magusrobin | Laby Inbox

[After things have calmed back down, Eilonwy sends a message] "Hello Chise, it's Eilonwy! Have you been well after everything? Do you need help with cleaning or anything else?"

Eilonwy! I've been well, but tired as usual. How are you?

I'd always take help, even if its just your company. Feel free to stop by!

Much the same, honestly.

I'll be by to help within the hour!

Sounds good! I'll see you soon, then!

[When Eilonwy did make it to the cottage, she would find Chise out back in the garden, hands and knees already stained with dirt. The house had seen better days, truly, and the latest attack on Somnius had left it in need of much more substantial repairs. Yet, the garden was the first thing she was tending to...]

[Chise waved as she spotted her friend, motioning her over.] "Eilonwy, over here!"

[It had taken a bit longer than Eilonwy would have liked but not by much. She waved to Chise and approached with a smile.] "Hello, Chise- You look like you're busy."

[She looked at the garden and then simply began to roll up her sleeves to help.] "How did your garden fair with everything?"

Edited (changing icon!) 2024-06-22 22:19 (UTC)

"Just a bit." [She smiled, hands still wrist deep in dirt.]

"The house fared better." [Indeed, while there was minor damage to the house, the garden had seen the worst of the upheaval. Dirt was everywhere, pumpkins were squashed, and most of the greenery had been pulled up by the roots. Chise was busy inspected some of the seeded plants.] "I don't think I can salvage it all but... I might be able to replant some of the seeds. And the greenery could be moved to a different section, though I debate if the soil will need to recover."

[Eilonwy looked around and then moved until she was in the garden, stepping gingerly to avoid doing any extra damage.] "I could help with moving things easily enough. If the seeds are healthy, they should be able to be replanted.. As far as soil recovery.." [She trailed off and shook her head.] "I don't know enough about the earth here to suggest anything, unfortunately. But there should be information somewhere. At the worst, it can just be trial and error."

[Hopefully it wouldn't come to the worst case scenario. Trial and error could go a number of ways for plants.]

"I'm not sure we could do much worse. Trial and error seems best - I'll keep an eye on the seedlings for the next few days after we transplant them. I can always ask around or check the Library to see if they have any information on the soil here." [Though it did seem like the most the Library had was a comprehensive list of the bestiary in Somnius... maybe there were local species of earthworms or something that could help rejuvenate the damaged parts.]

"Is your house alright?" [Chise focused on working to avoid any worry from showing on her face. She was sure most of Somnius was hit hard during this last attack. And just after they were recovering from the castle raid...]

"That's a good point, with how everything is currently it does seem like things can only start to improve." [It was still a lot to recover from though, and Eilonwy would do what she could to help.]

"It's not damaged to the point that I need to move, but the repairs will take time. I'm going slowly where I can, and speeding up where I need to." [Eilonwy began to work alongside Chise.] "It could be worse, I suppose."

[But the double hit of the castle raid and then everything else that had happened would take more time to get through on every level. Eilonwy just made a quick note to herself to dig into her energy reserves as she needed to.]

"That's good to hear. And I'd be glad to help with the repairs to your house as well." [A payment for Eilonwy's own help. After all, she couldn't very well accept putting her friend to work without repaying her in kind.]

"Likewise, if you should ever need someplace to stay, I still have room... that is, if the house is still standing." [Truthfully, she wasn't sure it would be much longer if they kept getting hit like this...]

"That's very kind, if I do need help, I'll let you know." [Some of the repairs were outside of her wheelhouse, but Eilonwy was focusing on what she could fix in the meantime.]

"I think my main room is habitable enough- I could always move my bed if I needed to." [It was odd though-] "It's so odd you mentioned that, though. None of the areas of my cottage that were attacked seem to make any sense. It all seems random. Is it the same for yours? I've never known plants to be able to think like that-- Wouldn't they normally just grow wherever they could?"

[Chise blinked in momentary surprise at Eilonwy's words.]

"Now that you said that... it does seem that way. Plants normally will just grow at random - aside from a basic leaning towards sunlight - so the fact that our houses were attacked like this... it's almost the opposite. The first time, the plants just overtook everything, but this past week..." [She trailed off, her work somewhat forgotten as she thought.] "I wonder if it had anything to do with that Knight." [Not that she would get an answer on that.]

"Doesn't it? I know plants can grow around things, too, but the only one I can think of off of the top of my head that would climb would be ivy." [There were probably other types, but Eilonwy stayed focused on the conversation.] "Perhaps? He did yell something about reclaiming. It wouldn't be too surprising to think he could at least.. If not control plants, maybe he directed them?"

"Maybe..." [Chise sighed, more out of habit than any major frustration.] "Though however he did it, it caused quite a bit of trouble. I feel bad... I've been here less than half a year and it seems like Somnius isn't given time to recover."

[Not that Chise could blame herself for that. Maybe her old self would have... but she knew better than to direct correlation on something that might be mere coincidence.] "I have to wonder if the constant attacks mean we might be moving in the right direction. Or... maybe not."

[She tugged on a particularly stubborn root, clearing the dirt away.]

"The recovery does seem fairly short, but I think some of that is because the changes are so quick compared to everything else." [More work, with Eilonwy occasionally stopping long enough to shake her hands and let some of the dirt fall off. Not that it mattered, but it was something else to do.]

"Loki advised me to stop always looking at Vaeros's actions as always being antagonistic. And if Vaeros is part fae, then that makes sense. Not all of them attack. But the Horned King certainly didn't waste his time towards the end of everything that happened in Prydain. I have a lot of contradicting ideas around all of this, to be completely honest."

[If the attacks weren't a reaction to steps forward, then why were they happening? Eilonwy could think up theories all day if she tried hard enough.]

[Chise continued with her own work, wincing somewhat.]

"Wise advice. Though... I am somewhat the same. I've dealt with magical creatures since I was young - some were friendly and others harmful. But... I agree. Maybe he isn't always antagonistic."

[Though it was kind of difficult to tell with all of the attacks on Somnius, but that was her own experience. She hadn't been here through everything. Maybe if she had, her opinion would be different.]

"It can be hard for me to remember, actually. Most myths in Prydain mention how fair folk are protective."

[Eilonwy paused for a second as she thought that over.] "Wait. That could also explain some things." [But then she sighed and shook her head.] "It seems like there are a lot of answers to all of these questions." [Some more roots were cleared and set aside, and some plants were slowly prepared for transplanting.]

[Chise herself began to dig up some of the plants that required new soil, though she did smile at Eilonwy's observations.]

"Fae can certainly be protective. Some of houses or objects, others of people. My teacher is quite protective of me... sometimes a little too much. But I appreciate his concern, just as I worry over him."

[It would make sense to her, then, that Vaeros was protective over the land he 'ruled.' Still... why allow it to come to such harm? Was it because he could fix certain things using his power? Was it a lapse that occurred due to his ire?] "You are right though... it seems like we have too many options and not enough concrete answers. I suppose those will come in time."

"Hopefully, yes. Or at least there might be some kind of guide to point us in the right direction. I doubt Vaeros will simply answer questions we have."

[The three witch sisters really hadn't been forthcoming.] "But for now, we can keep working-- Your teacher is Fae then?"

"With how he hasn't appeared yet to anyone... I doubt it would be that simple." [She agreed with a nod.]

[As for Eilonwy's question...] "Elias is Elias. I don't really know what he is. I've... asked, and he always asks for more time before explaining." [Chise sighed, but it was more out of fondness than it was aggravation. After all, maybe there were some things that would take time.] "I'm not even sure Elias knows what he is. Maybe that's why he's so hesitant to talk about it but... either way, it's certain tendencies I've noticed him display. Whether that makes him fae or not, I can't really tell."

"You said you grew up hearing stories of the Fae?" [She glanced over at her friend, mildly curious.]

[Eilonwy listened and gave a slight nod in understanding.] "That does sound different-- but if he's not fae, that makes sense." [Nobody really knew what Gurgi was, and he never offered any sort of explanation, but that didn't matter.] "But really I suppose it doesn't matter- you don't need to know everything about someone to like them."

"I did, yes! Well, a mix of hearing stories about them and knowing they could be in Prydain itself. They're travelers so we don't see them often, but there were always stories about how some of them acted, how to be polite, things of that nature. Which is good, because when we all met them after being in that whirlpool it wasn't as big of a shock."

“Right.” [Agreeing with a soft smile. She didn’t have to know everything about Elias to know that he was special to her. Yet… it would be nice to get some answers someday.] “It’s all a matter of patience.”

[Focusing on Eilonwy’s story.] “It’s good that you were taught how to act around them. It’s always better to never tell a lie.” [Then, she paused, head tilted a little.] “‘Whirlpooll’?”

"Mh-hm, even if I don't always have as much of that as I'd like." [Eilonwy admitted with a chuckle. She could be running on near empty sometimes.]

[She nodded and said the same way one might talk about the weather] "Yes! Gurgi- one of my friends, jumped across a stone bridge in a lake during our adventure. But then the stones sank and a whirlpool came up. We were all pulled in and woke up underground with fairies. A bit confusing, but we weren't hurt luckily."

[Chise’s own response was just as casual - if not tinged in a bit of relief.]

“I’m glad you weren’t hurt. And there are many entrances to the Other Side, at least where I am from, that one might not expect. Some of them even tend to be back passages to other places. Still… it’s always better to be cautious. You never know who’s territory you might be wandering into.”

"Likewise- I would've hated for anyone to be injured! But the fairies were very kind when we woke up, and helped us get to where we needed. I don't know if the cave was their territory, but we were respectful regardless." [It had worked out for them, luckily. Even if their guide had sounded put off by the orders to escort the group.]

[Chise listened contently, assured of the fact her friend knew how to react in potential danger.]

“I’m glad you found some friendly ones then. Not all of the fae I’ve encountered have been as kind.”

[It was stated as a fact rather than a warning, after all Eilonwy seemed to know enough on etiquette to not be in danger, but it was always good to understand the distinction between the two.]

"Oh, our guide got very angry with us, but he only left in a huff instead of doing anything else. I've never met one that hasn't been kind in Prydain."

[She still didn't know if Vaeros himself counted as a fae, but Eilonwy didn't include him in the group she had been thinking of.]

“I’m glad.”

[Her relief came out in a near whisper. She wouldn’t wish the experience of running into a hostile fae on anyone.]

“Ah, would you be able to help me with this one?” [She asked, holding up a particularly large plant with thickly entwined roots.] “It’s a bit heavy, so be careful. But with two of us moving it, we should be able to steady it into the ground easier.”

"Of course." [Eilonwy pushed her sleeves up a little, walked over and got into position to help Chise carry it. She shifted her weight as needed until it felt correct and then nodded.] "I'm ready if you are."

”Ready.”

[Chise answered with a nod, knowing - with her friend’s help - that they would get much accomplished.

And, for a time, they simply chatted and worked. By the end, Chise’s garden was much improved, and overall it had been a fun and satisfying day.]

[Having free time and wanting to do something else with it besides chores, one day Eilonwy sends another message.] "Hello again, Chise! I have some free time, would you like to take the day to make potpourri and do some knitting together?"

Eilonwy! Glad to hear from you!

Feel free to come over! I would love that. I chose some particularly pleasing scents for the potpourri that I can’t wait to share!

Oh, that sounds nice! I'll be there soon!

See you soon then!

[When Eilonwy approached Chise's cottage, the redhead was - for once - not outside. As a polite knock was answered with a friendly "come in!", Eilonwy would be greeted with the sight of Chise's generally sparse living. A table was set up with several bowls - all containing various spices, dried flowers and fruit, and a few smaller offerings of oil -, a stack of fabric squares, and some needle and thread. Chise turned around, wiping her hands on her apron and greeting her friend with a smile.]

"Eilonwy! How was the walk over?"

[Eilonwy stepped inside and looked around before she returned Chise's smile.] "Hello Chise, it was nice enough. I ran a little but it was good exercise." [She looked to the bowls and approached the nearest] "Oh! You've quite a lot of ingredients!"

“Of course. There are many combinations that can be made for potpourri… and I wasn’t entirely sure what scents you would prefer, so I wanted to get a variety.” [Moving towards the small kitchen nearby.] “But before that, would you like anything to drink or eat? The process does take some time, so it would be good if we had snacks.”

"That's very kind- I actually prefer forest scents but also some flowers." [Eilonwy nodded] "Both sound good. Tea if you have it, but I'm fine with whatever you want to make for snacks."

[Chise took note of that with a hum.] “I think i have some pine shavings here somewhere…”

[Perusing the different bowls, reorganizing them a bit so they were sorted more into scent categories rather than at random.]

