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Friendly Conversationalist
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 Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 8:31 pm
Plant Collection Day had come again, and Tsetsiliya hummed as she walked down her normal avenues of collection. Truthfully, Plant Collection Day had been getting a little dull as of late. She'd had that one spurt of luck while escorting Mort around campus, but other than that, the pool of new discoveries had been dry. Perhaps that was because she stayed on her normal path, deviating only but a little each time. Maybe it was time to shake things up.
She eyed the forest just a short ways ahead and frowned. The last time she had truly wandered into the forest, she and Jericho had woken up in the care of Nurse Cricket, but she liked to think she was a little smarter than that, this time.
Perhaps the forest was what she needed after all. She was a Knob now, surely she could handle it!
.. Or maybe not. She gripped her collection basket anxiously. Perhaps she'd just decide when she got to the mouth of the forest. Yes, that seemed like a pretty solid plan. It was one that would likely end with her standing there, gaping at the forest like an idiot and quivering nervously before going home, but it was something to work with!
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Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:46 am
Herryk was feeling pretty good about the date he was planning for Freya. He'd learned a little about cooking from Calder, which was very important considering how much Freya loved food. Actually, their conversation had spanned a vast array of topics and Herryk had learned new things throughout their talk. Herryk had also learned how to sew from Amrita, though that hadn't been planned, really. He'd sewn a pretty shoddy looking scarf for his ghoul, and despite how horrible it looked, he was pretty proud of it.
Next on his list of things to investigate: flowers.
He was torn between just picking a fistful of the things and offering those to her, but then he got to thinking about potted plants. Something that would last longer and would remind Freya of him every time she looked at it. He wasn't exactly sure where one would purchase a potted plant and because of this he found himself wandering towards the forest. His plan? To rip one out of the ground, slap it into a cup and call it good.
Nearing the forest, Herryk caught sight of a smaller figure up ahead. Not wanting to startle the ghoul, Herryk cleared his throat loudly in an attempt to catch her attention.
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Friendly Conversationalist
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Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 7:32 pm
Tsetsiliya had arrived at the mouth of the forest, just as planned. And also just as planned (or.. expected, she should say), she stood there for a moment gaping into the depths. Should she, or shouldn't she? It would be a lie to say she wasn't the least bit nervous - her darting eyes at any sound that came out of the trees was testament to that.
Instead, she tried to distract herself. Oh, there were plants here, weren't there? She spotted some more of the lovely edelweiss flowers she had seen near the monster dorms earlier in the week, and bent to pick those. The white blossoms were fuzzy, so peculiar. She rather liked them.
It was then that another noise shook her from her task, and she bolted upright nervously. Immediately the poludnica's pale eyes beheld what she assumed was the source - a tall, rather well-built example of an Amityville student. Or he could have been a professor she had yet to meet, for all she knew - he was so.. so tall!
"H-Hello!" she chirped nervously, still clutching the small bundle of edelweiss in her hand as she seemed to have forgotten about the basket in the crook of her arm. The ghoul mustered a small smile, although she had to crane her neck just enough to make sure he'd seen it. Immediately in doing so, it dawned on her why he had likely cleared his throat. "O-Oh, I am sorry.. hopefully I am not in your way!" Her head ducked a little in an apologetic bow and she shuffled aside in case he wanted to pass.
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Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:09 pm
Herryk smiled, taking in the nervous way she spoke. Herryk wasn't used to ghouls who were nervous -- his Freya was as loud and outspoken as they got. Still, he was rather fond of Chuppi, his little bug. Herryk had a protective side four miles wide, and he was not ashamed to make that obvious at any given time. It was just how he was, and the ghoul before him looked like she needed reassuring.
"It is fine," he assured her, eyeing the flowers she clutched in one hand. They were a pretty white, pure and lovely. In some strange way they seemed to suit the ghoul who held them in her hand. They weren't what he would choose for Freya, but there was a softness to them that Herryk could appreciate.
"Herryk was just looking for flowers." He paused, mentally backtracked and tried again.
"Herryk," he introduced himself, one large hand resting against an impossibly wide, bare chest. "And Herryk was just looking for flowers for his ghoul." He smiled gently at the ghoul, brows lifting as he waited for her to introduce herself.
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Friendly Conversationalist
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Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:30 pm
Tsetsiliya peeked up as the boil addressed her, and something in his tone helped ease her anxiety. So it seemed he wasn't just looking to get by her quickly after all! Her lips twitched into a less nervous smile and she straightened her back fully. As Herryk gave his introduction, she returned it with another, shorter bow of the head.
