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Entry tags:
- critical role: fearne calloway,
- fgo: altria caster,
- genshin impact: kaveh,
- genshin impact: wanderer,
- jujutsu kaisen: yuki tsukumo,
- library of ruina: angela,
- library of ruina: argalia,
- library of ruina: yesod,
- limbus company: don quixote,
- limbus company: emil sinclair,
- limbus company: hong lu,
- limbus company: kromer,
- limbus company: yi sang,
- zero escape: junpei
video, @DONQUIXOT3
[ you know her. you don't know her. you will know her, soon enough.
miss don quixote, brightly beaming, is not alone today. she has with her... three young men sat with various levels of comfort on a couch, all dressed in somewhat matching holiday sweaters.
only somewhat. herself? a normal cozy cream-colored one with cat paws trailing from one shoulder down. normal. she loves her friends, promise. ]
Salutations!!! Prithee, turn thy gaze, open thine ears, and pay mind to what this Don Quixote has to say! For two more of my coworkers hath arrived, and thus the Limbus Company is four strong!!! In addition to our stern boss, of course!!! I shall presently introduce the three here with some questions I have thus prepared.
[ let her... here is here notebook, dolled up with stickers. aHem. ]
From left to right, as well as answering order [ , hello? one of them has an issue with that-- ] is Emil Sinclair, Yi Sang, and Hong Lu. Young Sinclair is one who shall be more familiar to others by face or mention, as we arrived together so long ago... but they are all precious companions of mine.
Favorite... I don't think about it much, but. Blue. Green, maybe? Or... No, blue and green.
[ should he add more? reasoning? or pick ONE? ]
They're both calming. Like thinking about a sunny day. [ nodding, before he- looks around. help. ] Um. Do I need to say more than that?
[ he's nailing this? why didn't he go last so he could get an "average response length" reference? ]
Nay, that is quite alright! I think thy reasoning is sound enough, Young Sinclair.
But T Corp. is behind him, and his now properly-functioning photoreceptors allow him to contemplate answers other than that muted sepia. It doesn't quite solve the fact that he's not used to having things like favorites or preferences, but he'd like to offer a proper response.
He wracks his brain, sorting through every single color he can recall until --
Ah. Of course. That would have to be his answer. ]
Yellow.
[ ...no, that's not quite right. The word doesn't fully capture the exact shade he's visualizing.
He thinks of the spicebush flowers, efflorescing from ideal soil. He thinks of the way their soft petals catch the spring sunlight, glowing radiant underneath the rays. He thinks of the way they burst into season, blanketing the hills in gold.
Yi Sang prepares to repeat those thoughts, but instead of voicing them, he stops. ...perhaps it is best to leave it there. The color of those flowers -- it's something for him to remember, for him to hold close.
So he nods, deciding that one word is sufficient after all. ]
...yellow. That would be my ideal color.
[ the carefree flicker of a little wave of hong lu's hand, ]
I really like the colour of Don's sweater~ If I had to describe it, it's the colour of putting your face into the fur of a cat, but only if the cat doesn't run away.
Sauerbraten.
[ ... ]
It's not really about the taste... Not that it isn't good. But it's more about the memories, which is probably for the best... I remember it taking a while, so I don't think I could make it now, even if I wanted to.
Perhaps the question should be approached from a different angle. There's no need to limit himself to foods that aren't downright offensive to his taste buds.
It would take far too long to sort through that list.
Instead, a memory rises and breaks the surface tension within his head:
Three children sit in a field, one of them clutching a woven basket. It holds a few round items wrapped in cloth. She takes one in each hand, offering them to both boys at her sides. "Here," she says. "I got these for us. Don't tell anyone though. I'm only giving them to both of you because you're my favorites out of everyone."
Her companions take their respective offerings. Whatever it is, it's warm to the touch. The boy with glasses picks at the cloth, unwrapping it with care in his lap. The other, quieter boy does the same until the hidden item is revealed.
"Baked potatoes? You got this excited over baked potatoes?" the boy with glasses laughs.
The girl sitting between them scowls and goes a bit red in the face. "Just shut up and eat it, okay? Do you know how expensive these were?"
The third child simply observes, clutching his cooling potato. The other boy and the girl will stop bickering soon enough. Despite the argument unfolding before him, he smiles because he knows they'll laugh it all off eventually and enjoy their snack together.
