folklorist | ϡ - Chapter ThirtySeven; The loss [Action|Voice] (forward dated to the 27th)

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ϡ - Chapter ThirtySeven; The loss [Action|Voice] (forward dated to the 27th)

[ It was an ordinary morning just like any other day would be. Friday nothing too strange about it. With the event having ended and things going back to the way they should be Helios is more than a little chipper now and welcoming to said normalcy. The cultural fair was a success at least and that's put him in good spirits. And so…when he goes to Ginia’s room to ask what she’d like for breakfast he soon realizes that said happiness is short-lived. He’ll knock on her door lightly at first. ]

Ginia? Are you there? I-I wanted to know if you wanted anything for breakfast… [ No answer. Hm. Maybe she left earlier than him to go to Cloud Nine. No. Something felt…off. He’ll grip the doorknob with a slightly shaky hand. Luminair giving him a sad cautious chirp from the place beside his feet. He’ll give the young dragon a small shaky smile as if trying to hide his worst fears realized. ] It’s alright sh-she probably just went out to, to get something to eat.

[ He swallows thickly as he opens the door and there…his stomach drops. Whispered in one disbelieving, tired, and saddened tone is the word: ] No.

[ This wasn’t…this couldn’t be happening. Everything was gone. Gone just like Giles, Frederic, and now her. The room was so empty and bare, aside a box sitting atop the desk. He knew what was in there but he couldn’t make himself walk in to take a look. Letters most likely, there were always letter it seemed like a lasting impression that you could at least keep a hold of. She was like a sister to him, almost like family, so it hurt to have to do this. Gods no matter how many times you hear of people leaving it still hurt to do this. All three gone and he feels slightly lonelier here. But he had to tell people because people had the right to know. Helios couldn't keep this a secret, no, that wasn't fair at all. He’ll bite his lip blinking rapidly as he finally moves inside and takes out his journal. There’s a shaky sigh from him as he opens it then turning on the voice function. For anyone awake at this hour they’ll have an uncharacteristic somber, shaky, voice issued over the journal network. ]

I-I’m sorry to everyone who knew her but…Ginia Solana has gone home.

[ Poorly filtered to the following persons: Grune, Pao-Lin, Smoker, Ami, Draco, Goku, Roji, Shiki, Derek, and Archie. ]

Sh-She left you all some letters. If, if you want to stop by and pick them up at House forty-four. I…I ah c-can also bring them over if it’s more convenient.

[ Maybe getting out of the house might not be such a bad thing. ]

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[It was something of a surprise. But- that is how this village is. People come, they change, they change you, and then they leave. And there is nothing that can be done about it. Adele sets aside her own emotions, whatever they might be, on the matter in favor of walking into the room and resting a hand on Helios' shoulder.]

Soliel...

[She rubs a small circle into the fabric of his shirt, but. That felt inadequate. Terribly inadequate. Ginia had been dear to him, as had Alice. Losing them both now- She is surprised he's not crying. It feels like it's taking everything he has not to do so. Previous issues with contact be damned, she curls her arms around Helios' shoulders and pulls him into a hug, one hand moving up to his hair to smooth it back.]

It's alright, Helios.

Oh...

[So this is what it was like when someone returns home. She didn't know what she had been expecting but this was all so sudden...too sudden and cold and heartless and it leaves her feeling helpless. Ginia had been here for so long and she seemed to happy whenever they spoke. For her to suddenly be gone is very much a shock but her own surprise can't even being to touch upon how strongly Helios' grief is.

With Adele taking care of their housemate, Sabriel pads over to pick up the box of letters. She doesn't nose into the contents, just glancing through the names of those who should receive them before setting them back neatly into the box with an almost reverent hand.]

...Perhaps she'll return someday.

[ Not crying yet, Adele. Yet being the keyword. He's trying so very hard not to, but it's so hard. Giles and now Ginia? He knows he shouldn't feel this way, what with being in a village filled with so many kind and caring individuals, and yet he does feel so very alone again. He hunches a little at the hand that comes to lay on his shoulder and then he proceeds to blink away quickly forming tears. His vision blurry and eyes stinging despite the effort. He takes a shaky breath only nodding at Adele and Sabriel's words.

She could return, true. Both her and Giles and Frederic and everyone else. But who knows if they'll be the same, if they'll remember. Helios quickly goes to wipe at his eyes then. His voice cracking slightly when he replies next. ] Y-Yes you're, you're right. I-I'm sorry.

[ Sorry that he's making such a spectacle of himself. ] I-I just... [ he wasn't prepared, wasn't ready for this. But he knows that he should be if only to not concern others. But he can't do it when the time actually calls for it. Such a change Luceti has caused to him. He's more open now in that things like this...he actually expresses the hurt and sadness he feels. He'll gnaw gently on his lip not even trying to move away from Adele's embrace, not yet. ]

It is alright, Helios. Cry if you must. I will not think less of you, nor will Sabriel.

