View source for 8776/Proudpick's Armor

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2024/02/07
|Synopsis=Aidan wants to return the armor Sarracenia lended him during the attack on the Queen. But that is not all that is on their minds
|Cast of Characters=446, 459, 7608, 7373
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Kingdom of Sundew. A gigantic, amazingly dense jungle. The trees grow as tall as skyscrapers, the underbrush grows as tall as houses, and both are so thick and virulent that only one road can be maintained through constant weeding patrols. The kingdom itself consists of one large city built within a lake to form a natural barrier against the forest and any who might attack from the ground. The best way in and out of the town is by airship. In fact, above the city is a series of platforms for landing and launching airships. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The airport contains platforms for holding everything from fighter craft to ships as large as cruisers. Of course, all the local ships are built from wood. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The people of this land consist of humans and pirahna plants living together in the city, and small bands of native giant bugs that form tribal groups within the jungle. The bugs stay clear of the town, and the humans and piranha plants stay clear of the forest unless absolutely necessary. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Today is a unique day in this kingdom. Sarra did something (marginally) nice, and the target of that niceness wants to return something! Sarracenia isn't entirely sure when Aidan will arrive, but since she is a very busy princess she is sitting at an outdoors ice cream parlor enjoying a double scoop of her favorite ice cream. Rainbow vanilla with pop rocks. This ice cream parlor might be the only one that carries the flavor. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This way the princess is visible to anyone who enters, and is not just waiting around bored.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br>It being that one ice cream parlor that serves the one specific flavor does make it easy to find where Sarracenia went. So it's not long or much of a surprise when a certain pink haired anime pigtailed Pokemon Trainer ambles up, grabs the chair opposite Sarra and spins it around once fancifully before sitting down. "Well well, looks who had a sweet tooth craving." Alexis leans forward to rest on one elbow on the table between them. "Nice spot with a view though." The prolific Fire type Pokemon that tend to accompany her do make the locals a little uneasy, so instead it is just an Alolan ice version of Vulpix out of her ball and resting across a shoulder.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7608|Madeleine Cadrasteia (7608)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madeleine eyes the skyline of Sundew Kingdom as she approaches it by boat. She hadn't paid much attention to her surrounds on the way in, because there had been work to do. But now that the chupacabra infestation plaguing a local bug clan was rooted out for good, the huntress would finally have a chance to relax here and take in the atmosphere. The beetle gondolier, one of the few bold enough to face both cultures at once, waves her farewell as she steps onto the city's beach, and Madeleine offers him a polite nod.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not long before Madeleine looks for someplace to beat the heat; her legs are tired, and even though Drogrung, her spear, doesn't need to do any walking it's still eager for a chance to lie down. And so the huntress finds herself at a certain ice cream parlor, hurrying in past the outdoor seating without paying its occupants any mind. It's only when she emerges from the parlor, a paper bowl of mint chocolate chunk in hand, that she notices the Princess and the Pokemon trainer. "Ah," she says as she takes a seat and leans Drogrung against the table, "I'm glad I can find a familiar face or two even in such unusual places. You don't mind if I cut in?" She digs into her ice cream without awaiting an answer.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7373|Aidan Proudpick (7373)}} has posed:'''<br>Aidan has NEVER been to a kingdom before. He knows Kingdoms exist, he lives next to one. But he only knows stories about knights and what they would do. He doesn't have a herald. He doesn't really know how to use the mailing system, he's never thought about THAT before.<br><br>Eventually, Sarracenia just gets a text that says 'Hey, I gotta bring something back, be there soon.'<br><br>That said, Aidan is, at least, trying to wear something good. A suit is right out, he can't afford one of those. Instead, he is wearing a thrift store pink sports jacket, khaki pants, and a bright floral pink and green shirt underneath. It'll have to do. He is carefully lugging two pieces of steel with him. A pointed spanish helmet, and a breastplate, a simple affair each. Once well shaped and perfectly formed, the breastplate has seen better days. It is clear a blacksmith has attempted to curve out some dents. COnsidering the armor had been utterly crushed like a tin can by tentacles, it looks very good. A steel patch has been riveted by hand onto armor, on the opposite side of where the heart is, where a spike penetrated his chest.