beathollow | sheep 🍀 inbox

Hello? Can you hear me?

... I can, yes. Is something the matter?

...I wanted to apologize

For watching it all like some spectacle, you mean?

No, that it even happened in the first place. Patches is crazy. There's nothing anyone can do to stop him. But... I guess we're both still weeds and we all are going to be associated with him. So, there's nothing I can do but apologize.

As for watching, I personally wasn't watching. I was terrified. I drank booze until I felt dizzy and then just stared at the ground. ...What happened definitely wasn't entertainment. But, I didn't feel like I could just run away either. Once I was there, I thought it'd draw more attention to myself if I left...

...I guess that makes me a coward, but that's how it is.

... I cannot say anything about having to act a certain way to survive. But at the same time, I still feel hurt by it all. It's a very complicated feeling.

No, I understand. It did... just happen.

You don't have to accept it. But, on behalf of Weeds, I'm sorry.

... Thank you for that at least.

( the question is, how much does she believe it? because before she went into a panic over the puppet, all the weeds looked like they were having fun. and this is sounding a lot like someone sonata wishes she could forget forever. )

... I hope that you have a good day, Your Name. And that you can relax a little now.

Thank you.

[...]

You know... it occurs to me... I never heard what you're called.

Sonata.

Thank you. I guess you overheard "Your Name."

I did figure it out. Though, I was going to call you Rosemary before I did.

...Ah, something to fit a weed, huh?

It's pretty, but I like Your Name.

You look for hostility and cruelty in everything. We were picking rosemary that day.

... That's not true.

Why would I think just calling me 'weed' is hostile and cruel? I don't take it as an insult.

[ He slinks back into the Clover barn and towards Sonata's room, knocking once on the door to announce himself before peering in. ]

...Sonata? Are you up?

( fortunately, she's already sitting up, blearily rubbing her eyes. looks like he caught her just in time, though there's no hiding how she (and her cat ears. and tail.) visibly perks up when he enters. )

... G'morning... is something wrong?

( a small yawn... )

[ He really doesn't want to explain... mostly because he feels kind of guilty about the entire thing, and especially about disturbing Sonata. ]

...a little bit, yeah.

Long story short, I need you to help us make... tea.

--Ah?

( ... not what she expected, but okay. she'll get out of bed properly, but isn't going to start changing just yet for. obvious reasons. )

I can do that. What tea do you need? I have permission to use roses and lilies now...

It's a very specific kind of tea... We have the flowers for it at Bluebell's barn, so you'll need to bring our tea set over there.

...I'll... try to explain more on the way. It's not a very pretty story, just to warn you.

[ Then he'll shut the door to give her privacy. ]

( oh that is immediately concerning and she hates it. but. okay! okay. okay. she's gonna get dressed, but first- )

The set is in the cabinet under the right window downstairs, if you want to grab that while I get ready.

...I'll do that. Thanks.

[ HE FEELS SO BAD FOR DRAGGING HER INTO THIS....... but he'll go pack the tea set into a basket while she gets changed. ]

( after a few minutes, she comes down fully changed in outfit one, going to the door to get her shoes. )

Is that all we'll need?

( though, she does also grab the handkerchief she'd been drying the flowers on the past few days. )

It should be.

[ He picks up the basket and starts out the door, he definitely seems to be in some kind of hurry. ]

...

...we went into the mist again.

--What?! Why?!

[ He puts his hands up defensively. ]

Fantasia said he was prepared this time, we had multiple shields and flashlights, and we're both fairly strong fighters... but it didn't matter. One of the things in there bit him and-

[ ... ]

-aaaand now we all need a special kind of tea brewed so we don't turn into werewolves.

... What is a werewolf- oh my God, Zeniiiith-

( HEAD IN HANDS )

I'll do it, of course, but I cannot believe this!

It's when people transform into monstrous wolves- look, it was stupid and dangerous, I know, but we really thought we were prepared and I survived the last time I went in.

It's- fine. We have the cure.

That is better than just being monsters, but I was worried when you didn't come home last night. I assumed you would be with Fantasia, but not like this..

...I don't want to know why you think I'd be with him at night...

I can't say it went well, though. He did end up doing a significant amount of damage to me, so... we do need to make sure it doesn't happen again.

( well she WAS right there when he was healing you-- )

Ah... I. I'm glad it was healed, at least.

...yeah. I'm fine now.