Yes, that's how things had always resolved. It had been so easy then.
Yi Sang blinks. ]
...could you repeat your question?
Most certainly!!! Thy favorite food, Yi Sang!
He glances down at his palm. It's empty, but there's a warmth lingering within it. ]
My favorite food?
[ Would they taste the same as the ones back then? ]
A potato cooked over an open flame; such is my answer. ...I shall have to procure some, enough to share with everyone else.
[ hong lu beams. ]
I was thinking that I didn't recognise any of the teas here. I wonder how long they're aged for, or if they're hand-picked. I prefer tea that's at least three hundred years old myself. That reminds me, is water supposed to burn? It really hurt this morning when the water in my pot exploded. Who knew that water could fight back? Eheh.
[ he hasn't- thought about any short term ones, honestly. at least not any he- wants to voice aloud. long term is- nda. just, nda. ]
Is a goal okay...?
[ wait. considering what he wants to answer with, that's- not a great lead up. he straightens up. ]
I-I'll answer with it anyway. I want to be a more confident, more certain person. I don't think I could've answered questions like this before, so maybe I'm doing a little better already.
[ he continues to really nail this. ]
Yi Sang finds himself grasping for an answer. The options materialize in reflective shards, different choices displayed upon each one's surfaces. Perhaps those dreams had existed all along, and he simply hadn't possessed the desire to look closely enough at any of them.
He sifts through all the possible responses. He doesn't think any of them are particularly grand, and many of them are blurry, as though despite clearly existing they had yet to take proper shape.
Eventually, he finds there is an answer he can latch onto. ]
I think... I should like to build a stable one day.
[ He's never done it before, and it's been awhile since he'd designed anything that resembled a building. On the other hand, that doesn't mean it can't be done. ]
It would not need to be particularly elaborate. So long as it is a comfortable home for one calf, that would be ideal. I would ensure its access to plenty of hay and clover for it to graze at its leisure.
[ Yi Sang pauses, visualizing the stable and allowing the fragment to sharpen into better focus. What else should it contain to ensure its future resident's happiness? None of his current expertise touched on veterinary care. Surely, there would be someone who could assist him?
After all, it takes a village of at least three to care for a calf properly. ]
[ hong lu's head tilts must in the way of a thoughtful cat, ]
Yi Sang, by the way, what does it mean if you dream about a shark in a coffin? Do you think that's a lucky symbol?
Yi Sang always takes everyone's questions seriously. ]
A coffin is closely associated with death. But that "death" does not necessarily mean a demise. It may symbolize a change, a new path revealing itself to the dreamer. For instance, Hong Lu, you may recall how it is said that the ashes of a fallen phoenix will form a nest for its reborn self's egg.
[ The coffin is the easy part. A pensive frown settles on his face. ]
Within this dream, does the shark yet live? Has it ceased in its struggles to breathe, transplanted from the sea to the land? Perhaps the dreamer has imagined a shark with lungs, molding the creature within their thoughts to avoid inflicting unnecessary cruelty upon it. And thus, it is left to the dreamer to determine the shark's purpose. An ill omen of challenges ahead, perhaps, due to a shark's reputation as a formidable foe. Yet others would perceive the creature as a protector of the sea, prepared to defend the dreamer with all its might.
[ Hong Lu, however, has asked what a combination of those two items might mean. Another thoughtful sound escapes from Yi Sang. ]
Indeed, such a dream may be a lucky symbol. It is within the realm of possibilities. Yet, it is equally as likely that one may interpret the shark within the coffin as a harbinger of misfortune.
[ ...did that answer the question? ]
[ can he ask that? he's asking. forget nailing anything, the look he gives here makes it absolutely clear he's wondering why these questions are escalating so quickly.
but he presses his lips together, swallows back his urge to sigh, and answers anyway. certain and true: ]
Confront. I would confront it. I don't want to live in ignorance, and look away from what scares me. I think... even if I was a little less happy in the end, knowing that I walked without running away would make me feel more... [ how could he describe it... ] More.
[ he's not sure how to explain it without thinking on it, ruminating, but no one's going to sit here and wait for emil sinclair to go through ten anxious paragraphs. he'll leave it at that. ]
Because it's quite different, it's much easier to answer. ]
Whether that fact would bring me additional happiness, or whether it would saddle me with new sorrows -- I... do not believe those outcomes affect my answer to that hypothetical. Favorable or not, I would confront it.