[Adele tucks Helios' head under her chin, hands moving in slow circles on his back. She could not say anything more, could not offer anything other than this. Ginia was gone, and she had been so much to Helios- she hadn't known him well enough to offer anything when Giles had left. Though somewhat strained due to her own blunt nature; they'd managed an understanding. A bond all their own. But this-

She doesn't know how to help him with this. But she will do the best she is able because Helios deserves some measure of comfort, no matter how awkwardly offered. Of all things she finds herself murmuring something she's heard before, here and in another life.]

Do not repress this, Soleil do not stifle it. Express it, come to terms with it.

[He was close to some kind of catharsis, that much she knows. He's not there just yet- and while she should not want him to weep she knows once he allows himself to do so it will help. He will feel at least a little better. Perhaps, now, Helios will trust her with this.

After a moment she looks over the top of Helios' head to Sabriel, and nods tot he kettle on the stove.]

Start a pot, Sabriel?

[Sabriel nods quietly and leaves the room, taking the box of letters with her to set on the dining room table while she attends to the kettle. It's just starting to whistle when she pulls it off the stove, rummaging through the shelves to find a good strong tea...and after a moment she brings down the jar of honey. With all the bitterness of their situation the three of them could use something sweet, especially Helios.

A couple minutes later she returns with a cup of honey milk tea, taking a seat beside Helios and offering it to him along with a handkerchief.]

Here...do you want me to get you anything else?

[ It's only after Sabriel leaves that Helios lets himself finally breakdown a little. Just a short shaky sob that gets some tears in accompaniment from him. He'll pull away from Adele wiping at his eyes and shaking his head when Sabriel finally comes back into the room.

Catharsis indeed. Losing the two people closest to him would make anyone upset. But Ginia's world wasn't...wasn't something you'd want someone to return to, as selfish as it may seem. What he remembers of her world wasn't kind or peaceful, but he knows that she's back home and possibly safe. But he never knows, never knew just like with Giles. It's so strange to think that she might go back and end up gone forever. It's not fair to want her to stay here though and he knows that.

He'll bit his lip gently looking between the both of them and managing a small smile as he takes the offered tea. ] I-I'm sorry. Thank you Sabriel.

[ He'll take a sip savoring the flavor and smell and anything else that'll help keep his mind off of things. ] I'll be fine. Th-thank you for, for all this. [ Helping him and just being here right now. His tone is appreciative as is gaze back to the both of them. ]

[It wasn't enough for him to have rid himself of most of it; but it was more than Adele expected. When Helios pulls away she drops her arms as well and pulls a chair close, settling next to him. Not so close as to feel invasive, but enough for him to know she was, as ever, available for him in any capacity.

She doesn't know anything of Ginia's world. But. Nothing that causes a person to develop a second personality to protect themselves is pleasant. Whatever life the woman has returned to, she'll survive. She'll cope. Of that, Adele has no doubt.] Don't apologize Helios.

[Tea. Tea needs...there had to be more she could do to comfort him, even in a small way. Mentally she goes over the contents of the kitchen, nods, and stands.]

Let me bake something to go with the tea? I believe we have everything we need.

As your housemates Mr. Sprensonne we’re here for you should you need us. [Sabriel gives him a small smile, more than able to relate the pang of loss he’s feeling for Ginia...after all didn’t she recently overcome something similar? She might not know much about the man but should he ever need a listening ear she'd be more than happy to offer hers.

At Adele’s suggestion to bake she nods in agreement. It would provide a good distraction and if it turned out well, the resulting baked goods could help lift his spirits.]

Why don’t we all head down? If you need any assistance Adele I’d be happy to help.

[ Helios nods numbly at those words appreciating them both very much. It was something strange to hear, really, to have people openly come to comfort him after all this. Helios manages a small smile with a sniff. ] I-I appreciate this. Thank you, the both of you.

[ Because he knows their intentions and he does appreciate it rather a lot right now. Tea and sweets. Hm. It seems fitting actually. He'll look down at his steaming cup eyes still stinging but not as much anymore. For now he can look towards this because they're trying so why shouldn't he? There's always the chance she and Giles would return, so. ] I'd like that Adele, Sabriel. W-We can, ah, m-make some. Tea isn't as good when it's missing the sweets.

I will head down and get things started, yes?

[She rests her hand on Helios' shoulder. Gives it a gentle, supportive squeeze. Losing Giles, losing Ginia, it had to be difficult for him in a way she just can't quite understand. But they may yet return. No one knows.]

Come down when you are ready.

[One last pat and she leaves the room, walking down to the kitchen. A terribly shallow diversion, sweets. But it was one of the few things she knew for certain would bring some measure of comfort to Helios. There was very little she can offer him on their best days- this? Shallow or not, pointless or not, the smallest bandage over a wound that requires proper sutures, she will see it done. If only to help him feel less grief for a moment. If this pulled one sincere smile from Helios, if it pushed his pain away for a heartbeat, it was worth the effort.