[ He's not going to tell her how bad it got, but he's also not going to elaborate further... off to Bluebell they go! ]

_{[ angelcube cometh. complete with little white angel wings that he's taken to leaving off the cube with people who might Comment About The Fake Angel Thing, but... Sonata is a sweet and polite girl. ]}

Sonata, dear. You and Daisy get on quite well, no?

( morning sonata-cube looks vaguely out of it... she's alert, clearly paying attention the moment that the cube manifests, but from the cube expression alone kuja can probably tell she's only just gotten her hands on some coffee for the morning. she's still brewing it... )

Good morning. We do, yes. I like talking to her... did you need me to ask something?

Well... I have to admit I've had little chance to really get to know her, beyond a superficial appreciation for her kindesses. It IS a tad embarrassing, after this long... and I was wondering if you might tell me a little of what she's really like.

Mm... Miss Daisy is rather no-nonsense, but it's not unkind. She's strict, but always very gentle with me... she listens, even if I'm not talking about anything important, and offers advice.

My. She sounds... what's the word...

_{[ motherly. motherly comes to mind. ]}

I forget! But if I'm understanding correctly, she sounds like... the kind of teacher who does well, with a timid student that needs structure.

_{[ hmmm. would it really be that kind of dynamic...? blossom.............

was your type milfs? ]}

That is an apt comparison. ( but not the one sonata would use. ) I do enjoy our time together, though. I'ms ure she wouldn't say no to company, too.

...Hm, hm~. So armed that I no longer feel too rude... I'll keep that in mind. Do you know if she takes tea or coffee?

She hasn't expressed a preference, but I do know she enjoys tea. I brought her some mint tea leaves the other day.

Mint's a good one. Helps you breathe easy. Not that there's any problem with the air here, though, unless one minds the strong floral element.

--Ah, I've been meaning to ask... I don't quite remember what some of the teas I've already gathered do? I know chamomile and lavender are relaxing, at least.

Rattle me the list?

Ah- all in all, it's chamomile, lavender, chrysanthemum, clover, and mint.

[ knock knock knock, clover barn.
two bluebells are here. ]

[Slightly behind Fantasia. Crescendo is the other Bluebell.]

( luckily for them, its the girl they seek who opens the door! though, this is a surprise. )

Fantasia, Crescendo? What brings you by?

Edited 2023-07-27 11:56 (UTC)

Hello Sonata. I apologize for popping in so suddenly, but Red has given us a quest and we're in need of a little assistance. Feel free to decline, but... he'd like us to kiss somebody at the same time. On the cheek or even your hand.

Ah... you may. Though, it's a little strange that Red seems to be giving so many kissing quests lately. Maybe he's in a romantic mood...?

Or he's teasing people.

Anyway, which would be most comfortable for the two of you? I don't have any preference myself.

[ He's so embarrassed, he's SO SORRY SONATA. ]

I... I am completely sorry to involve you in this. Perhaps because Bluebell's abilities focus on love, we were tasked with something so unreasonable to ask others for.

Surely your hand would be less intrusive for you?

( crescendo... )

As I said, I have no preference. I trust you both not to be untoward, and I'm not the one who has to do the kissing.

[ kaveh is going to reach for one of her hands. ] Let's do a hand kiss, so Crescendo doesn't faint. [ he shoots a brief look over to him before dipping his head to drop a kiss on the back of her hand. ] Thank you for cooperation, Lyra, it's appreciated.

Alright.

( she will give them both her hands, then! the only notable difference is that her palms are a bit calloused from archery, honestly. )

[ he gingerly takes her hand and drops a kiss onto the back of it. he's not going to judge her! she's bettering herself and his hands aren't all that delicate from having to wrestle all sorts of tools of the trade. ]

[ He is not going to faint... he makes a face at him, but then, very gently, takes her hand into one of his own, too. ]

Thank you, Sonata-san. You are truly a princess.

[Gently placing a kiss.]

Ah-

( it's... probably telling that crescendo's words get her to blush faintly when the kisses seem to do nothing. )

Well. It wouldn't do to leave you both in need when I can help, would it? So... I don't mind...

[ cute. he won't comment on it, since he doesn't want to embarrass her. ]

And it really is appreciated. If you ever need anything, especially from one of Red's ridiculous quests, feel free to let either of us know.

Yes.

[ Still gently holding her hand in his, looking down at her with a smile.]

Please call upon me should you require anything at all. As swift as the wind I will fly to your side, Princess.

I appreciate it, thank you. You'll show me what this quest gets you, yes...?

( ignore! the faint! blush! )

Of course. I think it would be better to show you besides. [ he's hoping it'll be really nice! ]

Anything you wish. ♪

Good luck with the rest of your quest, both of you. And thank you for the offer. I'll keep it in mind.

