Private ✪ Finweald [Homecoming] The Secret Ingredient Is...

[Siondhe]

Dear My Friend

The festival preparations had continued even after Siondhe had completed her last task. She'd made - what she hoped - was a new friend during her time making bouquets, and although it had all ended sooner than she'd hoped, or wanted, she found herself once more drawn into the folds of preparing for what was likely to be quite the festival.

So...just to be clear, you need me to find all of this...?

She glanced down at the least once more, her eyes tracing over each of the twelve items listed on it. Pinecone Peppers, Regulù Acorn Apples, Nocturincores, Applepears, Sugarstems, Crumbling Tears, Kelogain Leaves, Turmeri Leaves, Ghastly Beans, Spiral Peppers, Vrathee and Iced Corn. What is half of this? She looked back up at the Lander - a kindly woman who clearly spent her days working in the kitchens - and almost asked aloud, before remembering the last time she'd admitted to not knowing. Sighing softly, she gave a quick smile and a nod, before setting off in a random direction. She could, at least, ask someone later on for the items she needed. For the time being, she'd search for something akin to a general market.

Somewhere to start, at least...maybe they can direct me better towards...wherever...I need to go to get these.

Her ears twitched with annoyance - not at the task itself, but at the fact that she couldn't simply ask where she'd likely find the items, lest the list be snatched away and given to someone more 'knowledgeable' and 'capable'. She understood, to a degree, why they'd prefer someone more in the know, but it still frustrated her. I'm as capable as anyone else, I just...don't know the local food as well as someone who's born and raised here. Little bit of guidance, and... She sighed again, pushing the thoughts aside as she realised it was going to ruin an otherwise perfect quest.

Excuse me, I was hoping you could help me out with finding a few items...

She held the list up towards the stall owner, smiling with what she hoped was a pleasing, welcoming and adorable appearance - something she'd learnt sometimes helped her when she was dealing with Landers. As if looking adorable caused them to appreciate her foreignness a bit more. Whatever works, I guess? The boy behind the stall - a younger look man, who had short dark hair and a soft smile, glanced over the list before pointing out a few of the items. Siondhe was quick to grab the allotted number, taking the proffered bag and passing over the coinage before giving a soft bow towards the man.

Alright...that's the Regulù Acorn Apples, Nocturincores, Applepears, Sugarstems and Crumbling Tears, that just leaves-

She stopped as she slammed into a body, almost dropping the bag she had looped over her left arm, and forcing her backwards as she began to profusely apologise to the individual.

I am so sorry...I wasn't watching where I was going at all! I hope you're not hurt, that is entirely my fault, my sincere apologies!

---

@Alice​

 

[Alice]

The market. When was the last time Alice had been here? Had she ever been here? The Magia did not think so. She'd never made time for something like shopping. She hardly needed food in this world, after all. And it had been months since the Szofrit Incident. Months since she stepped into the game. Not from fear of reliving her death, or some other inherent deterrent of the game, but because work had demanded her attention. She was coming into full control of her father's company now, and as such, there were duties to be performed. She had chosen her own death for the sake of others then anyways.

Work had finally eased her burden now though, months later, and it permitted her to return to TerraSphere. To Arcia. And somehow, Alice was glad for it. The whole time she'd been at home, at work, she felt alien to herself. Like she was going through motions half of her own accord. The numbers, the documents. Their meaning was obvious, but...what did they mean to her anyways?

At least here she could put those thoughts aside.

The sensation of someone bumping into Alice as she stared blankly ahead at the vast sea of stalls and vendors briefly stirred some sense of self in the Magia, who turned to look at the disturbance. A beastfolk. A very frantic beastfolk. "There, there," Alice mechanically patted the top of the beastfolk's head, more thumping a hand on the woman than actually comforting her in any way, shape or form. "I am unharmed. Are you alright as well?"

