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 Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 5:39 pm
This is a PRP between Atma and Rapid The search for a new bakery was imminent. He couldn’t possibly go back to the bakery he had frequented in the past. The route there and back held too many unpleasant memories for the Sigel. His lack of awareness which caused him to be caught unawares, his inability to defend himself against a fellow Raevan and last but not least, his failure to stop the rampaging raevan from getting away. That sat rather heavily on the white Sigel’s conscience. Because of that, he simply….could not bear the thought of traversing that stretch of road anymore. Well, for the time being at least. His sword bumped gently against his hip and Xiu touched its hilt sheepishly. He was uncomfortable floating around with such an object at hand but after what had happened… Xiu had vowed never to be caught unprepared again. Several people glanced at the Sigel as he made his way through the busy streets. Xiu chose to believe that it had more to do with him being a Raevan than the sword at his side. There were several people carrying umbrella swords with them after all and surely, his could be passed for one of those? A bus had arrived at a nearby bus stand and Xiu absently got onto it. This was the bus to Gambino. Perhaps he could drop by the Lab and see Lazarus after buying some patries. Xiu remembered Lazarus showing particular fondness for fruity pastries while Doctor Kyou preferred sweets and cakes. But that still did not solve the issue of…which bakery? There were several in Gambino and Lazarus had often bought his baked products from the bakery closest to the Lab. Perhaps he should try finding a different one. Just to surprise Lazarus. Smiling slightly at the thought (and causing several young ladies to look his way), Xiu got off at the seaside stop in Gambino. This looks like a promising place thought the Sigel to himself when he noticed a young couple across the street carrying a bag containing several boxes of what appeared to be pastries. Approaching them, it wasn’t long before the white Sigel was making his way towards “Vermillion Bakery”. According to the couple, the confectionaries sold there were second to none. Feeling hopeful, Xiu approached the small bakery and floated in.
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Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 6:44 pm
A soft bell tinkled as Xiu opened the door to Vermillion bakery, the sound quiet beneath the gentle music playing in the background. The small bakery was decorated brightly but simply for the arrival of spring, and there were a few patrons waiting in line and sitting in the few bakery tables. The pastries and baked goods shone prettily in their display cases, and the smell of cream and sugar danced enticingly in the air.
To the left, as Xiu entered, was a tall man in jeans and a simple white tee, working diligently on fixing some defect in the window's display case, his hands wrapped around a piece of sheet metal that he was slotting neatly back into place. He had a multitool in his mouth as he worked, his grey-green eyes focused on the task at hand, and only barely looked up as Xiu entered.
And then he did a double take, looking back at the white-haired Raevan again, his expression not quite surprise. There was something of recognition in his gaze.
He took the screwdriver-tool quickly out of his mouth and stood, waving a hand to greet Xiu.
"Oi, hullo," he said, his voice betraying an accent. "You here to visit Cesc?"
The pointed behind himself, toward the back of the bakery. "He might be working back now, if you want me to get 'im for yeh."
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Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 7:13 pm
The interior of the bakery was tastefully decorated and Xiu was amazed by the vast selection of pastries and baked goods available. One was certainly spoiled for choice over here. But where was the person in charge? There didn’t seem to be anyone behind the counter, not as far as the Sigel could see. Several people were already beginning to glance his way and Xiu was all at once being self conscious; not realizing that several of them wore looks of amused interest rather than outward surprise. He should not have brought his sword along….
Blue eyes swept through the store once more and landed on a man working intently on a display case. The person had a strong built and could certainly be considered “good looking” by any yardstick. He was also holding a multitool between his lips and that emphasized his masculinity even more, if that were possible. Xiu resisted the urge to flare his wings in an attempt to seem bigger and more intimidating himself.
It then that the human seemed to have noticed him and Xiu was startled by the words that the other spoke. Cesc? Cesc the raevan was working here?
Numbly the Sigel nodded his head, relief and amazement showing clearly on his face. A familiar face in an unfamiliar crowd was a welcomed sight indeed.
