crescentview | winter catch-all

[ 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?

[ She nods, casting a glance over to where she keeps a large chunk of her flower cuttings stored away in the main shop, in a cooled display cabinet of sorts... (it's like a fridge, but she's probably never going to get used to appliance talk honestly). ]

Hmm... How about forget-me-nots? That would be a nice flower for this kind of thing, since we're wanting to put our memories down in a more tangible way, right? I'll have to see if I have any dried and pressed already. I've been trying to do that with any of the flowers that don't get sold in time...

[ With the book now taken up in her arms, she opens it, fingertips grazing across the blank pages. ]

...You're really staying behind, Otegine...?

Kind of appropriately named, huh... do you have any now? I've never seen them before.

[...Ah. And then she moves the topic back.

He lets out a breath, stilling his hands against the next vase. It's been several days, and the thought of his argument with the goddess still sours him deeply. But it's not a feeling Ori deserves to have seep in, not one that belongs in a place of celebration and memory. So he swallows it down.

It's a problem for the future. Ori... wouldn't be in that future for much longer.]

...Yeah. Just for now.

[Four months is both so full, and yet so fleeting. He knows it will be a pinpoint soon enough.]

It'll be okay, Ori. Someone important told me it's better to focus on the present, while we can.

That's what I'd like.

[ It's precisely because she may not be in his life for much longer that she reads into the thickness of his silence, its weight. Something must have happened. And while normally she might have been content to give him the space to swallow it down, to table it for a future conversation... She doesn't want to, this time. How many future conversations are they going to have?

She pulls her arm in to hold the opened book close to her chest as she makes her way to Otegine and rests a gentle, friendly hand against his. ]

That's true, but... If you're having bad feelings in the present, then that deserves some focus, too, doesn't it?

[ Otegine is going to run himself further and further into the ground like this... ]

I'm here for you, Otegine. If you want to talk about it. And it's okay if you don't, but... What I'd like is to be there for my friend, if he needs me to be.

Ori...

[...

There's hesitation, as there always is. He doesn't want to feel these things. He wants to focus on being happy for her. To shove the rest to the side and come back to it when he knew it was okay to sulk.

But she's asked him this so often, now. And he remembers how she looked, when his other self has so flatly rejected her extended hand.

...

Slowly, he nods, a tiredness tinging his eyes as he idly traces the linework of the vase with his free hand, the fingers underneath Ori's curling slightly.]

...Mn. I've... really been a stick in the mud the last few weeks, haven't I? I kind of want to just get past all of it already.

[At least he knows he doesn't need to unravel on her completely like he did on Owen. He had his place, to be frustrated about things that the town couldn't control.

...]

The goddess and I got into a disagreement a couple days ago. It didn't last long, but... I've been barred from her pond since then.

[ It's all the more important that Otegine talks about it, she thinks, if he really does want to get past it sooner than later. And so Ori listens dutifully, her gaze fixed on him through every offered word, her hand unmoving on his.

A disagreement with the goddess... Not one that ended in a fight like M-21's, and judging from his outlook... not one that resulted in a feather, either. She draws in a deep breath and then looses it in a quiet sigh. ]

I see. I'm glad you came out of it physically unharmed, at least...

[ Little do they know... ]

It must have been a difficult disagreement.

...

[His eyes trail the counter surface for a moment - less in further hesitation, and more an active consideration, sorting through what he shouldn't say.]

Mn. I... tried to make my case for Owen. He and the goddess have never gotten along, but...

[His lips thin, hands starting to fist against the countertop.]

Owen can't take her blessing without it becoming a dangerous situation. Either he has to possibly cripple himself back home for the rest of his life, or-- or he just stays trapped here. Forever.

I wanted to ask her if there was anything else she could do to work with him, or make it safer. He's had enough forced on him.

When I told her I didn't need her blessing to know how I felt about the whole situation, though, she dismissed me. And when I tried to stand my ground and demand an answer, she barred me entirely.

[ Ori finally pulls her hand away when he moves them onto the countertop, though the other remains clutching at the soon-to-be book of memories. But never once does she take her eyes off of him. She gazes up at him, trying to find words for what he must be feeling in each of his features.

"Frustrated" and "disappointment" are what she's gathered, so far.

