pawnstorm | [semiopen] they had lights inside their eyes

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[semiopen] they had lights inside their eyes

Who: Shinoa and a few other people.
When: Half a post backdated to 4/14-ish, half a post after Graupera's battle (4/20)
Where: Capablanca
What: Jobs! Shinoa frolics in the wilderness, and spends a sober afternoon making boats.
Rating: Mentions of death? Will update as I go along.

A date with Mother Nature: Closed to Lapis & Setsuna (anyone who has existing CR with Shinoa can also drop me a line if you want to tag this!)

[The chef is certainly doing himself no favors; Shinoa would've dug something out of a trashbin for them in spite, if she weren't looking forward to exploring the wildernesses she hadn't had back home.

But this place has intact woodlands and peaceful rivers, bubbling with water clearer than she's ever seen from the soil- than she's seen in a long time, to be exact, but her memories of a time before the apocalypse are too far back to be really accessible. She's spending as much time fooling around as she is foraging, rolling in the grass and circling around the trees, and when she strips off her boots to wander into the shallows of a creek her face is one of an awed child's.

But eventually she settles down, so if you don't find her exploring you might find her in water up to her calves, trying to net some riverfish. Once in a while she skims the water with a horizontal swipe of her scythe and send fish flying everywhere. Most of them don't land where she wants to- on the bank where she can get at them- so there's a lot of swearing and flailing to catch the ones that're just flung further out into the river.]

Vessel of Hope: OTA

[They did this too, back home. It was very informal, because by the time the army ranks were what it had been before the apocalypse they'd seen too much death for those in power to feel like commemoration was necessary. (Not like Kureto ever would do something as thoughtful as commemoration, but whatever.) When people died in her company she'd see their teammates cluster in a secluded corner of the barracks, hushed and solemn around some kind of firelight, and she used to not understand.

She understands a bit more now, but she still struggles; the least she can do is start the firelight for the fallen who don't have teammates. It feels like the right thing to do.

Shinoa can be found down by the docks, seated in a quiet area and decorating boats. The boats she's using are evidently purchased (because she has as much craft skills as cooking skills- i.e. none). There're small piles of beads and paints around her.]

Oh- snap!

[She accidentally knocks a paint-pot over, and hastily sets it upright.]

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[Since the docks seemed to be one of the fairly calm places around (not to mention the closest, too), Gilbert settled down in between smaller boats with the tools he lent and some wood pieces in various shapes. By no means, was he a master carpenter, but apparently he wanted to give it a try.

Two nails almost hammered into his own hand, a few minor abrasions and lots of wood shavings later, he could say that he was done. The boats he crafted were really plain as the thought of decorating them didn't really cross his mind—all that's left to do was to put the candles inside.]

Who's there?!

[Gilbert was already gathering the boats he crafted and putting them in line when the noise of a paint can flipped over reaches his ears , which means that whoever that was shouldn't be too far away. After straightening his back, he looks around to see who's behind the commotion.]

[She startles at the demand,her first instinct being to prepare for hostilities, but then it hits on her who the speaker is and she peeks out from her place with a small exhale. Oh, it's just Gilbert! What a relief.

She hasn't seen him in a while. Shinoa stands up to catch his eye, and waves.]

Gil-chan! It's me!

Oh...no...

[He's happy to see you too, Shinoa.

It's definitely too late to curl up in his cozy corner with all the boats he made so instead he piles them up and comes closer.]

What are you doing here?

[Then he notices the wooden boats scattered around her and nods. Moreover, he seems to be quite surprised to see so many paint and various decorations.]

[SHE'S GOING TO PRETEND SHE DIDN'T HEAR THAT 'OH NO'.]

The locals are asking Heroes to build remembrance boats for those who fell at Graupera. [She moves to peek at Gilbert's corner, leaning over some crates to spot his set of boat-crafting materials.] Oh, you too!

You can do crafts, too?

[She sounds impressed by this. Together with the artificial perfection of her own boats, it hints something.] But you're not planning to decorate them?

[He's happy to see you, he just doesn't know that yet?!]

Me too... [He's already given up on trying to hide what he has been doing in that corner. Not like there's a point to do so, anyway.] Not really, but...I thought that they may run short on these boats, so...

[So he wanted to help out but isn't really eager to tell everyone about it.]

It's important to bid farewell properly, that's why!

[Her question makes him reconsider whether decorations are needed or not.]

Should I decorate them?

Ohh. I guess if you're not making it for anyone in particular you could leave it for another Hero to decorate.

[She chuckles at his outburst, but the teasing has no bite to it. It's almost fond, approving.]