“I do have some, though I’m afraid it might not be as warm as you might be used to.” [Chise still didn’t know whether to trust the wish system here yet, so no modern appliances.] “I did pick some fresh berries recently, if you would like to try some?”

[She disappeared into the kitchen for a brief moment, bringing out a kettle filled with a mildly bitter scent and another bowl of said berries.]

"That's fine, I can drink it at almost any temperature." [Eilonwy watched as Chise vanished into the kitchen and looked towards the bowls with a smile.] "I'd like that, yes- thank you." [She walked over to the table and would wait until Chise sat before making herself comfortable.]

[Chise gladly brought the bowls over, pouring a cup of tea for both herself and Eilonwy before sitting. The chairs were situated at the same table as the potpourri supplies, but with enough room to relax and work at the same time.]

“Before we start… how has your knitting been going? I know you were working on a few projects last time we spoke.”

[Pleasant conversation never hurt, and she wanted to catch up with her friend a bit before she got into describing the process.]

"Thank you." [Eilonwy took her cup and a had a drink before she answered.]

"I haven't been doing it as much, so I'm a little behind- but the next bunch of cotton cloths are almost finished. I just need to do the finishing borders and then wash them so they'll stretch out. Likewise how have you been? This must have taken a while to find everything!"

[Pleasant conversation was always welcomed.]

“You are still making progress. It is meant to be a relaxing hobby as well…” [She gave Eilonwy an encouraging smile.]

“Ah, it didn’t take as long as you might think.” [Well, there had been the process of figuring out where best to obtain everything, since different materials were involved.] “I’m used to gathering these sorts of supplies from back home, so after I figured out where, the how was much more enjoyable.”

"That's true, I guess I'm thinking more of Llyr and Prydain."

[Eilonwy returned the smile, glad for the encouragement.]

"Oh, then it's like when I pick fruit or flowers." [She had another drink of her tea and laughed a little.] "I'm glad it didn't take as long. Shorter tasks have their place along with longer ones, I think."

“That’s true. If we focused on one or the other too much, then you would either end up exhausted or with no time at all.”

[She mused with a smile, taking a sip of her own tea. Her gaze drifted back to the potpourri ingredients.]

“A mix of both is better, for balance.”

[Some more tea was had as she looked at the different bowls.]

"Much like potpourri. Unless you just wanted one scent, but then it wouldn't be potpourri, I think."

“Right.” [She nodded, pleased.] “While mixing the scents is beneficial for effect, it’s also just dependent on what you like.”

[Giving Eilonwy a smile as she took another sip.] “Want to learn how it works?”

"Of course, whenever you're ready!"

[Eilonwy forced herself not to hurry and finish her tea. It was as nice as doing other things with Chise, and she really didn't want to rush it. The bowls weren't going anywhere.]

[They could, of course, have tea while they worked. That was why Chise had brought the kettle out to the table, so that they could still enjoy refreshments while learning something new.]

[She moved the ingredients closer to where they were, making sure to leave space for mixing and also placed an empty bowl in front of each of them.]

Technically, you can work on the fabric casings while the mixture settles. That’s what I do if I am working on a larger batch, so that when the mixture is set, I can transfer it to the satchels rather quickly. For now, we’ll focus on the mixture.

[Among the bowls were also measuring cups and some containing small spoons. Chise grabbed a cup of the pine and a half cup of lavender, placing each into her empty bowl and mixing it.]

Depending on how strong you want a scent, you can vary how much of each ingredient you use. It’s a good rule to generally have at least two cups of ingredients total, depending on how large the satchel you are going to put it in. Likewise, if you put something that has a faint scent, like certain petals, you can include more of that.

[Once the mix was thoroughly combined, she slid over a few of the bowls containing liquids and spoons.]

Next you want to add an oil. This ferments the majority of the underlying scent, aside from the dry materials you choose. You don’t need too much unless you want a stronger scent.

[Placing about two teaspoons scattered throughout the dry mix, she then grabbed another bowl full of dry powder.]

This is Orris root. You want to grind it into a fine powder, like this, before you use it, but it helps to seal the scent. After all… you put the mixture into an airtight container to let it infuse for a few weeks, if you aren’t wanting an immediate use. Though if you do the latter, it will have less of a long-lasting effect, so I do recommend sealing it and letting it sit for at least a few days. I tend to seal them in empty jars we have laying around

[She gave Eilonwy an encouraging smile.]

Any questions so far? It’s pretty simple one you figure out what combinations you like.

(ooc- me just breaking the algorithm googling stuff for rp XD)

[Eilonwy listened, studying some of the bowls and repeating bits of the information softly to herself, to help file it away in her memory.] Not.. entirely? It's surprising it can keep for a few weeks, but that does make sense. What if you accidentally put too much of an ingredient in? Can you.. [She trailed off and had a drink of her tea] I guess, could you erase back to before that? Or would you have to find a new combination?

Hmm…

[Chise took her own sip of tea while she thought.]

I guess if you put too much in, it would just mean the scent is overwhelming. Dry ingredients might be easier to remove, but once you mix the oils, there isn’t much you can do aside from add something else to balance it out.

[Smiling in encouragement.]

That’s why I always think it’s best to experiment. And use smaller quantities starting out - that way, you can always add more.

[Eilonwy looked to the ingredients and had another drink of her tea.] Right-- it would be awkward if you ended up with a batch that you weren't as fond of. I've had that happen with some recipes, but the food still needed to be eaten.

[She was applying the same "don't waste things if you don't have to" logic to this. As she sat her cup down, she reached for one of the bottles of oil and picked it up gingerly to read the label.] Bergamot?

[Chise agreed with a nod.] That’s why it’s important to experiment with different scents. You might find something you previously didn’t know you would like, or you might find ones to stay away from. That also is important for gifting - someone else might like one that you aren’t fond of.

[Watching what Eilonwy chose.] It’s a subtle oil. Somewhat citrus-y, though there’s a stronger hint of bitter under it too. It can be a good way to balance out the more floral or nature-based scents of the dried ingredients.

[Eilonwy turned the bottle left and right a few times as she studied it while Chise explained.] Oh! I like citrus well enough. [She sat it down gently and had more of her tea, then remarked-] Speaking of gifts, this does look like it would be a very thoughtful gift for someone. Not as easy as I'd pictured, but sometimes gifts aren't easy. [Another drink before she added simply] I think those are the most fun types to give, if I'm being fully honest.

Exactly. It shows the time you put into it as you thought of them. [She took a brief sip of tea.] You can also learn a lot about someone that way.

[A light blush dusted her cheeks.] My first Christmas with Elias… he gave me a stuffed bear. Which was confusing at first… but then he told me he actually made it which… I hadn’t expected. He didn’t seem the type. But it sounded like he put a lot of effort into it. …I wasn’t expecting to receive anything at all, so it was special. [Plus the bear ate her excess magic as she slept, but… that was an added bonus. Proof of how much he had thought about her while making it.]

By what they give you, or the amount of work they do, or..?

[Eilonwy had some more tea and listened, her eyes lighting up a little.] Oh, that was very kind of him. I've never made toys, but some of them look very time consuming. [Board games, not as much, but any kind of dolls, even the rougher ones she was used to seeing looked like they could take weeks if not longer to make.] Some of them are also very detailed, actually! I've seen dresses made- [She frees her hands long enough to make a shape roughly on par with a fashion doll's height] To this scale, which has been surprising.

One or the other… or maybe both? I honestly can’t say. Just… it teaches you things you didn’t know before.

[She certainly wouldn’t have thought Elias would have had the patience to make a stuffed bear from scratch. The likelihood that some sort of magic existed to help with the creation seemed much more feasible, so the fact that he had created the bear for her by traditional means? It meant more. ~~Even so, she would have been fine with the other method too.~~]

[Chise blinked in mild surprise at Eilwony’s explanation.]

That small? I wonder how they do that…? I guess it must be the measurements or something… but I think that would almost be more complicated than a full sized garment. I should ask Sylky when I get back…

I can't either, to be just as honest.

[Eilonwy laughed a little and had some more tea. There was sort of the same idea around books in Prydain. The printing press had made creating them much easier, but hand copied ones were sometimes more valued. It was probably the same with clothing, and Eilonwy thought to her sewing machine for a moment before she came back to the conversation.]

Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if they asked the fair folk to help. The stitches must be very tiny! Is Sylky a friend?

[Chise wouldn’t discount getting the fae to help with such small stitch work.]

I wonder what they would need to exchange for their help. Though there are some fae that enjoy housework, so maybe it’s that kind of relation.

[She nodded softly.]

Sylky is a Neighbor that lives with us. I don’t know much about her, and she doesn’t talk much, but she takes care of us. She’s been kind to me.