"I am Tsetsiliya," she offered, then added as her cheeks colored brightly, "O-Or Tset, if you are preferring." The ghoul was learning quickly it was best to offer up an alternative. The memory of poor Mort struggling to say "Tsetsiliya" still filled her with second-hand embarrassment for him.
"Flowers.. ?" The ghoul blinked owlishly for a moment as the subject came back around to flowers. That's right, he had mentioned he was looking for some. Her gaze averted to the edelweiss in her hand, and she brought them forward a little more for Herryk to get a better look at. "For your ghoulfriend?" That was a terribly nice thing to do, and so very traditional! Tsetsiliya could definitely approve of that. "P-Perhaps I may help you? I am out gathering plants --" She patted the basket, "-- So perhaps I may be able to offer some advice?" Oddly enough, her knowledge of plants hadn't found much application outside of class, so this venture seemed new and exciting. It was good to know she would be able to help someone!
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Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:47 pm
"Tset," Herryk said slowly, testing the sound of her name on his tongue before nodding with a bright smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Tset! Herryk has never been out to this area and so he is glad to have met someone who is familiar with plants and flowers and other leafy things." He peered at the basket she patted before glancing at the flowers in her outstretched hand.
"Yes, for Herryk's ghoul. Freya," he boasted, looking like he might explode with pride. It was obvious that he thought highly of the ghoul and it was probably very apparent that he was head over heels in love with her. The way he talked about her, it sounded like she was quite possibly the most amazing ghoul in Halloween.
And to Herryk, she was.
"Does Tset know much about flowers? Herryk does not know what to give to Freya." He looked worried. "Herryk does not know what Freya likes, either, so it is hard to choose something. At first Herryk was thinking fresh flowers, but then Herryk was thinking maybe... something in a bowl." He made a circular motion with his hands. "Or a pot? Bucket?"
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Friendly Conversationalist
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Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 9:16 pm
Tsetsiliya had known a couple of students here who were in a relationship, but she had yet to see the apparent pride and love that Herryk seemed to have for his ghoulfriend Freya. She found herself brightening from his enthusiasm. It was only natural to want to give something nice to the one you care about, wasn't it? If anything, it filled her with a small sense of pride herself in being able to help with something like this. It was a noble quest of sorts.
"Hmm.. that is good for lasting longer, yes." She nodded slowly as Herryk explained the situation, tucking the edelweiss into her basket. "That is not being easy to answer.. at least right away." Blonde eyebrows scrunched up in thought. "What is your ghoulfriend like?" Perhaps a clue in her behaviors might wheedle things down. Unfortunately it didn't help that Tsetsiliya did not know the ghoul in question, so she couldn't really make a reliable judgment call without a little more to go on. "Personality, I mean."
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Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 10:36 am
Herryk tapped his chin in thought as he pondered over the question that Tset had asked. What was Freya like?
"Bold," he said slowly, rubbing his finger along the dimple in his chin. "Bright. Freya lights up a room when she comes in. She is strong and determined. Friendly. There is a side to Freya that is kind and gentle, too, though. This is why Herryk thought she might like something ghouly like flowers." He cleared his throat, realizing how that might sound.
"Not that there is anything wrong with flowers, Tset. Herryk just ... does not find the appeal in such delicate things. Herryk prefers foxfires." Although lately he'd been feeling a little overwhelmed with the little poofy things. So many of them. Too many of them, even. He'd given one to Mort and that was a good start, right?
Back on topic. "Does Tset know of a flower that would do well in a pot? One that Freya could keep in her room, perhaps?"
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Friendly Conversationalist
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Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 5:03 pm
Tsetsiliya stifled a soft, happy laugh. She would never have pegged Herryk as the type who would like foxfires so much! It was such a delightful change from the expected. "No no, it is fine.. everyone is having different tastes, after all." She smiled appreciatively. "Foxfires are very much nice, although I am not owning one myself yet." That was something she should really look into - how could one say no to a little ball of puff like that?
But getting back to the topic at hand, the poludnica's fingers tapped the handle of her plant basket as she thought. Bold, friendly, kind.. these were all wonderful qualities. "I am also thinking that it should reflect you, a little bit.." She freed a hand, cupping her own cheek as her finger tapped her temple. It was a lucky thing plants were so interesting to her, and especially for something such as this - there was a book on her grandmother's bookshelf at home about the language of flowers. Each flower and plant had a specific meaning, and certain arrangements could be made to convey the giver's feelings. A combination of plants to care for may not be good for one who normally didn't deal with plants (not to mention some plants tended to dominate and kill off other neighbors in the same pot, and that would most certainly not bode well for a gift!).
