folklorist | ϡ - Chapter FortySix; Even the rain can't keep away the sweets [action|voice|video]

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ϡ - Chapter FortySix; Even the rain can't keep away the sweets [action|voice|video]

[ The light rain in the enclosure does not stop Helios today. He's feeling rather happy and in a mood to share the wonderful change to the outside of House 44. Who knows, maybe someone else would like to do it as well, it's only fair to make people aware of the changes allowed. So the video feed with kick on with Helios smiling happily and a rather gorgeous looking castle in the background. ] I'm happy to say that the shift acquired to t-turn one of the houses here has worked quite well so far. I wasn't sure if anyone was into this sort of thing but, ah, it's a nice reminder of home. I just wanted to show people that we can actually change the outward appearances of the houses here. The inside still remains the same however, but it's an improvement I think.

[ And with that happy note he'll close the video feed and continue on his way into town. So any passerby who is around town will note the stand he’s put up covered with delectable sweets and treats. It’s mainly for the new feathers but anyone is welcome to stop by and have some. People are free to stay in the surprisingly dry bubble around said stand when the rain is especially hard. ]

So it seems like new feather arrivals are upon us once more. It’s very nice to meet you all. I-I hope you get situated relatively quickly. It can be a bit daunting, I know, but if there’s anything you need help with don’t hesitate to ask around. Everyone here is very friendly and rather open when it comes to helping out. If you’re in the village this afternoon I’ve setup a stand with, ah, some sweets should anyone want some. There’s no need to be shy either! These are for everyone, old and new, so stop on by if you’re hungry or just need something sweet.

[ Helios is very chipper and it’s clear that he’s open towards anyone taking the baked goods he’s offering. ]

As for more serious business, I’d like to make an announcement to the village as a whole. Last year we had something known as the Cultural Fair in Luceti, wherein people setup stands and booths that displayed and portrayed parts of their home worlds. It can be whatever you want to show; whether it’s food, games, or even pictorial representations of indigenous species in your world. Anything and everything is allowed ah, well, as long as it’s safe and not t-too terribly messy of course! The fair is going to occur in June fifth. There are posters around town if you haven’t already seen them which also advertise the fair as well. If you have any questions I-I’m open towards talking about it. Or, ah, if you attend the school Professor Raine or Professor Layton can help you with any questions you have as well.

[ And then he’ll pause again before humming slightly as he collects his thoughts. ]

Ah yes! There is one more thing. The magic club which was run previously by Harry Dresden has been absent of late. I-I do want to continue the various projects and meetings if anyone from the prior club still wished to partake in such activities. I-I think coming together and pooling our skills collectively could really turn up some…interesting ideas and prospective projects to help the village along. Perhaps we could have another meeting a week or so after the cultural fair to discuss some things in more detail. I-I would just like people to respond if-if you’re still interested in, ah, learning or doing anything with the club in general. Thank you for your time and-and as always I hope everyone has a very nice day.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Dragons huh? Sounds impressive and yeah, I still can't get used to the idea of places where that could be secret. I'll have to keep checking the library, see if I can find some of your history books sometime.

[He looks thoughtful at that, giving a small nod.]

Maybe, yeah. Something to let you bypass the barrier at will.

My world is...odd I suppose in those regards. Normal non-magical people living together with mythical creatures in broad daylight. It's-it's very odd but it can't be helped. Normal humans outnumber us and-and I think if we were exposed they might...try to harm us or-or something worse.

[ Helios wasn't sure what would happen, which is why his school was such a big controversy at the moment. ] I'll keep an eye for you as well! I think I saw some a few months ago, I'm not sure which versions they are however. But I'd love to read a history book from your world. Maybe I'll look around the library to see if there are any. Your world sounds absolutely fascinating. I want to know more about this song magic...

[ Helios hums, absently petting Luminair as he thinks. ]

I was able to give someone who was mute a voice. I know it's not the same thing, but sound magic isn't widely studied in my world. I'd like to continue my own research on it, s-so maybe something on Estonia might be useful.