Continuing from here!
~~~

That sounds agreeable to me. I look forward to it.

[The rest of the day passed rather quickly for Chise, with the meeting not far from her thoughts. She was excited to finally meet Gamora, having heard of her from Loki, but she was also nervous about first impressions. What is, for some reason, Chise was unlikeable? The girl briefly wondered why it mattered, but the worry remained with her into the night.

She awoke early the next morning, doing some research on where the location they were meeting was, so that - when the proper time arrived - she didn’t take too long to get there. She sent a brief message of arrival to Gamora, looking around somewhat inquisitively. Maybe the other was already here…?]

Loki had briefly spoken to Chise, but that didn't mean he also didn't want to check on her more fully. Which is how he ended up knocking on her door. Granted, he brought food and drink too--he'd be a good guest. But Loki would feel better checking on her in person.

As Chise opened the door to her cottage, she wasn’t overly surprised to see Loki - she had offered her cottage as a meeting place to him, and he had mentioned that he would message before arriving.

What she was surprised about, however, was what he carried.

“Loki, come on in. Um… what is all of this?”

"Even if I'm invited, I thought it'd be rude to show up empty handed. So I brought dinner." The large basket looked over-filled and heavy, but Loki was having no trouble with it.

Chise was stuck between gratitude and feeling like she had somehow inconvenienced him with all of the work… but she conveyed the former with a smile.

“I appreciate it, though you didn’t have to go through all of the trouble.”

A polite bow as she welcome him in, closing the door behind him. Though… maybe Loki bringing dinner was a better option than what she could provide. The interior of the living room was quite sparse, still filled with the standard furnishings all Cottages here came with, but there were little touches of habitation here and there - most notably, several notebooks and a bag full of knitting supplies on a nearby table. And no modern appliances, so Loki had come at the overtime time. “I had just been debating what to make for dinner. Please, feel free to make yourself at home.”

"I knew you'd say that, but I felt I did. So accept it." Loki countered, moving in quickly. He was taking notes as he entered though, and with her comment he chuckled. "I see my timing is perfect then, Chise. Glad to provide."

“I certainly won’t refuse.” She said with a smile. “Though I can at least provide refreshments, if needed. Would you like some tea? Or I have water too.”

She really was limited in what she could provide, but… Chise still wasn’t sure if she could trust the wishing crystal. Others had gotten what they wanted from it, but… the hesitation remained in the back of her mind.

"Do you mind iced tea? I can help with that." Loki replied with a smile. "Where should I place the food?" He was making a few mental notes.

“‘Iced tea’… I don’t mind it at all. Plus, it is good weather for it.” They were still in the heat of summer, and really she should have thought to offer something cold to drink. Her current living situations didn’t leave much room for options though.

“Oh!” The streak of embarrassment came through at his question - of course he wouldn’t want to assume where to place things. “Right on this table is fine.” She gestured to a longer table in the living room, allowing plenty of space for the food to be placed, as she grabbed a few cups and supplies from the kitchen.

"I'm sure I could heat the tea up too if you'd rather." Loki said with a soft chuckle. Placing the bags on the table, he started to unload the food. Hearty Bread and some kind of packed roasted animal, root veggies and some greens, honey cakes added as desserts or sides. Waiting until Chise had brought stuff back, before he'd offer her chair for her.

"You're still settling in, it's quite alright."

Chise’s own gaze softened as she watched Loki unpack, helping where she could.

“I appreciate it. Truly. …you would think I should be more acclimated to this place, after several months here.”

And in some ways, she had acclimated well: the schedule of intense periods followed by times of peace, the generosity of those here, and the fact she at least had a roof over her head were all things to be grateful for. But… some things were still difficult - the silence in the Cottage, for one.

“But we aren’t here to talk about that.” She gave an apologetic expression. More importantly… “How are you doing?” She couldn’t keep the concern from her voice - his network post had been vague but… she got the sense more had transpired with the Green Knight than he was comfortable saying publicly. Especially since the redhead hadn’t seen him at all during that stretch of time.

"Once we're sitting, and have had some food. It can wait until then." Loki said gently, but with authority. Helping Chise into her seat, he then took his own.

"Have you had trouble affording anything that would help? I also get the impression that while you can live on your own and survive, you're not used to it." A subtle prompt for her to ask for more than just what she might need, too. Especially since as tea was served, Loki let his eyes-glow briefly, before there were signs of condensation around their drinks. A handy use of cryomancy.

“Ah, right.” She nodded, thanking him with a polite nod as she sat. He was probably hungry. So food and conversation first… but she wasn’t letting him off the hook. She had to know he was somewhat alright before he left… and, if not, give him a safe space to voice anything that might have been bottled up. That was her goal.

Smiling at the condensation that dusted their glasses, his question caught her a bit by surprise. “Um… it’s not so much my being able to afford anything… I know the Shards are a bit tricky to keep track of, but that we earn them and don’t seem to run out. It’s more…” The girl hesitated for a moment, like she was debating whether it was smart to voice her thoughts. “I just don’t know whether I can trust it. The crystal, I mean. People have successfully wished for things and gotten them, so there isn’t a problem of if it works. I’m more concerned what, besides the Shards, we might be trading in exchange…”

A never-ending debate on her part. While Vaeros seemed to have made this place convenient for their comfort, she still couldn’t get rid of her wariness.

"Knowing you, you'd also worry for others who would get you stuff via wishing, because what might it be taking from them besides shards as well." It wasn't really a question, though Loki didn't know that with 100% certainty. He was sure he was right though.

"You're right to be cautious, but you also can't let that cautiousness keep you from doing what you need to. There is still much we do not know about this place. But I believe you can wish on the crystal. I'm not sure how to fully explain, at least over dinner, why I am saying that. It has to do with my theories on how everything works, what the shards are, so on."

A small hand wave to indicate the 'so on'.

"When I first arrived, I was suspicious too. But Alice--pending Gamora's approval--invited me to live with her at her cottage. She and Gamora already had basic utilities though, so I couldn't test the crystal that way. Nor did I want to test it by wishing for something I valued highly. So, with Winter coming, I wished for an upgrade to the cottage we lived in. A proper hearth and fireplace. It was a practical test."

Besides being a few other things.

“No, you’re right…”

In fact, it was almost scary how easily Loki had hit that particular point on the head too…

“Even if something wouldn’t be taken from me in the process of wishing, if any potential ill would come to someone in order for me to gain something…”

It didn’t sit well with her. Even though, inwardly, she knew she would provide that sacrifice for someone else in their stead.

Somehow, she wasn’t surprised that Loki had tested the system. Smiling softly, she glanced at him. “It’s good to know that it works. And I’m sure the process - and your theories - would take a long time to explain. That was nice of you, though.” And she would leave it at that, whether he would answer to it or was aware of the kindness he had done (she suspected he was, but still), it wasn’t her place to say.

A smile, one that gave no indication about whether he'd recognized everything he'd done with the test. More for her words. "It's not that complicated I don't think, but it's speculation mostly based on what I've been tracking and researching. We can discuss it some other time. My point is, I think you're safe to use the crystal to wish for things."

“That’s… good to know.”

The crystal works, and while she could take Loki’s word for it - she had no reason to distrust him otherwise - she would have to make a decision sooner or later.

“I feel like… I need to stop being stagnant. But I’m not sure what that looks like right now.”

She took a sip of the iced tea. All she knew for sure was that she hated feeling like she couldn’t help the people who had shown her kindness here. It was as simple as that. Any other ramifications that might come from her choices would have to be dealt with when they arrived.

Edited 2024-08-27 19:10 (UTC)

He listened, and took a drink of his iced tea. Blue-green eyes met her own though, with her words, and one eyebrow raised. Oh Chise, this is the wrong person to confess that to. Or perhaps the best person, if you want to fix it. Lowering his glass, he kept his attention on her.

"First, I would agree. Stagnation is rarely a good thing. That is part of our larger problem here--we're all stagnating because we can't properly deal with the overall problem and effect change and growth. Second, what would it look like. Not right now, but in general. How would you define not being stagnant while being here?"

“In general…” Loki’s question didn’t have an easy answer, not for Chise. Her gaze trailed to the glass, watching as condensation built, a water droplet trailing down the side, leaving a streak in the otherwise cloudy surface.

That question… it kept building up something akin to guilt in her. Because she knew the answer wasn’t simple, but she also knew that her perception of it was wrong.

The truth… that would at least help Loki to understand, she hoped.

“In the simplest terms, i guess I would say ‘being useful’ to everyone here. I’ve always struggled with that - equating my worth with usefulnesses. And I’ve been told by so many people that it isn’t a healthy way to think of myself.” Even BB had called Chise out on that, in her own way. “But… I still don’t understand why. Or feeling like, because it applies to me, I can’t accept it.”

Chise knew that much - that she could easily afford others the grace that she couldn’t give herself. Sacrificing herself in some form to benefit others… it was something she did without thinking, instinctually, almost like breathing.

“Elias told me… that my selfish requests are never for myself. But I’m not sure I agree with that. Even now, not wanting to be stagnant… be ‘useful’ to everyone here… is more for my own benefit. To ease what I’m feeling, more than to provide something for someone else.”

Even if, somewhere deep down, Chise could argue the logic in that - that helping others could be beneficial for both sides, somehow she couldn’t accept it without her own sacrifice.

She blushed suddenly, somewhat embarrassed. “I’m sorry if that doesn’t make much sense. I’m… still figuring it out.”

He listened patiently and attentively, though he also made sure they both had food too on their plates and bowls. Loki let her take her time, and he didn't respond right away when she finished. Giving her some space, although there was an amused little laugh at her apology.

"Figuring it out is good, so long as that process isn't the end goal." After a certain point, that became an excuse and crutch. Because one would never stop figuring it out really.

"From what I know about your upbringing and life, I'm not surprised that you equate your worth with how useful you are. It's not healthy, as you should value yourself for yourself. But I can see it's difficult for you to accept that, because you don't value yourself for yourself. You value yourself as a thing for others. You define your worth by someone else's standards and how much they value you for what you can do." Letting that all sit for a few seconds.

"Likewise, your requests are selfish and yet, not--as you recognize. Yes, you're doing for others, but you also are doing it because that's the only way you know how to value yourself. That kind of self-awareness is very good and rare, for what it's worth. Although I will remind you there's also nothing wrong with being selfish sometimes." With one half of his mouth curling up into a smile.

"More to your point, so to you--being not stagnant would be 'being useful' to everyone here. How do you define being useful, then? Also, eat."

Chise listened patiently, thinking it over. Loki was right, in quite a few things - her ‘figuring things out’ was not the end goal. It was a goal, but not where she ultimately would stop.

“Oh, right.” She didn’t want to waste the food that he had brought, so she took a plate, making sure to grab a bit of each, before politely taking a bite. “Thank you for the food.”

As she made sure to alternate between eating and talking from now on, she thought. “It’s… difficult in both aspects, I think. I’ve had so many people tell me to value myself, that they don’t expect things from me and yet… it doesn’t sink in. Not fully enough. My body often moves before my brain has processed it, in certain situations. So… I’m not sure what ‘being useful’ would look like here. I just get the feeling that I would know if I had done something.”

It wasn’t helpful, she knew, as the terms to define situations like that varied.

"You're overthinking it." Loki said, but he didn't mean it to be dismissive. "Or perhaps not thinking certain things through enough. How do you define being useful. You say you'd get a feeling you'd know. But that's not enough to figure it out. If you're going to actually and actively figure it out, give yourself concrete things to do."

Loki paused to let her consider that, while having some of the food himself. He'd brought good stuff and planned to enjoy it. He also doubted she'd accept, but he'd brought wine as well to share.

"Others may not expect anything. But what matters here is what you expect, and what you want. No one is going to tell you or make it easy."

Loki was right in that Chise stayed away from the wine, but she did enjoy the other options he had brought.

“I know. I know you’re right.” She stared down at her plate, thinking it through. Letting out a sigh. “I thought I was starting to figure it out… what I want… but overall, that doesn’t seem achievable here.” After all, the people that she considered her home were far removed from this place. But the long-term wasn’t only what Loki was asking about. Instead of answering, however, she asked a question of her own.

“How do you separate kindness from repayment?” It might have seemed obvious, from what Loki knew so far, but she was even having a difficult time telling herself not to figure out some way to ‘pay’ Loki back for the meal. That company and good conversation was probably payment enough for him. But she couldn’t help it. “Elias always says… as a mage, you can’t offer kindness without recompense. And while I’m not just a mage… I can’t help but follow those rules.”

And yet, even before she had been saved by Elias, everything in her life had been transactional. The people around her hadn’t wanted anything to do with her, so she had tried to make her existence so small so as to not be bothersome to others.

"Well, let me ask you a question in return. Are you acting as a mage, when you offer kindness or recompense? If you always feel the need to repay, are you then always acting as a mage?" He understood, given what he knew about her life so far, she might still feel things should be transactional. But he was hoping to help her tease it out herself. Figure out the finer points.

