[ Wow, he's an actual farmer!!! Alm and the others had told her a little bit about it, of course, but... ]
My word, I had no idea, Mikazuki! During our first meeting, I cannot recall you blanketed in manure—or smelling as much. Oh, but by then we had spent some time in the station, no? Though Alm did inform me that manure is not quite as ubiquitous as I had imagined in these cases...
[ Clair, no... she's still going... ]
Why, you simply must tell me all about your experiences! [ Oh, yeah— ] If you are willing, of course.
[ It's Clair... she gets worked up over pretty much anything. ]
Oh, how very good of you! I do admit, I find it most fascinating, mucking about in the fields with the cows and the pigs and such. [ Pretty sure farmers don't spend their days "mucking about"?? ] To think that so many people earn their living in such a fashion! Is it not difficult?
Farming where I'm from is different. Do you remember how I told you there wasn't a lot of water anywhere? There weren't any animals either. [ Today in: peasants versus the bourgeoisie. ] The soil was poor, so all that grew was corn. It was difficult, but I liked it.
Is that so? [ She sounds almost... disappointed. The image she had in her head of chickens and pigs running about willy-nilly... shattered. ]
That is quite different indeed. But I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it—I imagine there is some manner of satisfaction in... mm, tending to the earth with your own strength, no?
[ She should probably just quit while she's ahead... but no. ]
Why, since I have arrived, I have found great pleasure in washing my own dishes after a meal—I have performed this task many times now and the novelty has yet to wane. To think that something so pedestrian, done with mine own hands, could feel so gratifying!
[ He hears that. Don't think he doesn't. What a mess. ]
Honest work is like that. I just happen to like the earth. And plants. [ Though he's sure they can find some pigs or chickens amidst all the dragons. And Mikazuki usually speaks with purpose but he can't help it — ] You never washed a dish before?
[ She likes the sound of that, apparently. Probably because it's so far removed from her own life experience... ]
Oh, certainly not.
[ She pauses here—she got a little carried away with her own enthusiasm before, but now she seems to realize that she just made herself sound... incredibly spoiled. Which she was. But still.
A little more subdued: ] I am given to understand that such a thing is quite strange, is it not? But we had so many servants in our employ that we were not required to perform any physical labor at all.
[ This isn't his first rich girl rodeo though he's aged 20 years since he did this last and needs a nap. ]
I guess it's strange. But it's more like... it's just the difference between how we were born.
[ Not that he's angry about the fundamental difference when the inequality isn't being shoved down his throat. If he sat there being angry at everyone who had more than him he'd just waste a lot of time on it?? ]
Mikazuki... [ Her voice softens a little. ] I can see that you are truly kind.
[ She wouldn't blame him if he was angry at her, after all. Even she realizes how incredibly easy she had it—and how unfair it all is. ]
Ah, well... [ She pauses here again, giving the idea some thought. ]
The parts of it that I miss above all are Clive, my parents and our friends, as well as my maid and the servants. Rather, if I were to miss anything that we possessed, then... it would be the memories they afforded me, for I have so many fond ones. My nursemaid singing lullabies to me, Father teaching me to ride, practicing my swordplay with Clive and Fernand...
But these are the sorts of memories that can be created even now, are they not? Besides, I very much enjoy learning so many new things!
[ Kind... okay. He doesn't have anything to say to that. What he does have to say is fairly succinct in comparison: ]
So many people. Coming here must've been lonely.
[ Just as many people, sure, though it's different in a way he actually gets. Still, you do what you can, even if making new memories wasn't exactly on his agenda. Trust wasn't either, but here we are, regardless of his sour mood thanks to the whole witch hunt Olympia pulled. ]
There was a lot I was still reading about, but I can teach you what I know about farms.
[ Her voice is quiet. She still misses them, even now. Especially her friends in the Deliverance... her brother... she hasn't gone this long without seeing them in... she shakes her head. ]
Oh, of course! I am ever so excited to learn—goodness, we were about to venture out together to gather food and look for that ingredient for the cure, were we not? Come, meet me by [ insert landmark here ]!
[ But they're busy people with things to do in the meantime so with a sound of affirmation, he cuts the call to go and make his way out of the Old City dwelling he and his comrades took up. It doesn't take long to make it down the cliffsides thanks to the system of lifts, little birds and reptiles swooping throughout the sky as they descend. It's sunny, and he can smell the sea.
