middaeg | A Month of Rest and Relaxation [closed]

[The party sure was a lot to take in-- but it had been the most fun Towa had in a long time. So many friends in one place, all enjoying themselves... after this past month, it's exactly the sort of break that she's needed. Despite working pretty hard to keep everything running smoothly, she's really content. But thanks to that, it doesn't take her as long when it's all over to be properly finished.

When it's all over, she can finally invite her friend in her room and give her the small tour of the place. It's not fancy by any means, but it's furnished cutely-- with a light Asian flair to the decorations. The walls are a light cream color, and the accent colors to her items are earth tones-- deep brown and light green and small splashes of orange. Kind of refreshing, almost zen like.]

Make yourself comfortable! Sorry I don't have a room for you. I didn't realize when we first planned this just how full the house was going to be. But don't worry, you're more than welcome to use the bed. I have plenty of extra bedding around here somewhere!

[This is the first real party Natsuru's been to since coming to this world, and it's been... a bit disorienting, to say the least. Being one of the shortest people in the room is still a recent development, and she's still not used to how it feels to be in a group like this... but Towa's presence has been reassuring, and helped her relax even then.

Now, though, she's nervous for an entirely new reason. As happy as she is to get some time alone with her friend, she's never had a sleepover like this. Everything about this room marks it as Towa's, from the colors to the decor to the almost calming, refreshing feeling of it...

She knows she was invited, but it's going to take her a moment to shake that subconscious feeling of wondering if she should even be here. Thankfully, Towa herself is a good distraction.]

N-No, it's fine! Thank you for inviting me.

[By reflex, she offers a very polite bow to her hostess. She starts to look a little flustered again when Towa mentions the bed, though.]

Oh, I couldn't...! I mean, it's your bed. Whatever else you have is fine!

Please, I insist. You’re my guest after all. I can’t have you sleeping on the floor. It’s no trouble really!

[It’s not entirely a surprise that Natsuru would try to say as much, but as a host— this is something she refuses to be swayed on.]

I’m really glad you came though. This wasn’t exactly what I’d have in mind initially but it was really nice.

[Towa's really sweet, as usual. But Natsuru is clearly conflicted about her insistence on surrendering the bed. She's used to sharing with Monika now, so she finds herself glancing at the size... neither of them should take up much room...

Her cheeks grow warmer at how easily that thought came to her, and she hesitates to be the one to bring it up. Maybe she should just move on.]

Yeah... but it was nice to have a chance to meet everyone! Your friends are really nice.

[She pauses for a moment, giving a quick glance to the bed again.]

Um, and I really appreciate the hospitality! It just... doesn't feel right, making you sleep on the floor. Isn't there... another way...?

Yes, they really are special, each and every one of them. I’m always reminded just how lucky I really was that I was able to meet them.

[If she hadn’t made the choices she did— it would have been very easy for her to never have had that chance. So she’s very grateful that things happened the way they did.]

...another way?

[Oh. Well, she supposes there is. She’s accustomed to living with other girls— even sharing a room. But she’d never shared a bed with one before... even if Angelica had tried many times. But it’s true the bed was big enough for the two of them, small as they were. It wouldn’t be spacious but...]

Well.... if it would make you feel better, we could... share... the bed?

[Her face feels hot just suggesting it. B-but it’s just about keeping one of them off the floor. And if Natsuru doesn’t mind...]

[Ah-?! She actually said it!

Sure, Natsuru had thought of it first, but that was just because of Monika. For a split-second, she gets so flustered at the thought of this really happening that it almost makes her back down. But... then they'd be back where they started, arguing over who takes the floor because Towa is too sweet to let her give it up.]

Okay...

[Her agreement comes in a hushed, nervous little voice. She's still so flustered! Why are her friends so cute and good and amazing?!]

A-As long as you don't mind...

I-I don't mind, as long as you're comfortable with it...

