[ after all was said and done, alisaie still felt as if she owed allen some extra expression of thanks.
she knew that she would have done the same for him, had it come down to it - but his intervention had meant she was able to help her brother, to gather him away from danger. that meant more to her than anything else in the world, and she was not one to shirk thanking someone for something so important.
so, she was going with thanks in a way she could do well enough in this land: a meal.
alisaie had handled the cooking as they traveled the ruby sea and yanxia. she was no culinarian the way sayuri had begun to take up in novrandt, but she had developed a decent skill for the basics and the use of the seasonings you could find. after obtaining allen's address, she packs a meal into the little boxes they've given her and goes.
she went with the freshest meat she could find - in this place, two filets of fish - seasoned with lemon as well as pepper and salt. she'd found and cooked some wild rice as well, though that came out of a bag she had to follow the instructions carefully with. dotted in the rice is flecks of seaweed, rehydrated as she cooked it. finally, she'd found something close to the lotus roots of othard and the carrots of eorzea, and had roasted those and nestled it alongside the meal, seasoned with paprika and more pepper and salt.
she'd also, outside of her skill range, obtained a small lemon cake from one of the bakeries nearby. the cake in a little bag and the rest nestled in a towel and in the tupperware boxes, she knocks on his door and waits. ]
it is in his gospel : D especially during Cordis...
[ Admittedly, in the days that followed the incident at the arena, Allen probably could have been... better about following up with people. If it weren't something that still felt a little rusty and uncertainly foreign to him. Like if he should at all, or if it would still be better just quietly fade away like a ghost and be glad that everyone he met seemed like they would be fine when last he saw them.
Needless to say he ended up doing the latter.
But, he was also injured fairly heavily during the attack on top of burning himself out. There's that. Mostly it was that. And even with the assistance of (bare minimum) moonlacing or no, it still took him time to recover. Also there was, well... ...
After yesterday he's okay minimizing the amount of time he's spending around other people. At least for... a few days? Hopefully not any longer than that?!?? It's a good thing he doesn't have that many people who will bother him about disappearing for a while...
Which is why he looks rather surprised when he opens the door, before he's even seen who it is. And a little different from when she saw him last, and that isn't including the fact his Innocence isn't invoked this time so there's decidedly less glow and fluff. But instead of his usual tidy, old-fashioned appearance in waistcoast and tie it would seem he's caved and gotten local, more modern clothing. Such is the problem when you have exactly one outfit that gets shredded to pieces in a fight...
Which is to say he's discovered the joy of hoodies. Though oddly enough, he has the hood pulled up to cover his hair and ears even indoors in his own house. Or that he did just to open the door... ]
Miss Alisaie? [ Sounding quite surprised, eyes darting briefly from her face to the bundle she's carrying. ]
[ he might be trying to do the latter, but alisaie is definitely determined not to let him fade off the face of lunatia. besides, she thinks it's only the right thing to do in this situation, where her pride dictates she do something in return for the other person.
the hoodie gives her a moment's pause, as she's looking for - well, a full sized robe, not what appears to be half of one. but it only takes her a moment before she smiles, shaking her head. ]
Please, just Alisaie is fine.
[ she hefts the towel-wrapped tupperware. ]
I still wanted to thank you for helping me and Alphinaud. So I thought the best way to do so would be to bring you some dinner.
[ They do look like something between a robe and a pajama top, right?? It threw him quite a bit when he first saw them, but needless to say it's grown on him immensely. This is brilliant, he's always enjoyed items with hoods. For, well... one obvious reason. At least when you stand out in a crowd in your world as much as he does. But it's kind of exciting, it's actually weirdly comfortable...
He startles at her reveal of just what it is she's holding though, caught quite clearly off-guard by that more than her sudden appearance. ]
Dinner...?
[ The widening of the eyes, the way his hand loosens on the doorknob as he momentarily forgets himself... the odd sort of way it seems like even his hood perked up in interest and uncensored shock -- ]
[ The way he seems to absolutely melt in awe a moment later.
No, really. He looks so entirely overcome by that, like it's the grandest of gestures. Even if it's something so simple. ]
You really didn't have to...
[ It's the humble pride of someone who really doesn't see what he did as anything that needs thanks or that he's done that much to deserve the effort she must have gone to, but. he just sounds so moved too. ]
Sorry, do you want to come in?
[ He'll remember his manners and step to the side, opening the door wider and waving her in. Like hell pride would mean he turns down dinner, either. ]
[ she wonders, for a moment, if she's misstepped, the way he seems so struck by her action. it's only when he speaks that she realizes if anything, she's simply chosen the correct choice to show that she's thankful.
or perhaps it's simply that he hasn't had someone cook for him in a long time, which is sad in its own way. her smile turns a bit sympathetic without meaning to, worried for all potentialities.
when he invites her in, she perks up. ]
Absolutely.
[ she steps inside, but gives his hood another glance. was it her imagination, or had it moved as well when he realized it was food? ]
And, uh - if I've caught you at a bad time for yourself, I don't have to stay.
[ her sanguis experience had not been what she'd call great. ]
[ Spring is in the air with pollen and pixies, and amidst all the fruit and vegetable vendors, and Allen is naturally parked right where an abundance of food and work is to be found. Especially when that work is busking.
That said, it's a bit harder when he has no makeup or costume anymore, and those expenses seem kind of extravagant after being in crystallized stasis for three months. Also he's a scrooge. Also he spent almost all the Chroma he had saved from before on food because he hadn't had solid food in three months either.
