I have a dream that I want to fulfill with you...

[tsugomori]

[ Well, that was an extraordinary trial to have... it was certainly filled with many things that wouldn't be lost to the memory of most, even for weeks to come. Although, the return to "normalcy" could be something that wouldn't seem like it was wanted, it was better than the alternative to returning to anything at all.

With ease, Mikazuki find himself setting up the usual party in the usual place-- that would be the library of course. Notes have been slipped underneath the doors of others, or hung up on the walls to alert them of this post-trial "celebration" -- which was more like a get-together of some sorts now than a real party. ]


Please join us in the library again. Of course, food and drink will be provided.

- Mikazuki, Orihime, Hanyuu, & Estelle

[ The food and drink has been set out, what with there being tea, vichyssoise, cream puffs, and fish for everyone to enjoy. ]

Comments

[tsugomori]

[ One day Mikazuki may be tempted to mix his tea with alcohol. Today isn't that day. Yet. ]

Alright, then please come with me. A bit of walking can help clear your thoughts on the way there, although it's probable it wouldn't be all of them.

[ Because he wants to make the man a fresh batch from the kitchen. ]

[neverheardofhim]

[He'll get you yet, kid. But in the meantime, he simply followed silently. He doubted the walk would clear his thoughts, but he'd at least let Mikazuki think as much.]

[That silence lasted until a few steps out of the kitchen, when guilt seemed to hit him in full-force.]

I, uh. I voted for myself again. I know I said I wouldn't but... [He scratched at his jaw.] Kimbley wouldn't vote, so I had to pick something on his panel. I figured after everything that had happened, it might be fitting if his read my name.

I... voted for Kira myself though. [As if there was any doubt there, any reason to feel guilty.]

[tsugomori]

Ahh, I see. I noticed he was having issues with that too, so it makes sense, what you did.

[ He smiled a little, and moves to place a hand gently on the other man's shoulder, if he is allowed in what would be a reassuring manner. ]

Don't worry, I don't blame you for it. Especially if your real vote was for that other man; it's the thought that counts though and I appreciate it. Either way, I think you did your best, along with everyone else.

[ Then he'll let go, so he could grab that tea. ]

[neverheardofhim]

[Varric remained still, allowing Mikazuki to take hold of him. They had already established a mutual trust, and it wasn't as if the week had given him any reason to doubt that. As the taller man gripped his shoulder, the dwarf met his eyes, breathing out some of the guilt he had been carrying.

[As the man moved about, the dwarf remained still. He followed Mikazuki with eyes, as if curious about whatever he was putting together. In truth, his thoughts were still miles away, or perhaps more accurately, upstairs somewhere, just outside of a pit of shadows.]

[The swordsman had always been both full of wisdom honesty. Varric had a feeling he needed a little of both at present.]

Was I right to have antagonized him like that?

[tsugomori]

I'd prefer it if you hadn't, because of the nature of the situation. Still, there was a bit of leeway, I think. But what you did managed to work out just fine, and may have been just the right amount given, so it was fine for now.

[ Mikazuki remembered when Kimbley had listed all of those people he had killed, and he easily thought of the body count and cruelty of he had seen committed by his previous owners. But, Kimbley seemed to be quite...in a different category of that. It was clear as day that no one should push their luck with that man.

He watched the tea kettle for a bit before turning again to face Varric. ]

I'll say it'd be wise not to antagonize him too much now, especially after those people closest to him passed.

But I think you already know not to over-do it, right?

[neverheardofhim]

Sure do. [A punch or two to the face wasn't overdoing it, right? Not that he planned on revealing his plans for that to Mikazuki. He knew the man too well, at least enough to know that he had the best chance of talking Varric down.]

[Better to avoid that.]

Barring it happening all over next week -- [Which he sure as hell hoped it wouldn't.] -- I won't do it again.

[tsugomori]

[ ...Varric, please.

It's a good idea he didn't reveal his plans to Mikazuki concerning that. He'd have disapproved, greatly (and would endeavor to talk him down, yes). ]

That will be good enough for me for now.

[ ... ]

We've had enough to deal with for these past weeks. But I suppose hoping it will eventually de-escalate may be a bit premature-sounding, hm?

[neverheardofhim]

I don't know if you can get much worse than last week. [Varric shrugged. He didn't know what the Wordsmith might have in mind, and he might wind up eating his words. Last week had been vastly different though. He could taste the desperation in the air last week, had expected death outright.]

[As it was, the amount of wildcards left in the game was rapidly dwindling.]

Let's just cross our fingers, eh?

[tsugomori]

Alright, let's do that.

[ ... And then the tea was done! He'll be pouring Varric a cup. But, he decidedly would like very much to change the topic of the discussion somewhat. So, with a smile, he speaks again. ]

Tell me, what is one thing that when you think of brings you happiness or a sense of calm?

[neverheardofhim]

[The dwarf moved over to the man as he poured the liquid, ready to the take the cup when ready. His question silenced Varric for the time being, mulling the question over. Calm wasn't exactly in his vocabulary, but...]

Archery, mostly. It's instinctive, really. You have to be focused in order to take any sort of shot. Anything less and you're guaranteed to miss.

Plus with Bianca, there's no shortage of good memories.

[tsugomori]

It does take a lot of work doesn't it?

[ ... ]

Your greatest moment of triumph with Bianca? I'm always curious to hear tales of victory, as they are quite inspiring.

[ Especially considering their situation. ]

[neverheardofhim]

There have been a lot of triumphs, you know. [A grin slowly curved its way over Varric's lips. A hand drummed a rhythm against the mug of tea as he mulled the question over. He and Bianca had slain dragons and darkspawn, bandits and bears and everything in between. Yet his biggest triumph was something simple compared to it all.]

There was a pickpocket in Hightown -- the noble district in the city I lived in. Came up on this woman and snatched her coin purse. He may have been miserable with subtly, but he was fast. The woman had no hope of catching him.

But Bianca has always been faster.

[He lifted his hands, pantomiming holding Bianca and shooting an arrow.]

Caught him in the shirt sleeve and pinned him against the wall. The woman was able to retrieve her coin, and I was able to meet my best friend for the first time.

[tsugomori]

My, my... that sounds like a good memory indeed.

[ He'll smile to himself again, feeling himself at ease with hearing some positive words. It always does some good... for real. ]

What was the name of your best friend again? I don't think we spoke of them yet, did we?

[neverheardofhim]

[He tasted her name on his lips, but couldn't compel himself to speak it -- not right away at least. Remembering it, the Hawke and her brother had snapped at one another, the way she had regarded him with her cheery, perhaps even goofy disposition. It was almost too much, at least in the face of everything he had remembered.]

Hawke. Her name was Hawke.