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Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 7:23 pm
The man's face lit into a half-grin as Xiu nodded. Having no idea as to Xiu's mute condition, he seemed to simply think the other was shy, and did not trouble him any further for conversation.
"Right, then," he said simply, and with a nod he went quickly into the back of the bakery, disappearing and leaving Xiu alone to the semi-surreptitious curious glances of other bakery patrons.
But he was not left alone for long. Not soon after the tall ginger disappeared, he returned with a pink-haired stag, who was holding a cup of steaming hot chocolate in his hand. The stag certainly looked like he was working, wearing a black apron over a crisp, well-fitted white button down shirt, the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. Cesc's eyes brightened as he saw Xiu, and he waved the Raevan up to the front of the store. He gave a waiting patron the cup of cocoa and Shepard waved him off of the register, allowing him to float over to the side of the bakery counter to greet Xiu.
"Xiu!" Rhedefre's voice was warm with pleasure. "What a nice surprise. What brings you in town? It has been too long."
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Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 7:38 pm
While the other left to fetch Cesc, Xiu tried to look as inconspicuous as possible. Thankfully the wait was not long and Cesc appeared soon after with a cup of hot chocolate in his hands. Xiu had to hide a smile of amusement at this. The Frei looked right at home here with his warm colours in the warm setting of the bakery.
I was searching for a different bakery to try out the Sigel wrote in his neat script. I was certainly not aware that you work here, Cesc Giving a look at Shephard who was now manning the cash register, Xiu then asked Is he your guardian too?
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Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 7:54 pm
Cesc leaned forward to read Xiu's script. It was only then, in that beat of silence as the Frei waited patiently and expectantly for a reply and the white-haired Sigel wrote his own out, that Shepard realized he had made a mistake -- this Xiu Raevan was mute.
The tall ginger checked the surprise that was trying to make its way onto his face and, with the customer line now all taken care of, went to wash his hands and put on an apron of his own. He slid past Rhedefre and just briefly took another look at the pale newcomer. He had a good-natured face. And Shepard recognized the name -- Xiu, the one who'd gone through the maze with Rhede.
"What a stroke of luck, then," said the stag in reply, his smile becoming wider as he read Xiu's paper. "Can I get you something to eat? I do not wish to boast, but I know many find our bakery's food more than acceptable."
He then turned his head slightly to find Shepard, but the man had already gone into the back to wash his hands. "Ah -- yes! That is my other guardian, Shepard Ryan. He was not at the garden party that day, unfortunately. He might have come in handy for us in the maze. When he comes out, I will introduce you."
Seeing Xiu again made Cesc feel light, whether the Sigel had tried to visit him or not. The stag had always held him in high esteem since the maze, and had often thought of visiting the other -- surely, after all, the Lab would have his contact information.
But there was one thing he certainly did not miss. Like Melisande, Xiu had in him that stark feeling of loss that whispered to Cesc and burrowed its way into his brain. Then, in the garden party, he had not been old enough to understand it, to listen to it clearly. Since then, the whispers had only gotten louder, the feelings stronger. Never had they reached the strength that Melisande had given him -- that power yet was still out of his control. But with Xiu here, in front of him, he felt...
... what was it? A distant sound in deafness, like trying to hear someone talking while underwater.
"How have you been?" Rhedefre said, trying to push the feelings away.
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Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 8:34 pm
Xiu gave Cesc’s offer of food due consideration before replying Perhaps something light and mild if you have it? the Sigel wrote with a small smile. At the next question however, Xiu’s wings visibly drooped several degrees. Certain events should have been handled better but was not. However, I don’t think this is the appropriate place to discuss such matters .
Then trying to lighten up the mood, Xiu wrote How have you been though? You look good and it has been a while since the Garden Party last year.
The memory of the Garden Party was still strongly etched in the Sigel’s mind though. The shower of bird droppings, the scrape with lightning, the pendulous blades, the unicorn…
And of course, what came AFTER the maze. Xiu had gotten home ragged and torn with Hazeline close to horror. After that, there was the embarrassing two hours where Hazeline had to scrub out the traces of bird droppings from the cervices of his wings using a toothbrush. His guardian had said nothing back then but Xiu was certain that Hazeline disapproved of whatever it was he had been through.