I can believe it. [It's a sad thought but he has heard about terrible things happening in the past.] It sucks. I mean, it hasn't all been plain sailing in my world so a place where magic isn't commonly known about... yeah. I'm sorry it's like that.

[He gently nudges Helios's shoulder with his own, idly petting Maggir still in his lap.]

If I find anything, I'll pass it on to you.

[His eyes widen a little at that news. That's a pretty powerful thing to do. He couldn't even imagine what it would take to do such a thing.]

Maybe. It's a kind of traditional magic for them, I think. Passed down through training.

It's...a sad thing to-to realize that's true. I hope that one day everyone can live in peace with one another. But I know that's not always feasible with worlds like the own or-or yours.

[ But he allows himself to be nudged and he sways a little, laughing lightly. ]

I'd appreciate that, dear. You can never go wrong with learning new things, and there are so many things I would love to learn. I-I might as well do so while in this place, hm? [ He might never get the chance to do so ever again and, well, that was a deeply troubling and sobering thought. ]

It took me a good few months to actually make the sigil that could do it. But, hm, that might present a problem. Traditional and lineage learned magics are always harder to grasp. Families have their own special spells for protection and trading purposes, so I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.

Would be nice, yeah. Gotta admit, the thought of a world where you don't wonder if every political argument is gonna destroy the world would be nice.

[Worrying if someone would get a twitchy finger and accidentally press the big red button.]

Not like we're short on time, right? Might as well do something useful.

[Even if they might not remember it when they went home. If they went home.]

It does seem like it would take a lot of work to do that. Good thing you're a genius, right? And it can't hurt to try.

I-I must say I have to agree. It...would be interesting to see a utopian world. I-I'm not sure that would ever be possible however. The logistics alone are complicated enough. Everyone being on equal ground with one another just seems like...such a difficult thing to reach. [ Helios sighs sadly. ]

Well useful is all well and good, but there's enough time to take breaks every once in awhile as well. [ He gives Max a small smirk as Luminair chirps in his lap. Though Helios colors some at the compliment, his hand rubbing the back of his neck in a sheepish and modest way. ]

I-I'm not a genius, not really. Certainly not like some people back home. I-I was just...glad it worked as well as it did. She couldn't speak without wearing the necklace but I suppose it's better than nothing, hm?

I've seen it tried in the Soviet States. It's not worked there. I think the only way would be if everyone was identical and that's kind of boring.

[He smiles warmly at the other man, leaning over to give him a soft, lingering kiss.]

I'm sure it made her dreams come true. You're very kind.

I think you're right. The only way would be to give everyone the same things and nothing better than anyone else.

[ But that would be boring and entirely impossible. Helios' eyes widen at the unexpected kiss. But he doesn't pull away; he only huffs a laugh at Max's words, cheeks flushed a little. ]

I-I did try. She-she was a dear friend to another friend of mine. So I-I wanted to help as much as I could. In the way I knew how, which was magic. It helped that time at least.

Great in theory, not so hot in practice. And who decides?

[Someone had to.]

I'm sure you've helped someone more than once, Helios. You're a good man.

It's difficult to say. Free will being what it is, it makes all those choices difficult to make. Everyone thinks their ideas and methods are the best for people, but sometimes people don't agree.

[ Usually the person who thought they knew what was best, but obviously wanted to rule in their own way. ]

I-I try to be. The shifts sometimes...negate the help I've provided by, well, turning me into s-something less than kind. [ He broke the same person's wing that he helped give a voice to. Even if Ginia and Giles didn't quite blame him for what he had done with that mask on, the after effects were still hard to deal with. ]

People suck. Then again, the Sidhe aren't any better. Don't think anyone's got it figured out. Still prefer free will thought. I'm not a fan of destiny.

[He smiles warmly at him, wishing that he could do more to help.]

The shifts aren't you. They're the Malnosso in your head. But the Helios I know is very kind, and wants nothing but to help and do the best by his friends.

[ Helios huffs and shakes his head. ] I suppose not. Maybe one day it'll be different. Maybe one day someone will figure it out.

