"Done.â€
Eiryk agreed cheerfully. He hadn't worn his hair long in quite some time and it might be fun to do it now. After all you could get away with things like that these day. He might even let his bird grow, not long term or anything just for their game. This would be fun, he'd do some rummaging about in storage to see what he had to make things more authentic. Probably just some weapons and armor. He might have some clothes, but they were apt to be rather delicate.
Despite their flirting Eiryk's eyebrows rose at Alex's exclamation. That was rather a sound reserved from more intimate moments. He had some mixed feelings on the matter and none of them were exactly pure. He counted to ten and focused back on the food and Alex.
"For this I'd even wear Groucho glasses.â€
Food had never tasted like this, not when he needed to eat. He wondered how often humans appreciated how far things had come on all levels including the culinary. Even if they didn't, he did, and enjoyed the food that he didn't -need- to eat all the more for it. (Of course when things were bad he took great pleasure in not needing to eat it as well, but that was another story.)
He cocked his head at the little glass of sake and quite literally scratched his head. It was an interesting question.
"You know, I don't know. It sounds like an interesting idea though. We'll have to do some reading.â€
Maybe he'd even look up Haru, it had been a few decades. They'd never been terribly close but Eiryk had respected the man for having the same kind of passion for sake that he had for mead and they'd had some good conversations. He'd be good for some advice and as a starting point any way.
You Are Tastefully Invited
Alexander tucked his hands into his jacket pockets. It was a little chilly for September. Not really cold, but chillier than they had been used to for the past few weeks, so people seemed to be overcompensating a bit. He was dressed in jeans, a black tee, and a sweater. He had on a dark green jacket, fairly lightweight.
He and Eiryk stood at the head of a trail leading into the Park and Preserve. The way was lit with bright lanterns hanging from the trees, guiding people into the woods where they would get to taste several wines both local and not, and sample gourmet foods made by a number of well-known Nachton chefs.
Pulling one hand back out of his pocket he slipped it into Eiryk's and laced his fingers with his boyfriend's. They had recently taken a trip to Vermont to the cabin Eiryk had bought them both for Christmas last year and Alex felt it was pretty safe to say they still felt the happy glow of having been at the magical place. Just remembering that hot tub made him relax some. Why didn't they have a hot tub? They might need a hot tub.
Alex was very slowly beginning to loosen up about Eiryk's bank account. It didn't make him bristle quite so badly when Eiryk bought something, and Alex had even made a suggestion or two. Eiryk had made it plain that he enjoyed making purchases that they would both use and even Alex wasn't pig-headed enough to continually repel Eiryk's offers.
So here they were, with a couple of very expensive exclusive tickets that Eiryk had gotten through his connections at work. Apparently some of his clients were so happy with him that they kept him on the list of events that most of the high society went to. Alex found that intimidating, but it was part of being with Eiryk. He could deal.
He'd worried that jeans were too casual for this kind of affair but Eiryk had assured him they would be fine. He had even dressed down for the occasion, too, which Alex appreciated.
As they began walking up the trail, taking it slow and simply enjoying the scenery like everyone else, Alex turned to Eiryk. "This will be fun," he said. "Thanks for getting us in. It already smells great."
Indeed, the scent of something grilling was wafting gently through the trees.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex furrowed his brow at Eiryk. "You're going to wear Groucho gasses in your Neanderthal disguise? That's weird."
He couldn't resist teasing his partner a little bit. But even as he said it, smiling and laughing softly, he was drawing Eiryk away from the table. "We've got to get away from here before I forget myself and mug the chef."
He cast a glance over his shoulder, brown eyes somewhat mournful as they continued down the trail. Four stands later (and eight more tiny glasses of wine for Eiryk), they still hadn't found the mead that was rumored to be present. They had completed the first loop of the hiking trails and were just starting the second one. They'd bumped into one or two of Alex's yoga students and several more of Eiryk's clients. Alex was keeping an eye on Eiryk, but his boyfriend was a pretty experienced drinker. They had been drunk together enough times for Alex to know there was no way even Eiryk was entirely sober at this point, but he handled himself well.
There had possibly been one or two little side trips into the shadows for a kiss or three. Or four. But they hadn't been the only ones, and Alex didn't think anyone was really paying attention to that sort of thing.
They made their way to the next station, which offered cajun jerked chicken on a piece of toasted corn bread with some sort of avocado spread. It smelled spicy, and Alex wondered if it would be as hot in the mouth as it smelled from the grill.
"No killer seafood in this one," he said, grinning a Eiryk as they approached the short line. "In fact, we might be shellfish-free from here on out."
He couldn't resist teasing his partner a little bit. But even as he said it, smiling and laughing softly, he was drawing Eiryk away from the table. "We've got to get away from here before I forget myself and mug the chef."
He cast a glance over his shoulder, brown eyes somewhat mournful as they continued down the trail. Four stands later (and eight more tiny glasses of wine for Eiryk), they still hadn't found the mead that was rumored to be present. They had completed the first loop of the hiking trails and were just starting the second one. They'd bumped into one or two of Alex's yoga students and several more of Eiryk's clients. Alex was keeping an eye on Eiryk, but his boyfriend was a pretty experienced drinker. They had been drunk together enough times for Alex to know there was no way even Eiryk was entirely sober at this point, but he handled himself well.