[Goodness, they're both terrible at this, aren't they? But it's almost relieving to know that Natsuru's a little embarrassed about it too-- it's not just her.]

And as long as it keeps you from trying to sleep on the floor.

[That's her line, Towa! But it kind of makes her chuckle that they're both thinking the same thing.]

Yeah. I don't mind if it's you...

[She blushes, realizing she's echoing the exact words spoken between her and Monika recently, on a different topic.]

Ah, besides, I share with Monika-chan sometimes too! It's... nice, not being alone.

That’s a relief.

[Even though she suggested it, she’s glad she didn’t say something too out of line too suddenly. Even though she doesn’t have the experience with it, she does think she can understand what Natsuru means. She’s 21 after all... there are times that she does feel like it’s really lonely, sleeping all by herself. But she usually shoves those thoughts away pretty quickly.]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I have my own room so this is the first time I’ve had a guest like this. I was actually really excited about it this whole time.

[She sits on the bed and motions for Natsuru to join her.]

Actually... there was another reason I wanted to meet too, but that’s... well. It’s not that big of a deal.

[Except she’s stuttering a bit, a sign of her own embarrassment. So it’s not “nothing” either.]

[It catches Natsuru by surprise, hearing Towa admit that this is her first time having a guest in her room. Not only that, but she was really excited about having her over?! It's... kind of nice to hear.]

Yeah... me too...

[She's still so awkward about saying these things. But being with Towa is nice, comfortable and calming, and she feels safer and more relaxed with her. Now, looking back, she can see how much she was looking forward to spending this time together. Especially after Towa being gone for so long.

She doesn't even hesitate when Towa beckons her to join her. She sits on the bed nearby, then scoots in closer - still looking a little shy, but happy. It's a look Towa should be used to from her. Kind of like her reactions to Towa's compliments, the day they both got roped into modeling.

She perks up, curious, at the suggestion that there might be another reason for them to be here.]

Huh? W-Wait, what is it?

[She noticed the stutter, but Towa wouldn't bring it up if she didn't want to talk about it, right? She wonders what it could be...]

[Well there's no going back now. This is new territory for her-- bonding with Rean had been more of a natural occurrence. This will be the first she's asked someone. They've only known each other a few months, but she still feels strongly about this.]

With things going the way things have been going, I've been thinking about it a lot... the people that I want to protect. We've been pretty fortunate here, but if things get any worse... I want to be in a position where I can make sure those people are safe.

[The Black City-- she remembers when she'd met Natsuru in that dream. And she still thinks about what could have happened if she hadn't found her by chance. And that terrifies her.]

My friends back home are close to me, and I know that they've been trained for dangerous situations. It doesn't mean I won't worry, but I know we'll all have each other no matter what. But most people haven't had the training we have. And I've made new friends that are precious to me.

[Okay, Towa-- out with it.]

That's why I want to ask you how you'd feel if... I asked you to Bond with me?

Edited 2019-10-30 15:39 (UTC)

[Wow, this is really serious! Natsuru listens attentively as Towa explains. She can relate to a lot of this, too... wanting to be sure the people close to her are safe, especially. She feels she understands where Towa's coming from...

But she still didn't see where the whole thing was going. Those already bigger fae eyes widen a little, and a small gasp slips through slightly parted lips.]

M-Me?! You want to...

[Just... give her a second! She wasn't expecting this! Especially since Towa clearly already has so many friends from home...!]

That is... o-only if you want to. If you don't mind, that is...

[She takes these things too seriously and as a result it feels a lot more embarrassing than it should be. But she managed to come this far so. It should be fine.]

I'm not the strongest, I know. But I'm going to keep working really hard, until I can support everyone I care about. In the meantime, I know my limits but...

[She fidgets a little with the hem of her skirt, but her eyes remain focused-- determined.]

I'd like you to be one of those people. Th-that's all... B-but if you don't want to, I completely understand. I just... hope you'll consider it.

O-Of course I don't mind...!