In response, Ori hums thoughtfully, her own lips pressing into a thin line as her gaze falls to Otegine's hands, balled into fists. ]

So it's like that...

[ Owen must be a highly magical entity, for such a complication to arise. ]

Those with godlike powers, deities... They seem to always have incredibly strong personalities and wills, especially when they interact closely and regularly with mortals...

[ Which is her saying she's not all too surprised at this outcome. But that doesn't make it nice to hear about. ]

Without knowing all of the details, I... I think you did the right thing, to ask. You care about him. So you had to try, for his sake, right? I don't know what the solution will end up looking like, but... I'm hopeful that you and Owen will come to one. And if there's any way that I can help, somehow...

[ She's no goddess by any means, but Otegine has seen what she's capable of, quite literally first-hand. Magic powerful enough to transport she and her friends across the world through trees... that can conjure waves of water... that can heal creatures and forests... ]

You only need to say the word.

Edited 2023-03-09 15:44 (UTC)

...Thank you, Ori.

[He lets the compassion sit with him before he can push it away - the simple feeling of being listened to, of an offering for support. He wishes it were as simple as the book.

...]

I don't know if there is any other solution right now that she'll allow. Like I said earlier, she's being strict about her expectations that she's had from the start. Not making a vow means you don't leave - no exceptions. And having that challenged just reeks of disrespect, right? [He gestures kind of awkwardly down at himself.] And, you know, just as one diety to another, I can get that much. I feel similarly to her when she tries to challenge me on something I can't change, either.

[It doesn't change how angry the solid wall in his face makes him feel, though. His jaw tightens at the flare in his chest, exhaling at the tension.] I don't mean to fight her to change her mind. I just care more about his safety than her pride right now. I'm not doing that to him just to make her happy.

...

Besides... she wants to hear about love. [He shrugs weakly, his free hand moving to the back of his neck, shooting Ori a lopsided attempt at a smile.] I'm a weapon. That kind of love that she wants... it's not something I can really give to anyone, you know? I told that to the goddess from the start.

[ The more she hears, the more that her lips start to slowly pull into a slight frown. This all feels so beyond her, and yet she can't shake the feeling that she's got to do something to help. Anything. There's got to be something, right...?

Ori closes her eyes. She really ought to have spent more time getting to know the Harvest Goddess. She'd been so fascinated by the idea of her when she first arrived; maybe if she'd put in a bit more effort, she'd have a better idea on how to approach this all, and...

"How many people have you tried to meddle with at this party?"

And it's not her business, really. She does have a nasty tendency to meddle - she knows that. But is it so wrong to, when a dear friend stands next to her, looking defeated like this? She fights the urge to insist that he is more than what he says he is. Because it's not her place, she knows that at least. But she can tell him this much: ]

You're right. Love doesn't look the same for everyone. Sometimes... You can love someone with all of your heart, but that still doesn't mean there's a sacred unity or marriage or anything of the sort waiting. [ This, she knows well. She thinks about herself and Colin, and how despite everything they could never just be. ] Just because your love doesn't fit her mold doesn't mean it's any less true or sacred. It's sacred to the both of you, isn't it? That's what matters most.

...And gods... aren't so immovable. Maybe in time, she'll see how these different shapes of love can be just as meaningful and powerful.

...Maybe. It's not my place to change the mind of another god.

[Would she ever truly accept them? It's not something that can be guessed at, he thinks. All they know for now is that she doesn't approve of Otegine's methods, and that his request wasn't deserving of a straight answer.

His eyes travel up to her, to the careful line of her frown and how her eyes close in thought. His hand under hers loosens, turns over to let his palm lift up as he leans his elbows against the countertop.]

...I don't know that it's love. The love I know is of a master and their tool. Not the kind that makes for marriages. I don't know if I ever will feel that for him, or for anyone.

What I know is that I care about him and his safety. He wants to trust in me, and I want to protect him. He wants to see me at my best and my worst... and he doesn't view me as anything more or less than exactly what I am.

He's...

["I didn't know you had--"]

...someone special, to me. That's... that's sacred enough.

