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Who: Towa Herschel and OPEN/various
When: Throughout March
Where: Throughout Aefenglom
What: Quests and various monthly meetings
Warnings: potential NSFW topics in Quests I, sexual content developing within threads

Quests

I. L'Amourtentia (Adults Only/NSFW potential)

[This month, there were quite a lot of requests that the city needed help with and as always, Towa took it upon herself to help out where her skills saw fit. Brewing some potions hardly seemed out of her capability. The nature of the potion itself didn't escape her, but she wasn't entirely shy about working with the materials-- just because she wanted to help didn't mean she was curious, right? At least that's what she hoped people would think.

Unfortunately, she's not very subtle when it came to matters of lying or hiding things. No, she's not good at it at all. Luckily though, she is good at making the aphrodisiac brew. Her attention to detail and skill with similar magical tasks made her a good fit for the task on a technical level.

Working in silence is no fun. At some point she's going to try and talk to the others helping out.]

I... didn't realize they used something like this at their establishments. It must be pretty popular if they need all the extra help.

[...yeah, she's not interested at all.]

II. Research Request

[Spending her days surrounded by books is nothing new to Towa. So the request for a bit of research is actually Towa's favorite. Unfortunately, Towa has an unfortunate habit when it comes to the actual process of collecting the books she wants. Even with the various ladders set up, when the upper shelves are involved well... she's just short.

But she always ends up pushing herself to try and reach them despite her stature.]

Wahh--!!

[Catch her before she bruises her butt-- or maybe you're just a victim that catches her (or the book) unwillingly because you're not prepared for it. Either way... timber]

Magic Studies

I. A Little Illusion

[The park is a good place to test out her illusion magic-- and more than that, it's a good place to find people. And today, well... this practice isn't one she wants to do on her own.]

Sorry... do you have a few moments? I was looking for someone who wouldn't mind helping me with a little magic practice.

[Monster or witch, it doesn't matter. She'll be the one doing the magic.]

It's been a while... I don't want to get rusty, when it could really come in handy with the serious quests coming up. And I'm a little concerned-- I've been having... some strange issues lately, when it comes to really using my illusion magic at it's full potential.

[What she's running into, she's fairly certain, is the effect of her magic on her body. But it's rather troublesome. So she'd like to practice with it a little and see just how bad it is before she tries putting it to use in a serious setting.]

If you don't mind, I'd like someone to... keep an eye out on me.

[If you agree, she'll explain better, don't worry.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Always the type to keep tabs on her friends, Towa knew that Edelgard had been going through several unpleasant changes-- the most unpleasant, in her opinion. While she always knew it was coming, this was the first close friend she's had make it to that stage.

What she did know was that after that, Edelgard deserved something nice. So she wanted to do something that the other girl could enjoy and relax for a little while. That's why she asked her if she would be available one evening to get together for a bit.

That allowed her to prepare a nice little gathering around a bench in a corner of the park. There are small candles set up-- with the proper magic to keep them safe from being blown out or catching fire with any of the natural elements around them.

She's also brought her piano. It's a simple one that she'd bought for herself after a few months of lessons so that she could practice on her own when Elliot was out without troubling him to use his things. It was turning out to be a good investment.

So when Edelgard arrives, she'll arrive to the gentle sounds of music-- a peaceful, soft tune floating through the air greeting her.]

Edited 2020-03-04 22:01 (UTC)

[Edelgard had happily agreed to spending an evening with Towa. She hadn't exactly made what had finally happened a secret to people on the council, or people that she liked, really only requesting they keep it to themselves. Having a moment to relax, spending with with the other young woman? That was a welcome opportunity.

She wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but when she arrived, shifting from her bat-form into her human shape and landing just outside the ring of light, she paused. The sound of music was odd. Out of place. As though...]

Towa? You...brought a piano out of doors?

[Color her confused.]

[It doesn't surprise her that it might seem a little strange. Under normal circumstances, this isn't something you see very often. But really, that was part of the reason she thought it was a nice idea. It was different. Refreshing.]

Just a little portable one-- I bought this a while back when my music lessons started getting serious.

[It was convenient, although she supposed with magic, even a proper grand piano wouldn't be terribly difficult to get out here. But something that expensive certainly isn't for testing magic out on.]

I haven't really had the nerve to play for anyone besides my teacher before now.

No?

[Making her way over, Edelgard settles into one of the seats. Or on the grass, if that's closer. She's not that particular.]

Well, I think you're doing just fine. I'm admittedly not the most experienced with piano music, but if this is your first performance you've got a true talent.

Mm.

[Towa nods. The melodies aren’t overly complicated— and it’s not quite technically perfect— but her playing has a lot of heart in it. Even in the open air, there are dynamics to it that lend themselves to her own emotional interpretation of the music.]

