crescentview | winter catch-all

You're welcome, Ori.

[He hopes he can give her something a little better, before the winter is over... but he has time.]

I've got something else with me here, but... it can wait for a little. Is there anything I can do to help?

[ Insert everyone from here and other worlds voices echoing in her head to tell her to let someone help here... ]

Ah... There is, actually! Are you sure it's okay if I borrow you for a little while?

Absolutely. I'm a little more flexible than a lot of the town right now, I think - it's the least I can do.

[He'll find a free area to set the rest of his things aside for the moment.]

Just show me where you need me.

[ There's no shortage of surfaces for him to do just that! Ori gestures at the mess of arrangements on the counter... ]

Ah, um... I kind of just piled everything on the counter as I was making these, but now I need to put them away to the back room and make sure they're organized...! Maybe we can start with that?

[ She's also going to find an empty vase and quickly fill it with water to stow Otegine's gift in for the time being... Somewhere behind the counter, so no one accidentally tries to buy it! This one is just for her. ]

How are things at your farm now that it's winter, Otegine?

Sure, I'll give it a try! Just show me where to go.

[As she finds an extra vase, Otegine obediently heads to the countertop. Thank goodness he's tall enough to see over most of the arrangements, but he still has to lean over a bit to try and see where he can even pick up the first one without damaging it.]

Ah -- it's been a change, I guess! Since we've got the greenhouse working, most of what we've had to worry about is just cleaning up what's under all that snow and making sure the coops and everything are still nice and warm. Syr's been out a lot more than usual, so... I'm hoping to hear good news from him here at some point. [His grin grows a little cheeky as he chuckles over the forest of blossoms that he easily picks up, a slow and careful maneuvering past the counter.]

What about you? You and M21 seemed like you were enjoying yourselves a lot at Lucia's party a couple weeks back.

[ Oh! Ori can't help but smile at the sight of Otegine with an armful of blooms. She was right to ask for his help, huh? She could almost forget that it's wintertime, the way they're both surrounded by flowers like this...

Listening dutifully, she crosses over to where Otegine is to lead him into the back room so he doesn't have to fumble with any doors. Winter really has felt different for so many reasons... For many of them, it'll likely be the last season they'll be here... But Ori is trying to focus on the present. Which is easy, given how much work there is for her to do.

She has to chuckle in response to Otegine's remark. M-21 would probably dissolve at the reality that they were extremely perceivable during the party. But he doesn't have to know. ]

Ahh, at the party? We'd just gotten together around then, so I guess we might have gotten a little carried away. It's funny, though, because we've already been living with each other this whole time...

[ Have they accidentally been acting like a married couple this whole time at home... maybe. Once they're in the back room, Ori will direct Otegine to a large table there where he can put down the little forest he's carrying. ]

I guess in a way, we kind of went about this whole thing backwards. But... We're doing well. Thank you for asking.

[She confirms that they're an actual couple, and the spears eyes light up being the arrangement.]

Oh man, you're courting? Well hey, congratulations! I didn't realize you guys made it official! Ah, hold on, hold on, let me, uh... [He has to maneuver a bit awkwardly to make sure the arrangement stays steady on the table, backing away with hands in front of him for a second like the thing might decide to fall over if he stops looking at it... but it doesn't, so he's free.

His grin is wide as he waves her to keep going, the Touken himself slipping back towards the door to get another of the vases.]

Do you know if he's planning to ask you anything else, or are you guys sticking around town for a while?

[ She tenses up a bit at the word - courting - because... Well. She hadn't intended on keeping Otegine out of the loop, but of course the end of the season got busy, and now winter is proving to be surprisingly busy too, and... ]

Oh, um...

[ He waves for her to continue, but instead she just finds herself feeling so bashful as her hands come up to cover her reddening face - maybe Otegine would notice the silver band around her finger. ]

He... We're already... Engaged. I know we're moving fast, but... [ She hums. ] I can't help it. I feel like my heart is going to burst when he looks at me the way he does...

[ Like she's his entire world. ]

Seriously?? Ori, that's great, though!! [He has to blow a particulary wayward frond of plant life out of his face as he walks back in, but he's still beaming with excitement, doing his best not to rattle the vase to the table to zip right back over to her.]