Edited 2024-08-28 19:46 (UTC)

“I don’t think so. I think… when I’m wanting to do something kind… I’m doing it as myself.” It wasn’t that being a mage meant you couldn’t be kind, it just meant you had to be more cautious of the gifts you imparted. “Even though Elias isn’t here, I’m still his apprentice. That makes me a mage… in training, at least. So his advice is always at the back of my mind.”

Maybe, she thought, it would be easier if she didn’t think of Elias while she was here. Didn’t think of home. But Chise already knew that wasn’t possible for her. Everything she had accomplished since she had met him, every step that she had taken since then… it wasn’t just under her own power. Elias had saved her, making it possible, and the people she had met along the way had given her support. So she couldn’t just discard him like that.

“Likewise, does not using magic mean you aren’t a magic user? Does being yourself mean you aren’t abiding by the rules and mannerisms you’ve been taught?”

Anther question that Chise wasn’t sure of the answer to. And she wasn’t wanting to grill Loki, but she was curious of the answer. Then, for good measure, she took a bite of food… just so he couldn’t call her out on stalling or something.

"You're not wrong, but I also see you dodging it a bit. You state you want to do something kind, as yourself. But you also insist you are still a mage in training. So, does that mean you are always a mage, and never just yourself alone?"

“I… don’t know…” That wasn’t a good enough answer. Chise sighed. “No… I’m not always a mage’s apprentice. But… I think that’s the foremost descriptor I can give myself…” After all, she was still figuring out where her place in the world was and what she wanted to do, both in and outside of Somnius. “But I don’t think I can discount it entirely. I’m myself, but also an apprentice. I’m human, but also a Sleigh Beggy. It’s like… you can be a friend with someone, but also more. Like Elias isn’t just my teacher…”

And it was that thought, as she trailed off and took a moment to process, that had her averting her gaze, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

That brought a rich chuckle from Loki. "Now Chise, you should know better than to leave an opening like that with one as curious as me." A gentle tease.

"But you are correct. People can have more than one role. They often have many they fulfill, and it can change from moment to moment." With a gentle smile, he continued. "So it would be up to you to figure out who you're being, and whether that means you can give recompense for kindness or not. Whether you want to."

Chise did the best she could to let the blush fade from her face, focusing instead on what Loki said. Emerald gaze softening.

"Right... thank you. For the advice." She didn't want to seem like she was keeping secrets from him. "I'm still figuring some things out... and the past few months haven't been easy." But... it had been manageable, in part due to Loki's kindness.

"Don't think I'll just forget that tantalizing clue you just dropped. But I will let you recover from your blush. For now." Loki teased gently.

Letting that lie there for the moment, while he focused on the food and drink a bit. Hopefully she'd do the same.

Chise hummed, equal parts embarrassment and acknowledgement, as she took the time to do just that: eat and cool the blush from her cheeks.

Several minutes of silence followed, in which she tried very hard to not think of what they had been discussing, until she felt level enough to speak again. Taking a sip of tea, she turned her attention back to her guest.

“Um… if you don’t mind me asking… how are you doing? We’ve been talking a lot about me, but… the reason I brought you here was to make sure you were alright…” And to give him a safe space to say whatever he wished, without people overhearing, though that was implied enough.

Well drat, Loki had hoped she'd might forget. A sigh, as...he wasn't necessarily opposed to talking to Chise? He actually appreciated the concern, and was getting used to the idea that it could be genuine from others. But he still did want some control over the topic and conversation.

"I am managing. I have been through similar before. How aware are you of what was going on and happening, while the Green Knight was here looking for Night Sky?"

How aware had she been? Might as well start at the beginning…

“I know… I woke up to the Cottage being forest. To all of Somnius being forest, really. And there was this constant pain in my head… but it was also like a fog trying to creep in. Sometimes a voice, sometimes just… blankness. I assume that was the Knight?” She frowned slightly, whether she was aware of it or not. “I know… quite a few people fell under his enthrallment. I worked at the church to help heal those that had been hurt and… ran into a few who needed help otherwise.”

The way her gaze dropped back to her tea, it was like she was getting lost in the memories again. She hadn’t succumbed, but that hadn’t meant the voice was any less determined to reach out to her. Thankfully, it had faded with the Green Knight’s defeat. And in it’s wake had been left the emotional and physical devastation that a lot of the Dreamers showed signs of feeling.

"Night Sky fared the worse, as the Green Knight was from her past." Loki said quietly, informing Chise. Pausing to order his thoughts. "Thank you for your help with others. I'm glad you were able to resist the enthrallment, as well."

Okay, he was stalling. Even though it was important to acknowledge Chise's work because SHE did better when she felt useful.

"I resisted at first, until I encountered Night Sky under the Knight's control. She wounded me rather badly, and while I do have a regenerative healing factor of my own... My resources were taxed enough by it that I succumbed to the Knight's control."

Just going to let that hang there.

“I only did what I could…” And it didn’t mean the Knight hadn’t tried to turn her. Chise was just glad the beaches and the like were gone… Still, she appreciated the praise.

She listened patiently to Loki’s explanation. Concise, detailed as usual. And with each sentence, the worry in her grew. She didn’t show him pity - he wouldn’t want that, but at the same time… “It wasn’t your fault.” She spoke on autopilot, honestly, so that none of her thoughts would be filtered. “Whatever you might have done, or not. But… I know that doesn’t make it right. Not being in control of yourself… it takes a toll on you.”

Chise herself had only had brief moments of that outside of Somnius, and she was still left with no answers. She couldn’t imagine what an extended incident, like with the Knight, would leave her feeling.

He didn't, and wouldn't want pity. Unfortunately, her automatic responses had him frowning and eyes-narrowing with a sharp look in them. He didn't lash out though or speak.

She was attempting to be sympathetic, and Loki could tell that. But unfortunately it was a prickly subject and the way she was going about it was not one that helpful to him. Not from her, and maybe not from anyone.

"I'm... not that good at this..." She stared back at her tea, unsure of what to say or do. "There isn't anything I can say that will change what happened. I know that... but I'm here. To listen, or simply just as a presence. And the Cottage is quiet and disconnected so I figured... it might be a good break."

"You wish to allow me a place to speak, perhaps to attempt to process what happened to me, that is private." Loki stated, though it might've been a question too. Aloof, distant. "Why?" Because that was what he was the most curious about.

She nodded, somewhat meekly. Chise herself was still figuring out how all of this worked but... she wouldn't lie to him.

"I'm sorry if it somehow causes you distress but... I do care." Her gaze left the tea cup to meet his. "Not just in the fact that you've helped me. Not just because it might be seen as the 'right thing to do'... you're more than just an acquaintance. More than just a teacher. I... see you as a friend, if that's alright..." Her pauses were not hesitation in what she spoke - it was the absolute truth. It was more that Chise needed time to process how properly she wanted to convey her thoughts. This was new for her... even with Elias, she still had trouble putting her true feelings into words. But she felt that this was important - her relation with Loki wasn't transactional to her. It was something she wanted.

Again he let her speak, remaining aloof and distant, but sharp blue-green eyes studied her. Noting those hesitations, the nerves, unflinchingly meeting her own gaze. Holding it for a long moment, before Loki nodded. Just like that, the distance was gone, the aloofness a mere shadow. A hint of a curl of smile around his mouth, as he picked up his glass of iced tea. "...Even with my months here, I am still not used to others caring about me, or for me." Then a slow blink, and a quieter and soft. "Thank you Chise. I would like to be friends too, besides having you as my student somewhat."

Edited 2024-09-04 01:40 (UTC)

"I would like that." Her own response was softer too. Even though she had already said it previously... she would repeat it for as many times as he needed to hear. "And thank you too. I want to reiterate - this is a safe space. You don't have to talk, you can simply be here, and that's fine too. But I want you to know the option is up to you."

She would leave it up to Loki. Whether he wanted her to listen or help process, whether he was ready for that step or not. She wasn't a councilor - all she had to offer was friendship and her presence. But she would do that willingly.

In the meantime... she took another piece of bread to munch on.

The bread had him make a small amused noise. "It was...hard. I've had my mind ransacked before, though not controlled fully. I swore that no one would ever be able to do that to me again." There was venom in some of those words, and some loathing, and perhaps the tiniest microscopic bit of fear. "The Knight's control had me asleep however, and I'm glad that the being had no knowledge of how to properly use my skills and talents or it would've been so much worse. For everyone."

A peace-offering, perhaps. Loki wasn't seeking solutions or help processing. But given to Chise so she'd understand.

She nodded, patiently listening. Taking in that information, grateful inwardly - like he had said - that things hadn't been worse. But it wasn't her place to say, knowing that the burden fell to him alone. So she simply sat in silence, continuing to eat - maybe a peace offering in her own way, wanting him to speak what he wanted without interruption, and for her to enjoy the food that he had brought as well. There was some amount of understanding - Chise herself only knew microscopically what that must have felt like.

"I won't say I wouldn't blame anyone if they'd simply taken me down as a means to preventing worse. Because I would be angry about it later, and be rightly annoyed and pissed off to be blunt. But I would've understood." Again, offered quietly, in a low voice. A tangled jumble of emotions in a knot that wasn't easy to unravel.

"I loathe being under someone else's control, to dance to their tune and manipulated by their plans. Directly, or indirectly as we're all rather well trapped here." A hard and harsh tone, bitter and direct, promising nothing good for those responsible. "But I would be a fool not to recognize it has benefited me as well in ways I'm still coming to realize." Softened slightly, acknowledging that....friendship, and care, that he'd been learning and growing to feel himself.

Chise nodded again. Patient. Wanting to give him time.

“There’s no easy answer - we are trapped here but… there is some good from it. Good people I’ve met, yourself included so… I understand.” She also understood the complexity of the situation - there was often times where she found herself wishing of home, but also not wanting to leave everyone stranded here.

And, Chise knew - in her heart - that if she had been faced with the decision of fighting against Loki… she wouldn’t have been able to do it. She would acknowledge that his powers, when used by the wrong individual, could be dangerous… but she could never get rid of him. Impossible as it might have seemed, she would have wanted to find another way. But… since she didn’t have concrete terms for that, she only listened. Providing her presence, like she promised.

Loki scoffed lightly, but not meanly. "I am not a 'good' person, Chise. I can do good things, but I've also done some very terrible and awful things before too. I do not feel limited by my role as a Trickster or God of Mischief, but it suits me rather well overall. I can play the villain, if needed or wanted." Likewise, he could play the hero--though Loki was learning what that meant as well still.

"This is not me discounting your friendship or words however." That last said genuinely, as none of his words or tone were meant meanly so much as statements of facts.

She gave him an understanding nod. “I know but… if I can selfishly think… meeting you was a ‘good’ point for me.” Still, she didn’t want to discredit his observations either. “I’m glad that it doesn’t limit you. That’s… part of my problem, I think.” A bit of a callback to their earlier conversation. She was glad he didn’t feel such limits from a title or role, but she suspected both of them were still figuring things out.

"The very nature and role of a trickster means one will change and grow and test boundaries. It'd be fairly ironic and annoying if that 'limited' one, given its nature." Wryly, with a hint of smirk.

The smirk sent relief through her. At least he was feeling well enough to do so.

“Do you think, maybe, that’s where people first got the inspiration?” She asked, curious. Knowing that Loki had lived a long life, he might have seen it, but… for now, she was just debating with herself. “Elias often says how the Other Side often influences things in our world, even if you can’t see it. I guess I’m curious if it might be the same way…”

"Tricksters existed long before me, Chise. I would not be surprised by your Elias being right. When we visited Midgard centuries ago, they thought us gods and took inspiration from us." Which, the humans weren't wrong. They just also hadn't held the complete picture. "Consider though, that to some animals, a human might be considered a god."

There's a wry twist to his smirk now. "Much as an ant has no quarrel with a boot, so too might the ant consider beings it can barely conceive properly of to be immortal and capable of changing the ant's universe."

“That makes sense. Though I hadn’t thought of it from that perspective before, but… it’s like with the fae, back home. Part of why careful respect is shown is due to the influence - good or bad - they can have when they come in contact with someone. Whether that person can perceive them or not…” She trailed off, thinking it through. Not that it was a foreign concept to her, but it was a new way of comparison.

Loki let Chise work it out, and as amused. It also occurred to him that this is part of why he enjoyed spending time with Chise. She was thoughtful, and intelligent--but her views were not the usual sort he encountered. He was curious, and she was curious too.

It also fully occurred to him that yes, she had made herself available to be there for him. To be certain he was, if not alright, then that he had space and someone to talk with. It wasn't that Loki hadn't perceived it before, but that the fullness of it hit him finally.

"Basic kindness, manners, and respect, will do a lot for one usually." He murmured, having mulled things over a bit while having more food and iced tea. "That said...you've mentioned Elias before, and I've had the idea that he's more than simply your buyer or teacher. Do tell?"

Loki's question once again centered on that... and while she might have thought he was redirecting the conversation... that was alright. If it was easier to focus on a different subject, she would oblige. Now how to answer...