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Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 8:45 pm
"Something light? Absolutely..." said Rhedefre, looking toward the display case to his left and thinking momentarily. He, too, wanted to lighten the mood as Xiu did so, not wanting to linger too deeply on their shared experience in the maze. It had been both good and awful, amusing and disheartening. But, Cesc thought, it was worth it to have seen the unicorn and to have made a friend of Xiu.
Floating over to a nearby case, Cesc extracted a small, light pink slice of rolled cake, both the cake itself and its filling the same mild, sweet shade. He placed the slice gently onto a small plate and offered it to his friend.
"Here, a sample," said the stag with a smile. "It is a cherry-blossom roll cake. The flavor is subtle, and it is not too sweet. Perhaps you might like it?"
"As for me, I am doing very well. I cannot complain about anything," he said. "It is hard to believe the garden party was so long ago! The time has flown since then..."
(... and yet, there was no change for Xiu's lost voice.)
"I hope you have been well, too."
He could hear -- something -- something distant -- so very far away... He wanted to ask Xiu to try to speak, to see if the sound amplified, but politeness kept his mouth firmly shut. Perhaps Xiu preferred it this way?
"Are you headed to a fencing class?" Cesc continued, gesturing at the sword by Xiu's side. That, certainly, had not been there the last time they'd met.
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Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 6:01 am
Xiu watched as the delicate roll was placed onto an equally delicate plate. The Sigel had never before heard of a cherry blossom flavoured cake and viewed the offered treat with a mixture of amazement and curiousity. Amazement because he would never have thought it possible to use cherry blossoms as an ingredient and this made him curious of the cake’s flavour.
Before the Sigel could sample the delicacy however, Cesc had enquired about the sword at his side. Xiu was immediately sheepish and self-conscious all at once. Placing the cake carefully atop the counter, Xiu once more went to work on his reply.
No, I had planned on visiting the Lab after buying some cakes actually the Sigel wrote. The sword…well, I seem to have a need for it whenever it is not around. .
That last sentence sounded wrong…
I mean, Xiu hastily wrote I do not use it on a regular basis but there are times…
…
This was never going to come out right was it?
Would you like to see it? Xiu at last offered. Lazarus does not care for it but I wouldn’t mind letting you have a look at it if we could have a quiet corner. I do not think the humans would appreciate seeing a real blade around
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Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 5:33 pm
Rhedefre bent to read Xiu's reply, and his eyebrows raised as he read through the first two sentences. Then, his friend seemed anxious to right what he had written, and Cesc's confusion only grew -- was Xiu in some danger? Or... what had he told him about his voice, when he'd asked last summer? It was something dangerous, if he remembered correctly. Cesc stole a look back up at Xiu, who was looking somewhat embarrassed about the entire situation. He certainly didn't look the sort who would be constantly in danger.
"I would love to see it," said Cesc after reading the last reply. He turned as Shep came out of the back, his hands busily tying his apron behind him. "Shepard --" he paused, remembering his manners. He turned back to Xiu and gestured back and forth between the two. "Ah, yes, of course -- Shepard, this is Xiu. Xiu, Shepard."
"Pleasure, mate," Shepard said simply, nodding once.
"Shepard, do you mind if we sit together for a little while?" asked Rhedefre, gesturing to a small, quiet table in the corner of the bakery. It was less a question of permission and more a polite acknowledgement that he meant to linger with his friend, and the Aussie's immediate response was to grin and wave a dismissive hand.
"Nah, I'll be up here. You two take all the time y'like," said Shepard.
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Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 6:54 am
At the introduction, Xiu smiled and inclined his head politely in Shepard’s direction before joining Cesc at the chosen corner of the bakery. The white Sigel liked it here. It felt quiet, peaceful and calm. Besides, the smell of baking cakes was something anyone and everyone could appreciate.
Then remembering the reason for them being there, Xiu gingerly unfastened his sword from his side and placed the item, scabbard and all before the dawn Raevan. There was a momentary feeling reluctance as he offered the sword to Cesc for the other’s observation but the feeling passed quickly. After all, it was not like he had grown attached to the sword…had he?
