middaeg | [Open] Come In From The Cold...

Entry tags:

[Open] Come In From The Cold...

Who: House Darkness Residents and OPEN
When: All of February
Where: House Darkness in the Haven
What: It's an open log!
Warnings: Shadowbringers Spoilers in some threads possible, possible talk of the Snatched Event

[If anyone knows the residents of the house, it might seem strange that such a group have selected a cozy abode for their home in the city. However, it is not to be said that they are unwelcoming (depending on who) and usually when someone comes to visit, there's always a warm cup of tea ready for them...and maybe some food to go along with it. Feels like a crime if someone doesn't get fed. And despite the hardships of the previous month, the house does welcome guests for any particular reasons whether a visit for the soul, a chat to catch up on events, or even maybe go a few rounds with the poor striking dummy in the backyard.

When you live with sword users and have stress, it gets used, ok?

It might be chilly outside but strange enough, the house itself is pretty warm. Just mind the gaelkitten and Flood running around from time to time.]

((OOC: Feel free to make a top level if you wish! Open to all!))

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[Bearing Gifts]

[It has been a tiring few weeks, to say the least, and Rose spends a long time without leaving the house. When she eventually does, however, she makes sure to go to the other Eorzean house first.]

[Mira had been kind enough to visit her and bring her food. She is...concerned about Irhya, if only because she hasn’t heard anything from the other girl since the kidnapping incident. And Emet is Emet, for better or worse. She hadn’t seen Emet escape when she had, so there’s a good chance he was in there much longer. That thought doesn’t fill her with confidence.]

[She knocks on the front door lightly, with a small basket of herbs and tea leaves in hand. She can’t cook or make anything, but she can garden. Hopefully it’s enough.]

[Taking Out Steam]

[On her way out of the house, she catches sight of the striking dummy. It’s not her house, but there’s no harm in indulging a little, right?]

[Is what she thought before she was at the striking dummy for literal hours. Have you ever seen a small car go full ham on a striking dummy with a staff? You have now.]

[Though he'd thought he'd heard the sound of voices earlier, the Ascian had been napping on and off, and just. Could not find the motivation to investigate. Once he'd returned to the house after that whole... experience, he'd barely emerged from his room, much less the building entirely. At first from simple exhaustion, and then from a less simple apathy.

But what rouses him now is a sound. It's not loud, but it is persistent, a background noise that is just irregular enough that he can't quite tune it out. Can't quite fall back asleep as long as it's there, an irritatingly disruptive thunking. He knows what it is; it's not the first time he's heard someone train on that striking dummy. And at first he assumes it must be Irhya or Mira, and that it would stop after a reasonable time... but then it doesn't. Half-awake as he is, Emet-Selch isn't sure how long it's been going on, but it was long enough for his annoyance to pass into confusion, vague concern, and back to annoyance (with a hint of concern). Irhya had at least been taking some care of herself as far as he could tell, but Mira had not- and if that was her training out there for several hours--

It's enough to drag him out of bed at least, especially since he couldn't sleep anyway with that noise. So he grudgingly makes his way downstairs and outside, stopping abruptly at the sight of Rose of all people, thwacking away at that poor striking dummy.

His first response, honestly, is some form of relief; he hadn't seen Rose since the early days of their imprisonment, had no idea how well she had or hadn't fared. Considering how everything had ended up- part of him didn't necessarily want to know. And while it was a good sign that she was well enough to both visit and do a bit of training... it was somewhat less good of a sign to know she'd been hitting this thing for hours.

Leaning against the side of the house (his leg still hurt to stand on for very long), the Ascian also looked relatively 'well'. Apart from being blind in one eye with some scarring around it, any other remaining marks are well-covered. After observing for a few moments, he finally calls out to her.]

By now, don't you think you've defeated it?

[Had this occurred several weeks prior, Rose would feel glad to know that her incessant training was keeping the Ascian awake. In fact, she would probably continue, even if her only goal was to spite Emet Selch.]

[Now, however, there’s an actual pang of guilt. Not that he’s alive, of course. She’s grateful to see him healthy, even if it’s only on relative terms. She had been worried when he’d been dragged out of their cell, and she hadn’t seen him since. If what she experienced was before some of them had escaped, she can only imagine the after.]