[ It's not a matter of being blissfully oblivious or bold enough to wager more out of one's life. No, it's much more straightforward than that. Hadn't he promised himself he wouldn't close his eyes anymore or turn from the world around him? ]
...I simply wish to live with my eyes open now. That is all.
[ Even if that information introduces harm, it is best to confront it in earnest. And if that information proves to be distressing, well, that's what one's companions are for, isn't it? If the weight of that information is too much to bear, and if holding it with his own hands risks shattering them into pieces, surely someone will reach out to support that weight? And if not, surely there will be someone to assist in plucking the broken pieces off the floor, to help with reassembling the fragments of himself?
Perhaps in the past, those musings would remain as questions. Nowadays, the question marks are replaced with periods. ]
[ hong lu hums; the cyan of his one blue eye glimmers. he says: ]
Does it matter, though? Life will always go on, even if what you're doing right now doesn't work out, so as long as you remember that, you'll be free of worries. So it doesn't matter if I know about it or not, I'll always be okay~
[ hong lu's neck cranes over, ]
Ah, Don, is this what they call 'food for thought'? Is this what commoners do to fill their stomachs when there isn't enough to eat?
[ what good answers she certainly expected from her companions, two of whom have faced themselves and one who has not. of course, don... wouldn't turn from something either, depending on what it is, but we haven't the time to unpack that right now. ]
Thank goodness.
[ oh. did he say that out loud? ]
I mean... R-reading and drawing. I've gotten to writing, here, and that helps me sort out my thoughts... I think I just like doing quieter activities that help me think, or relax. But I wouldn't mind trying other things I haven't done too.
Observing Sinclair and Don Quixote's chess games. They are... rather spirited when competing against one another. It is good to see them engaged in an activity.
[ Some might disagree that spectating his colleagues' chess games counts as a hobby, but it counts to him. Yi Sang enjoys watching both of them mapping out their moves, and he also finds himself feeling like a secret third participant. They do not know that he is not merely observing, but in fact, predicting what each of his colleagues' next moves might be.
Sinclair's strategies are easier to discern not because they are simple, but because they are proper. There's a certain elegance to his decision-making, even if he is slower to move compared to Don Quixote. Each choice is deliberate, seeking to corner Don's king before ruthlessly pursuing checkmate.
Don Quixote's moves are more challenging for Yi Sang to anticipate. In each of Sinclair's moves, there is always a sensible means for her to respond. But instead of selecting one of those options, she continuously surprises Yi Sang by choosing something completely different.
...there are, however, times when observing those games inflicts agony to the point where it stops being a fun hobby.
It's during those moments he finds himself hovering over Don Quixote's shoulder, gently offering her pointers after she's lost more than half of her pieces to Sinclair. And despite trying to be discreet about it, Sinclair catches him whispering to her every single time. It's a game within a game.
He probably shouldn't be helping Don in those moments. But the longer the game goes on, the more time he gets to spend witnessing his colleagues' moment of camaraderie. Allowing Sinclair to claim victory too swiftly means less time spent observing them having fun.
Maybe he'll ask to join in next time, requesting a match against the winner of their future game.
...which will probably be Sinclair. Yes. Definitely Sinclair. ]
[ hong lu folds his hands behind him, prim, much as if a child on a field trip; ]
Regardless, I hope to meet everyone here, and have lots of fun~
[ don turns the video back to herself and beams. ]
And that shall do for proper introductions! I ask that thee treat them as well as one may myself, and get to know each on thine own time as well as now as I have them held agai... kehm, that is, with their permissions for the evening.
[ and that'll do for that lengthy segment! off it goes, boys are freed, she is freed, now she just has to wait for all the friendship applications to roll in.
... did she not mention that's what this was for? oh well. ]
[ ooc: responses will come from everyone!!! this is all just for a bit of fun, go wild with it; click the questions for responses! ]
miss don quixote, brightly beaming, is not alone today. she has with her... three young men sat with various levels of comfort on a couch, all dressed in somewhat matching holiday sweaters.
only somewhat. herself? a normal cozy cream-colored one with cat paws trailing from one shoulder down. normal. she loves her friends, promise. ]
Salutations!!! Prithee, turn thy gaze, open thine ears, and pay mind to what this Don Quixote has to say! For two more of my coworkers hath arrived, and thus the Limbus Company is four strong!!! In addition to our stern boss, of course!!! I shall presently introduce the three here with some questions I have thus prepared.