There had possibly been one or two little side trips into the shadows for a kiss or three. Or four. But they hadn't been the only ones, and Alex didn't think anyone was really paying attention to that sort of thing.
They made their way to the next station, which offered cajun jerked chicken on a piece of toasted corn bread with some sort of avocado spread. It smelled spicy, and Alex wondered if it would be as hot in the mouth as it smelled from the grill.
"No killer seafood in this one," he said, grinning a Eiryk as they approached the short line. "In fact, we might be shellfish-free from here on out."
Eiryk
12 years ago
"I don't even want to know what you plan on using as a weapon.â€
Eiryk quipped as he let Alexander move him away from the table. So far that was his favorite bite, although he wasn't sure about the sake just yet.
Feeling very relaxed, even more so than when he was usually with Alex, Eiryk was very careful about how he stepped especially when they ambled off into the shadows for a moment or two here and there. They weren't the only ones and once or twice they'd had to make their way a bit further down the trail to keep from interrupting.
He enjoyed meeting Alex's students and chatting with his clients, they'd even had a few interesting conversations with new acquaintances and each of them might have picked up a new client or two. All in all Eiryk was glad that Alex wasn't going to have to get up and open first thing tomorrow. Even though his boyfriend hadn't had very much to drink at all it was still a fair amount of time walking in the fresh air and it might pay to sleep in a bit afterward.
"No more seafood? There went the thrilling death defying part of the evening and where is the fun in that?â€
Not that he was trying to find the seafood and swell up like a puffer fish but there was something of a thrill when Alex remembered and 'saved' him. Poor Alex wound up having watch him so much, but Eiryk did love him for it.
Letting his partner retrieve the food Eiryk picked up two of the small glasses of a rosé. The salmon color put him off a bit but the aromas of cherry, strawberry and raspberry did something to redeem it. He'd at least give it a fair chance, more or less.
"I don't get it... either make a white or a red. I've never really understood the pink thing.â€
Eiryk quipped as he let Alexander move him away from the table. So far that was his favorite bite, although he wasn't sure about the sake just yet.
Feeling very relaxed, even more so than when he was usually with Alex, Eiryk was very careful about how he stepped especially when they ambled off into the shadows for a moment or two here and there. They weren't the only ones and once or twice they'd had to make their way a bit further down the trail to keep from interrupting.
He enjoyed meeting Alex's students and chatting with his clients, they'd even had a few interesting conversations with new acquaintances and each of them might have picked up a new client or two. All in all Eiryk was glad that Alex wasn't going to have to get up and open first thing tomorrow. Even though his boyfriend hadn't had very much to drink at all it was still a fair amount of time walking in the fresh air and it might pay to sleep in a bit afterward.
"No more seafood? There went the thrilling death defying part of the evening and where is the fun in that?â€
Not that he was trying to find the seafood and swell up like a puffer fish but there was something of a thrill when Alex remembered and 'saved' him. Poor Alex wound up having watch him so much, but Eiryk did love him for it.
Letting his partner retrieve the food Eiryk picked up two of the small glasses of a rosé. The salmon color put him off a bit but the aromas of cherry, strawberry and raspberry did something to redeem it. He'd at least give it a fair chance, more or less.
"I don't get it... either make a white or a red. I've never really understood the pink thing.â€
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex raised one eyebrow at Eiryk. "Haven't you defied death enough for one lifetime?"
Those nearby would assume he was talking about his other experiences with shellfish, not his actual state of immortality. For the second time that evening Alex wondered what he'd do if suddenly he had an entire lifetime ahead of him, and then some. Ugh. Centuries worth of taxes. And how did you retire, ever, if you technically didn't ever become a senior? It all seemed like a huge hassle. And then, of course, the whole blood drinking thing.
Alex actually thought he might want to know more about that part, but, he acknowledged with a little bit of guilt, Eiryk was the last person he wanted to ask questions of. His boyfriend would get excited, and hopeful, and Alex didn't want to do that to him unless he were certain about his own future. It would just be a let-down for him when Alex decided to remain just as he was, blissfully human, with his finite life span.
He shoved those thoughts aside to try the spicy chicken and cornbread with avocado. It really was delicious; the heat from the rub on the chicken was nicely countered by the creamy, smooth avocado spread. Without that it might have been uncomfortably hot. The rose wine, he actually liked. But that was sort of how it usually went with he and Eiryk; Alex almost always liked the wines Eiryk didn't.
"I like this one," he said, smiling as he sipped it. "It's not overpowering, and I can actually taste the fruit in it. It's nice with the avocado and all the spices."
The representative from the vintner was standing close by and heard him. She thanked him with a smile and topped off his tasting glass. Alex smiled back; apparently Eiryk wasn't the only one to disdain the blush wine and she was feeling a little under-appreciated. That only made Alex like it more; it was the underdog of wines. He had to root for it.
It might have been that reason that he produced some cash from his wallet and actually bought a bottle, nestled into a tall thin paper bag with handles. He thanked the woman and turned back to Eiryk.
"Don't worry. I still like yours better," he said. "This just might be nice some night."
Already he was coming up with some ideas for dinners, from what he'd tasted and experienced thus far. And, while he wasn't exactly turning into a wine junkie, Alex was at least starting to understand how certain flavors paired together actually complimented each other.
