One of the two similarly-wrapped boxes that finds its way to the Mikotoba residence contains a stuffed rabbit doll with a pattern of constellations on its back, and in the dark, it will project a sea of stars onto the surfaces around it by magic.
It doesn't have a label of any kind, but hopefully the family will be able to tell whose gift is whose. As far as who it's from, there's no indication, but Susato may recall some similarly-themed items from a certain shop...
[Exactly two days after 76's surgery thanks to Ent damage, Reaper had managed to come out of the cave with enough good sense to finally be able to check in.]
Was there any trouble with the pain medication that I gave you?
Somehow, she expected this, though maybe not so soon. She still manages to look startled when the message arrives, and it doesn't help matters that she's been overworking herself, or that she'd stayed up most of the night. The response comes after a small delay, handwriting neat as it could be given her lack of sleep. ]
No. I am no nurse, but I managed with your instructions.
[ Recalling the time she spent with Rei, who actually was a nurse, and her father's assistant...well, it helped. Though Reaper doesn't have to know that she had never stabbed anyone with a needle before, nor the way she winced at 76's reaction. ]
...My father is a good doctor. The surgery was a success.
[A bit before Kazuma takes his leave to go after 76, he'll be considerate and send a message to Susato first. He's trying the thing with not keeping everything to himself, all right?]
Something has happened to 76. Do not leave your home. I suspect he might have finally turned.
[ It's night when Susato receives his message, which comes as a surprise, but perhaps not as much as it could have been. For a moment, all she can do is stare, hand covering her mouth; eyes frantic, as she glances in the direction of the room where Jack once stayed.
Does she ask her father what she should do?
...The flowers. The anti-noctaere flowers--the glowing dawns. They have the only ones left now. Could they--? ]
[ Ultimately though, she recognizes that this is something Kazuma has to do. She once told him that she can't trail behind him forever. If there was ever a time for her protection charms to work, it would be now, but she tries not to think about the fact that it sounds like one already failed.
She crosses out what she's written, the start of a million questions running through her mind. ]
I understand. Please tell me what is going on when it is safe to do so. Bring him back.
[ . . . She can't help but feel like something is missing. Something she's not saying, or--
But she stops there, not expecting a response, but continuously nervously checking regardless. ]
[Kazuma has been keeping his distance from the Mikotobas while he's still stuck as a Noctaere. He's claimed the living area, since it was the furthest spot from their private rooms, and they would be able to see him. Eventhough there was a guest room, he didn't think it would be good to destroy their property further. He already planned to fix up their front door when he's more of himself.
Dawn flower petals were scattered all around their home, there to keep him calm and his mind together. He'd still leave the place unannounced to hunt though, or relax in the greenhouse when he feels he's made their home just a little too cold. He's not taking in as much heat as the days pass, but it's still noticeable when the temperature dips.
On one particular night, he picks up on a familiar scent. His tongue flicks the air curiously. Not too far from where he was, someone was having a nightmare. Another one...
It's been hard to ignore the amount of bad dreams happening in this home. The cause could be the current state of this place or... likely because of himself. That imagery he brought when he arrived to them isn't something one can easily forget. Rather than feel hunger, he just feels guilt, knowing nightmares are coming from the Mikotoba's. He wants to help, but he doesn't know how. Maybe moving more of these flower petals into their rooms...?
He gets up, needing to hunch over due to his giant size. His steps are uneven, still limping from wounds that are healing. He picks up a jar that had those dawn flower petals inside. Not a whole lot left. Quietly, he approaches Susato's room first. How does he get in without destroying another door frame though...? His brows raise upon realizing something. He sets down the jar, pushing it as far into the room as he can. He then transforms into a large white serpent. Proportionally smaller than his giant Noctaere self, he's able to crawl through the opening, though the door frame still creaks a little as the wider part of his body comes through.]