[ let her... here is here notebook, dolled up with stickers. aHem. ]
From left to right, as well as answering order [ , hello? one of them has an issue with that-- ] is Emil Sinclair, Yi Sang, and Hong Lu. Young Sinclair is one who shall be more familiar to others by face or mention, as we arrived together so long ago... but they are all precious companions of mine.
Let us begin! What is thy favorite color?
Favorite... I don't think about it much, but. Blue. Green, maybe? Or... No, blue and green.
[ should he add more? reasoning? or pick ONE? ]
They're both calming. Like thinking about a sunny day. [ nodding, before he- looks around. help. ] Um. Do I need to say more than that?
[ he's nailing this? why didn't he go last so he could get an "average response length" reference? ]
Nay, that is quite alright! I think thy reasoning is sound enough, Young Sinclair.
But T Corp. is behind him, and his now properly-functioning photoreceptors allow him to contemplate answers other than that muted sepia. It doesn't quite solve the fact that he's not used to having things like favorites or preferences, but he'd like to offer a proper response.
He wracks his brain, sorting through every single color he can recall until --
Ah. Of course. That would have to be his answer. ]
Yellow.
[ ...no, that's not quite right. The word doesn't fully capture the exact shade he's visualizing.
He thinks of the spicebush flowers, efflorescing from ideal soil. He thinks of the way their soft petals catch the spring sunlight, glowing radiant underneath the rays. He thinks of the way they burst into season, blanketing the hills in gold.
Yi Sang prepares to repeat those thoughts, but instead of voicing them, he stops. ...perhaps it is best to leave it there. The color of those flowers -- it's something for him to remember, for him to hold close.
So he nods, deciding that one word is sufficient after all. ]
...yellow. That would be my ideal color.
[ the carefree flicker of a little wave of hong lu's hand, ]
I really like the colour of Don's sweater~ If I had to describe it, it's the colour of putting your face into the fur of a cat, but only if the cat doesn't run away.
Charming, are they not?! Now, thy favorite foods!
Sauerbraten.
[ ... ]
It's not really about the taste... Not that it isn't good. But it's more about the memories, which is probably for the best... I remember it taking a while, so I don't think I could make it now, even if I wanted to.
Perhaps the question should be approached from a different angle. There's no need to limit himself to foods that aren't downright offensive to his taste buds.
It would take far too long to sort through that list.
Instead, a memory rises and breaks the surface tension within his head:
Three children sit in a field, one of them clutching a woven basket. It holds a few round items wrapped in cloth. She takes one in each hand, offering them to both boys at her sides. "Here," she says. "I got these for us. Don't tell anyone though. I'm only giving them to both of you because you're my favorites out of everyone."
Her companions take their respective offerings. Whatever it is, it's warm to the touch. The boy with glasses picks at the cloth, unwrapping it with care in his lap. The other, quieter boy does the same until the hidden item is revealed.
"Baked potatoes? You got this excited over baked potatoes?" the boy with glasses laughs.
The girl sitting between them scowls and goes a bit red in the face. "Just shut up and eat it, okay? Do you know how expensive these were?"
The third child simply observes, clutching his cooling potato. The other boy and the girl will stop bickering soon enough. Despite the argument unfolding before him, he smiles because he knows they'll laugh it all off eventually and enjoy their snack together.
Yes, that's how things had always resolved. It had been so easy then.
Yi Sang blinks. ]
...could you repeat your question?
Most certainly!!! Thy favorite food, Yi Sang!
He glances down at his palm. It's empty, but there's a warmth lingering within it. ]
My favorite food?
[ Would they taste the same as the ones back then? ]
A potato cooked over an open flame; such is my answer. ...I shall have to procure some, enough to share with everyone else.
[ hong lu beams. ]
I was thinking that I didn't recognise any of the teas here. I wonder how long they're aged for, or if they're hand-picked. I prefer tea that's at least three hundred years old myself. That reminds me, is water supposed to burn? It really hurt this morning when the water in my pot exploded. Who knew that water could fight back? Eheh.
Have thee any dreams for the future? Be it in the near future or farther off, do tell!
