![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[Thankfully, Ren is at least prepared to point out which things are a bit steep for what they're looking for, even if his concept of that is a little skewed at times considering he's used to being rich. He still knows what's a ridiculous price for a meter of fabric.
By the time they come out, Ren looks kind of like he's prone to wander off at the slightest provocation, but he also remembers his own manners, waving a hand at the apology.]
It's fine, it was pretty fun... [Also, now that he thinks about things that involve manners, he's missed something here.] Oh, what was your name? I'm Suzugamori Ren, but just Ren is fine.
By the time they come out, Ren looks kind of like he's prone to wander off at the slightest provocation, but he also remembers his own manners, waving a hand at the apology.]
It's fine, it was pretty fun... [Also, now that he thinks about things that involve manners, he's missed something here.] Oh, what was your name? I'm Suzugamori Ren, but just Ren is fine.
[ this is entirely a scene ripped straight out of a surrealistic horror flick, but despite the oozing faces all around them, sariel is hardly bothered by them. if anything, what makes him more nervous is not knowing how to answer lucilius' question at all. what did he hope to find here? isn't what he said earlier enough? that he merely wanted to see the soldier ants?
they march along to an unheard but steady rhythm, heading straight for the anthill that leads to who knows where. sariel doesn't crouch next to lucilius, wasn't really given the permission too; it's so unlike those warm, sunny afternoons he spent with belial where the two of them are side by side. right now, he's a few steps behind the astral, minding his space and distance. ]
I—
[ he hesitates on speaking up, ponders if his choice of words will even make sense. maybe... maybe it might be easier to just be honest. even if it'll make lucilius mad. ]
I just wanted to see them. [ a pause, and then - ] We don't have to stay.
[ it's probably better they get a move on anyway. before the projected astrals converge on them after being ignored for so long. ]
they march along to an unheard but steady rhythm, heading straight for the anthill that leads to who knows where. sariel doesn't crouch next to lucilius, wasn't really given the permission too; it's so unlike those warm, sunny afternoons he spent with belial where the two of them are side by side. right now, he's a few steps behind the astral, minding his space and distance. ]
I—
[ he hesitates on speaking up, ponders if his choice of words will even make sense. maybe... maybe it might be easier to just be honest. even if it'll make lucilius mad. ]
I just wanted to see them. [ a pause, and then - ] We don't have to stay.
[ it's probably better they get a move on anyway. before the projected astrals converge on them after being ignored for so long. ]
[ sometimes the life of a primal beast can be surprisingly simple, but once they're faced with the more mundane things in life - like cooking, for example - most of them will adapt to it like fish on water, and others, well. others are a bit more like sariel in that regard, confused, unsure of what to do, but more than willing to learn.
he takes the knife that was given to him and holds it properly. while the scythe is his weapon of choice, he knows how to hold a dagger and this is close enough to its shape. ]
Not for cooking.
[ and he doesn't say much more beyond that.
blinking, he looks down at the bowl of oranges. he reaches for the one on the cutting board and slices it neatly in half. no fingers nor ants were harmed during the entire ordeal. ]
Like this...?
he takes the knife that was given to him and holds it properly. while the scythe is his weapon of choice, he knows how to hold a dagger and this is close enough to its shape. ]
Not for cooking.
[ and he doesn't say much more beyond that.
blinking, he looks down at the bowl of oranges. he reaches for the one on the cutting board and slices it neatly in half. no fingers nor ants were harmed during the entire ordeal. ]
Like this...?
[ if sariel knew just how much trouble he's imposing on this person... he might feel bad over it. it's not like he can help how little he knew; mundane skydweller things were never something he had to worry about, nor was he even created to handle them. he was a weapon, after all. ]
I see. [ but ] Do I need to buy things?
[ it's an honest question. he's not even sure what he would buy. ]
I never had to, before.
I see. [ but ] Do I need to buy things?
[ it's an honest question. he's not even sure what he would buy. ]
I never had to, before.
[Is this imposing? She feels like she MUST HELP FOREVER. There's something about him that seems familiar, like a long life for a worldly reason.]
You don't have to buy things...what you do have to buy would be your own necessities. And then the rest, if not whatever you like, you can always save. What do you like?