[Towa's one of her closest friends in this place, and has been almost from the day they met. It absolutely makes sense to her to accept. She's just still so shocked that, from among all of the friends from home and other people Towa must have met and befriended in this time, that she chose her to want to support and look out for. That, with every witch and monster only being able to handle a few Bonds safely, she wants Natsuru to be one of them. How could she ever say no?!]

N-No, I mean... I do. Want to, that is...

[What a pair they are, both fidgeting nervously and flustered but still determined to say what's on their minds.]

Because... I want to support you too, Towa-san...

[Towa lets out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. For a moment, she really expected that Natsuru might say no. It's such a relief. And then to hear that she wanted to support her too... she couldn't possibly be happier.]

Natsuru...

[She takes the other fidgeting girl's hands into her own with a bright smile.]

Thank you. That... means a lot to me. I wanted to ask you ever since I called you last month, but I knew that this was something that we should really talk about in person. But it feels good to finally be able to say it.

[Once the excitement of the party had passed and she'd had enough time to get comfortable with the new living situations back home, her mind had gone to those who she'd missed during the last month and how they'd been doing here in Aefenglom. She hadn't been able to keep in touch with as many as she would have liked thanks to things being so busy over in the other city. But now there's no excuse. She reached out to Caren to see if the other girl would like to have some tea or coffee at one of the nearby shops and catch up sometime.

She'd heard things weren't all calm over here either from Kyo, so it wouldn't hurt. Besides, she could use a few nice outings after everything else. So once they arranged a day and time, Towa made sure she was there. She reserved a table for them outside under the shade of the cafe building and decided to go over the menu while she waited.]

[After closing up the Bracer Guild for the day, Towa found herself not quite ready to return home for the evening. While she had only known this city for a short time before her trip across the waters, it had become one of infinite importance after. While it was far from perfect, it was a place where many things had become possible for her that may never have otherwise-- and in turn, it had helped her grow. For that, she can't help but feel a fondness upon returning to the familiar streets.

She thinks of a lively bar that Lancer once introduced her to, with it's music and laughter, and unlike her as it is to spontaneously make such a decision-- it occurs to her that she'd like to visit it.

It was with that plan in mind that she packed up her things and started walking there. Although it's only her second visit, she remembers the way. But it's on her way that she notices a familiar face; lost in thought as it is. She can't claim to know what may be troubling her-- there are more than a few things on a whole that could be a part of it-- but the source doesn't matter.]

It's nice to see you again. [Towa can't help but think that maybe the other woman could use a bit of a break as well. And if she wanted to talk-- Towa would be more than happy to listen.] ...Actually, if you're not busy, I was just going to a little pub down the street from here-- I'd love to have company, if you'd feel like coming along.

[ If it's not one thing, it's another. Their voyage back and the end of their time in the foggy city was bittersweet. It was not Dany's first time dealing with change – however, she was usually the one sparking it. This battle was not hers, people would tell her, but the chains and shackles were something that sparks a self-importance in her.

Returning to Aefenglom allows her to decompress, to think clearly on what will happen next. Her main concern had been burning those who enslaved to a crisp – but without her dragons, that was impossible. The concerns of the citizens fall to her now and she does her best to weigh that with her own mental exhaustion.

Towa's words were nearly lost – but she snaps from her own little daze. A quick smile is offered. ]

Good day, my lady. [ Very proper! However, upon Towa's suggestion her features almost wash into confusion. Being invited somewhere feels almost interpersonal - something a friend would do. It feels ... foreign, but there's still a bit of bashfulness on Dany's side. ] Oh – what a quick surprise. It would be no problem for you? I wish not to impose on any plans, no matter how good a drink may sound about now.

Not at all! It was a pretty spontaneous decision on my part, so I don't really have much in the way of "plans". It's just something I want to do.