[ he hasn't- thought about any short term ones, honestly. at least not any he- wants to voice aloud. long term is- nda. just, nda. ]
Is a goal okay...?
[ wait. considering what he wants to answer with, that's- not a great lead up. he straightens up. ]
I-I'll answer with it anyway. I want to be a more confident, more certain person. I don't think I could've answered questions like this before, so maybe I'm doing a little better already.
[ he continues to really nail this. ]
Yi Sang finds himself grasping for an answer. The options materialize in reflective shards, different choices displayed upon each one's surfaces. Perhaps those dreams had existed all along, and he simply hadn't possessed the desire to look closely enough at any of them.
He sifts through all the possible responses. He doesn't think any of them are particularly grand, and many of them are blurry, as though despite clearly existing they had yet to take proper shape.
Eventually, he finds there is an answer he can latch onto. ]
I think... I should like to build a stable one day.
[ He's never done it before, and it's been awhile since he'd designed anything that resembled a building. On the other hand, that doesn't mean it can't be done. ]
It would not need to be particularly elaborate. So long as it is a comfortable home for one calf, that would be ideal. I would ensure its access to plenty of hay and clover for it to graze at its leisure.
[ Yi Sang pauses, visualizing the stable and allowing the fragment to sharpen into better focus. What else should it contain to ensure its future resident's happiness? None of his current expertise touched on veterinary care. Surely, there would be someone who could assist him?
After all, it takes a village of at least three to care for a calf properly. ]
[ hong lu's head tilts must in the way of a thoughtful cat, ]
Yi Sang, by the way, what does it mean if you dream about a shark in a coffin? Do you think that's a lucky symbol?
Yi Sang always takes everyone's questions seriously. ]
A coffin is closely associated with death. But that "death" does not necessarily mean a demise. It may symbolize a change, a new path revealing itself to the dreamer. For instance, Hong Lu, you may recall how it is said that the ashes of a fallen phoenix will form a nest for its reborn self's egg.
[ The coffin is the easy part. A pensive frown settles on his face. ]
Within this dream, does the shark yet live? Has it ceased in its struggles to breathe, transplanted from the sea to the land? Perhaps the dreamer has imagined a shark with lungs, molding the creature within their thoughts to avoid inflicting unnecessary cruelty upon it. And thus, it is left to the dreamer to determine the shark's purpose. An ill omen of challenges ahead, perhaps, due to a shark's reputation as a formidable foe. Yet others would perceive the creature as a protector of the sea, prepared to defend the dreamer with all its might.
[ Hong Lu, however, has asked what a combination of those two items might mean. Another thoughtful sound escapes from Yi Sang. ]
Indeed, such a dream may be a lucky symbol. It is within the realm of possibilities. Yet, it is equally as likely that one may interpret the shark within the coffin as a harbinger of misfortune.
[ ...did that answer the question? ]
Now, a slightly more difficult one: If thee had the choice to live blissfully unaware of a fact that had the chance to detract from thy current happiness as much as it could increase it, would thee remain purposefully unaware or confront it?
[ can he ask that? he's asking. forget nailing anything, the look he gives here makes it absolutely clear he's wondering why these questions are escalating so quickly.
but he presses his lips together, swallows back his urge to sigh, and answers anyway. certain and true: ]
Confront. I would confront it. I don't want to live in ignorance, and look away from what scares me. I think... even if I was a little less happy in the end, knowing that I walked without running away would make me feel more... [ how could he describe it... ] More.
[ he's not sure how to explain it without thinking on it, ruminating, but no one's going to sit here and wait for emil sinclair to go through ten anxious paragraphs. he'll leave it at that. ]
Because it's quite different, it's much easier to answer. ]
Whether that fact would bring me additional happiness, or whether it would saddle me with new sorrows -- I... do not believe those outcomes affect my answer to that hypothetical. Favorable or not, I would confront it.
[ It's not a matter of being blissfully oblivious or bold enough to wager more out of one's life. No, it's much more straightforward than that. Hadn't he promised himself he wouldn't close his eyes anymore or turn from the world around him? ]
...I simply wish to live with my eyes open now. That is all.
[ Even if that information introduces harm, it is best to confront it in earnest. And if that information proves to be distressing, well, that's what one's companions are for, isn't it? If the weight of that information is too much to bear, and if holding it with his own hands risks shattering them into pieces, surely someone will reach out to support that weight? And if not, surely there will be someone to assist in plucking the broken pieces off the floor, to help with reassembling the fragments of himself?
