[ One morning, Barok might find a small basket outside the door of his treehouse (don't ask how she found out which one was his, it's fine). Inside this basket is a small pouch filled with vanilla cookies, a small pouch of chamomile tea, and a jar of homemade apple jelly. Tied to the handle of a basket is a neatly-written note which says, ]
Mister Barok,
Thank you for your assistance in helping a certain reindeer deliver presents for the holidays earlier this month. Please accept this token of gratitude for your time that day - it was much appreciated!
[Being a man from a normal world where people don't turn into animals, especially not voluntarily, van Zieks instead imagines that his animal companion at that time simply relayed the basics of what had happened to the one responsible for sending them out. It was a task certainly not suited for the creature alone, and he still has the thought of speaking to them about the matter...
Harrumph. ... He supposes the gift does seem heartfelt enough. With absolutely no cooking skills of his own, it is a pleasure to receive homemade treats like these.
He'll let the issue slide the next time they meet... but not forever.]
delivery; (no, i am not actually capable of shutting up, thanks for asking)
[ Sometime after Barok is freed from his ice fortress and his tree and house are repaired, he will be greeted when he gets home by Maria flying close to him, with a necklace hanging by its chain out of her mouth. On the necklace, there is a small glass bottle, and within the bottle is a veritable rainbow of colors, made up by tiny origami paper cranes.
Attached to the bottle is a tag, carefully cut into the shape of a bat, that reads: It is a charm of protection. Should you decide to wear it, let me know if you are ever out of cranes. If he flips the bat over, he will find the sender, signed: - Susato Mikotoba
It is clear she doesn't expect him to wear it; but after the mess she had made of his home, Kazuma showing up near death at their doorstep, Barok's history of being targeted or attacked back home, and crime in general in Reverein, this is the least she can do.
The charm, should he wear it, even hidden on his person in some way, will do exactly as she described: pain from any wounds he receives will be numbed, be they from knives, thorns, or other sharp objects. Any bleeding will slow, and healing of those wounds will be accelerated. Bullets and other foreign objects will be ejected during the healing process, and in the first place, they will find his skin more difficult to penetrate, meeting a deep resistance, as in muk or a very thick rubber.
The catch: every time the effect is used, the cranes are slowly burned off, and when they disappear, so does its protection. Hence her preemptive offer--not that she ever expects Barok van Zieks to take her up on it, but he can't say it isn't there.
Then again, she doesn't anticipate that Lord van Zieks would take any unnecessary risks that the charm would ultimately come in handy for, for a long, long while. ]
[Frankly, he doesn't know what to make of the gift.
... well, no. Perhaps he's simply being stubborn in his habit of refusing to trust others, at this point. He can't even lie to himself about the fact that the girl has done her utmost to assist him whenever she's seen he's needed it since they've been here, and this is simply a continuation of that trend... despite the horrific results of their last encounter.
He'll likely never understand the why of it, and perhaps that's something he'll just have to come to terms with.
Unfortunately, his trepidation over those recent events keeps him from writing or sending anything in response. He will, however, keep the charm on his person... if nothing else, to respect the work that Susato has done.]
[ Susato doesn't use Maria this time. She actually climbs up the ladder to leave Lord van Zieks a flower crown of purple and pink irises, hanging from the knob or handle on his door. If he decides to put it on for the festivities (which is a huge if, mind you), he will find that it fits him perfectly, though he may feel a slight nudge of adjustment beforehand.
Her father got one. Mr Sholmes got one. She even gave one to Kazuma, despite everything. Why not the man who is actually related to the girl?
Susato thinks about leaving a note. She writes a couple sentences in her head on the fly. A flower crown a day keeps the pixies away, maybe; yeah, that sounded clever. But then she thinks better of it and just leaves him the crown. ]
After her remark about ignoring handmade gifts, does she want him to write or send something himself, when she hasn't even bothered to leave a note? Or does she think he won't know who it came from, and thus expects nothing in return? (She is of course the only one in his mind who would leave such a thing for him, and the assumption is easy to make. But it gives him the benefit of the doubt, and he'll use that to not dwell on whatever he should be doing about it.