Gathering the ingredients and setting them out doesn't take long, even with Adele checking the small index card scribbled out in slanted, angular handwriting. By the time Sabriel and Helios come back downstairs she'll have most of what they'll need set out and have started measuring the portions required.]

[Once Adele heads down to the kitchen Sabriel lingers in the room with Helios in a semi awkward silence. Despite being house-mates the two of them never spoke all that much excepting the awkward conversation when they first met. She could still feel it around him, that vibe of something being broken in the man but she wouldn't comment on it again. Instead she speaks softly, trying to be supportive as best as she can.]

We'd best head down soon...will you be alright?

[ Helios gives Adele a grateful smile when she squeezes his shoulder. He knew they both trying and he knew that it would take sometime for the pain to fully dissipate, the wounds to heal and everything to be better. But he knew the only thing that would make it so would be for Giles and Ginia to return. But even he can't be that selfish. His thoughts are interrupted when Sabriel speaks. ]

Oh. Yes. I-I'll be alright. We sh-should go help Adele. [ A small fleeting smile as he stands up and goes to the door, holding it open for Sabriel to leave first. ]

[Sabriel nods, giving Helios a small smile in thanks as she slips out of the room and heads downstairs. If Helios wanted to speak with her he could and there's no point in trying to rush anything out of the poor man. Best to just let him cope and enjoy whatever sweets Adele might be conjuring up...so long as they don't explode.]

What will we be making, Adele?

Maracons. Dark chocolate, espresso maracons. We've everything we'd need for them and. It seems fitting. They are strong, bittersweet, and difficult at times- but. Well worth the effort.

Much like Ginia, yes?

[ Helios stays in the room for several more seconds before looking back at the hallway. His expression is neutral and sad as he gives the room a cursory once over. So empty now from its once former glory. It looks like a hollowed out shell and it only makes his heart a little bit more. He'll close the door silently then and follow Sabriel shortly after. Just getting into the kitchen as the two talk about what is to be made. ]

Those sound lovely, Adele. A-And you're right about them b-being like Ginia. [ Helios shakes his head and laughs a little. ] Very much like her.

Edited 2012-05-21 05:05 (UTC)

They sound delicious...should she return we should make them for her.

[Glancing down at the ingredients she nods, pulling her hair back into a ponytail to get it out of the way.]

What do you need us to do, Adele?

The flour, blanched almonds, espresso powder, and confectioners sugar must be ground into a fine powder and sifted evenly into the large bowl to start. Helios; would you mind starting that while Sabriel and I get the parchment cut for the baking sheets and begin to whip the eggs?

[The cuffs of her sleeves were folded back, her hair in a loose bun. Hands still damp from the wash because while this isn't surgery, she's not going to be unsanitary.]

[ Helios will give a curt little nod and begin to do as instructed. He'll wash his hands and unfortunately not roll up his sleeves, it's just a habit he's gotten into and of course a personal issue as well. ] They sound like they'll be delicious once they're done.

[ He's already getting hungry just thinking about them and the smells of all these ingredients together is heavenly so far. ]

Shall I take care of the eggs then? [Because...you know, it's impossible to blow up parchment with scissors. Rolling up her sleeves Sabriel reaches for the eggs, counting them out and lining them up beside the bowl.]

Do they need to be separated at all?

We've no use for the yolks in this, but there is something else I would like to try tomorrow that will need them.

[Adele cracks the first of her eggs, carefully separating the yolk from the white and setting it aside in it's own small bowl. Her hands were steady, her touch light enough to prevent any of the white or yolk from mixing.]

You're really getting the hang of cooking Adele. I'm rather impressed. [ Said with no condensation or anything but merely truth and approval. He'll start sifting the ground up ingredients then. ] Wh-what are you planning on making tomorrow?

Is it anything we can help you make? [Because this was pretty nice, the three of them working together for something. Pulling out a sheet of parchment paper Sabriel starts cutting it down to size for the baking sheet, brushing away the clippings from the work area.]

Fondants chocolat. They are like...little chocolate cakes with a molten center. They take twice as many yolks as they do normal eggs.

[Yolk after yolk is pulled from the whites and set aside, while it would be better to age the whites she can let them sit while they prepare the rest of what they will need.]

Your instruction has been most valuable- and. I think having extra hands when I attempt it will be most beneficial.

Ah. Those sound delicious. [ Even now after everything his sweet tooth is still going strong. His mouth also might be watering a little thinking about them. ] I've made them before, back home, at least once or twice. [ With Elise. The memories are sweet and it only makes him smile a little bit more. ]

I-I'm glad it's proven useful for you. I-I wouldn't mind assisting with helping you tomorrow either. [ It'll probably do him some good. ]

I've never heard of such a decadent dessert. [She won't lie, the thought of them makes her hungry. Count her in on helping Adele make it if she can.]

The only sweet I'm really familiar with making is toffee. One of the cooks from the College showed me how.

ϡ - Chapter ThirtySeven; The loss [Action|Voice] (forward dated to the 27th)

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