Those nearby would assume he was talking about his other experiences with shellfish, not his actual state of immortality. For the second time that evening Alex wondered what he'd do if suddenly he had an entire lifetime ahead of him, and then some. Ugh. Centuries worth of taxes. And how did you retire, ever, if you technically didn't ever become a senior? It all seemed like a huge hassle. And then, of course, the whole blood drinking thing.
Alex actually thought he might want to know more about that part, but, he acknowledged with a little bit of guilt, Eiryk was the last person he wanted to ask questions of. His boyfriend would get excited, and hopeful, and Alex didn't want to do that to him unless he were certain about his own future. It would just be a let-down for him when Alex decided to remain just as he was, blissfully human, with his finite life span.
He shoved those thoughts aside to try the spicy chicken and cornbread with avocado. It really was delicious; the heat from the rub on the chicken was nicely countered by the creamy, smooth avocado spread. Without that it might have been uncomfortably hot. The rose wine, he actually liked. But that was sort of how it usually went with he and Eiryk; Alex almost always liked the wines Eiryk didn't.
"I like this one," he said, smiling as he sipped it. "It's not overpowering, and I can actually taste the fruit in it. It's nice with the avocado and all the spices."
The representative from the vintner was standing close by and heard him. She thanked him with a smile and topped off his tasting glass. Alex smiled back; apparently Eiryk wasn't the only one to disdain the blush wine and she was feeling a little under-appreciated. That only made Alex like it more; it was the underdog of wines. He had to root for it.
It might have been that reason that he produced some cash from his wallet and actually bought a bottle, nestled into a tall thin paper bag with handles. He thanked the woman and turned back to Eiryk.
"Don't worry. I still like yours better," he said. "This just might be nice some night."
Already he was coming up with some ideas for dinners, from what he'd tasted and experienced thus far. And, while he wasn't exactly turning into a wine junkie, Alex was at least starting to understand how certain flavors paired together actually complimented each other.
Eiryk
12 years ago
"Hardly. I have something quite worth sticking around for.â€
Ordinarily he would have pulled Alex to him and made his meaning crystal clear. Tonight though with hands full f food and wine and with other people milling about Eiryk thought better of it. He felt a bit cheated, but since he was the one going home with Alex, some how Eiryk figured he was coming out ahead.
He caught, or thought he saw, a look from the woman with the wine that was at the very least tired and at the worst dirty, at least dusty. Hurriedly he sipped his wine, giving it as much time and attention as he had with the others despite its salmon pink color.
"Its good. I like it the fruit mellows out the spice well and it isn't so sweet you couldn't drink it on its own.â€
Eiryk said quickly hoping to redeem himself a bit. He hadn't meant to disparage the wine exactly he just really didn't understand.
He was a bit surprised when Alex bought a bottle and honestly would have discouraged him from doing so. Not out of vanity or because he didn't like the wine, just because it was a bit of a pain in the ass to carry around. But it was just a bottle, not a case.
"It will be, we'll have it with something spicy or maybe something sweet. Vanilla ice cream!â€
The creamy ice cream would act like the avocado and the sweet of the desert would play with the fruit. Eiryk was on the verge of making rosé floats, but it seemed too late in the season for something that would epitomized summer. Although, maybe, curled up in front of a fire on a long winter night when you were tired of always being cold it would be a nice treat. Oh, he'd do a picnic, hot dogs and fried chicken. Alex had no idea what he'd started with this one little glass of wine. Rather than buy another bottle though he just made sure to take the card so he could buy some latter.
"That, good looking, is the right answer. Now if we can just find the mead that is supposed to be here we can put my ego to rest for the evening.â€
Ordinarily he would have pulled Alex to him and made his meaning crystal clear. Tonight though with hands full f food and wine and with other people milling about Eiryk thought better of it. He felt a bit cheated, but since he was the one going home with Alex, some how Eiryk figured he was coming out ahead.
He caught, or thought he saw, a look from the woman with the wine that was at the very least tired and at the worst dirty, at least dusty. Hurriedly he sipped his wine, giving it as much time and attention as he had with the others despite its salmon pink color.
"Its good. I like it the fruit mellows out the spice well and it isn't so sweet you couldn't drink it on its own.â€
Eiryk said quickly hoping to redeem himself a bit. He hadn't meant to disparage the wine exactly he just really didn't understand.
He was a bit surprised when Alex bought a bottle and honestly would have discouraged him from doing so. Not out of vanity or because he didn't like the wine, just because it was a bit of a pain in the ass to carry around. But it was just a bottle, not a case.
"It will be, we'll have it with something spicy or maybe something sweet. Vanilla ice cream!â€
The creamy ice cream would act like the avocado and the sweet of the desert would play with the fruit. Eiryk was on the verge of making rosé floats, but it seemed too late in the season for something that would epitomized summer. Although, maybe, curled up in front of a fire on a long winter night when you were tired of always being cold it would be a nice treat. Oh, he'd do a picnic, hot dogs and fried chicken. Alex had no idea what he'd started with this one little glass of wine. Rather than buy another bottle though he just made sure to take the card so he could buy some latter.
"That, good looking, is the right answer. Now if we can just find the mead that is supposed to be here we can put my ego to rest for the evening.â€
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex was glad to see Eiryk getting into the rose thing, even if he hadn't been thrilled at the idea to begin with. He didn't need grandiose plans though; Alex was perfectly happy to sit down with a nice glass every now and then and read a book or watch a show. He wasn't even sure how wine and ice cream would go together, but if Eiryk said it did, then it probably did.
