Jinse pt. 1

Jinse had arrived back onto the island upon the heel of his grievously wounded Emperor. The Master would not see anyone at current and the retainer was left with a mountain of errands. Financial paperwork skyhigh, war reports fluttering from the stack, slave papers to go through. He'd attempt at the latter and found that two amongst the pile were actively on duty. Such was the luck of the incense dragon. Swiftly bidding a guard to retrieve them and be delivered to a quieter alcove. The ambience of the den played nicely to his tastes. The frangerances of the opium lounge washed over him with tranquility. The strain upon his face would melt away as gentle inhale left. Stepping through the archway and towards where the slaves had settled. The monstrous stack of scrolls and parchment thudded down on the table in the corner. The dragon didn't acknowledge them just yet. First organizing the files into three separate stacks. Jinse Then he'd seat himself. The coiling of his tail shifting in hypnotizing waves. Everything about the creature was a tease upon the senses. The illuminating glow that seemed to breath with him of it's own life; a flickering lantern within. The gentle sway of whiskers and tail. The softness and yet fierceness of his willowed form. "My Master may see fit to have use of you two." Gaze would shift from the bronzed skin humanoid to the pale deer. "And yet first there is this paperwork." He'd help himself first to help his master in the long run. "Who here is good with numbers, war tactics, calligraphy, and reviews?" A brow arching high.

Fennore glanced up, sharp and quick-- or at least, he'd meant it to be sharp, but found himself staring at the creature that walked through the door. The figure was almost difficult to look at with his slight shimmer, and the strange whispiness of his shape. He glanced away sharply and then down at his lap, waiting for a command for order. Perhaps he was seated a bit too close to Sanjiv-- he could feel the coolness against his side, and he wanted to wrap him up, keep him warm. But this was clearly not the time. The whoompf of paperwork made him glance up, a little startled as his ears flinched about. He cleared his throat and then glanced up when several of his skills were listed. "That... would be me, sir." He offered a shallow bow from his seat, braid spilling over his shoulder before he straightened his spine again. Ink dark eyes were already beginning to scrutinize the pile. What possibly could he have in mind?

Sanjiv also glanced up when their apparent renter walked in with a heavy pile of papers and scrolls. His gaze managed to flick around the rather radiant creature, not quite settling on his eyes, as he knew better than to make eye contact unless instructed to; many Masters found it incredibly rude and insubordinate. The questions made Sanjiv perk up and purse his lips thoughtfully. He was trained in many tasks, but those did not happen to be his strengths, although he had begun training in caligraphy at least. He bowed his head slightly. "I am afraid those are not my skills," he apologized quietly. Now he could only hope he wasn't sent away as useless. "I am trained in many other areas, however," he quickly added, before falling silent once more. He frowned slightly as he also stared at the pile. This was not exactly what he'd hoped when they'd been rented together, but it wasn't as if he had a say in the matter.

Jinse caught the stares they seemed to give each other however if he did notice the dragon said nothing about it. Such would be rather presumptuous as he hadn't caught them in the act of anything intimate. Even if he could put a finger on it...he was likely not to care as long as it didn't interfere with the work posed towards them. Nodding towards Fennore who spoke up towards having knowledge in those fields and Sanvji who apparently did not share in the deer's expertise. A hand smoothed back the feathery strands of hair and golden tidbits. A light tut issued. "Not to worry I am sure you have something that would catch Master's interest. Indulge me. I saw your papers spoke of your serpentine ancestry? The Empress herself is quite fond of snakes." Just a rattling on. A way to soothe any fears in the boy that he'd be so easily turned away. The dragon was not cruel like his Master could be. A gesture was given to Fennor then. Jinse "I'd have you start with the finances." A squint to his eyes giving off an edgy stare. "Strictly to be kept confidential." The flowing black hakama styled pants were smoothed out. His bare chest covered in a golden harness that seem to get lost within the soft platings of matching hues. "The Emperor has a staggering budget as one might assume. There are many purchases and fees that need calculating into a monthly plan. From suite price, to food consumption, slave rentals, materials, cost of solider's income, etc. All should be accurately accounted for...Including the gains from each province under his control and their resources." He crossed his leg and a giant pawed foot would begin to tap. Waiting expectedly and watching closely to see if Fennore would rise to the challenge or shrink away. The task was a massive one. Surely no one could do in just a day.