"He is." She could answer that much honestly and straightforwardly. "I guess first he was the one who saved me... though 'buyer' is technically true too. I willingly sold myself, and Elias bought me to be his apprentice. Sleigh Beggy are rare, or so I've been told, due to the strain caused by our bodies constantly producing magic." The summary was more for her own benefit, as she sorted through her thoughts. "That's why he chose me. In that way, I'm fortunate... though I didn't think so at the time. Beyond him being my teacher, I also teach him about humans. Emotions." All things that she had probably told Loki before, but she was sort of skirting the issue. "And..."

Chise hesitated, pausing as she took another sip of iced tea. Unsure if she should admit the next part.

"Chise, you know you're not a bad storyteller, building suspense like this." It was a subtle tease for her about her hesitation. And a subtle way of saying that if she really didn't want to tell, to watch her words.

The teasing helped, actually. It relaxed her, and… hearing that subtle note - that way out that she could take - gave her some amount of courage.

Still, she gave him a somewhat-amused smile. “Really? The suspense isn’t intentional, but if you say so…”

Her gaze trailed back down to her iced tea, settling there. She gave herself a moment, one breath in, one breath out. Before she allowed herself to admit the truth.

“And… a future bride, too…” Her words were partly a whisper, filled with uncertainty and… there was that blush again. As she awaited his reaction.

It had been a warning too, to point out how she was leading someone to ask. Inwardly, Loki was pleased she hadn't shied away. "Then perhaps you need to learn to be a better story teller so it is intentional." He teased softly, but listened patiently. Letting her come to it in her own time.

"Ah." He murmured after a moment or two, a wealth of understanding in that tone. "Multiple roles and things for you to muddle over then, hmm?" He did not sound surprised or at all judgemental.

Somehow, for some reason, Loki’s lack of surprise calmed her. Maybe she expected him to freak out - just because most of the reactions she had seen from others when she told them had been just that. But… his was a collected, thoughtful response. It was refreshing. It made her feel like she could discuss more.

“Right.” She nodded. Multiple roles indeed… “I don’t really know what to expect. He said ‘future bride’ so that implies not now… but then he called a trip we took a while back a honeymoon. But… Elias isn’t exactly human, so I’m not sure what his expectations are either. ‘Marriage’ tends to imply certain things for… humans, I guess you would say but…” She let out a sigh. “I’m just not sure what to think.”

"It seems as if that's something for the two of you to discuss in detail. What 'marriage' entails, and what you both want." Loki observed with a gentle smile. "At least you don't seem unhappy or troubled by the prospect itself, just the lack of uncertainty of what it's defined as."

Chise nodded in certainty, though she felt a bit conflicted.

“Right… it’s just… despite living the past two years with Elias, I feel like I don’t know much about him. Or as much as I would like to. He’s family to me, regardless of what roles we define for each other. But… every time I ask, he tends to dodge the question. Or ask for more time. Which… I understand. I get the feeling that, maybe, Elias doesn’t know the answers himself to some of the things I ask…”

She sighed, forcing herself to take another bite of bread. “I feel like I’m going around in circles with no end in sight.”

"Is it so bad that he may not have the answers? Perhaps you, by asking and by being there, are helping him to find them." Loki offered with understanding and gentleness. "And if you find yourself going in circles, perhaps it's time to take a new path. You have time and space here to do so."

“I… guess it isn’t. But… I want to know more about him. It’s not because I don’t trust him, or I want to know everything, but he’s family. I care so… I want to know more.” Her blush deepened. Taking a few moments to avoid eye contact and exhaling a steadying breath, her gaze then met Loki’s again.

“But… you’re right. I have time. And unless Elias would show up here, it’s not like I’m in a rush…” And even if he did show up… they would figure it out. Still, a new path…? “If you don’t mind me asking, was there anything specific you meant by a ‘new path’ or…?” Curiosity drove her, mostly, as people who had talked to in the past normally had a specific suggestion when bringing that up.

"Nothing specific, only that here you have very little of the concerns that would trouble you back home. Here, you have opportunities." Loki replied, bringing up his drink and having some. "So again, what do you want to do?"

"You are right. As usual." It was said with a fondness and a small smile. She truly did treasure Loki's advice and friendship.

It was also funny, in a way, how the question he asked was one Chise had asked of many others. What did they truly want to do? What would make them happy? Maybe it was that she had yet to figure that out, so detached from the last two years of progress that she was here. Still... she would keep moving forward. "I'm... not entirely sure yet. I want to get better at controlling my magic." That, Loki was helping with. "I want... to stay myself. Through it all."

She was sure the latter didn't make much sense, but she smiled regardless, gaze going back to the fire nearby.

"I do enjoy it when other's recognize that yes, my way is the correct way." Loki replied with some smug amusement. "Figure out who you are and who you want to be. Learning to control your magic WILL change you. You're already changed from who you were before, after all. But if you know who you want to be, then your goal is easier."

She nodded, seriously taking that in. “I’m not sure what that looks like yet… as there are so many factors but… so long as you have the patience, I’d appreciate your guidance still.”

Maybe it was a bit formal, but she smiled regardless. She did want Loki to watch her growth, both as a mentor and a friend. In turn, she hoped to do the same.

“If I may ask… what do you hope to get out of all of this?” Flipping the question towards him this time.

"I think I'll leave you guessing about that." Still with that smug-amused smile and tone. "Certainly I'm enjoying the company at least."

She couldn’t help the small laugh that burst from her at that. “I understand.” It was very much like Loki, wasn’t it, that he kept her guessing? Still, it wasn’t unpleasant.

“I can agree with that, too. Everyone here… everyone that I’ve interacted with have been kinder than I deserve, I think.” Something in the air… she had thought that about this place all those months ago. Maybe it was just that, when faced with a situation bigger than any of them, the common goal kept them together? It at least spoke volumes about the character of those who she had met.

( It had been a... rather hectic couple of weeks, to put it lightly. So much has happened, and his memory had been altered more times than anyone would be comfortable with. At this point, all Basil really wants is some normalcy. At first, he had decided to avoid going back out. But, some time had passed and he was ready to... try to go back to how things were before.

By now, it seemed like things had calmed down a bit. That was the last bit of reassurance he needed to reach out to Chise. Besides, he has the faintest memory that they... may have spoken... )

Hi, Chise. It's Basil. It's alright if you don't remember, but we spoke on the network a while back.

Are you doing alright? I know that it's been a pretty scary month...

Basil, it’s nice to hear from you!

[Chise smiled when the message came through. Of course she remembered him! And… their time making flower crowns by the Lake was fresh in her mind.]

I’m doing alright. The past month has been scarier than usual, but… we’ve been making it through. [Even though there had been a lot going on, she was confident they would face it together. She still couldn’t help the small kernel of worry when she thought of the boy.] Are you doing ok? I was a bit worried about you.

( Ah, he's glad that she remembered! He really enjoyed the last time they spoke. )

Ah, yeah... I'm really sorry. It must have been strange to meet me when I was younger like that.

I'm alright. ( He isn't, but he's trying. ) At the least, I'm happy that nothing really dangerous has happened. And... I'm really glad that you're okay, too.

Not at all! You were your same, kind self,, Basil. [She wanted to put him at ease.] Plus, I think the same thing happened to me… turning into a kid… I think.

[Her memories were a bit spotty on that.]

I’m glad you’re alright. I was worried that things would get out of hand but… it seems like things have calmed down a bit. [She could tell a trying response when she saw one. After all, Chise had used the same tactics herself. She wouldn’t push though - wanting him to feel comfortable.] If you would like… would you want to visit for some tea? My house has running water now, so it should be a good temperature, and the weather is nice today, so we could sit out by the garden too if you’d like… but if you are busy, don’t worry about trying to fit it in!

Oh, I'm really glad! I don't really remember a lot back then, but it's just good to know that everything was okay. I didn't know that you went through that too, though... It's a weird feeling, isn't it...?

( Basil pauses when she offers to come over. And even though she can't see it, he smiles. )

I'd really like that. If you'd like, I can bring some tea for the both of us! And... if you still need help with your garden, I can take a look. (✿◠‿◠)

It was... though I guess I've had a time before this that I've been 'turned' into a kid. But this time, I didn't remember anything.

[That had been more of a psychological perception, unlike this time.]

That works for me. Please don't stress yourself too much over the tea! If you'd like to bring the blend, my cottage has running water now, so we can steep it here.

[She didn't want it to be an arduous task for him. Basil was doing something nice, so he should be allowed to relax too.]

And I'll always take a second eye on my garden. I'm looking forward to seeing what you choose, now.

( Chise's home is coming in view as they continue to talk. )

You did? It sounds like it'd be a lot better to remember everything...

No, it's okay. I'm happy to bring something, since you're taking the time to have me over...

( With that, Basil comes into view, and he offers a shy wave upon seeing Chise. It feels like deja vu now that he's seeing her after what had only recently happened. )

C-Chise...? It's nice to see you.

[No sooner had she read his message did the boy come into view. She put her communication device away, offering a returning wave and a welcoming smile.]

Basil! It’s nice to see you again too. Thank you for visiting.

( The welcoming smile helps him relax a little. )

Thank you for having me... Even though we met before, it feels a little like we're meeting for the first time, too.

Of course.

[Her smile softens.]

And it’s funny you say that… I sort of get the same feeling. Like it’s a first meeting, but also that we’ve known each other for longer.

[Just a feeling. One they could contemplate later if they wanted. For now…]

Right. Would you like refreshments or flowers first? [In terms of seeing the garden.] I have some water already hearted, so we can use whatever tea blend you brought too.

Y-Yeah, it's a little like deja vu, isn't it...? But, it's not a bad feeling either... Uhm -- I feel happy, because we get to meet again.

( Basil holds the tea bag in his hand, looking to her curiously - a little hopeful. )

I brought lavender tea! I read that it's supposed to be really calming...

Likewise.

[Chise smiled softly, noticing the bag and his expression.]

And you’re right - lavender can be very calming. It can help with anxiety or sleep. I use it quite a lot in potpourri blends. I’m sure it will taste wonderful.

[The expression she gave him was encouraging as she opened the door to the cottage, inviting him in.]

Please, make yourself at home while you’re here. There isn’t too much, but I hope it’s comfortable.

[True to Chise’s word, the house was pretty bare. Furniture, standard to everyone who moved into one of the cottages, lay scattered about - a table and a few chairs outside of the kitchen, hallways leading to the other bedrooms. Yet, there were a few marks that Chise had left on the house - the sounds of the tea kettle in the other room going off (to which she left quickly to grab that before the water grew too hot), and a bag with a robin on the front containing a few skeins of yarn and an unfinished project.]

( She knew a lot about tea, huh? It's a little inspiring. He hopes that he can learn more, too. )

Ah, I read that, too... It's amazing to think about how much something so simple can do for someone.

( He steps inside then, pausing upon seeing what's inside. The way that the home was kept fairly bare reminds him of the way that someone from his home has done the same. Though, the confrontation that happened in her treehouse was fairly tense. He takes in a breath, pushing the thought to the back of his mind. )

N-No... it's nice. Thank you for having me.

( He catches sight of the yarn, offering Chise an uncertain smile. )

Ah -- is this one of the things you mentioned knitting...?

[She caught sight of that breath as she came back out of the kitchen. Maybe she wasn’t being as good a host as she thought…? He seemed somewhat uncomfortable…]

Please feel free to sit if you want to.

[She followed his gaze to the yarn.]

That’s right. I’m trying to practice… and also prepare for the winter.

[She sat the kettle down on an unevenly knit heat protector on the table, then made her way over to the bag. Pulling out her current project to show him. It looked like a long-ish rectangle, so far, knit in a mixture of red and brown.]

I figured it would be getting cold sooner or later, so it was better to prepare. And scarves shouldn’t be too hard… or so I thought.

( Preparing for winter is smart. Summer will end soon. With how unpredictable everything is, that was all the more reason for prepare.

He'll offer a quiet thank you before making his way to one of the nearby chairs. )

If you're teaching yourself, that's really amazing... Something like knitting looks really challenging.

It’s… sort of self taught.

[She motioned Basil over so he could see inside the bag. Several skeins of different colored yarn, an extra pair of needles, and a book lay inside. Chise picked up the latter.]

A friend took me shopping to get these, and this book shows you how to do certain loops and such. As long as I can read that, I’ll figure out the rest.

[She was used to self-study, in a way. Elias had her read lots of textbooks back home, and then practical application took place with him. But here, she didn’t have much of anyone to ask questions too - at least when it came to magic. If she had a question while knitting, she could always ask Eilonwy.]

If you’d like to learn, I’m sure Eilonwy would be fine with helping too. I could help where I can, though I am just a beginner myself. But it’s more fun to do these kinds of things together, I think.

( Basil takes a look through the bag curiously. Much like Chise, Basil was someone who was used to self studying. That was how he learned everything he did about gardening, after all.

Though, he withdraws a little when she mentions asking someone. )

Ah... uhm... m-maybe... ( He doesn't want to be a bother. ) I'm used to learning through reading... maybe I could at least start learning that way. I'd really like to be able to make some things for my friends here...

[Chise noted his response, but didn’t call him out for it. After all, she was much the same. Instead, she smiled, placing the book and extra knitting needles set in his hands.]

I’m the same. How about this then? I’ve memorized most of the stitches I’ll need in this book for my current projects. Would you like to borrow it and learn them yourself? It doesn’t inconvenience me at all, I promise.