Oh, Gil-chan.

Yes, it is, especially for those who fall at our sides in a war. If you're planning to sail them as is, you should decorate them! It's fun, too- you can have some of my decorations if you didn't get any!

[With that she gestures to her materials piled up on the dockside.]

[Since Shinoa seems to have fun with decorating them, he takes his time wondering whether he should join her or not.]

Are you doing something similar? In your world...

[In the end he crouches next to her, looking at the various decorations. Cringing at the various beads, he realizes that he might not be cut out for it...but stays put anyway.]

I haven't heard of such custom before, but it's interesting.

We didn't do this, specifically, but in my world we did try to do something.

The locals suggested it, so I just thought it'd be a good idea to do things how they're done here.

[Seeing him cringe, Shinoa leans forward to get a clearer view. Yes, that's clear distaste for the finer arts of beadwork.]

What's the matter?

Alright, I get it. I just...you're so into it, so I thought that you've done this before.

[Which, given the fact that reason behind them making those in the first place, doesn't sound too good, and Gilbert realizes it a tad bit late.]

N-Never mind.

[Despite the cringe, he still tries to attach a few beads to one of his boats.]

I'm just not sure if I'm artistic enough for this.

It's the thought that counts! Once they're on the river no one can see it clearly anyway.

[She seems to completely miss the possible insensitivity, laughing casually as she picks up her own half-completed boat to work on.]

Nah, we didn't honor our dead with boats.

[Quite curious about the insides of one container, Gilbert grabs it and pours some of it on the boat...

That's how Gilbert learned what the glitter glue is. Too bad some of it got in between his fingers.]

What the hell...?

[He certainly doesn't like his new pink palms.]

[This earns him a merry laugh.]

Oh no! You have to be gentle with the glue. Try this instead!

[She hands him a paintbrush to apply the glue with.]

The glitter should wash off with some soap.

Uhh, thanks.

[He'd rather not become pink-handed just because of a few boats, no matter how honorable of a gesture it was.]

I'll wash myself later, I guess.

[There's no way he won't fail at something again while decorating, he can tell.]

Are you...alright after the last battle? No injuries or anything?

[It doesn't seem to be the case, but he asks anyway.]

The sea's right there! [Comfortably pleasant, Shinoa indicates the waters swirling below the docks. She's picked up a boat of her own, carefully gluing a shaky line of beads around the hull.]

I was on the rescue team at Graupera, so I got off pretty easy. I'm not good with sea battles.

[She's never been on the sea until now. It's been drilled into her ranks that the sea is a pretty bad idea. Shinoa looks out at the rolling blue waters, humming thoughtfully.]

The sea's more hostile where I come from.

The sea is too pretty for me to contamin—

[When he realizes what he has just said (and how embarrassing that was), Gilbert just looks away because that will definitely make him invisible and Shinoa won't notice the blush creeping on his cheeks. Definitely.]

Good, it's way safer on the land.

[While he doesn't want to question her combat skills, he was simply worried (but he won't admit this!!)]

Not that I knew how dangerous the sea can be before this battle. I haven't even seen it before.

[Nah, she'd noticed. Shinoa laughs and slaps Gilbert on the back.]

You blush like a kid! Maybe a virgin, even. You should work on that, or people like Ji-chan will take advantage.

[Like he already has. Shinoa even feels a little bad for this roommate, who really isn't that bad of a person. He's just really cool, and would be cooler if he could fend for himself among the vultures of Hero Hall.]

You haven't? I hope you stayed off it like I did, then. It's a bad idea to rush onto things like the sea without training.

I've never fought on the water either, that's why I stayed out of Graupera's action.

What are you saying?! I'm not a virgin! [That's...only a virgin would say that.] And no one will take advantage of me...I dare them to try.

[He sounds really convinced, too. Which makes things even more hilarious, probably.]

I did. I was patrolling the shore, looking out for Noir soldiers. I wouldn't have fought on the sea even if they had paid me, honestly.

[Helping out is one thing, but risking his life is a completely different story.]

I'm glad to hear that you're not the type to rush into the battle without thinking.

[Not that he suspected her of doing that, but it's always nice to have a confirmation.]

People already have. You bought Ji-chan alcohol the first day he got here even though I was the one who promised.

[Technically, Gilbert offered himself up to be exploited. Shinoa's words are completely guilt-free, filled with a mix of pity and amusement.]

For a fighter with a pretty good head in battle.... you're really bad at surviving out of it, you know? Did you have a sheltered upbringing? No friends?