[She tried her best not to let her relief show, but there’s a glimpse of a smile before she crosses her arms and sighs. At least he’s on his feet again.]

No, not even remotely close. Did you really come all this way to critique me?

[If it had been several weeks ago, Emet-Selch would've assumed Rose was doing it on purpose, had travelled all the way over here specifically to annoy him. Perhaps as some long-delayed revenge for accidentally destroying her garden.

But now? He wasn't sure why she was here, but he was less willing to ascribe malicious intent to it.]

'All this way'? I live here, it's not far.

[Nevermind that it did feel like a long way. And was that- that couldn't have been an actual smile from Rose? That was... not unsettling, precisely, but it did catch him off-guard. Enough that his tone isn't quite as sharp as it would normally be.

That, and the fact that he wasn't displeased to see her. So despite his words, his voice is just honestly curious.]

But you, though- did you really come all this way just to hit items in my yard?

How to Make Chocolate For Dummies

[So this star also celebrates some kind of Valentione's holiday as well? Mira knows of the festival where paramours come together and confess their love and go over the top, having helped in the past. Even if she wasn't thrilled by getting clothes and jewelry because it just wasn't her style, she couldn't say no.

But this is the first time where she wasn't volunteering her services and that she had people whom she cared for other than Sid and Rielle and Tala. But what exactly does one even do?

Do friends and Bondmates get seperate things? Is there a difference between some Bonds that it would be a faux pas?

That's what Mira is pondering as she sits at the kitchen table with a bunch of ingredients and reading a recipe book with such intensity that she doesn't even notice anyone walk in.]

Bloody hells, this feels less like a recipe and more like how to make a decoration.

[Seriously, what the fuck was this chocolate recipe? Where's the simple ones that don't involve sticking ice cream cones in them?!]

Toss a Coin to Your Alchemist...or Don't.

[Ever since the kidnappings and rescue effort, there's been a demand for healing potions and ethers when mana was low. While rest is the best, sometimes magic needs some help. Mira herself has admitted to not being adapt at healing spells but she has been getting better at her alchemy skills. It's enough that she has to move her work table and items to a corner of the kitchen and work from there.

But there's a downside: her habit of overworking.

Constantly mixing this and that, taking notes to make potentially more potent ethers and potions, only taking an occasional break to drink some tea and munch on some random food from the pantry.

At what time does this happen? All the time wether day or night. She's not as tired as she was last month but she is still exhausted. And yet she still works. Do you dare interrupt her work?]

When Animals Yeet Themselves

[The snow remains and Mira decides to try and rest her brain. Staring at formulas are a pain sometimes. And so she finds herself outside once again making these weird fish things. But what she does not know is one of the windows upstairs has opened. Unknowingly to her, two smaller residents of House Darkness are going to try and do something that she will be too late to stop.

It's only sheer luck that when she looks up, she spots her gaelkitten riding on Vanitas's Flood and sailing into the air, vanishing behind the fence and off for some kind of adventure. Mira for once is stunned and to the person outside the gate, addresses them:]

You...saw that too, yes?

[Just...what the hell?]

No Naps, Just Book!

[Perhaps you came for a visit. To check on the residents after such an ordeal or maybe needing a chat to catch up. What you possibly do not expect is Mira curling up on the couch with a old weathered book nearly falling out of her hand.

She's been working an awful lot and has unknowingly fallen asleep five minutes prior. Do you let her sleep or be mean and wake her up?]

Wildcard

[Got an idea not listed? Hit me up!]

[Emet-Selch is being practically adventurous. He's leaving his room despite not having any specific reason in mind to do so. He's wandering downstairs for the sheer sake of it. What reckless expenditure of energy is this? What madness has taken him? But he was antsy and bored, and if nothing else, he could be just as antsy and bored in a different room. Just for a change of pace.

Stopping in the doorframe to the kitchen, the Ascian watches Mira struggling over recipes. Was she taking up yet another hobby...? She didn't exactly seem to be bursting with energy, or have any lack of tasks to accomplish, so why this?]

Well, if it ends up inedible, you can pretend that was what you intended all along.

[Lightly enough, as he steps inside to look over her shoulder at the cookbook she's poring over. Though he has a slight limp, he seems superficially well enough.]

