Realistic or Modern A Frigid Ring

[Senor_Fluffy]

Life is very simple. You live and you die; what happens in between is a matter of mortality. That was how Naiyana viewed things. She lived in a simplistic time. A time where there was no light at the flick of a fingertip, nor water with a twist of a wrist. A tall woman of a dark complexion, she was a beauty and a stubborn mule of a woman. That was her nickname back then. The stubborn mule. Yet this past felt so muddled beneath the weight of her current existence. She had died.

Yet, she had been summoned back to an alien world. A beautiful world in its own sense, yet it never truly made sense of itself in her pale eyes. What she knew was that she was still in the same world that she had once lived in. Yet the environment was so very different. She had been told it was a different land. Time didn't pass the same. Things paused. Things weren't on the same level as she was. She was more like a spirit. Appearing in a whisper of elegant cloth. Bound to an intricate golden ring with an opal decorating it's front.

A man with incredibly rare abilities had brought her spirit back and bound it to this item in hopes to wield her abilities. She had developed the ability to create cold whenever she touched something containing moisture. After being separated from her body and then brought back, it had become more powerful. All she was was energy. Was she still human? Her appearance seemed to hint that she was. Keyword: was. Naiyana stood thin and angular. Her face and chest were decorated with a white paint swirled and dotted in simplistic yet flattering designs along her features. Her hair a rich black held out of her face in cornrows which were guided into a high ponytail of braids which flowed all the way back down to the small of her back.

The way she experienced the world now was more like a dream. When someone wore the ring she was bound to, she was awoken in a start and the fog cleared to show her new environment. She struggles desperately to get a grasp on this reality. Each time she was only ever summoned for her abilities. She refused to use them with frustrated cries. Her summoner grew tired of her and tossed her aside. That is what she had pieced together as she experienced the same scenes again and again in her dreams. When she was summoned by a new face she shut down. Refusing to even speak to those who summoned her. Not knowing where she was nor when it would ever stop.

She was so tired. Each time she was summoned she couldn't help but become overwhelmed with the new sights. New technologies. New faces. Seeming to take residence in her own mind, this cage was crumbling swiftly around her. The human mind can only handle so much.
Zane

 

[Zane]

The last barstool was finally laid upturned on the table. The pale ashen bartender ran his fingers though his dreads throwing the strays back over his shoulder. It had been a long night, and he was eager to get out. Not for the usual reasons though. Rian had been waiting months for this night. This was the night of the night market, an unusual bizarre of goods from all over, the odd thing about it was it was an all-night event. Doors opened for the vendors at sunset and they closed again when the sun rose. Oddities from the benign exotic animals or rare art, and for those with connections and grit could find their way into drugs or even the purchase of people. These were not the things Rian had been saving up for though. there was rumors that relics containing odd and spectacular powers could be bought, and beyond that he had good information on how to find them in the night market.

Twisting around to examine the bar once more to see if he forgot anything he stepped out of the bar locking up behind him. Though the night was chilly, a light mist in the air made it dewy and quiet out. He brushed the dew from his charcoal black suit vest he wore while working. The black button up beneath it had it sleeves rolled up to the elbows. Jewelry adorned his wrists, and a simple belt wore around slacks that matched his vest. He let out an audible sigh, a ritual he did to leave his work behind him before he left for his car. It was time to go shopping.

Without the usual traffic the city would have it was easy to get to the night market. Parking nearby he stepped out of his car looking out into the industrial district. Cracked pavement run down roads and the intermittent homeless camp, Rian couldn’t help but feel he stood out. Right around the corner was an old disused warehouse that was used as a venue for a variety of events. Concerts, conventions, and even farmers markets. He walked around to the front of it to find a small crowd humming with delight at the interesting things to see and buy. This section was mostly above board and was used as the front for the more interesting, and much less legal things to buy.

“Just look for the well-guarded door” he mumbled to himself remembering the instructions he was given. Pushing past the stalls of exotic nut butters and art made from things scavenged from the landfill, Rian reached the back wall where he was in fact greeted by a door with a stern looking bouncer in front of it. Tentatively he stepped up to the man. “I’m sorry this areas off limits and is being used as storage for the other vendors.” The man said in an official tone. “the bathrooms are on the west wall. If that’s what you’re looking for...” the man added with exasperation.

Rian felt for the man in an odd way. as a bartender the number of times he had obviously dumb requests wore him thin at times too. Reaching in his pocket he discreetly produced a money clip handing it to the man. “I’ve come looking for something more interesting.” Rian stated, his fierce eyes staring the man down. Fanning the bills out briefly to get an idea of what he was handed the man nodded producing a key from his belt letting Rian in to the real night market.