Which is why there's an acrobatic boy to be found among the other street performers with a carved melon on his head (it's not pumpkin season). Don't worry, he dried it out. Although unlike some of its ab-endowed companions, this melon is rather... Well. Slender. And kind of anemic.
But lacking proper props as well, he seems to have made do with not just what few juggling pins he got his hands on and, yes, knives, but is encouraging the crowd to toss him fruits and vegetables into an ever-growing impressively high arch of juggled items as he rocks back and forth on what looks to be an empty pickle barrel.
It's slightly insane. But he seems perfectly at home with it and nowhere near his limit.
During his performance you might A), find him gesturing in your direction if you have some fruit or other object you wouldn't mind tossing into the fray of things he's juggling. It counts as both an extra challenge and a tip! ✰ (Alright, he'll give it back if it's of particular need. Or not food in general.) If he doesn't, at the conclusion you might B) find yourself presented a somewhat tattered old tophat that he extends with a flourish in your direction. Tips in the form of snacks are appreciated, after all. ✨ Although Chroma-generating contact is not something he would expect as he is, well... bad at thinking things through sometimes.
Or C), you can approach him after he's finished and is bending down to chat with and ruffle the hair of some of the children that have gathered around him after. Otherwise D), one of his fruits might escape (not... not on purpose, right??) and roll up to your feet while he's erstwhile engaged, after which you can either try to return it to him or have him approach you somewhat sheepishly to apologize and retrieve it. (It's weird, it's almost like they have a mind of their own??)
Of course you might E), just find him later while he's taking a break and snacking on one of his "props"/tips. There may or may not be unfortunate side effects... ]
[Ruca is observing the performance with a smile on his face. It's very impressive and he can only imagine how many years of hard work were needed to achieve this level of skill (or this is what he thinks, based on some books he's read long time ago).
When the hat is presented his way, Ruca blinks, then quickly bows in apology.]
I-I'm so sorry, I don't have anything I could give you!
[Then he quickly adds:]
Ah, b-but the performance was amazing! I think you're incredible! I'm sorry... I really wish I could give you something...
[If it was back in Ruca's world, he would happily give him some gald or maybe something to eat. In here, he's pretty poor. Maybe if he was less reserved things would've been different.]
It'd be a lie to say Allen isn't a little bit crestfallen, but he's far too much of a professional (and kind) to let it show. Also because the other boy doesn't seem like a stingy onlooker at all, the response is far too humble and kind. He looks to be about the same age as Allen too, maybe a little younger.
The same abnormally silver-white hair, too.
So he's masterfully quick to stash the hat away, pulling the carved watermelon from his head as well so he might reassure the other boy with a smile and show he's not upset or the stingy one. ]
It's fine, please don't worry about it. [ With such an easy and radiant smile that seems to use up his whole self and put it on display, it's almost like he took payment enough in the compliment.
See, it's okay. Please don't feel bad for such a thing when his performance was meant to make people smile. ]
[Ruca stands straighter when the other reveals his face. It doesn't escape him that they have the same hair-colour (even though this is nothing odd in Ruca's world) and that they seem to be of similar age. He also notes the scar (or is it a tattoo?) on the other's face. Small observations that don't matter that much in the end.
The other boy is very kind and the smile he gives Ruca makes him smile back, even if shyly.]
I did... But, um... [He trails off, fixing the strap of his broadsword as he thinks this through. Then he offers his hand.]
I-I can't give you anything, but I can at least do this... right?
[Since around here people are paying for everything with hugs and kisses, but that's awkward and Ruca wouldn't do that. But a handshake? A handshake should be just fine.]
[ With how unnaturally bright and clean it is, it certainly looks more like a tattoo. But a close eye would note it does mar his skin as a scar would—just with that unnatural color and strangely precise lines.
Ruca's gesture is met with slight confusion though, just because of how he phrased that. "But I can at least do... this?"? ]
?
[ There's a bit of a confused blink and his smile lags for a second as Allen looks between Ruca and his hand, reflexively beginning to reach to take the offered hand anyway out of just general manners. It's just a handshake he's offering, so...? ]
Chroma feels warm and relaxing when it's generated, at least via this method. Like two old friends shaking hands warmly after being gone a long time, instead of hesitant strangers. And Allen givs a small, sheepish sort of laugh.
Right. He'd, ah... his head was still kind of fuzzy and he'd forgotten a lot of things while he was crystallized... ]
It's alright. You don't have to shake my hand for any reason other than to say "hello". [ Though he will shake the other boy's hand—for that reason and not payment. ]
I know it can seem a little weird at first. I'm still not used to it, to be honest.
[Small blush? Small blush. Mostly because he feels silly that he forgot. ]
[At first Mike has to do a double take as he's passing by to figure out what the commotion is about. But once it becomes apparent what's causing all the hubbub the blond's expression splits into an elated grin. Now this - Mike can respect this hustle. The pumpkin head? Guaranteed no other performer at the market thought to do that, himself included. So the act is impressive, yeah, but he really wants to prod and poke and see just how good this guy really is.]
[It doesn't take long to scamper away and get what he needs. Luckily being new and comparatively penniless doesn't matter at this market. What's a few spare friendly touches going to hurt when it helps him achieve his fun?]
[Allen, if he's attentive enough, may notice the colorful individual that trots back over his area with a bag in hand and impish grin on his face. If not, that's fine, because that very individual takes no time in raising his voice to make himself known.]