Fennore glanced sidelong at Sanjiv when he spoke up. It was strange seeing him in this light. However, it was difficult to keep his eyes off of Jinse. The man was beautiful. He had beautiful clothes, beautiful features. And he seemed intelligent, though not cruelly so. Fennore knew better, though, than to trust first impressions. As he began to rattle off the list of finances that needed accounting for, Fennore simply nodded, chewing his lip. The stag, despite the list, did not seem intimidated. If anything, he sat up a bit straighter, dark eyes alert and bright. "Of course, sir." He bowed again as he slowly rose and approached the paperwork. "Are these known figures, or estimates? I've prepared this manner of budget in the past." It was a lot to work with, but Fennore drew a considerable amount of satisfaction from getting thighs right. "I can make projected firgures through the end of the year, if that suits your needs." Once again, he bowed, cheeks flushed with energy.

Sanjiv sighed almost inaudibly and slumped just a bit in relief when their renter indicated he wouldn't be simply turned back in to the pens. He was rather useful after all, just in different ways. The mention of his ancestry drew a tiny smile from the shifter, who shimmered into his true form, which rather resembled that of the locals. Much of his coloring remained intact, with his scales roughly matching his previous skin tone and the underside a more creamy hue. His eyes remained a sharp and alert olive green, though he kept his head bowed as his tongue flickered out to taste the air. "That is correct, sir," he responded, voice only a little more difficult to understand in this form. "I am also proficient in art and instrumental music, fashion and tailoring, poetry, as well as trained in domestic, pleasure, and companion servitude. I speak and write several dialects of Hindi and Arabic in addition to my native tongue," he offered demurely. It was all in his slave papers, but Sanjiv: there was also a lot of other information there. The moment their renter turned his attention to Fennore, he did the same, unable to stop the soft, fond expression from slipping onto his face momentarily. He had also not seen his companion in quite this kind of situation before. Tearing his gaze away before he'd overly risk being caught, he waited quietly for additional questions or orders.

Jinse studied Fenno for some time and was pleased to see the vibrance of live spark into his eyes as they talked over the paperwork. "I've done the brunt of it and most should be about exact figures as they could be given the fact one might not eat the same one week to the next...and trade routes and their taxes switch like a dime. All is so very exhausting to keep track of and is why it has been left to me. Such prickly tasks would get in the way of Master's time...don't you agree?" There was a smirk that twinkled across his karated smile. All gold teeth and fangs. The shifting of the man into a snake form garnered his attention. He had not requested that and he leant back in the chair as a way to take in all the spiraling of muscled coils. "I see. Your enthusiasm could get you in trouble. Next time request doing such before changing." It was just helpful advice and held no anger in his smooth and silky vocals. "Very well. Why don't you fetch us all something to snack on and drinks. Jinse And have your favorite instrument brought up. Be mindful of your choices as all your actions will be viewed as a test." A wink sent his way as he rolled fluidly between the two of them. Sharing evenly his attentions. "A year of estimates?" The tigerequse dragon brought the back of his palm to his lips in a effeminate gesture to muffle an inspired chuckle. "Quite the daredevil. I hope you achieve such accomplishments. Be my quest." Nodding his permission for him to scour the mass of pages. -e-

Fennore nodded, fingers twitching at his side. This kind of mental work, estimates and figures, made his little heart pound. Though when asked about the man's master, he huffed and bit his lip. He nodded, although he did not know the man's Master. "Very tedious, sir." It wasn't often he got rented out for cerebral purposes. Sanjiv's sudden shifting still startled him a bit, but he managed not to flinch or jump, heart jumping a bit. Fennore glanced back at Sanjiv, taking in the change before he turned his gaze back on Jinse. He could not argue with his suggestion. The sudden change was a little jarring. Fennore settled back onto his knees next to that paperwork, eyes sliding between the pair, ears twitching when Sanjiv offered his skills. For his part, he remained silent until Sanjiv departed to fetch them their things. "I'll have to outline a plan for my work, sir." He trailed off, lips parted before he glanced up at Jinse. "You serve your Master faithfully. He's a lucky man."

Sanjiv swallowed down the lump of disappointment in himself. He was trying to be good but had taken a little too much initiative. But he knew had to take criticism and simply bowered his head graciously. "My apologies, sir." It helped that the glimmering black-and-gold creature did not seem angry. A pause, then he added, "I will gladly do so, sir. May I ask which form you would prefer to see me in?" At least he knew better than to just shift right back. If only his magic hadn't been bound such that he had only the two forms. As soon as he received some sort of answer, he'd depart the area in one form or another, grateful that the bar was just outside the room. And by the wording of their renter's request, he shouldn't simply fetch his instrument himself. Sanjiv made his way to the bar and bowed his head, requesting a menu from the bartender so he might serve the patron renting him. Waiting for the food and beverages to be prepared, he also grabbed the attention of a house slave. If he was going to pick an instrument, it would certainly be his sitar. Now he had only to wait for a few moments for the refreshments and instrument. Already, he was deciding upon a few pieces of music that he thought might suit the dragon, or whatever sort of creature he was.

