And it's the stars, the stars that lie to you.

[neverheardofhim]

[This week, Varric opted to take a page from Vanille’s book. Gathering everyone together after the roller-coaster that the first trial had been proved to be somewhat cathartic for himself. He hoped that it would prove to do the same for the others.]

[He wasn’t alone, of course, having found himself blessed with the most ragtag team of chefs and party-planners. He might have had words for and thoughts on Elda and Kimbley, Mikazuki was welcome company, and he wasn’t about to turn away potential allies, even in a fight as simple as cooking dinner.]

[Once everyone’s set to a task, baking a cake, brewing tea, or stirring stew (the only task Varric could think to assign Elda to), Varric excused himself to his room. His first task was writing up cards, each personally titled and signed by Varric.]

Food in the Library. 5 p.m. Don’t spend the night alone.

[Each note was slid under a door and accompanied by a single rap on the wood.]

[With his tasks completed, Varric returned to the kitchen to put out any potential fires and, with luck, set the food out. A table in the library would be adorned with plenty of tea, cake, pancakes courtesy of Viktor, and stew thanks mostly to Varric (sorry, Elda).]

Comments

[tsugomori]

I know that.

[ Mikazuki's voice surprisingly didn't come out short, but gently as he could manage, and yes, it is a little forced, but it's not because he feels to do so out of obligation. He is doing it because he's concerned; he feels Alani felt forced to take action because she was alone in her struggle and there was no other option left. ]

I can't condone what Alani did, of course. But it's only natural and expected for me to say that, isn't it? She killed a precious person of Killia.

[ He thinks, She also killed someone I liked speaking to for the sake of changing history without guarantee it'd be granted in the first place, but he doesn't say that. ]

It doesn't matter to me that you were her friend, or that you tried to defend her when suspicion was on her. Killia won't hate you for it either. If we did, then where were would we be? Only in an endless circle of neverending hatred, and that's something the three of us as well as some others wouldn't want.

You're still a good person, and worth the time for me to spend caring. It's fine if you think otherwise, but this is what I believe, and for the time being, nothing will change that.

[oyashiromama]

[Finally, she looks up at him, tears stopped momentarily, if only because she's so stunned. Part of it is the genuine nuanced expression of kindness, and another...Mikazuki hasn't struck her as this type of being, so far. Someone so...

So very thoughtful.]

I... I'm sor-... [She swallows it down. Just this once.] Thank you.

[tsugomori]

[ He'll just simply nod to acknowledge her thanks, glad she was able to manage that instead of an apology, because he still felt she did nothing wrong, even now. The fact that she had listened to him speaking those very words were a relief as well, but he wasn't going to leave it there just yet. ]

...Would you like something warm to drink, Hanyuu?

[oyashiromama]

[...It's selfish of her, but:]

Y- yes... Yes, very much so. [She'll take any opportunity to eat or drink, now that she can taste it herself.]

[tsugomori]

[ He'll hold out the warm cup of tea to her then, with a smile. He really doesn't seem to mind.]

Good, I had been planning to offer some from the beginning. You did look like you needed some.

[oyashiromama]

[...Oh, it's tea. She's hesitant for a moment to take it, but then does so. Does it happen to be bitter?]

[tsugomori]

[ ... Well, it is supposed to be bitter. But, Mikazuki messed up and so it is probably somewhat sweeter than it usually is. Although, by the flavor, it is certainly black tea. ]

How does it taste?

[oyashiromama]

[She licks her lips, gently, and then takes another sip.]

Aah...less bitter than I expected. [Which, you know, is probably a bad thing, but- Hanyuu hates to think she doesn't mind, she can't handle bitter things well.] But...nice. It's...black tea, isn't it?

[tsugomori]

Hahaha, I'm glad it seems it worked out just fine.

[ It's true, he's earnestly happy for that, because for a second he had been concerned when it wasn't as bitter as it was supposed to be. It's really the little things... ]

But yes, it is black tea. I don't have it too often since it's not very sweet. Though, hopefully it is a fitting choice.

[oyashiromama]

[She'll push herself off the floor now, and...hesitantly collect the letter she'd dropped, tucking it away for later.]

M-mm, I believe so... I usually stick to sweets as well, so it's a strange one, but- well, it's the only thing I would want to drink right now.

[tsugomori]

[ Mikazuki remains seated comfortably on the floor before realizing he should get up, so he does so, and he, for a moment, tries to smooth out the wrinkles in his clothing. ]

Well, I think that's pretty understandable.

[ ... ]

And speaking of drinks, did you have a chance to get something to eat?

[oyashiromama]

T-to eat? Aah, no... No, I haven't, but...I'm headed to where everyone's gathered, after...washing up a bit.

[...]

Where...is everyone gathered?

[tsugomori]

Ah, I see. Well, everyone is currently within the library again. Myself and a few others figured that it'd be a good place to have everyone gather again.

[ It's going to become a habit, it seems. But, at that, he'll give a nod and to head towards the door. ]

I suppose now would be the time to give you the space so you can prepare. I hope you'll continue to enjoy your tea, Miss Hanyuu.

[oyashiromama]

...Thank you again, Mikazuki.

[Before he leaves, just-]

For all of this.

[tsugomori]

It's no problem. I'm always glad to help.

[ It's the least he could say, before he makes his exit. It seems at the very least he's done his best to provide a great help and that is good enough for him. ]