@Siondhe

 

[Siondhe]

The hand that patted her head felt comforting, in a sense - at least, in the way that it was obvious that it was meant to be comforting. Her head tilted slightly in natural response, and she hummed an acknowledgement as the question of her own wellbeing was asked.

I'm fine, yes...my apologies for that, I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going. It was...well, quite rude of me, if I'm being honest.

Siondhe glanced over the other, noticing for the first time the blank expression and otherwise muted tones that they gave off. Mechanical. Machine-like. As if they're a robot. Her eyes narrowed slightly, wondering. She'd not had too many encounters with the Magia, but this woman seemed to fit the description, at least to a degree. Still, Siondhe figured it was best not to prod into questions that were unwelcoming, to any degree.

Perhaps in apology, you'd accept a coffee...? Although, if I'm being entirely honest, I'm fairly new to this area, and not entirely familiar with what would be considered the 'best place in the city' to go for such a luxury...if you have somewhere in mind, I'd be more than willing to repay my unkindness.

She gave a small flick of her hand - a gesture similar to the shift that she'd seen others use when bowing. She'd picked it up during her travels through Finweald, for better or for worse, and had unknowingly begun to mimic the action to a degree both inside, and outside, of TerraSphere.

Ah...that's assuming that you're not otherwise engaged.

She added the comment as an afterthought, realising that not everyone in this world had the time to spare. Siondhe had, herself, originally had plans - plans which included...

Shit...!

The word came out as a whisper, as she glanced down at the bag on her left arm and the list in her hand, realising that she'd entirely forgotten about the task at hand. Having made the offer she wouldn't be able to retract herself if the other woman accepted her request, and Siondhe found herself wondering if there was a time-limit on how quickly the goods were needed. Think before you speak, and you won't run into these issues...

---

@Alice​

 

[Alice]

"There is no need to apologize," Alice said, now certain that the beastfolk was both unharmed and reasonably comforted. "Mistakes occur." Alice could feel the beastfolk's eyes on her as she tilted her head to the side ever so slightly.

"I'm afraid I would not be very helpful in terms of introducing you to the area," Alice said in her monotonous voice. "And I have not been here for nearly half a year now. Many things seem to have changed." The MIT was a mess, the Adventurer's Guild and Lion's Arm seemed to be taking on almost more than they could handle, and the Explorer's League was a shell of its former self. There was also the fact that the world seemed to now look upon Magia with disdain, a fact that had escaped Alice's notice.

What did not though, was the fact that the woman had just cursed. Loudly. "Is something wrong?" Alice inquired. Nothing out of the ordinary appeared on the Magia's sensors.

@Siondhe

 

[Siondhe]

The other was kind in their response, or at least they didn't immediately turn away from Siondhe. She decided to take that act as a matter of kindness, whether it truly was or not. She bit her lip for a few seconds before responding, considering how much to explain to someone whom she had just, accidentally for sure, bumped into.

I wouldn't say wrong...entirely. It's more just...well, there's a huge celebration that's coming up, right? And everyone is helping to prepare for it, to some degree and length...

She glanced around, as if to take in the numerous individuals passing by who appeared busy and intent. Some carried various goods and decorations that would be used for the coming celebrations, others appeared intent only on whatever destination they had to be; but there was an urgency to their movements, an aura that bespoke things to be done. Maybe she was reading into it too much, but it felt to Siondhe like the city was a beehive that had come alive.

...and, well, I offered to help out with some preparations. Which, if we're being entirely truthful, I offered to run errands and collect goods for baking. It seems like it's hard to offer help if you're not known around here...or, maybe I'm just not a reliable looking person.

She gave a shrug, before remembering that she had meant to make a point before she'd begun rambling. Flushing in the face every so slightly, she pushed herself onwards, making her statement in a rushed manner as if to hide the fact that she'd become distracted.

Ah, well, I offered to find some goods for...baking stuff. And, the issue is, I'm not entirely sure where to find half of it. The few people around that I've managed to stop long enough to ask have been...well, less than helpful. Seems like I'm going to end up running around lost for the better part of...forever...at this rate.