[ The first thing Kazuma may notice before he even slithers his way to her door is the fact that Susato's lights are still on. He would be forgiven for thinking she is still awake, but she definitely is not, rolled over and sprawled as she is on her bed as she is. She's shivering, because the house has definitely been colder, but also sweating, and she's kicked her blankets onto the floor. Iris the bunny seems to have fallen as well, tossed onto the floor, and there seem to be perfectly square pieces of variously colored paper left on her bed; some are still more or less in good condition, but others may be crinkled from her tossing and turning.
How long has she been like this? Her hair is loose and equally a mess, at least compared to how neatly she normally kept it. Next to her bed on the shelf sits a few necklace-sized, mostly empty jars, save for one that it seemed she'd been working on filling with small origami cranes. Another, far larger jar follows that one, not unlike the one Kazuma pushed into the room. This one is also filled most of the way with the shine of dried Glowing Dawn petals. They're not scattered about her room like they are in the more common areas of the house, but Kazuma had been so reclusive that she really didn't think she'd have to worry about having him in her room again any time soon. ]
. . .
[ There is a quiet whining, pleading behind her voice, but if she says anything at all, it's unintelligible. She doesn't appear to react or stir to the sound of her door creaking open.
Because if there's one thing worse than dying in a dream herself (which she's already done), it's watching everyone she cares about die all around her. And she's either powerless to stop it, or she's the cause.
[ She can feel a gentle tingling sensation running in the opposite direction as his hand trails up her back and into her hair, just enough to send sparks to keep her awake. Her head rolls into his touch for a moment and she blinks her eyes open, just in time to catch his lips atop her forehead.
It's warm, and she knows that it's not all from Kazuma. It is the strangest feeling, to selfishly want more and yet be so completely satisfied at the same time, but at least she knows one thing.
His presence really is like a protective blanket. At the moment, it feels just right, and even though she said as much, she can't imagine ever wanting to kick it off.
She looks up at him with a surprising sense of clarity. ]
I... [ There's a pause. It's almost like she's about to say something else, but in the end, she continues in a light tone. ] I was going to mummify your legs next, but you have a talent for ruining my plans.
[ Her face lights up just a bit in recognition, because 76 certainly talked about Egypt. She doesn't allow this to interrupt the dance, however. She's following his lead like before, and she's keeping up, so surely she can't be doing that badly...? Leave it to Sholmes though for the sentiment to take a rather morid turn. ]
Me? Fight? ...I wonder if the rigorous training wouldn't kill me first. I think my battles are best fought in the courtroom.
[ Though whether she'd ever see the inside of one ever again remains to be seen. ]
[ Susato admires the little wings as he takes a better look, and her face kind of lights up as it hits her why she saw wolf features. His comment, even in jest, was said so flatly it takes her a moment, but she lets out a very light chuckle. ]
I didn't know she liked owls.
[ ...Eating them, perhaps? Nah, she won't think about that. ]
I'm glad they're getting along. Was she friends with Fang?
[ It can make a big difference in your life. Susato is quiet for a moment, taking in his words. There might have been the makings of a smile, and Alphen never would have been able to tell that some of the "difference" she was considering weren't all inherently good. ]
Yes... he has.
[ She just leaves it at that, though... for now. ]
Do you look up to her as well? ...Who is she?
. . . And, forgive me for not asking sooner, but what is your name?
. . . Different teams. [ She chuckles. ] Well, I suppose they intersect. My father is a professor, and he worked in a lab at Yumei University when he wasn't overseas.
I am a judicial assistant. When I say 'our cases,' I really mean the ones I am working with the lawyer to which I've been assigned.
[ For a moment, Susato wonders just how well Sora knows Kazuma, but at the invitation, she decides to put it aside in her mind, for now. She looks at little surprised at the way Sora suddenly puts his hands up, but in the end, she just casts a glance over her remaining display. ]
Um... sure. Even if it's not a giant rabbit, maybe I can win something for Kazuma, too... [ She might be trailing off, like she's thinking to herself. Don't perceive her. ]
...Could you help me pass out the rest of these, then?
