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 Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 2:47 am
Topaz watched from a distance, a smile playing on her lips as she watched a newer gem get a feel for the world around her. Some gems were more...ah...what was the word? Prissy? Finicky? Something like that...about the dirt and the plants and the bugs that wriggled through the dirt beneath their feet. Not this gem, though.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she watched Watermelon Tourmaline concentrate so intently on a small green worm like vine inching its way out of the dirt, wobbling like a newborn animal she had seen tromping through a wooded area nearby. There was something...charming about a gem learning how this new world around them worked.
Their world, she reminded herself. They were born of it. From it.
Topaz pondered briefly what that meant, if anything. These were fresh gems with no alliances and no duties as of yet. Freshly created.
She was pulled out of this peculiar line of thinking as the vine sprouted forward several inches and reached up high for the sun, its leaves unfurling in anticipation. Yes. This one was interesting for sure. She watched the new gem fall back on her behind and clap excitedly before she lost concentration entirely and the vine returned to the soil.
----
Watermelon Tourmaline scowled as the vine sunk back down into the ground. In her excitement she had fallen and lost concentration but with good reason! That was the best she had ever done! Given...she hadn't been doing it very long yet...whatever IT was exactly. She just knew that it was her...friend? A part of her maybe? Whatever it was, it had been a proud moment.
She noticed Topaz watching her from afar and immediately spun around on the ground so that her back was facing the older gem. She got a bit...nervous when she realized she was being watched. Sometimes she felt she should already be better but Topaz, ever serene, would remind her that she was new to merely existing, much less mastering her abilities.
Watermelon Tourmaline took the moment to recover and flick some dirt out of her long, bushy pony tail that had taken up residence when she fell.
Existing was hard work.
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Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2016 5:49 am
Pearl couldn't help but share the same sentiment of some of the more prissier gems. She trotted through the Kindergarten with her arms wrapped beneath her bosom, eyes glancing every which way to make sure she didn't dirty herself or step on something horrendous. She came to a stop beside Topaz—another gem she recognized in Blue Diamond's court, but didn't know personally—and followed her line of sight to Watermelon Tourmaline putting on a display of her powers.
"It's wonderful, isn't it?" the Pearl commented, giving Topaz a small smile. "This planet is rich in nutrients, so the new gems come out healthy and vivid with life. They'll serve the matriarchs well."
It was probably the only nice thing the Pearl had to say about the planet. Well, not as bad. While she had gotten used to being on Earth, it still didn't strike her the right way.
Striding forward, she regarded the tourmaline with the same smile. "It's nice to meet you, I'm a Pearl. What do you go by?" she asked.
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Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2016 8:56 pm
Topaz glanced up at Pearl as she spoke, returning the smile with a gentle one of her own. She recognized this pearl from court, and it made her feel a bit more at ease. Things could be...tense when the different political factions interacted. Some were more fanatical than others and this could lead to straining situations. It was one she hoped to avoid whenever possible at the Kindergarten. These gems were so fresh and she hated the idea of them being thrown into immediate turmoil so soon after having been formed. Pearl spoke again which pulled Topaz from her thoughts. That was true. There were so many new colors and things to find and places to explore. Topaz had never seen a Tourmaline of this particular shade before and it was exciting. What new gems could be harvested from this primitive world? "Yes, in due time they will find their place. For now they are so fresh. This world is all they will know for some time," she replied, her tone drifting back off into quiet contemplation, "It is beautiful here." ---- Watermelon Tourmaline blushed at the new voice behind her, and the gem nervously brushed her fingers through her curly hair to make sure no more debris had hid in it. She was mostly comfortable around the Topaz. She had been there for as long as the tourmaline could remember which, in retrospect, was not long. It only made sense that other gems would come, right? Topaz had mentioned they would all have a purpose someday and there was so much more to their culture that they had yet to see. It was exciting and nerve wracking. Watermelon Tourmaline would rather play with her vines than consider her future. Her future seemed far off and scary. She climbed to her feet and examined the pearl before her. She was a lovely gem with a kind smile and it made her feel more at ease. The fact that she had fallen over in front of both of them in her excitement began to fade in the back of her mind. "I am a Watermelon Tourmaline!" she declared proudly, lifting her arm to show her multi-colored gem. "Topaz calls me Melly," she responded matter-of-factly, unaware that this was not quite common practice. A wide smile slipped onto her lips and her eyes lit up as questions started bubbling to the surface. "What is a Pearl? I mean, what do they do? What is it like on the Homeworld? Is everything so green?" Her eyes sparkled and she stood up on her tiptoes, hands clasped together in front of her chest as she eagerly awaited answers.
