It's delicious and he sighs around a mouthful.

Home.

He hm's again, clearing his mouth from the potato and meat in it, sipping at the wine, thoughtful. ]

It's worth testing. It should not take much! Some of the older equipment repurposed and I know well the spells.

[ He studies his friend, then huffs and points his fork at him. ]

Allow me to be bold?

Hm, perhaps, if just because I am curious of the results.

[It's a nice quiet moment while they eat, and he gives Percy the opportunity to focus on the hot meal from a familiar place, rather than the hardtack and filthy water he might have dealt with out on the field.]

[When he speaks up again, Maverick glances up with a smile, eyes curious but his eyebrow raises.]

Only just now?

[Percy you have been bold by many peoples standards all night.]

[ That makes him laugh, covering his mouth so he doesn't accidentally spit out the piece of vegetable he was nibbling on. He hastily swallows - ugh, sweet delicious carrot - and grins at Maverick. ]

Well at least this time I'm asking permission! But I've decided I am missing far too much information about you to make an education deduction as to your mysterious self. So! Allow me to perform a physical exam? Oh yes, I could easily get your old records from the Infirmary, as a Teacher now of the Healing Arts I'm sure I'm entitled to them, but you're a crafty one and whose to say you have not fudged those since?

[ And while Maverick ponders this request, he will gleefully dip some meat into some gravy and then spear a potato and a carrot and shove the entire thing into his mouth. It looks quite like a hamster attempting to hoard. ]

[Oh, he shouldn't be surprised, really, but it does take him a little off guard to hear him ask so directly. He laughs a little, after a moment, setting his fork down.]

Well, you might be right about that, at least. I go in and trade the records out every so often to really keep them on their toes. I think it says that I have orc-heritage and I'm curious how long it will take someone to notice.

[He picks up his glass to finish off the bloodwine.]

...Alright. I see your curiosity is still as insatiable as it was before. Who am I not to encourage such a thing, especially after your return from such hardship. I can't guarantee it will answer very much for you, however.

[A pause.]

In return, I'll do a bit more asking on your behalf. I think that is fair, yes?

[ An Mm! is given in reply, Percy covering his mouth with a hand to chew rapidly and swallow, licking his lips after, so he can giggle. ]

I once snuck a peek out of curiosity a few years into my studies here. I was trying to add to my board any information I could glean. Your "Banshee" had been scratched out meticulously and "Brat" had been written next to it. Then Madame Lofly beat me about the head with a rag and made me scrub the floors for a week straight.

[ Which, now that he realizes those crests are little spying eyes, means Maverick saw the entire thing and Percy groans in embarrassment. Rats. He will get back at him, he swears.

He beams when Maverick says yes, inclining his head gently. ]

That is more than fair, my friend. Don't think me so crass as to manhandle you here and now, of course, I've already done so once. I'll schedule a time in the Infirmary to see you. Is Madame Lofly still running the place?

Mm, yes, I did hear about that.

[Saw it, too. To hear that Madame Lofly scratched out his medical records in favor of her own commentary is also not a huge surprise. She does hate to see him rifling through her files.]

Oh? Will you be able to handle the anticipation? Mm, she certainly is. Wasn't she quite the sight when I told her who would be taking over Professor Haberly's position.

[And then he falls quiet a moment.]

You know, far be I to discourage your curiosity, but I can't help but wonder if you won't regret learning what it is you're seeking, Percy.

Anticipation makes the revelation all the sweeter! And mmm, oh dear. I suppose I ought to be on my best behavior then.... lest I get reacquainted with those tiles.

[ He smiles fondly at his plate, pushing some bread around to sop up the last of the gravy. He finishes it off in the silence, then settles himself back in the chair, lifting the glass for the last bit of wine in it. Pauses to study Maverick, then smiles softly. ]

When have I ever regretted learning something, Seamus? Every new discovery is a delight, every ending of a pursuit merely leads to another. I know you're old, and I know there are things about you that would take years to discover and pry out of you.

[ He lifts his glass a little and gives Maverick one of his actual smiles. The beam of sunshine. They're rarer now, hiding behind softer more polite smiles, but here at home with his friend, he can relax and drop the facade and smile in sheer joy. ]

I will never regret learning anything about you, for as many years as you will allow me to dig!

[Maverick huffs at that, softly and with amusement. He had a feeling that would be his answer, and thinks that he should maybe believe him, even if there are nerves deep within him that say otherwise.]

[After all, one of the biggest reasons he hides what he hides is so that he can have the life he has now. If who he was got out, then that would like be it for his quaint little Headmaster gig. He does not want to give it up just yet. It means too much to him.]

What can I say to such conviction? Very well, I won't stand in your way. I hope in the end, it will not disappoint you.

[With his plate mostly cleared, though somethings pushed around, he stands up. He will go over to a window where he has a few potion bottles sitting, catching moonlight. He will bring them over to Percy.]

Take these back with you, when you finally depart, they should be ready. And- I suppose I did have one question about the nature of one of your visions.

I know it won't, my friend.

[ The sheer idea that Maverick may, in some way, disappoint him after all this time is absurd. Percy doesn't just owe the man his education, or his years of being accepted and feeling at home, but he owes him his sanity. How many times was he unfocused and feeling lost across the ocean and then Mavericks letter would find him and ease the load? Too many to count, but all remembered.

He hm's softly with a little tsk at the state of Mavericks plate, but notes what he didn't eat. More to his journal. Then takes the potion bottles with with heavy relief, giving Maverick a grateful look. Perhaps he could have come up with something on his own, but sleeping potions are.... finicky, and Percy never could get them quite right.

Too little and light, and he risks them simply not working.

Too heavy, and he risks never waking again. ]

Question away. The ones that hit like fever I end up with little detail, but any of the clearer ones I can recall more with.

[ He very carefully tucks the potion bottles into the pockets of his outfit, then gestures for Maverick to sit again, scooting his chair a little around the table to be closer. ]

[Maverick hums in acknowledgement, then. That settles that. He would not turn his identity into some silly game without knowing that one day someone might finally win it. He has to be ready for what that will mean.]

[Of course he is happy to hand off the potions. It's true, they are not an easy formula to get right, and it requires a very practiced, experienced hand to brew. Better it left to him, who has made such things for centuries without much mistake. Give Percy one less thing to worry about making himself.]

[Let him take care of you-]

The one you saw of Lily, where she was sleeping. Can you recall much more of that one?

[ To be taken care of again is so odd when he's been the carer, but he finds he doesn't mind at all when it's Maverick. Who else better?

The question makes him huh softly and he closes his eyes, tilting his head back as he thinks, his hand curled to his chin. When he speaks his voice is soft, a little dreamy in memory. ]

She slept in a coffin of glass and hope. She was not dead but not alive. There was a piece missing? I think? I couldn't see it but I could feel it. Mmm.... that's all I can really recall.

[ He tilts his head back down and opens his eyes, giving Maverick an apologetic look. ]

That one passed like a fever. I'm sorry. The enemy may have kicked down the door to my third eye, but they didn't exactly leave a handbook.

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