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... I do kind of feel bad when they're this cute...
[ Ori hit the nail on the head.
But she also has a point that she should probably just eat the cookie already, so Sana bravely(??) squeezes her eyes shut and then pops the cookie in her mouth to chew.
Followed by a faintly surprised noise. ]
[ Ori hit the nail on the head.
But she also has a point that she should probably just eat the cookie already, so Sana bravely(??) squeezes her eyes shut and then pops the cookie in her mouth to chew.
Followed by a faintly surprised noise. ]
[ Ori would argue that Sana would feel worse if she could picture the disappointed look on Thoma's face upon learning that the cookies they baked went uneaten— but regardless, she has moved over to the stove to put the kettle on when she hears Sana give a little noise. Ori glances back over readily. ]
Sana? Everything okay?
Sana? Everything okay?
[ She pauses to swallow, before she presses her fingers to her mouth. ]
It's-- really good.
[ Cute and delicious? And warm and comforting, just like this space of Ori's. ]
It's-- really good.
[ Cute and delicious? And warm and comforting, just like this space of Ori's. ]
[Whatever Sana is, she's certainly better than the nothing they'd have otherwise, the bat seems sure—and she continues her circling and griping until one of the smoke-creatures poofs into its winged form right between the both of them. The Reverein-native is so taken aback by this sudden appearance that she simply flops right onto the ground with a shriek.
Although the misty one simply flies forward and finds an appropriate branch to hang on as if unbothered by this event, the fallen bat starts flapping her wings and kicking her tiny feet as if throwing a tantrum. This is what happens when you don't step up, small human!]
Although the misty one simply flies forward and finds an appropriate branch to hang on as if unbothered by this event, the fallen bat starts flapping her wings and kicking her tiny feet as if throwing a tantrum. This is what happens when you don't step up, small human!]
[ And here she was, ready to apologize to Sana if the cookie wasn't to her liking— ]
...Oh! I'm so glad you like it. For a moment I thought that maybe you wouldn't like the flavor or maybe it was too sweet or not chewy enough—
[ See, there are two of them. ]
...Oh! I'm so glad you like it. For a moment I thought that maybe you wouldn't like the flavor or maybe it was too sweet or not chewy enough—
[ See, there are two of them. ]
O-oh, no, it's perfect! I just thought it was a shame to eat something so cute, but it was delicious...
[ ORI NO. ]
[ ORI NO. ]
Ah, that makes me so happy! I'll have to let Thoma know, too!
[ And as if on cue, the flowers in her hair bounce a little. ]
You know, I'm sure he could make you a scarf or a hat or something that looks like these cookies. You'd look so cute wearing it!
[ And as if on cue, the flowers in her hair bounce a little. ]
You know, I'm sure he could make you a scarf or a hat or something that looks like these cookies. You'd look so cute wearing it!
[ Well now she feels bad!! Sana's stumbled back as Smoke-Bat swoops between them, but as Real Bat continues to act like a traumatized Victorian orphan, she crouches down to try and bring her palms under her and lift her up. ]
Oh no, did you get hurt??
Oh no, did you get hurt??
A-ah, but he's already done more than enough for me! You both have! A-and I haven't been able to do a thing in return for either of you!
[ that's just not kosher!! ]
[ that's just not kosher!! ]
[ Ah... At that response, Ori turns to fully face Sana from where she stands by the stove. She understands, really, because she's just the type to have the same qualms at acts of kindness. ]
Hmmm, but you're helping me with the bread rolls later, aren't you? That's plenty! And Thoma will get to eat them later, too, so you're helping the both of us.
Hmmm, but you're helping me with the bread rolls later, aren't you? That's plenty! And Thoma will get to eat them later, too, so you're helping the both of us.
[Said bat continues its whining, though it at least doesn't try to scratch her or throw itself off of Sana's hands in a fit of drama. Instead, it uses the new vantage point to squeak a few more rude noises in the direction of the invaders, who are partly still having arguments with the locals.
A commanding voice emerges from the treehouse above, along with the sound of heavy boots against the wooden deck.]