"I am thinking.. perhaps a cactus. They are much durable and do well inside, and have pleasant flowers.." she mused, but then frowned and backtracked. "But they are not easily accessible.." Think, think! "Or perhaps amaryllis..?" Yes, that one seemed to be a good choice! Immediately the ghoul's face brightened. "It is meaning 'pride,' as in a love to be proud of, as well as 'splendid beauty.'" The pride part was what had tipped her off; Herryk's pride when he had told Tsetsiliya about Freya fit pefectly. "I remember seeing some around here.." Although at the moment she couldn't recall exactly where on campus she had seen them. Another pause followed, and she closed her eyes.
Oh, where had she seen it?
"Oh! The forest!" Yes, that's right, she had seen them along the path she had taken during her and Jericho's adventure (what she could remember of it, anyway), having skipped them over because of the blooms already in her windowbox planter. "They are doing very well inside." A nervous glance at the mouth of the forest followed. "Shall we.. shall we go find some?" She ventured what she hoped was an encouraging smile, but it may have betrayed some of her nervousness a little.
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Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 8:18 pm
Herryk was immediately impressed by Tset's knowledge of plantlife. He didn't really have anything that he was incredibly learned about. He knew some about foxfires, and he knew some about punching. He didn't know anything about flowers, or about the meanings behind flowers. He watched her quietly as she spoke, intrigued by her words.
"Herryk suggests one of everything? Maybe a cactus... and a.. an amaryllis? Herryk is strong, he can do climbing and other things in order to find these flowers." His expression turned most earnest. "Herryk only wants the best flowers for his Freya." He couldn't help but notice the way she grew nervous at the prospect of stepping into the forest.
"Do not worry," he drew up alongside the ghoul, sending a concerned look her way. "Herryk can go first, if Tset likes." He was curious as to the source of her nervousness -- it wasn't that she was outright trembling in her boots, but Herryk seemed to sense the change. "Herryk will protect Tset. Why does Tset fear the forest?"
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Friendly Conversationalist
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Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 8:48 pm
"The only problem is that I am not knowing of any cactus plants in this area.." Tsetsiliya's lips pressed together and she thought hard. But.. oh, there was one other option.. "O-Oh, but I do have a couple back in my room. I am glad to give you one!" Truthfully she only had one. But this was for a noble cause, wasn't it? On the plus side, they were already flowering, so that would definitely save her some explaining.
Her glance kept darting towards the forest. It was comforting to the ghoul to have Herryk beside her, but all the same she still felt wary. That gap in her memory from the last excursion was troublesome. As Herryk asked her why she was so nervous, her lips tugged downward in an anxious frown. "I was in the forest a long while ago, with another student. I remember when we are entering the forest, and finding something, a plant.. but then I am not remembering how I got out." She squinted at the path as she replayed the events before and after the jump in her memory, trying to piece together what might be missing. "I remember a burning smell.. then we are both waking up in Nurse Cricket's office, covered in mud and in pain." Finding nothing in her memories, the poludnica turned her gaze back up to Herryk and blinked, shrugging. She reached up and tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear nervously.
Oh, she dearly wished she could remember; Tsetsiliya did not want to see a repeat incident and have Herryk end up getting hurt as well. He seemed like a rather nice boil, and that burning sensation in one's lungs is something she would not wish on anyone.
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Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 9:11 pm
"Hmm, this is nice of Tset to offer, but Herryk cannot take something that belongs to Tset only to give it to Freya." He beamed at her and continued into the forest. The last time he'd come close to the woods they'd been ambushed by hunters. It hadn't been pleasant. Herryk wasn't sure if this was the same place or not, but a forest was a forest, right?
"Herryk was in a forest like this one. It might have been this one. There were the hunters -- the false reapers? -- and they were trapping everyone. Herryk fell asleep and woke up in the nurse office." He shrugged and cast a glance at Tset. "Herryk heard that there was fire that burned everyone. He is glad that he was not awake for that."
Clearing his throat, Herryk seemed almost determined to continue forth. Facing the things that caused one fright, this was all a part of growing stronger, wasn't it? Just as important as punching things when sparring?
"Tset," he said softly to the ghoul, "Herryk does not want to force Tset into the forest." No, he didn't want to do that to her. She seemed a perfectly nice ghoul. A sweet ghoul, one that he didn't want to see forced back into a place that evoked such horrid memories.