[While she has only known Daenerys for a short period of time, she knew the intensity of which she turned her eyes to the issues they'd faced in this world. Her burning passion was something that Towa admired, in fact-- but it was not unfamiliar either. And with such things, there was always the sense that those people tended to get burnt by their own driven natures when goals lie before them.

And though she struggles when it comes to taking her own advice at times, she is at her best when she has the opportunity to share it with others.]

...as difficult as it can be at times, it's important to turn our attentions inward and make sure we're getting the things we need too. After all we've done the past month, we've all earned a moment of rest and self-care. So if you want to, I'd love it if you came along.

[ There's a tension in how her shoulders slump, Daenerys looks almost timid. As if no amount of advising could instruct her on something like this. Perhaps having male advisers did have its faults, she almost feels at a loss for truly feeling comfortable discussing things with women. Many had died because of her or betrayed her – only one sweet Missandei broke the mold.

She reserves herself a bit, but Towa's words do well to calm her. Offering a kind smile and nod, she won't argue. ]

Please allow me to pay for your drinks, then. You assisted me in kind and I would like you assist you as well. Not... running from guards, but instead running from responsibility? [ A joke!!! ] It would be an honor, if you'd allow me.

[Towa giggles, it's a very cute joke. And not entirely wrong, either. Sometimes even she needs to put aside work and duties for a while-- and that's much more easily done with the help of a friend.]

Alright then, I gladly accept. [But with that quick acceptance, naturally comes a catch to balance it out.] But I'll remember it, and make sure to return the favor in the future.

[That's what friends should do.]

Then we will be trapped in this loop, I'm afraid. [ Because, hey?? You can't return the favor to someone returning the favor! ] Tell me – do you have a favorite drink at this establishment?

[ Her head nods to the girl, as if directing her to lead way. ]

Heehee... so we will. [What's wrong with that? She can't say she'd mind if this could become a friendly routine.] That could be nice.

[BUT HEY. Drinks.]

Well the last time I was here, I had the scotch-- it was very good, I definitely can recommend it. But I admit I was looking forward to giving their sake a try.

[She's not much for simple beers, but she does have a few choice drinks she enjoys.]

Sake...? What is that? [ She's heard of ales and wines, but sake? There's a curious expression washing over her face. ] If that is what you wish to try, please, let's partake in two new drinks together. I'll try it with you, so long as it is not sour.

[ Because, hey!? It's better than scrunching her nose like a child. ]

[The distaste for sour things is a cute new bit of information, one she'll remember.]

It's a drink popular in the Eastern part of the continent back home-- it's a wine made from rice. It often has an herbal or fruity taste to it. If anything, it can be sweet, not sour.

[ Something as casual as talking about a drink feels difficult at times. As if she's afraid to let her walls down and partake in something simple – a conversation without any threats or allusions to anything else. ]

After what we've been through lately, a sweet drink sounds delightful.

Agreed. In that case, I know just the thing. Just leave the ordering to me.

[It doesn't take them long to arrive-- and it's easy enough to find with the lively sound of a violin playing from the main dining area. Towa asks the server if they could be seated in one of the quieter spots. Enough to still hear the music, but far enough away that talking comfortably is still easy.]

I don't get to do things like this often-- even less so back home right now, so thanks for joining me.

Then we shall explore together.

[ The violin does well to soothe her nerves, to welcome her into a place of comfort and excitement. They were ushered away from the main hub of activity, but oh how the music carries...

Dany takes her seat, as prim and regal as ever. ]

Nor do I. I would have wine sent to my room or a flask of swill with origins even I did not know from one of my mercenaries, however – there was not much time for social outings.

Really? I have to admit... I’m a little surprised. I’ve always thought you had this aura that seemed to draw people to you. Or... maybe that was just my own impression.

[She can’t deny that she admires Dany’s fire. Probably because she was different. Towa’s passion shone in a different way. One that she often had trouble recognizing for herself. Although Towa always finds herself busy, she has never been lonely. The Empire’s problems have only given her more reasons to rally together with those who wanted to make a change. It’s not always “fun” but at least they’ve shared their sorrows and their hardships amongst themselves.]