He laughed softly when Eiryk didn't miss the opportunity to bask, even just a little, in his praise. His boyfriend might be slightly egotistical but at least he knew he was. And at least where mead was concerned, Alex figured he had a right to be. You didn't find many people around who's been brewing mead for the better part of a millennium.
The next station was situated at the top of a hill overlooking an open field. The view was pretty, and as Alex looked up he saw that the stars were bright too. It was nice to be able to see them; sometimes in the city all you saw were skyscrapers.
Turning his attention back to Eiryk, Alex said, "Look at this one. Smoked venison sausage and blackberry compote. It smells good."
The food here was definitely a local thing. There were several hard logs of sausage; not the breakfast-sausage kind that you would toss into a frying pan and serve with eggs, but the spiced and smoked kind you sliced and ate with a cheese and cracker plate.
This one was served with a decent-sized slice of sausage topped with small amount of deep purple blackberry compote that smelled like it had been cooked in wine itself. Alex understood the mix of fruit and meat was a very old concept. It seemed a little counter-intuitive today, when fruits were saved as side dishes, snacks, and desserts, but blackberries grew like crazy around here and had been incorporated in many dishes since the time of the Native Americans.
"I think this dish might even pre-date your arrival here," he said with a grin at Eiryk. As far as Alex knew, there had been native cultures in this part of America for thousands of years. "Although let's face it, Nachton has never been the same since you showed up."
He could almost envision Eiryk's arrival now, as groups of curious Native Americans gathered on the shore to witness it; instead of a majestic entrance, Eiryk tripping down a gangplank (which they didn't have on longboats, but Alex figured as long as he was making things up, hey, why not?) wearing furs and a horned helmet, spinning around swinging an impossibly huge axe in a threatening manner while asking for directions to the nearest meadery.
It could have happened.
He laughed softly when Eiryk didn't miss the opportunity to bask, even just a little, in his praise. His boyfriend might be slightly egotistical but at least he knew he was. And at least where mead was concerned, Alex figured he had a right to be. You didn't find many people around who's been brewing mead for the better part of a millennium.
The next station was situated at the top of a hill overlooking an open field. The view was pretty, and as Alex looked up he saw that the stars were bright too. It was nice to be able to see them; sometimes in the city all you saw were skyscrapers.
Turning his attention back to Eiryk, Alex said, "Look at this one. Smoked venison sausage and blackberry compote. It smells good."
The food here was definitely a local thing. There were several hard logs of sausage; not the breakfast-sausage kind that you would toss into a frying pan and serve with eggs, but the spiced and smoked kind you sliced and ate with a cheese and cracker plate.
This one was served with a decent-sized slice of sausage topped with small amount of deep purple blackberry compote that smelled like it had been cooked in wine itself. Alex understood the mix of fruit and meat was a very old concept. It seemed a little counter-intuitive today, when fruits were saved as side dishes, snacks, and desserts, but blackberries grew like crazy around here and had been incorporated in many dishes since the time of the Native Americans.
"I think this dish might even pre-date your arrival here," he said with a grin at Eiryk. As far as Alex knew, there had been native cultures in this part of America for thousands of years. "Although let's face it, Nachton has never been the same since you showed up."
He could almost envision Eiryk's arrival now, as groups of curious Native Americans gathered on the shore to witness it; instead of a majestic entrance, Eiryk tripping down a gangplank (which they didn't have on longboats, but Alex figured as long as he was making things up, hey, why not?) wearing furs and a horned helmet, spinning around swinging an impossibly huge axe in a threatening manner while asking for directions to the nearest meadery.
It could have happened.
Eiryk
12 years ago
"I haven't had venison in ages.â€
It had been a bit of a luxury when he was alive, after all it was game and depended on luck and the skill of the hunter. Today it wasn't something that was in every supermarket, people seemed to have lost their taste for it. Apparently farmed meat was the way to go these days. Granted it was easier, but then again people had more time to hunt, they didn't spend as much time trying to scrape by, trying to survive. But now people worried about animal populations and animal rights. Eiryk preferred not to think about it too much as it could get rather uncomfortable considering his diet. People were not timid deer in a clearing.
"Of course not, when we first got here the naked natives handed us live chickens and bundles of wheat and begged us to teach them our wicked ways. We gave them food, cloths, alcohol and explained to them about Odin and Thor. It was all quite moving.â€
Although it was said with a perfectly straight face it was impossible not to hear the smile in his voice. But it was an excellent story, at least Eiryk thought it was. He enjoyed telling slightly outrageous stories now and then for the shock and humor value. It could lighten or enhance a mood, at least when the listeners understood he was playing not insulting them.
Laughing at the idea that Nachton hadn't been the same since he arrived Eiryk shook his head. He could have said it hadn't been the same since Alex got here. But that felt a bit trite and sugary and that was something he never wanted to be with Alex. Instead he side stepped things a bit.
"Well since I wasn't here before I got here, I can't say. I'd like to think that it will only get better though.â€
OK he had to be a bit sappy. He covered it by looking for the wine it looked to be a merlot, and he was rather interested but just then disaster chose to strike. Apparently his good luck had run out for the evening. He wasn't even sure what his foot caught on but everything seemed to move in slow motion, he felt his center of gravity shift, he fell forward straight at the wine glasses, both the pyramid of clean glasses and the number of full ones.
