folklorist | ϡ - Chapter Forty; In memoriam nos durabimus

[ After the weeks Helios has had prior to being possessed by Apep he’s taken some time out to think, be alone, cope with what has happened. He’s kept himself pretty much isolated the entire week only going out when necessary. But after all the support and help he’s had to give, thanks to the Kin’coran’s, his initial idea of isolating himself wasn’t working. So, instead, he coped and is still coping as he tries his hardest to make it up to the people he’s hurt. He spent several hours thinking on how to make it up to people and how to possibly convey his gratitude but nothing ever seemed good enough to really add up to everything. But sweets…that could be a start couldn’t it? All this baking also helps keep his mind from wandering too much today. So today on the 10th every sort of baked good you could think of will be set outside in the town square by the fountain. Cupcakes, cookies and a few pies. Luminair is enjoying the sun and walking up to people to grab their attention by pulling on their pant legs or chirping at their heels for them to follow and take some nice tasty sweets. Helios will also have refreshments out as well they’re all ice cold despite the sun and heat. It’s only when he’s settled back into his seat that he’ll make a short little announcement over the journals. ]

I-I’d like to, um, welcome all the new f-feathers that just arrived. It’s a bit startling but, we try to make everyone feel as welcomed as possible. If you have any questions most people are more than willing to answer. There's also the W-Welcome Center that can help you get a-adjusted with things too.

[ A pause. ]

Um, I’d like to also say that-that there’s some freshly baked s-sweets for everyone to take. They're out-outside by the fountain, y-you can't miss it. If-if you want any delivered that c-can be arranged too. Ah and lastly, f-for anyone interested, there’s a book club held at the library every last Sunday of the month. I’d also like to ask if a-anyone would be, um, willing to help with a little project in regards to the club. It has to do with the battle dome, but I’m afraid I’m not very good at those sorts of things...

[ His voice is low and stuttering not much different than usual at least. But there’s something else there too. A tiredness and sadness that he can’t help have permeated through his tone. Today was…a hard day for Helios. Anniversary of Elise’s death and their engagement party, that on top of everything else that’s happened, well, it’s not really any surprise that Helios is a bit dour. So once most of the sweets have been taken or devoured Helios will head over to the flower shop to get a bundle of flowers. Next he’ll go to the Memory Garden and then lastly you can find him outside in the plaza until it gets dark. He’s not doing much besides sitting down and reading a rather old and worn looking book. It appeared in the library a few days ago and ever since then he’s kept it in his possession. It was the last gift Elise gave him as a surprise gift and then his engagement ring popped up just the other day. It’s been two years since he’s seen that ring and now he absently rolls it in his palm when he next speaks. ]

Do your worlds have a concept of soul mates? And if so d-do you believe in it? Love at first sight I mean. And being so perfectly matched to someone that your share a part of your soul with them? Have you ever thought you’ve found that person in passing on the street, or in a class at college?

[ A pause before he sighs and laughs a little. ]

I apologize. That’s a bit personal, isn’t it? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. M-Maybe something more open then. Imagine if you could…see the memories connected with a certain item or place. I wonder what you could, ah, gain from it if you could. History often teaches us rather a great deal after all. To be able to t-tap into the memories connects to things, like books, or jewelry and see their own history. It would…be interesting, wouldn’t it?

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I see. That...tends to happen often. People, um, leaving and having to divide up the work. [ He looks a few azaleas as he moves into the store further. ] I-I'll just...go and pick out the ones I need. I-I don't want to, um, disturb you if-if you're busy.

It's a concept I'm more than familiar with, I'm afraid. Though I've grown used to taking care of the little things here. And honestly, don't be ridiculous. You aren't disturbing me.

[ Helios hunches just a little at Raine's words. ] O-Of course. I just w-wasn't sure if-if you were busy. It-it looked like you were...

[ And he didn't really want to bother anyone today. ]

That doesn't mean I can't stop what I'm doing to say hello, Helios, or give help if you need it.

Edited 2012-09-14 13:58 (UTC)

O-Oh, yes, of course. I-I apologize Raine. I'm not... [ a sigh. ] I'm not the best of company t-today.