Would you look at that, mister, you dropped one! Here.
[But the thing is there's a mile wide mischievous streak in Mike that just won't quit. So instead of simply passing the apple to this performer like a good little audience member Mike takes out a couple of them, what appear to be his own juggling balls, and begins mirroring what's in front of him. After he's sure he has the other's attention he underhand tosses one of the apples at Allen.]
Oh, this one too. Catch!
[And then another. His eyes are sparkling with a challenge. How many are you going to be able to handle, buddy?]
[ It's when Mike calls out to him that he first notices the other, not being someone he was on particular lookout for—and because Allen tends to put his whole self into his performances whenever he does them. Also he has a melon mask on his head. But something about the slight lilt in his voice though, and that impish sort of smile that he can catch just barely through one of the carved eyes...
The melon thankfully masks his expression, given the wry sort of smile Allen gets as he realizes what's about to happen. Aha, it's going to be one of those days...
They better put on a good show then. ✨
Playing the part of the melon-headed mute, he neatly catches the first apple and taps it up into the array he's already juggling, the barrel wobbling only slightly under the shift in balance. Please, that's child's play. Although the second one, oop—!
It would almost seem for a moment like it's too low for him to catch, though a practiced eye would realize that seems staged. And indeed, at seemingly the last moment—pop! His foot kicks up to intercept and he bounces the apple for a moment on the side of his boot, rocking back and forth on one foot as he rebalances it and himself before kicking it up to join the rest. The crowd ooohing and aaahing at the both of them.
And with the way he dips his head towards the other juggler for a moment... was that a wink? It was like he was winking. ]
[Well this stranger does have a sense for fun! That's perfect. Quick to adapt to boot. Mike even cheers himself when mr. melonhead manages to catch them both with pizzaz. But he's not to be out done. If this fellow is going to play up the charming little mute stoic act naturally Mike is going play the foil to it. Besides, there are quite a few kids watching. That makes for an excitable and reactive audience. More importantly, one that's willing to interact.]
Say, why don't we count how many our friend here can take? Oone-
[Some of the crowd is eager to echo when Mike tosses one more.]
Two-
[A few more join in. But this time he goes against the crowd's expectation by throwing all five apples and juggling balls high up into the air. Anyone with a trained eye will be able to tell that the way that Mike bonks the side of his head and pretends like he won't catch them is very well timed.]
Hmmm, well now, just what was I up to?
[A small child squeals a warning and he catches all of them with practiced ease.]
Oh, right! Two!!
[Mike beams as he delivers the long promised second (read: fourth) apple. Tag, you're it stranger. It's your turn! Surely even you have a limit buddy. Mike's hands are starting to look pretty empty here.]
[ A foil, huh? It works, he was raised in the style of the white clown and Auguste, after all. The serious and the buffoon. The sad and the happy.
One guess as to which he's always been.
Mike's feigned moment of forgetfulness gets another hidden smile from Allen, though. He's good, and it's a good part he's playing, that act.. But one, two—! (Three and four!)
The first is caught easily enough, but he throws his own currently juggled ones high when Mike throws the last apple. And in a split second, he dips and spins in low circle while balanced on one hand as neatly as a dancer.
(Or a street fighter? Martial arts? There's something about it not quite just acrobat; a savage sort of swiftness.)
But snagging the newest addition, he tosses it it up with the rest in one smooth motion as he springs back up to his feet. Even if, oh no, as he begins to collect them again it looks like from how he dips for a moment that he wasn't fast enough for them all?!
There's a collective gasp from the crowd, but one that quickly turns to an oooh and a few cheers as he slips back into his rhythm as easily as breathing. As he'd momentarily dipped to catch one of the apples, not with his hands but with himself. As it now stands proudly balanced atop his melon head.
Even with carved-on smile, there just seems to be such a bright kind of twinkle about it was he looks back towards Mike and begins to juggle the fruit in a cascade behind his back as well. If he could make a bring it motion while still doing so, he absolutely would have.
[ Truthfully, the reason why Gwenhwyfar approaches him is the same soft, snowy white hair. There is nothing that she feels from him that is inherently demonic (and for her, that's a letdown) but he still possesses an odd feeling. Something she can't quite determine. A purchase of herbs, Gwenhwyfar has no snacks to offer, only an awkward stare. She's only ever seen a handful of performances in her life, so it takes a second or two to realize what he's actually doing. ]
Uhh...
[ What does he want? Money? Outside of her sundress, she only has one of her satchels filled with charms and wards. Well, Gwenhwyfar quite likes marbles and has a penchant for taking them out of plants and hoarding them in her hovel. So she drops one in, unsure what else to do.
No one has really taken the time also to explain to her how uncomfortable it is for someone for her leaning into him to sniff him. ]
[ The first thing, Allen realizes, is that the girl he's waved his tip hat towards seems a bit uncertain about the whole thing. So he's about to withdraw it and warmly assure her it's fine—I mean yes, he does need to eat, but he'd be the worst kind of performer to make his audience feel uncomfortable—when she plops something in anyway, and he blinks for a second.
At first he thinks it's a coin of some kind, feeling it roll around in there, before he realizes it's a ... stone? No, a marble?? ]
Thank... you? [ ??? ] I, ah—
[ PANIC. GIRL LEANING CLOSE AND..... smelling him??? ??? ]
...what are you doing?? [ Look, to his credit he contains his fluster very well and just seems rooted to the spot. He only sounds flighty.