For a moment he just hung there. He tried to think about it as if he was swimming, for some reason Eiryk wasn't at all clumsy when swimming, but all he could do was spread his arms out. He probably looked like a kid playing airplane, and a crashing airplane at that.
Without warning time sped up, the glasses were growing closer an he was powerless to stop it. He didn't even have time to swear.
It had been a bit of a luxury when he was alive, after all it was game and depended on luck and the skill of the hunter. Today it wasn't something that was in every supermarket, people seemed to have lost their taste for it. Apparently farmed meat was the way to go these days. Granted it was easier, but then again people had more time to hunt, they didn't spend as much time trying to scrape by, trying to survive. But now people worried about animal populations and animal rights. Eiryk preferred not to think about it too much as it could get rather uncomfortable considering his diet. People were not timid deer in a clearing.
"Of course not, when we first got here the naked natives handed us live chickens and bundles of wheat and begged us to teach them our wicked ways. We gave them food, cloths, alcohol and explained to them about Odin and Thor. It was all quite moving.â€
Although it was said with a perfectly straight face it was impossible not to hear the smile in his voice. But it was an excellent story, at least Eiryk thought it was. He enjoyed telling slightly outrageous stories now and then for the shock and humor value. It could lighten or enhance a mood, at least when the listeners understood he was playing not insulting them.
Laughing at the idea that Nachton hadn't been the same since he arrived Eiryk shook his head. He could have said it hadn't been the same since Alex got here. But that felt a bit trite and sugary and that was something he never wanted to be with Alex. Instead he side stepped things a bit.
"Well since I wasn't here before I got here, I can't say. I'd like to think that it will only get better though.â€
OK he had to be a bit sappy. He covered it by looking for the wine it looked to be a merlot, and he was rather interested but just then disaster chose to strike. Apparently his good luck had run out for the evening. He wasn't even sure what his foot caught on but everything seemed to move in slow motion, he felt his center of gravity shift, he fell forward straight at the wine glasses, both the pyramid of clean glasses and the number of full ones.
For a moment he just hung there. He tried to think about it as if he was swimming, for some reason Eiryk wasn't at all clumsy when swimming, but all he could do was spread his arms out. He probably looked like a kid playing airplane, and a crashing airplane at that.
Without warning time sped up, the glasses were growing closer an he was powerless to stop it. He didn't even have time to swear.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex looked at Eiryk in surprise. "Do you want some? We can get it if you want. I've never cooked it but why not give it a shot? They carry all kinds of different game meats at the natural food store. Venison, bison, ostrich, alligator. You name it, I'll find a recipe for it."
He grinned at Eiryk. "If you want we can go camping and throw it over the fire on a stick. You know, just like old times."
He was pretty sure Vikings didn't eat bison on a stick, bison not being native to Scandinavia, but elk? Maybe elk? There was elk at the store too. Alex liked trying all kinds of things, he wasn't opposed to any of it.
Alex was about to take a bite of his food when he saw Eiryk trip. It didn't really shock him, honestly. He'd been waiting for it. He stuffed the venison into his mouth and swung his arm around to wrap around Eiryk's waist. Tugging hard he pulled his boyfriend away from the table with the wine glasses and settled him out of the way at his other side.
"You're here, it can't get any better," he said with a smile as if nothing had happened at all. "You going to eat that?"
Alex reached out and picked up a glass of wine, handing it to Eiryk, and then took one for himself. He sipped at it; it was dark. That was about it.
He grinned at Eiryk. "If you want we can go camping and throw it over the fire on a stick. You know, just like old times."
He was pretty sure Vikings didn't eat bison on a stick, bison not being native to Scandinavia, but elk? Maybe elk? There was elk at the store too. Alex liked trying all kinds of things, he wasn't opposed to any of it.
Alex was about to take a bite of his food when he saw Eiryk trip. It didn't really shock him, honestly. He'd been waiting for it. He stuffed the venison into his mouth and swung his arm around to wrap around Eiryk's waist. Tugging hard he pulled his boyfriend away from the table with the wine glasses and settled him out of the way at his other side.
"You're here, it can't get any better," he said with a smile as if nothing had happened at all. "You going to eat that?"
Alex reached out and picked up a glass of wine, handing it to Eiryk, and then took one for himself. He sipped at it; it was dark. That was about it.
Eiryk
12 years ago
Bison he understood but the ostrich and alligator was one step too far even for Eiryk who's eyes widened. He didn't even know how that would taste, giant chicken probably for the ostrich but alligator?
"Venison I think. Start with what at least one of us knows."
He snorted at the idea of sticking it on a stick (so to speak) and holding it over the fire. It wasn't too surprising though given the pop culture had provided of Vikings. Some of it was even true.
As the earth shifted away from him and he succumbed inevitably to gravity, suddenly he felt Alex's arm around his waist and pulling him up right. It actually hurt a bit there was more than a little of him to reorient and change his momentum after all. Eiryk was somewhat surprised, although he shouldn't have been, at Alex's strength.
It wasn't at all disconcerting that Alex carried on as if nothing ever happened. After all, that is how Eiryk handled most of his minor disasters and near misses, no unless he caused major damage Eiryk did his best to ignore things like this.