<br><br>Aidan's tail flicks back and forth, curiosity brimming as he slooooowly tilts his head backwards, having to lean back. He looks up the enormous trees, eyebrows lifted. "Wow. I wonder what it would be like to climb THOSE."<br><br>"Hey Miss Madeleine!" Aidan lifts his hand to wave, crossing just into the street to meet here. And seeing Sarracenia and Alexis. "Oh. Uh." He stands there, looking a little sheepish, but it breaks into a warm smile once more. "I didn't know we were just out eating ice cream, I was going to come up to your castle." Aidan, at least, isn't intimidated by the company, just smiling. He does, however, genuflect. A slight twist of the waist, enough to show respect again, but not enough to denote that he fully recognizes her title. "Princess! I bring back the armor you gave me, with my thanks. I'm afraid it got a little crushed, but I did my best to give it to you in the same condition you gave it to me."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sarracenia had been watching the gate, but when Alexis appears she smiles brightly and giggles. "I often have a sweet tooth. And I pay this parlor a bit extra to keep this flavor in stock for me~ Would you like a bowl?" she says before enjoying another spoonful. The popping can be heard easily as she savors the flavor. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The piranha plant guards don't seem to mind the bug person too much, but the humans who see it seem rather unnerved and keep their distance even with that bug person staying on their boat. Sarra looks surprised when Madeleine approaches, and she watches curiously with her spoon partially in her mouth as Madeleine passes...without saying anything. Which earns a deadpan look from the princess. But, the huntress speaks up when she re-emerges and Sarra smiles. "Not at all! Please, join us!" she says. She eyes that spear curiously as she takes another bite. "Did you have that last time we met?" <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Aidan arrives, but it isn't his squirrelness that draws attention. It is his outfit. Many people look his way when passing him, both human and plant alike. When he spots the princess and speaks up, Sarracenia is also staring at that outfit. She almost misses what he says, but a few blinks to break herself out of staring and she coughs softly before standing. "Ah! So that is what you wished to return to me." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She eyes Aidan for a few moments, then that armor. She quite obviously takes its condition in, then looks at Aidan again. She frowns ever so slightly. "So, did you aquire new armor and are no longer in need of it?" she asks, standing as she does so...but still eating her ice cream.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br>"Sure." "Vul." "Okay, make it large enough to share," Alexis replies as she reachs up a hand to pat the six tailed fox on the head. Of course an Ice type would want some ice cream. But letting her have an entire dish of her own is probably not a great idea.<br><br>It doesn't take long for it to turn into more of a gathering than just the two of them, between Madeleine and her spear, and the squirrel bearing armor to return.<br><br>To which Alexis chuckles a bit. "I see you've been out busy doing princess things and helping people, Sarra. Good for you."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7608|Madeleine Cadrasteia (7608)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madeleine is just taking another bite of ice cream when Sarracenia inquires about the spear, so the spear itself is the first to answer. It speaks despite lacking a visible mouth, in the deep, relaxed voice of something large and sleepy. Some kind of dragon, perhaps? "<span style="color:#AFFF00">My name is Drogrung. I have been with my lady since well before she Unified, but she graciously permitted me to rest until quite recently.</span>" Madeleine chimes in, "That close call with the leviathan Queen - on Rita's world, you know - had me reconsider just how much danger the multiverse had to offer. So I decided to bring an old friend out of retirement, so to speak."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madeleine takes a break from her ice cream to hold out her hand for the frosty vulpix to sniff, then gently pets the creature on its flank. As she does she glances over at Aidan, nodding as he arrives, and eyes the armor. "That's a nasty puncture," she says, indicating the patched hole with a wave of her spoon. "Is your lung doing any better? It'd be a shame to lose your wind magic."