Immediately he was greeted by an altogether different environment. The lights were low, and the room was much less cramped. It was an oddly warm and, in some ways, inviting environment. His eyes drifted around in awe for a moment before they noticed a few disconcerting things. First there were heavily armed guards all around within plain sight. Poor behavior would certainly not be tolerated, and that sentiment was loud and clear. Beginning a slow walk though the bizarre, he continued to look around. A well-dressed man in one of the tents waved at Rian beckoning his attention. Staring at the well-dressed man for a moment his eyes began to be able to make out his “merchandise”. Women all wearing transparent negligees standing lined against the back of the tent. His eyes hardened at the man slightly as he waved his hand dismissively at him. That was not what he was shopping for.

A few more tents down the way Rian finally spotted what he was looking for. A man with an array of a couple dozen odd relics. The old man watched the pale bartender approach carefully waiting until he had fully entered the tent before speaking. “welcome.” He said simply watching Rain look at the cases of items. “looking for something in particular?” the man mused.

“Not really…” Rian spoke softly distracted by the items. He had no idea what any of them were or even what they could do. More worryingly he had no real idea of the price. He had hoped to be able to see their value and buy what he could afford. “how much do these costs?” He asked expecting an answer like. ‘if you have to ask then you can’t afford it.’ Or something to that affect but without skipping a beat the man moved around the tent pointing from case to case. “seventy thousand, one hundred and thirty thousand, four hundred and ninety thousand, and this case here ranges from about two million to ten million.” The man stated turning to see that the young man had somehow lost more color in his skin. “ya ok son?” the man said in a jesting tone.

“y-yeah…” Rain collected himself. “just wasn’t ready for those prices.” He stated looking over the cases again. He could not afford any item, and seriously doubted they did loans.

“well, how much you got?” the man retorted feeling the young man out. “thirty-six thousand is the most I could spend.” He admitted sheepishly.

“oh…” the old man stroked the short hair on his chin. “well… I might part with one thing…” Rian’s attention perked up again as he watched the man pull a gold ring with an opal in it from a box near his safe. “I’ve had this far too long. It is quite testy this one.” The old man stated bitterly. “it certainly possesses power though I’ve never seen it myself. I think I would be willing to part with it for your sum. Perhaps you can have better luck than I have with it…”

Rian stared at the ring for a few moments. That was his one chance to own a relic. That was the one that he could buy, and he would not be leaving without owning one. He nodded at the old man. “I’ll take it.” He said concisely. He pulled a was of bills from his pocket handing them to the man. After a minute of counting he placed the ring in Rian’s hand. “now don’t put this on here. Please leave before you do… if something happens I don’t want to deal with the aftermath.” He said motioning towards of the guards. With another nod Rian quickly made his way out of the warehouse the gold ring clasped firmly in his hand.

He didn’t stop for anything until he was in his car. Opening his hand, he stared at his new possession. He hadn’t noticed in his excitement, but the band was quite cold. At first, he might have written it off as the metal just being chilly but now that he was paying attention this ring was very cold. And did not seem to warm up from the contact with his skin. Pinching the rim of the ring he picked it out of his palm staring at it. Then he stared at his hands. “if something happens, perhaps I should put it on my left hand, so I won’t lose my dominant hand…” his heart raced. To many the idea something like this could exist was mere conspiracy. The danger, mystery and adventure all coalesced into one agonizing emotion pushing him to slip the band over the middle finger of his left hand.

 

[Senor_Fluffy]

Dreams are just dreams. They aren't real. Such words were comforting once. Now they are the only real thing her mind could handle. When she awoke she couldn't ever recognize her environment. Wooden floors. Walls covered in strange patterns. None of it was natural. Metal boxes with windows, doors and wheels. She hated such beasts perhaps as much as the concrete towers that dared to reach for the heavens. These people's hunger for more was never quenched. This was confirmed with the few interactions she had experienced with the people who got ahold of her ring. They all had the same look in their eyes. Even when they all looked so different.

Her mind was a stream of thoughts as she experienced a world more reasonable. A widespread grasslands which was heavily freckled with shrubbery and trees. Laying down on her back, her eyes closed. When she opened them the world was so painfully blurry. She had perfect eyesight yet visual memory would never last as long as the sensations which were cradled by her homeland. Tears darted down the sides of her face. Naiyana sat up swiftly to keep the tears from going in her ears. Opening her eyes to look at the rough ground. Dead grass, sharp stones and dirt dug into the parts of her which embraced it. It wasn't comfortable but it was familiar. She would settle for familiar any day. The bright sky was muddy in comparison to the real thing. She knew the sun felt so warm but she couldn't replicate such sensations. That was perhaps the one thing she truly wish she had. Warmth.

