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 Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 2:46 am
 Worst title.Where: The Busthind Mountains When: Midnight-ish on 12th Perigee's Eve Why: Sarce gets the brilliant idea to trek to Semp's place and give him a gift in spirit of 12th Perigee's Eve. Shenanigans ensue.
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Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 3:02 am
Honestly why was she doing this? She didn't even know.
The young blueblood trekked through the snow, a not-so-thick black jacket and a not-so-thick gray scarf accompanied her normal attire. She was going into the mountains again, so of course, she decided to come prepared! She did enjoy the snow an awful lot, but it was so gosh darn cold that she had to take precautions! ...Not that her 'precautions' were so great; her thin coat and scarf combination wasn't good enough to stand up to the mountain chill, and she found herself shivering as she walked through the snow drifts, each step earning a satisfying crunch from the snow beneath her.
She gripped the wrapped box tighter. It was a poor wrapping job; her hands weren't very steady, but she hopped it would do nonetheless. The intended recipient wasn't all for fancy things anyway, so she hoped he would be okay with this... this mediocre job. Well, he wasn't okay with very many things, so maybe she should just tear the wrapping off anyway and give him the plain gift. But then that would take away the entire intention of Perigee's Eve, wouldn't it?
She just hopped she was getting close now! She didn't actual know where Sir lived, other then that he resided in the mountains of course. It was funny though, the local residents pointed her in the right direction almost instantaneously! Once she worked up enough courage to actually go ask the bunch of them; they knew just who she was talking about too! All she had to do was mention the scar's and foreboding horns and stature and serial killer-esque air he just had to him.
It was a huge stone fortress they said, you couldn't miss it, although it'd be better if you did.
But she wasn't backing off now. She wasn't expecting a warm welcome either; she had no idea what he would even be doing to celebrate. She would give him the gift and start the long trek home, and hopefully rest up so she didn't get some sort of cold from the prolong exposure to the cold mountain air.
Or well, if she did get sick and just sort of withered up and died, that'd be fine too.
Besides the point, anyway. Something had caught her eye in the distance, a large castle like pinnacle, standing lone in the snow, cascaded against the dark Alternian sky. This had to be it, there was no mistaking it.
Sarcel felt terrified though. What if he completely regretted the gift? Well... she'd leave it on the doorstep probably, but even then, she'd feel awfully sour about the whole thing. At the worse, she concluded, he would only call her Pathetic and slap her around, so it wasn't really that bad for a worse possible conclusion!
Or maybe the mountain housed other freakish slightly insane heathens, which wouldn't really surprise her.
Either way, she made it up to the front door. It was eerily quiet, really, very... unnerving. She took a glance down at her wrapped up box; it was a dumb gift too, really. Toy troll soldiers; she knew! Dumb!... But they were expensive anyway. Each one was hand carved and painted, different and unique. True craftsmanship; and she hoped Sir would appreciate the gesture, if not that, then the gift itself.
Fumbling awkwardly with her scarf, the blueblood nervously gave a few quick knocks to the gargantuan, ominous door. Was this really a safe idea? Maybe she was insane. She would accept that, she decided, it really didn't surprise her.
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Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 7:40 pm
All alone in the cold and dark. Surely, the best way to celebrate 12th Perigee's Eve. Not that Sempur was celebrating it, certainly not, in fact he preferred to ignore this dumb holiday and go about his day like it was just any other day. Well, he'd have to avoid going into town. And chase off any carolers that dared infringe on his territory. And he couldn't really march about because apparently, he resembled some little drummer boy? It was infuriating. He hated this holiday. So, like any other sweep, he ended up sitting in his chair of relaxing in his room of living in his fortress of solitude, not quite relaxed or living it up, but at least there was solitude.
And then he heard a knock at his door (of no entry).