Blue eyes watched as the other picked the sword up, his breath caught in his throat as he waited for the other’s judgement. Part of him was telling him that a train of thought such as this was insane while the other part could not help but feel anxious like a parent over their child. The third, smallest, and final part, however, was hoping that the other would ask him about it. Xiu himself did not know why but…with Cesc and his patient, gentle eyes, it all felt right somehow.
Oh, and there was probably a fourth part too and it was feeling pretty silly at the third part for wanting to pour his troubles over onto a younger and innocent raevan.
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Posted: Wed May 08, 2013 7:43 pm
Shepard watched the two as they sat down, leaning forward on the counter and folding his arms on its surface. He made no show of politeness in turning his eyes away, open about his interest in the two, and only looked away when a single customer walked up to the counter and took his attention.
Rhedefre took the cake for Xiu and served his guest as he floated down, taking the seat opposite him. Xiu seemed... somewhat troubled, the frei thought, as though something was on his mind. It must be awful, to be voiceless, to have all the speed of your thoughts and nothing to release it with but a pen and paper. But the sigel seemed to have made concessions and adjusted to his situation, and resumed their conversation with the offering of his sword.
So they traded, a sword for a cherry-blossom cake.
Cesc took the sword easily in one hand, his movements gentle and slow, and unsheathed the weapon. It made a faint noise as it slid outward, and the cold, unmarked steel shone in the bakery's lights.
The stag frei smiled at it, very gently, as though saying hello.
The dim light that always made its home behind his eyes brightened just slightly, a dawning behind his irises. He ran his thumb lightly over its jade handle and golden filigree and let out a quiet hum of appreciation.
It had a soul, this sharpened blade of steel, and a past that Cesc could not quite reach, and a voice a little louder than Xiu's distant, underwater one. It had feelings that radiated from it: a contentment just barely tinged at the edges with sourness, and faint images that just touched the edges of Rhedefre's consciousness. It spoke, and so he listened, intent and respectful.
Is that so?
"This is a very beautiful weapon," said Cesc quietly, not looking up from it yet, inclining his head as he turned it in his hand. The sword was still half in its scabbard, but the frei could not make himself draw it fully -- he had no right, he thought, and he did not feel the sword would like it. "I think ... even if you have reservations, he is happy to be with you, and no longer alone."
Cesc looked up at Xiu at last, his gaze direct. "Was he a gift?"
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Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 6:59 pm
Xiu watched as the sword was partially unsheathed, his eyes barely flickering over to the innocent cake roll before him. Was it his…imagination or…did Cesc’s eye glow ever so slightly when the frei inspected the sword? It’s probably the play of the light said Xiu to himself.
Regardless, the manner in which the dawn raevan handled the sword showed nothing less than quiet respect for the weapon and Xiu felt touched by this display. In Cesc’s careful hands, the sword seemed noble and distinguished; something the Sigel failed to notice in the past. A sudden small bloom of fear erupted within the Sigel. He had…not done right by the sword. Ever since he had awoken within the confines of the Lab’s intensive care unit, Xiu had regarded the sword with a mixture of wariness and doubt and despite numerous rational thinking, deep down; a small part of the Sigel had equated the lost of his voice with the obtainment of the sword. This had caused the Sigel to…unconsciously have as little dealings with the weapon as possible.
"This is a very beautiful weapon,"
Xiu’s thoughts were brought back into focus at the sound of the other’s voice. The white Sigel could only incline his head numbly at the statement. The next sentence however, was rather puzzling. Cesc had made a comment about the sword being contented despite his reservations. Was Cesc able to hear the voices of inanimate objects? Perhaps that was the other’s ability?
But before Xiu could pursue the matter, Cesc had enquired if the sword was a gift. The corners of Xiu’s mouth tightened ever so slightly at that seemingly innocent question.
Unfortunately, the sword was not a gift nor was I born with it. Sometime before being a Sigel, a threat was made to my family by a sentient cursed entity, if you will. I had not the means to ward off or protect my family back then.
