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 Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 8:12 am
"What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it." Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900 - 1944) No great endeavor was ever easy. Siryn had to remind itself of that, or the monumental task before it might actually drive it mad.
Resting a tiny hand against is cheek, it expelled a long breath, gaze drifting over gently swaying grasses to where the dark constellation sat. Despite being told that it wasn't necessary, Amiel had crossed his legs, and his hands were resting atop his knees in what Siryn could tell from there was a vice-like grip. Eventually, he would get the hang of it. Eventually, if he was even doing it properly.
Not everyone could meditate, at least not right away. It took a certain presence of mind, a willingness to let go of all the preoccupations that plagued the mind, and focus on something simple. For Amiel, Siryn had suggested his breath. Though he'd been given a long, mute look, at least Amiel had turned and begun his first session without comment. Many would have informed him that such a menial task was beneath them, especially if they had ascended to constellation.
Amiel was a strange one, Siryn would give him that. Seeking out the assistance of a lowly festival kirin - it couldn't count the number of times it had been treated like a child simply because no ascent to constellation had been achieved. For the most part, Siryn was unbothered, as such a growth was by no means something it wanted to attain in a hurry. It liked being small, and it liked the freedom from responsibility that came with being under the radar of the gods.
Of course, if too many constellations started hanging around its humble abode... but, ah well. Sometimes, life threw you coconuts.
Mm, coconut pie.
Tail swishing behind it, Siryn sighed and murmured, "Bento... where are you?"
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Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 11:05 am
Balancing the cookbook on one aproned hip, Serenity bit her lip as she surveyed the pair of bento boxes before her. The book called it a... Makunouchi Bento and was supposed to be one of the more popular types. Unfortunately, some of the foods had to be replaced, as some of the things mentioning in the cookbook were simply not to be found in the small village, much to Serenity's irritation. The umeboshi had to be replaced with dried apricots, the tempura were less spectacularly battered than the picture as she had only a small bit of oil to cook them in, and her salmon was a little crookedly cut due to a hard lesson learned on the effects of a dull knife.
"My first bento and I cannot even make it correctly..." She sigh to herself and heaved the cookbook back onto the table. At least the rice had turned out quite well, chestnut-flavored rice that was supposed to be very good. She had also found proper cloth to wrap the boxes in, the book had been very specific about its...she leaned over to check the word again...furoshiki. Wiping her hands on her apron, she looked over the boxes again. The pale wood seemed thin and flimsy compared to the black-lacquered box in the book, but she was lucky to have found the boxes to begin with.
Glancing out the window, she gasped and threw off the apron. The sun was high; very clearly lunchtime. Shaking her hair behind her shoulders again, she closed the lids on the boxes and set each on their cloths. One crimson with pale red box designs, the other lavender with an intricate pattern of flowers. Tying the knots as neatly as possible, she stacked them and headed immediately out the door.
Dust kicked up around her feet and skirts as she walked down the road, trying not to appear in a hurry. She mentally ran through the directions as she went, over the bridge, over the hill after, between the two - Serenity laughed aloud as she looked up into the high reaches of the trees. They did indeed appear to be hugging. Between them, a small shelter was nestled and Serenity felt her heart swell with excitement.
How much would Amiel have changed since their last meeting? Certainly inner peace was not so easy to attain, but under the tutelage of a teacher? Biting her lip, she held the boxes to her midsection with one hand as she adjusted her bangs with another. No sense in looking disheveled after such hard work to make lunch look presentable. Taking a deep breath and softening her excited laugh to a relaxed smile, she knocked.
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Silent Comet Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 11:27 am
Ears lifting at the sound of a knock, Siryn hopped off the stool it had seated itself upon, wringing its small hands in excitement. True, it could have been just another wandering soul looking for some guidance, but the time of day was perfect for it to be its heart's desire: food. Serenity had seemed very sincere and trustworthy, and Siryn didn't doubt that her presence would be a regular one.
Good, good. Amiel's cooking had been very poor - burning dango indeed - and Siryn did so hate to cook for itself.
Peering into a smell mirror before it opened the door, Siryn checked its reflection, opening its mouth wide to make certain nothing was caught in its teeth. Breakfast was far behind it, but one could never be too careful. After all, Serenity was a lady, and deserved a measure of respect and preparation.