[There's a compliment hidden in there if one's observant. Shinoa respects Gilbert's competence in battle, certainly, there are many things she approves of the way he'd handled the imagined danger they found themselves in during their first days in Blanc. But she's also found out that it's compensated for by incompetence in other things.

She pauses in the beading of her boat to nudge him playfully with an elbow.]

No enemies to hone your self-defense skills, rather? Oh, and thank you for the compliment~! My maturity and level-headedness shines the most in a fight.

[Those things don't appear in most other places so it's an easy victory.]

Hmph.

[So much for wanting to be nice...a young lady shouldn't be paying for alcohol for grown-up men, that's all. It has nothing to do with exploiting...right?]

What are you getting at...?! I've had my master and that was enough.

[Well, there were a few more people, but he doesn't feel like talking about them right now. Or at all. Because he can't see the compliment.]

I hope they do...especially said maturity.

[He's like a grumpy child now, really...]

They do. [She nods seriously.] Hey, do you think blue or pink paint looks better on my boat?

[Shinoa holds her wooden boat up, a bead trim around it in various colors that shimmer in the afternoon light.]

And no, your master was definitely not enough if only he contributed to your absolute lack in guile.

But what was he like? You were what, his secretary? Houseservant? Sworn.... ..... guard... thing? Pet animated sword?

Pink, I suppose...it'll be easier to spot on the water.

[What a practical approach. But how is he supposed to think about boats when Shinoa asks him about his master. She can observe his features soften all of a sudden when he thinks about his master. On top of that, he's smiling warmly...which is a rare sight.]

I am his servant. Oz is a really great person. His family took me in when I was just a kid. He taught me everything and allowed me to serve him, even though he could have someone way better than me. He deeply cares about everyone and tends to forget about his own well-being, so I have to watch out for him. Although he's been through so much he never gave up and never let his friends down. On top of that, he has really good looks and is the most handsome man I've ever met. His manners are impeccable and he's friendly, he even managed to befriend one of my brothers who truly hates my master's family. Moreover—

[Better stop him before this gets too tl;dr.]

Just.... 'servant'?

[What time period is he from??

But she stays quiet for the rest of the way, letting him go on for a while. Gilbert is clearly fond of this man, devoted rather, and she doesn't see the need to interrupt such a rare monologue.

What a lamb. Where is this Oz guy. She hopes he's more competent in looking after Gilbert, and that he's dumped here soon so he can do his job.

After a while, she speaks up:]

So you think he's handsome, huh~?

He's...he's my friend, too.

[Whatever Shinoa's thinking, he doesn't seem to notice anything wrong about calling Oz handsome—it's only the turth, after all.]

Handsome and charming. And don't forget generous. And—

[There he goes again, counting up his virtues.]

[There goes a stripe of glittering pink around the hull of the boat.

This master is handsome, huh. And charming. And generous. Shinoa pauses in her painting, her face beaming with an impish grin, and elbows Gilbert again not-too-subtly.]

Are you into guys?

[She might be interested in that sort of guy, but Gil-chan needs a man more urgently.]

[This is a very good question...which doesn't necessarily mean that it doesn't surprise him. He's blinking at Shinoa, taken aback by her rather direct approach.]

Me...?

[Like there was someone else around beside them.]

What makes you think that?!

[He's clueless.]

You like your master a lot.

[Wink wonk.]

I say you should take your relationship to the next step, especially if he feels the same.

[GASP.]

I-I...! I do...

[There's no denying it. He doesn't even try to do that; every fiber in his body would turn against him if he did.]

But what is the next step?

[This is punctuated by liberal amounts of dramatic gesturing.]

Gil-chan. You have to....

[dramatic gesture]

confess your undying love....

[dramatic gesture]

and then look into his eyes-

[dramatic gesture]

and under the moonlight- you should do this under moonlight of course, it's romantic- take him.... [dramatic gesture!!!] into your arms....

And then make out!!!!

[Gil's listening to her in complete silence in order to register everything and learn it by heart right away. All of those dramatic gestures are quite fitting, though.

And then she drops the bomb on him.]

M-M-Make out?! But...but that would be selfish of me! I can't do that, not to my mast—

[He's flailing so much that he bumps the glitter and spills it all over his uniform pants.]

Ugh...

Not if he wants it too!!! Which he might-

[Then Gilbert messes up, prompting Shinoa to burst into hysterics. She's wiping tears with one hand while slapping his shoulder with the other.]

Oh... pfftt Gil-chan.... at least Graupera's nearby! Or do you wanna try sea water? I'm not sure it'll make things better.