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7373|Aidan Proudpick (7373)}} has posed:'''<br>People are looking at him. Aidan looks down, seeing his clothes. He looks at everyone else. Then down at his clothes. He isn't sure what is wrong with them, but it is warm, so he pulls the jacket off and sets it around the chair. Then he hesistates, looking at the armor. He opens his mouth, about to say 'well, I don't actually need it, it doesn't help that much' then clacks his teeth shut around that. Instead, he says, "I thought you might want it back. I thought it was a loan for the battle."<br><br>He waves to Alexis, smiling at her. "Sorry! I'm Sir Aidan Proudpick. Knight of Quicknest. A pleasure to meet you."<br><br>Then a turn back to Madeleine. "You've had that all this time?! Wow!" He is a tad starstruck with Madeleine, who, much like Captain Hook, is much like a story come to life. With the interest in his wound, there is no shame, actually another grin. He would LOVE to show off his battle scar. A couple buttons undone of his shirt and he pulls it aside to show a white patch of fur around a large pockmark. "My lungs are coming along. The medicine on the East Wind kept me from losing it. But it'll take time. It's good to see you are better off than me. A mighty hunter."<br><br>He turns back to Sarracenia, carefully setting the armor and helmet next to him. "Thank you for the gift, Princess. It means a lot to me."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sarra snaps her fingers when Alexis says she wants some. Alexis and Alolan Vulpix are two of her favorite things, so of course Sarra is going to take care of them! The snap gets the attention of the ice cream parlor owner, and she personally brings out another double scoop of the pop rocks ice cream for Alexis and Vulpix. And Sarra pets the vulpix as well as she awaits Aidan's reply. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The spear speaks up on its own behalf, causing Sarracenia to almost lose her spoon in surprise. "Oh my! A talking spear? It is an honor to meet you, Drogrung!" she says, giving a curtsey. "If my hammer could talk..." She giggles a bit devilishly considering the idea. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Aidan almost says something that would likely earn him a glare, but luckily he doesn't. "Want it back? I do not take back gifts! That would be quite the opposite of heroic!" the princess says. She looks the armor over again, then hmms as she hears Aidan's chosen title. And eyes that scar, then eyes Aidan. "...Sir Aidan Proudpick, Knight of Quicknest. Did someone knight you after all?" she asks almost idly. There is definitely something she is getting at, and is poking Aidan a bit to see what happens. "I hate to agree with...certain people, but you really should not use the title of knight without being properly knighted." She doesn't seem to be putting Aidan down or making fun of him, it is just a statement of fact.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br>Alexis is unphased by the spear speaking up with a character of its own. And with no visible mouth to do so. She's been around the Multiverse for some time... and Pokemon like Ageislash exist. "Yeah, you're not wrong. There's some pretty crazy stuff out there. Doesn't hurt to take a few precautions, especially with someone you can trust at your side." Or six of them, in her cause. But that's a different story.<br><br>Tiaga sniffs at the offered hand, then leans into the pets. Her coat is soft and cool to the touch, but not to the point of being uncomfortable. Think like putting your hand on an ice pack wrapped in a fluffy towel. She is thus distracted by a spoon of ice cream being offered up her.<br><br>The other hand is raised in a short wave. "Alexis. Pokemon Trainer." "Vulpix," adds the fox after licking off her lips. "This is Tiaga." Then eats some ice cream herself, watching the exchange between Sarra and Aidan. "Maybe he's like a Knight Errant or something? They didn't always serve a specific court or noble house. I think." Pause. "I'm an ecologist, not a historian." Shrug. More ice cream shared between her and the fox.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7608|Madeleine Cadrasteia (7608)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:#808080">It is an honor to meet you, Drogrung!</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"<span style="color:#AFFF00">Your Majesty.</span>" The spear flicks its eye downward in imitation of a bow. "<span style="color:#AFFF00">Indeed, tools such as I can have many stories to tell.</span>"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madeleine nods at Aidan's question. "Yes, I have had Drogrung with me for a while. It was forged to slay gods. I was hesitant to bring it out of storage because showing up with such a weapon does carry a certain weight to it, doesn't it? People might assume I intended to use it for that purpose when, these days, I generally don't." Drogrung chimes in, "<span style="color:#AFFF00">So long has it been since I tasted divine blood... almost long enough to make one nostalgic.</span>"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'<span style="color:#808080">It's good to see you are better off than me. A mighty hunter.