Sitting up with a growl, Sempur set aside the gloves his lusus had given him. Mockery is what it was, but at least Wojtek had the decency to leave him alone afterwards. Not like... whoever was at the door. But that whoever would be getting a piece of his mind and also his fists just as soon as he swung this door open and--
"Pathetic." He almost sounded surprised there. After just the slightest pause that could almost be awkward if Sempur allowed awkwardness, he spoke again, the first thing that came to mind. "How the hell do you know where I live."
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Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:46 pm
Even after the knocks, it was quiet. Sort of funny, really; did she expect there to be sound? It was almost as if all the sound had been swallowed up by the snow.
Still, she started to doubt this was even the right place again. It seemed pretty dark, and the exterior of the hive seemed so beat up; maybe it was abandoned? What if she was supposed to look for some other large intimidating fortress? Even so, she stayed for a little longer. Shifting her weight around on her feet, just trying to keep moving, in fear that she would freeze to death if she stopped. Seriously if only she knew it would be so cold!
Her eyes focused back to the present, hands shaking nervously.
Thankfully, she didn't have much time to think or dwell on her impending doom, given that the door opened right about then with a very angry looking Sempur standing where the closed door once stood. She jumped; almost dropping the present, fumbling around to get her grip on it. She swallowed nervously, refusing to make eye contact with him, just sort of staring at something else far less interesting.
"Pathetic."
Oh god oh god here it comes.
"...How the hell do you know where I live.".
It was funny. He asked a question, but it didn't sound like a question, because he wasn't questioning, he was demanding. Still, she was taken back a little bit; of all the things she expected him to say, asking how she came across his whereabouts wasn't one she thought would be on the list.
"O-O-Oh well uh," she stammered for a bit. Suddenly her scarf felt way too tight, so she gave it an apprehensive tug, "I-I just uh, asked around you know? W-Wasn't expecting the trolls out here to be so- so uh... Nice! I guess? They weren't really n-nice I mean, but they- they pointed me in the right direction! It's- it's sort of funny really, I mean, I guess it's not funny; nobody's laughin', so it can't be funny! but all I had to do was m-mention you're scars 'n all and man those guys just, just u-uh, well perked right up and pointed me off! You seem to have a b-big reputation around her, Sir." She started off, one ramble after another as she gave a nervous, choked up sort of laugh that really didn't sound like a laugh at all- more like a wheezy series of snort-like wannabe chuckles.
"But uh, that's n-not the point, Sir! I mean I kn-know you're probably awfully b-busy or something, or maybe not, I don't know it- it's not really any of my business! But I, I uh, I just wanted to give you this- this um... I mean I-I don't even know if you celebrate 12th Pereigee's, but um..." She was silent for a moment, looking very thoughtful for a moment. It was funny, almost as if she had no idea she was rambling off so nervously, "I just uh... I mean I-I'll get going here in a second, but uh, I just wanted to gift you this give. I-I mean-! wanted to give you this gift." She finished out finally, looking at the box again, "I-I mean if you're even into that sorta' thing, fun 'n gift's in all. I-I mean if not, then... then that's fine too! A-Actually, you'll probably think it's real uh, real dumb! I mean I-I don't think it's dumb, but what do I know, r-right? Good ol' Pathetic, I-I really shouldn't be talking, bu-but I'm just saying you pr-probably wouldn't care, or maybe you would, I mean, that would be nice."
She paused again, if briefly, the thoughtful look returning while she looked over the box and the shitty wrapping job. God she was such a moron. "A-Anyway, um... Here you go I guess." she said, a staggeringly short sentence compared to the prior verses, arms awkwardly stretching as she held the box out, shaking both from the cold and the nervous tension of the moment. Either he'd take it, reject it, or slap it out of her hands, or well; something, anything really although she hopped he would just accept it and well, if he really found it as dumb and moronic as she played it up to be, at least have the decency to trash it or throw it away after she left, so she could wonder rather then know.
