lifeaftr | Let's Go In The Garden

Entry tags:

Let's Go In The Garden

Who: Chara, Frisk, and you!
What: Two kids enjoy a classic tale, and a small child decides to intrude on everyone’s personal space.
When: November 13-15th
Where: Near the Storyteller’s Temple, and across the Islets
Warnings: Potential CW for self-harm in the third prompt.

You’ll Find Something Waiting -- 13th

[Just because it’s overcast doesn’t mean that today isn’t still warm. The greatest reprieve to the heat at the height of the day is the ocean breeze sweeping up across the beach and through the trees around the Storyteller’s Temple. It makes for a peaceful area to stop for a while- to sit and think, to wander, to nap. Undoubtedly, a few people would take advantage of this, over the course of the day

Those travelling to and from the islets may hear the voice of one such person relatively close to the mana pool. Their words seem almost practised, spoken in a tone that is almost caught up in what they have to say, almost reverent.]

Yuichi and I are climbing a ladder in the jet-black gloom. Together, we peer into the cauldron of hell. We stare into the bubbling red sea of fire, and the air hitting our faces is so hot it makes us reel…

[A curious person might decide to follow the voice. It wouldn’t take long. And in doing so, they’d come across two children, one reclining against a tree with a well-loved book in hand, carefully holding the pages. The child known as Kidwun continues to read aloud, whilst their Partner….

The child known as Kittu seems to have dozed off. Head in their sibling’s lap, they take no notice of anyone approaching.

Chara does. And whilst their eyes flick up from the pages of the book itself, they continue speaking- continue reading a story that, apparently, they don’t really need the book to read aloud, anymore.]

But the place we are in right now is just too dreadful. It is not a place where two people can make a life together.

Although I had been earnestly daydreaming until then, I suddenly started to laugh. “I see two lovers standing over the edge of the cauldron to hell. Are they contemplating a double suicide? This means their love will end in hell.”

I couldn’t stop laughing.

Right There Where You Left It -- 13 to the 15th

There’s a child with a mission, stalking across the island. Knocking on doors and approaching anyone who doesn’t quite belong in this realm. Not keen on talking with them? Tough, really. If anything, it’s those who seem to be going out of their way to step around them that Chara haunts the most, insistently dogging their heels until they give up, and deal with what the child has to say.

This is their time to shine, after all. Their time, to do what they do best.

“Forgive my intrusion, but may I steal a moment of your time? I would like to ask you a few questions.”

Ignore any signs they’re unwelcome in their continued endeavors to be as invasive as possible.

[[OOC: there’s a handy little OOC post for this; if you haven’t checked it out yet, please do, even if you’d like to thread a conversation!]]

Everything Stays, But It Still Changes -- early mornings, 13th to 15th

If the past six weeks have proven anything, it is that Chara has a weakness they can no longer ignore. Guzma has made mention of it. Connor has made mention of it. More than once, this gap of experience has nearly led to their doom… so perhaps it’s time to do something about it.

Sneaking away from their hut in the early morning, Chara chooses a section of beach that’s not too far from the Storyteller’s temple, but not too close. If they make a serious error, a call for help may still prove fortuitous… and hopefully, no one will stumble across them otherwise. For several minutes, Chara stands at the shoreline. Simply staring out at the waves as they lose themself in thought.

Then they make a face, and pull off their shoes. The knife strapped to their hip follows… and four more after it, stowed away in their pack and carefully hidden from view. The last, important piece? A heart-shaped locket, stowed away in their left shoe. Even if someone were to make their way into their pack without Chara noticing, they wouldn’t find that.

Heaven help them if they did.

And that is all the excuses they have to stall, before avoiding what they must do becomes innate procrastination. Expression still sour, the child steps into the waves, deeper and deeper. When the water reaches their chest, they stop, once again looking about carefully, just to ensure that absolutely no one is watching.

Hours later, they don’t really care. Flopping about in the waves, Chara is clearly making- an attempt at….something. Kicking off the ground and flailing their arms and legs, until they inevitably sink below the surface.

So anyway learning to swim unassisted is going Super Well.

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[Their exploration of other's abilities had been illuminating, to say the least. With understanding other's gifts came understanding their shortfalls- even those that could potentially cost significant time with communication.

Luckily, Chara isn't the only creative person on the island. It only takes meeting one person with the same concerns, and thus, they had joined together with the Drifter to overcome an understandable issue-

Their ability to communicate with Ignis.

Good thing they have a solution to that (with a grudging amount of assistance from one overpowered rabbit). With said solution in hand, the two scout the island for their person of interest- time to see if this works, after all.

Where you at, Iggy?]

[Kidwun will have to be the one to call out on Ignis's behalf - they have learned from experience that he will not know the presence of someone so silent without additional assistance from a third party. Fortunately, the child had formulated a rather ingenious solution.]

[Like Ren, it seems they've a talent for unique solutions to problems.]

