folklorist | ϡ - Chapter FortyEight; Day of Remembrance [action|voice]

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ϡ - Chapter FortyEight; Day of Remembrance [action|voice]

Do you have a tradition that celebrates or honors the dead back home? In Romania back in the old days people always used to celebrate with a carnival. Merry Cemetery of Sapanţa is what it’s called now. It’s a very large and colorful cemetery also a museum as well. It’s quite well known to locals but sometimes you get people from around the world to go visit it. It’s not mourning in the obvious and usual sense, but it does help when you go about it a certain way. Amazing how cultures and people vary in their depictions of it, it’s very…interesting to say the least. The fact that death doesn’t have to be solemn but a celebration towards moving forward into a better life is a strange concept to conceive. Even when I was younger it was hard to be happy at such an affair, but perhaps my parents were right. Perhaps the person has gone on to some better, happier, place and thinking about it always made me smile just a little bit. [ There’s a soft sigh on his end as he continues. ]

But, goodness that is a bit morbid. I apologize for such things, it's just one of those days. [ He sounds a bit sad as he says those words. One of those days indeed and few handful of people who he's spoken to about this knew exactly what he meant by that. ]

What are...somethings you do to keep your mind from wandering? Making new sigils, spells, and reading helps me a bit but well perhaps I need some new busy work to sink my attentions into.

[ There’s a pause before he speaks once again. ]

But for something less dreary; I have an idea I’d like to discuss, if anyone is willing to lend an ear. I realize that Cloud Nine hasn’t been in use for quite some time. I was wondering if anyone would be opposed towards me opening up an ethnic sort of café. It would only be open for breakfast and lunch, but the food there would be cuisine from all around the world and not just Earth either. If anyone would be interested in helping I would appreciate it. You can speak to me about it over the journals or even stop by house 44 if you like. I’ll also be around the library too for most of the day.

[ He’ll leave the journal open as he makes his way off to the memory garden to give Elise a new batch of flowers then. He’ll stop by the flower shop before heading over too. It was irrational to be sad having grown up with that sort of mindset. But he was always sad on this day because despite it all he still missed Elise a great deal. One thing that prior shift had him thinking about was her. In that world she was alive and well despite not having stayed with Helios for too long a period. He was happy even without Elise but somehow that thought seemed wrong to even acknowledge now. But there was Max and he was happy, incredibly so, and yet here he was in the memory garden with a fresh batch of late blooming flowers in his hands. He would go about his business throughout the day shortly after visiting Elise’s plot in the memory garden. The tea shop, Grocery store and then finally the Library to check up on things. He has a distinct distance look on his face as his thoughts churn within the confines of his head. He would have to tell Max about it, and he’s been thinking on how to approach the subject for a long time, so this seemed like as good a time as any. ]

[ Locked: Filtered to Max ]

Max? I-I’d like to talk with you if you’re not busy? I know it’s a bit sudden but…it’s somewhat important. I-I’m at the library so if you wouldn’t mind stopping by?

[ It’s quieter and less intrusive than anywhere else really. He’ll be home later in the evening where he’ll take Luminair and Maggir out for some play time in the front of the house before starting on dinner in the evening. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you, Saori. I'm extremely grateful for-for everything. And for you and everyone else for...helping me for the past three years on this day. [ But Helios is just a worry wort for everyone but Helios, no matter what the occasion is. ]

Something else? [ He'll take the box in his hands with care. There's an obvious look of curiosity on his features as he looks back and forth between it and Saori. ]

You? Offend me? [She gives him another hug and a kiss on one cheek.]

I'm teasing, you know. I know it's hard, I...remember. I saw her, remember?

[She nods at the box. Inside is a jade statue of Elise, carved from her memory of the woman during the Dream Shift. But the wizard needs to open it first.]

Open it.

I-I know. But I should know better than to-to question your power. [ And for that he is deeply sorry. ]

I remember. [ How could he ever forget? It felt so real and the devastation he felt afterwards was just so terribly potent and lingered for quite awhile. There's a faint sound of surprise from deep within his throat as he opens the box. His green eyes filling with something akin to happiness, marvel, and ultimately a deep gratitude. ]

Thank you. It's-it's perfect Saori. [ It was very detailed and looks almost exactly like Elise. He'll turn to give the goddess a hug a bright smile on his face as he pulls away. ] It must have taken you hours to-to make it...

[She squeezes him tightly, nestling her head against his with a soft sigh.]

Never apologize for that. Not to me. I love you like family, you can question me all you like. [ and she grins at that.]

I had a few extra hours, when I couldn't walk. I thought it would be nice. And I'm glad you like it. I tried to make it look as I remembered. I think it worked, but then, I only ever saw her in the dream.

[ His own hug tightens just a little bit with that embrace. It's been far too long since he's had a proper, long, hug like this. ]

If-if you're sure. [ He still looks a bit sheepish and apologetic though! ]

Well it-it's beautiful and so much like her. You-you really got a lot of the details down f-for her. [ He's smiling as he looks it over but there's still that familiar sadness in his voice when he speaks. ]

[Stupid Helios...stop apologizing.]

I thought you'd like it. [She notes the change in his tone and gives him a concerned look.]

Are you alright?

[ He really can't help it sometimes, sorry. ]

O-oh, yes, I'm alright. [ No he isn't. ] I-I think I'm going to tell Max about-about last August...

