dreamcrystals | awakening;

Entry tags:

awakening;

Sender: Hans Westergaard

Hello, this is Prince Hans of the Southern Isles. I've been informed that I've been asleep for the past month in something known as a 'sleep coma.' As such, I hope that explains my absence lately and I apologize for any missed dates I've had.

[Should he also apologize for worrying anyone? It's not something he feels accustomed to, especially not in a genuine manner. But apparently, there's been a couple of people that actually cared and. He doesn't know what to do with that right now, so he'll just continue writing.]

I'm not entirely sure how common such an incident is, but if anyone's curious, I'll do my best to provide details about the long sleep I was in. I'm just grateful that my body nor mind didn't degrade at all while in such a state.

[ooc: Also, if anyone wants to visit him in person, I'm cool with it!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Mikotoba, huh? The name isn't familiar to Hans, but clearly, she's friends or at least acquaintances with Ferran.]

He certainly was, I hope I didn't cause him too much undue stress during my sleep.

Yes, Sitron is quite well, I truly owe my thanks to Ferran and anyone else that watched over him. He would've been lonely without anyone around to take care of him.

[...He actually does feel a little gratitude for people taking care of Sitron. It's easy to acknowledge that part.]

And I'm only slightly groggy, but in good health otherwise. Thank you for asking about me, that's quite kind of you.

Edited 2022-05-06 02:21 (UTC)

[ Look, he took her on a date, that officially qualifies her for the "friend" category, at least. ]

The least I can do is ask. It was Ferran who wrote to the whole community about your slumber, after all, but I suppose it is only fair. I admit, I had to come see for myself, if only because my father runs the community clinic here, and I thought he might be able to help.

[ She didn't touch anything. ~~Much.~~ Honest.

In fact, Ferran might have left him a dawn flower to add a little life to his place, and to ward off any potential nightmares. You can thank Susato for that, too. ]

[Ah yes, Ferran deciding to tell everyone about his little deep slumber. He really was worried, wasn't he? ...Worried enough to watch over him every single day and take care of Sitron.]

Ah, so you actually came over while I was asleep? I'm sure Ferran appreciated having a friend over with him. I can't imagine that I was the best of company during that time.

Speaking of which, please accept my humble apologies for not being able to greet you properly.

Yes. You would think your being asleep would dissuade him, but somehow I imagine him carrying on a conversation with you anyway. [ Only after she left though, of course. ] Did you ever hear him call out to you in your dreams?

[ Did he dream at all? There's a pause here as Susato stretches her wrist on her writing hand. ]

No need to apologise. But perhaps we should have this conversation in person, if you feel up for it.

Edited (BRITISH) 2022-05-07 04:04 (UTC)

[That sounds like Ferran, honestly. So pathetic that he'd talk to his comatose body, because he's lonely or just wanted him to wake up that badly.

.....]

Ah, unfortunately, I didn't hear a single world while I was asleep. As such, I wouldn't be able to tell you any secrets that he may have told me ;).

[what do you mean gossiping about someone--]

I certainly wouldn't mind. Do you have a preference upon where you want to meet? I don't wish to trouble you too much.

[ There's a bit of a pause as Susato pauses to consider. By now, she probably knows what that emoji is, but something about that sentiment feels oddly familiar to her.

When she can't place it, however, she'll all-too-readily move on. ]

Somewhere scenic and open, perhaps? Maybe the lake. I am sure you would enjoy the fresh air after your month indoors.

[ Even if he was asleep for it. Speaking of which, someone else probably would enjoy the fresh air, too. ] Oh, and if you would not be opposed to bringing Sitron, I do owe him some carrots.

That's a wonderful idea, I wouldn't mind traveling to the lake with Sitron and I'm certain he'd appreciate the carrots.

[Apparently, Sitron's gotten a few friends while he's been asleep?? Guess that's fine. He'll allow this Susato person to feed his horse carrots, but only Hans gets to spoil him. He has to buy loyalty somehow.]