Opening the little door, one that many other creatures had to stoop to get through, Siryn smiled. "Ah, Serenity, it is you. Welcome."
Floating backward, revealing the interior to be much taller than the door itself, Siryn made certain not to turn its back on the guest. That would be rude, and if possible, it made a habit not to be rude. Life was so much less complicated when simple manners were employed, after all.
Despite it being noon, there was a small, ever-present fire burning in the hearth, casting a cheerful light across the wooden floor. Rugs adorned it, in almost immaculate condition as it rarely walked, and if pressed, Siryn could recall where and from whom it had acquired each rug. Most were payments for services rendered, as were the odd, cheerful knick-nacks all over the small abode.
Really, out of all the decorations and pieces of furniture in the house, Siryn had only procured a handful for itself.
Flitting over to the fire, it picked up a poker and jabbed around in it, content when the flames jumped to life. It was an enchanted fire, one that let off no heat, but was the main source of light for the little home. Lamps and whatnot were placed strategically, but were only ever lit at night.
"I hope you don't mind the modest accommodations. I don't have a need for anything bigger, but as you can see, it's filled with odds and ends." Surveying the house with pride, Siryn beamed at her. "I've a fondness for the beautiful and the useless."
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Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 12:46 pm
Serenity curtsied low at Siryn's greeting, balancing the boxes with one hand and spreading her skirts with the other. "Good afternoon, Siryn, it's lovely to see you again." Following her host inside, she ducked under the door frame, careful to keep the bentos in her arms level. Once inside however, she looked around in surprise and stood up straight. It was high enough for a Constellation to stand comfortably, despite Siryn's small size. The decor was oddly mismatched, but in a purposeful way that made it come together even better. Rugs, lamps, small brick-a-brack, the room had the changeable quality of something that had been added to over a length of time.
"Oh, you do have such a lovely home, Siryn." She sighed in contentment. She could feel the quietude here; if only she'd been able to create such a place during her travels. The meadows and forests did what they could to calm the spirit, but enough time spent there and anyone could grow to wanting a soft bed. "It's so wonderfully peaceful here..." She sighed, looking back to her host with a smile. "I can't imagine a person who couldn't find a sense of calm here." Smiling wryly, she tilted her head. "Though I shouldn't forget myself." Holding out her hands, she presented the bento boxes with both hands with a bowed head. "Your payment good Teacher. May I ask, is your student well?
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Silent Comet Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 1:18 pm
"Ah!" Surprise over its features, having missed the appearance of the bento boxes entirely, Siryn accepted them with a grateful and heartfelt sigh. "Bento. Aaah, bento. Serenity, thank you very much."
Though it was payment, true enough, and it required it of each of his students, Siryn had never been picky about who supplied the payment. If there was a being willing and able to produce ample compensation for the energy expended passing on wisdom, giving aid, or what have you, Siryn would gladly accept it and consider none in its debt. Though it had yet to sample the food, given its cute and neat appearance, Siryn assumed Serenity had taken to her task rather studiously, and did not anticipate disappointment.
Tail swishing eagerly behind it, Siryn placed the bento boxes on the much-loved and aged table, dusting off a stretch of a colorful, hand-woven runner as it did. The boxes looked very appropriate, and with glee in its eyes, Siryn rubbed its hands together. Mm, lunch.
Though... two?
Well, either Amiel was going hungry, or Serenity was. Given her demeanor, it assumed she had brought her payment and intended to leave. Well, well, that wouldn't do. A gift such as this, even if it was a payment, should be enjoyed, and food should always be shared among friends if at all possible.
Peering over at Serenity, Siryn chirped, "Amiel is doing well enough. Taking to it slowly, but I anticipated that. He has such a stubborn mind that even when he wants a thing, he wants it too much, and prevents himself from having it. Still, his motivation is sincere, and I believe he'll attain a meditative state soon."
Flitting over to the window, Siryn placed its hands on the sil, looking across the grass to where Amiel still sat. The sun was high, spilling light over his head and shoulders, but he didn't seem to mind. That, at least, had to be somewhat of an improvement. Part of meditation was filtering away outside influences, and if the sunshine wasn't making him squirm, perhaps he had learned to set it aside?
Or perhaps he was simply suffering through it, his pride not allowing him to shift and squirm. Siryn could believe that, too.