And it's not like they won't meet again later. He'll address it at that time, should it come up.)
He won't wear it, no. ... but that doesn't mean he won't preserve it as best he's able. It may make for a nice enough decoration once that's done.]
[ A few days prior to Christmas, Lord van Zieks will return from a busy day at the bar to find a small gift bag, hanging from his door. As if it was not obvious enough from the colour alone who may have been the culprit, the attached tag is in the shape of a cherry blossom flower, and there is a signed note. ]
To: Lord Barok van Zieks Happy Christmas to you! Can you believe it has been over a year since we've found ourselves here in this dream world?
You are a hard man to shop for, so I had to enlist the help of a metal worker in the market. I hope you like it and that it will see some use.
Sincerely, Susato Mikotoba
[ When he peers inside the bag, amongst the paper filling, he will find a special bottle opener. The opening that's used to pry at the caps has a metallic sheen, and more notably is in the shape of the van Zieks family crest, with a shield-like appearance. crossed by two swords. ]
I apologize for how long it has been since we last spoke. I suppose that life in Reverein has kept us both quite busy on our chosen paths. I write today to express my condolences at the loss of your friends and business partners; I did not know Diluc well, but was fortunate enough to call Miss Oriphi a friend. Both will be sorely missed.
I have had a thought concerning your business, though I do not claim to know what your plans are for the future. My abilities in my home world and those I have come to develop here through dreamotion are similar to Miss Oriphi's in nature, and I understand she tended to your vineyards. Should you find yourself in need of such abilities once more, I would very much like to offer my services. I cannot claim to be her equal, but our shared affinity for plants cannot be denied.
As ever, I hope you are well. I will be certain to come by for a glass or two in the near future, regardless of what else you may need.
[it's still weird to hear or see people call him mister, but it is what it is.]
Mr il Qaras,
It is a pleasure to receive your correspondence. You have my gratitude for the sentiment; Mr Ragnvindr and Ms Oriphi were both irreplaceable members of our small community, and their departure has left a significant space that shall not soon be forgotten. I would like to express my own sympathies for what you must feel for the parting of our mutual acquaintance.
[He's not avoiding the friend word out of deliberate distance, so much as he wonders if he could call himself such for the young lady. She certainly did more for him than he ever did for her.]
I admit to some hesitation towards making any future plans for the business other than to maintain the establishment as it currently stands. [It's hard to come up with ideas when you're depressed!] Your thoughts are welcome whenever you should like to express them, and I would similarly be grateful for the assistance in the vineyards. Although I have come to a reasonable understanding of manipulating the weather for the small scale required, such things are frequently at the mercy of unwelcome moods or external events.
[It's winter too, so that doesn't help. Asura's warmth-spewing shards may be his poor grapes' saving grace right now.]
I look forward to your presence at whatever time is most desirable for you, whether for business or leisure. You shall find me frequently At Day's End [poetic.] as I train our new hires, or else at my abode and vineyard.
I would be more than glad to offer said assistance. As I realize this must be an especially trying time for you, I am eager to help in whatever way I can. I will be certain to visit At Day's End in the coming days; I have been occupying myself by teaching music lessons, but certainly have plenty of time to employ my other talents in order to aid the community through your establishment.
If you have need of anything else in the meantime, please, you need only say the word. Though you spoke of my convenience, please let me know if there is a particular time or day that is especially convenient for you, and I will be more than happy to oblige.
[He already said you could pick the time, god!!! But fine, van Zieks would rather set a more concrete appointment than to have them demur back and forth about it.]
I am typically less occupied midmorning, if you would prefer my full attention. Though I am curious as to your activities, we would likely find such conversation easier to pursue once we are face to face.