You don't have to buy things...what you do have to buy would be your own necessities. And then the rest, if not whatever you like, you can always save. What do you like?
[ it's all the same to sariel.
maybe it's a good thing he'll never understand what it means to be rich, but thankfully he has someone to guide him into making reasonable purchases. (which is a good thing, considering how little chroma he has right now.) ]
My name is Sariel. I will make sure to remember your name.
[ he probably would have said the full name too, but somehow he's able to hold himself back. now then... it's back to sprite hunting. sometimes he forgets his own manners once he's focused on a task.
hopefully his new friend won't mind. he will apologize next time. ]
maybe it's a good thing he'll never understand what it means to be rich, but thankfully he has someone to guide him into making reasonable purchases. (which is a good thing, considering how little chroma he has right now.) ]
My name is Sariel. I will make sure to remember your name.
[ he probably would have said the full name too, but somehow he's able to hold himself back. now then... it's back to sprite hunting. sometimes he forgets his own manners once he's focused on a task.
hopefully his new friend won't mind. he will apologize next time. ]
[ As expected that he'd still remain fixated on the ants, but Lucio likes to keep his promises. With the last of the sprites delivered, he motions to Sariel to follow once more as they exit the shop and head towards the park. It's already close to sunset, the city painted orange-red by the last of the sun's embers, but the ant hill he'd spotted earlier is still prominently visible, practically left untouched though he'd seen Prismal children often jumping onto them to scatter the dirt everywhere and squash the ants. Perhaps, it's for the best Sariel isn't exposed to that sight as he can enjoy the small hill undisturbed, several small ants crawling methodically from the hole in the top.
Lucio crouches down to watch, trying to understand what the primal finds so fascinating and hypnotizing about them. ]
Please come close if you wish. Unlike the ants from our world, these have a hardened crystallized shell, similar to a lot of flora and fauna from this world. I have yet to find an answer for why that is, but the colors reflecting off of them are quite beautiful.
[ Much like he'd lured the sprites to him, he is able to attract a few ants onto his finger before holding them out towards Sariel to show him exactly what he means. ]
It may be to add a protective layer as their lives are already quite short and fragile.
[ An irony that Sariel should see himself in them given how difficult he'd proven to subdue. Ants are strengthened by their numbers, but Sariel is already strong on his own due to modifications he'd endured -perhaps even stronger emotionally than he may yet realize. ]
Lucio crouches down to watch, trying to understand what the primal finds so fascinating and hypnotizing about them. ]
Please come close if you wish. Unlike the ants from our world, these have a hardened crystallized shell, similar to a lot of flora and fauna from this world. I have yet to find an answer for why that is, but the colors reflecting off of them are quite beautiful.
[ Much like he'd lured the sprites to him, he is able to attract a few ants onto his finger before holding them out towards Sariel to show him exactly what he means. ]
It may be to add a protective layer as their lives are already quite short and fragile.
[ An irony that Sariel should see himself in them given how difficult he'd proven to subdue. Ants are strengthened by their numbers, but Sariel is already strong on his own due to modifications he'd endured -perhaps even stronger emotionally than he may yet realize. ]
[ does it count as imposing if he even has no idea he needs help? sometimes being a primal being is suffering. ]
My own necessities... I don't really need anything.
[ but a thought hits him - ]
I was told that I can buy an ant farm though. I like watching ants.
My own necessities... I don't really need anything.
[ but a thought hits him - ]
I was told that I can buy an ant farm though. I like watching ants.
[Good point. This is an intervention, this is what it is.]
No necessities, then exactly that, you can get what you like! An ant farm would be lovely.
[Besides, pets are nice.]
After this event, you should go get an ant farm. I can come with you, if you like.
[More that she has this feeling she has to, otherwise someone would swindle him.]
No necessities, then exactly that, you can get what you like! An ant farm would be lovely.
[Besides, pets are nice.]
After this event, you should go get an ant farm. I can come with you, if you like.
[More that she has this feeling she has to, otherwise someone would swindle him.]
Ah.
[He won't force Sariel to elaborate. But he's got a pretty good guess, now. It makes him more curious, and a little concerned, too--just what is this man? There's an innocent gentleness to him, but Adra only knows of a few primary uses for knives outside of the kitchen and he's not sure this guy is a craftsman, either.