</span>'<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Why, thank you. It is rather convenient, for the flesh to be subordinate to the will. I'm sure you- well, I suppose you don't know how it is, actually. Being mortal. No offense meant, it's just-" she cuts herself off before she says anything stupid.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7373|Aidan Proudpick (7373)}} has posed:'''<br>The smile doesn't fade from Aidan's face as Madeleine calls him mortal. He buttons up a button, but leaves two down. "I understand! I don't have anything special keeping me alive. Just luck and determination! Besides, you can't do this!" He puffs his cheeks and makes a little wall of air appear, grinning with full knowledge how unimpressive it is.<br>Aidan's smile fades slowly as Sarracenia prods him, pokes him. "No. It's a word. If I put on a dress and started saying I'm a Princess, I wouldn't be a princess. If I put on a dress and start trying to make a country better, then maybe I'd be a princess." He taps his own chest, but selects his words carefully. "I'm a Knight because I aspire to be a knight. I dream of it. And I dream of helping people. I have a code. And I've fought in a war. Lilian can be as mad as she wants. I'm not wearing her collar. I'm not one of her Paladins, I'm not one of her fans." He nods to Alexis, "I'm just... me. I serve Quicknest. I do my best to protect them."<br><br>He can see that streak in Sarracenia rising up and lifts his hands. "I didn't come here to talk about that. I wanted to hear what you are doing for your Kingdom. Making their lives better. I want... I want to do something more than just standing around."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "True, but knight errants were still properly knighted by a lord or lady." Sarracenia says to Alexis. She smiles as Drogrung does its best to bow. She also smirks lightly at the divine blood comment. "Well, perhaps I could-..." Then she stops. Not only would that probably be weird to say, when she says things like that lately people really jump on her. She coughs lightly then returns her attention to Aidan. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Aidan gives his noble speech about being a knight. She nods lightly, and that slight smirk returns. Not a smirk of being mean to Aidan, but more one of 'I could really stick it to that certain someone and her nasty pet'. "And...what would you think of the title...Knight of the Sundew Kingdom, Defender of Quicknest?" she asks, then giggles a bit. "But, I suppose if you are not here to talk about that..." she says teasingly. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She continues on to the inquiry instead. "What am I doing to improve their lives and my kingdom? I am doing my best to be heroic, to become someone the kingdom can be proud of. That means going to those places where I am in danger, places where I can protect people. Even people who are not of my kingdom. For heroes do not protect only those they care about or those they are obligated to protect. And the same is true of knights, in my opinion. A knight should be knightly in all things and at all times." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She takes another bite of her ice cream, then just waits with a sort of devilish smile on her face. She is far too tall to have imp energy, but she definitely has some right now.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br>Alexis huhs. "I stand corrected." Well she did say she wasn't a historian.<br><br>When Aidan blows the little air barrier Tiaga fluffs up and tries to similar, huffing faint glimmers of frost in the air in front of her. Which makes Alexis shiver a little from proximity. "Easy there girl, you know Aurora Veil only works in combat." The fox is appeased with another spoonful of ice cream.<br><br>"At least he's honest about it, counts for something." As factions are brought up she just shakes her head a little and focuses on the ice cream for the moment. She got out of that aspect of the Multiverse when the old orders collapsed, and kept out of their affairs for her own sanity. For the most part. Sometimes friends get her dragged into things, but she's for their support rather than politics, and goes on her way again afterwards. She just maintains her ranch, does her studies, and helps out her friends and others when they need it... Not unlike Aidan in some ways.<br><br>"Now you see that?" Alexis speaks up again as she waggles her spoon a bit at Sarra. "Your gift got someone else interested in your Kingdom. That's good advertising." A pause. A frown. "Maybe advertising isn't a good word. Sounds too commercial. Too.. touristy." But seeing as Sarra was all too happy to make friends like her part of her own court, serious or not, she wouldn't be entirely surprised if Sarra tried with others.<br><br>While she's occupied with the thought Tiaga bites an entire mouthful of ice cream from the bowl and sits down, content. Even with the occasional fizzle of the pop rocks.