If you've got someone who makes you feel that good about yourself, and who makes you smile as much as you did at Lucia's, then time doesn't always need to be a question, right? You've got something special!

Here, here, let me see -- [Gesturing for her hand now that his are free, GIMME GIMME GIMME.] That's the ring from the goddess, right?

[ She's the one who asked for Otegine's help, and now he's doing all the work while she's standing around being giddy... Oops.

But it's hard not to get swept up in the joy of it all, especially when Otegine reacts the way he does. It's so nice to see him like this, too, and even nicer that he so easily shares in her joy. He really is such a kind soul... And the fondness she has for him only grows when she hears his words. Time doesn't always need to be a question. Of course Otegine would understand this, better than anyone... Why shouldn't she chase the happiness she's found here? Just because it bloomed over the course of two months and not two years, or even two decades... That doesn't mean her desire to protect and make M-21 happy and make memories with him that can fill the void left by the ones he's forgotten any less real.

So of course, she holds her hand out for him to inspect the ring, though her other hand remains at he face, resting against a flushed cheek. ]

Thanks, Otegine... I... I needed to hear that, I think. He really does make me happy, so I can't let myself focus on my worries.

[ And as for his question... ]

Mm. The Goddess' feather turned into this. Apparently he got into a disagreement with her that ended in a fight, but I guess he still ended up with a feather in the end...

[Mn. He falls quiet for a second, a thumb tracing over the ring. It hurts a little, to hear as much. But... that wasn't for here, though. Not for her.]

You're welcome.

Yeah, she's... she's being pretty strict about her expectations right now. I'm assuming he's doing okay? Not too beat up?

If she said yes, though, then I think you guys have a good chance. [He'll take that hand full into both of his own, clasping it.] Be confident in yourself, Ori. And... maybe talk to him, about your worries.

If he loves you so much that he'd fight a god for you, I'm sure he'll want to do whatever he can to listen to you, too.

[ That silent moment draws her notice, a note to herself in her mind that she'll tuck away until later. For now, she'll follow the conversation the way Otegine is guiding it. ]

Well, nothing that my healing couldn't handle, but... You're right. I know we'll figure things out together, he and I. And I'll do my best. Not just for M, but you, and everyone here, and my friends from home... I won't worry myself out of a chance to have something precious...

[ Though she cannot help the fond little chuckle that bubbles up out of her. ]

Really, though. Fighting the Goddess... He can be a bit ridiculous, but I really do adore that about him.

Hey, he fought pretty hard for you at the auction, too. I can't say I'm all that surprised. [Just gently letting her have her hand back! Time to head back toward the front counter, calling out over his shoulder.]

Have you had time to figure out a date or anything? You're doing all this for for everybody else, and having a wedding of your own??

[girl are u ok]

[ Otegine lets go to fetch the rest of the arrangements, and Ori steps up to the ones he's brought, getting to work on organizing them in different spots around the backroom - though his question has her going still, first. ]

Uh....

[ yeah, that's a no. girl help ]

I don't know about having a wedding... At least, not one like some people are having...

[There's silence from Otegine's end as well, his pace careful as he eases another arrangement into the room, trying to lower it enough from his face to look over at her.]

...Something private, then? Or... are you guys just staying here on the island for a while?

Oh, um... Definitely something private. When I think about being in front of people for this, I...

[ ...want to pass out, is what she wants to say. ]

...And we're still figuring out what comes after, but... I don't feel too worried. Whatever we end up deciding, it'll be something we decide together...

Mn. That's the most important part, isn't it? Making sure you're agreed on whatever comes next. [It's good to hear, that she's committed rely on M21.

He huffs out a breath as he finds a free spot on the table, choking a bit when it wobbles and reflexively securing his hands to the base to ground it.

Phew...]

Well, whenever it happens... I hope it's a happy and restful time for you both. It's something you deserve, after all your hard work. [Very few around here deserve a happy ending more than Ori, but perhaps his opinion is a little biased.]

Remind me to show you what else I brought along, when we're all done here. Whether you stay or not, I still think I'd like your opinion.