Without looking away, it asked, "Could you please get some plates down from the cupboard? Don't mind if they're mixed and matched. As there's only two lunches, we'll split the insides this time, and have some of my sweet bread as well to make up the difference. Ah, I'm so hungry, that sounds wonderful already."
Leaning out the window, Siryn paused a moment to smile at Serenity over its shoulder and said, "I'll go fetch him. Back in a moment, dear miss."
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Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 10:12 pm
"It was my pleasure." Serenity smiled at Siryn as it took the boxes and followed the Kirin to the table. She continued to look around as she moved, taking in the cozy room, and the strange fire than danced in its pit in the center of the room, a fire that gave no smoke and no heat as they passed it. While pondering how such a thing was possible, Serenity noted the shift in expression on her host's face, moving to confusion as it set the bentos on the table. Anxiety rose in Serenity's chest and she worked to keep it out of her face. Had she gotten the wrong boxes? Were the furoshiki correct? Serenity mentally kicked herself, she knew she shouldn't have gotten the lavender one, it didn't match Siryn at all...
Pulled out of her thoughts by Siryn's words, she gave it a lopsided smile. "That certainly does sound like him..."
Moving to look out the window behind Siryn, Serenity couldn't help but grin. Amiel sat in the sunlight, in the exact position Serenity was quite sure Siryn had advised her against, looking as imposing as ever and quite cut off from the world.
Suddenly lost in the void between her and Amiel, she almost missed Siryn's request and before she could say anything it was out the window and heading towards Amiel. Biting her lip, she stood for a moment, torn. She hadn't intended to stay; Amiel had made it quite clear that her presence agitated him, her concern for his well-being more so. The last thing she wanted to do now was upset any calm he may have thus far acquired.
But Siryn had explicitly invited her to stay, she reasoned, turning to move toward the cabinet. Counting out three plates, two white and a pale orange one, she picked them up with both hands and brought them to the table. It would seem terribly rude for her to back out of the invitation, and she couldn't insult the one who was going to help free Amiel from his inner turmoil for a price so small as a bento a day, to say nothing of the horror of knowingly being rude to someone.
Through her inner debate, she set the two white plates on one side of the table and the orange one on the other. Blinking at the set for a moment, she switched the orange for a white. Maybe not a matching set, but it looked balanced at least.
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Silent Comet Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 10:49 pm
To date, there was only one being that had been permitted to touch Amiel without hesitation. He guarded himself fiercely, moreso than was necessary, he had been told. Whose right was it to judge how careful he was with his person, his thoughts, his heart? Once, he would have said that she could... but in the end, she had betrayed him, body and soul. The evidence was wrought on his face, carved into his heart.
And damn it all, he was thinking of her again. Hadn't the kirin told him that he needed to clear his mind? His breathing, he was supposed to focus on the gentle in and out, the sound, the feeling.
Even that reminded him of her. His first painful, labored breaths as he came back from the brink of death, cradled in the cleanest, whitest lap he had ever seen. Her hands, soft and gentle, had stroked his face, pushed his bangs aside, and cooled the fever that burned his skin. Gradually, breathing had become easier. Gradually, everything had become easier.
And then -
Opening his eyes, the red haze that spilled from them glowing ever-bright against the cheerful day, he gripped his knees tightly, aware of the strain in them. Siryn had mentioned it would be difficult, but Amiel didn't want to admit what a time he was having of it. With his mind emptied of other thoughts, it inevitably filled with her. The look of her, the memory of her laugh, the smell of her skin... all of it came rushing back to him.
He knew what love looked like in those eyes, and he know what cold, seething hatred looked like in them as well. He had been the subject of both.
The air beside him shifted, a faint buzz all that warned him of the kirin's presence. Despite being a fair-sized creature, Amiel had found that Siryn could sneak up unannounced if it chose. Regardless, from the short time he'd known the other, it seemed that Siryn did little without purpose.
It was a trait he could respect in another.
Tuning slightly, unfolding his legs and gently stretching them, he asked quietly, "Yes?"
From beside him, the kirin clasped its hands, that relaxed, peaceful smile that seemed ever-present on its face. Amiel wondered if it was a true smile, or a facade.
"It's lunch time." Swaying from side to side, Siryn pointed to the small cottage. "We have a guest, and she's been kind enough to bring us food."