The world around her crumbled in flakes. Falling around her like the ash. Frustration burned in her chest as she was forced to take a concrete world as a replacement. Standing, she had no legs as they stopped short with whisps of deep green clothe. It flowed with any passing movement. Accepting and mirroring anything it experienced far more willingly than the wearer. Pale white eyes followed a string of the clothe across the street and into a metal beast. Fantastic. A new one. She took in a heavy breath, finding comfort in the dewy air which covered so much with something tangible to her.

She was opaque yet the further down the clothe became like a stained window. In the night she was far more visible. Yet when light directly shown on her she seemed to look completely made out of blurry matte plastic. She made her way to the car from behind and seemed to float above it in silence. Until she suddenly appeared in front of this new individual. Half way though his windshield her face only inches from his. Her features were cold and unamused. Her dark braids flowing past her clothe covered neck and covering the steering wheel from his sight. She was utterly terrifying.

Looking into his eyes, looking for what she always found in the greedy bags of flesh that wore her ring. Her eyes then looked over the rest of his expression. He was so pale. Paler than a newborn child. Heavy set eyes. Yet in spite of his opposite skin color. His hair was done in a similar style. She reached delicately for one of the cords of hair which trailed down his shoulder. It was done with a different method. Twisting perhaps. "Name?" Her accent was heavy and distant. A car passing near by, their light revealing her existence was beyond this plain world.

 

[Zane]

Rian’s body locked up as he was immediately greeted by a spectral woman inches away from him. His hand was still holding the ring that he had only just slipped on. He stared at her form for just a moment before gaining enough control over his body to remove the ring. Immediately he slid the ring in his jacket pocket swinging the door of his car open stepping out. His heart felt like it could explode and a cold sweat glistened on his brow. He was ready for a lot of things but that was not even something he began to consider. Putting his palms together his fingers fanned out he paced a circle around the car to collect himself.

“name?” he thought to himself recalling that it had spoke to him. ‘name her?’ he wondered. Quickly dismissing the thought. ‘my name probably’ he continued his pacing now taking him around the back of his car. ‘Can other see her or is it just the one wearing the ring?’ he glanced around realizing the idiocy of putting it on in such a public place. He had no clue what could happen and might just be announcing to everyone around him that he has something he really shouldn’t. passing the passenger side door now he breaths deeply in an attempt to settle his nerves. ‘I need to go home before trying anything again.’ He decided, this really being what he should have started with. Rounding the front of the car he walked around the still wide-open driver side door. Slipping into the seat he slammed the door shut behind him.

Home was a short jaunt away in a tall brick apartment block. Pulling into the underground parking garage he parked making his way to the elevator swiping the tag on his keys over the pad on the wall the door opened. Entering he pressed the illuminated number 6 the ring around it lighting up as the doors closed to taking to his floor. With a ding he exits the elevator into a hall with a half dozen doors. He was so close to home. He could see his door, yet it felt an eternity away. He refused to run as that would be undignified, but his walking pace was almost as fast as humanly possible.

With a clack the deadbolt gave way to the key the door opening into a spacious studio apartment with a tall vaulted ceiling and a loft above the living room. Immediately upon entering the kitchen was in front with a small hall of to the right leading to closets and the bathroom. Closing and locking the door behind him he instinctively emptied his pant pockets into a large bowl a small table besides the door. Phone keys, his tips from the evening and his wallet. Slipping off his shoes he slid them under said table walking into his living area. Pulling the ring out of his pocket he rolled the frosty gold around in his hand for a moment steeling himself for what was to come this time. Holding his left hand out again he hesitated for a moment before pressing the ring once more over his finger.

 

[Senor_Fluffy]

Naiyana found both amusement and frustration in the brief interaction. He had completely frozen up and she hadn't even used her abilities yet. He truly no idea what he was in for did he? Fantastic. The stubborn fool she saw last had finally managed to sell her! Rage pumped through her veins before she was shoved right back into her subconscious. Immediately subdued as the ring was pulled off and she saw her homeland blanket the concrete. Promising sweet comfort from the cold concrete world. Crying out in frustration she slammed her fist into a tree. The crunch of pain was a sick medication. It was muted but it was a delicate replication of how it felt to be alive. To feel.

Her hand looked swollen for as long as she allowed it. Focusing on the sensations for several moments as she waited for the pause to stop. This idiot was probably needing a new pair of pants. Understandable but still utterly disheartening. For all she knew she was even further away from a solution to this curse of an existence. She swiftly blinked away tears before walking over to the blurry image of a puddle of water. Crouching with her bare feet barely covered by the contents. Running her slim digits through the cold liquid. Entertaining herself for as long as was necessary.

Her eyes were closed when she suddenly felt like a bag of rocks was shoved onto her shoulders. Without the visual warning she wasn't prepared for it this time. Gasping she breathed out in a frosty whisp. Her figure crouched facing away from the stranger. The elegant clothe which flowed around her figure adjusted as she slowly stood. Looking around the new environment in silence. Wide white hues hauntingly taking in every detail, her expression closed off as her eyes fell upon the pale man. "What is your name?" She repeated her question with a hint of frustration. Her accent was quite heavy and impossible to place. Yet she took the effort to pronounce each word carefully as she was not used to speaking to anyone but herself majority of the time. Hearing him respond she raised an eyebrow, Rian huh? What a bland title.

