folklorist | 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

It would be a shame if they didn't get the care and nurturing they deserve. They're not just ordinary flowers after all. [ They mean so much to the people that planted them and for that reason alone is enough that care and dedication should be provided. ] And such a beautiful garden being neglected would be such a waste.

Well, between you and Grune, at least, they're getting more than their fair share of care. [What a mouthful that was.] And the others, as well.

Aha, yes! Grune and I are quite eager to keep the garden well tended to. Ah, well, until winter that is. But I suppose with magic you could technically keep the garden healthy year round...

Well, I don't know. The different seasons allow for a variety of plants to grow... even the winter has it's own gifts.

Very true, very true. I once knew a few Yuki-onna who had flowers made of ice and snow. They were quite beautiful in the winter time, just when the sun was rising and you got that glint of sunlight off the ice.

[ He'll fiddle with a flower in his head as he speaks. ] It was one of the most amazing sights I ever laid my eyes upon.

That sounds like it must have been quite a sight. I don't think I'm familiar with Yuki-onna, however...

Yuki-onna are of Japanese myth and lore. They're appearance is usually that of a tall, beautiful woman with straight black hair, pale skin, and blue lips. They're spirits of snow so they typically only appear during snowy nights or blizzards. They're usually portrayed as being evil but, well, they're not so much in my world. Lovely woman if I do say so myself, wonderful cooks of traditional Japanese cuisine too.

I'm sure they're only perceived that way by writers due to that mysterious nature. It's a shame, though I'm glad you've had experiences that prove otherwise.

It certainly doesn't help that a good majority of the literature featuring them is a bit, um, scary. But that's a problem most mythica in my world face unfortunately. [ He frowns as he remembers the families and people he met due to such circumstances. ]

I'll keep that in mind should I stumble onto literature concerning them.

There's lots of it in the library, if you ever want to read stories about the mythologies in my world. It's amazing how much they can different from Earth to Earth here.

I'll have to keep it in mind when I have the chance for some light reading.

Please do! I can even set aside a few for you, if you'd really like. I mean mythology in my world isn't all too different from most worlds here with magic and the like. I'm sure even yours has gods and elementals and spirits. It's interesting to see the similarities and differences between worlds.

I'd appreciate that. At least then I'll know for certain that it came specifically from yours.

It's my pleasure. You've been a great help to me around this time every year and-and in general so it's the least I could do.

[She gently places a hand on his shoulder.]

You've helped me out quite often at other times as well, so don't worry about that.

[It was always during times like these that she could hardly believe that he was the sort of person who'd make some a pact with a God like Apep. But the shadow of memory was always lingering there, even if she didn't hold Helios himself at fault.]

[ Helios smiles back at her canting his head in an understanding and acknowledging gesture. ] W-Well it would rather hard to decline such things. Besides I-I do love helping out at the school.

[ But he also remembers what happened that night when he was possessed by Apep and he'd probably never forget for as long as he was here. ]

There, you see? We just help one another out when we need it. There's no need to worry about having to make up for it then, all right?

Ah, well, if you're alright with it. I suppose that settles it then, hm? [ He smiles as he picks a few more flowers and tucks them into the bundle in his hand. ]

I think this will do nicely.

Would you like for me to set a bouquet for you?

[ Helios gives Raine a fond smile and a nod of affirmation. ] Yes. That-that would be lovely Raine, thank you.

[She holds an arm out for him to follow her to the station.] You're welcome. Come right this way.

[ Helios will do so with an ever present smile on his face. ]

Have you thought of a new name for it? The flower shop I mean. Unless-unless you're going to keep it the same. I-I remember you mentioning wanting to change it.

Trying to come up with a new name for this shop is proving even more difficult than naming my cat. [She laughs a little.] I had been trying to change it, yes. More often than not I just refer to it as the flower shop, though I still feel like there's something more that I can do with it.

To give it a bit more character, yes? It's a lovely shop and it's been here for so long... [ maybe a name after a long lived tree would be nice. ]

Hm. Have you had any ideas on what to call it, or no? I always find it hard to name things too. It's so...daunting giving another being like a pet a name. You have to choose the right one for it work well.

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