[ Helios looks back at Max, grateful and acknowledging of what he's trying to do. ]

I-I know. It's just...hard to, ah, put it out of one's mind when-when it happens so frequently. I-I sometimes wonder if they're trying to tell me something. [ He laughs but it's not as happy as before. He'll run a hand through his hair and look back down at Luminair who will chirp happily. ]

Maybe they will. Nice to think that it might happen one day.

[He's doubtful that it'll be while he's alive, even if he'll probably live a decent amount longer than most people.

When Helios speaks, he shifts Maggir a little and moves closer, leaning his head against Helios's shoulder.]

Or they just know what's most likely to affect you in the worst ways.

S-some people I know would say my optimism is a bit...silly. But I can't help but have some despite everything that I've seen and been through. [ He shrugs and gives a tight smile. ]

I guess somethings just can't be unlearned once you've learned them. [ But he blinks as Max shifts and he feels the weight of the other man leaning against his shoulder like that. His wins shift and stretch a little as he moves to accommodate the other. Luminair slightly protesting with a squeaky as he's awoken from his afternoon doze. Helios will be looking down at the baby dragon in his lap, idly and absentmindedly petting Luminair's head and neck as he speaks. His volume lower and tone more soft, as if he doesn't want anyone else to hear. But it was good to talk about these things and so he would, even if he didn't think that right now would be the time to mention it. ]

I-I suppose you have a point there too. They...they seem to know everything about us, which is really rather unnerving. They don't seem to care when they use it against us either, which is even more disturbing.

It's admirable. Better than always believing the worst of the world. It can get kind of depressing that way.

[He smiles a little at the squeaky dragon, still petting Maggir curled up on his own lap, and listens as Helios speaks. The extra information is helpful, albeit kind of terrifying.]

They're complete bastards. Seriously. Playing with us like... like mice or something.

But it's... like I told Brendan. it's not the victim's fault, what happens to them. All you can control is how you react.

It-it does. There's no sense in making yourself f-feel that way either.

[ Being depressed is not something that should be an ongoing outlook to one's life. He looks at Max with worry and then a small indiscernible smile will tug at his lips. ]

They are. S-Sometimes they can bring out the best in people, but usually it's...it's nothing good. I-I try to correct the wrongs that they make me c-commit but sometimes I wonder if it's ever enough? [ Like what happened to Adele. A sigh. ]

But that's probably a morbid topic to discuss when there's so much else we could talk about. I was going to make a s-stand for the fair as well. Perhaps you could help me cook some gogosi. They're, ah, Romania donuts and I think you'll like them.

I'm not! I'm usually fairly upbeat about things. Honest.

[Because he doesn't like making Helios worry and it's true for the most part. He's just had a bad run of it recently.]

Everyone's in the same situation though. I mean... it could make all of us do terrible things, so holding it against someone... I dunno... I know that when I'm possessed by a spirit, there's not exactly a lot that I can do except fight against it and hope.

[He brightens at the change of topic and nods, smiling.]

I'd love to! They sound delicious already. What do we need?

Or-or possessed by a god. A. A fragment of a god, I mean. [ Helios looks a bit worriedly over at Max. He hasn't told the other about Apep in detail and he wonders how Max would feel about knowing it. Knowing that there's such a large tarnish on his soul and that it could very well come out with the Malnosso's tampering. Helios knows that Apep would go after Max first...and that fact scares him to death. But, no, he supposes that talk can wait for a few more days. He doesn't want to scare the other man away, even if that's probably selfish of him to think. He'll give a small sigh and look at Max with a smile, laughing at the enthusiasm and appreciating it all the same. ]

Mm. We just need some dough, some oil to deep fry them in and whatever fillings you'd like. Chocolate and jams are the most common in Romania. But I do like to get creative sometimes. Those Boston creme doughnuts they have in that store...Dunkin Doughnuts I believe, those are quite delicious. I wonder if I could replicate those with the gogosi.