Enough.
[Almost immediately, the chattering of the animals grows quieter, only a few sounds made here and there as they either settle onto their perches under the branches or leave entirely. A few bats fly up towards the treehouse itself, as if they've decided to take shelter inside instead.]
What is the purpose to all this commotion?
A commanding voice emerges from the treehouse above, along with the sound of heavy boots against the wooden deck.]
Enough.
[Almost immediately, the chattering of the animals grows quieter, only a few sounds made here and there as they either settle onto their perches under the branches or leave entirely. A few bats fly up towards the treehouse itself, as if they've decided to take shelter inside instead.]
What is the purpose to all this commotion?
Is that really enough?
[ She's not blindly seeking validation here, she just is honestly not sure helping make bread rolls is enough when both of them have tried so hard to help her adjust here. ]
[ She's not blindly seeking validation here, she just is honestly not sure helping make bread rolls is enough when both of them have tried so hard to help her adjust here. ]
[ Sana flinches, bringing the bat closer to her chest in a half-protective, defensive manner. That sure is a Voice. ]
O-oh no, he sounds mad...
[ That's not answering the commanding voice's question, Sana. ]
O-oh no, he sounds mad...
[ That's not answering the commanding voice's question, Sana. ]
I think it's enough, and at the end of the day it's how I feel that matters... right?
[ Certainly, there's no defined quota for this sort of thing. Plus, then maybe she can call Sana her little kitchen helper and invite her over more often! ]
I understand that you want to make sure you give back, but I promise you that everything is okay. We just want to be your friends, and I've learned that sometimes friends do things for friends just because. Maybe we can get used to it together, hm?
[ With a soft chuckle, Ori goes back about preparing their tea so that they can enjoy the cookies before getting to work on the bread rolls after the dough is ready! Ori will make sure to walk Sana back to her house after all is said and done... and makes sure that she takes a few more cookies and freshly baked rolls with her, too. ]
[ Certainly, there's no defined quota for this sort of thing. Plus, then maybe she can call Sana her little kitchen helper and invite her over more often! ]
I understand that you want to make sure you give back, but I promise you that everything is okay. We just want to be your friends, and I've learned that sometimes friends do things for friends just because. Maybe we can get used to it together, hm?
[ With a soft chuckle, Ori goes back about preparing their tea so that they can enjoy the cookies before getting to work on the bread rolls after the dough is ready! Ori will make sure to walk Sana back to her house after all is said and done... and makes sure that she takes a few more cookies and freshly baked rolls with her, too. ]
[The answer he receives doesn't come from Sana, in fact; after hearing the squeaks of his apparent guests, he turns to look at the branches below and notices the smoky newcomers. Although his furrowed brow doesn't soften at the sight, his exasperated remark isn't particularly harsh:]
This is far from the strangest thing all of you have seen, surely.
[Especially given the frosty fortress ordeal from two months prior. But another vocal tirade from the bat in Sana's hands brings him to glance down and spot the aqua-haired girl at last.]
You there. It's not safe to handle them with bare hands.
This is far from the strangest thing all of you have seen, surely.
[Especially given the frosty fortress ordeal from two months prior. But another vocal tirade from the bat in Sana's hands brings him to glance down and spot the aqua-haired girl at last.]
You there. It's not safe to handle them with bare hands.
[ Sana flinches in-- fear? Repentance? It's hard to say and probably also both. ]
I-I'm sorry, this little one collapsed and... leaving anyone on the ground seemed rude, I'm-- er, can you fly now?
[ to the bat, more than a little inanely. ]
I-I'm sorry, this little one collapsed and... leaving anyone on the ground seemed rude, I'm-- er, can you fly now?
[ to the bat, more than a little inanely. ]
[The addressed animal shuffles forward and takes off with an aggressive flap, deciding to make its problems known again as it flies towards, around, and then past the towering man, who merely blinks and draws back mildly at the noisy creature.]
Ah. That is one of the more... outspoken of them.
