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. ))

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[ 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.]

[ For her part, there's simultaneously a lot and very little to miss about her home. She misses her friends. She misses the quieter moments of their misadventures - of trying to get to know each other while waiting out journeys at sea in efforts to distract Ori from her seasickness, of quiet nights by campfires and the like. She misses being close with her sister. She misses the woods where she discovered her powers. But the truth is, Ori has always been a wanderer at heart, and she's likely to find the notion of home anywhere.

Ori blinks in mild confusion, because she really did mean to just ask about anyone in general, although she certainly would not have minded coming to learn if Beatrix was sweet on someone at home. ]

Oh... maybe? I was more wondering if you missed your princess, or your friends or family or anyone.. wait, is there someone special that you miss?

[ Though, okay, now she's definitely asking that. ]

I do miss my princess.

[In some way, Beatrix wonders if she misses her soldiers. In a fashion, perhaps. If only for the same stability and familiarity that she's been clinging to since her arrival. But that's not the same.

Oriphi continues and she pauses for several breaths before she airs a soft huff of air. Someone special. Her? There aren't many who are particularly endeared to her company. Or vice versa, honestly.]

You are asking me if I have a paramour in Alexandria. [Lifting a hand, she pinches the bridge of her nose after a breath.] No. Nothing of the sort. Such things do not suit me.

[ Ori sincerely isn't expecting Beatrix to answer any other way— after all, she doubts that holding the rank of a trusted general for the royal family leaves much room for relationships. But she's glad she asked anyway, if only for the sake of getting to know Beatrix a little better. ]

Aha, I thought so. I suppose you wouldn't have had the time for such things, huh? I'm sure you had plenty of admirers, though.

Thankfully, your princess doesn't have to miss you, since supposedly our waking selves are still going on with our lives...

Admirers.

[Beatrix says it like she doesn't know what to make of the word, but she supposes there's likely some truth in it. Anonymous parcels get sent all the time to those within Alexandrian court and she's not exception. Lines of poetry about hair and eyes and other romantic ideals in courtyards and such things.

She decides to leave it at that. Admirers or not, Beatrix has never taken the time to entertain such a notion.]

I suppose her not missing me is a blessing of sorts. In one way or another. Although even were I not there, awake, I do not think she is the sort to miss me. I am, after all, merely a servant in her kingdom. If it were not me, it would simply be another. Such is the life of a servant, I should think.

[ Admirers! Ori doesn't have to know much about the Alexandrian court or politics to know in her heart that Beatrix surely has secret admirers. How could she not? Honestly, she probably has secret admirers here, too.

What she says following, though, pulls Ori's face into a frown. ]

Oh... You think so? I don't know what your princess is like, of course, but... I would like to think that she would miss you. She trusts you with her life, and that's a special kind of bond to have with somebody even if you're their 'servant.'

[ And then, a moment later, she adds: ] Please don't speak of yourself like you're not worth missing, Beatrix.

["Please don't speak of yourself like you're not worth missing, Beatrix."

In the face of those words, Beatrix easily forgets everything else Oriphi has said before it. For some moments, she says nothing. Instead, she simply rests with another piece of chocolate beneath her teeth. It's bittersweet. Ironically, so many other things in her life have been the same way.

You do not know me well enough to say such things.

Beatrix utters out a laugh. Quiet. Dry.]

Well. I am only speaking as I am. Nothing less and nothing more. The people here seem very fond of making me out to be more than I am. Or you all have incredibly soft hearts. I am inclined to think both.

[She smiles, however, no matter how light it may be. Diplomatic in one fashion or another, though a touch flattered by Oriphi's input. How odd it is to have people who genuinely care about her thoughts and feelings.]

I find it serves to complement me well.

[ Ori watches Beatrix grapple with the words she'd spoken to her with an expression that conveys all of the empathy she feels for what she thinks Beatrix's sense of self must be like. Although the other woman is certainly far more steadfast and strong than Ori might ever be, she shares in that feeling of being less than what she truly is. Of not being more. Of not being enough.

She is learning to undo those ways of thinking, thanks to certain people she has met here— and she's more than a little relieved to learn that Beatrix is having a similar experience. ]

You know, I feel the same way sometimes, too. Like I couldn't understand what people could possibly see in me... but my friends - the ones I wrote about - and the people I've met here, they all see something more, and... they make me want to believe in that. In myself.

[ With a tilt of her head, she smiles warmly at Beatrix. ]

Maybe we can learn to do that together.

[For Beatrix, it's not... She would love to argue. To say that there's no way Oriphi could understand. That there's no way for anyone else to understand. If that's true, then it's because she's never given anyone else that opportunity. She doesn't seem inclined to change that. Not voluntarily, anyway.

If people knew the truth of things. If they knew what Beatrix was really capable of, they wouldn't think anything kind of her then. Maybe she should be warding everyone else off with that.

Instead of saying anything, she simply listens.]

I would be disinclined to believe you were anything less than what I think you to be. I suppose it would be convenient for one's perception of self to vary greatly from what others do in contrast.

[However—]

Let us simply rest with the knowledge that such kindnesses are more befitting of you, Oriphi. I trust should you hear these oft enough, you will come to adapt to them.

[ The tiefling senses some measure of unease coming from Beatrix, and already she's prepared to offer apologies for overstepping or misunderstanding the other woman, but in the end she simply lets Beatrix say her piece. Her lips draw into a thin line, an understanding look on her face, and she ultimately decides that it's probably best to leave that talk where it is, for now. This is their first time meeting, after all, and Ori would hate to anger the other woman. She'll still offer a simple apology, at least. ]

All right... I apologize if I've spoken out of turn, Beatrix. I do hope I get to know you more, though, as you— not the princess' knight.

[ And so she'll attempt to facilitate a more lighthearted conversation, one that would likely be considered smalltalk, but at least she doesn't accidentally press any more buttons. At some point, more newcomers arrive, and Ori excuses herself from Beatrix's company in order to welcome the new dreamwalkers properly. She'll continue to glance over to the other woman now and then throughout the rest of her time out in the clearing for gathering just to make sure she's all right, though. ]

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S'mores! And a Request

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wrapping! 🎀