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2016 6:21 pm
Vesuvianite popped forth from the ground, newly formed, and blinked as the light from the sun got in her eyes. Boy -- was it bright! Pausing, she allowed herself to rub her eyes, and then looked around in an attempt to get a feel for her surroundings. Where was she? What was this place? Was it home? She felt relief when she saw others were just as confused, if not more so, than she was. She wasn't alone in her feelings, and that was a small comfort. Other voices carried over toward her, and she couldn't help but turn and look in their direction.
They were doing introductions. Perhaps she should introduce herself, too? Other gems, like Watermelon Tourmaline, were giving out their names. It was a smart idea, and maybe she could make friends that way. They probably knew way more about their surroundings than she did, so finding knowledgeable gems would be helpful. "I'm Vesuvianite," she responded to Pearl, Topaz, and Watermelon Tourmaline. "It's nice to meet you all."
----
Not far away, another recently form gem could be found standing. Unlike the others who were looking confusedly around at their surroundings, she was just taking everything in with a kind smile on her face. Kunzite was happy to see this new world she had been brought into, though she wasn't going to be overly outgoing like some of the others. If they wanted to know who she was and what she was like, then they would have to ask her. Her body trembled at the notion of her speaking up on her own; what if she said the wrong thing?
"...All these gems are pretty...." she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. The dirt surrounding them all, however, wasn't as beautiful to look at. Their immediate area was a bit barren for her liking, though Kunzite could see more greenery off in the distance, further away from the Kindergarten. That area looked lovely, and it would be wonderful to check it out. Maybe she'd head off that way in the future, but for now she was content to stay where she was. There was safety in numbers, after all.
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2016 6:27 pm
The pearl's eyes glittered from the enthusiasm of the new gem. As a service gem akin to an accessory, a keen interest in her was a rare feat. She was meant to remain personable and pretty, cordial but quiet—nothing more, nothing less.
So when she was expected to answer Watermelon Tourmaline's questions, she wasn't quite sure how to do so. Replies swam around in her mind, but they felt too conversational. How to deliver them formally? Gently, she dusted at some nonexistent dust on her person and glanced down at the tip of her toes before looking back to the new gem.
Pressing a hand to her chest, she said, "I'm a Pearl. My duties consist of being in service of my mistress in Blue Diamond's court. In due time, you will also be given your duties or discover them on your own." She then made a very practiced smile, shook her head, and added, "Homeworld is much, much different than life on... this planet. There isn't much inorganic matter. Such additions are unnecessary for life in an advanced society such as ours." Pearl chuckled. "But if your abilities consist of vegetation manipulation, I'm sure the matriarchs would find good use of them here as we study the ecosystems and find richer areas for Kindergartens."
To Vesuvianite, Pearl dipped her head in greeting. "It's a pleasure, Vesuvianite," she said. "I'm Pearl."
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2016 7:42 pm
The green gem nodded her head politely in return at Pearl's hello. She then quirked a brow in curiosity, given that she heard what Pearl was speaking to Watermelon Tourmaline about. Vegetation manipulation? That seemed fancy. How did one know what their abilities were? Would that be something that they would learn? And as far as the matriarchs went...what if the gem in question didn't have a skill they deemed useful? What then?