Her hair swayed as she turned her head to look up at the loft with a childish curiosity. Her hands shaking softly as she was already overwhelmed with the new setting. "Do not call me anything but Naiyana." She seemed to warn as she floated up to the loft. Reaching for the railing her hand went through it. No matter how much time passed she was unable to truly get used to the properties of her form.

 

[Zane]

He was once again greeted by the ghostly figure. She was crouching away from this time, this being something he took a bit of relief in. though she seemed a bit shocked to be back in. perhaps after she tried to scare the wearer to death the first time she didn’t usually get put back on so soon. He watched as she elegantly stood taking in the room around her she slowly rotated to face him asking her question from before. “Rian.” He stated simply taking a better look at her now that she wasn’t so close. Tall thin and whimsical. He could tell she was African or south American of some sort but couldn’t pin it down. Her hair amazed him. Not many could rival the mop of meticulously cared for dreads atop his head. He had to admit, here he might be outclassed.

He watched her first facial expression towards him and he got the impression she was not impressed with his name. she seemed to be the curious type as she headed up into his loft. A simple area with a large bed with one bedside table. A lamp sat on it though Rian was not much of a fan of light so the bulb in it was only light enough to cast a dim amber over the immediate area. He listened to her as she insisted she could only be called Naiyana. He nodded to her now wondering what exactly he bought. He didn’t mean to buy a woman in a ring. He had intentionally avoided buying people.

Palms together once more he touched his pointer fingers to his lips for a moment in contemplation. Leaving Naiyana to her exploration he turned to his kitchen. He needed a drink. Grabbing a short perfectly cylindrical glass from the cupboard he turned to the freezer opening it. Grabbing a fist full of ice from a bag within he closed the freezer dropping the large chunks into the class with a harmonic clinking. Pulling the gin from his liquor rack he poured himself a rather stiff amount into the glass, before pouring just a touch of tonic water on top of it. Turning to look at Naiyana over the Island he took a healthy sip of his drink. He was not ready for this.

 

[Senor_Fluffy]

Naiyana sighed heavily as he walked away, the 15 feet she was allowed was tugged away from the loft. Appearing right next to the fridge as he closed the freezer she watched him pour himself a drink. She was utterly stunning when she wasn't terrifying. Trying to stick her finger in the mixture before he took a gulp of the drink. Her attention caught by his hair once more. "You bought a human familiar. That is what I have been called before at least. Not many are certain what to call me. Either way, I appear to no one else but you when you put on that ring." She explained with rich tone pointing at the ring on his finger.

She didn't see the same look in his eyes. He didn't even know to be greedy in the face of her. Although she actually spoke to this one she couldn't hide the growing sense of hopelessness. Her angled features turned down as she returned to look around the strange new room. A kitchen.

The last man to put on her ring was the salesman. He tried so hard to convince her to listen. To fulfill her purpose. As though her sole purpose was to serve the grubby hand which got ahold of her! This rage was the closest thing she'd ever have to warmth. If Rian was perceptive he would have noticed the temperature had dipped several degrees. Her eyes were fixated on the sink. Floating completely horizontal she closed one eye as she looked directly into the faucet. Water portal? She could feel the liquid within. Her entire body jolted as a droplet fell right through her eye. Straightening she stood straight once more. If he were to look into the sink he would see a completely frozen droplet. Perfectly shaped and rolling to the center on a curved line. Turning her attention to him she spoke, "Don't take off that ring when I am in the middle of talking it is very annoying." She added as she took a shallow breath. "Why did you buy me? You are quiet. It is my job to be. Quiet." She floated around the island going as far as she could. The clothe which tied her to the ring tightening when she reached too far.

 

[Zane]

‘Human familiar?’ he thought to himself now beginning to have some idea of the reason the old man may have wanted to part with the ring. An animal familiar might be easier to cope with since it would have less demanding. “I thought you were only to be called Naiyana.” He let a small amount of sarcasm out towards her statement about people not knowing what to call her. he almost immediately regretted it though. he dealt with so many people all the time that he usually just let things fly. After all he was usually the authority. You never cross your bartender. He wasn’t entirely sure he was the authority here. Sure he “owned” the ring but he was not sur if owning something sentient was entirely possible. Fingers crossed she had a sense of humor.

He watched her carefully with his sharp, dark eyes. He was way in over his head when it came to understand the magical side of things going on, but she seemed distraught. The room seemed to be rapidly cooling around him. Was her being active cooling things down around him? He had so many questions. The small audible *tink in his sink drew his attention, looking down he watched the small bead of ice roll around. Reaching in he picked it up his brow furrowing at it. Quickly it melted back into water in his warm grip.