That was a good slice, though.]
That's a good start. I'll need you to cut it up into a bunch of smaller slices, though--like this.
[He turns and takes a little finished chiffon pie out of the fridge; it's decorated with small, candied orange slices and elegant swirls of whipped cream.]
I'm gonna boil these up and cover them in sugar. Makes a nice garnish.
[He won't force Sariel to elaborate. But he's got a pretty good guess, now. It makes him more curious, and a little concerned, too--just what is this man? There's an innocent gentleness to him, but Adra only knows of a few primary uses for knives outside of the kitchen and he's not sure this guy is a craftsman, either.
That was a good slice, though.]
That's a good start. I'll need you to cut it up into a bunch of smaller slices, though--like this.
[He turns and takes a little finished chiffon pie out of the fridge; it's decorated with small, candied orange slices and elegant swirls of whipped cream.]
I'm gonna boil these up and cover them in sugar. Makes a nice garnish.
[ there are quick thank you's exchanged once the last of the sprites have been delivered safe and sound, but soon after that, sariel is ushered out of the shop with a shiny unicorn card with 'death' written at the bottom. he doesn't understand what it's supposed to be for but he does hide it away in his pocket, thinking it'd be useful later on. whenever that may be.
not that he worries about it too much, considering where they're headed. his mind has already switched focus on the ants they're about to see and not so much anything related to the task they were previously busy with. it doesn't take long for them to make it to the park, and while the scene laid out before them is beautiful as it bathed under orange-red light, nothing can compare to how fascinating the prismatic ants are in front of him.
his amazement is almost child-like, wide-eyed and innocent. ]
... Pretty.
[ he doesn't realize when exactly he'd decreased the distance before him and the ants, but it becomes obvious when lucio presents a few of them on his hand. his bright blue eyes blink out of surprise, backing off just a bit. he's reminded of the time when belial told him to be gentle with the ants, so as not to crush them - ]
If it can protect them like that, and help them live long lives- [ slowly, he extends his own hand to allow the ants to crawl on his fingers. their outer shell glimmer with all the colours of a rainbow under the setting sun. ] Wouldn't that be nice?
[ he would protect them all, if he could, but even he understands that sometimes the simplest wishes can be hard to grant. ]
not that he worries about it too much, considering where they're headed. his mind has already switched focus on the ants they're about to see and not so much anything related to the task they were previously busy with. it doesn't take long for them to make it to the park, and while the scene laid out before them is beautiful as it bathed under orange-red light, nothing can compare to how fascinating the prismatic ants are in front of him.
his amazement is almost child-like, wide-eyed and innocent. ]
... Pretty.
[ he doesn't realize when exactly he'd decreased the distance before him and the ants, but it becomes obvious when lucio presents a few of them on his hand. his bright blue eyes blink out of surprise, backing off just a bit. he's reminded of the time when belial told him to be gentle with the ants, so as not to crush them - ]
If it can protect them like that, and help them live long lives- [ slowly, he extends his own hand to allow the ants to crawl on his fingers. their outer shell glimmer with all the colours of a rainbow under the setting sun. ] Wouldn't that be nice?
[ he would protect them all, if he could, but even he understands that sometimes the simplest wishes can be hard to grant. ]
[ sen's instincts are right in sounding the alarms because sariel is absolutely the type to get swindled. mostly because he doesn't know any better. he takes everything at face-value and rarely questions it unless it has something to do with one (1) former deputy head... ]
... You'd come with me?
[ he sounds like he can't believe it. it seems like an awkward activity for someone to offer to accompany him. ]
If you don't mind, then I'd appreciate that a lot. [ a beat. ] I'm not sure... where to buy ant farms, really.
[ he needs so much help. ]
... You'd come with me?
[ he sounds like he can't believe it. it seems like an awkward activity for someone to offer to accompany him. ]
If you don't mind, then I'd appreciate that a lot. [ a beat. ] I'm not sure... where to buy ant farms, really.