It’s been... over four months now since I began. I knew how to read music because I used to sing but... when it came to instruments, I was a total beginner starting from scratch. I wanted to make sure what I could play was good enough that people could enjoy it, even if it’s nothing fancy, before I shared it with anyone. But... I thought you might like it.

Of course I like it.

[Edelgard shifts so she can watch, eyes focused on Towa and the movements of her fingers. It's very moving, if she's honest. The last 2 months have been kind of a shitstorm for her, and this is just so unexpected...]

May I ask why you wanted to go to such lengths? This is...a touch extravagant for a friendly get together, Towa.

Well, I've always been told that I go a little overboard doing things for others. But for me it feels natural to want to do as much as I can. And this felt like something that would be nice to do in the evening.

[That is one of her weaknesses-- although others might call it a charm of hers. It doesn't feel like going out of her way when she's doing things for others. Especially those she cares for.

But she supposes the idea might not have been entirely unaffected by her own thoughts of late.]

Although... I admit I've been thinking a little bit about the arts since we were given the opportunity to put together a council to take part in parliament.

[Edelgard studies her as she speaks, grateful yet still somewhat bemused by it all. This is...quite dramatic.

The bit at the end, at least, is something she understands. This could be 'buttering up' someone for political support, but she doesn't really think that's in Towa's nature. She's too genuine.]

Have you? What sort of things have you been considering? I confess my primary concern of late has been on trade, but the arts are vital too.

Oh! That’s a wonderful thought. In truth, there are a lot of things I think we Mirrorbound have to offer Aefenglom. And I’m sure a lot more pressing things will be a part of our discussions than what I have in mind. Compared to yours, my idea probably sounds a little silly.

[The issue she faces affects far less than the nice idea that Edelgard has, which could change things for a great number of people in a very positive way. She doesn’t feel that’s a bad thing at all. If she could do more, she’d like to as well. But with the Bracer Guild still under her leadership, she doesn’t want to push herself too hard too fast. Nor does she want to make Aefenglom uncomfortable with the requests.]

But a friend of mine was involved months back when a Mirrorbound discussed putting together an illegal opera in the absence of several key figures in the city— back during the political unrest caused by Dorchacht. I know that kind of expression is important to a lot of people, not just the Mirrorbound. So I’d like to make it possible for people like that to bring their craft back and share it with people... legally.

[While the punishments are not grave, it has probably greatly limited those who might be willing to listen or pay to enjoy such works and caused people who have done nothing wrong to be forced to choose rebellion. And she does truly believe that the result of loosening that restriction could be a positive thing for both groups of people.]

I think as vast as our differences are, I think we could both learn a lot from one another and about one another if we embraced them creatively. Theater is the grandest form of storytelling I know. So... I guess I’d just like to help all those people find their voice again.

That...hmm.

[Edelgard is momentarily at a loss for words. Not because she thinks this is a bad idea. Not because this is anything short of an incredible idea, but because it just doesn't add up.]

I had no idea that theater was even illegal within the city. That's such a strange notion to me.

[The Hresvelgs had supported the Mittelfrank Opera Company in Enbarr for generations. It was an important part of Adrestian Society, and she'd even employed two members of it's number as commanders in battle.

Opera was important to her...]

Do you know why? What the reasoning is? It hardly seems subversive.

I researched it a little bit-- it wasn't easy. But it seems there was an incident with an actor who had a mental breakdown on stage and set the theater on fire. There were a great deal of damages caused by the fire and even worse, people died from that incident. So I understand why they feel like something needed to be done. It's incredibly tragic.

[Something like that, at the time, probably felt monumental. And there were likely a lot of emotions, both from parliament itself and from the populace.]

But I don't think they did the right thing. Those kinds of incidents... are the fault of the people involved, not the art itself. I believe that there are things that can be done to help prevent those kinds of disasters.

There absolutely are.

[Edelgard, actually, feels a bit like that's an extreme overreaction to a lone individual acting out.]

I'd be happy to support something that would bring theater back. And perhaps...maybe...some sort of safety inspection office to assuage the worries of the populace? That may be a necessity.

Thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that. Even now there are people who try to perform under the radar-- both people from Aefenglom and Mirrorbound. Rather than forcing them to go into hiding... I'd like to help them find ways that they can work to prevent further incidents and focus on punishing those who disobey rather than the entire community.

[If people are going to do it either way, it only seems logical to focus on finding a way they can do that safely.]

Mm. I want the people to feel safe. I've been considering whether whether banning magic inside theaters or constructing buildings that have a certain amount of protection against magic might be a solution worth offering instead.

That shouldn't be too difficult to do, honestly. If armor and clothing can be enchanted, then I don't see why stone and wood can't.

[Edelgard is also fairly confident that there are plenty of witches that would happily pitch in to make it happen.]

I'd love to have access to opera again, and I think the locals would as well. It's silly to have a whole city without access to performance arts because of one fool.