He nodded to her showing he understood not to take off the ring while she was talking. A reasonable request. More or less she was only asking, “don’t be an asshole” manners my not be his strong suit, and he was rough around the edges, but being outright rude was not in his nature. Taking another drink from his glass, he stared at the ring for a moment. “I didn’t buy you.” He stated simply. “bought the ring knowing it held some form of power, I was not told it contained a human familiar.” he shrugged. “what happens to you when I take off the ring?” he asked both to change the subject since he wasn’t sure he had an answer for her, and it was the thing that burned in his mind the most.

 

[Senor_Fluffy]

Naiyana stood straight at his smart comment he made. Her mystical hues narrowing as she glared at the rough looking man. Her thin limbs were masculine as they were lined with muscle beneath her cocoa skin. A soft snort escaping her being, whether or not it was forced was hard to determine. Shaking her head she continued to take in the room.

Watching him investigate the droplet she had frozen she raised an eyebrow and went over to him. Standing uncomfortably close, a wave of cold washing over him as though he had stepped into a freezer at the supermarket. Her hands and arms shaking as she interlocked them over her chest. "Did you seriously not even ask about the properties of the magical item you were to purchase?" As he spoke she offered a bitter smile. "I am that power. You bought me whether you like it or not. I am the one who controls my abilities. Why do you think he was so desperate to get rid of me?" She backed off and floated onto the island. Seeming to sit on where her legs should have been instead it was just a tangle of clothe.

Folding her hands in her lap as she tilted her head to look down at him. "You are the first person to ask me.. Why do you care?" She asked suspicion enveloping her voice. Feeling her head throb as she was desperately trying not to get overwhelmed. Closing her eyes she played with her gown and listened for his response. Hoping if she wasn't focused on all the new visuals it would be harder to get over stimulated. Yet in the state of her being she was incredibly sensitive to the slightest changes in atmosphere. Her body wanting to extend out to every bit of moisture and calm its buzzing nature.

 

[Zane]

Rain watched her as she came very close. He took another deep drink from his glass setting it down on the island. She seemed to lack much concept of personal space. Though he didn’t think much of it given the situation. He was wearing a ring that she possessed around his finger. Human or not she certainly fell into a category where common wisdom was thrown to the wind. Her presence was chilling, his skin rose goosebumps from the light flow of chilly air passing over him. He resisted the need to shiver. Her touch though was hard to cope with. It was like someone placing ice on his bare chest. Even with the vest and button up in-between it took the breath out of him his muscles instinctively tightening in some form of resistance. He stayed like that for only a moment before he gained enough control to relax. That would take some getting used to.

Sighing as he composed himself he listened to her words. “do I look smart to you?” he said with a self-deprecating laugh and a hollow smile. While she floated away from him his hands moved up to feel where hers had just been. He could feel exactly where her slender fingers hand rested. His pale skin made an attempt at coloring, the bridge of his nose and the tips of his ears gaining as much rose hue as they could muster. It was hard to say if it was the cold the booze or her moment of intimacy. He leaned back against the counter behind him looking over her once more.

She was pretty, but he could see her bitterness. Her exterior was more frigid than the cold she produced. Her words showed her suspicion as well. He played with the ring with his fingers while she spoke. The cold had sunk in to the bones making his hand ache a bit. Working with ice and chilled glasses all night though made it something he was quite used to.

“I don’t understand, that’s why I ask.” He said shaking his head at her. “If I’m going to take an action I believe I should know the consequences.” He said realizing the hypocrisy of just buying something like this without asking what it did. “I mean…” he struggled to find more words. He paused for a bit staring at the ring in his hand. “this is just not what I expected. Naiyana I don’t know if I have all the answers.” he said looking her in the eyes. “ill do my best though.”

 

[Senor_Fluffy]

Naiyana almost felt disappointed as she was unable to gain any sense of warmth even from touching his chest. Her own frigid touch suffocating any heat before it could even think of comforting her. Her touch was clearly there yet it was gone as soon as he warmed up. It could not physically move items. She could only freeze such items if she chose to. It was a torturous truth. Hearing his strange laugh she raised an eyebrow, "I was hoping so. But it seems my judgement on an individual's.. intelligence has not held up." She muttered half heartedly, not quite caring if her pointed comment struck a nerve.

Opening a haunted eye to look him over as he played with the ring on his finger. "I go into a state similar to sleep. I go into my own mind. It is more of a..." She seemed to struggle to find the words to describe what she experienced. "Lucy dream? A dream I can control myself in. Most times.." As much as she put on an untouchable front even she stumbled. Reaching up she lightly scratched the side of her nose with a bony finger.