[He's too polite for his own good, just let it happen.]
Excellent. I will come by tomorrow morning.
[And COME BY he does! When the next morning rolls around, Dohalim enters At Day's End a little after 10:00, finding the place largely empty given the hour and offering the man in question a smile and a nod of his head by way of a greeting when he sees him.]
[With a brief expression of gratitude, van Zieks closes his journal and gets on with his day, looking forward to their next meeting.
When Dohalim greets him at that time, however, he knows it's just politeness. Even Barok isn't unaware that there are certain aspects of gloominess and exhaustion extensive grooming can't hide, though perhaps a brief return to paleness after he'd gained some color from working in his vineyards isn't so alarming. Regardless, he responds with sincerity, and a bow:]
As do you, Mr. il Qaras. You have my gratitude for coming. Might I offer you a cup of tea?
[He doesn't typically serve tea at the bar—it's for employees only, though maybe that should change—but Dohalim is a guest, and... perhaps a friend, as he suggests.]
[Hmm... a name he doesn't quite recognize, even if he might know the man's face from their mutual presence in this place for some time, should he see it.]
Such occurrences are far from unexpected in this realm. Whatever dream you may have seen, I assure you there is naught for which to apologize.
[His problems have already been... out there, several times. And it's not as if he remembers every dream he has—even the ones others do, for having visited them.]
I find myself curious to know which you may be referring to, however.
[Hmm. His issues with unicorn symbolism aside, that is concerning. Van Zieks unfortunately has had a very memorable experience with being tainted with some manner of dark magic.]
I have been working on reaching out to people, and trying not to ignore my feelings. Doing things that will ease my Heart. Easier said than done, I've found.
[Bah! Talking to people about his problems... Could it have not been some manner of nightmare-repelling panacea instead? Much easier to accomplish.]
I have no doubt.
[He's not the type to sigh much even when alone, but he's feeling the urge right now.]
For such times when you find those efforts too difficult, might I suggest the use of lunar flowers and their derivations? I believe its honey can be found in small amounts at an apothecary I am familiar with.
[Van Zieks will sketch him a simplistic map, along with the name of the place. If he's going to try to be helpful, he plans to be properly so.]
Additionally, should you have any interest in more traditional methods of relaxation, pray consider a visit to At Day's End, where I should be glad to offer you a drink of your choosing.
[Hey, he's still a business owner. Even if money doesn't exist here.]
I cannot guarantee a particularly conversational server, but he shall endeavor to lend an ear to your troubles at the very least.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
discourtesies) wrote2021-10-22 01:25 am
delivery
Mister Barok,
Thank you for your assistance in helping a certain reindeer deliver presents for the holidays earlier this month. Please accept this token of gratitude for your time that day - it was much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Oriphi
no subject
Harrumph. ... He supposes the gift does seem heartfelt enough. With absolutely no cooking skills of his own, it is a pleasure to receive homemade treats like these.
He'll let the issue slide the next time they meet... but not forever.]
delivery; (no, i am not actually capable of shutting up, thanks for asking)
Attached to the bottle is a tag, carefully cut into the shape of a bat, that reads: It is a charm of protection. Should you decide to wear it, let me know if you are ever out of cranes. If he flips the bat over, he will find the sender, signed: - Susato Mikotoba
It is clear she doesn't expect him to wear it; but after the mess she had made of his home, Kazuma showing up near death at their doorstep, Barok's history of being targeted or attacked back home, and crime in general in Reverein, this is the least she can do.
The charm, should he wear it, even hidden on his person in some way, will do exactly as she described: pain from any wounds he receives will be numbed, be they from knives, thorns, or other sharp objects. Any bleeding will slow, and healing of those wounds will be accelerated. Bullets and other foreign objects will be ejected during the healing process, and in the first place, they will find his skin more difficult to penetrate, meeting a deep resistance, as in muk or a very thick rubber.