[She added the last bit, anticipating that it might have been a concern Basil voiced - much like herself.]

( If she hadn't insisted right off the bat, he may have hesitated all the more. However, he can't help but smile. )

If you're sure... then, thank you. I'll take good care of it. A-And, maybe I can make something for you first, if I get the hang of it.

Focus for now on learning, and having fun while doing so. If you are able to make something, I’d love to see where your efforts lead.

[She answered his smile with one of her own.]

For now… let’s steep the tea you brought. Then we can see what the garden holds.

Ah, you're right... I'll try hard to learn, at least.

( Nodding his head, he pushes himself up to stand, tea bag still in hand. )

H-Here, do you want me to help? I'm happy to do it, since I brought the tea...

And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re both still learning, so I’ll try to help where I can.

[She smiled, taking the lid off of the tea kettle.]

Ah, if you’d like to? I don’t want you to have to do all of the work. Mostly we can drop the tea in to steep, since the water’s already heated.

In that case... We'd be teaching each other. S-Since I'll be helping you with your garden.

( He brings the small bag he brought, nodding his head a bit. )

Don't worry. If the water's already heated, then the rest is easy. I don't mind at all, Chise.

You’re right.

[The thought brought a smile to her face. Friends teaching friends. And it was the most confident she had seen Basil. Encouraged by that, she motioned him over gently, allowing him to steep the tea bag before suggesting.]

Now, while we wait, would you like to look at the garden? Or we can simply chat. Either is fine with me.

Can we go to the garden...? I've been wanting to see it...

( Basil loves things like flowers, to say the least. And on top of that, he wants to help a friend when he can. At the least, he can try. )

Of course.

[Chise made sure that the steeping tea was steady in their absence before motioning Basil to follow her. Back out the front door they went, then loping around the house to the side. There, separated from the rest of Somnius by a fence, sat her garden.

Truthfully, it had seen better days. Soil looked to be disturbed, but the plants had been properly resettled thanks to Eilonwy’s help. Chise was just glad that any of it remained after the trials that had shaken this place over the past few months.]

It’s mostly edible foods and medicinal herbs. Vegetables. Some of the types I use for potpourri too. But feel free to look.

[Chise herself grabbed a filled watering can, humming as she watered those that looked like they needed it. Allowing Basil the time and space to enjoy the garden as he pleased, but she was close enough if he wanted the company.]

( Basil follows Chise outside then, taking in the garden little by little as they approached it. He kneels down, looking to the herbs thoughtfully. )

It's really nice, Chise. A lot of people who can't use healing magic would feel lucky to know that this is here.

( Ah, but... The plants aren't as healthy as they could be, but it's not too late. They can still be saved. And Basil was more than happy to help her do that. To him, the thought of any life, plant or no, was a sad thought to him. )

Did something change for garden recently?

[She appreciated Basil’s discerning judgement. Even though he was young, he seemed very knowledgeable. That much was certain by how he went to work upon seeing the garden.]

[She took a few moments to think.]

Well… the attack from the Green Knight a few months ago definitely uprooted everything. I tried to move the plants to a better plot, hopefully so they would recover, but it seems like it hasn’t done much good.

( That explained it... It was sad to think that the Green Knight's attack could have done so much damage, but it wasn't irreversible. )

I see... That's not a difficult thing to fix. If you've only just recently moved them, then giving them a lot of water can help them re-adapt to the new soil. You can also try to reloosen the soil around it and try again with new soil if that doesn't help. As long as you don't overwater them, it should be alright.

Edited 2024-09-28 22:12 (UTC)

[Chise took a few moments to think it through.]

In which case… it might be better to do a bit of both. I’m afraid of overwatering them, so loosening the soil a bit and then providing more nourishment might help.

[Absentmindedly, she grabbed a pair of gardening gloves from nearby, putting them on and vending down to inspect the plants closest to them. The soil did seem a bit too firmly packed… as she began to work, she smiled over at Basil.]

Thank you. For your advice and company both.

Don't worry, Chise... I can tell that you care a lot about your plants. With the right love and care, I think any plants can live for a long time.

( There's a pause at that, and Basil stops for a moment. Sometimes, it's hard for him to believe that someone could still enjoy his company anymore. )

Ah... Uhm... Y-You're welcome. I'm happy that we could meet... I like talking to you.

Thank you. [Her voice was soft, filled with warmth. She reached a hand out towards one of the sprouts, a finger entwined gently with the vine.] I wouldn’t have believed it was possible, at first… to be able to nurture and allow something to grow.

[Her gaze trailed to Basil.] I enjoy talking with you too. You’re worth it, Basil. Don’t let someone tell you otherwise, alright?

You're a gentle person, I can tell. And that's important when it comes to caring for another living thing.

( He can feel his heart stop for a moment when she says those words, and his eyes drift away. Those words mean more than he can even so, but it's difficult to truly believe in them. )

... O-Okay.

( He feels like if he looks at Chise again, he might start crying. So, he takes in a breath then, attempting to calm himself before looking back to her. )

I'm... always here whenever you need someone. At least... It'd be nice if we could spend time together again after this.

Edited 2024-10-04 23:43 (UTC)

“I’d like that.”

[Her word were soft, honest. Some part of Basil reminded her of her little brother. So far distanced and yet… close somehow.]

Whenever you feel up to it then, please visit. You aren’t bothering me by doing so - the house is too quiet sometimes.

[She stood up, work finishing for now, and smiled.]

Now… I think the tea should be done steeping. Would you like to enjoy some?

Thank you, Chise... You can always visit me, too. I-I think that Marigold and Kel would both be happy to meet you.

( He nods his head then, ready to follow her when she starts to lead the way. )

Y-Yes! Let's go.

I’d like that.

[She agreed and then… something about those names gave her pause. Well, one of them did.]

Kell… I think… I’ve met him over the Network? It’s been a few months, but I’m glad he seems to be doing well then. And I’d be glad to meet Marigold too.

[With a smile, Chise took one last look at the garden and led Basil back inside for tea.]

👻🕸️ Cursed Text Warning 🕸️👻

Once upon a midnight dream, while you opened your oracle so weary... This message came to be! 😱 And now, you’ve been CURSED!! It's real curse magic! 😈💀

If you don’t send this to 10 people within the next 6 minutes, you’ll wake up to these horrors:

1. Your phone screen will mysteriously crack... 📱💔
2. A pixie will rearrange your furniture in the middle of the night 🛋️🧚 (and you’ll fall on your face)
3. The shard magic you collected will go to 0... and you'll have to start all over again 💎😱
4. You’ll lose your abilities you regained one by one 🔮😳
5. Vaeros will come into your nightmares and force you to date him... 😘💋
6. But if you do send it... nothing creepy will happen 👀 …maybe… 🕷️

Good luck 😏💀

[Chise had awoken suddenly to the message, eyes wide and fretful as she read it over.]

Who did this come from? [‘Anon’… she didn’t remember anyone with that name. Either way… she spent time fretting over whether it was a so called scam, or whether the curse was actually real ~~and really, what was one more curse to someone who was already living with three curses now?~~ - but the College had taught her that curses could be something as simple as malice or a bad will towards someone, so what if it was true?]

[Anyway, she fretted so long that by the time she accidentally hit REPLY and COPY MESSAGE, 11 minutes had passed… and then Chise realized she had accidentally sent the message right back to Anon, as opposed to forwarding it…]

[Needless to say, she didn’t get much sleep that night.]

[ Suggesting they meet at Kuchel's might as well be the final nail in the coffin how little Maruki cares about preserving his image anymore. What does it matter? Levi and Jean both already know about Azathoth. Erwin has never spoken to him outside of their first conversation, likely never will given how close Maruki has gotten with Eren since then – so if he overhears, who really cares? Other employees, other customers – let them listen if their lives are really so boring. In a word, screw it.

He waits for Chise with his iced Americano, both phones and journals out in front of him as ever, focused on updating his sorely outdated notes after a few weeks of forced vacation until his head snaps up with a smile to greet her. ]

Hatori-san! Join me after you get a drink, I'll clear all this nonsense away.

[It wasn’t difficult to find Maruki, though it did take her a bit of time to remember the way to Kuchel’s. She had only been once, during their grand opening, and the times since had left her too busy to come back. If Chise had known that sort of thought, the lack of preserving his privacy, had run through Maruki’s head, she would have chosen someplace quieter. The most important thing to her was that he was out of the house… and looked mostly fine?]

[The redhead waved back in greeting, nodding. Unable to get a verbal reply out till she had gotten her own cup of tea and made her way to the table, with how crowded it was. She smiled as she sat across from him.]

It isn’t nonsense - you’re working on your notes, right? [The look she gave him was both fond and curious. She remember the way he had written back at Lake Omen, all that time ago. When they had seen pieces of each other’s past. For now though, they could start small. This wasn’t a therapy session - just two friends talking.] Are you doing alright?

[That question came before anything. Mentioning the notes had been a small distraction, a way out if Maruki needed it, but Chise was also aware that someone’s physical appearance wasn’t the most honest indicator of someone’s health. Not always.]

[ Maruki laughs a little, waves it off – it sort of is nonsense, these days, but he doesn't really have it in him to argue. The time spent babysitting his erstwhile young housemate, thrown into a war-torn future, mourning the loss of a friend and then forcing himself into something like a vacation upon his return have left him with little time to keep up on his network stalking and theorizing. He's playing catch-up on months worth of notes about the oddities of Somnius, trying to string together pieces that feel as if they happened a lifetime ago.

He's much more interested in Chise! Journals put away, his second phone pocketed, he props his elbows up on the table and folds his hands beneath his chin, smiling at her. ]

I am, thank you for asking. You aren't still concerned over what Oracle generated for me, are you? It exaggerated a bit...

[ Only a bit, though. ]

Ah…

[It shouldn’t be any surprise, really, that Maruki could see through her easily. Her hesitant nod was a bit awkward, concern radiating from her.]

I am… in a way. I know you said it doesn’t really bother you as much but… I still think it isn’t right to reveal what others want to keep hidden in that manner.

Oh, it's certainly not. But what can we really expect from this place? Its very foundation is built upon secret desires.

[ Blatant manipulation after blatant manipulation. Nothing is safe, not even their own thoughts.

He takes a sip of his iced Americano, waves a hand. ]

Anyhow, it's at least forced me to be honest with several people who I've owed that to for a while now. I include you in that. I'd been wanting to find a way to tell you.

Mmmm. True. [Chise hummed after taking a sip of her own tea. Not that she was relaxing but… it certainly said something about the situation they all found themselves in. What more could she expect?] Though if you asked me… I didn’t think you were dishonest about anything, at least when we talked. You are kind and helpful. But… I appreciate the confidence you have in me, in wanting to share such things, even if it wasn’t an opportune time.

[Maybe… maybe she could do the same. Alleviate some of the questions he surely had - taking a step in that never-ending dance that they seemed to skirt around. But right now wasn’t about her.]

[ That's a very generous assessment. Maruki knows it isn't untrue – he is a kind and helpful man, none of that is put on. He's simply also a liar. Both can be true. ]

Thank you for saying so, Hatori-san, but I was dishonest every time I claimed to be just a regular man from Tokyo. Which I did rather often, if I recall...

[ It was a very poor defense mechanism ♥ ]

But please, ask anything you'd like. I can promise you nothing less than total transparency now.

[Her gaze mixed with bits of seriousness and concern.]

If I can say… please don’t put yourself down too much. I don’t blame people for keeping secrets.

[How many did Chise herself have, that she hadn’t divulged, even after all these months? She was just as bad - she didn’t lie except by omission.]

So… you aren’t from Tokyo?

[She started soft, corners of her mouth lifting slightly. Even if she figured that wasn’t what he had been omitting, it gave him an easier outlet than a direct question.]

[ It takes Maruki a few blank-faced moments before he realizes her joke, and then he bursts into laughter, clasping a hand over his mouth and shaking his head. ]

Ah, you got me there!

[ Another few moments for his laughter to die down, and then he waves that hand through the air, sips at his coffee. ]

I suppose I should start by saying that Azathoth is "attached to my soul" is inaccurate. It's an extension of my soul, if anything. It's not a creature I can summon – it's me. The other me, so to speak.

[ Well, that's all weird as hell. Let's see how she chews on that. ]

[She was glad. Normally Chise didn’t joke but… even if he was ready to be forthcoming about things, he had seemed almost tense in different ways. If she could help him relax, then she would. Still… the most his explanation got out of her was a curious head tilt and a few blinks as she processed.]

So… ‘Azathoth’… [Wow, that name might be difficult to remember.] “Is you. In a way. Not something placed by someone else in you?”

Chise’s own experiences with the latter had her asking with that particular phrasing. “So… it’s almost like… your own form of magic?” But deeply innate and connected to him.

[ Somewhat similar to what Zelda had asked him – if it was something he learned, or something he discovered. An astute question. Maruki hasn't ever had reason to consider the differences between powers granted versus powers inherent before this reality, not in the way that others like Chise certainly must have. ]

Sort of. You could certainly look at what it does as its own form of magic, if you wanted. But you're correct, it's not something anyone else gave to me.

[ Prrrrrrrobably? Well, as far as Maruki knows, anyway. ]

I'll be candid and tell you that I'm still learning about it myself. I arrived here almost immediately after awakening to its power. You can imagine how I thought I dreamed it all up!

[It certainly was an interesting quandary, wasn’t it? Chise had only grown so accustomed to the feel of magic that wasn’t inherently hers from the lack of her own… and the healing power she had gained from the potion.]