[ Susato finds her journal quickly enough and is scribbling when Tifa answers. She looks up to see Tifa holding out the hairclip, so she'll definitely go out of her way to stop and put it back in her hair where it belongs. ]
Thank you. [ For returning it. Said in passing before she continues: ] Nothing to worry about, I promise.
I'll find him yet, but at least let me help you with the dogs in the meantime. It was hard enough to keep hold of Aerona, so I can only imagine how much of a handful both of them will be.
[ After scribbling off something quickly to him in the journal, she'll put it away again. ]
[It's just after closing that Tifa's cleaned up the bar and seeks out Susato, finding her in the back of the restaurant finishing up with her end-of-day duties. With a towel slung over her shoulder, she sneaks up from behind and gives a little knock with her knuckle against the wall that she leans against, and she puts on a sleepy, crooked, but entirely genuine smile.]
[ Her end-of-day duties mostly include cleaning and preparing things for the next day. At the moment she finds herself in the kitchen, water running in the sink as she finishes scrubbing it down. The knock does exactly what it needs to do and gets her attention immediately. Her head turns as she twists the faucet off.
Tifa gets a tired smile in return. One that is less bright than one she would give a customer, but it's also far more genuine. ]
Oh, no. I just finished, actually. [ Even if she hadn't, she would've said no. Her eyes flicker to Tifa's necklace briefly. She wonders if she needs something. ] How were things at the bar?
[About a week after this incident. Hans considered checking up on her immediately after the dream, but giving her some space felt like the better option.]
[ When Susato woke up that morning, it was not unlike any other nightmare she's ever had. It's not as though she's been a stranger to the theme of ice in her nightmares either as of late, so she doesn't think anything of the shivers that followed her throughout the day.
The week-long lapse likely helped. The feeling of betrayal is far less intense now, though seeing his message still comes as a shock. It takes a moment before she knows how to respond. ]
I will be free shortly. [ She doesn't even know how to address him anymore. Should she still call him Prince? Maybe that dream was just that, but she doesn't think it's a coincidence, combined with what he said on the moon. ] Where would you like to meet?
[ Susato will find a small box, wrapped in black and tied with a blue ribbon, addressed to her. On it is a single a note, and written in gold is the following: ]
Maiden Susato,
May this winter solstice find you in good spirits and health.
Somnus Lucis Caelum
[ Within the box are two pairs of hand-crafted earrings: the first, that of flowers; the second, that of drop earrings. ]
[ The response comes sometime the next day, if only because Susato hadn't entirely decided whether she should open it right away or wait until the appointed holiday. It's simply proper, after all! But then... she remembers that she has given a few of her own gifts early.
...So she'll allow it for herself, just this once. ]
Dear Mr Somnus Lucis Caelum,
Thank you so much for your lovely gifts. I hope you don't mind that I have opened them a little early, but please know that I adore them. Happy Christmas, and may we see you at the Harvest again soon!
[ On Christmas morning, Susato will find a neatly wrapped gift waiting for her on her doorstep. A letter is attached, written in Zelda's pristine cursive handwriting. ]
Dearest Susato,
Warm tidings to you on this holiday.
Please accept this gift, my cherished friend, in honor of my homeland's patron goddess. This is a common Hyrulean cooking ingredient, widely used both for its healing properties and its taste. Food flavored with this herb helps to speed the healing process, whether one is injured by wounds or illness.