"...How do we figure our abilities," she asked, head tilting to the side some. Pearl seemed to know a lot about their kind and what they would be capable of. Perhaps she could help them. "...And who is Blue Diamond, and why are they important?" All these questions and more bounced through Vesuvianite's head, but she kept quiet on the other ones. She had asked enough the way it was. Better to let them answer the ones she was curious about, and then continue asking more later.
---
"Can we go out where it's pretty," came a quiet, almost whisper of a response from behind the large group as a whole. Behind them stood Kunzite, who was staring down at the ground shyly, a deep blush spreading across freckled cheeks. It was a simple question, and the only one she would be asking the other, more experienced gems.
Being in a beautiful space: that was all that Kunzite really wanted. The area around the Kindergarten was so drab and devoid of life, and it made her feel almost saddened. This world, home, or whatever she was supposed to call it seemed to call to her, and just lingering around in the dirt seemed like a waste of time. There was so much to see and to do! How could they not want to explore it all.
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2016 8:21 pm
Topaz beamed as the new gem popped up from the ground and she stepped forward, her eyes sparkling. This was the best part of her assignment at the Kindergarten. This right here. "Hello Vesuvianite!" she responded cheerfully, "Welcome to the Kindergarten. My name is Topaz and I am here to answer your questions." And questions she had. Topaz absentmindedly reached out to brush what she perceived as dirt from the folds of the new gems clothing and listened intently. "How we understand our powers varies. For instance I...felt mine. A pull. The wind would blow and I would listen," the gem closed her eyes and lifted her hands up in the air, summoning a gentle breeze that rustled through her hair before letting it go. "It will come with time, I promise." "Blue Diamond is our, that is, Pearl and I's matriarch. Out homeworld is ruled by the Great Diamond Authority and we serve one of the leaders. Blue Diamond is very powerful and-" she stopped speaking when a smaller voice drifted over. Topaz turned quickly, her skirts swirling around her and she beamed once more. Another gem! What a lovely day. She was absolutely adorable. "Hello there," she said gently, reading the gem's body language, "I see no reason why we have to stay here. What is your name?" ----- Watermelon Tourmaline listened to Pearl with a bright smile, "You sound very smart. I am sure you are excellent at what you do," she responded, nodding her head as if to confirm her assertion for herself, "Does that mean Blue Diamond is around? Will we...meet her?" her tone shifted to one that wavered with nervousness. Topaz said she was a leader of all gems...She was NOT ready for that. Her nerves were forgotten as another gem rose from the ground and Melly squealed with delight. More new gems! She would not be alone! "Hello!" she exclaimed, waving her arm even though the gem was not far off. Melly's attention shifted once again as Topaz wandered off toward...another new gem! "What luck! Two of you!" she smiled a friendly smile, "I would LOVE to go exploring! What about you two?" she turned back to Pearl and Vesuvianite, eyes wide with excitement.
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Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2016 8:31 pm
Pearl let out a dreamy sigh and clasped hands together before her bosom, turning away from the gem as she tried to compile her thoughts together into something coherent. "Oh, how to describe my great matriarch..." she said, almost swooned. She got so lost in her stupor that, when she finally broke from it, she was thankful for Topaz having answered Vesuvianite's questions for her.
Come the suggestion of exploration, Pearl forwardly showed her disdain for the idea by frowning. How she despised Earth could be measured as greatly as her love for the great matriarch. Yet, she didn't want to get in the way of the other gems' enthusiasm for the idea, so she forced a smile over her frown and nodded her head; casting a hand out to the cliff behind them.
"Why don't we take them to the forest first?" she offered, using everything within her person to not retch. "And the river next?"
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Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 12:25 pm
Topaz seemed very knowledeable. She answered all the questions that Vesuvianite had, which left the newly-formed gem both pleased and impressed. Some gems just knew what their powers were, huh? That seemed nice. She could only hope that with time, hers would reveal itself, too, as Topaz had said. Yet there was no need to rush, in all honesty. She had only just been made, so she had lots of time to learn about everything.