That’s understandable. I can’t imagine how much confusion that might have caused. [To wake up here after awakening to something else and having it… be gone. If Chise hadn’t lived with a similar circumstance for as long as she had, it wasn’t hard to imagine feeling similar.]

But… you’re ok, right? [Her question was small, laced with worry. Born from her own suffering, she wanted to make sure his situation wasn’t causing him grief. Aside from the Oracle outing him, that is.]

[ To Maruki's great credit, there's nothing disingenuous about his answer. ]

I'm better than okay, Hatori-san. The stresses that life in this reality brings about aside, I'm in a fortunate position here. I've been able to learn more about my power than I would have back in my true reality.

[ PROBABLY? God only knows. ]

I appreciate your concern, but you really don't need to worry yourself so much about me. I promise.

[In Maruki’s case… Chise trusted him wholeheartedly. If he said he was alright, then she could only believe so.]

Alright then. I’ll try… but not worrying is harder than it seems. Just… if you do need help, or someone to listen, know that I’m available.

[With that, she would lay that conversation to rest.]

For now… I can be a bit selfish and enjoy some time with you. [And tea!] Unless you have something else to do.

The timelines come together again, a seam stitched in triplicate. Blue finds herself in the middle of town, not even a half step misplaced from where she had been prior. To her credit, she tries immediately to shift into the flow of time--only to find that door shut and bolted once more.

She wants to scream.

She walks instead. Whatever errands she had been on were forgotten, out to the edge of the island by the beach she goes, feeling for any loops or tears that she might sneak through. Out to the forest, to the farmlands, even to those atrocious cliffs. She walks and walks and walks.

She finds nothing but a watertight cage all around her.

Perhaps she should have fled earlier, when Time was ripped into its disparate threads. Taken the blade of her to the fabric of null time and ripped her way through, consequences be damned. Maybe she could have done it... But she hadn't. She had stayed. And now the chance is gone again.

She heads home for the rest of the evening. There's nothing more to do out here--the others can take care of that forest witch and her tasks.

Early the next morning, Blue opens her shop like usual. There's work to be done--inventory to take, plants to water, some of them had been ready to harvest for ingredients before the world broke, and they weren't any less ready now. It's busywork, but right now, she needs it. And others will likely need medicine after all they've been through. Black Cat especially.

She doesn't think much about her assistant as she sorts through the bottles in the front room. She expects that she doesn't have one anymore, and any further feelings regarding that have been reassigned to a later time.

Chise found herself back in the present-day(?), repaired Somnius much in the same way - one moment she was helping collect more of the Shards, placing them together in a pile with the other Dreamers who had found their own and then… here.

The rush of life, light, the presence of others and the replacement of the emptiness that had filled the air… it was all almost enough to bring Chise to her knees in relief. They had made it. Somehow.

The rest of the day was a blur, wandering through the streets to make sure she wasn’t actually dreaming, settling back at her still-crumbling Cottage. The redhead slept heavily that night, not realizing how exhausted the entire ordeal had made her.

And - while Blue thought she might not have an assistant anymore - Chise woke the next day with clear action in her mind. She had to get to work…

But now that she was standing in the doorway to Tinctura, the girl hesitated. What if Iris didn’t want her there anymore? She would understand - would try not to let it hurt her - but… the shop and its owner had become intricately woven into her daily life. Something to cherish.

She forced herself to open the door, taking a step inside, all the while her gaze searched for her friend.

There's not many places in the front room to hide, so Chise finds Blue easily enough, elbow deep in a cabinet, counting small blue bottles that clink together as she moves them. She's not so occupied, however, that she misses the tinkling of the bells attached to the door, alerting her that someone has entered.

"One moment--" she responds to the bells, extracting her hand and recording some numbers on the notepad in her other hand. That gets set on the shelf to resume later, and she turns to see... A familiar red haired girl. Surprise registers in her expression for a brief moment, before she recovers to a neutral frown.

What is she doing here? Surely as timid as she is, she would have preferred to stay away from this place, away from Blue herself, who had all but demanded she cast a death spell on herself. Adjacent to those thoughts, she notes that Chise is still alive, and a complicated feeling of restrained relief follows in the wake of that.

"Can I help you?" she inquires, hand coming to rest on her hip as she waits for a response.

That small glimpse of emotion…. It was too quick. She couldn’t tell if that was shock or surprise or… like she shouldn’t be here. Was there any care in it, any concern or relief? The other’s countenance now so neutral, she couldn’t tell.

It brought her right back to other moments - moments when she had searched out comfort or acknowledgement, but was left with nothing. Moments when she had stood in front of countless doors, unsure of whether to open them.

Chise had opened this one. The only thing to do next was to keep going.

“I… I figured I still had work… If you’ll have me.”

It wasn’t as strong as she wanted it to sound, too filled with unsureness. But Chise wanted to be here, wanted this place to remain for her.

She would respect Iris’ wishes, though, if she was turned away.

It would have made more sense if Chise had stopped by to say she'd found some other occupation, or at least to say that she didn't want to work at Tinctura any longer. But to show up assuming that her job was still available, as if nothing had happened... That was a certain kind of nerve, to be sure. Or a kind of recklessness, perhaps.

The silence that sits between them feels deafening. Blue pins the girl with her gaze for a few seconds, then glances contemplatively around the shop. ... Uncomfortable as she is with Chise at the moment, it doesn't actually require a lot of her trust to simply work together. Tinctura is less of a real investment and more a way to pass the time, after all.

And keeping Chise here allows her closer supervision of the girl. She has to understand that, too.

"...If you like." She gestures to the far wall, tone still carefully neutral. "Put your things in the back. Then check that our counts are correct for that cabinet." Everything should still be in order as it was before the world broke, but it doesn't hurt to make sure of that.

Chise was known for her reckless abandon - except in this case, she was selfishly holding onto the threads of something that might be too broken to fix. If anyone from home were here, they might have told her that was wrong, that she should let go… but Chise wouldn’t. Even if it was selfish of her.

Something eased just the tiniest bit in her posture at Iris’ disconnected words. She wasn’t being kicked out. And, neutral as they were right now, that was the better option. There was still a tightness in her chest, like inwardly she was awaiting for something to snap - for things to change so irrevocably that nothing could piece them back together again.

“Right.” Her own reply neutral, like a breath exhaled, as she nodded. Simple instructions. Things she could follow and do on autopilot. Things that kept this fragile peace between them.

That was fine. It would have to be - for now.

[In the very, very early hours of the morning, Chise will receive a text.]

I won't be in the shop for a few days. Please take care of things while I'm gone.

[When the light of her device woke her, Chise had to take a few moments to stare at the message in confusion. She blinked, making sure she was reading it correctly. Iris… wanted her to watch the shop?

More importantly, Iris trusted her to do that, still? The thought filled her with some warmth, even if she was a little worried. Why the sudden departure?]

I can do that. I can’t promise I can upkeep everything exactly how it is. [She wasn’t as good as the other at doing so, but she would try her best. Outlining any expectations.] But I’ll keep it as close to it as I can, for as long as needed.

I hope, whatever is keeping you away, you can remain safe.

[Her expectations hardly need to be noted here. Whatever problems she has with Chise, none of them are about her work.]

You know your way around the shop. You'll be fine.

I am unfortunately quite safe and secure. There's need for no worry.

[There it was - that small admission that Chise was still trusted in some sense. Even if it was just in a work or business capacity… that was better than none at all.]

[But then there was Iris’ latter comment.]

“‘Unfortunately’…?” [She murmured out loud, staring at her network screen in mild confusion. Maybe it was a mistake? Like the device had accidentally corrected a word… especially if the other was busy. She couldn’t expect all of her time to be spent attending to Chise…]

I’ll try to not worry then. [Even if that was easier said than done. Even if it reminded her of a time, months ago, when Iris had stopped her from running off after unknown dragons and she had promised to not worry…] Please let me know if you need something in the meantime.

Tending to the shop will be enough. Send a text for anything you can't manage on your own.

[A few seconds pass as Blue stares feverishly at her phone, a frown creasing her brow. What a ridiculous girl.]

And go to sleep. You shouldn't be awake at this hour.

[Chise smiled at the reply. It was funny though - she wouldn’t be awake if she hadn’t answered Iris’ message. Still… she would leave that out.]

I will. [Both the promise of contact if anything should get too overwhelming and the rest. She didn’t want the other to worry… even if Chise wasn’t sure she deserved any of those sorts of feelings from Iris now.] You rest well too.

[And she left it at that. Tending to the shop was routine for her. Chise could let herself in with the spare key she had been given, and most hours were quiet aside from the tasks she completed and the occasional customer.

There was still no sign of the owner returning, as the days wore on, and - maybe even more concerning - there was no other update on communication. The redhead herself was somewhat worried about reaching out, what with her own mistakes in the past… what if she just made it worse?

There came a moment, however, when Chise felt she couldn’t wait any longer. Which was how she found herself back at Iris’ familiar home, wind chimes absent this time. Standing outside, still hesitating on whether to knock.]

Iris, it’s Chise! [What if she didn’t answer? What if the other didn’t want to see her? Chise would accept it but… she wanted to make sure Iris was ok.]

[No answer greeted her. Knocking on the door and waiting a few minutes held similar results. Finally, she took a breath, hand on the doorknob, a whisper leaving her.] I’m coming in.

[Before she opened the door entirely.]

[Past the bright blue door, the house lies empty and silent. The entryway opens to a somewhat circular living room, fireplace situated in the center of the room and open on two ends. A couch sits against the left side, bookcases and a small dining table to the right, a kitchenette at the far end with windows that let light into the room to coax a counter of plants into flourishing... But the only life in sight is withering, wilting from lack of water and turning brown at the tips of their leaves.]

[Two doors remain closed to the right of this room, and one door to the left. No sound or sign of life come from these directions either.]

[Chise glanced around, taking in the house’s furnishings and layout as she gently closed the door behind her. Somehow it seemed… fitting. Like a reflection of the woman she knew. And yet… the emptiness that existed here, the wilting of the flowers…

Either Iris was feeling ill or… she wasn’t here. How strange.]

Iris? [She called out once more, trying again. Still no response.] I guess she really isn’t home.

[A small kernel of guilt settled into her stomach for trespassing. It really had been out of concern. Her fingers hovered near her bag, debating sending a message on her device but… no, it was best to leave things be.

Still… it would be a shame if the flowers wilted in Iris’ absence. Chise located a watering can, making sure to give them proper care, before she left the house once more.]

Edited 2024-12-10 16:33 (UTC)

Chise will find a wrapped parcel on her desk in her room, bearing a clear note indicating it's for her. Wishing her a happy Yule, and signed with a bindrune. Unwrapping the parcel reveals first a warm coat with actual gold thread in it. Unfurling that, further, reveals a small bracelet. On the silver bead in the middle is a rune she may or may not yet know.

As Chise unwrapped the gift Loki had left for her, she was reminded again of the beautiful nature of magic. The bindrune opened only for her, intricately drawn, as she traced a finger over it.

The gifts inside had her chest fill with warmth. From here on, anytime Chise left the house, she was wearing the coat he had gifted her and the bracelet.

“Kenaz.” She whispered with a smile. The twin symbol to her own protective charm that was at home. It… felt fitting. Her class had gone over the basic protective qualities of such runes and… she had remembered. Loki had drawn that same rune in the dirt when they had first met (in person). It was something to be cherished, and something that she would keep close.

[ On Christmas morning, Chise will find at her doorstep a small basket with a little potted mini-cactus inside, as well as a few homemade dorayaki and a note: ]

Merry Christmas, Hatori-san! I'm so grateful to have met you in this reality.

[Chise had opened the door to the Cottage, her breath white with chill as she stared at the little basket. Glancing around, as though she might be able to glimpse who had left it there. Upon taking it inside and opening it, thankfully she didn’t have to wonder long.

The note made her smile, as did the small cactus - which she made sure to take extra good care of in warding off the winter chill from it - but the dorayaki had a deeper meaning: it reminded her of her birthplace. Not her home but… maybe, in a way, just as equally special.]

[Sometime on 12/25, Puck delivers a gift- a card with well wishes, a small box of collected tea flavors he thinks Chise will like and an attached note.] Good for one night of your choosing- A visit via illusion to your area of choice, or a play that you'd like to see performed. You deserve some traveling, even if it's not the way I'd like. Happy holidays Chise- Puck

[During 12/25 Chise will get a delivery. Wrapped up is a walking cloak, some teas, and some apple hand pies along with a card.] Hello Chise- I hope this cloak helps in whatever travels you take, and that the snacks help keep you full. Wishing the best for the new year- Eilonwy

[Hey, there's a knock on your window, and check it it! It's a purple sparrow that will turn back into a full on cat/snake like Palisman! She drops a package that has a small glass jar of honey and a staff Luz has carved herself. With it she leaves a note:

Chise. Thanks for everything! Here: I had some honey that I was able to harvest this year, and I carved this staff for you when you become a big time sorceress! I have nothing but faith in you!

Love, Luz Noceda

(OOC: Luz T.T <3 this is so sweet of her! Chise doesn’t have a staff so like… she’s going to carry it around everywhere and it’s going to make her feel so much more prepared for… whatever they face next XD ~~don’t ask how she carries it around, staffs just seem to fit very conveniently in too-small sized bags~~