"Not even the man who summoned me had all the answers. I have no expectations anymore but that things will be disappointing at best." She opened her eyes and offered an empty smile. Naiyana was broken in spirit. Unable to stubble her way to a purpose which could give her a sense of life. It showed in her hard exterior. She had caved in on herself. "You didn't answer my question earlier. Why did you buy the ring Rian?" She asked, seeming to study his appearance inside and out. Cold judging eyes glued to his pale figure as she allowed silence to swallow them both for a moment.

 

[Zane]

He was used to being ribbed and insulted, but something about the way Naiyana said it stung a bit. He wasn’t mad, he couldn’t be mad, he had started it after all. He reached for his drink again, this time finishing it. He listened to her explanation while he poured himself another one over the same ice. Taking another sip from the glass he leaned back against the counter once more. For the first time she showed a bit of humanity. It seemed that she too didn’t have all the answers. He smiled slightly at her.

Though his smile was short lived as her next comment was back at deflating his ego. It was true that disappointing at best had been his track record in the dating world again it just seemed to sting more coming from her. perhaps it was her elegance, or that face that she was a mystical being. Either way he looked at the floor for a moment shifting his weight back and forth before taking another drink. He felt for her as well, it sounded like whatever she had gone through up to now really set the bar pretty low. She was practically enslaved, bound to an item that could so easily be bought and sold.

Then it came again, she wasn’t going to let him dodge the question. He stared back into her icy blue eyes. At first, he was fairly blank but slowly he became more thoughtful. If she was so curious he needed to tell her something. Is face twisted a bit into some kind of displeasure. He wasn’t much for talking openly about himself. He was usually shielded by a dark sense of humor and self-deprecation. “My life is… bland.” He stated truthfully. The truth, something he spoke only slightly more regularly than he saw the sun. at least this kind of truth. “I just work, and make money. Then buy shit like a fifty dollar bottle of gin.” He raises his glass in the air in silent cheers before drinking more. “it was easier to be content before the idea that there was actually magic in the world. The contrast of the world with magic and the world without only make the first one seem all the more mundane.” He sighed. “I bought it, so I could be part of the latter.” He took another deep drink nearly polishing off the drink he only just poured. He looked at the ground sheepishly for a moment. Then to escape he attempted to change the subject again. “do you like it? The time asleep,” he asked looking back up at her.

 

[Senor_Fluffy]

Naiyana seemed to watch him intensely, she hadn't been able to interact with many people but those she did had already had experience with dealing with the magical world. They had some confidence on their bones. Yet as she watched him take gulp after gulp of what she assumed to be alcohol, it became painfully clear how uncertain he was. Seeing him smile and then watching it fade she didn't put much thought into it. He was becoming much easier to read. Yet a part of her dreaded dealing with him once he became drunk.

Sitting up straight as she sat upon the island, narrow eyes watching him become thoughtful. "You bought me because you were bored with life?" Her voice was unamused and like silk with her thick accent lathering each word. "Thank you for your honesty... Majority buy me in order to push their own agenda. Doesn't turn out well for them since I don't listen." She scoffed softly and shook her head.

Hearing his question her features fell. "It is only nice when this futuristic world becomes too much to bare. Even then it is a rotting prison which would drive anyone insane." She spoke with the bitterness once more. Anger washing over her in a wave, her fists clenching with bunches of fabric between each digit.

Rubbing her face the white paint which decorate her skin was unbothered by her touch. Taking a deep breath she looked into Rian's eyes. "Do you understand the weight of owning such an object? Normal life will not be possible for you if it gets out or there is suspicions that you have such an object." She warned as she stood up. Going over to the fridge and seeming to stick her head inside. Taking it out her braids whipped around as she shook her head. Unable to quite understand this strange box with what seemed to be food in it. Point a slim finger at it, "What is this thing called? You pulled ice from it. I am confused." She allowed herself to show her ignorance about his own world. They were equals in such manners at the least. Equally ignorant to the world's each other lived in.

 

[Zane]

He laughed a bit at her statement. he already had a pretty good idea of how she could be difficult, and he got the impression that she didn’t entirely hate him. He shook his head. He probably bought the most difficult thing he could. If that didn’t just define how things tended to line up for him. Not that he was upset. Rian hadn’t realized it, but he also may be incredibly lucky. He knew merely that magic existed, he knew almost nothing beyond that. though Naiyana was going to be a pain, she could teach him unlike other magic items.

He continued to listen carefully as she warned him that it had to remain a secret. he nodded “I do understand that much at least.” He stated. The man who had revealed to him that magic truly existed gave him the same warning. It was not long after that the same man was found murdered in his home. It hardly seemed a coincidence.