Halfway through rising, Amiel tensed, gaze narrowing toward the house. From within, he could see a flash of white, and his stomach sank a bit.
It could have been a million people. It was more than likely Serenity.
Brushing a hand along the seat of his pants, he asked, "Serenity?"
"Mm, yes." Stretching tiny hands above its head, Siryn sounded amused. "How quickly you come to that conclusion. You two must be close."
Closing his eyes, tail curling around his left leg, he shook his head. "No."
"Ah, well. Even I must be wrong sometimes, I suppose." But the kirin didn't sound like it doubted its assertion at all.
Ignoring the impish figure, Amiel began to approach the house, quick strides carrying him across the carpet of grass. Though he was troubled by his thoughts during his attempt at meditation, now was not the time to discuss them. Regardless of whether she knew his attempts - and she obviously did, if she was cozying up to the kirin and bringing them lunch of all things - he'd be damned if she knew the extent of his struggle.
He'd be damned if she knew that even a little bit of it was for her. He'd barely admitted as much to himself.
Pausing outside the door, he hesitated only a moment before swinging it inward, ducking his head. As he had anticipated, there she was, poised and elegant, standing before the table with provisions arranged. Serenity always appeared so well put-together, so regal. Such a start contrast to his own demonic visage.
He had seen fear on her face once. It shamed him, but at the same time, he would never forget the memory.
Resting a hand on the back of a high-backed chair, gaze serious and still on her own, he murmured, "Hello, Serenity."
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Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 11:13 pm
Serenity struggled to compose herself as she heard the door shift and open. There was no turning back now, and her goal of the luncheon seemed to be to do as little damage as possible. Before she even heard his footsteps she knew it was Amiel. She heard the steady cadence of his muffled steps over the rugs and immediately a litany of things not to talk about ran through her head as she turned to face him. His progress, his past, Yysida, perhaps Yysida may be moved to the top of the list come to think of it-
His greeting jarred her out of her thoughts and suddenly he was there in front of her, eyes still so daunting, no less impassable than he had been while meditating under the sun. Swallowing, she gave a small curtsy. "Good afternoon, Sir Amiel. Have you been well?" How many conversations had started this way? Most had ended well, save for the latest... "I brought you lunch." She tried cheerfully, blocking out the memories. He was trying. He hadn't promised her he would, but here he was, all the same. "I hadn't...intended to stay," The words came out almost as an apology. "But dear Siryn has invited me to share lunch."
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Silent Comet Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 11:47 pm
Expression remaining largely impassive, Amiel watched the flurry of emotions rush across her face, and her valiant attempt to subdue them. All things considered, it could be a worse situation. Were things left to his own accord, he would never sit down to a meal with her, especially not so early in his attempt. However, this was Siryn's home, and it was the quirky kirin's call.
They seemed to have made friends. That was good for both of them; from what he knew of each, they harbored similar feelings of the goodness in the world, and would likely make good companions. Perhaps, when all was said and done, they would remain friends, and he would be able to go on his way as he intended.
Only time would tell.
"You shouldn't apologize for the whim of another." She hadn't, exactly, but he heard it in her tone. Eyes downcast, he surveyed the lunches, wondered how long it had taken her to prepare them. "It is Siryn's decision whom is allowed into its home, not mine."
Behind him, the kirin fluttered in, apparently immune to the tension in the room. With a light voice and steady hands, it began to take mugs out of the cupboards, asking, "Milk or tea for you?"
"Tea." After a slight pause, he added, "Please."
Looking back to Serenity once more, he reached out, slowly pulling the chair back for her to be seated. Gaze calm, he asked, "Milk or tea, Serenity?"
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Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 12:08 am
Blunt but admittedly true, Serenity didn't know how to respond to Amiel's remarks. She opened her mouth in an attempt, but closed it and looked down as Syrin floated in on his whirring buzz of wings.
Looking down at the sudden movement of the chair, Serenity blushed at the kind gesture and attempted a smile. "Thank you." She intoned quietly, for Amiel's ears. Sitting and settling her hands in her lap, she raised her voice to Siryn. "If it's not too much trouble, tea for me as well please." Only moments into the afternoon and already the room was rife with tension, though the upbeat motions of Siryn suggested it either didn't notice or chose not to acknowledge it. She straightened her skirts and looked down, keeping Amiel in her peripheral vision, but trying not to look too directly.