[ It was clearly written on his features. But he'll try to give her an apologetic glance as he looks around at the flowers. ]

If you're the one who doesn't want to be disturbed, you're free to say that, you know.

N-No it's not that. I-It's just...a very hard s-subject to speak of. [ He doesn't want to ruin or bog someone down with such things. Helios gives an apologetic smile. ]

It's just...I found something t-today that belonged to s-someone very important to me. It...made me remember something very, um, s-sad. [ And dark and painful. ]

Items turning up here without warning can have that effect. I understand. [It's been a while since it happened to her, but she still remembers.] It doesn't sound like something you should keep bottled up on yourself, but I may not be the best person to talk to about it.

I...hurt someone very important to me b-back home. [ He just sticks a hand in his pocket and rolls the engagement ring around his palm. ]

This reminded me of it. A-And of the moment it h-happened which is t-today too. [ He sounds pained, and tired, when he speaks. His eyes downcast and his posture hunched a little. There was no happiness or joy about this occasion even though it was one that should be imbued with it. ]

For it to have this effect on you... I can't imagine what you must be feeling right now. [It's clear to her that he is tormented by this.] I am sorry.

[ He'll purse his lips and look away. The flowers, so vibrant and beautiful usually...are all a dull whitish gray now. He can't see which colors they are or which ones he would normally get for Elise. ] Thank you.

[ He gives Raine...a forced smile, but there's gratitude in it. ] I know which flowers to p-pick. But, um, if you have any other suggestions I...wouldn't be opposed to them.

Well... I think I've made my best suggestion already. [The one about finding someone he trusted to speak to at length, that is.] Please take all the time you need.

Edited 2012-09-24 21:13 (UTC)

Mm alright. Thank you Raine. [ And he'll go about the shop looking for the flowers he put in Elise's memorial plot last year. He'll busy himself with looking and humming a light tune under his breath as he does so. ]

[She'll leave him for a little bit, to get his flowers together and anything else he might need. Though after that, she'll look back over to him.] Would you like them arranged at all?

[ He stops and looks at the dull gray flowers in his hands. But their colors are bright and beautiful in his memory. He smiles and nods. The bundle of flowers he has in his hands are this one of these, and finally a few of these. ] In, in a boutique if you don't mind. The, ah, arrangement doesn't matter much.

[ He trusts Raine in those regards. Besides Elise was never overtly picky when it came to that. ]

They're nicely chosen. [Raine is still not aware that he had died, after all of that had happened during that time.] Let's bring them over to the table, then. I've had a lot of time to practice putting them together. [Aerith had taught her a few techniques before she was sent away, and one did not work in a flower shop without learning how to set up flowers. She gestures to the empty wooden table, with a clear wrap waiting to be used right nearby. Colorful ribbons and other necessary decorations are on a little stand next to it.]

They're her favorite... [ it comes out without him even thinking, and he stops in his following her to the table. But, no, he can't take back what he said can he? He slowly continues to follow her then, stopping at the table and looking very, very, hard at it and nowhere else. ]

I-I'm sure it'll come out lovely, Raine.

[Raine tugs out a fresh piece of the plastic, then does the same with delicate tissue paper. The she carefully begins laying out the flowers, one by one, trimming ones that are too long and thorny. It's a delicate process, simple with a few creative embellishes. Then it's time to tug and tie it all together with the blue and white ribbons to keep it all in place. When she finishes, she turns back to look at him.]

What do you think?

[ Helios watches silently, his gaze nothing more than curious as Raine wraps and finishes up his bundle of flowers. He smiles when she presents them. A clear showing of gratitude and acceptance in his features. ]

It's beautiful. Th-thank you Raine, this is lovely.

You're very welcome. [She lightly places a hand on his shoulder for a brief moment.] Is there anything else I can do for you?

[ There's a little flinch at Raine's actions. It's a response born from...many years of abuse, don't mind him Raine. ] O-Oh, no. This is more than enough, th-thank you. I-I know she'll, um, love them.

[She doesn't often initiate contact, and she drops her hand as soon as she notices he's uncomfortable.]

... all right, then I suppose I can't argue with that. Please... take care, today.

ϡ - Chapter Forty; In memoriam nos durabimus

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