[Planting the thought that Oz might want that too is rather dangerous since (a) he wouldn't be able to think about anything else, (b) he wouldn't be able to do much.]

B-Being friends is one thing, but this...

[Gil just shakes his head, not believing in himself at all.]

I just get myself a new pair when we get back...this one is beyond salvation.

[Whoever thought that white uniforms for military will be great was either stupid or an idiot, no exceptions.]

[ That's... a very unconventional way of fishing. Setsuna almost winches to witness those poor creatures being flung everywhere. She seems clumsy, so she might be unaware of the impact of her actions... That isn't good, so he immediately walks closer so he could call the girl's attention. He realizes that she's a Hero too because of her uniform, so he tries to speak with a nonthreatening tone.

Since she's here, it's either she's also doing this for the gathering job or she's here to catch fish for herself. Well, he'll find out soon. ]

Please cease that method. It is harming the environment more than you realize, and I do not recommend slaying the fish right away.

O-Oh....

[She falters, embarrassed at being caught in such a position. And by someone who disapproved, no less. Shooting back a retort is an option, but he brings up the environment, and she glances around at the trees and the river with wistfulness.

Her people already messed up their environment; she doesn't exactly wish for this place to end up like home.]

What would you suggest, then?

[ It's a good sign that she acknowledged her mistake rather than trying to defend herself. Setsuna regards that admirable, so he looks on with soft eyes especially after she asks on what to do.

He stays at the side of the river, gesturing his hand so she would leave the water and stand by his side instead. ]

I shall explain why it is dangerous. First of all, the increasing amount of deceased fish may result into biological decay if left in the waters and could lead to lack of breathable air for its inhabitants. Secondly, it is not recommended to slay the fish immediately as the longer the body is exposed to heat and air, the more its quality lowers in turn. To ensure its fresh quality, keep them alive until it is time to cook them.

[ Is he going too fast? He pauses now, first allowing those information to go through her before he would continue anything else. ]

[She doesn't like being lectured, and it shows on her face. Like any other teenager wouldn't, really. But she takes it without complaint, forcing herself to swallow the pill no matter how bitter, because she needs to keep her pride as a sergeant and that means being 'open to criticism' or whatever!!!]

So we have to take the fish alive?

[You don't have to make it sound like taking prisoners of war.]

Oh. If we just fill a bucket with water.... that's all the fish need, right? Do we need to put.... fish food in too so they stay alive until I get back?

[ War, you say? Funny story... ]

That is right.

[ Thankfully, Setsuna has a big container. He pulls it closer, allowing her to see it. ]

If you are submitting the fish to Dongor Sayram, then we have the same goal. Either way, I do not mind letting you use this as well.

[ There's plenty of room, after all. ]

[Hahahaha war, what a funny story indeed

She studies the container curiously. Ferrying fish is something she's never done before.]

Oh.... yes, I'd like that.

Ah, how is it supposed to be done?

[ They'll take it step by step. Firstly, of course it's important to secure water inside of the container as the girl guessed earlier. ]

Let us move it closer to the river.

[ Setsuna proceeds to do so, carrying the big container next to the sparkling waters. He dips the container in, allowing the water to flow inside before lifting it back up. Afterwards, he offers a fishing net and some lure to the girl.

The fishing net has an extendable handle, so its length can be manually adjusted accordingly. Thankfully, he bought an extra so he can lend her one. He decided to carry two in case the other is lost for an unfortunate reason. ]

Here. Throw a lure to the water and wait. As long as you do not startle the fishes, you will be able to catch them without issue.

[The lure is???? A small colorful fish????

Shinoa examines it. Oh, it's fake. She is clearly at least a bit confused.]

This will.... attract real fish? [She sniffs it. It doesn't give off any sort of distinguishable food-scent to her. 'Bait', by her definition, usually involves some kind of food for the creature to be baited.] Do fish eat smaller fish?

[They're catching cannibals!!

Still, Shinoa hefts her arm back and throws the lure into the water, as instructed. She has a good throwing arm- it plops into the water, a tad forcefully. She's still not quite sure what she's doing.]

[ Heh, cute. Setsuna can't help but stroke her head once for her curiosity and determination to learn. It was a very gentle touch and only lasted for a second, then he's back to focusing on the task at hand. ]

Some of them do. It differs among the fishes... Some eat plants or smaller organisms.