[The thing probably threw itself at the girl before she had the chance to make a decision. With a shake of his head, he steps over across the deck, and the attached ladder slides to the ground with a thunk.]
Come in and wash off. Try to limit what you touch.
Ah. That is one of the more... outspoken of them.
[The thing probably threw itself at the girl before she had the chance to make a decision. With a shake of his head, he steps over across the deck, and the attached ladder slides to the ground with a thunk.]
Come in and wash off. Try to limit what you touch.
[ At least the angry scolding bat is full of vim and vigor and Sana can't suppress a relieved sigh as she watches her take off.
But there goes the relief, replaced with Dread and Uncertainty as the ladder hurtles down and she flinches. Come in? He wants her to come in?? Oh right, because she held a bat and they have germs... she debates politely refusing, but in a war of wills between this towering man and a 14-year-old girl, she harbors no hope of actually winning. ]
Y-yes, sir.
[ As she very carefully climbs the ladder. ]
But there goes the relief, replaced with Dread and Uncertainty as the ladder hurtles down and she flinches. Come in? He wants her to come in?? Oh right, because she held a bat and they have germs... she debates politely refusing, but in a war of wills between this towering man and a 14-year-old girl, she harbors no hope of actually winning. ]
Y-yes, sir.
[ As she very carefully climbs the ladder. ]
[And that man is not any less towering up close than he is from afar.
He waits to see the girl make it up the ladder before turning to head inside, holding the door open for her with what is for him a neutral expression, but is in reality closer to a scowl. Even the inside of the treehouse is rather imposing, with the light largely limited to the windows, the few decorations ornate in a way that feels somehow grave, and the temperature just this side of uncomfortably cold.]
The washroom is down the hall to your right.
He waits to see the girl make it up the ladder before turning to head inside, holding the door open for her with what is for him a neutral expression, but is in reality closer to a scowl. Even the inside of the treehouse is rather imposing, with the light largely limited to the windows, the few decorations ornate in a way that feels somehow grave, and the temperature just this side of uncomfortably cold.]
The washroom is down the hall to your right.
[ This feels more like a crypt or a morgue or the inside of a Victorian museum where you will absolutely be flung into prison or taken to the stocks if you bump into anything, which automatically makes Sana sway a bit at the thought, lightheaded from Anxiety.
This is going to be how she dies, isn't it? In this foreboding treehouse? But at least if she dies, she'll try to be polite about it. ]
Y-yes, thank you for your help, I'll go right now--
[ SHE IS PRACTICALLY FLEEING. ]
This is going to be how she dies, isn't it? In this foreboding treehouse? But at least if she dies, she'll try to be polite about it. ]
Y-yes, thank you for your help, I'll go right now--
[ SHE IS PRACTICALLY FLEEING. ]
[Ah, a familiar reaction. As used to having people flee from him as Barok is, he hardly blinks at her stammering, and simply watches her go before turning and returning to his own matters.
At the very least, Sana will find that it is a perfectly normal and serviceable washroom, even if the mirror frame is a bit... much.
Before long, the whistle of a boiling kettle sounds from the kitchen, around the way she came. She'll have to pass by him again if she wants to leave, it seems...]
At the very least, Sana will find that it is a perfectly normal and serviceable washroom, even if the mirror frame is a bit... much.
Before long, the whistle of a boiling kettle sounds from the kitchen, around the way she came. She'll have to pass by him again if she wants to leave, it seems...]
[He's gone back and forth repeatedly, trying to establish what is and is not a suitable prize for Sana. In the end, he settled on swords. Something notably harmless to her (and to anyone she might potentially hit with it). But even after he's had it in hand, he's wondered if she'll even like such a thing. There's really only one way to find out.
Tracking down where she's staying and making a note that he ought to speak to Kainé about routinely keeping an eye on her (if not see if they can convince her to stay with them directly), he leaves a slender and sleek sword outside her entryway, along with a note in what looks like chicken scratch, but is marginally legible.]
Sana,
I'm not good with gifts or knowing really what kids want. My daughter never really had the opportunity to play like most kids do, so her presents were usually books.