Reaching the bottom is a normal affair, and he follows the bustle of people into the New City. It's a more lively space, less scarred by battle. In the city square, there should be a serpentine, dragon-headed fountain he's looking for... because I said so.
And a familiar flash of blonde somewhere nearby it, he hopes. ]
[ Clair was out the door in a flash as soon as they ended the call, so she's already waiting by that fountain, because you said so, her spear tucked in the crook of her elbow. When she spots Mikazuki in the crowd, she jumps up a little and waves enthusiastically—she's obviously excited about this. But when is she not?
[ Catching her voice first, Mikazuki scans the crowd until she pops up in a jump among them, allowing him to navigate his way towards her better. Though he wouldn't exactly call the streets of Wyver calm, Clair stands out among them. Also that icon is so cute, I feel attacked. ]
Hey, I'm here. [ Hands in his pockets, he stops short of her, quiet. ] You're really fired up about this, huh.
[ She blinks at the unfamiliar figure of speech. At least she can pick this one up by context... ]
If by that turn of phrase you mean that I am eager to set off, then that is so! I very much wish to assist with the efforts towards a cure in any way I am able.
[ She nods her head sharply, as if to punctuate her point. This epidemic has made her feel pretty helpless—you can't exactly jab at an illness with a lance, now can you? She really likes being able to jab her lance at problems—it's nice and quick. ]
[ She really likes being able to jab her lance at problems
She really likes being able to jab her lance at problems
She really likes being able to jab her lance at problems
Please stop being charming, neither he or I know how to handle it. ]
Yeah, it's this way. [ A nod of his head towards the meandering flow of people headed out of the marketplace. ] There's jungle on all sides, so it doesn't take long.
[ Something about it still captivates him. Mars had nothing but dust and rock, its soil so poor that it killed off most anything planted in it. To have such rich wilderness everywhere will never get old. ]
[ Look, it's a whole lot tidier that way, you have to admit.
In any case, she falls into step at his side, letting him lead the way. The jungle may be on all sides, but he seems to really know what he's doing here. ]
I take it you have already begun exploring this jungle surrounding the city?
[ She has not, for her part. Well, other than venturing forth for the odd errand or two. ]
[ While he'd prefer something heavier like a mace to swing at his problems, it's the same basic principle. ]
I've been out here a few times. I wanted to be prepared to live here...
[ He says it with a sort of permanence as they pass the open gate situated at the base of the cliffs. Having to plans to return to Olympia meant learning everything he could about this place. After a moment: ]
[ She hears his words, but it takes her a second to really process them—but when she does, the implications take her by surprise. ]
My, do you intend to settle here?
[ It hadn't really occurred to her that they even could, but of course. They're free to do as they please on this planet, aren't they? She'd just gotten so used to Olympia already... ]
That's right. With my comrades. We didn't travel with the main group because one of them was targeted by Olympia.
[ And he won't turn him over, no matter how willing the broadcast from the others who were accused had seemed. But his expression stays about the same, like he could be content with upheaval and movement as many times as it takes, so long as the people important to him are safe. ]
[ What an extraordinary situation! She's pretty used to Mika's... er, lack of outward emotion, by this point—besides, Lukas is much the same way as well, though he tends to hide it behind a smile instead.
Still... she finds herself watching Mika, a worried frown on her face. He sounds so detached about the whole thing—about picking up and starting over yet again. ]
I daresay I haven't given it much thought before now.
[ She blinks, a thoughtful expression taking over her face. Both cities have their charms, she thinks, but her time in Olympia, brief though it was, made her feel at least a little attached to it already. Besides, she enjoyed her little apartment and her job there... ]
It is strange to think that our little group of refugees is dispersing across this world like this... but I suppose it is the nature of these things, no?
[ There's a twinge of wistfulness in her voice. She saw the same sort of thing happen once the war ended—without that one thing drawing them together, people tend to drift away to settle and build their lives. At least here, they have communication at their disposal that's a little quicker than letters. ]
If we do part, then you will keep in contact with me, of course—perhaps even visit on occasion. You must promise.