[ Waving Sonata down as soon as he sees her out and about somewhere ]

Hey, Miss Sonata! Got somethin' for you.

[ It's an impressively hefty stack of notes:

one
two
three
four
five
six
seven ]

( blink blink

OH right. ... damn, seven? )

Goodness... thank you, Minuet.

[ ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ ]

Someone is really popular!

It's a little surprising. I know I'm a bit more on the reclusive side...

[ Ok he can't help laughing at that ]

You're not reclusive at all. You're a little shy, but that's completely different.

It doesn't feel like it sometimes.

How so?

[ ring ring ring ring ring ]

( sonata cube blips to life! )

Yes?

Hey, sorry to bother you. I'm not interrupting something important, am I?

Not at all.

( she was going to start going over their stock in the kitchen but that can certainly wait. )

Is everything okay?

May I request one portion of wolfsbane tea? I can supply the flower.

... Yes. But also I am going to yell at you maybe. ... I'm not but I really want to. Come to Clover, please, I'll have the tea set ready.

All right, thanks. I'll be right over.

[ poofs. shows up at the door five minutes later carrying one (1) wolfsbane flower. ]

( huffs. but she'll guide him to the kitchen. they have a pillow pit now. it's awesome. )

The bad news is that it takes a lot of time to brew, so... may as well get comfortable, I suppose. What happened?

Mmm. I heard about that.

[ follows her to the kitchen, then pauses. takes a breath ]

Look, I — can I come back? I wanted to get the brewing process started as soon as possible, but now's a... bad time.

[ as in, he looks like someone trying his utmost to avoid punching something on the spot. outwardly, he's "fine". he made sure to wash the blood off his tail and put on a shirt before coming here, but he's also gripping the flower a little too hard, blinking a little too rapidly, and there's a dazed quality in his eyes of someone disassociating a little too hard. Sonata might recognize that one, actually. ]

I'll tell you everything when I come back. Promise.

( sonata is quiet for a moment, but nods. it's not unlike when he looked so ill that one night- if it's space that he needs and wants, she'll trust him to hold his word. )

Alright. I'll call you when it's time.

[ he exhales softly, a sliver of tension releasing from his shoulders. ]

Okay. Again — thanks.

[ places the flower on the counter, nods once, then leaves.

he'll be good to take the call whenever. ]

( he leaves, and she takes the flower and begins preparations. if there's any part of her that's bothered by this, it doesn't show.

it's not until several hours later that he gets a catcube of his own. )

[ picks up instantly. ]

Hey.

It's ready, if you are.

[ he's already flying out the window lmao ]

On my way. See you soon.

[ poof. he shows up on the lawn a minute later. he looks... better this time. still tense and definitely anxious, but not in an about-to-explode kind of way. waves at her as he arrives. ]

( she lets him in again, but she has the tea set already ready in the "living room". she might suggest they upgrade that to a proper living room next. )

Come in. ... You're also welcome to the pillow pit if you'd like.

[ huffs softly, lips quirking. ]

I'd like that. After —

[ makes his way directly over to the tea set first. ]

There's no weird drinking ritual involved here, right?

No, just drinking it. ... I don't believe it will be a pleasant taste, though.

I drank sixty nine cans of shitty beer that day.

[ how bad could this be? idk if the tea is already poured but if it isn't, he'll pour it, gingerly lift the cup to his lips, and — sip it. ]

[ his tail becomes very, very still. wow. ]

[ STEADILY DRINKS THE REST. the heat is fine, he's absolutely cheating with flow control. no burnt tongues here. ]

[ gently sets the cup down. ]

I'm never taking shitty beer for granted again.

That bad?

( she'll slide over some... ... oh. it looks like she melted down some shaved chocolate into cream to make hot chocolate for him.

anyway yeah, she'll slide that over. don't mention it. )

[ he starts laughing, shaking his head as he relaxes like a deflated pincushion. accepts the hot chocolate gratefully. takes a sip. he'll drink this one at a more sane pace. ]

With this, I'll forget it in no time.

Good. ... It must have been incredibly stressful.

It —

[ his mouth works, but then he just sighs ]

Angel Devil's still out there. As a wolf.

...

Excuse me?

We went to scout the mist with a couple of others. A... mechanical error happened, which resulted in him being bitten by a shadow. The others made it back, but we weren't strong enough to restrain him.

... Tell me everything.

... I went into the mist yesterday with a different party, which is how I got the wolfsbane. We all made it out untouched.