She had never had difficulty making conversation with anyone before, but somehow the only topics running through her mind were things she knew would upset him. She blurted out the first safe thing her mind came to.
"Lovely weather today, isn't it?"
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Silent Comet Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 9:04 am
"Ah, the both of you with tea... I feel like milk today, myself." Sounding none too concerned, the kirin continued to buzz about its kitchen, humming a song as it went.
Seating himself as well, the movement unhurried, Amiel had a sneaking suspicion that Siryn was arranging this lunch meeting on purpose. It could have requested meals from anyone, from his understanding, and as long as they were obtained, payment would be considered made. Of course, someone who knew him would be the most likely do so - at least, that had been its reasoning when it suggested Serenity - but in the end, anyone would do. While not well versed in the kirin's methods, there had to be a reason that it had chosen Serenity for the task, and not say... Yysida. Mitternacht.
When it came down to it, he knew very few others. If he thought about it, there were even less who would consider doing something for him, simply because it was asked. Perhaps Serenity was unique in that respect.
She continued to try, even when he openly scorned her, even when he had threatened her with violence. She was either truly and selflessly kind, or too stubborn and foolish to recognize defeat.
He was willing to believe it was somewhere in between.
Jarred from his thoughts by her question, he blinked at her, a rare moment of puzzlement on his expression. When it registered, he flattened his lips, visage changing to one of consideration, and looked out the window.
"Yes. Siryn tells me it is often nice in this area, which is why it built its home here."
Behind them, a kettle whistled. "Too true, too true. Can you imagine someone like me having to constantly rebuild my home because of storms? No, it wouldn't do at all."
Setting a mug in front of each of them, Siryn smiled and turned, pouring the water into the tea pot and then sniffing the air afterward, pleased.
From over its shoulder, Siryn asked, "Did you have any plans today, Serenity? We're pleased as can be that you decided to stay with us. Oh, tea is almost done."
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Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 3:09 pm
The period of silence before Amiel's response was almost deafening, despite the noises of movement coming from Siryn's side of the room. Even when he did speak, the words did nothing to ease the air, loaded as they were with the same forced casualness her question had. Not much had changed yet, it seemed. Their last meeting had been so much similar, the attempted cordiality fading when they both tired of running circles around the problem at hand. She hoped the afternoon would not end the same way. If he pressed her again, what would she say? Though he had acknowledged the possibility of violence during their last meeting, he had refrained from acting on it as he had previously. Perhaps he had recognized some desire to change, even then?
Glancing up at Amiel, she was surprised to see a moment of confusion pass over his face before dissolving away as he looked out the window. Anxiety rose in her chest, and her eyes darted over the length of the table. How much of her thoughts had registered on her face? The kettle whistled and Serenity looked up, purposefully composing herself with a polite smile. Looking at her host as it set down a mug for each of them, she whispered her gratitude and her gaze followed the Kirin's back as he returned to the kettle.
It's question surprised her. She hadn't even considered what might be done for the rest of the day; her main goal had been preparing a successful lunch, recently amended to include surviving said luncheon with manners and Amiel's state of mind intact. "I confess I have no other plans, though I had considered going shopping again for tomorrow's lunch, now that I have a bit more experience in what is needed." Though it's back was turned, she smiled politely anyway. "Thank you very much for inviting me to stay, I'm terribly excited to see how my cooking has turned out."
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Silent Comet Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2009 8:36 pm
"Oh, if it tastes anything like it smells, I'm certain we'll all be pleased as bees."
Though the things Siryn said didn't always make sense, it didn't seem to perturb the kirin. Things were difficult and awkward just then, but they would get better in time, as most things did. That aside, Siryn had plans for the two of them, whether they were all that inclined to fall in line with them or not.
Of course, meddling with hearts wasn't something it enjoyed doing. Still, everyone needed a bit of a nudge, yes? And it had never seen someone who needed a nudge toward their own heart more than Amiel. The constellation would likely scoff that he had lost his heart long ago, but Siryn didn't believe that for a moment.
Lifting its tail, Siryn descended softly to a stool, beaming a smile about the table. Well. This was just lovely. Tension could have been sliced with a knife.
"Shall we eat, then?" Without waiting for an answer, Siryn sent a prayer to the gods and began to eat.
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