Testing his feet, making sure he wasn't going to face plant again he absently accepted the offered win and sipped at it. Even uncertain that he was able to stand reliably he smiled, it was an interesting merlot somewhere between the easy fruity wine and the soft lush velvety mineral and earthy ones.
"Trade you?"
The venison was tempting but the wine was wonderful and it made sense for each of them to take the bit they enjoyed best. So Eiryk handed off his nibble for Alex's wine and life was good.
"Needs chocolate..."
He mused.
"Venison I think. Start with what at least one of us knows."
He snorted at the idea of sticking it on a stick (so to speak) and holding it over the fire. It wasn't too surprising though given the pop culture had provided of Vikings. Some of it was even true.
As the earth shifted away from him and he succumbed inevitably to gravity, suddenly he felt Alex's arm around his waist and pulling him up right. It actually hurt a bit there was more than a little of him to reorient and change his momentum after all. Eiryk was somewhat surprised, although he shouldn't have been, at Alex's strength.
It wasn't at all disconcerting that Alex carried on as if nothing ever happened. After all, that is how Eiryk handled most of his minor disasters and near misses, no unless he caused major damage Eiryk did his best to ignore things like this.
Testing his feet, making sure he wasn't going to face plant again he absently accepted the offered win and sipped at it. Even uncertain that he was able to stand reliably he smiled, it was an interesting merlot somewhere between the easy fruity wine and the soft lush velvety mineral and earthy ones.
"Trade you?"
The venison was tempting but the wine was wonderful and it made sense for each of them to take the bit they enjoyed best. So Eiryk handed off his nibble for Alex's wine and life was good.
"Needs chocolate..."
He mused.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex nodded at Eiryk. "Gladly." He offered Eiryk his paint-thinner wine and relieved his boyfriend of the rest of his bite of venison, popping it happily into his mouth.
They walked again, hand in hand, strolling casually through the lamp-lit forest. It was quite late by this point, but neither of them cared. Alex had long since gotten accustomed to his days starting at ten or eleven and ending at one or two. It was the best compromise he could make right now and Eiryk seemed content with it. He was glad that his partner didn't insist Alex change his lifestyle. He knew Eiryk would pamper him if he allowed it but it was important to Alex to be financially independent, not fall back on the first easy option that presented itself.
He glanced down at their map and menu. "You're in luck," he said. Then he made a strange face. "Next is... fried frog legs... and mole sauce."
Alex looked at Eiryk. "That's a new one. What the heck do you pair frog with?"
Even he was interested in that. Was frog white meat or red meat? It was all a little confusing. Then again, the whole alcohol pairing was mystifying to him. Alexander had only really ever drunk to get drunk. He didn't really stop to critique what he was drinking. That had come a little later, and while Eiryk assured him his palate would evolve or grow or some crap like that, Alex didn't particularly want it to... he didn't like wine all that much. Why keep drinking it at all?
Every once in a while he caught a flash of what Eiryk was talking about, but only every once in a while. Fortunately Eiryk didn't hold it against him. Some people liked wine, some didn't. Some people twisted their bodies into pretzels on purpose, some people did it totally by accident and creating havoc in the process. They all had their thing!
They walked again, hand in hand, strolling casually through the lamp-lit forest. It was quite late by this point, but neither of them cared. Alex had long since gotten accustomed to his days starting at ten or eleven and ending at one or two. It was the best compromise he could make right now and Eiryk seemed content with it. He was glad that his partner didn't insist Alex change his lifestyle. He knew Eiryk would pamper him if he allowed it but it was important to Alex to be financially independent, not fall back on the first easy option that presented itself.
He glanced down at their map and menu. "You're in luck," he said. Then he made a strange face. "Next is... fried frog legs... and mole sauce."
Alex looked at Eiryk. "That's a new one. What the heck do you pair frog with?"
Even he was interested in that. Was frog white meat or red meat? It was all a little confusing. Then again, the whole alcohol pairing was mystifying to him. Alexander had only really ever drunk to get drunk. He didn't really stop to critique what he was drinking. That had come a little later, and while Eiryk assured him his palate would evolve or grow or some crap like that, Alex didn't particularly want it to... he didn't like wine all that much. Why keep drinking it at all?
Every once in a while he caught a flash of what Eiryk was talking about, but only every once in a while. Fortunately Eiryk didn't hold it against him. Some people liked wine, some didn't. Some people twisted their bodies into pretzels on purpose, some people did it totally by accident and creating havoc in the process. They all had their thing!
Eiryk
12 years ago
Eiryk blanched noticeably at the idea of frogs legs.
"No thank you. We could just skip that one if you'd like.â€
He felt rather bad for the frogs, not only were populations declining through out the world, it took tons of the little buggers to provide a decent meal. And he'd always wondered what happened to the rest of the frog, it hardly seemed sporting to eat just the legs. It was the same reason he wasn't fond of shark's fin soup.
"Well, I think it qualifies as fish the monks would eat frogs during lent, if they could find them.â€
Not that they often could, it was too cold for the amphibians to be out and roaming around. Maybe in the southern hemisphere or even just further south. He'd have to ask Angus about that. Some day he was going to get his creator out of whatever damned monastery he was hiding in, even if it was just for a weekend.
"So I'd guess something white and perhaps sweet to go with the mole.â€
As it turned out he was right, more or less. It was a mead. Eiryk was very excited and very curious but resolved not to harass the representative too much until after they'd tried it. He managed not to drag Alex up to the front of the line and politely waited for their little classes.