Demonic he might not seem, no. But especially if she's leaned close and can sense the supernatural at all, the mark on his face seeps with a dark, colder and tainted kind of aura. A curse—a deep, and unusual sort of one. A living one, centered around the pentagram on his brow.
Who knows what it smells like though. Don't ask him. Allen, conversely, would just smell light and airy. Like sunshine and powdered sugar (the confectioneries he's had today and is prone to getting crumbs everywhere of)... and like he could use a bath. (Sue him! He's been performing in the sun all day! ... also he's a hobo!!) ]
[ The powdered sugar provides a weird contrast to the darkness that seems to cling to him. It's a little odd that it seems to land directly on the mark on his face... like a curse?
True to how she is, Gwenhwyfar won't acknowledge the oddity of her behavior -- after all, it doesn't seem weird to her. If anything, Allen's reaction is weird. It doesn't make her feel uneasy, the opposite of it.
Gwenhwyfar feels at ease, as a person that usually struggles for balance between her human and demon sides. A little sweaty but not offense. Besides, he is a little cute, in his own, weird way. ]
Well, I don't know what else you're looking for.
[ The whole smelling incident? She ignores it. She looks again to his hat, figuring he might not know what she means. ]
[ The rest of her things...? Was... was she talking about... the pebble...? That's what she thinks he's talking about, not the smelling him?? ]
...
[ Blinking once, twice -- even if it's a little owlishly, he seems to relax a little then. Or at least to just accept it as part and parcel of he's seen weirder. Also she seems to be acting so normally about it that... maybe that's just how she says hello?? ]
No, that's fine... [ He waves a gloved hand lightly, gesturing that it's alright. He's had actually stingy patrons in the past and while he might be sour about people who are arses about it and clearly have more than enough wealth to spare, that's not the case here. ] I wouldn't want you to have to give up anything important to you. The hat is just if someone has anything to spare. [ usually produce in this case, lbr ]
[Nike was no stranger to the Farmer's Market. All the fruit stands looked delicious especially the ones selling other items like honey and jars filled with the fruit and its juice. Right now, she decided to stick with just regular fruits to munch while continuing her stroll. Which was a good thing or else she'd miss the large crowd of people being entertained by a performance?
Nike will grow closer to the group as she takes a peek: a giant melon head was juggling?
Um...why are they wearing a melon on their head? WHAT A WASTE OF FOOD!? Do they not know how many people could be fed with a melon?
Nike may just pout slightly at the spectacle. Not very impressed until the number of items in the performer's hands begins to increase making the arch of items grow. Why was the audience throwing things at them? Nike was beginning to get nervous. Maybe she should stick around....? Just to see what else will be done?
She'll continue to watch the performer with a keen eye and before she knew it she came to enjoy it too. All the more reason to talk to the performer afterward, hoping to clear up a question on her mind. Well, that is until she sorta got her response from the way the performer was treating the children. A growing smile will appear as she chuckles.]
I don't know why, but I'd half expected the kids wanting to rub your head more than receiving one. Has anyone tried it yet?
[Honestly, she is surprised the children are so well-behaved right now. That and Nike was curious about the melon head. Was it real, actual fruit or just a prop to look like one?]
[ ? Why would they want to rub his head? It's just a melon. There's dozens of them in the market. ]
Um... [ That's not what makes him freeze though. It's that it's Nike that makes him freeze—until he realizes she doesn't recognize him right away. Aaah, that's bad. She snuck up on him... he'd been keeping an eye out for her, too. Out of guilt, mostly. How does one even approach someone else when he's been gone so long? After how intense and unresolved things had been when they last saw each other, too. The amphitheater, him unintentionally harming her...
Where would you even begin after all that? ]
Not yet? [ He fidgets for a moment with his things before he sets them aside, his voice slightly muffled by the melon (it's real). The children also disperse as the adults—teenagers, but close enough—begin to talk, quickly becoming bored now that he's no longer performing. ]
I can't say anyone's ever tried before. [ He might be sweating behind the mask, just a little. WHAT DO YOU SAY TO HER, FOOL. ]
[She didn't expect the response all things considered. A piece of her thought the children would've asked about it. Some of them, maybe. The boys, mainly. Were children more modest in this world compared to her own?
She does remember a pair of boys throwing a scorpion at her one time....
And a little girl literally grabbed her chest to check its size....
Well, her fiance was an eleven year old global tyrant too....
She is beginning to notice a pattern. Which is more than enough for her to decide.]
Isn't there a saying how rubbing a bald man's head will grant you wishes? I mean, in my world there is! Maybe if you sell the idea you could collect more chroma? Rub a melon head, the chances for a wish to be granted will increase...?
[Leaning over, she'll reach out to offer the very melon surface a light rub. Ah, so the melon is real! It felt too smooth and melony to be fake.]
Just like this. [Blinking a bit, she'll lean down further to try and stare through the melon's eye holes with a small smile.] Then again, I doubt you'll gather much. I mean, did you feel anything?
[ I mean he had a kid throw an onion bomb in his face after calling him scrawny and totally not macho at all too, but he's entertained for enough kids to know how to deal with them pretty well and trick them into being well-behaved.
Her suddenly invading his space was not expected though. And he blinks for a moment, jumping in his skin at least a little even if not outwardly (much). Aaah, there's no getting around it then...