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Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 12:19 am
OK. Sempur actually would have preferred the carolers now. At least their stream of noise was probably pleasurable to someone somewhere, and their songs praised the beautiful culture of glorious Alternia. This stream of bile, however, was terrible to anyone anywhere and also completely worthless. Sempur's expression was unreadable as he stood in the doorway, door just open enough for him to block the inside, not that he had anything to hide. In fact, it was pretty barren in there, but Sarcel probably would have been quicker to comment on that. It was bad enough she knew where he lived now, he would not let her see any more of his lair.
Truth be told, Sempur was too weary to snap and tell her to shut up. He just hoped she would run out of steam soon, get this over with, leave and never return to the mountain again or at least his hive goddamn it wasn't fair to just blindside a troll like that. He'd have to find these locals that directed Sarcel to him later. He had a reputation, alright, one he'd be happy to uphold. Once she paused, Sempur heaved a sigh and opened his mouth to speak, when great! she started up again. He clapped his trap shut and growled, annoyance showing more obviously on his face now and only growing as she continued. So that was her game. His eyes glanced down to the shoddily wrapped parcel she held, apparently a gift and he had never felt so offended in his life.
This time, he did not allow her to start rambling again, impatiently snatching the box right out of her hands and starting up a lecture of his own. "If you put nearly half as much effort into improving yourself as you do being obnoxious, Pathetic, maybe you wouldn't be so obnoxious. His ranting was undermined, however, by the missed opportunity. Sempur totally could have punctuated his insults with tearing at the wrapping, but he was uncharacteristically careful with unwrapping the gift even as he glared at her, scarred hands peeling the paper away as though trying to preserve it with minimal tearing. "FURTHERMORE, what I do on this wretched holiday is none of your business and if you think taking pity on me like I'm some sort of charity case will appease me, you are as mistaken as usual, Pathetic. You are showing weakness right now, and I am only humoring you because at least, for once, you have shown some EFFORT in this misguided attempt and I suppose you deserve some sort of reward." As though belittling her as he ungratefully unwrapped the gift was much of a reward.
Or maybe Sarcel's real award was his expression then, finally looking back down at the revealed present, snarl dropping and eyebrows shooting up in surprise. These toy troll soldiers were expertly crafted, such accurate renditions he admired, my god these certainly weren't a little kids' toys! Sempur's mouth worked uselessly for a moment, and when he finally found his voice, there was no trace of his earlier scorn. ""A-...Acceptable. This is an acceptable gift, Pathetic. You have an eye for quality, I am almost impressed." He sounded just a little more than almost, probably the closest to gushing Sempur could get. Looking back at Sarcel, he looked like he wanted to say more, but was unsure of what else. Looks like awkward was allowed after all, and this was it.
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Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 1:27 am
She was glad when he snatched the box out of her hands; arms recoiling back to her sides, hands stuffed in her pockets because damn she was still freezing. The sooner she could head off again, the better! She wasn't planning on sticking around anyway, just wanted to give him the thing and skedaddle; no dawdling!
She hadn't really noticed how weary or agitated he was since she hadn't been looking at him directly, at least not until now. Hearing his voice made her eyes snap up, full attention. She already knew she was obnoxious, and hearing it over again really did nothing; at least, she wasn't going to berate herself over it right now.
So she took his words with nothing more then an indifferent look on her face. Not one of scorn, nor sorrow, nor anything; just plain indifference. She wasn't going to argue, even if he was misconstruing the whole reason for her show of generosity. She didn't pity him, sure as hell didn't see him as some sort of charity case. She didn't dare say "I just wanted to do something nice" because god he would only loose it then.
She didn't care if she was showing weakness, and she didn't care she was being humored.
She didn't care if it was completely misguided.
The blueblood just watched as his damaged hands... gently tore at the wrapping. It was odd, but didn't strike her as too far out of the ordinary; or well it did, but she wasn't going to pipe up, "Oh sir you sure are bein' gentle with that box!" Because that was just dumb and stupid.
Instead, she was surprised. Watching how his expression suddenly changed from a scowl to a look of... god was there even a word for it? No. No, there was no word for that face, she decided.
But just the way he looked so... pleasantly surprised.
Acceptable.
It was acceptable.