[ She'll bring enough carrots for both of them to spoil him, OK. But this means she'll have to make a stop at the Wild Harvest garden first. That's fine by her. ]

In that case, I will be there shortly :)

[ She takes care to draw a little smiley face at the very end. So childish and unprofessional, but Hans used one first. That is her story and she is sticking to it.

She certainly hopes they aren't waiting long by the time she arrives at the lake. There is a sizable bag of carrots in her hand as promised, and at a glance, it almost looks like all colors of the rainbow are represented. ]

[Hans has been standing by Sitron's side, just gazing out at the lake, when he hears the approach of footsteps. While it could be anyone, the carrots in her bag are at least a good indication that she's the one that he's been waiting for, not to mention that Sitron seems to recognizing her, neighing and tromping lightly in greeting.

As such, he smiles as she approaches them.]

You must be Lady Mikotoba. It's a pleasure to see you in person.

[He bows just slightly, his posture and manners completely aligned with one would expect from a prince.] Thank you for your continual kindness towards Sitron.

[ Susato recognizes both of them, of course. Her expression seems to brighten at Sitron's excited neighing, and even the petals on her favorite sakura hairpin seem to glow as they catch the sunlight. Over time, perhaps, Susato has lost some of her formality, but seeing Prince Hans bow, it is all too easy to fall into her usual good habits.

She curtsies in return. ]

Hello! It is a pleasure to see you up and about. I see you've managed to get the flowers out of his mane.

[ A bit of a laugh as she reaches out to give him some well-deserved pets. He didn't think she forgot, did he? ]

Thank you, I'm certainly grateful to be up and about now... and with a healthy Sitron by my side. You truly have my gratitude.

[Sitron happily accepts these free pets though, lowering his head just slightly so that she can easily give him more if wanted.]

If there's anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask.

[ Susato does keep it up for a while, but she knows what Sitron really wants. Once there's an acceptable break in the pettings, she will of course untie the ribbon on the bag, pulling out the first of the many carrots before offering some to Prince Hans as well. ]

Well, perhaps you would do me the pleasure of visiting the Wild Harvest sometime. But until you do, please enjoy the carrots from our garden. Both of you.

[ She holds the first carrot out to Sitron, expecting him to chomp it immediately. ]

[He takes a few of the offered carrots, before placing them in the bag that's hanging off Sitron's saddle, although he saves one for himself. They'll be good snacks for Sitron later... or perhaps they can be used for cooking. He's still working on making decent dishes, even though he can always get food from various restaurants here without any concern.]

The Wild Harvest... I believe I've passed by that establishment a few times in the past, but I have yet to venture inside. I'd be happy to sit down and eat, although, are you sure that's all you want from me?

[And as expected, Sitron takes a sizeable bite out of the carrot. Friendship ended with Hans, Susato is now his best friend.]

[ As she should be! Hans was supposed to feed him some too, but Susato is more than happy to do all this hard work. She watches as Sitron chews happily, distantly considering the way he seems to insist.

She really doesn't feel like she's done much to deserve any favors, but... ]

Well... do you think he would let me ride him?

[ Does that count? It's tecnically something she wants from Sitron, but it probably counts. ]

[Ah, that's an easily repaid favor. He has no problems with this.]

I don't see why not.

[He looks over at his faithful steed, watching how he's happily munching on the carrot that Susato has fed him. Huh, Sitron really seems pleased by all this....]

Are you okay with this, Sitron?

[The answering neigh is a solid approval, no debate there.] It seems that he's on board with this as well.

[ She knew she could count on Sitron! It's not like she's gotten to do a whole lot of outdoorsy activities until... well, recently, so she looks rather excited. At the same, she knows nothing about riding a horse, so she can only help she won't fall and make a fool out of herself.

She'll make sure the carrots are either gone or safely stored inside the satchel for later before giving Sitron a pat on his saddle. ]

Why, thank you! [ If she falls, just leave her, OK? OK. ] Maybe just a scenic walk along the lakeshore, then. Will you help me up?