She'll hear a sigh he heaves from within the oversized fruit. ]
Maybe you shouldn't give them ideas about how to misbehave. [ It's noted a little bit—no, that isn't dryly, it's... sulkily? Just a little, maybe. But he reaches up— ]
[Interesting job openings were difficult to come by especially when it had everything Nike loved in them: eating and drinking. Even if the name of the drink -- Dragonfang Wine -- was...a little too on the nose when it came to naming conventions, that detail wasn't the interesting part -- it was the taste-testing one. She knew how much Allen enjoyed eating, rivaling her in the amount she needs to consume on a daily basis.
So it was not difficult to get them on board in wanting to help with the upcoming celebrations by being used to create a menu dedicated to the local alcoholic beverage. The wine's appearance was odd, at first sight, since she was not used to such a vibrate violet color, but when she was close enough to get a whiff of its scent and those surrounding her, Nike found herself more than a little entranced by it. The drink had a rich and almost calming aroma to it. Not overwhelming and yet it wasn't an entirely subtle one. If anything, it was refreshing.
It isn't until the first plates filled with all kinds of different appetizers will the instructions be given to eat while tasting the wine. At that point, Nike was more than willing to consume the wine without a second thought, completely ignoring the way all those around her were doing it. The taste was almost out of this world! Completely different from the kinds of wine she was accustomed to. Nike finished her first glass while enjoying the rest of the appetizers. Her second and third glass was enjoyed while taste-testing the different number of main courses. Throughout the entire thing, Nike was a little too thorough in the process of finding out which wine tasted better with what meal or which glasses to use to mix the other wine versions.
After a while of drinking, investigating, and eating, Nike will notice Allen and realize: he hasn't been drinking any of the glasses given to him. Tilting her head curiously, Nike will silently wonder.]
Oh, you haven't had any...? [Her gaze will search around the table for a moment before leaning in -- almost as if she wanted to whisper something to him only to talk normally instead -- to look directly at Allen with a curious look.] Do you mind...? I wanna know if your versions are different from mine. We can trade! I still have all of my glasses of water. You can have them if you want!
[Okay! So she did drink some of her glass of water, but there were still some! She was sure he wouldn't mind trading for whatever was left of her glass of water for his wine glasses!]
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likethelight) wrote2020-02-06 03:21 pm
early february; food is how you show appreciation right
she knew that she would have done the same for him, had it come down to it - but his intervention had meant she was able to help her brother, to gather him away from danger. that meant more to her than anything else in the world, and she was not one to shirk thanking someone for something so important.
so, she was going with thanks in a way she could do well enough in this land: a meal.
alisaie had handled the cooking as they traveled the ruby sea and yanxia. she was no culinarian the way sayuri had begun to take up in novrandt, but she had developed a decent skill for the basics and the use of the seasonings you could find. after obtaining allen's address, she packs a meal into the little boxes they've given her and goes.
she went with the freshest meat she could find - in this place, two filets of fish - seasoned with lemon as well as pepper and salt. she'd found and cooked some wild rice as well, though that came out of a bag she had to follow the instructions carefully with. dotted in the rice is flecks of seaweed, rehydrated as she cooked it. finally, she'd found something close to the lotus roots of othard and the carrots of eorzea, and had roasted those and nestled it alongside the meal, seasoned with paprika and more pepper and salt.
she'd also, outside of her skill range, obtained a small lemon cake from one of the bakeries nearby. the cake in a little bag and the rest nestled in a towel and in the tupperware boxes, she knocks on his door and waits. ]
it is in his gospel : D especially during Cordis...
Needless to say he ended up doing the latter.
But, he was also injured fairly heavily during the attack on top of burning himself out. There's that. Mostly it was that. And even with the assistance of (bare minimum) moonlacing or no, it still took him time to recover. Also there was, well... ...
After yesterday he's okay minimizing the amount of time he's spending around other people. At least for... a few days? Hopefully not any longer than that?!?? It's a good thing he doesn't have that many people who will bother him about disappearing for a while...
Which is why he looks rather surprised when he opens the door, before he's even seen who it is. And a little different from when she saw him last, and that isn't including the fact his Innocence isn't invoked this time so there's decidedly less glow and fluff. But instead of his usual tidy, old-fashioned appearance in waistcoast and tie it would seem he's caved and gotten local, more modern clothing. Such is the problem when you have exactly one outfit that gets shredded to pieces in a fight...
Which is to say he's discovered the joy of hoodies. Though oddly enough, he has the hood pulled up to cover his hair and ears even indoors in his own house. Or that he did just to open the door... ]
Miss Alisaie? [ Sounding quite surprised, eyes darting briefly from her face to the bundle she's carrying. ]
What are you doing here?
no subject
the hoodie gives her a moment's pause, as she's looking for - well, a full sized robe, not what appears to be half of one. but it only takes her a moment before she smiles, shaking her head. ]
Please, just Alisaie is fine.
[ she hefts the towel-wrapped tupperware. ]
I still wanted to thank you for helping me and Alphinaud. So I thought the best way to do so would be to bring you some dinner.
1/2
He startles at her reveal of just what it is she's holding though, caught quite clearly off-guard by that more than her sudden appearance. ]
Dinner...?
[ The widening of the eyes, the way his hand loosens on the doorknob as he momentarily forgets himself... the odd sort of way it seems like even his hood perked up in interest and uncensored shock -- ]
2/2
No, really. He looks so entirely overcome by that, like it's the grandest of gestures. Even if it's something so simple. ]
You really didn't have to...