[Eventually the Drifter sights the man's distinctive silhouette and points, though that would be the extent of their intervention, to start with. It is a good thing that Kidwun is far more talkative than they in nearly every regard; they will fill the considerable gaps in the Drifter's own communicative means.]

[It's unusual to find Ignis doing nothing at any given time, but that's exactly what he's doing right now. Oh, he didn't start the day off with the intention of doing nothing, but once he finished his daily search of the nearby beach to see what may have washed up overnight, instead of returning to the islets immediately, he decides to take a seat on the beach and just stop for a little while. It's not like much else has helped erase the exhaustion that's been plaguing him since his return from the crystal caves. Maybe this will.

Ignis doesn't hear their footsteps immediately because of the waves, but once his name is called out, he turns in their direction, smiling.]

Hello! Shall I be wary of more explosions?

[Please say no. He doesn't really want to deal with hearing loss this early in the day...]

[To his credit, Chara does laugh at that. A genuinely mirthful sound as they continue to ride the high of their secret achievement, freely capable of throwing the Drifter an unrestrained smirk.]

Whilst I cannot promise we come without bearing explosives, the Drifter and I were looking to experiment with something completely different, this morning.

[The sand beneath their feet ensures each step is heard, making it far easier to let him know when they step into place beside him.]

We were hoping that you would assist us in this.

[They consider the necessity of inputting a smile onto their sprite's text HUD. The use would be utterly superfluous, considering that only one party would see it, and it would be rather useless to them. But since obtaining restored use of said sprite, they find it...]

[It is not imprudent to regularly test the settings.]

do have bombs
c:

[The Drifter! Ah, that would explain why he'd heard two sets of footsteps, but had only been greeted by one person. Ignis holds back the urge to allow his smile to widen, instead drawing himself slowly to his feet and giving them a stern look.]

Goodness, and here I was hoping for a quiet day.

[You have bombs, and you have bombs, and everyone has bombs but Ignis. It's so not fair.

Of course, as soon as they mention experiments, Ignis' jokingly serious look melts away and is replaced by curiosity. What kind of experiment would lead them to seek out a blind man in specific?]

I'm not quite certain how I, of all people, can be of assistance, but I will do whatever I can nonetheless. What type of experiment are we conducting?

Though the Drifter has confirmed they do, indeed, have bombs on their person, it may be quieter than you think.

[He seems amenable, and thus Chara wastes no time in coming closer, reaching out and plucking at his sleeve so Ignis is aware of them within his immediate vicinity. Another, unrestrained smile at the Drifter as they instruct him on what to do.]

If you'd hold out your wrist, we can get started. May I also state for the record that no sharp objects are involved in this exercise.

[It does very little good to assure him that the "experiment" in question need not be something he fear, but the Drifter nonetheless bobs their head eagerly. The child's expression is very telling in and of itself, with the knowledge that Ignis cannot see it. They raise their fingers, the shape of a U, just above the fabric covering the lower half of their face to signify that they, too, are smiling.]

can trust

Well, that's good to hear. Though I may be more comfortable with sharp objects than my friends would like sometimes, I still prefer their cutting bits staying away from myself.

[Ignis lets his arm be pulled along by the tug, turning his hand palm up in acknowledgment of Chara's presence. The Drifter has bombs as well, hu? Well, of all people Ignis trusts them with them. It's not like he's Ardyn.

Oh, thank the Six for that!]

Perhaps that's an experiment for another time.

[It..may be a little hard to tell if they're joking, but for the time being, Chara is interested in another action entirely. Namely placing a bracelet in his hand with as little skin to skin contact as possible, stepping away once they've done so.]

This bracelet is rather ornate, but at the center is a large, red oval. Very smooth to the touch.

Rest your fingers over it, if you please.

[And now to test the fruits of their labor. The Drifter leans forward eagerly, despite their general rule of restraint in all things. They've not thanked or repaid Ignis for his continued kindness - for his desire to help and heal them, and for his initial resourceful means of keeping a cool head upon their arrival.]

[Slowly, the Drifter begins to speak with their heads instead of via their typical textual medium. If the bracelet functions as promised, the words should begin to take shape in a form Ignis recognizes.]

Hello, Ignis.

It just so happens, never seems like an appropriate time, what do you think?

[Ignis really doesn't expect an answer, switching his focus very quickly to the bracelet that is pressed onto his wrist. He raises an eyebrow in Chara's direction, but says nothing and does as requested.

Nothing happens for a few moments and then raised dots suddenly scroll under his fingers. Surprise makes him miss the first few 'letters,' but it's a simple enough statement that he manages to figure it out anyway.

Hello, Ignis.

Kidwun can speak. There is no need for them to go to these lengths to speak with him, Ignis thinks quickly. Which means...

His head comes up quickly, turning in the Drifter's direction.]

You...you just greeted me. I felt it! How?

[Unlike Ignis, Chara is capable of watching the bracelet as the words form across it- small bumps and ridges for his fingers to read. His startled exclamation more than enough proof that-]

Excellent. It seems to be working perfectly.

[A bright smile.]

