wizardmanor | Floor 5, Room 3

I confess to enjoying fairy tales. The darker, the better. [Would that not be horror? Then again, many fairy tales delve into horror at times, just with fancy wording and enough whimsy that they do not seem like horror.]

But perhaps we could also seek something with a bit of intrigue, some mystery. I'm in the mood for many, many new experiences today.

[He holds up their joined hands, and starts playing with Urianger's fingers.]

Oh? I happen to know quite a few from multiple stars. I shall remember to recite them unto thee at another time.

[Man, what would Ithaqua think if he ever found out Urianger lived alongside actual fairies for a few years...]

The potential of a mystery film pleaseth me as well. Given my interest in prophecy, I imagine that is of little surprise.

[It seems as though they've come to an entertainment district of sorts. He can see a traditional theater just down the road, and a lot of casinos and bars. A music hall isn't far off either. This place really does seem like a playground for the wealthy.

But he doesn't see anything like picture films like Ithaqua described.]

Mayhap Western technology hath not yet progressed enough...?

Perhaps we should keep seeking. I was told by some people that the West certainly could have some.

[He looks around more, even standing on his toes for a better view-- this would have been much easier if he had his stilts, but he didn't want to be too tall for Urianger on this date. Ah, the things he sacrifices for his love.

Then--]

Ah, I see another theatre. Shall we take a peek?

[A big thank you to Ithaqua for being a short king today. Clearly he's not at a disadvantage for it, either.

Urianger follows his gaze...]

Ah, I see it as well. Aye, let us press onward.

[Off they go! What sort of theater do they have here? Is it their fated "movie" theater...?!]

[The decor outside of the supposed theatre is different from the one with the live stage. Why are wheels depicted on the signs and posters? Ithaqua has to tilt his head as he reads the sign properly...

It, indeed, says "movie". And others say "film".]

I think we've found it. [Then he tugs on Urianger's hand.] Come! We've no time to waste.

[Urianger brightens as he takes note of the signage. How exciting! They really do have movies here! Tugged along, he keeps pace with Ithaqua. Into the theater they go!

Once they enter the flashy and extravagant lobby, they find an array of posters for movies that are currently showing. It's so wild to imagine that these can all be going on simultaneously in different rooms of the theater. That must be the power of prerecorded performances.]

Which of these advertisements catches thine eye?

[Anything spooky or mysterious...?]

Hmmm... [The posters are flashy, a testament to the skill of the artist(s) who made them, and how they want to portray the films. But because they are flashy, Ithaqua has to examine each one to be sure.

Until he finds one with a sufficiently moody palette, all indigos and blues with only a few patches of colour here and there, a cast of performers in formal attire and sombre faces, a short line declaring the film a murder mystery, and Ithaqua immediately points it out.]

What do you think?

[They are flashy. They give totally different vibes from what Urianger is used to seeing for plays or musical performances. There are quite a few he finds enticing- the one which Ithaqua settles on being one of them.]

I have read many a murder mystery and seen many a play. 'Twould be a pleasure to witness the atmosphere of such novels created in a new visual form.

[What can a film capture that a live performance cannot? Time to find out!]

[Ithaqua smiles wide-- he's glad Urianger is in agreement. Perhaps Ithaqua has not seen a play in his life, but he has read intruiging books, and wants to see how such stories translate to performers.]

Then it's settled. And perhaps... do you want to make a bet of who the murderer would be? [Getting a bit ahead of himself there, when he doesn't even know who the victim is.]

[Wow, that is jumping the gun. Urianger laughs, but does play along.]

A test of our observational prowess, is it? I suppose it dependeth on the tropes incorporated by the writer.

[Like, there are so many plot points to be used. Which one will this story use? After thinking about it for a moment, Urianger points toward the most innocent-looking character displayed on the poster.]

I shall hazard a guess that this woman hither hath many dark secrets to hide.

Mm, I disagree. In a community, the richest one is always the one most capable of terrible feats.

[So he points out the man in a dark suit with the rest, but with a fancy beard and glittering cufflinks on his wrists. Is he the richest person on the cast? Who knows?]

Shall we see who wins? [He gives Urianger a sly look before he notes the location of the movie, and begins to follow the signs.]

Hah. 'Tis difficult to contradict that logic.

[But would a twist like that sit well with the affluent populace of this town? That's what gave Urianger pause when he made a similar consideration.

As he follows...]

