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[humenity]

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voice;

[contribute]

[ he's learned a bit from Laphicet, at least those he travels with- Eleanor being one so he's curious to learn more about her. Especially since she has knowledge about seraphim- (malakim) to begin with and given she's human at that.. he wants to know more. ]

Hello, Eleanor. It's Mikleo, I was.. wondering if you'd like to meet up when you have the time. There's some things I'm curious about, plus I can show you more of the city.

voice;

[humenity]

[ It takes her a moment or so, but she does recognize that voice. There's a smile in her voice when she responds, doing so politely when she speaks. ]

Good afternoon. It's good to here from you again. I'd be fine with that, but... you don't have to do anything in return.

[ Though, she's... not so sure how much that Mikleo really knows when it comes to how the world once was. ]

voice;

[contribute]

It's the least I can do, I didn't get to show you much when we met after all. I've been here for over a year now so I have the information to share.

[ Which he says politely in turn, though still her own share of politeness is familiar in a sense.. reminding him of a certain human princess. He nods, despite her not being able to see him. ] In that case, how about we meet up by the clock tower? It's at the heart of the Merchant's square, it's hard to miss.

voice;

[humenity]

I didn't mind. You were only thinking of what was easiest for me, weren't you?

[ Speaking honestly... She did have quite a bit of help, too. ]

The clock tower it is. I'm certain that I've been there before, as well. How does the afternoon sound?

Santamas

[pactfulfilled]

[Merry Santamas, Eleanor. As per the going custom, Asbel has sent her a cozy blue scarf and an assortment of cookies to share with friends.]

[humenity]

[ She's going to send a thank you note and a gift in exchange. Enjoy a scarf of your own, Asbel! ]

12/28

[oligomania]

[Since Christmas isn't a holiday on their planet, Velvet's decided to not celebrate on the 25th when everyone else is. So on the morning on the 28th Eleanor will wake to a couple of presents of a warm winter coat along with a pair of blue gloves simply signed Velvet. For dinner on the same evening they'll be having mabo curry and a few of Eleanor's favorite side dishes.]

[pactfulfilled]

[Looks like Asbel's an honorary member of the scarf brigade now, too, huh? Thanks for the scarf, Eleanor. That was really sweet of you.]

[voice] Backdated to Early January? Oof.

[pactfulfilled]

[Sorry for the intrusion. Asbel generally doesn't go poking around people's heads without permission, but the task board requests just went up this morning and...]

[Well, it's true they're more fun with friends.]

Hey, Eleanor. It's Asbel. Do you have a minute?

[voice]

[humenity]

[ True, it's always surprising to hear another person's voice, but... all the same, she's trying to get used to it. She's a little surprised to hear from Asbel - but, it's a welcome surprise. ]

Good afternoon, Asbel. I do. Is everything alright?

[pactfulfilled]

Yeah, everything's great.

[Which is at least mostly true? Either way, the cheerfulness in his mind-voice is pretty authentic.]

I was just wondering if you've had a chance to look over the task board requests yet.

[humenity]

I haven't, no. But... why do you ask?

[ She's been busy - though, she does like looking over what she can sign up for from time to time. ]

[pactfulfilled]

Oh. Well I just thought -- if you don't already have work lined up, anyway -- maybe we could take one on together.

[Because in his mind it's totally reasonable to ask someone on a mission with you even if you've only talked with them maybe a handful of times.]

[humenity]

... I don't see why not. [ They're both pretty capable people from what she knows... ] What sort of job were you thinking of taking on?

[pactfulfilled]

Oh. What kind? [Crap, he hadn't thought that far. Fortunately, Asbel's still within easy access of the task board, so he goes back over to check it again.]

Well, I've been taking on a variety of jobs, to be honest. There's a bunch of tasks related to gardening and animal care this month. And the usual requests from the hunting guild.

--Wait, that reminds me. There was someone here earlier going on and on about their butterflies escaping into the wild, and they seemed really distraught about it. What was the name... Michael, maybe?

[humenity]

Butterflies? I can see why that would be difficult for one person to do on their own... It isn't as they're particularly easy to find.

[ And while she doesn't know Asbel well - she feels as though they'd make a good team.

Though, admittedly - this isn't a request she expected him to ask her to do with him... Though, it's not a bad surprise, either. ]

[pactfulfilled]

Yeah... And besides that, the forests outside Verens are pretty huge. It'd be hard to find anything in there if you didn't know where to look.

They seemed to think that's where they ended up.

[Hey, don't get him wrong, he'd be happy to take on any of those tasks! But it is true that watching someone submit it while looking as if their world had just ended left a pretty strong impression on him. These butterflies must be really important.]

[Voice]

[pactfulfilled]

Hey, it's Asbel.

Have you had lunch yet, Eleanor? Wanna grab a bite to eat?

[He knows this is pretty spur of the moment, but... Well. He definitely wouldn't mind the company if she isn't too busy for it.]

[Voice]

[humenity]

Hey, Asbel. It's good to hear from you.

[ The invitation is pretty sudden, sure - but she doesn't mind. ]

Sure thing. Where did you want to go?