Edited 2023-03-10 05:55 (UTC)

[ Ori is unable to keep herself from smiling just the slightest bit incredulously as Otegine speaks of his love... Because what he describes to her sounds a lot like love. It's different, of course. Not the same kind of love like she feels for Colin, or that she feels for M-21. But that's because it's the love that exists between Otegine and Owen. That doesn't make it any less precious. She wonders how the Goddess doesn't see this... But ultimately, that's between the three of them.

The best she can do is listen to and reassure her friend. At last, she closes the book and sets it back onto the counter before she leans over to try and catch Otegine's gaze. ]

Mm. That's sacred enough.

[ A beat, then, ]

Do you need a hug?

[A flicker of surprise, brief and open and vibrant with how she catches his gaze in hers.

...

A half-hearted laugh tumbles from his lips with a bashful turn of his eyes back towards the counter.]

Heh, uh... I don't know if I need one or anything, but...

I won't say no to one from you, Ori.

[ The moment that he laughs, her smile brightens and she opens her arms wide. Bring it in, Otegine. Come on. ]

Trust me, dear friend, you need one.

[ Remember those friends of Ori's from her memory, and how cool and badass they all seemed? Ori was always the first to offer them hugs no matter if they had a perfectly normal day of adventuring or if they'd gone through a grueling encounter, and though they used to turn her down all the time... They've since seen the light...!!

If he lets her, she'll wrap her arms around his waist and turn her head to one side to give him a nice, warm hug. ]

[He absolutely lets her, another laugh bubbling up in a more genuine tone as he carefully dodges the curve of her horns to slip his arms against her shoulders.

A beat passes, then two, before he squeezes a bit tighter, burying his face into her hair with the sheer difference in height.]

...Thank you.

[ She tries to compensate for that height difference just a touch by standing up on the tips of her toes, but Otegine meets her halfway, curling around her carefully and minding her horns. She hums softly when he hugs her a little more tightly, and soon enough a little chuckle of her own bubbles up out of her chest. ]

Of course. Does your heart feel just a little bit lighter, like this?

[There's a nod against her hair as he exhales. He feels the laughter from her with their space so close, a pleasant little grounding.]

I'm not all that used to it. Being held like this, I mean.

It's... nice. I like this part of living.

[It doesn't take his problems or his feelings away... but it does make it feel, at least in the moment, a little less overwhelming.]

[ And that's exactly what she hopes for him. Something like a hug will almost never be the thing that makes problems go away or be solved, but... It's a reassuring gesture, one that carries with it a sentiment, as if to say that she's here to share his burdens. Even for just a short while. She closes her eyes, smiling as she sighs and catches that warm little feeling in her heart, glad for the chance to show Otegine a nice part of living before she comments, ]

Are you really not...? You're good at hugging, though!

[ Source: herself, who is firmly enveloped in an Otegine hug. ]

Eh? Am I?

[But he's only good at stabbing!!

Still, Ori's opinion is an awfully valuable one, so even if he doesn't understand how, he at least bites down on the urge to dismiss it any further. If she likes it... that's good enough.]

I'll have to take your word for it. Being kept close to someone's chest... that's for swords and daggers. Nobody ever does that with a spear.

It makes me kind of jealous, to be honest! But... I'm glad I get the time to know how it feels now.

It's really comforting, you know? To be in the arms of someone you care about.

[ Ah. That makes sense, doesn't it? People who wield swords and daggers keep those weapons close to their person. And a spear like Otegine... Especially in the form that she had seen him as in his memory... Being kept close in such a way is something that isn't afforded by his size. A strange sense of relief worms its way through Ori's heart, a sense of gratitude for understanding something from his point of view.

Though it's not at all the same... She keeps her staff close to her, and quite often. She's had to lean on it when she's tired, or use it for support while walking on long treks, and she's even hugged it close to her at times, just like she's hugging Otegine close right now. Her arms tighten around him this time, spurred on all the more so by what he says. To be in the arms of someone you care about. She cares about him, too, and she hopes that this is enough to say as much. ]

Then I'll hug you as many times as you need. Enough for your sword and dagger friends at home to be jealous!

[ She can't help but give a soft little giggle. ]

But I agree. It's really comforting and special. That's why... Any time you feel like you need one to cheer you up, just say the word, alright? Not just with me. Anyone you care about!

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