I went in again with Angel Devil and two others to see if we could find additional information. Turns out the mist creatures remembered my scent, so we were ambushed right off the bat. I'm pretty sure we could have finished them off, but — like I said, a mechanical error happened and the creatures ended up getting buffed.

We still managed to escape, but Angel Devil got bitten in the process. He turned into a wolf just as we were about to arrive back at the pasture. He bit me, then hit one of the others with a magic draining spell. I shot him with a honeysuckle bullet, which took away his magical power. But —

[ he scowls, eyes growing dark. ]

A wolf without magic is still a wolf. He ran out of range of my power before I could restrain him. It would have been foolish to follow.

...

The others made it out intact. Neither of them were bitten.

Who went with you...?

( though, she mostly listens. listens, and covers her eyes with one hand as she grips the other tightly. eventually, once he's finished speaking, she simply places that black heart-shaped bag she always has on her forward. )

How do things work in the mist?

[ looks questioningly at the bag ]

Flock powers don't work in there. Neither do Weed powers, though that hasn't been fully tested. Navigation inside the mist requires physical contact with a Weed. In case of an emergency, shepherds can navigate back to the pasture without getting lost. Sunflowers help ward off mist creatures, though they're not a substitute for pure combat ability in the event of an ambush. And they don't negate the feeling of dread associated with the mist. It's like staying away from your barn for too long, but several times worse.

...

I... would prefer to respect the other people's privacy, since they made it out unscathed.

[ relatively unscathed. ]

I'll tell you if you insist, but I'll feel like an asshole for it, especially knowing that at least two of them don't enjoy being fussed over.

I imagine you used things to try and nullify the beasts. Did any work beyond the sunflowers?

( ... she doesn't like that answer though, and her ears flatten slightly- sonata's quiet for a long time before sighing. )

You know I won't.

[ someone else can rat Zenith out. shakes his head ]

Sunflowers were the most effective debuff we had.

... I wonder if this would have been any help, then... Angel Devil gave me an artifact a few days ago. It's touch based, hence the bag- so it would have been risky, but. It can instantly nullify magic. I would have hoped he'd remember this and ask for it back in a potential emergency, but...

...

[ shakes head ]

I'm not going to rule anything out, but the natives of this place definitely fall under different rules to us. If that artifact is from his homeworld, it probably falls under the same rules as the honeysuckle when it comes to magic nullification. So it wouldn't have stopped him from being a wolf.

Of course not.

[ nods at the bag ]

May I...?

Go ahead, but be careful. It didn't undo the cat thing, but it did disrupt my connection to the SEKAI.

[ pauses ]

... Do you want to stay a cat?

Yes.

[ stares at her for a second, then shrugs and takes the bag.

pulls out the rock. there's no visible reaction from him, it's like he's trained himself to get used to this on purpose ]

Huh. Feels more like the obstacle course than honeysuckle.

--Oh, I still haven't tried that...

Do you think it could help in future excursions at all?

[ stuffs it back in the bag and lets it go ]

Against the mist natives? Mmm, probably not. But I'll take it anyway in case we figure out a use for it while retrieving Angel Devil, if that's all right.

Edited 2023-08-21 16:07 (UTC)

I trust that you'll return it.

Will do.

Thank you. ... If you need Clover's luck at all, to get him back, you know where we are.

_{[ hunger is a hell of a feeling.
do you ever remember in your life, really, starving? Angel Devil had never. Had never. He'd been hungry in his life, in other ways, but never in the pure base animal keening desperate sense of I will become nothing, soon, if I do not eat.

You dream of being hungry. You dream of looking for prey.
You're running, body one long sinuous machine as it rockets forward. You run. And run. And run. And the terrain of the deep inner depths of the mist is real to you, now, except it looks a lot like--

something very personal and familiar. it can't be it. it just looks somehwat alike. it just looks alike to the Sekai. You feel yourself slow. You despair. Because this place is Empty.

You thought you had sightedfeltheardscentedsomething deepered something to tear apart, this way. But it's vanished like a mirage, now.

You come to a stop and drop down into the dust with a heavy whuff, and think about that shining star you had glimpsed, so briefly.

there's a leeching cold nestled in your chest that reaches down to gnaw in your stomach, and that darkness whispers, you could have held that heartbeat in your teeth,
you could have given it a gift of all gifts.

you scratch at your muzzle with one horrendously big paw and whine, as if that will solve anything.

what else is there left in you to do? even though this dust is itching your fur. you really would like to just lay here. ]}

Edited 2023-08-22 04:13 (UTC)

Hello! Is this Sonata? I need some wolfsbane tea made and Blood Fiend told me to talk to you about it.

