Scene #2799: A Dollmaker's Tailored Gift

Owner	Pose
Alice Margatroid	It's in the evening in Gensokyo, the sun is just setting, the youkai starting to stir and birds in the forest slowly stop their song in time for rest, though for one particular Magician, the lights to her cottage are on, candlelit exterior and interior providing a... almost eerie light, but the owner of the cottage isn't all that eerie. "She's going to be here soon.." Alice mutters, boxing something up and wrapping it.. "I hope she likes it."
Tomoyo Daidouji	Soon, six figures emerge from the borders of the forest! One is much shorter than the others, clearly Tomoyo. She's clad in a pale yellow dress with short puffy sleeves and a big bow on the back, along with brown loafers and a white purse. Her hair has been tied into a French braid that hangs over her left shoulder. Four of the figures are older women, clad in dark suits and dark sunglasses, clearly Tomoyo's bodyguards. The sixth is a youkai guide, whom has something pressed into their hands by Tomoyo before departing. As the the group approches the Western home, Tomoyo seems to admire it, a soft smile on her face. But, it would be rude to snap a photo right now! So they all come up ot the door and the tailor gently raps on it with her knuckles. "Hello, Alice? We're here~"
Alice Margatroid	The Youkai gives a smile and pats Tomoyo's hand as she receives the item before taking off in flight after leading the girl and her troupe to the resiquite destination. "Take care!" she says before she's out of sight. The door opens, seemingly on its own after the announcement and the knock before a pair of dolls show their faces. Shanghai and Hourai. They look between each other and then Tomoyo's bodyguards and tilt their head in confusion before Shanghai darts close and gives the tailor's arm a hug. "Tomoyo!" "Ah, Alice has been waiting for you, she's been fretting over this for some reason." Meanwhile, in the den, Alice has a platter set out of cookies and tea... "Shanghai, Hourai, bring them to the den please." she calls out, the dolls replying with an affirmative statement before trying to tug all five into the house. "Tomoyo has friends with her!"
Tomoyo Daidouji	Tomoyo beams as Alice's favorite dolls answer the door! When Shanghai hugs her arm, she gently pets her on the head while she nods to Hourai. "Hello Shanghai, Hourai~ These ladies are my bodyguards." The four women, seeminly unfazed by the two talking dolls, all bow in unison to them. Tomoyo looks concerned when the dolls say that Alice has been fretting over something though. "Is she okay?" When the dollmaker's voice echos from within, Tomoyo smiles to the dolls. "Lead the way~" If Alice needs some help, Tomoyo would be happy to provide it. The girls needs some good friends, after all. As the dolls take Tomoyo and her guards inside, the four women glance about, taking care that nothing might leap out at their charge. Once they reach the den, Tomoyo smiles and bows to Alice. "Hi Alice~ Sorry for the intrusion of my guards, they insisted on coming along when I mentioned I was going to Gensokyo. Lots of unsavory rumors..."
Alice Margatroid	Hourai and Shanghai return the bow, "For bodyguards, they have quite the manners. It's appreciated. And yes, she's okay." comes Hourai as the two lead the five back to the den. There seems to be more cups than expected, a total of eight there. Maybe she was expecting more but it doesn't matter, everyone seems to be here and that's all Alice needs. A couple of dolls move to pour tea and bring them to the five, "Drink up. There is plenty for everyone. And relax. My house is safe from youkai threats." Alice gestures to a few seats, a couch.. a couple chairs... and the ominous box sitting in front of the fireplace. "I would not blame you for bringing guards, it is possible for one of the Youkai from the Human Village can't take on a few that like to pop up here in the Forest."
Tomoyo Daidouji	Tomoyo giggles. "Well of course~ My mother wouldn't tolerate impolite guards to protect me." Her concern fades when they confirm that Alice is okay too. When the tea is offered, Tomoyo eagerly accepts, taking a small sip! The guards all kind of... look at her. Betraying no emotion, but possibly not happy that she didn't give them a chance to test it first. But, they all take a sip too. Again, very polite~ Tomoyo takes a seat on the couch. One of the bodyguards-with reddish-brown hair cut short and brushed more to her right-says, "If it is all the same, we'll stand thank you." Her voice is quite deadpan, not accusing Alice of anything. Tomoyo huffs a little and smiles apologetically at Alice, before taking a cookie and nibbling on it. Her eyes glance at the box and says, "So, why did you want to see me?"
Alice Margatroid	Alice gives a nod, though when the mention of 'mother' is made, she looks away a bit. She shakes her head and takes a sip of her own tea, a smile betraying something.. "Very well, You are my guests, and I shall not force you to do anything. Do, however, enjoy the area." Alice gives a look towards the box and then towards Tomoyo, "It's... actually something I made. I had some leftover spider silk you gave me and I.." Alice gives a soft sigh, "It's a present. A reminder of my past and something I think would look nice." she smiles once more and moves to hand over the box, "And something else."