May the Goddess smile upon you, Zelda, Princess of Hyrule
[ Inside the box are two light-tan colored hair ribbons, each end delicately embroidered with a lily of the valley design. There are also three bottles of ground dried Hyrule herb, which smells and tastes like a combination of thyme and rosemary. The label is written in Hyrulean script, but Zelda has penned a translation on the back: "Hyrule Herb. From the plains of central Hyrule, guaranteed to make your meal 30% healthier." ]
[ Christmas day itself is a relatively quiet endeavor. Perhaps it had been a mistake to allow so many of her own gifts to be opened early by her friends who live there, but for Zelda at least, it means a quicker response time, though it's still later in the day after a comfortable, lazy morning. ]
Dearest Zelda,
What a thoughtful gift! I am so excited to share this herb with the rest of the staff, but I will also make sure to hold some of it for when it counts the most. I can hardly believe how many seasons have passed since we met that fateful night in the snow, when I was still seeking to help a friend heal in my own way.
Speaking of which, I thought the lovely flowers on these hair ribbons looked familiar, so I looked them up. A "return to happiness," is it?
I wish the same for you and your knight, and I sincerely hope that you enjoyed the tacos I made, along with the accompanying recipe. There are many different kinds, so feel free to experiment together! I eagerly await the results.
Sincerely, Susato Mikotoba
Early February ♥ → Text (to Start) → Sender: Beatrix
[Of everything else that may or may not necessarily be particularly pleasant to wake to, Dohalim has done his very best to inform her of things that has gone on during her sleep. No matter how well that's gone, however, she always feels awkwardly out of place when she's attempting to piece things together.
A month's absence will do that to even the most devoted woman.
That said, Susato's present finds her well and she decides that she will put them to good use. Almost immediately, in fact.]
I believe you left me a present.
[It sounds so accusatory, but—]
Thank you, Susato. I am very touched that you thought of me. Would that I could have received them in person.
[ Susato's relief practically jumps off the page as her pen trails along the page. This is not the first time she has endured such a long sleep, and she is grateful that there was Dohalim to look after her, but nevertheless, she had been concerned enough while giving Dohalim his space. ]
You are awake at last. Have you opened it?
[ It would have been in a small box, which was then placed inside a gift bag with a card, adorned with kind wishes for the General for the holidays. ]
[It was a quiet time around the house. The boys are out, leaving just Gina and Susato around right now. Toby naps by Gina's feet, while Gina's cleaning her little gas gun with a rag. She's trying not to think of a bizarre and embarrassing dream she had, so she's focused on this for the moment, until something else manages to catch her attention. A strange noise that she can't quite place? Confused, she looks up towards Susato.]
[ With everyone out of the house and the gnomes done with their work, Susato is relieved to finally have a quiet moment to read. Perhaps it is a mistake to get too comfortable, as there is always something more to do around the restaurant, but when Gina speaks, Susato looks up from her book: a rather thick one titled The Complete Tales & Poems of Edgar Allen Poe.
If she hadn't been paying attention before, she certainly is now, and as she opens her mouth to respond, a quiet knocking can be heard. ]
We're throwing a SURPRISE birthday log for Tifa, but it's also a surprise for Sheila, too. So please don't say anything!!
To pull this off, we would like everyone to pre-write any birthday messages and gifts for Tifa. Once the log is up, we need everyone who is able to quickly leave their comments in the designated thread. If you can't make the window, that's okay!! You can still comment later. Just the more we have at the start, the better.
The log will be posted sometime around midnight, Saturday April 29 CST (when Sheila is asleep) and we'll have until around noon (12 hours) to try and get as many comments in as possible. We might have a few more hours depending on when Sheila is online, but let's try and aim for noon! If she doesn't see it herself, Laena will be sending Sheila the link no later than 3PM central that Saturday.
We'll send PMs via plurk and Discord with a link to the thread when it's up!
If you'd like your character to do something special for Tifa FEEL FREE! We're going to keep the log simple and it will have an open bar toplevel for general mingling, but you will be able to make additional toplevels on the log if you want to.
If you have any questions or want to let us know what your character will help with, contact Laena.
late Dec
It doesn't have a label of any kind, but hopefully the family will be able to tell whose gift is whose. As far as who it's from, there's no indication, but Susato may recall some similarly-themed items from a certain shop...
January
Was there any trouble with the pain medication that I gave you?
