dreamcrystals | S'mores! And a Request

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S'mores! And a Request

Sender: Oriphi
To: All
Subject: S'mores! And a Request

Hello, everyone!

Since there are so many new dreamwalkers who've just arrived, I thought it might be nice to encourage everyone to get together and meet! There is a communal firepit in a clearing just outside of the residential area where I've got a fire going, and I have plenty of supplies to make "s'mores," which I only just learned about recently. (Thank you, Miss Tifa!) If you haven't had this before, please come and try it, it's delicious!

Additionally, I have a request for everyone to please keep an eye out for a few individuals... I realize that this may be in vain since their names did not appear in the directory, but just in case...

Colin
He is a tall, half-elven man with long, dark hair. He is very charismatic and funny and likely to be found busking with his lute somewhere or telling stories!

Aerie
Also tall, but fully an elf, very pretty and intelligent, also with dark hair (but not related to Colin!). She usually has three wolves with her. Extremely competent hunter!

Mellon
Also tall, also fully an elf, he usually does not wear a shirt. He loves to drink and might try to clear out any supply of alcohol... Please do not get into a tavern brawl with him.

Dae
Also tall, and also fully an elf, with white hair and red eyes. He is very good at magic and possibly would want to spar with you! Would likely have an owl familiar with him.

Cibark
Even taller and very very strong! He is a half-orc with green skin and usually wears armor and wields large weapons. He has a very dashing and heroic aura about him!

Sian
Not tall! They usually wear a cloak and a mask. Usually quiet but very sassy. They might be flying around, but they also don't usually remember that they can do that.

[ Ori why are you always surrounded by tall people ]

If at any point in the future you come across anybody who seems to fit these descriptions, please let me know!

(( ooc: Naturally open to these moving into or starting as an action thread! Come get s'mores! Or not. I can't tell you what to do. ))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

As I said, 'Beatrix' alone is fine.

[That is, as long as this habit of people calling her Lady Beatrix, or Madam Beatrix, or Miss Beatrix eventually comes to an end. None of those terms themselves are particularly offensive. It's just that they all seem rather above her and whilst she loves to think of herself highly, she knows very decisively where she doesn't belong.

But she doesn't bother to say any of it, feeling that she's probably made that rather clear.]

I prefer to be formal with others if it is something I can manage. At your request, however, I will attempt to... oblige and adjust this.

[Although just the thought of simply referring to her companion as 'Ori' sounds... so... friendly.]

[ Her response gives Ori's pause, and has her looking thoughtful for a moment. ]

Then, if you'd like, you can call me Oriphi instead. I usually ask people to call me "Ori" because it's easier, [ by like, one syllable, but— ] but if you'd prefer to call me by my full name then I wouldn't mind at all!

[ Hopefully, that's something like a compromise. ]

It's nice to finally meet you in person. How are you doing this evening?

Oriphi.

[Yes. That's how she introduced herself to begin with. It's generally what Beatrix calls her in thought. 'Lady' Oriphi, most likely, which is purely by habit alone.]

I find that acceptable.

[She finally agrees, though not without a touch of reluctance. Too late to back out now. As she's looking around, she's settling a hand atop where Save the Queen rests. Seems she goes nowhere without it. This kind of thing...

Dohalim would love it. Maybe she should have recommended it to him. Her attention turns back onto Oriphi and she dips her chin in acknowledgement.]

I am sufficient. I trust you have been well since our misadventure.

[ Beatrix earns a slow blink or two from Ori for her response; "sufficient" is not typically a word she hears in response to something like how are you doing, but perhaps this is par for the course. Still, she's smiling at the compromise they've reached with regards to how they should address each other. ]

I... see. I'm sufficient, too!

Oh, but that reminds me - I had a run-in with another noctaere, in that last dreamscape that everyone was pulled into. Though it was nothing like the one that you and I fought...

[Beatrix suspects she's met with the same word purely because she used it to begin with. Honestly? She's neutral. Not good. Not bad. She simply is and it's very likely that Beatrix has spent at least ten years in that infinite state.

Whatever the case may be, Ori seems to be... well. Good? Good. Probably good.]

Are you referring to the... poorly-written theatrical piece we were a part of? With the Lindwurm nonsense?

[...Because that sure was a Time.]

[ She is quite good, actually. Quite a bit has happened for Ori since that nightmarish evening and the ones that followed it that give her much cause to be good—no, great, but she's mirrored the 'sufficient' response out of politeness.