[ It's the humble pride of someone who really doesn't see what he did as anything that needs thanks or that he's done that much to deserve the effort she must have gone to, but. he just sounds so moved too. ]
Sorry, do you want to come in?
[ He'll remember his manners and step to the side, opening the door wider and waving her in. Like hell pride would mean he turns down dinner, either. ]
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or perhaps it's simply that he hasn't had someone cook for him in a long time, which is sad in its own way. her smile turns a bit sympathetic without meaning to, worried for all potentialities.
when he invites her in, she perks up. ]
Absolutely.
[ she steps inside, but gives his hood another glance. was it her imagination, or had it moved as well when he realized it was food? ]
And, uh - if I've caught you at a bad time for yourself, I don't have to stay.
[ her sanguis experience had not been what she'd call great. ]
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this just makes me ask if he lives with shigeru
LOL, Shino
makes sense /sage nod
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ALLEN STOP BEING CUTE RIGHT NOW
NEVER :D
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i fuckin spelled coeurl wrong GO ME
LMFAO it's fine, I secondguessed myself hard for a moment /shakes fist at squeenix
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late May after waking up | Lunatia Square farmer's market
That said, it's a bit harder when he has no makeup or costume anymore, and those expenses seem kind of extravagant after being in crystallized stasis for three months. Also he's a scrooge. Also he spent almost all the Chroma he had saved from before on food because he hadn't had solid food in three months either.
Which is why there's an acrobatic boy to be found among the other street performers with a carved melon on his head (it's not pumpkin season). Don't worry, he dried it out. Although unlike some of its ab-endowed companions, this melon is rather... Well. Slender. And kind of anemic.
But lacking proper props as well, he seems to have made do with not just what few juggling pins he got his hands on and, yes, knives, but is encouraging the crowd to toss him fruits and vegetables into an ever-growing impressively high arch of juggled items as he rocks back and forth on what looks to be an empty pickle barrel.
It's slightly insane. But he seems perfectly at home with it and nowhere near his limit.
During his performance you might A), find him gesturing in your direction if you have some fruit or other object you wouldn't mind tossing into the fray of things he's juggling. It counts as both an extra challenge and a tip! ✰ (Alright, he'll give it back if it's of particular need. Or not food in general.) If he doesn't, at the conclusion you might B) find yourself presented a somewhat tattered old tophat that he extends with a flourish in your direction. Tips in the form of snacks are appreciated, after all. ✨ Although Chroma-generating contact is not something he would expect as he is, well... bad at thinking things through sometimes.
Or C), you can approach him after he's finished and is bending down to chat with and ruffle the hair of some of the children that have gathered around him after. Otherwise D), one of his fruits might escape (not... not on purpose, right??) and roll up to your feet while he's erstwhile engaged, after which you can either try to return it to him or have him approach you somewhat sheepishly to apologize and retrieve it. (It's weird, it's almost like they have a mind of their own??)
Of course you might E), just find him later while he's taking a break and snacking on one of his "props"/tips. There may or may not be unfortunate side effects... ]
B
When the hat is presented his way, Ruca blinks, then quickly bows in apology.]
I-I'm so sorry, I don't have anything I could give you!
[Then he quickly adds:]
Ah, b-but the performance was amazing! I think you're incredible! I'm sorry... I really wish I could give you something...
[If it was back in Ruca's world, he would happily give him some gald or maybe something to eat. In here, he's pretty poor. Maybe if he was less reserved things would've been different.]
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It'd be a lie to say Allen isn't a little bit crestfallen, but he's far too much of a professional (and kind) to let it show. Also because the other boy doesn't seem like a stingy onlooker at all, the response is far too humble and kind. He looks to be about the same age as Allen too, maybe a little younger.
The same abnormally silver-white hair, too.
So he's masterfully quick to stash the hat away, pulling the carved watermelon from his head as well so he might reassure the other boy with a smile and show he's not upset or the stingy one. ]
It's fine, please don't worry about it. [ With such an easy and radiant smile that seems to use up his whole self and put it on display, it's almost like he took payment enough in the compliment.
See, it's okay. Please don't feel bad for such a thing when his performance was meant to make people smile. ]
I'm just really glad you enjoyed it.
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The other boy is very kind and the smile he gives Ruca makes him smile back, even if shyly.]
I did... But, um... [He trails off, fixing the strap of his broadsword as he thinks this through. Then he offers his hand.]
I-I can't give you anything, but I can at least do this... right?
[Since around here people are paying for everything with hugs and kisses, but that's awkward and Ruca wouldn't do that. But a handshake? A handshake should be just fine.]
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Ruca's gesture is met with slight confusion though, just because of how he phrased that. "But I can at least do... this?"? ]
?
[ There's a bit of a confused blink and his smile lags for a second as Allen looks between Ruca and his hand, reflexively beginning to reach to take the offered hand anyway out of just general manners. It's just a handshake he's offering, so...? ]
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Chroma feels warm and relaxing when it's generated, at least via this method. Like two old friends shaking hands warmly after being gone a long time, instead of hesitant strangers. And Allen givs a small, sheepish sort of laugh.
Right. He'd, ah... his head was still kind of fuzzy and he'd forgotten a lot of things while he was crystallized... ]
It's alright. You don't have to shake my hand for any reason other than to say "hello". [ Though he will shake the other boy's hand—for that reason and not payment. ]
I know it can seem a little weird at first. I'm still not used to it, to be honest.
[Small blush? Small blush.