It was a rather simple request, actually. We simply advised the Storyteller that we required a device which would translate non-verbal communications. Thus, if I were to address you without the use of my voice-

[They raise their hands, finishing the sentence with the very language they're speaking of.]

you will know what is being said.

[They cannot quite communicate the c: that has arrested the attention and affections of others, nor does the u-shape of fingers held out above the lower half of their face have any meaning to a blind man, but they should hope that their contentment will communicate itself nonetheless.]

[It was a kind notion on the child's part, to be certain.]

The gem allows for the function. If it is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

[The kindness of the gesture is overwhelming. Ignis listens with both ears and then shaking fingertips as Kidwun and the Drifter--he can communicate with the Drifter now without relaying on a broken phone that's been ready to fall to pieces for far too long--explain how the bracelet works to him. However, even once they are done, Ignis doesn't break the silence. For once in his life, trained as he is in always knowing what to say when it needs to be said, he can't find the right words to express what he's feeling inside.

He bows his head slightly, turning it away from the two kind souls before him, fingers absently running over the gem as he swallows back the lump in his throat. He's not used to these kinds of gestures. Back home, he does what he does for the joy the act alone brings him; never has he been given something like this. Never...]

I...

[Ignis pauses blinking his right eye rapidly to push back the wetness there.]

How do I thank you for something like this?

By using it, obviously.

[Practical logic, if Chara does say so themself. Their tone is dry; one could almost take it as a joke, if only for how straightforward it is.] We wouldn't have done so if we didn't see a need for it; and in my case, I believe you are one of the more rational people available.

Those are few and far between. If I am capable of making it easier for you to offer guidance and assistance to others, I see no reason to ask for anything in turn.

[And should a time come where they need his help? He'll give it.

Seems like the perfect resolution to them.]

[Exactly, see?]

[It was mutually beneficial. They can communicate with one another without needing to rely on a child that may not wish to speak to two strangers. They could be wrong, but the particular phraseology of more rational might even be a compliment, on Kidwun's behalf.]

[That, in and of itself, is a welcome thing.]

Mutual benefits for all.

[...now to figure out how to translate a digital smile into sign language.]

Right.

[Ignis chuckles softly then, amused that he's being praised for being rational when he feels anything but at the moment. Still, that doesn't invalidate Kidwun's point.]

Yes, we work better when we can work as one. I promise you, I will do everything in my power to live up to the faith you've both put in me. I'm grateful beyond words that I've had the chance to meet you both.

[Digital smiles will just have to be the next upgrade.]

See that you do, sir. I am not in the market for gift giving often.

[Says the child who will spend four stories in a row on other people. Even so, they would be particularly displeased to see such a thing go to waste- if he doesn't utilize it to it's utmost, they're certain they could find someone else who will.]

[If the Drifter were one predisposed to skeptical side-eyes, the child would doubtless be receiving the equivalent of raised eyebrows right about now. They have only known Kidwun to be generous, or at least devoted to the ritual of the exchange.]

And to ensure no child must again translate for the pair of us. [An unfair and heavy burden to place on anyone's shoulders, isn't it?]

Then I will cherish it even more, both for its rarity and for the burden it removes from others.

[He looks up at them both in turn, right eye shining behind his sunglasses with excitement instead of tears this time.]

I wonder... Oh, I have so many ideas! The Storyteller is going to get tired of hearing from me.

[If they've learned anything about gods, their ability to cater to the creative mind is a boon that never gets old. That spark of inspiration in his eyes is one they have a mutual sense for, smile widening as they quietly nod their approval.]

I'd be most interested to see what you can come up with.

For the meantime, however, I believe you two may have a conversation long overdue.

[One where Ignis and the Drifter could simply talk, with little restraint.]

[A conversation along the lines of "I am very sorry that your first day here was so very awkward and inconsolably so, because it was my inability to speak to you directly that required the use of an unknown child to translate my speech for your sake" would, indeed, be an instinct they would happily indulge, despite covering that base a little earlier. They truly do owe the child an apology.]

[They issue it by text, to Kidwun, simultaneous to their addressing of Ignis.]

an apology to kittu is overdue for requiring their uses as translator

[Let it not be said they cannot multitask - for they do, easily.]

Speak freely. That is something this god seems to value.

[Ignis nods his agreement to the statement about the Storyteller, but he is oddly silent for several moments after that. He's always thought that Kidwun's name was odd, but considering he knows nothing of their world, he's said nothing about it. Now that he hears the other child referred to as 'Kittu' his mind--punny as it is--puts one and two together.

Aliases. Not true names. They can't be. But why?]

Indeed, an apology and a thanks. I've had no way to track them down since we parted ways. I would very much like to speak with them again. Perhaps we can all get together for a meal? I would be happy to cook for everyone.

[Plus, if he is lucky and the Storyteller kind, he might even be able to show Kidwun some of the improvements he has in mind then.]

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Let's Go In The Garden

The 15th! Closed to Drifter and Ignis

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sorry for the wait my dudes

no problemo

/thumbs up