She allowed herself probably one of the briefest and tiniest of smiles, more of less just what looked like a slight tug of the muscles in her face. Almost impressed made it worth it; although she had a inkling that he might of just been slightly more then that.
But then he looked back at her, there was a brief eye contact, and the blueblood instantly dropped her gaze back to the ground. She waited a moment or two, but there were no more words.
"Well... I uh... I better get going, then." She stumbled awkwardly, "I 'mm... I hope you enjoy them anyway, I mean, i-if you enjoy stuff, I m-mean," she paused, not wanting to ramble again, "...Have a nice evening, Sir."
Waiting just a brief moment longer, the girl stood, then turned around and started back into the snow.
...This was an acceptable way to end it, wasn't it? Nothing more too it; didn't need to drag it out any longer then it was.
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Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 2:41 am
"Wait."
It wasn't his usual commanding tone, and in fact Sempur sort of surprised himself by blurting it out. He wasn't quite sure why, or what, but he felt there was still something that had to be said. Or done. He repeated himself more firmly now.
"Wait right there, Pathetic."
He didn't bother to see if she did indeed stay (after all, his recruits never disobeyed orders), quickly dipping back into his hive, heavy door slamming behind him. He had decided to pay her back. It wasn't a gift or anything, 12th Perigee's Eve was dumb and he wasn't taking part, he was just being fair. Sempur was nothing if not fair. Perhaps he could give Sarcel one of his favorite books, she might learn a thing or two. He'd be doing her a favor on top of being gallant! So perfect, Sempur.
Heading towards the library, he passed by the chair he had been sulking in for who knows how long, and paused. It occurred to him that perhaps she had been shaking for more than her usual overwrought nervousness. Yes, Sarcel was fully unprepared for this mountain terrain. He could still give her a practical gift. Sempur briskly made his way to the chair and set the box of toy troll soldiers and wrapping paper down ever so venerably, then much less respectfully, grabbed his old pair of boots. He had shown weakness sitting there, staring at the damn things, reflecting on ancient memories. Pointless. At least if he gave her these, he'd have no excuse to waste time lamenting. And, while he was at it, Sempur grabbed the just-as-stupid gloves and shoved them into the boots. There! Everybody wins.
Feeling thoroughly idiotic, but unwilling to back out now because Sempur never backs out, he shoved the door open and stepped out into the cold, presenting the improvised gift. "Your current attire is completely inappropriate for the mountains, Pathetic. It reflects poorly on you that I should have to dress you like I'm your Lusus, but I suggest you take these anyway. Be grateful." He was back to his usual surly, growling self, unwilling to back out, but even more unwilling to admit that maybe he was a little excited to see her reaction. Not that maybe he could see why that was the best part of gift giving, not that he was exchanging gifts like he really was celebrating 12th Perigee's Eve, none of that! He just figured he should give his fellow blueblood a little credit here.
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Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 2:38 pm
She almost didn't stop the first time, being that the tone was so foreign sounding, not a command, but... well, it was, but it wasn't near as demanding as it usually was.
Of course by the time he reiterated the aforementioned request she had in fact stopped, casting a gaze over her shoulder. What could he of possibly wanted? Maybe he was playing the reaction up and was going to throw the box back at her after all; maybe she should of kept walking.
But she didn't want to disobey orders.
Of course even as she looked back towards the fortress of a hive, she saw the blueblood sink back into his lair, leaving her puzzled and still freezing her a** off in the snow, not that it really mattered. Heaving a half-hearted sigh, Sarce worked the ten or so steps back up to the front door, and waited patiently.
...
Maybe that was another thing she could credit herself on. Her speed and her patience. She still had yet to develop a reason as to why she was still trying to stick with this serial killer of a troll.
But whatever, it didn't matter that much, she guessed. She looked down to her shoes; god how she loved this pair. She felt awful about wearing them though, knowing that one day the soles would fall off and she'd loose her favorite set of footwear. God, look at how she was lamenting on shoes like this; where was Sir anyway? She wasn't trying to get all impatient, but she was pretty cold and she did want to try and get going.