[ He would've told her to throw it with less force. But it's already in the water, so maybe next time. He slowly throws his own lure, a little away from hers so they have more areas covered. From this point on, he gestures a finger to his lips as a signal that they need to stay quiet for a while. ]

[The touch, especially with the added sensation from mana transfers, makes her glance back with wide-eyes. She's clearly affected, though not in a bad way; it might make one think of the way a puppy marvels at its first snow. What the fuck is that, the puppy's face says as it lands face-first in a snowbank. Wow. It feels good.

She looks like she might want to ask for another pat, but she doesn't.

Instead, she nods at Setsuna's instruction and stays quiet, looking out over the water for some unknown signal. For someone making such a ruckus earlier she's remarkably good at staying still and quiet too.

It occurs to her, with a look to her net, that they are basically laying an ambush for some smaller-than-normal, aquatic enemies.]

[ That's basically what they're doing, yes. If Shinoa realizes that, then she'll surely be successful at this. Setsuna patiently waits alongside the smaller Hero, not making a single sound or movement apart from occasionally blinking. He keeps his gaze upon the waters, waiting for a shadow to appear...

And once one did, he carefully signals the girl with a gentle tug at her sleeve. He would say something instead, but they have to remain quiet... It's especially crucial in this moment. Once the fish is finally nearly visible, he gestures with hand, a beckoning motion that clearly signals for her to go. It's her cue to rush forward and swing her net once the fish bites the lure. ]

[Perhaps a bit too successful.

The net, with its long handle, feels familiar in her hand. At the signal, and the sight of the shadow in the water, instincts kick in- she swings the net with all the viciousness she'd employ in the field- and the net kicks up a spray of water as it hits the river with some kind of vengeance.

Riiight. This thing is lighter than her scythe. Shinoa blinks, water dripping off her. At least the fish is trapped underneath the net.]

Uh.... was that how...

[ Ah...

Well, the results count in the end. Setsuna stands from where he's hiding, moving forward to land another pat to the girl's head. Gentle like the earlier gesture, but this time lasting a bit longer. ]

Congratulations. Try to use less force next time though, as it's unnecessary energy wasted otherwise. Let us keep it up, then.

Ah, okay.

[Shinoa stares curiously as she deposits the flailing fish in the bucket, watching it calm down immediately once back in water. Fish are dumb.

On another note.... Setsuna keeps touching her head. And it feels nice. Is this also a group bonding activity!! She wants to do it too!!

Looking away from the fish, she stutters a little before asking, awkwardly:]

Can I... pat you too?

[

Wh—

Naturally, such an expected request would surprise anyone! Setsuna's eyes widen this time, feeling his own face redden along with the girl's. He doesn't know how to react to it, although he doesn't feel bad about it or anything. It's just a little embarrassing considering that he's the older Hero... ]

Um... All right.

[ But if she wants to do it too, he can't see why not. Maybe it's her way of thanking him... So he lowers himself before her, kneeling on one knee so fitting for a Hero wearing the Knight badge. It's like he's interacting with a small princess. ]

[!!!!

She could've dealt with just reaching up for his head- she thought that was what they'd do- but Setsuna goes the full Disney knight, and Shinoa's eyes widen in wonder.

Scenic backdrop, birdsong, complete with cute knight letting Shinoa pet his head!!!!!! It's a real-life Disney movie!!!

She pats his head as requested, softly. Then she lets out a soft squeal, shuffling her feet on the spot.]

This is so cool....!!!!!

I knight thee, Protector of the Great River, Hero of Blanc! Ehehehe!

[On impulse, she turns the net in her hands around and taps his shoulder with the dry handle end. Then she turns away, dancing a few steps back to muffle elated giggles.

It is indeed like dealing with a tiny princess.]

[ SETSUNA IS SO DEAD NOW.

THIS IS TOO CUTE FOR HIM. THIS LITTLE PRINCESS IS TOO PRECIOUS FOR LIFE. R.I.P. THREAD END.

No, okay, but he really is speechless for a while. He's just kneeling there with a heated flush across his cheeks. If anything, they might be getting more and more colorized. He'll be a tomato at this rate.

He doesn't know if he fits such an honorable title... But he'll do his best for her. He can play along. He wants to help her keep smiling and giggling like that. It's a very lovely sight. ]

Then... if I am, does that make you my princess?

Edited 2016-06-27 17:18 (UTC)

Yes!! All bow for Princess Shinoa!!

[She brandishes the net, sending droplets flying. Giggles a bit more.

Eventually the job at hand resurfaces in her memory and she lowers her net. She's rejuvenized by the skit, though.]

Hehe, okay- let's get back to catching fish?

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[semiopen] they had lights inside their eyes

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i'm here now!!

Re: i'm here now!!

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is this a good end spot? :3