Uh, yeah. That would do it too, I imagine. [He gives Helios a slightly concerned look. That was awfully specific Helios.]

I have no idea what Boston creme is but the only way is to try, right? What about afternoon tea doughtnuts, with a kind of... clotted cream and jam filling?

[ Entirely too specific as Helios internally curses himself for even mentioning that in such detail. He won't say anymore on the matter, not now, and he'll simply just rest his head against the wall, his wings shifting as he gets somewhat comfortable. ]

You've never had boston creme doughnuts before? [ He sounds curious instead of shocked because he knew Max's world was so very different from his own. Helios isn't even sure if such a place like Dunkin Doughnuts or Krispy Kreme even exists there. ] Well we'll just have to rectify that immediately. You can be my taste tester for when I make them for the fair. [ Luminair will give a slightly indignant huffy and an annoyed chirp. Helios will look down at the little dragon and laugh. ]

And you too, yes, I haven't forgotten. You and Max can share.

[ His smile is wide and bright as he says that. Desserts he can do and he's more than happy to feed Max them should the other wish to taste them. ] That sounds delicious actually. I-I think that might be the best choice. I'm glad you mentioned it. There's nothing quite like tea with some doughnuts and cookies.

[The silence is kind of telling and it sends a frisson of fear through Max, even as it sharpens his curiosity. Something happened and his suspicions are not happy ones. But if he doesn't want to talk about it now, Max won't force him.]

No. It sounds nice but... usually you just get them filled with jam. [He can't help but laugh when Luminair gives that adorable indignant sound and reaches out to pet the dragon.]

Don't worry. I don't mind sharing with you.

[He grins back up at Helios.]

A very English kind of doughnut there then. I like it. I think me and Jack might be educating people on cricket.

My mother used to make them that way with a little bit of powdered sugar on them for breakfast? It was delicious and quite filling too.

[ Helios laughs then as Luminair will accept Max's terms by nuzzling his snout against Max's hand. An agreeable high pitched chirp will escape Luminair's mouth and his eyes will flicker to a greenish blue hue. ]

Well that's settled then. At least I know I won't have to worry about leftovers. You can probably take some back to your place once I'm done. I-I always make too much... [ because Helios likes feeding people. ]

Oh! Cricket? I used to play it sometimes when-when I was younger. I wasn't...very good at it. [ Helios was also going through some very rough times when he was that age, but that is not to be mentioned. ]

That does sound amazing. I think I would've got told off having doughnuts for breakfast back home though.

[It's impossible to be worried or sad with a tiny dragon nuzzling you like that and Max slides his hand back to keep scritching the dragon's neck.]

I think the guys would like that. We uh... have a hell of a lot of tinned food in the cupboards. I think they're allergic to fresh stuff.

Really? It's a fun game. I played a little at university and in school. It's a lot simpler than people think.

[ Helios does laugh at that, deep and happy, as he smiles broadly. ]

Yes, well, my mother was a firm believer of not refusing us our sweets. She-she was an amazing cook too. So it would be just terrible for those doughnuts to go to waste.

[ Helios pauses, thoughtful and contemplating as he watches Luminair's tail wag happily at the scritching. ]

Perhaps I could stop by one night and I-I could cook something for all of them? Do-do you think they would mind? Or. Or would it be...too awkward?

[ Because of him being Max's partner now and the fact that they were all so terribly close to begin with. ] I-I wouldn't want to, um, intrude or-or make anyone uncomfortable...

[ He's still not entirely sure where he stands with Eugene, since he was suffering from a shift induced tuberculosis infection and nearly scared the man half to death. But for some reason he does want them to like him, good friends here are something like family in all honesty. ]

And yet you kept your extremely attractive figure. [Max can't help but tease, grinning at Helios. It's good to hear him laugh like that.]

If you want to, I don't think anyone would object. I'm not the greatest cook. Eugene's good though. You two could work together. And you wouldn't. Guests are nice. Friends are better. You're always welcome over at the house too.

ϡ - Chapter FortySix; Even the rain can't keep away the sweets [action|voice|video]

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