But I understand about not being able to find the time. Things back home have certainly taken a turn for the worst lately, and only just after I was able to start drinking.

[ Her brows knit up a bit and there's a wash of sadness as she looks down. Dany does her best to mask it in an awkward laugh. ]

A Queen must keep a small circle of those close to her. There is a difference between calling council and enjoying a drink. [ A pause: ] We had no real time for celebrations yet.

[ Not until the Seven Kingdoms were hers, sadly. ]

If I may pry, my lady, what state was your world in before arriving?

Ehehe... I see... I can understand something like that. Our royal family has some... unique characters in it, so my view of such things might be a little strange.

[But she's not surprised. Dany does give her every bit the impression of what she would expect of a Queen. She sees that sadness though, as plain as anything. Having had the opportunities to meet the people she has, she has had a view into the struggles they have faced-- and she's sure Dany's are no less so.

So when asked about her world, she opens up and shares the truth of her countries current affairs with her.]

...just a short time ago, we were in the middle of a terrible civil war between the nobility and the Imperial government. Even though the war is over, things are very... rocky, at best. Now one of the four great houses is vacant, with the Duke who led it in jail for his crimes and we've annexed two pieces of land into our country that put up quite a struggle. There are a lot of people who aren't happy with the way things are going. As someone who graduated from Thors Military Academy to try and prevent such fighting... I was still in the midst of trying to find out what I could do to help before I came here.

[ Daenerys wonders: was she anything like her 'royal family'? The only brother she knew was a cruel fraud and she hoped she was not like him. The call of a drink was too strong so she waves something simple — a mead for now. ]

Mmm... it seems conflict is not exclusive to some worlds. Has this vacant house not simply been usurped or given to those more keen to rule it?

[ A curious question. ]

Fate is most inopportune, isn't it?

No, I'm sure it's not. For the time being, there is someone holding the position temporarily-- at least until the other houses can come together and come to an agreement. But the civil war caused the nobles to lose a lot of power. The chancellor isn't making it easy for them. It will probably be some time before Erebonia sees true peace again.

[There's far too many things unsettled as it stands.]

...it is. But... while I dislike fighting, I want to believe that there's something more to it... a reason why things had to happen this way. Things that needed to change. For the sake of those who are still fighting... and those who were lost because of it.

[It's hard for her to accept that the death of one of her best friends could be for nothing. In her heart, she wants to believe that there's still hope that good will come of it.]

...I hope time passes quickly in our absence, then. So your peace will be there for you.

[ Part of her wonders if the same could be hoped for her world too – for Westeros and Essos both have their assortment of problems. ]

Those who speak up and want to break the wheel are the most important people in the world. [ Arrogant? Perhaps... ] They help shape the future, raise their worlds from men in smallclothes huddled under brush for shelter. Creators of the fire that lights a new pathway.

[ She catches the look in Towa's eyes and her brows furrow downward a bit, sympathetically. ]

...They will not be forgotten or lost without honor. I care not of the differences in our world, that is fact.

[As the person who’d invited Lux in the first place, Towa hadn’t needed to look hard to tell that something had been off with the other girl at their party earlier in the month. However, it wasn’t her place to pry— and she certainly hadn’t wanted to ruin the nice atmosphere at the time. So instead, she’d tried to keep her close. But it couldn’t be helped that she was worried.

It was with that in mind that she decided to reach out to the other girl. The attempt to check up on her was well disguised as a perfectly normal girl outing— a bit of shopping and a stop at one of her favorite bakeries after. Towa wanted to get herself some winter clothes anyway. And she hoped that the private gathering might give her a chance to talk to Lux a little and see how she was doing.