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Somehow, she expected this, though maybe not so soon. She still manages to look startled when the message arrives, and it doesn't help matters that she's been overworking herself, or that she'd stayed up most of the night. The response comes after a small delay, handwriting neat as it could be given her lack of sleep. ]
No. I am no nurse, but I managed with your instructions.
[ Recalling the time she spent with Rei, who actually was a nurse, and her father's assistant...well, it helped. Though Reaper doesn't have to know that she had never stabbed anyone with a needle before, nor the way she winced at 76's reaction. ]
...My father is a good doctor. The surgery was a success.
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Early-Mid Feb. After all the nightmare dreamwalking stuff.
Something has happened to 76. Do not leave your home. I suspect he might have finally turned.
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Does she ask her father what she should do?
...The flowers. The anti-noctaere flowers--the glowing dawns. They have the only ones left now. Could they--? ]
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She crosses out what she's written, the start of a million questions running through her mind. ]
I understand. Please tell me what is going on when it is safe to do so. Bring him back.
[ . . . She can't help but feel like something is missing. Something she's not saying, or--
But she stops there, not expecting a response, but continuously nervously checking regardless. ]
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CW: Eating live animals imagery
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A few days to a week after Kazuma is recovered
Dawn flower petals were scattered all around their home, there to keep him calm and his mind together. He'd still leave the place unannounced to hunt though, or relax in the greenhouse when he feels he's made their home just a little too cold. He's not taking in as much heat as the days pass, but it's still noticeable when the temperature dips.
On one particular night, he picks up on a familiar scent. His tongue flicks the air curiously. Not too far from where he was, someone was having a nightmare. Another one...
It's been hard to ignore the amount of bad dreams happening in this home. The cause could be the current state of this place or... likely because of himself. That imagery he brought when he arrived to them isn't something one can easily forget. Rather than feel hunger, he just feels guilt, knowing nightmares are coming from the Mikotoba's. He wants to help, but he doesn't know how. Maybe moving more of these flower petals into their rooms...?
He gets up, needing to hunch over due to his giant size. His steps are uneven, still limping from wounds that are healing. He picks up a jar that had those dawn flower petals inside. Not a whole lot left. Quietly, he approaches Susato's room first. How does he get in without destroying another door frame though...? His brows raise upon realizing something. He sets down the jar, pushing it as far into the room as he can. He then transforms into a large white serpent. Proportionally smaller than his giant Noctaere self, he's able to crawl through the opening, though the door frame still creaks a little as the wider part of his body comes through.]
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How long has she been like this? Her hair is loose and equally a mess, at least compared to how neatly she normally kept it. Next to her bed on the shelf sits a few necklace-sized, mostly empty jars, save for one that it seemed she'd been working on filling with small origami cranes. Another, far larger jar follows that one, not unlike the one Kazuma pushed into the room. This one is also filled most of the way with the shine of dried Glowing Dawn petals. They're not scattered about her room like they are in the more common areas of the house, but Kazuma had been so reclusive that she really didn't think she'd have to worry about having him in her room again any time soon. ]
. . .
[ There is a quiet whining, pleading behind her voice, but if she says anything at all, it's unintelligible. She doesn't appear to react or stir to the sound of her door creaking open.
Because if there's one thing worse than dying in a dream herself (which she's already done), it's watching everyone she cares about die all around her. And she's either powerless to stop it, or she's the cause.
To her, they're one and the same. ]
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flower fest overflow 🌸 from april 2022
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[ She can feel a gentle tingling sensation running in the opposite direction as his hand trails up her back and into her hair, just enough to send sparks to keep her awake. Her head rolls into his touch for a moment and she blinks her eyes open, just in time to catch his lips atop her forehead.
It's warm, and she knows that it's not all from Kazuma. It is the strangest feeling, to selfishly want more and yet be so completely satisfied at the same time, but at least she knows one thing.
His presence really is like a protective blanket. At the moment, it feels just right, and even though she said as much, she can't imagine ever wanting to kick it off.