In desperation, I searched for a being called “Trader” and made a trade with him. He would loan me a sword capable of cutting down the threat and in return, he would keep my voice as surety for the duration of the loan. The payment would be the creature’s core. A creature that he himself had had a hand in creating.
Here the Sigel paused in his writing to give an ironic smile.
I was merely a pawn used to complete his dark tale. And the sword is part of it too I fear. The malevolent being was once a woman and she traded her life for the power to exact revenge. Her life was later bartered for the sword and I obtained the sword for the very purpose of taking her life, albeit a distorted one bent on revenge beyond reasoning. I was simply an errand boy out to retrieve the core he had placed in her from the start.
But something beyond the Trader’s expectations occurred. He claims that…the sword has been rendered useless in anyone else’s hand except my own. It is because of this…that my voice has been forfeited
And although the lost of my voice is a very small price to pay for saving the life of my guardian’s brother, nevertheless…it does bring about a dull ache in me wrote Xiu, his expression solemn. I suppose, a person’s whose sight has been taken from him yearns to see again; more so than if a person has been born blind to begin with
The paper was now filled with the Sigel’s neat, if hurried script. Xiu sat back as one who feels oddly drained after completing a task.
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Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 4:06 pm
Rhedefre waited with patience as Xiu bent over his paper and began to write. He anticipated a short response, but instead his companion continued to write and write and write, slowly raising Cesc's eyebrows and fueling a sense of curiousity. The sword, too, continued to murmur in its own strange language, imparting feelings rather than stories, its tone in his head hushed.
He remembered asking the same question once before, when the pair exited the garden maze, exhausted and too weary for politeness. Xiu had told him something then, something about a trade and a demon, that had made him rise even higher in Cesc's estimation. But he was young then, and did not wholly understand.
Now, as Xiu leaned back, drained, Rhedefre turned the script toward himself and read it, still holding the sword reverently in one hand.
Yes -- some of this he remembered well, the writing jogging his memory. Some of it was new. Cesc's brow knit as he read the first portion, then cleared as he read the second and third. A sense of awe, of respect washed over him. Xiu had been through an ordeal that sounded downright traumatic, and had some out forever silenced.
... forever?
Cesc slid the sword back into its scabbard and placed it back on the table, beside Xiu. He remembered what he said in the garden, those months ago. His feelings did not change.
"You are very brave," he said quietly, inclining his head respectfully. "And what you did for your guardian is ... beyond courageous and honorable. Your guardian and his family are very lucky to have you as their protector."
Here he hesitated, stroking his thumb over the scabbard of Xiu's sword, listening to its faint hum. Cesc tried to reach out in his mind to that underwater garble that followed Xiu around -- his voice, he knew now, it had to be Xiu's voice.
"I will tell you something in return for your confidence," the stag said, his low voice calm and warm. "I ... hear things, sometimes. Lost things, unhappy things, scared things that need to reach out. Or loss, on a person." Cesc dropped his eyes, a gesture of humility. "And, for as long as I have known you, I have felt it on you, a sense of loss that did not go away. But this time, I think perhaps -- perhaps I can hear what you lost, and not that you have lost it."
He gave a half-smile, lifting his eyes once more, his gaze direct. "Does that make sense?" Rhedefre shook his head. "I mean -- maybe, just maybe, I think your voice is out there, and that it would like to come home to you again."
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Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 9:24 pm
Xiu kept his expression carefully guarded as he listened to Cesc’s explanation. The Sigel did not want to appear too hopeful or eager lest failure would hit the both of them all the harder. But one could hardly not have noticed the balled fists that lay on the edge of the table. If what Cesc had said was true…it would imply that Cesc feels that it was possible, just possible to retrieve his lost voice. While Xiu’s expression was grave, his heart was beating rapidly within his chest.
Are you suggesting that…it may be within your skill set to locate this voice of mine? If so, I would be very grateful indeed wrote Xiu carefully, fearing that his hand would start to shake if he wrote any faster. I have been through several unsuccessful attempts at locating the trader who keeps my voice. I fear that it is impossible for an unsatisfied customer to find him if he wishes not to be found
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