[Voice]

[pactfulfilled]

Yeah, sorry. Actually I just got back from Brinndosi a couple days ago.

[Where? Huh. Well he would suggest someplace that has good curry -- like From the Hearth, perhaps! -- it's familiar and has a solid but homey menu. But maybe something else would be better? What kind of place would Eleanor like? Hmmm...]

[And then he remembers the place Edea took him a while back.]

Well, have you ever been to Coriander Cafe? It's about a block from the Residential Quarter, on the corner of the street.

[Voice]

[humenity]

[ There's a pause on Eleanor's end then. Is Asbel alright? She can't help but feel as though something may have happened. But... they can definitely talk more when they meet face-to-face. ]

I haven't, but... I'd be happy to meet you there. [ She knows exactly where that is. ]

[Voice]

[pactfulfilled]

Well, great! Then I'll see you in a bit? Oh, but if you're in the middle of something important, I don't mind waiting around until you've finished up.

[Even if he...is a little hungry.]

[There's not really a simple answer for whether he's all right, but Asbel is in one piece at the very least. His coat? Not so much... As will be made plain when she does arrive and Asbel's wearing something green instead of his usual white.]

[Voice]

[humenity]

It's nothing that can't wait. I'll start heading over now.

[ Then, she'll make her way to where they agreed to meet, pace quickening as soon as he comes into view. ]

... Good afternoon, Asbel. How are you doing?

[Action]

[pactfulfilled]

[Knowing Asbel he's probably saved a sunny table by the window and has been protecting it with his life for the past few minutes. He visibly brightens when he spots her, offering what might be the first 100% Asbel smile he's mustered for anyone since yesterday.]

Better, I think.

[As of three seconds ago.]

What about you? Sorry for the kinda short notice.

["Kinda".]

[Action]

[humenity]

No, it's okay. I'm glad you asked me to meet with you here. [ She sits across from him, offering a smile. ] Did you want to talk about something?

[pactfulfilled]

Nothing particular?

[What gave her that idea? ...Maybe because he often shares his problems with her.]

It's so nice after all that rain, I really just wanted to get out of the apartment for a little while. And so I thought, if you weren't busy...

[He makes a mild gesture with his hand as if to say "and, yeah. so, here we are!".]

Are you hungry?

[humenity]

A little. [ She's glad that nothing's wrong - and glad to spend more time with Asbel. ]

What were you in the mood for?

[pactfulfilled]

That's...a good question, actually. [He's only been idly flipping through the menu at best, not even enough to be reading it.]

Last time I was here they served a really great apple turnover, though.

[Hmm.]

Maybe a sandwich or something? I'm pretty sure they don't have curry on the menu.

[humenity]

You really like curry, huh? I guess we should've gone somewhere with that.

[ He does talk about it quite a bit, not that there's anything wrong with having a favorite food or anything. ]

[pactfulfilled]

--uh, no, it's fine. I like things besides curry, honest!

[Ha ha haha...ha... Way to call him out, there, Eleanor. His face is still red, but he'll do his best to just...ignore it.]

...What about you? Anything sound good?

[humenity]

[ She's not judging! It's not bad to have a favorite thing. ]

It's not bad to have something you like.

[ Most people have a favorite food... ]

You said the apple turnover was good, so... I think I'll try that.

[pactfulfilled]

Yeah, I know... It's not that.

[More like he's realized just how much he must talk about it. His tastes in food are infamously childish, after all. "Curry purist" indeed.]

They're extra good with ice cream on the side. ...if you like sweet things, that is.

[Case in point.]

Do you have a favorite food, Eleanor?

[humenity]

[ She shakes her head. ]

Not particularly, but... there's a lot of food I do like.

[ Though, while they're on the subject-- ]

What about you? What other things do you like?

[pactfulfilled]

Like what?

[In the innocently curious and well-meaning way of a boy just trying to learn more about the girl he likes.]

[...That's definitely an "other thing", but he sure doesn't have the nerve to say as much out loud.]

Foods, you mean? Um. Lots of sweets if I'm honest; ice cream, ice pops, cake, apples. Different teas...

Usually it just sort of depends on what restaurant I'm ordering from, though. Like at the Gold Pan? Probably the roast beef. And at Jade Dragon, their sou's got a really good flavor.

[humenity]

It's the same for me. Though, at home -- I was traveling so much that I haven't been able to really try anything new there.

[ Especially considering that, well- they're... sort of causing chaos everywhere they go. ]

[pactfulfilled]

I guess your options would be kind of limited if you spent a lot of time sailing on the open ocean, huh?

But if that's the case, you should definitely keep trying more restaurants here, Eleanor. Otherwise you'll be missing out!

[So he says. When the waiter comes around again, he'll try to mind Gentlemanly Behavior^TM and all and let Eleanor order first. As for himself, there's a turkey apple sandwich that doesn't sound bad? And a bowl of soup! Because it's an acceptable curry comfort food substitute in a pinch.]

[humenity]

Good idea. [ He expression softens. He sounds so earnest...

She'll go ahead and order, waiting for Asbel to do so next. She thanks the waiter when they take their menus, speaking once more when its just the two of them again. ]

... Maybe we can both try out more restaurants together later on. If you'd like to, that is.