[ he needs so much help. ]
[ it's not like it's a huge secret. the problem mostly lies with the fact that sariel has no idea how to carry a conversation, so details he can expand on or talk about are just lost on him. he'll get better one day, but thankfully adra doesn't seem to mind.
he watches adra gesture at the candied slices so he can see what kind of cuts he needs to do before nodding his head. ]
I'll do that, then.
[ the pie sure is getting a bunch of curious looks from him. he'd never seen anything like it but he does his best to pay attention to the task at hand. it's a miracle there are no severed fingers just yet. ]
Garnish...? It needs more?
[ he doesn't know any better when it comes to baking, so maybe the pie does need a few more orange slices. who knows! ]
he watches adra gesture at the candied slices so he can see what kind of cuts he needs to do before nodding his head. ]
I'll do that, then.
[ the pie sure is getting a bunch of curious looks from him. he'd never seen anything like it but he does his best to pay attention to the task at hand. it's a miracle there are no severed fingers just yet. ]
Garnish...? It needs more?
[ he doesn't know any better when it comes to baking, so maybe the pie does need a few more orange slices. who knows! ]
[This poor...poor dude. She's going to protect him! Something about him tells her SHE JUST HAS TO, even if it's regarding something as simple as ants. Belial, what have you done to this poor angel!
Meanwhile, he's agreed, so she's going to do her best.]
Hmm...we'll have to investigate in this kind of world. First, I believe we need to buy the equipment. You'll need something large and clear so that you can watch the little ants make their own colony.
Meanwhile, he's agreed, so she's going to do her best.]
Hmm...we'll have to investigate in this kind of world. First, I believe we need to buy the equipment. You'll need something large and clear so that you can watch the little ants make their own colony.
[ at the very least, sariel isn't entirely helpless. of course he appears naive and hopeless right now but he's able to defend himself from most of everything. still, it's probably going to be a good thing to have someone else other than belial watching over him.
just in case. ]
I see. I think that may be easy to find. [ who knows. he's trying to be hopeful. ] Where does one need to go to buy something like that—?
[ he'll buy it right away. ]
just in case. ]
I see. I think that may be easy to find. [ who knows. he's trying to be hopeful. ] Where does one need to go to buy something like that—?
[ he'll buy it right away. ]
[Let's be real, she'd totally want to see him at his most baddest ass. At the moment, he's someone who just needs a hand when it comes to living in a human society.]
It might be! [Where does one buy an alien ant farm. Yeah I said it.] Hmm, we can ask the pet stores first!
[AFTER THE MISSION, SARIEL!]
It might be! [Where does one buy an alien ant farm. Yeah I said it.] Hmm, we can ask the pet stores first!
[AFTER THE MISSION, SARIEL!]
[ these alien ants are going to shine like the rainbow sariel can't find so they're going to be the stand-in. this ant farm really needs to happen now just because of that. ]
A pet store... I understand. I will go there right now.
[ sorry, what? did you say after the mission? no? cue sariel trying to leave now - ]
A pet store... I understand. I will go there right now.
[ sorry, what? did you say after the mission? no? cue sariel trying to leave now - ]
[ it's not like he has any idea where he's going so this plan was bound to fail anyway. he slows down to a complete stop once sen has his arm, blue eyes blinking down at her. ]
Oh. [ oops. ] I appreciate that. I don't think I have ever seen what a pet store would be like anyway.
[ ... why. ]
Oh. [ oops. ] I appreciate that. I don't think I have ever seen what a pet store would be like anyway.
[ ... why. ]
[ A strange query to hear from Sariel, having never imagined he'd use his power to protect. Execute... yes, of course. But to guard something he cherishes- to take on a purpose outside of that which he's been given. To begin to think, process, and understand on his own. Perhaps, he's evolving in his own way, and Lucio is interested to see where that might lead him just as he'd watched Sandalphon and countless primals grow and change beneath the Singularity's watchful eye. ]
They might feel fortunate to have you guarding them. Given what i heard of the calamity, the animals here may have grown these hardened shells out of necessity to protect from the external forces.
[ It's one of many theories, at least, but he does feel a little bit at ease knowing Sariel has something to preoccupy himself. It won't stop Belial and Lucilius from binding him to their will, but he will simply have to wait and see how such a reunion will play out in this land.