Perhaps in the past, those musings would remain as questions. Nowadays, the question marks are replaced with periods. ]
[ hong lu hums; the cyan of his one blue eye glimmers. he says: ]
Does it matter, though? Life will always go on, even if what you're doing right now doesn't work out, so as long as you remember that, you'll be free of worries. So it doesn't matter if I know about it or not, I'll always be okay~
[ hong lu's neck cranes over, ]
Ah, Don, is this what they call 'food for thought'? Is this what commoners do to fill their stomachs when there isn't enough to eat?
[ what good answers she certainly expected from her companions, two of whom have faced themselves and one who has not. of course, don... wouldn't turn from something either, depending on what it is, but we haven't the time to unpack that right now. ]
Don't look so nervous, Young Sinclair! Lastly, thy favorite hobbies!
Thank goodness.
[ oh. did he say that out loud? ]
I mean... R-reading and drawing. I've gotten to writing, here, and that helps me sort out my thoughts... I think I just like doing quieter activities that help me think, or relax. But I wouldn't mind trying other things I haven't done too.
Observing Sinclair and Don Quixote's chess games. They are... rather spirited when competing against one another. It is good to see them engaged in an activity.
[ Some might disagree that spectating his colleagues' chess games counts as a hobby, but it counts to him. Yi Sang enjoys watching both of them mapping out their moves, and he also finds himself feeling like a secret third participant. They do not know that he is not merely observing, but in fact, predicting what each of his colleagues' next moves might be.
Sinclair's strategies are easier to discern not because they are simple, but because they are proper. There's a certain elegance to his decision-making, even if he is slower to move compared to Don Quixote. Each choice is deliberate, seeking to corner Don's king before ruthlessly pursuing checkmate.
Don Quixote's moves are more challenging for Yi Sang to anticipate. In each of Sinclair's moves, there is always a sensible means for her to respond. But instead of selecting one of those options, she continuously surprises Yi Sang by choosing something completely different.
...there are, however, times when observing those games inflicts agony to the point where it stops being a fun hobby.
It's during those moments he finds himself hovering over Don Quixote's shoulder, gently offering her pointers after she's lost more than half of her pieces to Sinclair. And despite trying to be discreet about it, Sinclair catches him whispering to her every single time. It's a game within a game.
He probably shouldn't be helping Don in those moments. But the longer the game goes on, the more time he gets to spend witnessing his colleagues' moment of camaraderie. Allowing Sinclair to claim victory too swiftly means less time spent observing them having fun.
Maybe he'll ask to join in next time, requesting a match against the winner of their future game.
...which will probably be Sinclair. Yes. Definitely Sinclair. ]
[ hong lu folds his hands behind him, prim, much as if a child on a field trip; ]
Regardless, I hope to meet everyone here, and have lots of fun~
[ don turns the video back to herself and beams. ]
And that shall do for proper introductions! I ask that thee treat them as well as one may myself, and get to know each on thine own time as well as now as I have them held agai... kehm, that is, with their permissions for the evening.
[ and that'll do for that lengthy segment! off it goes, boys are freed, she is freed, now she just has to wait for all the friendship applications to roll in.
... did she not mention that's what this was for? oh well. ]
[ ooc: responses will come from everyone!!! this is all just for a bit of fun, go wild with it; click the questions for responses! ]
no subject
I -- I suppose I must be in proper heath in order to complete my desired tasks.
[ And by "desired tasks" he does, absolutely, still mean being helpful to others. It's a start though. Sort of. ]
no subject
Instead, she smiles again, nodding in satisfaction.]
Good! Even if you don't have lots of things, so long as you're in good health, you can still accomplish things.
[She's proof of that, isn't she?]
no subject
He nods. ]
I must implore that you do the same, Altria.
[ A pause. ]
It would sadden me if any harm were to befall you.
no subject
I'll definitely do my best... did I do something to make you think that I wouldn't?
[She thought she was doing pretty well!]
no subject
It seems he'd unintentionally laid a trap for Altria. ]
No, not really. I would simply wish the same for you. That is all.
[ That response was. Very telling, Altria. ]
no subject
Ahem...!!]
R-right, of course...! That is only natural, isn't it?