She looks up at him with a surprising sense of clarity. ]
I... [ There's a pause. It's almost like she's about to say something else, but in the end, she continues in a light tone. ] I was going to mummify your legs next, but you have a talent for ruining my plans.
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[ Her face lights up just a bit in recognition, because 76 certainly talked about Egypt. She doesn't allow this to interrupt the dance, however. She's following his lead like before, and she's keeping up, so surely she can't be doing that badly...? Leave it to Sholmes though for the sentiment to take a rather morid turn. ]
Me? Fight? ...I wonder if the rigorous training wouldn't kill me first. I think my battles are best fought in the courtroom.
[ Though whether she'd ever see the inside of one ever again remains to be seen. ]
Unrelatedly... did he ever mention a gorilla?
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[ Susato admires the little wings as he takes a better look, and her face kind of lights up as it hits her why she saw wolf features. His comment, even in jest, was said so flatly it takes her a moment, but she lets out a very light chuckle. ]
I didn't know she liked owls.
[ ...Eating them, perhaps? Nah, she won't think about that. ]
I'm glad they're getting along. Was she friends with Fang?
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[ It can make a big difference in your life. Susato is quiet for a moment, taking in his words. There might have been the makings of a smile, and Alphen never would have been able to tell that some of the "difference" she was considering weren't all inherently good. ]
Yes... he has.
[ She just leaves it at that, though... for now. ]
Do you look up to her as well? ...Who is she?
. . . And, forgive me for not asking sooner, but what is your name?
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. . . Different teams. [ She chuckles. ] Well, I suppose they intersect. My father is a professor, and he worked in a lab at Yumei University when he wasn't overseas.
I am a judicial assistant. When I say 'our cases,' I really mean the ones I am working with the lawyer to which I've been assigned.
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[ For a moment, Susato wonders just how well Sora knows Kazuma, but at the invitation, she decides to put it aside in her mind, for now. She looks at little surprised at the way Sora suddenly puts his hands up, but in the end, she just casts a glance over her remaining display. ]
Um... sure. Even if it's not a giant rabbit, maybe I can win something for Kazuma, too... [ She might be trailing off, like she's thinking to herself. Don't perceive her. ]
...Could you help me pass out the rest of these, then?
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[ Susato finds her journal quickly enough and is scribbling when Tifa answers. She looks up to see Tifa holding out the hairclip, so she'll definitely go out of her way to stop and put it back in her hair where it belongs. ]
Thank you. [ For returning it. Said in passing before she continues: ] Nothing to worry about, I promise.
I'll find him yet, but at least let me help you with the dogs in the meantime. It was hard enough to keep hold of Aerona, so I can only imagine how much of a handful both of them will be.
[ After scribbling off something quickly to him in the journal, she'll put it away again. ]
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if you want, we can wrap on this and make room for a new thread after your hiatus (?) :)
I think we're at a good wrap. I would love to do something new when I get back!!
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sender: venti
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[ Well, this is a surprise. Did he finally decide to find a place to live? ]
Yumie says hello. What is the wonderful news?
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action, early august at the wild harvest
Need any help?
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Tifa gets a tired smile in return. One that is less bright than one she would give a customer, but it's also far more genuine. ]
Oh, no. I just finished, actually. [ Even if she hadn't, she would've said no. Her eyes flicker to Tifa's necklace briefly. She wonders if she needs something. ] How were things at the bar?
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backdated to around 9/18; journal
Lady Susato, are you available to speak?
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The week-long lapse likely helped. The feeling of betrayal is far less intense now, though seeing his message still comes as a shock. It takes a moment before she knows how to respond. ]
I will be free shortly. [ She doesn't even know how to address him anymore. Should she still call him Prince? Maybe that dream was just that, but she doesn't think it's a coincidence, combined with what he said on the moon. ] Where would you like to meet?
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backdated to 12/21
Maiden Susato,
May this winter solstice find you in good spirits and health.