[ She phrases it like a command, but she can't quite keep the anxiousness out of her expression. He'd better promise?? ]
[ She phrases it kindly, but Mikazuki only sees it for what it is. It's the nature of things to fall apart, after a while. Nothing in his life has ever taught him differently. Luckily, he's fairly good at making the pieces left into something worthwhile. ]
I see. We won't be able to see each other easily then.
[ Olympia is a danger, holding nothing for him now. He doesn't entertain going back, eyes fixed ahead as if he's not considering it.
Eventually though, he pipes up again, tone mellow. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ Wow, he's an actual farmer!!! Alm and the others had told her a little bit about it, of course, but... ]
My word, I had no idea, Mikazuki! During our first meeting, I cannot recall you blanketed in manure—or smelling as much. Oh, but by then we had spent some time in the station, no? Though Alm did inform me that manure is not quite as ubiquitous as I had imagined in these cases...
[ Clair, no... she's still going... ]
Why, you simply must tell me all about your experiences! [ Oh, yeah— ] If you are willing, of course.
no subject
It's the truth. [ TAKING TURNS OF PHRASE TOO SERIOUSLY, THE SAGA ] I just couldn't help with the work there anymore before this.
[ As an explanation for his lack of manure smell, thanks Clair.
Still, he shifts a little over the line. ]
But I'll tell you about it if you want.
no subject
Oh, how very good of you! I do admit, I find it most fascinating, mucking about in the fields with the cows and the pigs and such. [ Pretty sure farmers don't spend their days "mucking about"?? ] To think that so many people earn their living in such a fashion! Is it not difficult?
no subject
Farming where I'm from is different. Do you remember how I told you there wasn't a lot of water anywhere? There weren't any animals either. [ Today in: peasants versus the bourgeoisie. ] The soil was poor, so all that grew was corn. It was difficult, but I liked it.
no subject
That is quite different indeed. But I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it—I imagine there is some manner of satisfaction in... mm, tending to the earth with your own strength, no?
[ She should probably just quit while she's ahead... but no. ]
Why, since I have arrived, I have found great pleasure in washing my own dishes after a meal—I have performed this task many times now and the novelty has yet to wane. To think that something so pedestrian, done with mine own hands, could feel so gratifying!
no subject
Honest work is like that. I just happen to like the earth. And plants. [ Though he's sure they can find some pigs or chickens amidst all the dragons. And Mikazuki usually speaks with purpose but he can't help it — ] You never washed a dish before?
no subject
[ She likes the sound of that, apparently. Probably because it's so far removed from her own life experience... ]
Oh, certainly not.
[ She pauses here—she got a little carried away with her own enthusiasm before, but now she seems to realize that she just made herself sound... incredibly spoiled. Which she was. But still.
A little more subdued: ] I am given to understand that such a thing is quite strange, is it not? But we had so many servants in our employ that we were not required to perform any physical labor at all.
no subject
I guess it's strange. But it's more like... it's just the difference between how we were born.
[ Not that he's angry about the fundamental difference when the inequality isn't being shoved down his throat. If he sat there being angry at everyone who had more than him he'd just waste a lot of time on it?? ]
You don't miss it? Like your house.
no subject
[ She wouldn't blame him if he was angry at her, after all. Even she realizes how incredibly easy she had it—and how unfair it all is. ]
Ah, well... [ She pauses here again, giving the idea some thought. ]
The parts of it that I miss above all are Clive, my parents and our friends, as well as my maid and the servants. Rather, if I were to miss anything that we possessed, then... it would be the memories they afforded me, for I have so many fond ones. My nursemaid singing lullabies to me, Father teaching me to ride, practicing my swordplay with Clive and Fernand...
But these are the sorts of memories that can be created even now, are they not? Besides, I very much enjoy learning so many new things!
no subject
So many people. Coming here must've been lonely.
[ Just as many people, sure, though it's different in a way he actually gets. Still, you do what you can, even if making new memories wasn't exactly on his agenda. Trust wasn't either, but here we are, regardless of his sour mood thanks to the whole witch hunt Olympia pulled. ]
There was a lot I was still reading about, but I can teach you what I know about farms.