Towa agreed to meet her in the afternoon at the entrance to one of the larger local clothing stores. She’s enjoying a day of casual wear— a shorter light blue, frilly dress complimented with thicker white leggings to keep her warm. As always, she’s early, but she doesn’t mind a little waiting a bit if she must. A little time outside is nice.]

Heehee, thanks for joining me. It’s good to see you again.

[ The invitation came as a bit of a surprise, especially on the tail of what the city and the people within it had just experienced. Businesses were still recovering from rampant looting, and Mirrorbound looked at with scrutiny. But isn't this what Lux needed right now—not a reminder of what they've been through, or the feeling of loss that still sits like a heavy fog at the back of mind, but something to look forward to. Moving on, regaining normalcy in the company of a friend.

She's working through this, she thinks. And if she keeps smiling on the surface and blazing ahead will negate any residual loneliness she feels. Dressed for the weather in blue and brown, it's difficult to tell that the past few weeks have been difficult for her. ]

Likewise, I feel like it's been so long.

[ Maybe it has. The house party was at the beginning of the month, after all. Hard to believe, it feels like just a few days ago. ]

What have you been up to? I'm sure you've been busy.

Ehehe... you know me pretty well. I've been trying to take it easier this month though. I think it was a fairly decent success. Although I did end up getting affected when things got crazy during the full moon. But compared to others, I had it easy really.

[It's been a busy month, but not in the same way as the month before. It was a pleasant kind of busy-- welcoming so many new friends and all the emotions that came with that, going back to work... and then playing around as a cat for a few days. She can't say she truly took it easy, but it felt like as good as any vacation she could ask for. A lot of... really good things happened.]

I wanted to meet up sooner, but I had a few unexpected plans come up last week.

[Is she blushing a little? Yes. She's blushing. But she's smiling so-- at least it was probably something good.]

But enough about that. What about you? How have you been?

[ A knowing smile lights up her face. Of course she knows Towa well—they're both cut from the same cloth. It sounds like even she wasn't immune to the mist's effects, but downplaying her experience pulls at the smile on her face. Towa, it's okay to admit that you had a difficult time.

Lux hesitates, seeing her friend blush. A big part of her wants to press, but the subject is redirected just as quickly back to her. She looks up, thoughtful. ]

I've been keeping myself busy. [ Don't ask why. She's always like that, clearly. ] Taking a lot of odd jobs, doing what I can to help the refugees adjust to life here. I feel like it's the least that we can do.

[ And with that out of the way, Lux focuses on other things. ]

What kind of unexpected plans? Something good, I hope.

[There are not many people— no, there is no one really, with whom Towa shares her personal feelings when it comes to matters of the heart. She’s always kept those things to herself with the worry that they might be trouble for someone else. There was never any sort of guarantee that they weren’t unwanted. One date is hardly indicative of anything, however— it was special to her. It would be nice... for a change... to share some of those feelings.]

...something very good, actually. Someone I... like... a great deal, asked me out one evening.

[She trusts Lux to keep this between them, so a little chat between girls shouldn’t hurt anything.]

No one else seemed surprised but even now I’m still a little shocked it really happened. It was just a one time thing, so it’s really not a big deal but.... it was really nice. I’ve... admired him from afar for some time.

[ The shift in her expression is almost immediate, evolving from vaguely cheerful to warm and just a bit curious. Towa, that's a big deal! And judging from the other girl's brief recounting... ]

Do you want it to only be a one time thing?

[ Let it not be said that Lux isn't a romantic, when it comes to anyone other than herself. She can tell how fond Towa is of this person. He's very lucky. ]

Edited (I have a better icon for this) 2019-11-05 19:58 (UTC)

[Towa's done a lot of thinking about the complicated situation within her personal feelings, and this is perhaps one of the simplest things to answer. Her face still feels really warm though as she remembers that time fondly.]

No... I hope... that it's not the last.

A Month of Rest and Relaxation [closed]

Natsuru (09/01) Sleepover

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Caren (first week) Coffee Catch-up

Dany

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Lux — late month shopping

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