[truly. totally.
she should change the subject.]
So, um... potatoes are your favorite food?
no subject
They are, yes. ...a friend of mine used to share them with me and another companion.
[ It's not the taste of the baked potato itself that he enjoys, rather, it's the fond memories associated with it. ]
no subject
... She can relate to that, she thinks.]
Let's try making them here sometime! With all of your companions. It sounds like it would be fun.
[And then there are even more good memories to associate with an already good thing.]
no subject
Indeed, they are rather simple to cook. All that is required is an open flame.
[ As someone else had previously noted, they could just stick them in the microwave to cook. But it's not the same if the skin isn't slightly charred. ]
...perhaps we may locate a fire pit someplace in the City.
[ This might get dangerous. Maybe? Oh well. ]
no subject
Surely someone must know by this point, right? I'll ask Tsuruno. She said she's been here for months and months.
Then we can give it a try!
no subject
The source of flame is the most challenging aspect of this particular food. If that is secured, then we must only locate a suitable number of potatoes.
[ A small pause as Yi Sang tilts his head curiously. ]
Is this Tsuruno a friend of yours?
no subject
She is, she is! I met her here, and she's very kind and fun to be around. I'm living with her now.
[She dragged Altria off the streets, bless Tsuruno.]
no subject
I see. I am glad to hear that you have made a friend.
[ The inquisitive expression remains on his face. ]
Ah, and how is Gareth?
no subject
[Altria disappears off the screen for a moment, and there's the sound of her rummaging, and then she reappears with the crane carefully in her palm to hold up for him.
It is still in pristine condition.]
Here she is! I cast a protection spell on her so that she wouldn't bend... so far so good!
no subject
I am not familiar with magic, but I see that your spell is rather effective.
[ In truth, he's touched to see how dearly Altria cherishes the crane. ]
She is doing well and in very good hands.
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I promised, after all! No matter what, I'll make sure that Gareth stays completely safe.
And now I have something to put on the shelves in this room, too.
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In the future you may acquire more paper items to line that shelf. A companion or two, or a family for Gareth, perhaps.
[ Or... maybe a nest? He's never crafted one before, but it should be doable. ]
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I'd love to fill up my shelves with things!
It doesn't really matter what things they are... just so long as they're honest.
[Honest gifts. Honest belongings she comes across. Honest things that she knows she shouldn't get attached to, but--would it be so bad, right now?]
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[ That's an interesting turn of phrase. Then again, Altria did seem like the sentimental sort. The material value behind a gift is probably less of a concern to her than the feelings compelling a person to gift the item to her. ]
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[She's quiet for a moment, as if trying to think about how to put it. There are some things she does not want to give voice to--and being here, in a place where she can't always see too much, not anymore, has been such a relief--]
Well... sometimes, people have different sorts of motives for giving something to someone else, right? For me... it doesn't matter what the gift is, so long as the motives behind it are sincere.
... That isn't too arrogant, is it?
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No, I do not find it arrogant at all.
[ ...finding honest people in the City (the other City) was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Despite his naivety, even Yi Sang knows this. An honest gift is a rarity, a treasure to be cherished.
No wonder she'd been so thrilled to receive that paper bird. ]
It is painful to be deceived, is it not?
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Nobody can be blamed for having thoughts that are not honest. Everyone does, sometimes.
But she doesn't want to carry it anymore, either. And thus, the bird--honest and sincere, a kind gift just for the sake of making her smile. The kindest gift she's ever received.]
... I guess so! Of course, even if it's not for pure motives, it's still a nice gesture to give someone a gift, so I should keep that in mind too.
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Indeed, and perhaps that gift might someday become an honest one.
[ After all, people are capable of evolution, of change. It's rare for strangers to approach one another with genuine, pure intentions. Distrust is a common defense mechanism against potential betrayal.
It's always nice to be proven wrong later on. ]
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... She's never thought about it that way before, but you know? He's right.]
That's true! Maybe that would make the gift even more special, in its own way. Knowing that despite all odds, it became an honest gift in the end anyway...
Mm, mm, that's something special!
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People do not always begin on good terms. There are times when it is a process.
[ And people who start on good terms do not always end on good terms, but that's neither here nor there. ]
I hope you will receive more honest gifts in the future.
[ It's what she deserves!! Altria is a sweet girl. ]
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