Handing one to Alex he swirled and inhaled deeply, wrinkled his nose and inhaled again. There was next to no nose. Just a faint whiff of oak spice and sweet. A quick sip had more promise the spice became ginger but sweet ginger not biting. It was almost a sweet mead, almost but leaned just a bit more dry. He nodded thoughtfully with approval.
"Not bad, not bad at all. There is some talent in this one.â€
It was something though, that some times made Eiryk sad. You'd see talent, or in this case taste it, and the artist would die or retire rather than continuing to perfect their art. It was the way of the world but he did sometimes wonder what would happen if people continued to develop their skills.
"No thank you. We could just skip that one if you'd like.â€
He felt rather bad for the frogs, not only were populations declining through out the world, it took tons of the little buggers to provide a decent meal. And he'd always wondered what happened to the rest of the frog, it hardly seemed sporting to eat just the legs. It was the same reason he wasn't fond of shark's fin soup.
"Well, I think it qualifies as fish the monks would eat frogs during lent, if they could find them.â€
Not that they often could, it was too cold for the amphibians to be out and roaming around. Maybe in the southern hemisphere or even just further south. He'd have to ask Angus about that. Some day he was going to get his creator out of whatever damned monastery he was hiding in, even if it was just for a weekend.
"So I'd guess something white and perhaps sweet to go with the mole.â€
As it turned out he was right, more or less. It was a mead. Eiryk was very excited and very curious but resolved not to harass the representative too much until after they'd tried it. He managed not to drag Alex up to the front of the line and politely waited for their little classes.
Handing one to Alex he swirled and inhaled deeply, wrinkled his nose and inhaled again. There was next to no nose. Just a faint whiff of oak spice and sweet. A quick sip had more promise the spice became ginger but sweet ginger not biting. It was almost a sweet mead, almost but leaned just a bit more dry. He nodded thoughtfully with approval.
"Not bad, not bad at all. There is some talent in this one.â€
It was something though, that some times made Eiryk sad. You'd see talent, or in this case taste it, and the artist would die or retire rather than continuing to perfect their art. It was the way of the world but he did sometimes wonder what would happen if people continued to develop their skills.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
Alex was surprised that Eiryk didn't seem interested in frog legs. "Really? You're going to pass?"
He drank blood, after all. It seemed like frogs legs would be no big deal. Alex took a plate and looked at it. It resembled a fried chicken wing, really. The breading looked crispy and goof, and the mole sauce smelled delicious. He shrugged, picked it up by what he assumed was maybe an ankle (did frogs have ankles? Whatever), and took a bite.
The mole clearly had some chile in it, maybe poblano or something sort of mild, and he could definitely taste a little chocolate as he swallowed. The meat itself was tender and not very strong in taste. It tasted more like chicken than beef but not entirely like it.
"You should give it a shot," he said to Eiryk. "It's not bad. It doesn't taste at all like fish."
He was glad the mead was at this station. It gave Eiryk something to focus on aside from frog legs. He tried the light mead, swished it around a little, and swallowed. Then, surprising himself by doing exactly what he'd advised Eiryk not to, Alexander leaned in toward his partner and murmured, "Yours is way better."
He glanced around to make sure no one had heard and was offended. He did sip the mead again, but then he wrinkled his nose and handed it to Eiryk. Alexander's palate was spoiled. This mead was decent, he guessed, but even he could taste that Eiryk's was far more complex and, if it made sense, richer.
"I'll stick with my favorite brand."
He tugged on Eiryk's hand and kissed him softly on the cheek.
He drank blood, after all. It seemed like frogs legs would be no big deal. Alex took a plate and looked at it. It resembled a fried chicken wing, really. The breading looked crispy and goof, and the mole sauce smelled delicious. He shrugged, picked it up by what he assumed was maybe an ankle (did frogs have ankles? Whatever), and took a bite.
The mole clearly had some chile in it, maybe poblano or something sort of mild, and he could definitely taste a little chocolate as he swallowed. The meat itself was tender and not very strong in taste. It tasted more like chicken than beef but not entirely like it.
"You should give it a shot," he said to Eiryk. "It's not bad. It doesn't taste at all like fish."
He was glad the mead was at this station. It gave Eiryk something to focus on aside from frog legs. He tried the light mead, swished it around a little, and swallowed. Then, surprising himself by doing exactly what he'd advised Eiryk not to, Alexander leaned in toward his partner and murmured, "Yours is way better."
He glanced around to make sure no one had heard and was offended. He did sip the mead again, but then he wrinkled his nose and handed it to Eiryk. Alexander's palate was spoiled. This mead was decent, he guessed, but even he could taste that Eiryk's was far more complex and, if it made sense, richer.
"I'll stick with my favorite brand."
He tugged on Eiryk's hand and kissed him softly on the cheek.
Eiryk
12 years ago
"They are frogs. Hoppy and slimy and sort of cute."
Eiryk explained with a shrug as dubiously he watch Alex partake of the French fried anphibian. He did sniff at it cautiously and while the sauce smelled interesting it wasn't quite enough to temp him, not while he had mead in his hands.
Of course there was not tempted and then there was Alex coaxing him. Like he could say no to anything Alex asked him. So with some hesitation he picked up one of the little 'drum sticksk and nibbled on it, his nose faintly wrinkled as he did so. But as he chewed he relaxed some and soon enough was nodding.