[ Ori is similarly poised to avert a potential disaster when the arrangement wobbles a bit; she can't help but audibly sigh in relief when Otegine stabilizes it, but it's got less to do with Otegine's carrying skills and more to do with her needing to perhaps put a little more thought into... how structurally sound some of these may (or may not) be...

In any case, the moment that Otegine starts talking about what she deserves, and her hard work, her hands still in the foliage of the arrangement she's currently fussing over, head turning to regard him. She can't help but think about that summer day, when she'd read his application at the auction and realized after seeing him react to it that it had, in fact, been him. How she knew this was someone who works hard - probably too hard - to make everyone around them happy. How tired he'd looked when the night as over... ]

Ahh... Won't you consider the same for yourself, Otegine? You've been here since the spring, haven't you... I hope you have a happy and restful time, too.

[ With... Owen? She remembers finding the same marks on him that she'd seen on Otegine. She hasn't dared to ask, but...

(An ache of the heart that was fleeting and short and over before it began. That's what it feels like.) ]

...

[A tired laugh leaves his lips, eyes briefly travelling to the floor before easing back up.]

M-mn. I'll have plenty of time for it, Ori. Don't worry.

[He'll shrug with a careful exhale, trying to find his words. He doesn't want to affect the mood.]

It's kind of why I have my little, uh... project. I want something tangible, to make sure those of us that are staying behind can remember everyone.

[ Ah. It makes her so sad to think that everyone's time together here is coming to an end... Of course, they've already seen a few friends disappear, but... At the end of this month, people will most likely be heading back to their worlds, presumably with their spouses, and... Although she and M-21 haven't made any decisions in that regard... Does that mean they'll be gone, too?

And what, then, of Otegine...? Staying behind...

She doesn't want him to be left here. Not when she can still remember that twisting in her heart when she watched him be left behind for years and years and years. ]

Oh, I... I see. You're making something to remember everyone by...?

Sort of. It's not really for myself, though.

I thought it might be nice for people to leave some sort of sentiment or pictures or just a little writing of what they cared about most, and that we could leave it with the library's collection. Make us all a part of the history of the island, or something like that.

[Because all that would be left would be memories, eventually. They deserved a place in the time and history of this island just as much as anything else, even if it was fleeting.]

Oh...

[ For a moment, she pictures something like a book, full of people's memories and thoughts, sitting in the library. Something concrete, as Otegine's said, to root them all to this island even when there may be a time when they've all departed from it...

It's just like him to think of something like that, she thinks. ]

You really are such a thoughtful friend to everyone, Otegine. I think that's a fantastic idea! What can I do to help?

Ah, nothing crazy, I promise! I don't want this getting in the way of people's celebrations, so... even if you just want to think about it before winter ends and get back to me about it, it'd be more than enough.

I don't know who in town has a camera anymore, but a picture of you and your shop would be fitting, I think. It's nice to remember when things first are thriving.

[He's feeling a little weird dwelling too hard on it, though, so he just shakes himself to attention a bit, going back out to the front to continue work.]

Anyway, it's out in the front if you have anything in mind, but don't worry about it right this second!

[ She's quick to shake her head with a smile. ]

I think most of us would be more than happy to take a quick moment to contribute... The longer you wait, the busier people are going to get, so... I can help spread the word, if you'd like!

[ She's already running around everywhere, she might as well take a quick moment to chat people up about this while she's at it.

This time, she follows him back out to the storefront in search of this project, wandering over to where Otegine had put his things down. Otegine's making short work of his current task, and she can always organize things back there after he's gone on his way. For now, she'd like to take a look at the book... ]

It would be nice if this place made it in, somehow... I never really thought I would have the chance to be in one place long enough to do something like open a shop, so this little spot is precious to me... Maybe... I can put some pressed flowers in here...?

So long as it's not taking up too much of your time, then sure! Thank you. I don't mind a little extra word of mouth.

[He's still not exactly on great terms with the remaining farmers anyway, and he knows that realistically not all of them will want to participate. But he hopes it will be nice, for the ones that do take the time.]

What kind are you thinking? We have all those kinds that we all can grow anyway thanks to the goddess... but if you have anything you really like to use around here with what you work on, wouldn't that be a nice reminder?

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I'm so upset help

same 🥺

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