When the discussion turned toward Blue Diamond, a matriarch of their kind, Vesuvianite continued to listen intently. This gem -- she seemed very powerful and was well-respected. Not only that, but she had a lot of followers, apparently, what with Topaz and Pearl being members of her court. "Do we have a matriarch," she asked, glancing not just at Topaz, but at Pearl and Watermelon Tourmaline as well. To the pink and green gem, she went on to give her a curt nod. "Do you think we have a matriarch," she asked Melly before adding a, "Exploring sounds like fun." This was accompanied by a flash of a grin.
The Kindergarten gems, newly formed, had the whole world to explore and experience. The world was their oyster, and she was eager to learn all about it.
---
Kunzite froze for a moment when Topaz spoke to her, her slender body unable to move for a brief second. Words also seemed to be caught in her mouth, for she couldn't answer the Homeworld gem's question right away. Instead, she just blushed profusely, a bead or two of sweat forming on her forehead before she managed to choke out a "...I'm Kunzite.." in a tiny, hushed voice. Like Vesuvianite, Kunzite thought that Topaz and Pearl were both knowledable, but unlike Vesuvianite, she also found them to be a bit on the intimidating side. With this in mind, the pink gem came to the decision that it was better to stick closer to her own kind: Vesuvianite and Watermelon Tourmaline.
They were just like her, after all, and she took comfort in that.
Melly's excitement was infectious, and any worries or fears she had of speaking up to Topaz or Pearl disappeared at the mention of exploration. "A forest sounds nice," she went on to say, her eyes gleaming in the light as she looked at Melly. "And the river, too, whatever that is." Although she didn't know what these structures were, they sounded pretty, and Kunzite was all for experiencing pretty things. They were nice to look at, and she found them calming.
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Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2016 5:29 pm
Angel Aura Quartz smiled, she loved meeting all of the new kindergarten gems, they were so unique and different, she was fascinated by them. Being used to Homeworld she always held conversations with the Kindergarten gems, answering any questions they may have about the world, what it means to be a gem, or any other questions really. She stared at all of the beautiful gems, there was one in particular that caught her eye, she seemed timid and quiet, similar to how Angel was. She walked over to the Gem, she was talking to a few others, Pearl, who she recognized from their first meeting in the forest, and two new gems, unfamiliar to her. "Hello there! I'm Angel Aura Quartz." she said with a smile.
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Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 4:46 pm
Topaz nodded in agreement with Pearl, noting the swoon with a smile before turning back to the new gems. The forest was closest and it would be a nice introduction before they hit the river. Topaz had learned from watching other creatures that the water could be treacherous. Given, they were not a light species, but better safe than sorry. "That is a lovely idea, Pearl. Oh, hello Angel Aura Quartz!" she called out, waving to the other member of Blue Diamond's court. Though they had never officially met, it was hard to mistake a quartz when you saw one. They were large gems with a very specific purpose. "You are just in time. We are taking the new gems to explore and your company would be greatly appreciated!" she stated with a smile. Not to downplay her own abilities or those of Pearl should a situation arise, but having a warrior by your side was always comforting. "Let's be off then!" she said with a smile, marching off towards the tree line. ----- Watermelon Tourmaline smiled as the excitement began to show in her fellow Kindergarten gems. This would be a lot of fun. She had been out before with Topaz but never for long and not in such a large group. This was going to be amazing! "I don't think we have a matriarch yet," Melly replied, trying to recall some of the things Topaz had told her, "We will eventually, though. I think. Maybe?" Before that train of thought could go much further before mention of exploring made her brain switch tracks and she smiled brightly at mention of the forest. "Yes! The forest is that way!" she exclaimed, following after the tiny Topaz. She turned around and walked backwards, beckoning to Kunzite and Vesuvianite, "Come on! It will be amazing! All the colors!" She extended her arms out towards the other two new gems but continued to walk backwards, smiling brightly the whole time.