"Good texture but I'll pass on a repeat of the meat. Sauce is very tasty though."
The mole he liked and he understood why they picked this mead to do with this meal. They blended surprisingly well and kept the mead from becoming too sweet. Although he was hard pressed not to laugh and preen when Alex passed even the mead off to him.
"Be nice." He said, obviously teasing, "it isn't bad. But maybe I should give classes..."
That was actually an interesting thought. It might be a good idea. He could at least offer them to folks in the clan. You know a bucket list sort of thing for the terminally long lived.
"I do reward brand loyalty though. Name your price."
The kiss on the cheeck was more than Eiryk usually hoped for. Alex might be a touch tipsy, or at least the wine had loosened his boyfriend up. He liked it.
Eiryk explained with a shrug as dubiously he watch Alex partake of the French fried anphibian. He did sniff at it cautiously and while the sauce smelled interesting it wasn't quite enough to temp him, not while he had mead in his hands.
Of course there was not tempted and then there was Alex coaxing him. Like he could say no to anything Alex asked him. So with some hesitation he picked up one of the little 'drum sticksk and nibbled on it, his nose faintly wrinkled as he did so. But as he chewed he relaxed some and soon enough was nodding.
"Good texture but I'll pass on a repeat of the meat. Sauce is very tasty though."
The mole he liked and he understood why they picked this mead to do with this meal. They blended surprisingly well and kept the mead from becoming too sweet. Although he was hard pressed not to laugh and preen when Alex passed even the mead off to him.
"Be nice." He said, obviously teasing, "it isn't bad. But maybe I should give classes..."
That was actually an interesting thought. It might be a good idea. He could at least offer them to folks in the clan. You know a bucket list sort of thing for the terminally long lived.
"I do reward brand loyalty though. Name your price."
The kiss on the cheeck was more than Eiryk usually hoped for. Alex might be a touch tipsy, or at least the wine had loosened his boyfriend up. He liked it.
Alex Aristos
12 years ago
"Oh classes would be a nice idea," Alex said. "I bet a lot of people would be interested in them. I'd sign up, but I'm pretty sure we could work out an arrangement for private lessons."
He smiled at Eiryk, and relieved him of the rest of his frog leg since he'd been brave enough to actually try it. Alex didn't mind Eiryk turning his nose up after he'd actually sampled it, as long as he sampled it.
"My price?" He smiled at Eiryk. "Won't come cheap."
He hadn't had very much to drink, so he wasn't too easily swayed... however, he couldn't help himself. It was a nice night, they were having fun, and he was very much in love with this city and, more importantly, the person with him. Looking around a little theatrically, he leaned into Eiryk, his lips close to his partner's ear. He cupped his hand around his mouth so no one could see... and then whispered, very softly, exactly what the price was.
Then, feeling smug, he rocked back on his heels, crossed his arms, and waited for Eiryk's response.
He smiled at Eiryk, and relieved him of the rest of his frog leg since he'd been brave enough to actually try it. Alex didn't mind Eiryk turning his nose up after he'd actually sampled it, as long as he sampled it.
"My price?" He smiled at Eiryk. "Won't come cheap."
He hadn't had very much to drink, so he wasn't too easily swayed... however, he couldn't help himself. It was a nice night, they were having fun, and he was very much in love with this city and, more importantly, the person with him. Looking around a little theatrically, he leaned into Eiryk, his lips close to his partner's ear. He cupped his hand around his mouth so no one could see... and then whispered, very softly, exactly what the price was.
Then, feeling smug, he rocked back on his heels, crossed his arms, and waited for Eiryk's response.
Eiryk
12 years ago
"Maybe not a lot, but a few.â€
Of course, smaller classes would be better. Personal attention and all that. He was going to have to think on this. Even if he didn't go through with it, the encouragement was welcome. Alex was just too good for words. His grin turned into a leer when Alex mentioned private lessons, those would undoubtedly be sketchy at best. Eiryk didn't know that they'd keep their focus only on the mead.
Their little game suddenly became more serious. The level of play increased exponentially when Alex named his price. Eiryk racked back on his heels, his eyes wide. He did, however, manage not to have his eyes bug out or start panting.
"Really?â€
He said, his voice cracking just a bit.
"Well that is a bit complicated. We should probably get going on it now.â€
It was a good thing neither of them wanted to buy anything else because the last three or four stands were quickly forgotten as Eiryk started dragging Alex back to the car. Rather quickly by the wrist... you know caveman style.
((OOC... both out with permission))
Of course, smaller classes would be better. Personal attention and all that. He was going to have to think on this. Even if he didn't go through with it, the encouragement was welcome. Alex was just too good for words. His grin turned into a leer when Alex mentioned private lessons, those would undoubtedly be sketchy at best. Eiryk didn't know that they'd keep their focus only on the mead.
Their little game suddenly became more serious. The level of play increased exponentially when Alex named his price. Eiryk racked back on his heels, his eyes wide. He did, however, manage not to have his eyes bug out or start panting.
"Really?â€
He said, his voice cracking just a bit.
"Well that is a bit complicated. We should probably get going on it now.â€
It was a good thing neither of them wanted to buy anything else because the last three or four stands were quickly forgotten as Eiryk started dragging Alex back to the car. Rather quickly by the wrist... you know caveman style.
((OOC... both out with permission))