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Friendly Conversationalist
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Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 9:48 pm
"I-I am hearing about.." The story about the hunters was one Tsetsiliya had heard through scuttlebutt on campus, and she was not sorry that she had missed that encounter. Still it was terrible that so many students had gone through that terrible experience while she was up in her room, nice and cozy. It was even more distressing to know that Herryk had been involved as well. "I-I am glad that you.. a-and everyone is okay.. mostly okay." Needless to say it made her feel some residual guilt, something that only intensified as the draugr stalled on their continued journey into the forest.
His concern for her well-being really touched Tsetsiliya, but she shook her head. She had said she would help him, and the ghoul never backed down on her offers. "I-It is being fine." She waved a hand and beamed. "But I thank you. Two sets of eyes are better than one alone, yes?" Her nervousness is something she would have to swallow for now. It was only just a forest, wasn't it? Besides, she didn't want to look weak to her new companion. Unlike the last time, she now had some prior knowledge about the dangers the forest may or may not possess. Hopefully she would have an indication to stay away should they encounter what she and Jericho had (one had to remain optimistic)!
She kept walking and distracted herself by returning to the topic of cacti. "Hmm.. I am certain the botanist in the maul might have a cactus." She couldn't remember off the top of her head. "At least.. I am thinking so." One long-nailed finger scratched her temple. Well that was less than certain. "But let us see.. amaryllis is a tall plant.. pale, with pink in the middle." She twirled her hands. "Although there are plenty of other plants that we are finding in here, also." Perhaps she was talking too much or jumping subjects too quickly, but it helped the ghoul feel a little less nervous and more productive.
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Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 10:10 pm
"It is important to work on the things that Tset might be frightened of," he said softly, dipping down to peer at her. "There are many strange things happening, and it is up to everyone to become more and more strong so that when important things are threatened by these false reapers again, everyone is more prepared to fight and protect the things that are most cared about." This was Herryk's outlook, at least, and it was good advice as far as he was concerned.
When she mentioned that she was ready to head into the forest, Herryk lifted a brow. He didn't want to tell her that it was okay to be afraid, or that they might have luck finding this flower somewhere else, somewhere that didn't carry with it such terrible memories.
"Yes, Tset," he agreed, straightening to his full height with a smile. "Two eyes are better than one. Unless there is a cyclops, yes?" He chuckled at his own silly joke, hoping it would give her cause for a smile.
"Freya likes pink," he commented idly, listening to her mention the flowers appearance. "Herryk has also been to the maul, but he has never seen the botanist."
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Friendly Conversationalist
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Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2011 9:49 pm
Herryk did not have to hope in vain, as Tsetsiliya's lips did turn upward in a smile at his joke and a giggle escaped from behind them. As the conversation marched on along with their own forward progress into the forest, the ghoul paused in thought for a moment at the draugr's mention of the botanist. "He is not the most well-located, I should say? He is near the back entrance.. close to the food court." It had been by chance that she had stumbled upon it, and a lucky find indeed. Obtaining new pots and fertilizer were much quicker that way.
There was a gap in the conversation as she walked in silence, and all Tsetsiliya could do was think on Herryk's advice. They were grave words but ones she felt to be true; the atmosphere at school had certainly felt, for lack of a better word, off since she had returned from the field trip to the Island. To say that she understood even the smallest part of it would be a lie, to say that she wasn't scared would also be a lie. But Herryk was completely right - it was important to work on one's fears and get stronger. That was why she had gone to West for that fighting lesson, wasn't it? She did not want to see her friends die again.
"You.. are right, about becoming stronger," the poludnica agreed at length. "It is important to get stronger and be prepared.. I am guessing that is why there is much sparring going on as of late." That would make sense of the gym's rather frequent use. Her face flashed a hopeful look, and she "B-But this is also being important, yes?" Her hand swept from her own chest to indicate the forest and end with Herryk. "Being with others, I am meaning. A thing worth protecting." She was not certain if she was looking for some kind of reassurance but she did know that she treasured things like this, those small moments with others - the daily bits that lead to new surprises. That was precious to her.
Perhaps it was time to look into practice sparring.
As they continued from the outskirts of the forest, she noticed the air felt thicker. But her eyes kept wandering - she was determined to find those spurts of color among the browns and greens. She did like how knobby and interesting the foliage became. Such interesting trees here! But in the forest's dim light, she noticed something just ahead, a flash of color tucked away behind a rotting log. Tsetsiliya's eyebrows rose in intrigue, and she quickened her pace to reach the spot a little faster. She craned her neck over the downed tree and a smile spread over her face, showing each of her small, sharp teeth. She turned that pleased face towards Herryk and waved him over. "Does Freya like blue? Or I am thinking it is purple, maybe." Hard to tell in this light, but imagine finding African spider violets here!
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