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Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2016 12:29 pm
Watermelon Tourmaline seemed eager to explore, and Vesuvianite liked that about her. She was a brave soul, and she also seemed like someone she could get along with. When the green and pink gem beckoned for her to follow, Vesuvianite walked along without hesitation. She was looking forward to exploring the forest, too!
On the subject of not having a matriarch, she couldn't help but comment, "Perhaps we'll find one of our own, in time." Everything came with time. She was perfectly willing to wait, if it meant finding the right matriarch for her. Alliances and friendships, those things couldn't be rushed. If they were, then bad things might happen, and she did not want that.
At the offer of Melly's arm, Vesuvianite hurried forward and interlocked her arm with the one she was given. It was a kind gesture, and she didn't want to appear rude by not taking it. Besides, it would be nice to explore the forest with someone else like her. They could experience it all together.
----
Kunzite allowed herself to flash Angel Aura Quartz a flash of a smile. The other gem, pale like her, seemed very nice. She reminded her of herself, though the Quartz was most definitely more knowledgeable over not just the world that they were on, but their homeworld, as well. Mentally, she made a note that she would have to talk with Angel Aura more in private about things.
Maybe she could even be a mentor, potentially? Who knew.
Her thoughts of learning from an older, more experience gem were swept away, however, when Melly called out in her direction. She was offering her arm to take when they went off exploring. At the offer, Kun felt her cheeks grow hot with a blush, and she hesitated for a moment. Taking the arm of someone she wasn't so familiar with -- it made her a bit self-conscious, actually.
"I-...uh...I think I'm ok," she murmured, only to rub the back of her head sheepishly. "I'll just tag along next to you guys or behind."
Yes, that seemed like a much nicer idea. Let the braver gems go forward first. She would experience her knew world at her own pace, and that would be just fine for her.
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Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2016 10:59 am
Pearl felt a shiver pass through her form. She started to regret offering to explore the forest first as she walked in tandem with the group of gems. During her trek, she flashed the familiar quartz a smile in passing.
"Ah, Angel Aura, hello!" she said to her. "How has exploring the surface this planet fared for you? Well, I hope?"
She fell into step with Topaz after her greeting, seguing into her natural abilities as one of service to present the verdant ecosystem with a sweep of her arm. "Well, everyone, this our first stop. There is a clear path marked"—she indicated the one likely made by the slash-and-burners of the hunter-gatherers—"so please try and stick to it! The forest, while not the most dangerous environment on this planet, is also vast and it is very easy to get lost. Please watch where you roam!"
+
In between Pearl's presentation of the forest, a small gem that only came to most of the others' waist materialized out of a tree. Her eyes were concentrated on the screen of a small PDA-esque device, obviously a piece of Homeworld technology. When she looked up, she had to do a double-take and realize that she wasn't alone. Awkwardly, she stood there, and even Pearl took her on in acquiesce as she awaited what their new guest was going to do.
"Oh, um, excuse me, am I disturbing something?" Tanzanite said, glancing at each gem individually. She pointed to her left with her index finger. "If I am, I can just, like, go..."