As their purpose here is yet unclear, he doesn't know when and how they will return. Lucilius is likely to grow restless the longer he remains and will continue to try and unravel whatever secrets both this land and Lucio himself contain. It may be that he and Sariel will eventually meet as enemies, but he can enjoy this placid moment between them a bit longer, his hand gently patting Sariel's shoulder encouragingly. ]
I will leave them well in your hands, though should you ever wish for a bit more lively companionship, you may call upon me.
They might feel fortunate to have you guarding them. Given what i heard of the calamity, the animals here may have grown these hardened shells out of necessity to protect from the external forces.
[ It's one of many theories, at least, but he does feel a little bit at ease knowing Sariel has something to preoccupy himself. It won't stop Belial and Lucilius from binding him to their will, but he will simply have to wait and see how such a reunion will play out in this land.
As their purpose here is yet unclear, he doesn't know when and how they will return. Lucilius is likely to grow restless the longer he remains and will continue to try and unravel whatever secrets both this land and Lucio himself contain. It may be that he and Sariel will eventually meet as enemies, but he can enjoy this placid moment between them a bit longer, his hand gently patting Sariel's shoulder encouragingly. ]
I will leave them well in your hands, though should you ever wish for a bit more lively companionship, you may call upon me.
[Ah...Sariel, don't leave her side because of All Of This. He's very eager, so she can't find fault in that.]
You...have never seen one. [Oh man.] They look different, depending on who owns it, but usually would have cute little animals in it. Like birds, or cats and dogs! And many pet equipment.
[Now she wonders, what has he seen? He seems more than just sheltered.]
You...have never seen one. [Oh man.] They look different, depending on who owns it, but usually would have cute little animals in it. Like birds, or cats and dogs! And many pet equipment.
[Now she wonders, what has he seen? He seems more than just sheltered.]
[ maybe there will come a time where sariel is going to be caught in between his desire to avoid hurting anyone and his desire to protect the one he trusts most. that might very well be the future he's walking towards without hesitation, considering he has never been the type to waver when it comes to things like this - but until that day comes, he will remain the fallen angel who chooses to protect rather than harm another living being. ]
Yes. I will do my best.
[ the smile that now graces his features seem so small and barely noticeable, but it still conveys the quiet contentment he's experiencing now that he has the prismatic ants to keep him occupied. he doesn't really hear lucio's offer for livelier companionship, but maybe that's for the best.
regardless of what happens in the future, at least sariel can look back at this day and remember the kindness he was shown, even if it's as miniscule as helping him ferry lost sprites and locating the ants he loves so much. ]
Yes. I will do my best.
[ the smile that now graces his features seem so small and barely noticeable, but it still conveys the quiet contentment he's experiencing now that he has the prismatic ants to keep him occupied. he doesn't really hear lucio's offer for livelier companionship, but maybe that's for the best.
regardless of what happens in the future, at least sariel can look back at this day and remember the kindness he was shown, even if it's as miniscule as helping him ferry lost sprites and locating the ants he loves so much. ]
About ten, I'd say. Enough to make a circle.
[Sariel isn't childish, nor is he even really childlike--but there's something off about him, nevertheless. He's like a book filled with largely blank pages. He cuts the orange precisely, and with no trouble, but his sense of why he's doing it or what it could be for seems sparse. An inchoate existence.
Adra wants to hover, to watch him, but the man really does know his way around a knife. So he'll leave Sariel to it, and carry out with other tasks just beside him--cutting up other fruit, mixing eggs and flour and sugar into a bowl, this and that. Pretty soon the kitchen is alive with fresh scents and the low hum of a warming oven. It's a good, comforting scene.]
Thanks for your help.
[Sariel isn't childish, nor is he even really childlike--but there's something off about him, nevertheless. He's like a book filled with largely blank pages. He cuts the orange precisely, and with no trouble, but his sense of why he's doing it or what it could be for seems sparse. An inchoate existence.
Adra wants to hover, to watch him, but the man really does know his way around a knife. So he'll leave Sariel to it, and carry out with other tasks just beside him--cutting up other fruit, mixing eggs and flour and sugar into a bowl, this and that. Pretty soon the kitchen is alive with fresh scents and the low hum of a warming oven. It's a good, comforting scene.]
Thanks for your help.
Page 4 of 4