Mostly because he feels silly that he forgot.](no subject)
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A+D, kind of
[It doesn't take long to scamper away and get what he needs. Luckily being new and comparatively penniless doesn't matter at this market. What's a few spare friendly touches going to hurt when it helps him achieve his fun?]
[Allen, if he's attentive enough, may notice the colorful individual that trots back over his area with a bag in hand and impish grin on his face. If not, that's fine, because that very individual takes no time in raising his voice to make himself known.]
Would you look at that, mister, you dropped one! Here.
[But the thing is there's a mile wide mischievous streak in Mike that just won't quit. So instead of simply passing the apple to this performer like a good little audience member Mike takes out a couple of them, what appear to be his own juggling balls, and begins mirroring what's in front of him. After he's sure he has the other's attention he underhand tosses one of the apples at Allen.]
Oh, this one too. Catch!
[And then another. His eyes are sparkling with a challenge. How many are you going to be able to handle, buddy?]
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The melon thankfully masks his expression, given the wry sort of smile Allen gets as he realizes what's about to happen. Aha, it's going to be one of those days...
They better put on a good show then. ✨
Playing the part of the melon-headed mute, he neatly catches the first apple and taps it up into the array he's already juggling, the barrel wobbling only slightly under the shift in balance. Please, that's child's play. Although the second one, oop—!
It would almost seem for a moment like it's too low for him to catch, though a practiced eye would realize that seems staged. And indeed, at seemingly the last moment—pop! His foot kicks up to intercept and he bounces the apple for a moment on the side of his boot, rocking back and forth on one foot as he rebalances it and himself before kicking it up to join the rest. The crowd ooohing and aaahing at the both of them.
And with the way he dips his head towards the other juggler for a moment... was that a wink? It was like he was winking. ]
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Say, why don't we count how many our friend here can take? Oone-
[Some of the crowd is eager to echo when Mike tosses one more.]
Two-
[A few more join in. But this time he goes against the crowd's expectation by throwing all five apples and juggling balls high up into the air. Anyone with a trained eye will be able to tell that the way that Mike bonks the side of his head and pretends like he won't catch them is very well timed.]
Hmmm, well now, just what was I up to?
[A small child squeals a warning and he catches all of them with practiced ease.]
Oh, right! Two!!
[Mike beams as he delivers the long promised second (read: fourth) apple. Tag, you're it stranger. It's your turn! Surely even you have a limit buddy. Mike's hands are starting to look pretty empty here.]
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One guess as to which he's always been.
Mike's feigned moment of forgetfulness gets another hidden smile from Allen, though. He's good, and it's a good part he's playing, that act.. But one, two—! (Three and four!)
The first is caught easily enough, but he throws his own currently juggled ones high when Mike throws the last apple. And in a split second, he dips and spins in low circle while balanced on one hand as neatly as a dancer.
(Or a street fighter? Martial arts? There's something about it not quite just acrobat; a savage sort of swiftness.)
But snagging the newest addition, he tosses it it up with the rest in one smooth motion as he springs back up to his feet. Even if, oh no, as he begins to collect them again it looks like from how he dips for a moment that he wasn't fast enough for them all?!
There's a collective gasp from the crowd, but one that quickly turns to an oooh and a few cheers as he slips back into his rhythm as easily as breathing. As he'd momentarily dipped to catch one of the apples, not with his hands but with himself. As it now stands proudly balanced atop his melon head.
Even with carved-on smile, there just seems to be such a bright kind of twinkle about it was he looks back towards Mike and begins to juggle the fruit in a cascade behind his back as well. If he could make a bring it motion while still doing so, he absolutely would have.
What else have you got? ✰ ]
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B!
Uhh...
[ What does he want? Money? Outside of her sundress, she only has one of her satchels filled with charms and wards. Well, Gwenhwyfar quite likes marbles and has a penchant for taking them out of plants and hoarding them in her hovel. So she drops one in, unsure what else to do.
No one has really taken the time also to explain to her how uncomfortable it is for someone for her leaning into him to sniff him. ]
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At first he thinks it's a coin of some kind, feeling it roll around in there, before he realizes it's a ... stone? No, a marble?? ]
Thank... you? [ ??? ] I, ah—
[ PANIC. GIRL LEANING CLOSE AND..... smelling him??? ??? ]
...what are you doing?? [ Look, to his credit he contains his fluster very well and just seems rooted to the spot. He only sounds flighty.
Demonic he might not seem, no. But especially if she's leaned close and can sense the supernatural at all, the mark on his face seeps with a dark, colder and tainted kind of aura. A curse—a deep, and unusual sort of one. A living one, centered around the pentagram on his brow.
Who knows what it smells like though. Don't ask him. Allen, conversely, would just smell light and airy. Like sunshine and powdered sugar (the confectioneries he's had today and is prone to getting crumbs everywhere of)... and like he could use a bath. (Sue him! He's been performing in the sun all day! ... also he's a hobo!!) ]
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True to how she is, Gwenhwyfar won't acknowledge the oddity of her behavior -- after all, it doesn't seem weird to her. If anything, Allen's reaction is weird. It doesn't make her feel uneasy, the opposite of it.
Gwenhwyfar feels at ease, as a person that usually struggles for balance between her human and demon sides. A little sweaty but not offense. Besides, he is a little cute, in his own, weird way. ]
Well, I don't know what else you're looking for.
[ The whole smelling incident? She ignores it. She looks again to his hat, figuring he might not know what she means. ]
That's all I have, I need the rest of my things.