Despite the nature of their current topic of conversation, the flowers in her hair seem to unfurl and bloom just a little bit, and she wears a bashful expression on her face. ]

Oh... It was badly-written, wasn't it? I have to admit that I wasn't paying much attention...

[ For reasons... ]

But— yes! That. There was a noctaere that looked like a mannequin shooting arrows... did you see it?

[She's an observant sort. Observant enough to remember that feelings do have an impact on the world here. Several times she's inadvertently caused things due to how isolated she is as an individual and how very bitter and unwelcoming she can be. She decides, for herself, and for everyone else, to keep a nice, wide berth. She might be so icy as to simply eliminate the bonfire in its entirety.

Either way, she's going to assume that if Ori wasn't paying attention to the actual story that she was most likely distracted with whatever people were being distracted by. Music, drinks, dancing, flowers, and so on. The same things she was distracted by. She frowns for just a moment, or maybe that's her regular expression.]

I saw it.

[Beatrix looses a huff, seemingly unamused. Maybe unimpressed. Maybe both.] There was a man travelling with me who got hit by one and I had to put him down.

[That's a terrible way to put it. She didn't literally put him down.]

[ And Ori, for her part, is happy to let Beatrix have her space. She has tried to be much too warm and close too quickly to people before and been pushed away instead. She's trying to be more understanding and aware of where people are, when it comes to how comfortable they are with others. While she doesn't know the reasons for Beatrix being as cool and aloof as she is, Ori is sure that the woman has her reasons and is more than happy to respect that.

The shock of hearing Beatrix say that she had to put someone down, though, is visible on Oriphi's face— but after a moment of thought, something dawns on her. Diluc did mention that he was hit by one of the arrows... ]

...Did this man have long, red hair?

[ After a beat, she adds: ] Because if so, then that would be my Diluc...

Edited (can't be using the same icon twice now!) 2022-03-23 21:40 (UTC)

Your Diluc.

[Beatrix cocks an eyebrow. Perhaps that is a customary reaction to... whatever may linger betwixt them. Allies. Something more. The details hardly matter. She shakes her head, evidently finding the concept amusing.]

I see. He is your pet.

[She scoffs.] All the same, that is the way of it. Diluc is a capable combatant, as I have told him, though I suspect his pride wounded in that skirmish. No matter. He seemed to be fine last we exchanged words.

[As 'fine' as a man like Diluc can be.]

[ The very moment that Beatrix echoes her words back at her, Ori's cheeks begin to redden. 'My Diluc' had slipped so easily from her lips in the same way that it does in private, and it's not until hearing Beatrix's incredulous repetition that she even realizes she's said it. ]

Oh, he—

[ is my boyfriend, she wants to clarify, and then Beatrix goes and calls him her pet. The red on her cheeks deepens even further on her lilac skin, and the flowers in her hair perk up and then - poof - they burst into a small flurry of petals around her.

It takes her a moment to collect herself and respond in kind, after that remark. ]

...Y... Yes, he just seemed bothered and not hurt or anything, thankfully.

[ Asides from his pride, surely, as Beatrix suggests. ]

Um— thank you for helping him. And I'm glad that you're all right, too.

[If Beatrix were more a humorous sort, she might take a great deal of joy in it. Instead, what she sees is a reaction that she suspects is likely very similar to what Garnet might have given her in a similar situation. But it only lasts for a breath or two, because she's more caught up in the display. At least the only thing Beatrix does is freeze over lakes.

She supposes there's something charming about bursting flower petals.]

It was nothing.

[Beatrix draws up a hand and sweeps back her hair in that haughty fashion of hers.] It will take more than a mere noctaere to bring me down, even when it attempts to use a man against me. [She scowls just once more and offers up her shoulders in a casual shrug.] There would have been little reason to hold concern for me. I am more frightening than anything we will ever see in such dreams.

[ The gesture may seem haughty to others - but Oriphi, who lacks self-confidence on a good day, sees a very strong, confident woman in front of her, and she feels that same pull of admiration that she felt when they had faced down a noctaere in a stormy nightmare.

She is just so cool. ]

Oh, I don't doubt that at all...! You really are such a strong person, Miss Beatrix.

[ She manages to smile through that look of awe on her face, at least. ]

But even so, I'm glad! I still don't think that I really understand everything going on with nightmare energy and the noctaere, so it can't hurt to be careful... right?