Tomoyo Daidouji	The bodyguards nod to Alice, thanking her for her understanding without using words. They remain standing, occasionally sipping at the tea. "Thank you for understanding Alice~" Tomoyo says. "Oh? I'm glad you got so much use out of it!" she says. That look of concern returns when Alice sighs. She tilts her head and looks Alice in the eyes. "Is everything okay? I'm sure it came out great, don't worry..." At least, that's what would upset her when it comes to making things! When Alice gestures to it, Tomoyo stands up to reach over, slowly pulling off the lid. The bodyguards take a more 'ready' stance too, just in case...
Alice Margatroid	Those bodyguards and their defensive nature. She shakes her head some and gives a light dismissive wave. "It's understandable. Gensokyo has quite a few dangers. Though, I do wonder what I have to do to convince your guards there that my home is at least safe." a light chuckle comes before the question, "Oh, yes, everything's fine!" As the box is opened, there is a small, articulate doll wearing some very familiar clothing. In fact, that doll looked like Tomoyo herself and had the same outfit as her work outfit. Under that, though... is a bundle of fabric. White and blue and if Tomoyo was to take it out, it would be a dress, more or less possibly made to fit the intended owner. There's also a blue headband with a blue ribbon on the side too. To Alice, it's a very familiar outfit...
Tomoyo Daidouji	Setting the lid down gently, Tomoyo reaches in to pull out the doll. Her eyes light up in delight as she shows it to her bodyguards. They relax, and quietly apologize to Alice. "Oh my goodness, it's adorable~ Thank you Al-" At this point, she realizes that there was something underneath the doll! Carefully and lovingly, she puts it down to grasp the folded fabric, lifting it out of the box to reveal... a dress. As it unfurls, her whole face lights up, cheeks becoming a little tinged with pink as she holds it against herself. "This is... for me?"
Alice Margatroid	Alice gives a soft nod, "It doesn't have its soul so it can't do anything on its own yet. But I'm sure in time it will. And maybe it will produce danmaku for defense when it does, seeing as its from Gensokyo." she gives a smile and she nods once more as the dress is taken out. "It is." "It's a replica dress from the one I wore when I was your size and age back in Makai. Mom made it for me and it was the comfy and.. with how kind you've been to me, I wanted to repay you properly from dollmaker to tailor. Two craftswomen." of course, Alice seems to be holding back something in her eyes, a finger rubbing the lower lid gently. "Go on, go on, you can use my room to change. Try it on! Hourai, bring her and one of her guards to help."
Tomoyo Daidouji	Tomoyo recognizes the tone that Alice is speaking in. It's thick with nostalgia, of rememberence of days gone by. As Alice starts to rub at her eyes, she tailor nods slowly, setting the dress down to walks over to the dollmaker. "You really miss her, don't you?" Missing someone that terribly... Tomoyo can relate to that. So, she suddenly wraps her arms around Alice, hugging her fondly. "It's wonderful~ Thank you so much." Releasing her, she smiles and goes with Hourai, a bodyguard with long straight black hair accompanying her. Wile they're gone, another one of the guards wordlessly offers Alice a handkerchief, in case she needs it. After a few minutes, Tomoyo returns in the dress. She's freed her hair from the braid, and now just has the ribbon holding it out of her face, the same way that Alice used to. "How do I look~?" She asks, giving a little twirl to make the skirts flare out.
Alice Margatroid	The hug catches the Dollmaker offguard, eyes going wide.. "U.uwah?" Before giving a soft smile, embracing the hug between the two like minded individuals. "So even Humans get this..." she comments, slowly releasing her in turn, watching Hourai, Tomoyo and the guard walk off. Alice looks up, then at the handkercheif... No words are exchanged, seeing how they are short and to the point. She gives a light nod, a smile and starts dabbing her eyes. "Sorry, even us youkai have parents we miss." When Tomoyo returns, Alice gives a bit of a smile. Hourai speaks up, "If it was not for the height difference and hair color, I could mistake her for you, Alice." Alice's smile brightens, seeing her old dress, remade and on a new wearer... "The only place I ask you not to wear that would be if you somehow ended up in Makai. Mom may mistake you for me. Not.. that it would be a bad thing." a soft sigh, "You look wonderful, as good as I did when I was that height."
Tomoyo Daidouji	The bodyguard only nods in understanding as Tomoyo returns. Looking to Hourai, she giggles demurely, apparently very flattered by the comment. "Alice is very pretty, so thank you Hourai~" She takes her seat again, carefully so as to not crease the skirts. "Aww... if she's your mother, I'm sure she's lovely! I would love to meet her." She sips at her tea again, looking at Alice. Back when Sakura was missing, she couldn't really talk with anyone about how much she missed her, since The Mirror was taking her place... So, she reaches a decision. Putting down her cup, she smiles softly at Alice. "Tell me about her."