We shall. Wouldst thou make a proper bet of it?

[With real stakes and such?]

Hmm... [Ithaqua's eyes narrow behind his sunglasses, but his smile turns into a smirk wide enough to bare fang.]

What shall you give me, should I win the bet?

[Why is Ithaqua giving him that look......]

What wouldst thou ask of me? I shall decide something to ask of thee in return.

Hm... What if I tell you later, once we have finished with the movie and seen the results of our wager? The same goes for your condition, as well.

Keep it a secret, eh...? [With a nod,] Very well. I look forward to seeing which of us comes out victorious.

That's the spirit. [He grins up at Urianger, before leading the way to the right theatre. Apparently there are a lot of rooms in here for viewing... Enough to seat perhaps a dozen people, perhaps a little more, but only he and Urianger are here for the murder mystery, it seems.

Which is just fine by Ithaqua, because it means he can drape himself over Urianger without any eyes on them.]

[Urianger's a little surprised to find the room empty. Is it due to the time of day? Has the movie been poorly received? Well, whatever the reason, it's going to be an exciting new experience for the two of them.

He wraps an arm around Ithaqua for support, letting his head rest against his boyfriend's as the movie gets underway. Time to see what this movie thing is all about!]

[Isn't this nice? Like a private experience built just for them. He'd love to cuddle more, but Ithaqua's attention is captured by the sights, the sounds, the spectacle on display just for them-- the movie being projected on a special screen, the way he'd heard it being done.

The story is different from what he's read before, with a large cast in a setting not unlike the Western country, but then again, Ithaqua is used to stories with a small cast of characters. In its own way, the film is compelling, and he reacts accordingly to each new plot beat, though softly as if trying not to disturb the magic of the movie.

When it's over, Ithaqua returns his sunglasses to his face and smirks up at Urianger as they make their way out onto the street.]

Well? I won the wager.

[As it turns out, movies really are something. Urianger is similarly captivated by this display of technological prowess, and he often finds himself wondering how certain aspects of the movie were pulled off through a simple recording. These special effects are on an entirely new level from what live theatrical performances can provide. All of these wonderful new concepts get him completely lost in the world of this film, much like he would when reading fables as a child. It proves to be an unforgettable experience, and having Ithaqua there with him makes the memory that much sweeter.

He's still a little starstruck by the time the film is over, so much so that he had completely forgotten about the bet in the first place.]

Ah. That thou didst. [Much to Urianger's surprise. He thought the film would subvert expectations on the culprit, but that's okay. It was still a solid writing decision.] Very well. As decided, I would hear thy request of me.

[Of course, Ithaqua knows exactly what he wants. He's waited for so long, and he is so pleased that he won this bet.

Is he shameless for using a wager to get Urianger to finally bed him? No. He's desperate, all right? He's been rubbing one out to his imagination since they ventured through the Northern forests, even before they became a couple.]

Take me to bed. [A strong, confident tone.]

Take thee t--

[That demand can be seen as completely innocent in any other context, but Urianger isn't stupid. He knows exactly what it means now, and he almost spits out his proverbial drink.]

[His face reddens almost immediately and he has to look away for a second to collect himself.

It's not the concept of sleeping with Ithaqua that embarrasses him. He'd been steadily making plans to do this very thing...or at least ask to do it. But it's the suddenness and sheer confidence from Ithaqua—not to mention how public this all is—that does it. Since this is the condition for losing their bet and Urianger had no intention of refusing anything Ithaqua might request of him, it's definitely happening.]

I... R-Right now?

Yes. [He did not hesitate one bit.

Ithaqua places his hands on his hips, looking up at Urianger with a steely expression. He's determined to have his way.]

I wanted to respect your desire to go slow, whatever your plans were for us, but when you kiss me the way you do, do you truly expect me to just keep waiting? [Not to mention the way Urianger dresses, his chest and arms out, his handsome face on display... Everything makes Ithaqua want to climb the walls.

And they are certainly in public, aren't they? Look at all these Westerners, starting to take note.]

Ah...

[His eyes had been darting around, awkwardness growing as he saw more and more people stopping to rubberneck this commotion. But it quickly changes over to shame.]

I... I apologize. I had not realized I was causing thee such discomfort. 'Twas not mine intent to lead thee along.

[He holds out a hand for Ithaqua to take, if he'll have him.]

Pray allow me to rectify this posthaste. Shall we locate a suitable location for our purposes?

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