[ He sounds so unsure and slightly afraid to do so. There's trepidation in his voice and in his posture as he looks at Saori. His eyes only lingering briefly before they tick towards the ground. ]

I sh-should have told him sooner, really.

He deserves to know.

[Saori steps in close and slides an arm around his waist then, tugging him to a bench.]

But no, I think this is the right time. You needed to be sure, after all.

I know.

[ He is just terrible anxious and uncertain how the other man will take it. Apep has ruined his life up until this point and even now Helios couldn't break away from the god. He moves to the bench without a fuss and he'll clench and unclench his hands as he over thinks all the things that could possibly go wrong. ]

It's-it's a bit nerve w-wracking though.

I know it is. It's...hard, talking about our pain but you have to share that or things will never get better, will they?

Max deserves to know something, maybe not all of it.

Np. Y-You're right. They won't get better. [ He'll clench his fists just a bit tighter at that. A nod in agreement is all he responds with for a short time. ]

I need to...talk to him about last August.

[Saori goes silent for a long moment, her hands reaching up to squeeze his shoulders.]

You do. But he won't come back, you know. That won't happen.

[ His shoulders hunch slightly at the action but Helios doesn't flinch or move away. A tired sigh will escape him as he looks at Saori. He tries to remain positive about these things but here? here it's different and strange and the Malnosso can do as they please. ]

But with the Malnosso and-and other things we can't be sure that it won't. [ It's no surprise that this has been in the back of his mind since it happened. But it's only a bit more prominent today of all days. ]

I don't even want to think about what he would do if he got free again...

Probably come after me.

[Saori smile is weak, but still there. She made sure that Apep would remember her, definitely.]

And I'm ready for him. I've had time to think and honestly, while I don't think I can get rid of him for good, I've got a few other things I can do. New seals. Different than the other kind.

[Which means...maybe...she can avoid having to kill him.]

[ Helios' fists clench tightly at that. He doesn't like to think Saori is a target, but he knows its true and he hates that it is. ]

I just...don't want him to hurt anyone else. But if you think the seals will-will work... [ he frowns and clenches his jaw in consternation. ]

If only there was some way to-to get rid of him for good.

That...[She sighs] is beyond my powers here. At the height of my strength in my own world perhaps I could, or I could find someone who could, but not here.

No, we'll just have to hope that if he comes back, I can get to him in time.

I-I wonder what would happen to me if-if you did manage it. [ He's not so sure the result would be anything good. ]

It would be nice to have normal skin temperatures again. But I-I don't think Max minds it. [ Helios is sure that the other would say if he did. ] But hopefully he never does come back.

Here? I have no idea. At home? I'm certain I'd be able to keep you alive. Shizo owes me a debt.

[At that, Saori shakes her head.]

Honestly, I think your skin is nice. It's more like mine is naturally. When I'm not stuck in a shell. It's familiar, and if Max doesn't mind then is it really a problem?

N-No I suppose it's not a problem. [ Especially if Max doesn't mind it. ]

I just sometimes wish I could remember what it feels like to have regular temperature skin, is all. It's just having a constant reminder about something like that is a bit...depressing sometimes. [ Like today. It's just a reminder of this gruesome day. Helios sighs and runs a hand through his hair. ]

We should eat all those delicious things you've made. I'd feel terrible if they went to waste, and I can't wait to try them.

I suppose, yes. I...don't really remember what that's like so I can't relate as well as I'd like.

[She looks down at the bags and nods sharply.]

Yes, yes of course. The majority of it should still be fairly warm, too.

Ah. Y-Yes of course. [ He smiles with a bit more life in his expression and color on his face. As if the cloud over him has lifted slightly. ]

Wonderful! I'm quite hungry actually. [ He may have forgotten to eat today, whoops. ]

Well good!

[She gestures and a tablecloth spreads itself out on the ground nearby, a little knoll for picnics and the like.]

Sit. Let's eat before it goes to waste.

Don't mind if I do. [ He smiles as he takes a seat and begins to unpack the various food stuffs Saori made for him. ]

Thank you for all of this Saori. It's-it's been a strange year and this day is always hard for me. It-it makes me...over think things sometimes. S-So I apologize if I've been distant these past few days. That last shift...it didn't help. Every single one I've had here always had Elise alive and well, but never with me as we were back home. It makes me wonder if there's some poetic irony the Malnosso are trying to tell me.

[She sits and helps, naturally. It's mostly sweets, at least. And some fruit and other things. And her own usual food, rice and grilled fish, which set sets away from the rest. She is a little possessive of what's hers, in a way.]

You've done nothing to apologize for. I know what it's like, being without the person you want. And I remember the shifts where Yuuna was here all too well. I suppose I am blessed with an abundance of luck, to have her here now.

As to the Malnosso, I would not put it past them. They are creative in their cruelty. You...have my sympathy there. I wish there was something I could do to bring her back for you. But I am not Shizo. That is beyond me.

[ He gives Saori a grateful smile before he takes some of the food and eats it with a thoughtful expression on his face. ]

Well perhaps one day...perhaps Elise will come here one day. I-I'm not sure if that would be a good thing or not, but I...I wouldn't mind it in the least. [ Though it begs the question as to what would happen between him and Max. ]

Th-though I wouldn't want to hurt M-Max either in the process.

ϡ - Chapter FortyEight; Day of Remembrance [action|voice]

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