Somnus Lucis Caelum
[ Within the box are two pairs of hand-crafted earrings: the first, that of flowers; the second, that of drop earrings. ]
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...So she'll allow it for herself, just this once. ]
Dear Mr Somnus Lucis Caelum,
Thank you so much for your lovely gifts. I hope you don't mind that I have opened them a little early, but please know that I adore them. Happy Christmas, and may we see you at the Harvest again soon!
If you need more Dawn petals, you need only ask.
Sincerely,
Susato Mikotoba
belated christmas present
[ Inside the box are two light-tan colored hair ribbons, each end delicately embroidered with a lily of the valley design. There are also three bottles of ground dried Hyrule herb, which smells and tastes like a combination of thyme and rosemary. The label is written in Hyrulean script, but Zelda has penned a translation on the back: "Hyrule Herb. From the plains of central Hyrule, guaranteed to make your meal 30% healthier." ]
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Dearest Zelda,
What a thoughtful gift! I am so excited to share this herb with the rest of the staff, but I will also make sure to hold some of it for when it counts the most. I can hardly believe how many seasons have passed since we met that fateful night in the snow, when I was still seeking to help a friend heal in my own way.
Speaking of which, I thought the lovely flowers on these hair ribbons looked familiar, so I looked them up. A "return to happiness," is it?
I wish the same for you and your knight, and I sincerely hope that you enjoyed the tacos I made, along with the accompanying recipe. There are many different kinds, so feel free to experiment together! I eagerly await the results.
Sincerely,
Susato Mikotoba
Early February ♥ → Text (to Start) → Sender: Beatrix
A month's absence will do that to even the most devoted woman.
That said, Susato's present finds her well and she decides that she will put them to good use. Almost immediately, in fact.]
I believe you left me a present.
[It sounds so accusatory, but—]
Thank you, Susato. I am very touched that you thought of me. Would that I could have received them in person.
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[ Susato's relief practically jumps off the page as her pen trails along the page. This is not the first time she has endured such a long sleep, and she is grateful that there was Dohalim to look after her, but nevertheless, she had been concerned enough while giving Dohalim his space. ]
You are awake at last. Have you opened it?
[ It would have been in a small box, which was then placed inside a gift bag with a card, adorned with kind wishes for the General for the holidays. ]
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Action - Early February?
Oi Sooze, you 'ear sometin' just now?
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If she hadn't been paying attention before, she certainly is now, and as she opens her mouth to respond, a quiet knocking can be heard. ]
Hm? ...Where is that coming from?
[ Answer: yes. She hears it! ]
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[ooc note: HEY GUYS THIS IS IMPORTANT!!
SCREEN THE COMMENT BEFORE READING FURTHER!
We're throwing a SURPRISE birthday log for Tifa, but it's also a surprise for Sheila, too. So please don't say anything!!
To pull this off, we would like everyone to pre-write any birthday messages and gifts for Tifa. Once the log is up, we need everyone who is able to quickly leave their comments in the designated thread. If you can't make the window, that's okay!! You can still comment later. Just the more we have at the start, the better.
The log will be posted sometime around midnight, Saturday April 29 CST (when Sheila is asleep) and we'll have until around noon (12 hours) to try and get as many comments in as possible. We might have a few more hours depending on when Sheila is online, but let's try and aim for noon! If she doesn't see it herself, Laena will be sending Sheila the link no later than 3PM central that Saturday.
We'll send PMs via plurk and Discord with a link to the thread when it's up!
If you'd like your character to do something special for Tifa FEEL FREE! We're going to keep the log simple and it will have an open bar toplevel for general mingling, but you will be able to make additional toplevels on the log if you want to.
If you have any questions or want to let us know what your character will help with, contact Laena.
Thanks everyone! ❤️]
after the window breaking incident
[ Rei has some issues. ]
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[ It hits a little different when you don't have to pay for anything, but still... ]
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