[Strong. Yes. Maybe. Beatrix doesn't always feel strong, but... It's not as though others need to be aware of that. Wouldn't it be better to keep that hidden? It always has been before. No one else benefits from learning about it and neither does she. All it does is threaten her reputation. Her stance. Her position.]

I doubt very much there is anyone else here who truly understands what goes on in the nightmares. In an ideal world we would have no need to get ourselves involved in these things. Nothing here is particularly ideal. All we can do is be as prepared as time and circumstance will allow.

[She offers a short little nod, as though that ought to be encouragement enough, though she doubts very much that it is.]

[ What a blessing, then - or perhaps a curse, depending on how one looks at it - that Beatrix's reputation, stance or position have less of a bearing here. And as such, Ori truly just sees her for who she seems to be: a strong woman with principals. And in the same vein... Ori also knows that even those who seem the strongest cannot always be strong. And that's okay.

As Beatrix speaks, Ori takes a seat on one of the nearby logs and begins rummaging through her supplies for the evening. She retrieves a bar of chocolate shortly and holds it out at Beatrix. ]

I agree, but in the meantime... Would you care for some chocolate? I know you said that you're not much for sweets, but...

[As Ori moves to rummage through her personal effects, Beatrix is taking the time once more to survey the surroundings. She wasn't kidding when she thought someone might try to use such an event in a less-than-pure fashion. She hasn't seen anything yet, but...

There's always time for things to go wrong. And honestly, it's safer to take preemptive caution than it is to be caught unawares.

When she's addressed, she turns her attention back onto the Tiefling and for several moments, Beatrix exchanges her pointed gaze between girl and chocolate bar. Then after a moment's hesitance, she warily extends a hand and she accepts what appears to be... Well. She has no idea what to call it. It's not a peace offering.]

I should explain that it is not as though I have been afforded much time such luxuries. My princess is likely more inclined towards such things.

[Beatrix draws up the bar of chocolate to give it closer inspection.]

It is disorienting to have been granted the time I have here. And the exposure to things I ordinarily would likely not partake in. [After a pause, Beatrix thinks about the recent days. The times. Where she stands in it all, and—] Thank you.

[Gods, that's the weirdest thing ever.]

[ Were Oriphi privy to Beatrix's continued vigilance over this small gathering, she would surely reassure the other woman that even if something were to happen, Beatrix wouldn't be alone in trying to deal with it-- she's here, too! She is not, however, so it remains a silent understanding at least on Ori's end.

Beatrix's hesitation in accepting the chocolate, at least, is apparent to the tiefling. To her, it's simply a gesture of friendship - it cannot be a peace offering if there is no conflict to be had, after all. Ori smiles even through Beatrix's close inspection of what is... really... just a piece of chocolate, but her expression only brightens and warms further when Beatrix actually... talks about herself a little bit. Ori can't help but feel like there's a small win to be had, here. ]

Oh? I think a lot of people are having a similar experience. So many of us were in the middle of important things, or had so much going on in our respective worlds, and then we were suddenly... here. So you're not alone in that, I'm certain! And-- you're welcome! I hope it's to your liking.

But- what's this about a princess?

[Beatrix very intentionally focuses her attention on the bar of chocolate in her grasp and in a very meticulous, perfected fashion, she's unwrapping. Not a single tear. Not a single rip. Just nice, obsessive gentle pulling and folding before she carefully snaps a piece of chocolate off from the top of the bar.

She simply nods along. Yes, yes. Of course they're all in the same position. More time than they all rightfully know what to do with, most likely. She doesn't dismiss it because it's true. At the mention of 'princess,' her attention moves back onto Oriphi.]

You are aware that I am a military general. [She begins, which is really nothing new. Beatrix seems to always be open about it. What's the point in hiding her capacity?] I serve a kingdom. A queen. Her daughter. Her Highness was to whom I was referring.

[ Oriphi doesn't think too much on the very... calculated manner in which Beatrix unwraps her bar of chocolate. She certainly hasn't seen anyone handle it with that much care or precision before, but everyone has their own way of doing things.

She nods, indeed remembering from earlier in their conversation that Beatrix is a general. ]

Oh... I see! I thought, maybe...

[ ...that she's married to a princess, or something? Maybe? Ori doesn't know her life - although she's learning more and more about it each time they talk, which is nice.