Aww, yay, LOVE

[ On the appointed day Chise will find a simple wooden plaque with her name on it. He's used a vine pattern for her and blasted little stars into the wood with his lightning magic.

On the back, he's written: For my sister ]

(OOC: this is so sweet! She definitely smiles, maybe tears up a bit, and this is being used as her Cottage door name tag for sure! <3))

On the night of the 24th the quiet flapping of wings could be heard outside the cottage as Arrakis delivered his gifts. He didn’t have his wind magic anymore so he couldn’t silence his approach completely as he quietly placed a box next to the door. He stifled a small shiver. By the goddess it got cold at night. He had more gifts to deliver though so he turned to leave. If you are fast you might catch him before he takes to the skies again.

Inside the box is a card written in fancy calligraphy:

Happy Holidays Chise,
Arrakis Faylare

Inside the box is another wooden box that contains a beautiful, hand carved wooden chess set. Lines of music were carved into the lighter wood squares creating a fractured sheet of music for the lullaby that Chise sang to him in their shared dream. Along the darker wood border were carved arcane symbols and the pieces were made of a light blue crystal similar to the color of her healing magic. The 'black' pieces were roughly cut, giving the pieces a misty look to them, while the 'white' pieces were polished and clear. On the bottom of one of the black knights were Arrakis's initials, AF.

Along with the chess set is a small bag with homemade chocolates in the shape of a dragonfly. The chocolates are mildly spicy with a warm hint of cinnamon.

(OOC: This is so sweet of him! The little chocolates will make her smile - even if she is loathe to eat them because they are adorable, she will ^^ She might have to invite him to play chess sometime! And so sweet of him to remember the lullaby <3)

Arrakis is glad she likes them and he's looking forward to playing chess with her. She has to beat him if she wants to learn the secret of the black knight with his initials. And yes he remembers the lullaby, it's one of his favorite songs now.

Upon your doorstep/mailbox/table or whatever! However delivery in this world works. The details don’t matter.

Before you is a gift, chocolate, and a letter.

“Dear Chise Hatori,

I haven't gotten you anything for Christmas since we just met, but I'm still grateful for your gift.
I look forward to being friends with you still.

Also, do you have any tea recommendations? I have a new kingly roommate.

From,
Hakuno Kishinami

P.S. It would make me happy if you accepted my gifts. ”

[ Chise Hatori received a flower vase and M&M Chocolates. ]

[Much like before, a small firebird delivers a return letter, along with a small pouch. Inside is a tea blend smelling faintly of cocoa.]

Dear Hakuno,

I gladly accept your gifts, and look forward to our continued friendship. It really was kind of you!

Tea recommendations… I guess, it depends. Does your roommate prefer something fruity, herbal, strong or mild?

I have included a mild cocoa-tea mixture. Please feel free to share with them, or to keep for yourself.

~Chise

( Early in the evening, Chise will hear a knock at her door. Basil's decided to surprise her with a visit with Marigold following closely behind. He's hiding some flowers behind his back, albeit a bit poorly.

He just hopes he isn't interrupting anything important... )

[Chise answers the door in a hurry. Her gaze widens, though not unpleasantly, as she takes in who is on the other side.]

Basil! Come on in! I-is everything alright? More importantly, you aren’t freezing, are you?

[Her worry takes over as she rushes to bring him into the Cottage. It was still pretty cold out, and when the sun started to set it only got worse. Still, her gaze seemed happy… even if her hair and clothing was peppered with various flour and dark stains…]

( The smile he offers is a little uncertain. He hadn't meant to worry her. )

A-Ah, yeah... Everything is okay, don't worry. I'm sorry to drop by unannounced...

( He steps inside, hoping to keep the flowers hidden. Marigold runs inside, too - shaking her small body in an attempt to shake the cold off.

He feels the way that his cheeks heat up, avoiding her gaze for a moment. )

Uhm... I-I just wanted to give you something...

[Chise instantly relaxes once she’s reassured that Basil is alright. Bending down, she holds out a hand for Marigold to sniff, if desired.]

Ah, I’m glad. [Her cheeks lightly dust in a blush. He… came all this way to give her something? This felt important somehow, so she stood back up, attempting to meet his gaze.] A-ah, is that so? Thank you. [She’s thanking him even before she opened it.]

You don't have to think me! I'm always happy to give you something special. Uhm... I-I just hope you like it.

( Marigold chirps happily, rubbing against Chise's hand with a gentle rumble. It seems as though Marigold likes Chise...

Basil shifts a bit then, revealing what was hidden behind his back -- a bouquet of flowers that he had put together with various flowers - orchids, dahlias, yellow roses, and sunflowers. )

Happy Valentine's Day, Chise.

I’m sure I will. You’re a good judge when it comes to gifts… and people.

[She smiled gently. Cats really did seem to like her for some reason… she hoped that meant she was as half a decent person as Basil was. As he brought the flowers from behind his back, her eyes widened, and her smile blossomed into something brighter.]

Are these for me? I love them! [Chise really could be considered simple, but it was the little things in life that she cherished.]

Ah, wait right here! [She hesitated for just a moment before placing a small kiss on his cheek, retreating quickly into the kitchen.]

( He can't help but smile when Chise seems to be happy with the flowers, but stops the moment that she tells him to wait. Marigold quickly follows behind her with a quiet meow. )

Ah, okay... I'll be right here, Chise.

( Whatever it was, he's just glad she seems to like his present. )

[Chise retreated back into the kitchen. When she realized Marigold had followed her, she smiled, putting a finger to her lips.]

Be sure not to ruin the surprise, ok?

[It took a few minutes to get things together - and a few extra to rummage through the cabinets - but Chise came rushing back out with two items: one was a vase filled with water for the flowers, and the other was a box, the top tied with a bright green bow.

Blushing, she put the flowers gently into the vase, setting them on the entryway table before holding the box out to Basil.]

I-I…tried my best, though I admit it’s the first time I’ve ever done something like this… [Her face is flushed from a mixture of happiness, embarrassment, and nerves. If Basil opens the box, he will find several homemade chocolates in the shapes of various flowers. They are a little wonky, and haven’t fully cooled yet, but she put all of her effort into them.]

( Chise returns, and Basil can't help but look at the box curiously as he reaches for it. Carefully opening it, his face lights up as he takes in all the chocolates. They aren't perfect, but there's enough love put into them that his can't help but feel overjoyed. )

Wow...

These are really cute, Chise... Thank you, I love them!

( He leans forward, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

... They really were cute. He almost didn't want to eat them... )

[The kiss has her smiling even brighter. She really was easy to please…]

A-ah, I’m glad! Where I come from originally, it’s a tradition to give chocolate to the person you love. A-and, even though I’ve never done it before, I wanted to, and something homemade always seems more special to me…

I just hope they taste alright… [She really didn’t have that much experience making chocolate, though she had asked her housemates around the Cottage for advice.]

( He can't help but smile softly at that, face darkening a bit. )

I love you, too...

( They're words that he's said before, but they still feel so special to him. )

I'd love anything that you'd make, Chise! And, you've always been really good at everything that you do...

( He pauses, looking away a bit nervously. )

Uhm... D-Did you want to spend some time together?

[No matter how many times she heard those words or reciprocated… they were special.

Three simple words, and yet they meant the world to her (mostly because of who they were coming from, too).

She gently takes one of his hands, careful that both of them don’t drop their belongings, and smiles.]

I’d like that.

Heya, Chise!

I asked before if you would be interested in our Coven meeting, and Eda is starting the next one soon! Here is the location.

Hope I see you there soon!

Hello Chise, this is Eilonwy! I was wondering how the potpourri we had been working on is coming along? Would you like to have tea together and check on it?

Eilonwy, hello! Yes, I believe it should be just about ready. Feel free to stop by when you get a spare moment!

Of course, I'll see you soon.

[ooc- boom it's an transition to action!]

[With her morning chores finished, Eilonwy had packed some snacks to bring along and headed to House Trick or Treat. She was eager to see Chise as much as she was eager to see how things had turned out.]

[Upon receiving Eilwony’s message, Chise set about brewing a pot of lightly floral tea. She also had to get the potpourri from her room. While they had originally potted the contents in her old Cottage, she had made sure to bring them with her to House Trick or Treat when she moved in with the others.

Bringing the tightly-sealed jars from a small, dim cabinet in her room down to the kitchen, the kettle was just singing its tune when Eilonwy knocked on the door.]

Come on in! [Chise called as she lowered the heat on the kettle, then made her way over to open the door for her friend, smiling.]

[Eilonwy returned Chise's smile as she stepped inside. She'd brought a small container of cookies along- enough for a few cups of tea.] Thank you, Chise. How have you been?

[As the kettle just sang the song of its universe, Eilonwy bit her lower lip to keep from laughing. It was very enthusiastic.]

I’m well! I feel like those games we did were a nice break from… well, the things that normally happen here.

[She turned the heat off from the kettle, waiting till the steam lessened, before bringing it over to the table. Motioning for Eilonwy to take a seat too.]

What did you bring? [She couldn’t help the grateful smile, as well as her curiosity, take over.] I remember you brought snacks to the coven meeting, too. And how have you been?

They were fun, weren't they?

[Eilonwy took a seat and placed the package onto the table with,] Just some butter cookies. Nothing heavy enough for a meal- and yes, well. [Eilonwy opened the package and sat it near the kettle.] It felt right to, since it was a meeting. I've been well- just busy practicing my swordplay and adjusting to the weather. How have you been?

It was - and I’m glad it seems like everyone else enjoyed themselves too.

[Really, the games and festivities had been refreshing. Chise had always watched such things from the sidelines growing up, and while she loved living with Elias, there wasn’t much opportunity to participate in many ‘normal’ activities.]

They smell wonderful. I’m sure it will be perfect. [Always so thoughtful of her friend!] Have you been making much progress with your swordplay? It always looks quite challenging. [Then again, the one time she had used a weapon other than her staff had been during school training.] And I’ve been well. Since it’s warming up, I’m hoping to find some more places to walk around. Lumindeas is… nice, but the city can get a bit crowded. [It didn’t really lend to the ‘relaxing walk atmosphere’ unless she went early or later in the evening. Each of those times had their merits, of course, but then she didn’t really have a schedule, and Somnius was still mostly crystal.]

Not as much as I'd like- I've been running into issues with how I turn my wrist when moving into a counter attack. But that's been a challenge for as long as I can remember, honestly. [Moving between offensive to defensive always made Eilonwy mentally trip up for a second. The movements were different enough to be a challenge, but familiar enough that they felt like they shouldn't have been one.] It does seem busy, doesn't it? Have you looked into finding older paths? There could be routes around the crowded parts, maybe?

[The absolute rush of beings during some of Eilonwy's mid-day visits would really beg to differ.]

I’m sure you will figure it out. Maybe someone around town might have some tips on how to make the transition easier?

[Chise herself was one who didn’t really work with swords, so she knew she could only provide advice. Even so, Eilonwy was smart - and her determination helped set her mind on the task.]

Hmmm, I feel like the city is so large compared to what I’m used to… and the fact that a lot of us Dreamers are over here now just adds to the amount of people. Which isn’t bad… I’m glad it seems like the living situations have settled again. [Chise herself would be firmly keeping in House Trick or Treat, even with the longer ‘commute’ to Lumindeas, so to speak.] I’m sure I’ll figure it out. And worst that happens is I keep an eye on the daylight and find what times are good for walking in the fields.

[So long as she doesn’t disrupt the farmers’ work or anything.]

Maybe. If I can't figure it out then I can ask.

[But for the time being Eilonwy would keep trying to figure it out on her own. She picked up one of the butter cookies and had a bite as she thought.] Right- it'd be better to take a route when there isn't work being done or when the sun isn't as high.

[One of the hardest parts of walking Prydain as a whole was keeping track of the weather, which included knowing when to seek shade. Or in other cases, when to postpone the leg of a journey.] I'm glad things have settled, too, it seemed like it wouldn't for a little bit.

Especially with the summer approaching. [Chise nods. The time of day that she took her walks was much easier to control than the amount of people that decided to be present during them!]

As is with this place. [Times of hardship following by times of relaxation, expect it had felt pretty dicey for a bit there. And speaking of settling!] Ah!

[Chise hopped up from the table, nearly forgetting why Eilonwy had stopped by in the first place.] I’ll grab them real quick.

[She had decided to store the potpourri in a cabinet in her room. Partly so that no one might unseal it thinking it was sealed food, but also since she knew her room was kept pretty consistent in terms of environment. The move from her old Cottage to her current home had been somewhat nerve-wracking on if the potpourri would still keep but-

Tada!

When Chise came back downstairs, she gently placed the two glass containers of potpourri mixes on the table.] They both seem to have turned out alright. [Giving her friend a smile.] Shall we divide them into pouches once we are done with tea?

Laby Inbox

[Post Green Knight event- text, un: waterdeer]

text, UN: Robin

text;

text -> action

action;

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Wrapped <3

Sometime during July- text/action: un:waterdeer

Reply, text - UN:Robin

text un- waterdeer (and then switching to action with reply?)

(sounds good!) text->action

perma-action!

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Not me Googling “how to make potpourri” XD

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OOC - SAME XD Google be so confused

ooc- apologies this is so late!

(No worries! ^_^ Also if this is wrong, i had to Google what Bergamot is XD)

(it's rp not a job you're good!)

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apologies again!

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Meal Sharing with Gamora - July Sleepr Overflow

Post "The Green" Dream Event

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And WOW this got long ^_^’

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