[The familiar voice makes Mira snap the book shut in shock, not expecting him to come down right now. Actually she thought he was sleeping and decided not to disturb him this time but now the ascian comes to her.]

Gods, that was a scare! I had thought you were resting.

[And not planning on chocolate making nope.]

But I am glad you are moving a bit.

I've been doing nothing but resting.

[So it was a reasonable guess to make, though there's a note of complaint in his voice, as though he hadn't been the one keeping himself cooped up. But that book-slam is awfully suspicious, Mira.

Seriously that just makes him curious, and he peers a bit more, trying to read the name of it under her hands. What was worth hiding from him?]

...Is there something in particular that you're trying to create?

[Nothing to see here! He certainly will be able to see that the book does involve making chocolate despite Mira keeping it close.]

Ah, nothing in particular. Just a curiosity.

[It wasn't exactly a lie but...]

[Between the book at hand, and the ingredients on the table... seriously, Mira, there's no point in hiding it. Being cagey about it only keeps his attention, and he hums in response to her words, before straightening back up.

Rather than leaving her be, though, he finds a chair to sit nearby in instead, and gestures for her to continue.]

Then don't allow me to interrupt. I'll endeavor to not be a distraction.

[Rose crosses her arms and frowns. There isn’t malicious intent here, but there is concern. And Rose expresses concern the only way she knows how. Blunt words and sarcasm.]

It is when you’re injured.

[Her eyes wander down to his leg. He’s doing good to stand on it, but she wants to make sure he doesn’t over exert himself, either. She’s already got her hands full worrying about K’rihnn and the Exarch, she doesn’t know if she has it in herself to do it with Emet, too.]

No. If you must know, I came all this way because I was concerned and I wanted to check up on you. I merely got distracted.

[Hades you little shite.

Mira begins to grow a deep red in her cheeks as she opens the book again, covering half her face in it. Why now of all times did he have to come down?!]

T-There's no need. You aren't being one-!

[No but Mira is nervous nonetheless even as she peeks over the spine, eyes darting at him and then back again.]

I had seen this at a book shop and had thought to take a closer look...

[Concern?

Rose was concerned and checking up on him? The Ascian very much wasn't sure what to do with this information. Even the bluntness didn't much detract from it. Really, if it weren't for the tone, he would've wondered if she were under the effect of some spell or illness.]

I'm not so poorly off as to not manage a trek downstairs.

[He tries to wave it off, making a concerted effort to not appear too tired or sore. Though less as a measure of defensiveness, and more to try not to worry her. For some reason.]

And I could ask the same of you; you were trapped there, same as I. Are you sure you should be out this far on your own?

[Okay now he's just mildly bemused. Why in the world was she embarrassed?

While he normally would've had no interest in watching someone cook, and far less in watching someone consider what to cook- the Ascian was both desperate for any kind of distraction, and a little entertained by the way Mira was acting. His attention remains on her, giving her an amused look whenever her eyes appeared over the edge of her book.]

Oh...? Find anything interesting?

[He'll just scoot his chair closer, to try and get a view inside this forbidden tome. Maybe they can work out the secrets of the book together!]

[She's more embarrassed at him finding this stuff too quickly. As someone who doesn't know what to do during this holiday, Mira simply does not want to screw this up and go off the rails. That seems to be a theme of this holiday.]

It's supposed to be a recipe book on how to make chocolate but I find the actual recipes being too much.

[He'll see her flip through the pages as there are indeed recipes that call for the weirdest things other than marshmellow or whole ice cream cones. Mira doesn't even use those in the potions so why would she even try that in food? Mira flips the pages quickly as she tries to find something that be useful.]

Alright, now it seems we are getting to what appears to be normal...

[And she speaks too soon. For when reads 'For the times to please your Bonded' and sees a list of ingredients, Mira's cheeks go a deeper shade of red and slams the book shut again. What she isn't saying is that she knows what those are for and they are not innocent.]

Next time, I must needs to see all before I purchase.

i
[So, Emet-Selch was outside, sitting on the ground, next to a tree.

Yes, there was snow on the ground. Yes it was cold and grey and the chill didn't feel all that great in already aching bones. But the air was clear, and it was, more than anything else, not his room. The Ascian was very tired of his room. Was anyone other than himself keeping him in his room? No. If anyone had tried, he might've attempted to leave it sooner. No, it was only his own lack of inclination and energy that kept him housebound, and while those things remained true, they had been joined by a growing restlessness.