The door opened back up then, revealing Sempur again as his usual snarly self, looking as irritated and agitated as ev-
oh.
Oh god
She found herself staring wide eyed at the pair of boots. She didn't know weather or not to be more surprised at the fact he was actually giving her something, or that he was giving her this gorgeous, pulchritudinous, sublime pair of boots. The state of stupefaction she was in was unreal; she found it hard to even remember to take the gift from him, awkwardly outstretched fingers grabbing at the boots before seizing them away, black eyes staring over them incredulously.
"F-For me? But.... Sir, I..." She started, but unlike the other, couldn't find her voice at all. Instead she just turned the boots over in her hands, meticulously taking in every detail, eyes looking over ever worn out flaw of the boots, but seeing them as something of a fine point of perfection rather then a blemish. She never thought to look inside the boots though, because well, what could be in there?
She tried to fumble with her voice again, "Sir... I... Th-... Thank you."
It was pretty funny considering that she couldn't even remember the time she had a gift on Perigee's Eve. Her Lusus was always too busy to want to partake with her on anything, so she had grown used to getting no gifts. Grown used to the occasional giving, but the girl had almost forgotten what it felt like to receive.
And of all the people it was that was giving her a god damn gift, it was this acerbic troll with the stature of a manslaughterer.
And god damn, it was one of the best gifts she ever had got.
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Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 5:05 pm
Sempur's heart did not grow three sizes that day. No, he would have needed one in the first place for it to grow. Instead, he simply looked on at his recruit's reaction with a calm sort of satisfaction. It was an officer's job to instill morale in his troops—among other things—and he liked to think he was fulfilling that duty admirably. In any case, he liked Sarcel better when she was speechless and stumbling than goddamn rambling. He was perhaps a little surprised by how well she received them but, no, no, any sensible troll would admire such fine boots. Maybe now if she wore those she'd look a bit more respectable.
Oh. But that's what he had forgotten to say. Thank you. Frowning, Sempur felt the awkward coming on again. The moment had passed, he couldn't thank her for her gift now when they had moved onto a new topic, right? She was thanking him now, and, s**t what was he supposed to do? Sempur wasn't used to being thanked. Suddenly, this felt inappropriate and also very stupid. It was his turn to be hasty to leave. "Yes, well, I am merely doing you a favor, Pathetic. Every troll should own a pair of boots, especially if they mean to traverse the mountains. Stupid of you to come in that, really." He gave her one last disapproving look, then disappeared back into his hive before she could say anything more, wanting to ditch this scene and get to those toy troll soldiers.
Not that he was going to play with them, he simply had some battle tactics to practice.
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Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 7:21 pm
To be honest, she wasn't even listening to him. She didn't care if she didn't get any thanks; she wasn't expecting it, and just the small praise he gave her before was all she needed to be pleasantly satisfied, especially considering she would of been alright without any praise to begin with.
As soon as she had expressed her gratitude, she had gone right back to nimble examining the boots, finally taking a peek inside to discover something small and bunched up at the bottom, hands digging into the shoes to figure out just what they were (It was like a present inside of a present!), only to look up and see Sempur retreating back into his Hive. Something about a favor and boots-; man she loved boots, but she never owned a pair herself.
Her already dilapidated thoughts were off railed when her hand tugged the soft object stuffed into the boot; a pair of... gloves? How weird that Sir would stuff gloves in his shoes! I mean, who did that? Socks maybe, but gloves? Still, the blueblood happily tucked the boots under her arm, instantly putting the gloves on, wiggling her fingers around with a small grin on her face.
These were going to go to good use; everything about the whole situation went way better then expected, one could even say it was perfectly fine.
For once.
Gripping the boots in her now gloved hands, the girl made her way away from the door. For being so god damn worried and apprehensive before, she actually felt... happy, contented. It was a nice feeling, she concluded.
She couldn't wait to get home and try the boots on. She was going to wear the hell out of these shoes.
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