Still, she leaves her sentence unfinished as she trails off before her expression brightens with a quiet delight, the flowers in her hair bobbing excitedly for a second. ]

Anyway, I understand now. A strong, beautiful knight and general to protect the queen and her daughter! That's amazing!

[...

'A strong, beautiful knight and general...' is certainly a statement to make. Beatrix pauses for just a moment in the midst of her bite, piece of chocolate poking out from betwixt deeply painted lips. Sounds about right. Sounds like something someone in Alexandria would say. Maybe in tandem with 'fearsome,' 'ruthless,' 'brutal,' and other lesser... kind descriptors. Most of which Beatrix would agree with regardless.

She finishes her relatively small piece before she continues.]

I wonder what it is that you thought. I suppose there is a bit of mystery given that I seem to keep much information about myself to myself. I should think many believe my position to be a bit more grandiose than it truly is. I am only a servant in my kingdom. Little more, little less. Try not to think too highly of me, Oriphi.

[ Joke's on you, Beatrix, because Ori thinks very highly of everyone, except for herself.

Which is why she is simply smiling contentedly at her assessment of Beatrix, so much so that what the other woman says doesn't even seem to register with her. She will believe what her heart wants to believe when it comes to her friends, and for Beatrix that means believing that she is a strong, principled woman who does everything in her power to protect.

(She's honestly sort of reminded of Diluc?) ]

Hmm... I'll try not to.

[ But, again: she will. She already does. ]

Is your princess here, by any chance?

[Beatrix shakes her head.]

No. She is not. There is someone of my world here, however.

[Not a friend. Not really... an enemy. Beatrix's feelings on Zidane remain befuddled at best. But at least she can admit that she doesn't want to see anything bad happen to him. If she can protect him when he needs it, that'll be good enough for her.]

I believe he is Her Highness'... paramour.

[And that's a whole bunch of other conflicted feelings. Just saying the word makes Beatrix uncomfortable. If that's even what he is. If anything, he's probably Garnet's boyfriend, but she's not going to use that word either.]

If you have not met him yet, I suspect you will in time. He is a good... person. Reliable. Dependable.

[Harder to say, but not untrue. Zidane is a good guy. Much better than she is, at any rate, though that's likely not hard to accomplish.]

... Paramour...!

[ Doesn't that imply that it's... scandalous? Regardless, Ori certainly looks both scandalized and in awe, as she has never been this close to the source of any courtly intrigue of the romantic sort, despite one of her friends being a secret prince. This kind of thing is a little fun to hear about even when it's from an entirely different realm with people she doesn't really know, admittedly. ]

The princess's knight and her lover, but no princess... You both must miss her terribly!

[Listen, in Beatrix's very... Beatrix mind, Zidane's fondness of her princess is very scandalous. But she's just about, at this current point in time, given up on trying to otherwise change that. After all, how can she do anything but support the desires of the one she serves? At a point, what she thinks on the matter doesn't matters and she knows that.

Besides, it's not as though Beatrix knows anything about love.]

I suspect he misses her a great deal. It is my desire that he should be able to be reunited with her sooner, rather than later.

[But would she want Garnet to come here? Beatrix has her doubts on that one. It'd be lovely to follow her around and protect her everywhere she goes, but surely she'd get tired of Beatrix doing precisely that.]

[ Beatrix doesn't know anything about love yet. ]

Hmm, that would be nice, wouldn't it... I hope he gets to be reunited with her sooner than later, too!

[ Ori knows, with full certainty, that she would be miserable if she were made to part with either or both of her partners. She can't imagine being here, knowing that their waking selves would go on without her... but she supposes it's a blessing that at least Beatrix's... friend? and the princess come from the same place. ]

What about you, Beatrix? Is there anybody that you miss from your home?

Yes. I... feel the same.

[Her words drop out of her softly, and she wonders for a moment if she's even said them. At Oriphi's question, she pauses and for several moments, she doesn't speak. She only thinks. How does she really feel about all of that? She misses Alexandria as a whole. Familiarity? Because it's home.

But people...?]

I miss my princess, of course. [She's thought it a lot, but she can't remember ever saying it aloud before this moment.] I miss Alexandria, in general. Because it is home. Although... I feel that you are not actually asking me that.

[She wonders for some moments, if Oriphi is asking if she has anyone back home that she misses in the way that Zidane misses Garnet.]

S'mores! And a Request

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wrapping! 🎀