[ Hard work is good medicine. ]
no subject
[ Her voice is quiet. She still misses them, even now. Especially her friends in the Deliverance... her brother... she hasn't gone this long without seeing them in... she shakes her head. ]
Oh, of course! I am ever so excited to learn—goodness, we were about to venture out together to gather food and look for that ingredient for the cure, were we not? Come, meet me by [ insert landmark here ]!
action
[ But they're busy people with things to do in the meantime so with a sound of affirmation, he cuts the call to go and make his way out of the Old City dwelling he and his comrades took up. It doesn't take long to make it down the cliffsides thanks to the system of lifts, little birds and reptiles swooping throughout the sky as they descend. It's sunny, and he can smell the sea.
Reaching the bottom is a normal affair, and he follows the bustle of people into the New City. It's a more lively space, less scarred by battle. In the city square, there should be a serpentine, dragon-headed fountain he's looking for... because I said so.
And a familiar flash of blonde somewhere nearby it, he hopes. ]
no subject
She calls out: ]
Mikazuki! Over here!
no subject
Hey, I'm here. [ Hands in his pockets, he stops short of her, quiet. ] You're really fired up about this, huh.
no subject
If by that turn of phrase you mean that I am eager to set off, then that is so! I very much wish to assist with the efforts towards a cure in any way I am able.
[ She nods her head sharply, as if to punctuate her point. This epidemic has made her feel pretty helpless—you can't exactly jab at an illness with a lance, now can you? She really likes being able to jab her lance at problems—it's nice and quick. ]
Shall we?
no subject
She really likes being able to jab her lance at problems
She really likes being able to jab her lance at problems
Please stop being charming, neither he or I know how to handle it. ]
Yeah, it's this way. [ A nod of his head towards the meandering flow of people headed out of the marketplace. ] There's jungle on all sides, so it doesn't take long.
[ Something about it still captivates him. Mars had nothing but dust and rock, its soil so poor that it killed off most anything planted in it. To have such rich wilderness everywhere will never get old. ]
no subject
In any case, she falls into step at his side, letting him lead the way. The jungle may be on all sides, but he seems to really know what he's doing here. ]
I take it you have already begun exploring this jungle surrounding the city?
[ She has not, for her part. Well, other than venturing forth for the odd errand or two. ]
no subject
I've been out here a few times. I wanted to be prepared to live here...
[ He says it with a sort of permanence as they pass the open gate situated at the base of the cliffs. Having to plans to return to Olympia meant learning everything he could about this place. After a moment: ]
And I like it.
[ All the life. ]
no subject
My, do you intend to settle here?
[ It hadn't really occurred to her that they even could, but of course. They're free to do as they please on this planet, aren't they? She'd just gotten so used to Olympia already... ]
no subject
[ And he won't turn him over, no matter how willing the broadcast from the others who were accused had seemed. But his expression stays about the same, like he could be content with upheaval and movement as many times as it takes, so long as the people important to him are safe. ]
no subject
[ What an extraordinary situation! She's pretty used to Mika's... er, lack of outward emotion, by this point—besides, Lukas is much the same way as well, though he tends to hide it behind a smile instead.
Still... she finds herself watching Mika, a worried frown on her face. He sounds so detached about the whole thing—about picking up and starting over yet again. ]
Will you be all right here?
no subject
Yeah, of course.
[ He'd already decided that much. ]
Are you going back to Olympia?
no subject
[ She blinks, a thoughtful expression taking over her face. Both cities have their charms, she thinks, but her time in Olympia, brief though it was, made her feel at least a little attached to it already. Besides, she enjoyed her little apartment and her job there... ]
It is strange to think that our little group of refugees is dispersing across this world like this... but I suppose it is the nature of these things, no?
[ There's a twinge of wistfulness in her voice. She saw the same sort of thing happen once the war ended—without that one thing drawing them together, people tend to drift away to settle and build their lives. At least here, they have communication at their disposal that's a little quicker than letters. ]
If we do part, then you will keep in contact with me, of course—perhaps even visit on occasion. You must promise.
[ She phrases it like a command, but she can't quite keep the anxiousness out of her expression. He'd better promise?? ]
no subject
I see. We won't be able to see each other easily then.
[ Olympia is a danger, holding nothing for him now. He doesn't entertain going back, eyes fixed ahead as if he's not considering it.
Eventually though, he pipes up again, tone mellow. ]
I don't mind promising you though.