But what was there to expend it on? He still tired easily, and his natural state was one of poor energy. He'd never been able to motivate himself to do things that didn't interest him, and this remained true. If anything, he possessed even fewer cares for the state of the city or this world, beyond a skeptical and suspicious watchfulness of it. As long as his housemates and a select few others were alive and well enough, that was all his motivation could handle. Even that much had its complications; he was still in the process of accepting that he not only couldn't do everything on his own, but that others, for whatever reason, wanted to look after him.

Nonsense. But while the cold air didn't clarify anything, his mind did feel a bit clearer for it.

With his eyes closed, he probably looks like he's asleep. But he's not actually; after everything that had happened, being so unguarded anywhere was not an appealing thought. But it's still an odd sight. Who would just sit outside in weather like this? Does he even live here? He doesn't even have a chair.]

ii
[This time the Ascian is asleep, though he's inside, sprawled out over an entire couch (with some overhang). For variety. What recklessness. Also this is apparently some kind of napping couch, because this isn't the first time someone has fallen asleep on it.

He doesn't look very comfortable, or perhaps he often looks irritable when he's asleep. What probably doesn't help is that there's one gaelikitten napping on his chest, and one Flood... at least resting near his legs. Do they need to sleep? Apparently even when the Ascian is unconscious he's a fine source of negativity. Or a fine napping spot.

Try not to startle him too badly, you might disturb the pets.]

iii
[Outside once more, what energy is this? Emet-Selch is even clearly awake this time, standing a fair ways back from that striking dummy that graces the backyard.

Unlike everyone else in this household, the Ascian was neither a sword or sword-like user. He wasn't a melee-person at all, and had no interest in becoming one. But there was no reason why a mage couldn't use this thing either, right? Even if there was, that wasn't about to stop him; there was only so much idleness he could stand, and his Warriors weren't the only ones with a destructive need after the events of that week. It was only recently that he'd been in any condition to indulge it.

But it was more than that. Though he'd hardly neglected his magic before, it had clearly not been enough. He needed additional power, better spells- anything to prevent something like that from happening again.

A sharp gesture; a pool of darkness briefly bubbles up underneath the striking dummy, cracking the base, staining the earth. Dark Eruption. Considering the marks on the ground, the perfect circle that's free of snow (and grass for that matter), this isn't the first cast. But he seems dissatisfied.

There was different magic available in this world. There was nothing keeping him from using spells that were something other than Dark-aspected apart from personal preference. There was, likewise, nothing keeping him from developing something new, rather than painstakingly attempting to recreate his old spells. And yet, that's what he does; as ever, he was lost without the familiar.

No, the problem was that he needed to remake something bigger.

Taking a breath, he concentrates, arm out before him, eyes closed. Even when he'd had his original abilities, this sort of spell had a cast time....

Ravenous Assault. This time, a pillar of shadow bursts from the ground, impenetrably dark, practically shuddering with energy- and the striking dummy shatters. Splinters of wood explode from the center of the pillar with a loud crack, and when the darkness fades some seconds later, there's nothing left but a blackened hole in the ground. And a whole lot of scattered debris.

Even so, as Emet-Selch observes the ruins he'd created, he looks more thoughtful than satisfied. Don't worry housemates; he's decent enough at Conjuration, he'll replace whatever he destroys.]

[He's only dimly aware that there's a holiday coming up at all; he certainly hasn't made any connection between that, and Mira's new chocolate-making interest.]

I suppose it's for more advanced users... or for those whom simple no longer satisfies.

[The impression he was getting was that this was a book for either the ambitious or the pretentious, but as long as the instructions were clear, surely Mira could figure it out? But when she gets to that section, he barely has time to read it himself before Mira's slammed the pages shut again, her face turning an ever more amusing shade. He doesn't even try to hide an answering smirk.]

...Now there's an unexpected sight- savior of both Source and shard, hero of legend... flustered by chocolates of dubious purpose.

They're more catered to sating a certain kind of craving, which I can assure you, was not my intention.

