"I would like that," Loki assures Huaisang as they separate in order to enter the tavern.
It occurs to Loki that he will stand out more, here, than Huaisang but that's fine; he doesn't mind if word carries that he's dined with the leader of the people of Quinghe. In fact, if he's being honest, he kind of hopes word does get around just so he can see who sees Huaisang as a threat and who sees him as a simpleton who is not worth their time. Or those who claim the latter, and believe the former.
It would tell him quite a lot about the people who hold those opinions.
Besides, he likes the other man. Recognizes the stirring of desire, both of the carnal sort and also to be a knife in the dark for this man. Good men have that affect on him, sometimes. He wants to smudge the glass outside of the perfect image, a little. See Huaisang flustered, hair a mess, back arched. But mostly he wants to bask in the glow.
He asks questions of both of them, Huaisang and the waiter, about the liquors, the wine, the food... which are imported, which are local, how is this cultivated? Did he pronounce this correctly? Which are the waiter's favorites? Mostly an idle curiosity but definitely questions from someone who understands the importance of the answers.
Does he drink too much? Arguable. The meal is delicious and he is not drunk at its end. Does he drink more than he'd have anticipated doing? Definitely. Blame the good company and excellent fare.
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It occurs to Loki that he will stand out more, here, than Huaisang but that's fine; he doesn't mind if word carries that he's dined with the leader of the people of Quinghe. In fact, if he's being honest, he kind of hopes word does get around just so he can see who sees Huaisang as a threat and who sees him as a simpleton who is not worth their time. Or those who claim the latter, and believe the former.
It would tell him quite a lot about the people who hold those opinions.
Besides, he likes the other man. Recognizes the stirring of desire, both of the carnal sort and also to be a knife in the dark for this man. Good men have that affect on him, sometimes. He wants to smudge the glass outside of the perfect image, a little. See Huaisang flustered, hair a mess, back arched. But mostly he wants to bask in the glow.
He asks questions of both of them, Huaisang and the waiter, about the liquors, the wine, the food... which are imported, which are local, how is this cultivated? Did he pronounce this correctly? Which are the waiter's favorites? Mostly an idle curiosity but definitely questions from someone who understands the importance of the answers.
Does he drink too much? Arguable. The meal is delicious and he is not drunk at its end. Does he drink more than he'd have anticipated doing? Definitely. Blame the good company and excellent fare.