Jinse dipped his head elegantly towards Fenno. "That is to be expected with such a load. I would not even ask you get this done today. Though I would be tickled that you would even try. Unfortunately I can not allow you to take home any of these papers. So you will only have an hour a day in which to view them and make your progress. I suggest taking lots of side notes. I need the entirety by the end of one week." Seven days for a yearly plan was absurd but better then only one day right? Flattered by the compliment the chest of the beast seemed to flicker more brightly as a clawed hand pressed to his chest. A earthy chuckle. "My my! Such words do tickle my ears. After fifty years under such a stern servitude one bends or they break." Wisdom shoun in his eyes as he squinted. "It is hard not to know someone in and out after that amount of time."  Sanjiv's form was contemplated. "Whichever is most comfortable to perform song and dance within." He wasn't a particularly picky beast. When all was said and done. He'd be feasting while Fenno shifted through papers and San danced and played. After the hour was up he'd have them sent on their way with whatever Fenno managed to copy or shorthand onto provided clear sheets, ink well, and calligraphy brush.

Fennore had been wholly confident about the job posed to him... until Jinse began describing the parameters. A crease appeared between his brows and his mouth fell as he tried to consider how it might be done. Two weeks would have been ideal, given only an hour a day. But... a week? He understood why the papers couldn't go home with him but... still. But... "I'll do my best, sir," he bowed once more as he began to shuffle through the paperwork. As much as he wanted to watch Sanjiv play and dance, he had to make a proper plan to tackle this kind of assignment. He'd have to visit the library soon after this. It was a dreadful thought. Theo, at least, would be pleased with the income, he supposed, even if it was a frightful amount of work.

Sanjiv returned before long, in his more human form. He bore a platter of dragonfruit juice and water, as well as a bottle of finer and fairly dry white wine. It had taken him some time to decide upon a small platter of vegetables, with some moderately expensive cheeses and cold meats, a bowl of fruit, and two of the lamb patties that came with a pickled cucumber topping and nectar sauce. His sitar was worn in a large case upon his back. Approaching their renter, the shifter carefully lowered himself to his knees and offered it to him. "I hope you find these acceptable, sir. I did not wish to purchase the most expensive options, lest I skew the budget my fellow slave is working on, but I wished to choose things which may suit your taste as well." He waited patiently until the dragon had selected what he wanted for the moment, not departing until he was waved away. Then, he removed his sitar from its large case, seating himself on a cushion and tuning it with a keen ear. He began with something soothing and quiet, fairly simple, before moving onto a more lively tune which required complex fingering and better showcased his skills. Sadly, dancing couldn't be performed just yet-- he'd need a more mobile instrument for that. Regardless, he hoped his entertainment was acceptable.

Jinse saw the crease grow over Fenno's brow and it seemed to amuse him. "Don't tell me it can not be done?" A falsified pout hanging from toothy maw. "But it must..." The words much more cold and sternly spoken. Proving the dragonic was fierce and determined when it came down to things getting done. He was a fine example of a trained butler and he took minimal pleasures for himself. Today was not one of those days in which he could afford to due so. Much to get done and that had only accounted for one of the three stacks. When Sanvji returned with the platter and knelt eyes would scan over the meal chosen. "For I am but a simple retainer. This is suiting." He nodded but before the male could lift himself clawed fingertips would pinch at his chin to hold him in place. "However...should you the honor of meeting the Emperor in person. Do not do such regardless of what information lies within the budget of those pages. Neither of you." Eyes cut across. "For it is the highest sin to give an Emperor anything that is cheap. Including that of persons." Then he'd return the man's face to him with a coo and calmness returning to his face. Settling to listen to the stringed instrument. Rolling some of the meat about the chosen veg and popping it into his maw. When the song ended he would nod. "Enjoy the next hour on me you two may have the rest of the platter." he sipped up the glass of wine finishing it down and stood. Shooing Fenno from the paperwork. "I need to be off for now. Don't get into any trouble in here." A suspicious word of caution. "But I won't tell if you don't." Gentle laughter as the papers were gathered and the dragon made his way out leaving the two to enjoy themselves.