It's important to know how to defend yourself, so you can be as independent as you want to be. I thought this sword might help you do that, allowing you to empower yourself, and giving us a chance to bond. I'm not an expert in swords, though I've spent a lot of my life swinging mine around, but I thought maybe we could practise together and I'll teach you what I know.
If you don't like it, I'll take you out to Wild Harvest or something like that and we'll get something special.
—Nier
Tracking down where she's staying and making a note that he ought to speak to Kainé about routinely keeping an eye on her (if not see if they can convince her to stay with them directly), he leaves a slender and sleek sword outside her entryway, along with a note in what looks like chicken scratch, but is marginally legible.]
Sana,
I'm not good with gifts or knowing really what kids want. My daughter never really had the opportunity to play like most kids do, so her presents were usually books.
It's important to know how to defend yourself, so you can be as independent as you want to be. I thought this sword might help you do that, allowing you to empower yourself, and giving us a chance to bond. I'm not an expert in swords, though I've spent a lot of my life swinging mine around, but I thought maybe we could practise together and I'll teach you what I know.
If you don't like it, I'll take you out to Wild Harvest or something like that and we'll get something special.
—Nier
[ it's a modest little treehouse with an air of quiet, lonely solitude-- though it's not as though Nier gets to venture in or anything. Sana does eventually come across the sword, bewildered and confused and peering about to see if it was left by accident.
... But then she spots the note. After a diligent effort, it's readable enough, which doesn't last long the further she reads-- because her eyes well up and the words become too blurry to decipher without taking a few minutes to recover.
Gradually, Nier will receive a journal message. ]
Nier-san,
Thank you very much for the sword. I've fought with a shield before, but I've never used a sword, so if it isn't too much trouble, I'd really like to learn from you. If that's okay!
You've already done so much for me... I'll try to make it up to you one day.
... But then she spots the note. After a diligent effort, it's readable enough, which doesn't last long the further she reads-- because her eyes well up and the words become too blurry to decipher without taking a few minutes to recover.
Gradually, Nier will receive a journal message. ]
Nier-san,
Thank you very much for the sword. I've fought with a shield before, but I've never used a sword, so if it isn't too much trouble, I'd really like to learn from you. If that's okay!
You've already done so much for me... I'll try to make it up to you one day.
[When Nier receives word back from her, he's kept himself busy. He usually does. He doesn't like to be an idle man. Most of his time spent goes toward helping the locals with odd and end jobs. But no matter what he's in the middle of, he is more than happy to put it aside in favour of Sana's response.
There is equal parts delight and relief at the idea that she likes what he's picked out for her. He wasn't sure she'd understand or if she'd even be interested. And it comes with the pleasant surprise that she knows how to use a shield, which is actually something he has no experience in. Maybe in time, she won't mind teaching him in turn.
It is not always the responsibility of the young to learn. Sometimes even old men need to, as well.]
You don't need to make up anything for me.
I would be more than happy to each you how to use a sword. Let's pick a time and place and we'll make a day of it. Complete with something to eat afterwards. Can't have a good training session without a good meal after it.
There is equal parts delight and relief at the idea that she likes what he's picked out for her. He wasn't sure she'd understand or if she'd even be interested. And it comes with the pleasant surprise that she knows how to use a shield, which is actually something he has no experience in. Maybe in time, she won't mind teaching him in turn.
It is not always the responsibility of the young to learn. Sometimes even old men need to, as well.]
You don't need to make up anything for me.
I would be more than happy to each you how to use a sword. Let's pick a time and place and we'll make a day of it. Complete with something to eat afterwards. Can't have a good training session without a good meal after it.
[ This... feels like he's going to work in even more spoiling. That's how it feels.
Oh, boy. Is this how her stepbrothers felt with their father? Is that too presumptuous if she thinks like that? ]
I think wherever you usually train would be fine with me. I'll try not to disappoint you as a student.
Oh, boy. Is this how her stepbrothers felt with their father? Is that too presumptuous if she thinks like that? ]
I think wherever you usually train would be fine with me. I'll try not to disappoint you as a student.
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