[pactfulfilled]

[Asbel can't help but smile into his hand. This is taking him back to the flower festival for some reason, but he thinks he might be a little more prepared for it this time.]

Sure, that'd be great, Eleanor. We could make it a weekly thing? Though it seems to me like we've already got a head start on that.

[He glances down at the table for a second, still smiling to himself, before he looks back up at her again.]

...So, uh, what have you been up to? I hope it wasn't as big of a mess here as it was in Brinndosi.

[humenity]

It sounds like a plan. Though, no harm done if we can't make it, either - things tend to get pretty chaotic here.

[ There's a pause on her end. She can't help but wonder if something big happened. ]

... Everything was fine here, but what about on your end?

[pactfulfilled]

I'm sure we can make it work somehow. Besides, I'd like that, too.

[Asbel's expression grows more subdued.]

Oh, um...

Well, we managed to help Peromei find what she was looking for. But... I think it was a rough time for a lot of people. The ruins were close to collapsing and there were many obstacles we had to pass through. It'd take a toll on anyone.

[humenity]

What?

[ Eleanor can't help but stop at that, eyes wide. There's no doubt that she feels instant concern for those who who were in those ruins... ]

Was everyone alright? What about injuries? ... Were you hurt?

[pactfulfilled]

Uh... no, it's fine.

I mean, we did have to battle some machines on the way in, and one of the passageways led to a nest full of harpies, but I don't think anyone was too seriously injured... We had some healers along, and we mostly stuck together in two large groups. Besides, a lot of the obstacles were more...emotional than anything.

[He offers what he hopes is a reassuring smile, even though "emotional" is most definitely an understatement.]

My coat didn't make it, though.

[humenity]

[ She visibly relaxes at that. She should have realized that they wouldn't have come unprepared. ]

I'm just glad to hear that no one was seriously hurt.

[ Something else catches her attention, though. ]

What do you mean by 'emotional'?

[pactfulfilled]

[There's a nod of agreement.]

Yeah, same here. Everyone worked well together, and Peromei seemed really pleased to find her bell? Hopefully she'll be able to tell us more about it soon.

[Because for all the Arehtei seemed happy they managed to recover it, she'd also seemed a little puzzled about its use.]

[Um.]

Well, you know how Peromei's areas of expertise are hope and despair, right? Brinndosi was kind of the same. On the way to the ruins, there were these puddles that made you really miserable if you fell in. And then there was this fog at the very end, before the last chamber. It was different for everyone, but it reminds me a lot of those little rooms at Selenium -- just without the mirrors.

Everyone who went in saw their greatest hope or one of the lowest moments of their lives.

09/13. Letter; bringing you an in-game meme.

[pactfulfilled]

dear eleanor,

for the next few days shaarnath will be hosting its annual swordsmanship convention "swordcon". i'm on the committee, so i won't be available over the amulets during that time. that's why i'm sending a letter instead. i got permission, so i hope this reaches you safely.

it's kind of funny... i never expected to volunteer to be on something like a committee. helping plan a large event like this is a lot of work, but the whole community seems really fired up about it! many of the nearby inns are fully booked, and we're anticipating a huge crowd. we've even had to print extra tickets! i hope everyone has a good time.

anyway, i've been thinking (just a bit)... it's been almost a year ago now that we first met, so maybe next month we could do something special together? i know it's still a ways out, but i thought you might like a chance to relax and unwind a little? i'm sure we'd have a good time? let me know what you think!

sincerely, love,

- asbel

[humenity]

[ There's a short pause at that, Eleanor looking surprise before her expression falls. She can't even imagine how that could be for those who weren't exactly expecting to see something from their memories - or how many people were unfortunate to see a memory from such a horrible moment in their lives. ]

That's... terrible. At the least, Selenium wasn't something we were forced to do if we didn't want to. But, this... Not knowing what you're getting into - that had to be incredibly difficult.

[ She only hopes that everyone who made it out of that is doing alright now. What about those who fell in those puddles more than once? ]

[pactfulfilled]

We did agree to go on the mission, though? And I think most of us would've still wanted to help even if we'd known exactly what we'd face.

[At least that's how it is for him. Asbel swirls the straw in his glass, not really aware of it at all.]

Besides, if that bell can make a difference and help restore this world even a little, then it'd be worth the trouble to me at least. I just...

...I do wish things could have turned out different. The truth can hurt sometimes.

[humenity]

[ She looks trouble at those words for a moment. She knows that all too well herself... ]

The important thing is that no one was seriously hurt. Still... this world really knows how to play with emotions sometimes. [ And that in itself was rather troubling. ]

[pactfulfilled]

Yeah, it does... I guess sometimes we don't really know ourselves all that well.

[He's trying to put a more positive spin on it, at the very least, although seeing Richard's desperation, and having his own hopes of happiness for his friends ripped away from him...it still hurts.]

Besides, it made me realize that there are people who rely on me even now. So I want to keep doing my best for them. And for myself too.

[He smiles apologetically.] Sorry, this got depressing fast... I guess this isn't what most people talk about on dates, huh?

[Not that he would know.]