[He offers a hand to Susato, pulling all the stops to present himself as a noble prince. He remembers the possible worth of her last name now, and how there's definitely a solid chance that she's connected to one Yujin Mikotoba, the person that talked about forming a council here in the future.

So, it wouldn't hurt to be nice to her.]

It'd be my honor.

[ Wow, chivalry isn't dead??? Well, he is nobility, after all, and she did ask. Despite that, Susato seems to hesitate for a second, but she'll take his hand and mount herself atop Sitron, with all the grace of a slightly wobbly doll.

It's fine. She seems delighted once she's found her place! As they trot along, she's looking at the back of Sitron's head, trying to keep balance. ]

Ah! Actually... I did remember something else I wanted to ask you.

[Please don't fall, Susato... Hans would have to put in extra effort not to laugh and that's exhausting.]

Please, ask away. I don't imagine any question you'd have would be too personal, right?

[Hans asks that in a light, almost teasing sort of tone. But really, he thinks he'll be able to answer whatever inquiry she may have. She seems to be a rather polite and formal type herself, along with being kind.]

[ She wouldn't have even blamed him if he laughed in that case. She'd still be embarrassed, of course, but... ]

O, Oh, no! Well... I suppose... that depends...?

[ Certainly not anything of the nature of what she asked a Certain Gossip some months ago, but still. ]

I was just wondering about the unicorn plush we found, and... and where you may have gotten it.

[ Hans may or may not have woken up with the plush in his arms, depending on whether Ferran or another visitor moved it. ]

[Of all the things to be asked... he really should've just thrown that thing away. To this day, he's not sure what possessed him to keep it, especially since he and Tifa aren't close at all. Sure, he had to take it at that time to be polite, but nothing stopped him from throwing it away once he got home.

And now he has to give a suitable answer for it.]

Hm? Oh that plush?

[Hans actually takes a moment, like he's trying to figure out the best way to answer this. He usually has quick responses for everything, but.]

Lady Tifa gave it to me as a token of appreciation. Perhaps not quite my style, but who am I to deny a present that brings me no harm?

[ Susato held tightly onto the reigns, though Hans is probably still the one doing the heavy lifting when it came to keeping Sitron in line. They start to walk, and it may not have quite the same atmosphere as the town did during the flower festival, she can still appreciate fresh air.

She glances at him briefly for his reaction, but her luckily for Hans, her mind-reading ability is not quite literally... or at the very least, seems to be selectively active. (Rude, sir.) ]

That's sweet. I'm sure it was well-earned... What did you do for her?

[So, does he give her the long story or the short one? Well, the long version involves him being slightly terrible, so it's best if he just sticks with the short one. Easy decision there.

He returns an easy smile, as if he has no problems talking about love and romance.]

Actually, I was helping her pick out a present for her significant other. She truly wanted to get him something nice and I was somehow able to assist her. I'm not the best when it comes to romantic relationships, so I'm glad I was able to help.

[Turns out, leaving someone to die ruins the mood a lot.]

[ It's probably a really good thing he stuck to the short version. Susato finds no reason to question it, either, and Sitron doesn't seem intent on ratting him out. Wins all around. ]

I see.

[ Significant other? Ah... doesn't she have one of those now...? The idea lightly tugs at the back of her mind. That's two in the "not the best at romantic relationships" category... Well... 3? ]

That makes more sense than my initial guess. I thought you had a daughter.

[Daughter............

Hans makes a small noise, a little indescribable in its tone. Does he give the impression that he'd have a child by now? Or is that unicorn plush that impressionable? He can't imagine having a little runt running around, not until he's the king of a kingdom.]

Oh, nothing of that sort. [If his voice sounds slightly strained, forgive him. Also, ignore Sitron that may have laughed a little, mostly at his master's expense.]

I've still yet to find someone to marry and that must come first for me.

Edited 2022-05-30 04:54 (UTC)

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