He watched her stick her head in the fridge. Cocking his head, he leaned over to get a better look at what she was doing. He raised an eyebrow at her as she pointed a slender finger at it demanding to know what it was called. Smiling he stepped beside her pulling both doors open. “it’s a refrigerator, it keeps food cold, so it doesn’t spoil as quickly.” He stated with a bit of a chuckle. Closing the doors, he picked up his drink finishing it off. Glancing at the bottle the inner bartender told him that he was drinking too quickly. Damn him. He sighed knowing that two strong drinks like that would be settling in soon enough. Setting the glass in the sink, he shifted now leaning against the island facing Naiyana and the fridge.

“if you prefer I’ll just wear the ring while I can. If you need to… sleeeeep?” he paused for a second contemplating if she needed other human amenities like food or water. he would get to that in a moment. “then just tell me you want me to take off the ring.” He said putting his hands out in an offering gesture. “and do I-“ he stopped his eyes hardening for a moment as he looked off in the distance thoughtfully. “do you eat?” he rephrased his question not wanting to sound like he had ownership over her.

 

[Senor_Fluffy]

Naiyana watched him open the fridge, her mouth going a gap with fascination seeing it light up as it was open. When he closed it she seemed to disappear completely into the fridge. The only evidence she was still there was a thin thread of her gown which clung to the ring loosely. Emerging after a moment she looked back at the contraption. "That is quite useful. A refreger- refregerador?" She mumbled a bit as she struggled to reproduce the word upon her lips.

Turning her attention back to him as he leaned against the island. A nod making her hair sway as she acknowledged he at least knew his responsibility to keep a tight lock on his new knowledge. Her eyes widened slightly at his offer, her eyebrow turning inwards in confusion. He would wear the ring when she wanted him to? She blinked and looked away quickly. Floating a bit higher she seemed to be sitting mid air. "Appreciated... Although I am uncertain how your day to day activities would be interrupted by this. You need to behave as though nothing has changed." She muttered softly. Feeling strange. Uncertain how to even react to such. It felt like it had been an eternity since her own needs or wants had been looked at as tangible.

This feeling was interrupted by his question. Turning her head slowly to stare at him with a blank expression. "Have the weight of your braids made your skull thick? I am dead! I can't even pick up anything physical! How would I even digest?!" She bursted out, her accent a bit heavier when she yelled. Throwing her arms up before covering her face and groaning. Her figure slowly turning in a circle as she floated. Going heels over head dramatically, although it wasn't very fast. "Has that drink already made you drunk? Lightweight..." She spoke pointedly.

 

[Zane]

He placed his face in his hand shaking his head as she grilled him again. He just couldn’t catch a break with her at all. He couldn’t tell if she just didn’t have a sense of humor or if her amusement came from these kinds of personal attacks. He was genuinely trying to figure out if she needed anything. “I’m not drunk.” he cringed a bit, these being exactly what people said to him when he was cutting them off. He wasn’t drunk though. “just…” he sighed “do you have needs I should know about?” he asked sure to get some kind of sass back for this as well.

Turning he turned away from Naiyana pacing away from her for a moment then back towards her. “If you can behave, I’m sure allowing you to linger around Isn’t a problem. Only I can see you right? There’s no weird caveats I need to know about?” he asked directly. He paced past her once again standing with his back to her. he was back at his signature move with his hands together and his index fingers pressing against his lips.

 

[Senor_Fluffy]

Naiyana watched him with curious hues. Practically upside down her digits folded in her lap her braids nearly touch the floor as she listened to him. Seeming to calm down she straightened out and hovered around his shoulder. A rush of cold claiming the air around him as she did. Tilting her head and looking at his expression as he took up a similar stance which seemed to be his go to. "I have no needs. I am dead and purely here to be used." She spoke with an almost robotic tone, she had a thoughtful expression as she looked away for a moment. "Thank you.. for even thinking about my possible needs." She spoke in a sincere tone, absent of any sass.

Giving him space she looked into a basket of various things which seemed to be a catch all for various household things. "You should rest.. " She kept her hands to herself. "Only you can see me as long as you have the ring on. I am capable of freezing any liquids or moisture. That is my ability. Since I'm a spirit I can't exactly be harmed unless that ring is harmed. Just make sure it doesn't get heated up." She rubbed her wrist, she had not told any other of her wearer's that she had such weaknesses. Too scared that they would use it against her. But she could help but feel he didn't have any reason to do such things.

 

[Zane]

He could feel her approaching him from behind. The cold rushing over him while he thought. He looked over his shoulder at her. his expression stern he spoke. “I can believe that your dead, but the latter seems improbable.” He stated in such a way that it left no room for argument. with that statement, out his expression warmed. “So, you are capable of being grateful.” He teased.