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7608|Madeleine Cadrasteia (7608)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the topic of knighthood comes up, Madeleine chimes in. "The way I see it, a title should be awarded for some act of service, rather than just to spite another's pride. But, if such a service were rendered in the name of the Sundew Kingdom, I could certainly find no objection even should I desire to." The vulpix puffs out a cloud of cold air and Madeleine is instantly distracted. "Oh, what a lovely trick! I could show you similar, you know, but, well. It might not be good for local business." She chuckles at her own remark. "Alexis, wherever do you find these most delightful creatures? I am led to understand they're native to your world?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7373|Aidan Proudpick (7373)}} has posed:'''<br>Aidan might normally miss that imp energy, that devilish smile. But he is looking for it. Sarracenia's face. That little smirk. Something in his heart sinks. Maybe coming here was a mistake. Did he misjudge again? "No, please. I don't want to be loyal to anyone but my home. I appreciate the armor very much!" He puts on his smile on his face, but this one isn't as bright. There's empathy instead. Looking across at someone just like himself. His eyes change. Pity? He breathes in slowly. How can he say that. Listen. Really listen.<br><br>He looks around the plaza. "They don't seem to be getting attacked now. And you already took part in the War against The Queen. That has to be enough, right?<br><br>Is this what he is like? Petty? Always looking for a way to dunk Kale. "Sometimes I think about what Quicknest NEEDS. What's a hero going to do for them? Yea, they need someone to cheer, someone to rally around but..." Aidan looks around at the city. "That's only so much. Who makes things safe? Who makes sure everyone is healthy?" He casts a warm smile at Alexis, but then looks once more at Sarracenia. What to say. Don't judge her. Just listen. "Protecting people is important. Being brave is important. But... there are so many elites that do that already."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br>Alexis lets the two have their chat, turning her attention to Madeleine at her inquiry. Though not before noticing the mouthful Tiaga is enjoying, and shakes her head a bit. Her fault for letting her guard down. Though now she does pick the bowl up to prevent future sneaky nommings. "But one example of a Pokemon, but yes, you're right. Creatures of elemental or mystical properties, raised as pets and companions, used for protection and competitive battling." She smirks a little. "Kind of like playing a wargame for sport, but your WMD is a small furball that spits fire or shoots electricity or so forth."<br><br>A pause. Then a faint frown. "Of course there's those wanting to misuse such potential, too."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sarracenia mmphs softly at what Alexis says. "...and I suppose the fleet of airships that were on the front lines and helping with survivor recovery were nothing..." she mutters to herself. Then at a normal tone, "That was not why I gave it to him. I gave it to him because a knight should have at least a semblance of a knightly outfit when he is riding into the breach." she says, smiling lightly. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Madeleine chimes in, and Sarracenia nods in agreement. "Indeed! Services rendered or princesses rescued! Either would be worthy of knighthood!" <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'I don't want to be loyal to anyone but my home.' <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sarracenia scoffs a bit, and seems slightly insulted and a bit hurt at how Aidan's smile fades then returns falsely. "Do I seem like the type to require loyalty in such a circumstance? I am not Lilian..." The princess is certainly petty, and certainly at one point she was petty enough to simply knight someone to spite someone else with no other thoughts given. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'That has to be enough, right?' <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sarracenia hmphs at this. "No. It is never enough. You could save the entire Multiverse and for some it would still not be enough." She is quiet a moment. "...especially when you have dug a pit as deeply as..." she murmurs. She shakes her head, then looks at Aidan again. "But, no. And even if it somehow was enough, new problems would arise. Heroes never stop." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What do you mean who makes things safe and ensures their health? Heroes! Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and types, after all. Heroes such as warriors and officers of the law help make things safe. Heroes such as doctors and nurses help keep people healthy. Very few, if any, can keep an entire settlement safe from everything all at once. One person can only do so much, and faulting yourself for not being able to do everything, well that is just stilly." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She takes the last bite of her ice cream, then sighs softly. "If you want your home to be truly safe, then everyone there must work to keep it safe. And the hero who they can rally behind becomes the most powerful hero to that home. Would you mind being that kind of hero?" <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She looks a bit sad after that. Has she driven another person to think she is just a petty, crazy princess? She holds her spoon half in her mouth again, then takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "I will not take back the armor. It was a gift, and neither a princess nor a hero takes back such a gift. Repair it and rewear it if you wish. Place it in your home as a trophy. Have it reforged into something that will be useful to someone. I do not care...so long as you do not return it to me."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7373|Aidan Proudpick (7373)}} has posed:'''<br>It's like looking in a mirror. Aidan's mouth works slowly, dry. He wants to help. But how. Is there anything to say to her? His eyes search her face. "No." He wants people to... what. Love him? Yes. But why. Why do people love their heroes. Softly, Aidan responds, "The pit is never too deep. We both saved the Multiverse. But what did it do for the people?" Aidan struggles in his mind, trying to reach for the perfect statement. "What's more important. Being their hero that goes out and beats up monsters? Or being someone the city can rely on. Being someone they can turn to." Aidan might be speaking to himself at this point, looking off into the city. "I want people to see me as a Knight. I want them to be happy and safe." He frowns, "But if I'm just off fighting all the time. What then? It isn't about saving the world..." Aidan looks down at the table. "It's about the people. People need someone to care about them. Meika... Petra... I don't know, maybe even Hearthward. Not just them. Angela. Rita. It's not just about going out there and saving the world." He looks up at Sarracenia again. "It's about showing people you care. And being there for them. Other Elites. Your people. It's not enough to just show up when the chips are down. We have to give them more. We need to give them our hearts."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7608|Madeleine Cadrasteia (7608)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madeleine listens intently. "Would you still want to be a knight of someplace, Aidan," she interjects, "if you didn't already have a 'someplace' to call yours? A place with other people in it. I've been thinking, you know. About this tendency of Elites to only show up whenever and wherever there's trouble solvable through brute force. And if I'm one of those Elites, seeing as I barely have a world of my own to attend to. I only have 'when the chips are down'. If I wanted a quiet existence I could convalesce in my sanctuary until my curse rotted me from inside out. Hell, I'm only in town on business. Another clutch of monsters in the wrong place. If I'm dedicated to anything it's the Concord, and then only because they find me work." By the time she's finished speaking, the huntress is staring down at the last of her ice cream, idly pushing it around the bowl with her spoon.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sarracenia takes a seat again, considering what Aidan said. She looks a bit dark now. "Do you know what has happened to me when I tried to give my heart? Almost every time? It was stomped on. The only people I know who did -not- do that are quite possibly those around this table. Petra. Meika. They both did it. I do not really know Hearthward or Angela or Rita, so for those I cannot say. Lilian and I...have bad blood that started years ago now. Not that I particularly want her to like me, but having her hate me is rather inconvenient." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She tries to take a bite of her ice cream, but it is empty now. She huffs and tosses it into a nearby trash can. "But...yes, you are right. Showing up only when the chips are down is not enough. However, showing up when the chips are -not- down is unwelcome. How do we dig out of -that- hole?" she asks, still playing with her spoon at her lips. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She turns some of her attention back to Alexis and Madeleine. "Misusing these adorable creatures is a deed worthy of being hammered." she says, then slowly reaches to give Taiga some more pettings. The princess seems melancholy now, watching nothing in the distance. She listens to Madeleine and nods lightly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br>More pettings are not objected to. If anything Taiga senses Sarracenia's dip in mood and scoots closer across the table to her, leaning against her arm. Again not the warmest of contact, but the effort to calm is there.<br><br>"You two almost make me feel bad for taking to the point that I only get involved in matters I have a personal interest in. Or friends needing help." Alexis shrugs, pausing a moment to finish off the end of the ice cream. "But I got tired of being thrown at someone else's problems. In a war that felt like it was only being fought because the powers that be at the time only knew fighting that war. So, no, that much I do not miss at all."