She shook her head, wondering at her own luck. The first individual to allow her to assist them, and there was a good chance that she was going to fail. In a simple fetch quest, too...that's just...insulting.

---

@Alice​

 

[Alice]

"I wouldn't say wrong...entirely. It's more just...well, there's a huge celebration that's coming up, right? And everyone is helping to prepare for it, to some degree and length..."
Alice blinked twice. Although her face remained just as blank as before, she tilted it to the side ever so slightly. "A celebration?" she said. "I was not aware of this." What were the Landers and Travellers celebrating? Surely it was some kind of a holiday, although what, Alice was completely unaware. Before she could ask, the beastfolk forged ahead.

Through a flushed face, the beastfolk explained how she'd been given the lowly task of fetching ingredients for whatever it was someone was baking. "I infer the opposite," Alice asserted. "No organization can function without reliable supply lines. In effect, you must seem to be a capable individual to have been tasked with the collection of vital goods for festivities."

Alice then held out her hand. "May I see the list of groceries, please?" Once it was in hand, the Magia's eyes quickly scanned the piece of paper, a brief flash of bright blue the only indication she was doing anything and not just staring at the page. A moment passed. Then two. "I possess no knowledge as to what these items are or where they can be attained. My apologies."

@Siondhe

 

[Siondhe]

She was shocked to learn that the woman was unaware of the celebrations that were about to occur. Surely, anyone who had been involved with TerraSphere in the last period of time would be aware of - She's a Starcalled.

The thought came suddenly and abruptly, but made it all the more obvious to Siondhe the concept that she'd been missing their entire conversation. The woman before her was no Lander, in fact it was plainly obvious that they were an outsider; as much of one as Siondhe herself was. Well, if they don't know about the celebration...

The list was snatched out of her hand and commented upon before she could react in earnest, with the woman confirming that they too, were unfamiliar with the materials or their location for obtainment. Sighing slightly, Siondhe made her decision. Stepping forwards, she looped an arm into the other woman's elbow, giving it a slight tug as she tried to pull the body towards the direction Siondhe had been already heading.

Alright...well, if you're unfamiliar with everything, then I guess it'll be my duty to show you around. You've shown nothing but a welcoming approach, and a kindness, so...consider this my return. It's...well, it's important that all individuals be welcomed, and allowed to engage...and maybe they'll make some friends that way. More friends, in the case of most.

She quickly added the final comment, realising that she may insult the individual that she was trying to coerce into helping her for the day. She was earnest in her desire to introduce them to the festival, and perhaps give them a bit of fun as they went about the duties, however.

Oh...I completely forget. My name's Siondhe. It's a pleasure to meet you, and hopefully I can prove to be an engaging, and entertaining guide throughout the next little while as we explore Finweald and all it has to offer.

She gave what, in all likelihood, appeared to be a horrid rendition of a curtsy as she stepped in front of the other woman. She had little practice in the action, and figured that she could be forgiven if she flashed a smile towards the end, waiting to see how the other would respond to the invitation and offer.

---

@Alice​

 

[Alice]

Despite having no idea as to what was going on, Alice allowed the beastfolk to loop her arm beneath hers. Albeit stiffly. The beast folk tugged and...was met with all the resistance one might expect from a quarter ton of steel and biomechanical components.

"Oh, that is unnecessary," Alice said flatly as the beastfolk continued to try to move the girl, who frankly wasn't even trying to resist. "I am afraid I have been rather useless, and instead have taken up approximately two minutes and...forty-seven seconds of you time."

Though, it did not seem the beastfolk cared. She introduced herself, and the Magia replied in kind stating: "My name is Alice," and giving nothing more.

Siondhe attempted a curtsy, and Alice returned the gesture, exactly and all-together too perfect. "If you are so insistent on guiding me through the city, I will attempt to find and identify the items on your list." Twas only fair.

@Siondhe