“Ice queen, no heat.” He repeated to her. “Easy, got it.” He said reassuringly. Her power mattered less to him currently than the gateway she opened. Though the ring was her livelihood, it was his anchor in the magical world. He looked at his hands, the gold band being a new addition. He was tired, and the alcohol was only exasperating that. He nodded idly looking at Naiyana. “You’re right, it’s time for me to sleep.”

Turning away he headed across the room to the stairs up to the loft. “if you want something let me know.” he said heading up to his bed. He looked dover the railing at the room below, until this moment he hadn’t considered that she now lived with him. Hesitating he looked at his bed and back into the room. He usually slept in the nude, the only reason anyone was ever in his apartment at this time usually involved nudity. He wasn’t ready for this, in so many ways. Sitting on his bed he pulled off his socks before slipping between the sheets. Unbuttoning his jeans, he decided he was sleeping in his pants tonight. Pulling off his shirt from under the covers he tossed it on the floor beside him. “Night Naiyana.” He stated turning off his lamp. It only took a few minutes to pass out, the day had taken a lot out of him.

 

[Senor_Fluffy]

Naiyana looked away pursing her lips slightly. Feeling a bit sheepish and uncertain how to respond. Did he really believe that she had a purpose? Her gaze kept to the things in the basket. Looking them over with nothing but curiosity. Growing silent as he mentioned he would sleep. Not nodding as he said she could ask if she needed anything. As he made his way up into the loft the string which tied her to the ring slowly dragged her along.

She stayed floating mid air beneath the loft to give him as much as possible. However that had made the floor incredibly cold as a result. Hearing him rustle around and something light hit the floor. She busied herself by observing the dustbunnies on top of the cabinets and fridge. She had never been let out for so long. Especially unsupervised. Sadly, in spite of doing her best to not be a bother. Her presence made the entire apartment seem far colder.

After several hours had passed she had looked over and become comfortable enough with the lower half of the apartment. Going to the limit of the string she slowly floated up through the floor of the loft. Looking around the room with curious eyes. She stayed as far away as possible from the sleeping lump. Knowing her effect on him and not wanting to be a pest. She had been called that enough times, she wanted to prove she wasn't one to someone.

 

[Zane]

Rian slept until mid-day the sun already well in the sky by the time he rose. Though inside his apartment one could one just see the few persistent rays that made it though his heavy curtains. It stayed black as the night in his flat at all times. He like many night workers had a very tenuous relationship with the sun. the click of an automatic coffee maker sounded in the kitchen as the clock rolled over to 1pm. The machine hummed to life warming up for a moment before spewing hot coffee into the glass positioned below it.

The sound and smell caused the bed to stir a bit. The being within barely functioned waking up, the first part of the day nearly insufferable. Coffee helped just enough to make him willing to part with the coziness of his bed. Rolling over he sat up. “holy sweet fuck.” he squeezed out pulling the comforter up around him. Naiyana’s presence had turned his apartment into a refrigerator. It was not chilly but hypothermic in there. breathing out his breath fogged up the air. His nose cheeks and ears were rosy from the cold resting on them overnight.

Wrapping the comforter around him as he threw his legs out from under the bed. He was now in some ways thankful he slept in his pants. He wasn’t sure if he could survive having to get dressed in this temperature. Shivering for a moment he tightened the bedding around him as he headed down from the loft straight to the thermostat. It was off since the weather was so mild. No reason to have the heat on at any rate. With a whoosh the vents around the room began blowing warm air in. turning into the room he faced Naiyana. With a big smile he let out a chuckle. “I didn’t think about that.” he said sheepishly as if it was his fault.

Heading over to the coffee cup one arm popped out from the blanket grabbing the handle of the glass before he headed into the living room. Stepping up on his couch he sat cross legged on the cushions letting the blankets drape around him making him into a tent with just his head sticking out. Pulling the coffee inside he held it close to himself. Occasionally bringing it to his lips to sip the black substance. “how was your night?”

 

[Senor_Fluffy]

Naiyana had been exploring the bathroom from the doorway when she heard a click and the sound of liquid pouring. It was different from the hum and occasional settling of the apartment. Swiftly going through the floor she floated above the coffee machine. Watching the black liquid leak from it into a cup. Gross. Her presence above it made it warm rather than scalding.

'Holy sweet fuck' echoed through the empty apartment causing her to investigate a tired Rian bundled up comically in a comforter. Offering a forced smile as she realized she must have made the space uncomfortably cold. As a louder hum filled the space warming it up she disappeared back down into the kitchen. She wondered how he felt, being embraced by warmth only to get an unwelcome shock of cold. Her pale hues followed him as he got coffee and sat on the couch. Floating along, following him at the end of her string. He was truly puzzling. How could he behave so naturally?

Her thoughts were interupted by a question. "Fine I suppose. You've got a concerning amount of trash tucked away though. Are you alone or something?" She asked. A half full can of soda was frozen somewhere due to her curiosity. She folded her hands, "Sleep well?"