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 11:13 am
Topaz couldn't help but smile as Pearl began their tour. She was perfectly fine with letting the Pearl do what she was good at and she did have a much more...Friendly way of speaking than the topaz did. She imagined it was because of her purpose as a pearl and that was what made Gem Society so strong. It played to the natural strengths of its gems. "Also, please do try to stay away from the natives. They are squishy and not much of a threat but easily startled and quick to defense," she added with a contemplative look on her face. The gem had never seen a life form like these ones before. They were soft, hairy, and easily crushed. Yet, they were hardy and adaptive. The were clever and yet innocently ignorant. It was quite the contradiction. Perhaps some day they would interact with them more but for now, it seemed best to keep the new gems away from them. "Do not even try to observe them without other gems present if you can help it. For now it is best that we keep distance. They get curious sometimes but do not usually wander into our kindergartens," at least not in her experience. Perhaps they did when she was gone. Perhaps they were there right now, poking around at things they could not possibly understand. Topaz huffed. Even if they were, she doubted there was anything they could do to truly hurt the forming gems. It was probably idle curiosity. Pearl's silence drew her attention and she glanced around, and finally down, just a bit at a rather small gem. Topaz hadn't seen this one before but that was of no real consequence. There were many gems she did not know. She was but one seemed particularly interesting to her...Mostly because Topaz was used to being the shortest gem in the room. Moreover, this one seemed to know what she was doing, whatever her specific task was it obviously involved her port. Topaz briefly contemplated how tiny it would look in the hands of a quartz and giggled to herself. "Hello!" she responded with a wave, "You are not interrupting anything. We are showing these new gems the world around them," she gestured briefly to Watermelon Tourmaline, Vesuvianite, and Kunzite. "I am Topaz. Who might you be?" ----- Watermelon Tourmaline giggled with excitement when Vesuvianite came to take her arm and she flipped around first so she could see where she was going before linking arms with the gem. As Kunzite replied, she flashed her a friendly smile, "If you change your mind, you are invited," she replied before giving the shy gem a bit more space. She had seemed quiet and appeared to like to stay to the back of things. That was okay. All she could do was invite her and try to make her feel welcomed. She hoped Kunzite didn't feel pressured. As Pearl began her tour, Melly nodded, listening to her instructions and the brief warning about the natives. She had heard that from Topaz before but it only made her want to see the natives even more. Maybe she could convince Vesuvianite to go off with her later and see if they could observe them. Topaz said not alone...right? She wouldn't be if the other gem was with her. The tourmaline decided to consciously ignore the fact that Topaz probably meant to be with a more experienced gem. What could happen to them? They were gems. Shortly after Pearl's speech, a small gem appeared and Melly's eyes went wide. "You're so TINY and CUTE!" she blurted out, before clasping her free hand on her mouth. Her cheeks became even more rosy and she shyly tried to hide behind her poof of hair. "I mean. Um. Hello," she responded much more quietly, "Not disturbing at all, um..."
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 12:43 pm
Pearl pressed a hand to her cheek and shook her head. "Ah, yes, yes, I forgot about them. Humans." The term rolled off her tongue as just referring to them was retching. "They're of the primitive sort, but still just as much a threat. They have weapons and can easily crack a gem if you do not handle with care. Try not to instigate them, gems. And if you're inclined to observe, please do so from a distance." She motioned up to the treetops, knowing curiosity could get the better of any of them, new or old gem alike. "Up high in the branches of a tree would be best."
Her light blue eyes then drifted down to their company, still awkwardly standing there at the ridge of the forest unsure of what she should do. Just as she was about to greet the purple gem with Topaz, she winced at the sudden exclamation from Watermelon Tourmaline.
"Ah, now, now, there's no need for such volume," Pearl said gently, looking at her. Back to Tanzanite, she bowed. "I do hope that didn't frighten you. You aren't disturbing us at all. Are you a scout?"
+
Tanzanite's tense features dropped as she was spooked by the gem. However, she took the tourmaline's excitement in stride, waving a hand at the pearl when she offered her apologies. Yet, that didn't stop the alien heat that rose on her cheeks. She even had to press a hand to her face to confirm that she was, indeed, blushing.
"Tiny" was a simple observation, but "cute"? By the matriarchs, there must be some misunderstanding...!
"Oh, good, good," she said, briefly removing her hand from her face to scratch the back of her neck. "I'm glad I'm not... Wouldn't want to get in the way, ahaha. I'm Tanzanite and, yes"—she looked to Pearl here and nodded her head—"I'm a scout in Yellow Diamond's court. I was scanning the perimeter and taking in details of the terrain until I encountered everyone here." A small smile graced her lips as she looked to Topaz. "Just throwing out a guess, but are you showing a new batch of gems around? I happened to see a similar lot like this a while ago, but only in passing."
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