Ah- yes, of course. I'm glad I made a point of grabbing one... I'll start it right now. It takes a very long time to steep, so I can call you when its ready?

Oh no, that's okay, Blood Fiend gave me a flower--you can use that, no need to use your own stores. I'll come drop it off!

Azdaja, do you want to come too?

[another cube pops into existence as Shadow Fiend pulls someone else in to talk]

[hello i am cube]

Oh, uh. Hello! I'm Azdaja.

Sonata, right? Nice to meet you.

Oh! Hello. I'm sorry for not saying so earlier, but yes. Bring me the flowers and I'll have it started.

I take it... you went to fetch Angel Devil? Were you successful?

Yep, we sure did! Everything went--well, it went mostly to plan. But Azdaja needs some of the wolfsbane tea. She's the only one though!

Sorry for the trouble.

Please, don't be. I'm more than happy to help.

You said it takes a long time to steep, right? We better head over, then. Azdaja, let's go!

[her cube winks out, as Shadow Fiend goes to retrieve the 3/4 flower Blood Fiend told her about, and to also find Azdaja]

[Azdaja's not hard to find, and presumably neither is the portion of wolfsbane. It isn't long before there's a knock at Sonata's barn door.]

( sonata's already got the tea set out and water boiling, so it's not long for her to get the door. )

Good morning... follow me to the kitchen, please?

[ ring ring cube call. ]

( she answers! )

Fanasia? Is everything alright...?

Afternoon Sonata. And, yes, everything's fine.

I'm here with Daisy and I was wondering if we could use some of your dessert creme. I'm trying to make jell-o, but the recipe calls for some of that. I can certainly share if you're interested when it's finished too.

... I don't mind and I can bring it over shortly, but- what's jell-o?

I'd appreciate it, thank you. And it's a fruit flavored gelatin. Kind of like a candy but... soft.

Oh... interesting. Is there anything else I should bring?

I think that's all she needs. I'm [ goes a little pink. ] making something for Zenith.

[ RINGRINGRING ]

( ???? yes hello she will answer )

Minuet?

Hi!

Is this a bad time?

No, not at all. Is everything okay?

[ Nothing Is Ever Okay ]

I just wanted to check on you. And pick your brain about something.

Oh.

( ... how convincingly can she lie to a man who cradled her while she was crying her eyes out post-resurrection- )

What is it...?

[ Well just don't lie then!!!1 ]

The whole Thistle-Clover fight . . .

How did you feel about it?

( what if she did anyways- except... ugh.

sonata can't hide the grimace that flashes across her face, even if she tries to force an uneasy smile- )

It's over and done with, isn't it? There's really no point in dwelling if they were satisfied.

[ Hmmm ]

It's okay. I didn't like it either.

... I don't understand it. And- I didn't want more people to be hurt because of it. Especially when Odin and the others had already...

... I don't want someone who'll kill for me. I want someone who'll help me plant a garden.

But everyone else was satisfied. So... something feels wrong, in my head.

There's nothing wrong in your head. You're just listening to what your heart is telling you, and that's never a bad thing.

... Almost everyone else thinks its a good thing. But- even if Thistle had acted maliciously- making a spectacle of it...

. . . I think it helps people cope with difficult things, having something or someone to blame.

But sometimes their zeal for it means they blame the wrong thing.

It's just tiring.

... Why are you asking, anyways...?

[ Sonata will find a large, hug sized stuffed bunny outside her room. it's purple and smells faintly of lavender.

attached is a note:

Thanks for the welcome. ]

...

( that bunny is getting SO VERY HUGGED- and later, fifi will find a note that simply says, You're welcome, in more ways than one. )

sheep 🍀 inbox

[day 12, after-game probably around noon]

Re: [day 12, after-game probably around noon]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

1/2

/3 actually

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

Re: day 14, early morning

day 19, early

Re: day 19, early

Re: day 19, early

Re: day 19, early

Re: day 19, early

Re: day 19, early

Re: day 19, early

Re: day 19, early

Re: day 19, early

Re: day 19, early

Re: day 19, early

Re: day 19, early

day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Re: day 20.

Day 25

Re: Day 25

Re: Day 25

Re: Day 25

Re: Day 25

Re: Day 25

Re: Day 25

day 26, around noon

Re: day 26, around noon

Re: day 26, around noon

Re: day 26, around noon

Re: day 26, around noon

Re: day 26, around noon

Re: day 26, around noon

Re: day 26, around noon