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7373|Aidan Proudpick (7373)}} has posed:'''<br>A glance over at Madeleine, thinking. "Then... I don't know. Even Petra found a family. And she's a broken person, having to rely on everyone else. If you were in danger, I'd come help you." He shrugs, "I don't know who your people are, Madeleine." He flashes her a warm smile, "But I think when you do, you'd give them your heart."<br><br>"Princess. Your problem is that you want three of the most broken hatefilled people to like you. You have to get over it." He shrugs his shoulders again. "Other people? Learn about them. Care about them." A genuine smile comes on his face. "Not that I've been very good at it. But I am going to learn. And listening to Lilian and Petra and Meika will NEVER help. You have to listen to what they aren't saying. They hate something."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sarracenia snorts at the assumption that she wants them to like her. "No I don't! Petra and Meika are trash that deserve everything they get, if you ask me. Lilian's lapdog and a Dark Magical Girl. Lilian is by all accounts a proper hero, but every time she speaks it is grating and unheroic. And the -most- infuriating thing is that Lilian is actually right sometimes." Aidan suggests learning and carring about people. -That- actually makes Sarra kind of mad, but not quite to her well known level of explosive temper. "You think I don't? Why do you think I even reached out to those three? Because they need care! And some self-respect! And I-..." She can't quite bring herself to finish that sentence, because finishing it would be admitting something that is very hard to admit. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sarra smiles slightly at Alexis. "I also got tired of that war. It feels good to do some things that feel like they will make a difference. Or to just 'hang out' on a ranch full of cute magical creatures who do not mind me squeezing them~" She squeezes Taiga a bit to demonstrate, then motions for more ice cream. Which she gives to Taiga despite Alexis's attempts to keep the fox away from it. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Aidan makes a good point though. "Yes...they hate something. And I am fairly certain it is themselves." the princess says. She then looks to Madeleine. "I am sorry, Madeleine. I did not mean to bring gloom to this otherwise sunny day." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Speaking of day, the sun is starting to dip low. Piranha plants are walking the streets, using their fireballs to light street lamps.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br>"It's practically impossible to like or be liked by everyone." It's not a dig at anyone, just a stating of the fact. A soft snort as Alexis stands and discards the dish in the trash. "Especially the ones that feel like they can try to make whoever they decide they don't like feel less than themselves. Cuz yeah, they're not happy with themselves." She's not getting into naming names but there's certainly enough such people out there to go around. "Spite can be a bitter but powerful drug... And I wouldn't say unwelcomed Sarra, but you can't try to fix a problem that isn't there. Don't go chasing windmills calling them monsters." After a moment she sighs and rubs the back of her head with one hand, admitting "I am kind of terrible at this kind of conversation."<br><br>She wasn't trying to keep it away, just keep the fox from eating all of it herself! If spoiling Tiaga a bit helps Sarra feel better she's not going to stop her. She reachs over to scruff the ice' fox's fluffy bangs. "You keep the princess company, I'm gonna go stretch my legs. The rest of you take care too."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7608|Madeleine Cadrasteia (7608)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madeleine looks genuinely embarrassed at the suggestion that she has a heart to give. Sarra's apology snaps her out of abashedly staring into her bowl. "Oh, er, I- it's no worry. Or, it's something I deal with every day anyways, it's no fault of yours that it came to mind." A pause. "Yes, I- I suppose it is getting late in the day. I mean, I do have the rest of the day off, so wouldn't mind paying a visit to the castle. But soon enough I imagine the staff here will be wanting to close up, and it'd be unkind to keep them waiting."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alexis and Madeleine prepare to go, and Sarracenia looks up at them from her seat. "As guests of the princess, you are welcome to stay in the castle for the night. We have dozens of guest rooms and...zero guests." She looks toward Aidan and despite their apparent disagreement she adds, "And you as well, Sir Aidan." <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The princess stands after that, bringing the vulpix and the ice cream with her. "Getting people to like me for something other than my fighting prowess...that has been a battle I have been waging for a while." she muses idly before heading toward the castle.<br> <br>
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