[Ok, seriously why the hell did she get this book? Why was she not aware of the aphro chocolate making and the weird decorations that look like a pixie made them? How did she even let the clerk talk her into it?! Well, there was but it was a bit obvious by now.]

Hells, I thought they said this was simple!

[Rose is indeed suffering from an illness. An illness called ‘caring.’ After everything that happened in the cell, she’s begun to think of Emet as a friend. A mistake, she’s sure, but she can’t stop herself. It’s hard to find somebody good to gossip about coworkers with.]

[She doesn’t need to actually respond to Emet; the expression on her eyes alone is enough to convey ‘Are you sure?’ Of course, that’s not going to stop her from responding anyway.]

You may think so, but understand that the less rest you get, the poorer off you’ll be.

[‘For some reason,’ indeed. Rose isn’t sure, but there might be actual concern in Emet’s voice. She’s usually good at staying in bed when she needs to, but she has her moments.]

Honestly, no, I’m not. But it seemed better than stewing in my own misery.

Oh? Well, if you're not interested in- [What had it said again? Ah, yes--] 'pleasing your Bonded', what is your intention?

[Seriously Mira, this was a strange time to pick up a new hobby.]

Perhaps they have a different definition of 'simple'. While there's nothing wrong with trying something less serious for once- I'd suggest finding something a degree less frustrating.

[She could go on with it and just let him assume that it's a new hobby and not with an actual purpose. But then he'll find out when she will make the attempt and it would get worse. Small popotoes but could get bigger.]

Normally I would! [Face to book now.] This was for a purpose and somehow I let myself grab the wrong book to try it.

[See if she actually rested more than five minutes, she would have been more aware.]

[As far as Emet-Selch was concerned, Rose had always been a friend. Not one that he necessarily liked, but he didn't view that as a requirement. But she was also, possibly, something of an ally now as well.

If he couldn't manage in this world on his own after all- having a small group of people worth looking after, and who would look after him in turn- it wasn't a terrible thing. Only inexplicable.]

Rest assured I have been staying put. This is the first I've been outside in some time.

[And despite the discomfort, it wasn't bad. The tiniest change in pace.]

And I can well understand the impulse. Misery is best shared, after all. [Though he doesn't seem to mean it unkindly, as he adds--] Perhaps next time you can even rouse me by something other than causing a clamor in the backyard.

[That is to say: please continue to visit him, Rose.]

[ Guess who is also finally out of his room and outside? The teenager is actually feeling better by this point ~~such is the affect of having a Bond~~ and has taken it upon himself to greet the day. Okay, he isn't exactly greeting the day, but he is watching Emet-Selch practice magic on some dummies. Really, he sort of enjoys that sort of thing? The Ascian has some decent spells and ones that Vanitas hasn't actually seen before.

Maybe through watching he'll, eventually, be able to cast them himself? That's the idea anyway.

He whistles as the dummy shatters and sends pieces of wood in every direction. Now that is an interesting take on a pillar of darkness. ]

Someone is starting to look pretty healthy.

[ Don't mind him, old man. Vanitas is leaning against a wall of the house with a cup in his hands. What can Van say? He likes hot chocolate. ]

[ What Rose is likely to be greeted with, at least this time is the resident Flood. The creature is smart enough to open doors, after all. It's still as twitchy as ever, jumping back a foot as soon as it answers the door. The Flood's antennae move about, as if it is waiting for Rose to do something.

Good thing it's not alone in the house... ]

Would you knock that off? No one asked you to go let people in.

[ Because Vanitas is not that far behind it. And when he gets there, he promptly ignores Rose so he can grab the Unversed by the collar - because it sure does have one - and yanks it back. Then he eyes Rose. ]

Well look who it is...

[While it remained amusing to tease her (and gods knew he could use a less depressing moment), and while Mira remained weirdly vague about what her intention was (if it was simply 'felt like making chocolate', why wouldn't she just say so?), he decides to switch to a more practical response.]

...Surely the principle of what you want to make remains the same. Find a recipe that has a similar base- isolate the extraneous parts, and you should be left with something more reasonable.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Page 1 of 28

[Open] Come In From The Cold...

Rose | OTA

steam

no subject

no subject

Mira | OTA

chocolates

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

For you lurkers: ShB Spoilers

no subject

no subject

no subject

Emet-Selch | OTA

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

iii

Gifts

no subject