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...
[ Blinking once, twice -- even if it's a little owlishly, he seems to relax a little then. Or at least to just accept it as part and parcel of he's seen weirder. Also she seems to be acting so normally about it that... maybe that's just how she says hello?? ]
No, that's fine... [ He waves a gloved hand lightly, gesturing that it's alright. He's had actually stingy patrons in the past and while he might be sour about people who are arses about it and clearly have more than enough wealth to spare, that's not the case here. ] I wouldn't want you to have to give up anything important to you. The hat is just if someone has anything to spare. [ usually produce in this case, lbr ]
It's a show. So I'm happy if you just enjoyed it.
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C
Nike will grow closer to the group as she takes a peek: a giant melon head was juggling?
Um...why are they wearing a melon on their head? WHAT A WASTE OF FOOD!? Do they not know how many people could be fed with a melon?
Nike may just pout slightly at the spectacle. Not very impressed until the number of items in the performer's hands begins to increase making the arch of items grow. Why was the audience throwing things at them? Nike was beginning to get nervous. Maybe she should stick around....? Just to see what else will be done?
She'll continue to watch the performer with a keen eye and before she knew it she came to enjoy it too. All the more reason to talk to the performer afterward, hoping to clear up a question on her mind. Well, that is until she sorta got her response from the way the performer was treating the children. A growing smile will appear as she chuckles.]
I don't know why, but I'd half expected the kids wanting to rub your head more than receiving one. Has anyone tried it yet?
[Honestly, she is surprised the children are so well-behaved right now. That and Nike was curious about the melon head. Was it real, actual fruit or just a prop to look like one?]
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Um... [ That's not what makes him freeze though. It's that it's Nike that makes him freeze—until he realizes she doesn't recognize him right away. Aaah, that's bad. She snuck up on him... he'd been keeping an eye out for her, too. Out of guilt, mostly. How does one even approach someone else when he's been gone so long? After how intense and unresolved things had been when they last saw each other, too. The amphitheater, him unintentionally harming her...
Where would you even begin after all that? ]
Not yet? [ He fidgets for a moment with his things before he sets them aside, his voice slightly muffled by the melon (it's real). The children also disperse as the adults—teenagers, but close enough—begin to talk, quickly becoming bored now that he's no longer performing. ]
I can't say anyone's ever tried before. [ He might be sweating behind the mask, just a little. WHAT DO YOU SAY TO HER, FOOL. ]
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[She didn't expect the response all things considered. A piece of her thought the children would've asked about it. Some of them, maybe. The boys, mainly. Were children more modest in this world compared to her own?
She does remember a pair of boys throwing a scorpion at her one time....
And a little girl literally grabbed her chest to check its size....
Well, her fiance was an eleven year old global tyrant too....
She is beginning to notice a pattern. Which is more than enough for her to decide.]
Isn't there a saying how rubbing a bald man's head will grant you wishes? I mean, in my world there is! Maybe if you sell the idea you could collect more chroma? Rub a melon head, the chances for a wish to be granted will increase...?
[Leaning over, she'll reach out to offer the very melon surface a light rub. Ah, so the melon is real! It felt too smooth and melony to be fake.]
Just like this. [Blinking a bit, she'll lean down further to try and stare through the melon's eye holes with a small smile.] Then again, I doubt you'll gather much. I mean, did you feel anything?
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Her suddenly invading his space was not expected though. And he blinks for a moment, jumping in his skin at least a little even if not outwardly (much). Aaah, there's no getting around it then...
She'll hear a sigh he heaves from within the oversized fruit. ]
Maybe you shouldn't give them ideas about how to misbehave. [ It's noted a little bit—no, that isn't dryly, it's... sulkily? Just a little, maybe. But he reaches up— ]
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food and secretly wine tasters;
So it was not difficult to get them on board in wanting to help with the upcoming celebrations by being used to create a menu dedicated to the local alcoholic beverage. The wine's appearance was odd, at first sight, since she was not used to such a vibrate violet color, but when she was close enough to get a whiff of its scent and those surrounding her, Nike found herself more than a little entranced by it. The drink had a rich and almost calming aroma to it. Not overwhelming and yet it wasn't an entirely subtle one. If anything, it was refreshing.
It isn't until the first plates filled with all kinds of different appetizers will the instructions be given to eat while tasting the wine. At that point, Nike was more than willing to consume the wine without a second thought, completely ignoring the way all those around her were doing it. The taste was almost out of this world! Completely different from the kinds of wine she was accustomed to. Nike finished her first glass while enjoying the rest of the appetizers. Her second and third glass was enjoyed while taste-testing the different number of main courses. Throughout the entire thing, Nike was a little too thorough in the process of finding out which wine tasted better with what meal or which glasses to use to mix the other wine versions.
After a while of drinking, investigating, and eating, Nike will notice Allen and realize: he hasn't been drinking any of the glasses given to him. Tilting her head curiously, Nike will silently wonder.]
Oh, you haven't had any...? [Her gaze will search around the table for a moment before leaning in -- almost as if she wanted to whisper something to him only to talk normally instead -- to look directly at Allen with a curious look.] Do you mind...? I wanna know if your versions are different from mine. We can trade! I still have all of my glasses of water. You can have them if you want!
[Okay! So she did drink some of her glass of water, but there were still some! She was sure he wouldn't mind trading for whatever was left of her glass of water for his wine glasses!]