That's right. Dorchacht also used enchanted runes on it's walls, so I'm certain something similar could be implemented for these buildings. Aefenglom has the means to make it possible, I'm sure of it. And I'd be more than happy to offer what assistance I can to make it a reality.

[It would be one thing to just ask the city to make it happen. But she wants to show her own dedication to the cause by helping make it easier on them where she can.]

Hopefully if we're able to make this a reality, we can go together someday.

Well, I think that will help things pass. It'll be nice for the city, something to liven up these bleak days.

[As for the rest, well...that's quite the invitation. Given how they met and all.

Edelgard's cheeks color in a slight scarlet dusting, but she nods.]

I think I'd like that. Those sorts of things are wonderful for relaxing evenings.

I agree. While I have my issues with the cities, I am still grateful to them to a certain extent. So I'd like to give a little something back.

[Towa tries hard not to think of the way she embarrassed herself that first day-- it does and doesn't work to varying degrees.

Does it sound like a date? Maybe.]

Heehee, so would I. I haven't had a lot of opportunities to go to those kinds of events before.

Well, then that sounds like a plan. We can celebrate our success together.

[That would be very nice, honestly. A night at the opera with a friend...something she hasn't had the chance for since her childhood.]

I'm sure that this will go smoothly.

Yes, that sounds very nice. But in the meantime...

[Now that the conversation has comfortably slowed, she starts up another song.]

We still have the rest of the evening.

[But she ends it early to pull out a small thermos from her bag.]

I brought some tea and cookies too. Nothing too fancy, but I hope you like them.

[She did make a point of trying to match pleasant flavors-- a vanilla chai tea with homemade almond shortbread cookies.]

It's very thoughtful of you.

[Edelgard leans back and settles into the rhythm of comfortable conversation.

The food and tea are both welcome, and she is a little glad to have had her evening blood already. She wouldn't want Towa to see her with stains on her lips and teeth.]

I'm sure they'll be wonderful. Come sit with me, and I'll serve it?

Heehee, if you insist.

[Towa doesn't mind if that's what she'd like to do. She'll slide off of the piano bench for a while and bring over her bag; neatly setting out the cups, plates, thermos and small box of cookies for Edelgard to serve before settling in across from her. She maaaay have made a few more than necessary for the purpose of sending some home with Edelgard.]

You look like you're feeling a bit better-- how have things been?

[She understands the different needs monsters have, and she's never been the type judge others for those needs. It's just a part of who they are now, something to be accepted just as much as anything else about them. But she does worry bit during the transitions. She knows they are not always simple or easy to weather.]

[Edelgard takes the cups and thermos and such and begins pouring tea while Towa settles herself. It's a natural thing, with a friend, something she wishes she could do more often instead of being the one waited on by Hubert.]

I've been...improving.

[Offering Towa her cup, Edelgard leans back, eyes tilting up towards the trees.]

I suppose there's no reason to keep it to myself. You know I'm a vampire, so you know what that means. I was wasting away, and then...I ceased for a night and a day. And now here I am.

[Her gaze lowers back towards Towa, fingers closing around her own teacup, taking in the warmth of it through her gloves.]

My heart no longer beats, but I'm no longer tired, and I no longer feel ill.

I see. Even so, I'm sure that's a lot to adjust to. Just feeling better... it isn't always that simple.

[The thought of having died-- of being dead-- to have to go through that and still go on day after day... must be exhausting in it's own way. Not to even mention all the changes that go with it.]

While he might not be a vampire... I have a friend who had to undergo a similar fate back home, resurrected for someone's purposes after his death. I'm just glad that those changes aren't stopping you from living life the way you want to. I know tea in the evening probably feels a bit strange but... I wouldn't mind enjoying things like this more often. If there's anything I can do at all, please don't hesitate to ask.

[Her sleep schedule is already a horrible mystery as it is. She certainly wouldn't mind making a habit of using that to spend time with a nocturnal friend. They are friends after all-- at least, Towa considers Edelgard that way.]

[Edelgard almost laughs at that notion of tea being strange. Almost. It was different now, because she drank it at night even before her changes. But now it was more a breakfast thing.]

I'm fine, really. But I'd love to spend more time with you, Towa.

[Because yes, they are friends. The notion, and the request, all make her feel quite warm.]

Drinking tea is something I still enjoy. And I like your company, too. I don't want to impose, of course, but I'm always willing to make the time to spend with you.

Edited 2020-04-13 04:47 (UTC)

Heehee, it's not imposing at all! I'm up late a lot of nights, either because of work or because of my hobbies...

[And she was the type of person that even if she was busy, she'd just make time. It was never a bother-- if anything, it helped her push herself harder. Having people she cared for was the greatest motivator she could ask for.]

So having some company once in a while would be great for me too.

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