Alice Margatroid	Alice keeps the hankerchief back, "I'll wash this and return it, don't worry." she smiles to the one who gave it to her before turning to Tomoyo, a light bit of pink flushing across her face from the compliment. "Sh.. she is but Makai's still a dangerous place, I'm not sure how the magic would affect you. But... I... could see if Shinki would come here... but she hasn't replied to any of my letters." she shakes her head some and leans back, sipping on some tea. Shanghai darts off towards a room... and comes back holding a six winged doll.. "Sh..shanghai! Why did you go in there?!" "To show Tomoyo! I'll put it back... it's still pristine in there." "That isn't the point, Shanghai..." "Sorry..." Alice sighs, holding the doll... it looks nearly like Shinki too, even down to the ahoge. "This is mom. Well.. a doll of mom. She led Makai and was stopped from an expansion in Gensokyo by Reimu, Marisa, Yuuka and Mima." she places the doll in her lap and sighs, "I tried to stop them but they were powerful... and mom razed Makai to try and drive them off... and failed. I escaped to Gensokyo and made my life here but... I want to return to Makai... to see how she is.. and how it's recovered."
Tomoyo Daidouji	The bodyguard nods her thanks, while Tomoyo listens close to Alice's tale. "Not answering? Oh dear..." When Shanghai comes in with the little doll, Tomoyo winces at Alice's tone. She understands how she feels, having something precious that was put away taken out without consent. "Oh? She's very pretty, I see where you get it from," she says, trying to cut through the awkward atmosphere as she leans over to examine the Shinki doll. "The craftsmanship is amazing... I can tell you put all your love into this." She listens close to the tragic tale, her face falling. "Oh Alice, I'm so sorry..." She reaches over to squeeze the dollmaker's wrist comfortingly. remaining silent for a moment. "If... if you ever need help going to Makai, let me know. I can't do much but... if you need some help with funds or supplies or something. And, if you ever do go, I would go with you, if you wanted."
Alice Margatroid	Alice grips those hands softly, shaking her head. "It's not money... or supplies. It's... just going." she comments, "And... there's nothing to be sorry about. They did what they needed to do. I'm.. friends with two of them now.. it's bee that long. As for you going... you don't know how to fly here." she shakes her head some... "It.. I don't think it's hard to learn but .. I've been here a long time." Alice leans back.. "I've made these dolls since I came to Gensokyo, Tomoyo and... like with Shanghai and Hourai here.. I do put every bit I can in them, like you do with your clothing." a pause, "It's almost as if we're the same person in different circumstance." a pause, looking towards Hourai and Shanghai... both of them giving a light nod. "I will see about making an expedition to Makai... to see Mom.. but if you wish to go along.. you need something to fly with and I'll have my remote dolls surround you.." a look to the bodyguards... "And they have to stay home or in my cottage."
Alice Margatroid	"It will be dangerous but if you still wish to go... I'll take you." Alice adds, taking a look to the bodyguards, "And I promise she will come back with not a thread misplaced on her outfit."
Tomoyo Daidouji	Tomoyo shakes her head sadly. "I don't have anything that lets me fly, no. That's something I've always wanted though..." Her eyes gleam with a wistfulness behind the concern for Alice. "Learning to fly? That might be futile when it comes to me. I don't have a single bit of magic. I'll have to find something else." Well, at least she's not given up on it! When Alice paints the comparison, Tomoyo starts listing the similarities. "Passionate about our craft, powerful mothers we don't get to see as often as we would like, living in beautiful Western-style homes... goodness, you do have a point there~" And that's just the similarities she knows! You could also put down 'friends with powerful yet ditzy magicians' on there too. Tomoyo glances meaningfully at her bodyguards, who all look among themselves. Eventually, one nods. "We would trust you with her safety." Tomoyo beams at that, looking back to Alice. "Alright! I'll make finding something that lets me fly my top priority~!"
Alice Margatroid	And finally, Alice cracks that tough shell that is Tomoyo's bodyguards. Alice moves to stand up and give a very formal bow to the four. "I will make her safety my priority." Hourai and Shanghai bow in the air as well. "You have my word." When Tomoyo lists the similarities, she gives a light chuckle. "Perhaps when we're done with Makai, I will give you a proper tour around Gensokyo. And I've been meaning to get a tour around Tomoeda as well. If you would not mind being my guide, that is." she gives a soft smile, her evening already picking up. "Though, it is late tonight, I would have you and your guards as guests for the evening. There are plenty of rooms and I can station my dolls around your door to make sure nothing happens." She looks towards the bodyguards and smiles, "You four cannot be always guarding her, you need your rest too, so please do not protest and relax for the evening. In fact, there is a hot spring near the Human Village that I will treat you all to tomorrow after a good rest." she nods.
Tomoyo Daidouji	The bodyguards seem placated by that, at least. Hard to tell with their stoic expressions. But, they do return the bows that Alice and her dolls offer them. Tomoyo smiles and nods! "I would love to see Gensokyo sometime! nd I would be happy to show you around Tomoeda too. It's a lovely little town~" When the offer to spend the night is extended, one of the bodyguards looks outside. "It is getting dark, and those woods were thick. Finding the markers we left will not be easy. So, we will accept your offer, Miss Margatroid. Thank you." Tomoyo seems quite content with this! "Thank you Alice~ I keep telling them to take it easy... but they're my mothers employees, not mine." She huffs good-naturedly and stands up. "A hot spring sounds wonderful~ Since you're being so accomodating, you had better leave dinner to us!"