The catch: every time the effect is used, the cranes are slowly burned off, and when they disappear, so does its protection. Hence her preemptive offer--not that she ever expects Barok van Zieks to take her up on it, but he can't say it isn't there.
Then again, she doesn't anticipate that Lord van Zieks would take any unnecessary risks that the charm would ultimately come in handy for, for a long, long while. ]
i LOVE text walls (unironically)
... well, no. Perhaps he's simply being stubborn in his habit of refusing to trust others, at this point. He can't even lie to himself about the fact that the girl has done her utmost to assist him whenever she's seen he's needed it since they've been here, and this is simply a continuation of that trend... despite the horrific results of their last encounter.
He'll likely never understand the why of it, and perhaps that's something he'll just have to come to terms with.
Unfortunately, his trepidation over those recent events keeps him from writing or sending anything in response. He will, however, keep the charm on his person... if nothing else, to respect the work that Susato has done.]
delivery (backdated to day 1 of flower fest)
Her father got one. Mr Sholmes got one. She even gave one to Kazuma, despite everything. Why not the man who is actually related to the girl?
Susato thinks about leaving a note. She writes a couple sentences in her head on the fly. A flower crown a day keeps the pixies away, maybe; yeah, that sounded clever. But then she thinks better of it and just leaves him the crown. ]
no subject
After her remark about ignoring handmade gifts, does she want him to write or send something himself, when she hasn't even bothered to leave a note? Or does she think he won't know who it came from, and thus expects nothing in return? (She is of course the only one in his mind who would leave such a thing for him, and the assumption is easy to make. But it gives him the benefit of the doubt, and he'll use that to not dwell on whatever he should be doing about it.
And it's not like they won't meet again later. He'll address it at that time, should it come up.)
He won't wear it, no. ... but that doesn't mean he won't preserve it as best he's able. It may make for a nice enough decoration once that's done.]
delivery; [~12/25ish]
To: Lord Barok van Zieks
Happy Christmas to you! Can you believe it has been over a year since we've found ourselves here in this dream world?
You are a hard man to shop for, so I had to enlist the help of a metal worker in the market. I hope you like it and that it will see some use.
Sincerely,
Susato Mikotoba
[ When he peers inside the bag, amongst the paper filling, he will find a special bottle opener. The opening that's used to pry at the caps has a metallic sheen, and more notably is in the shape of the van Zieks family crest, with a shield-like appearance. crossed by two swords. ]
Journal, Sender: Dohalim | late January
I apologize for how long it has been since we last spoke. I suppose that life in Reverein has kept us both quite busy on our chosen paths. I write today to express my condolences at the loss of your friends and business partners; I did not know Diluc well, but was fortunate enough to call Miss Oriphi a friend. Both will be sorely missed.
I have had a thought concerning your business, though I do not claim to know what your plans are for the future. My abilities in my home world and those I have come to develop here through dreamotion are similar to Miss Oriphi's in nature, and I understand she tended to your vineyards. Should you find yourself in need of such abilities once more, I would very much like to offer my services. I cannot claim to be her equal, but our shared affinity for plants cannot be denied.
As ever, I hope you are well. I will be certain to come by for a glass or two in the near future, regardless of what else you may need.
Sincerely,
Dohalim il Qaras
sender: Barok van Zieks
Mr il Qaras,
It is a pleasure to receive your correspondence. You have my gratitude for the sentiment; Mr Ragnvindr and Ms Oriphi were both irreplaceable members of our small community, and their departure has left a significant space that shall not soon be forgotten. I would like to express my own sympathies for what you must feel for the parting of our mutual acquaintance.
[He's not avoiding the friend word out of deliberate distance, so much as he wonders if he could call himself such for the young lady. She certainly did more for him than he ever did for her.]
I admit to some hesitation towards making any future plans for the business other than to maintain the establishment as it currently stands. [It's hard to come up with ideas when you're depressed!] Your thoughts are welcome whenever you should like to express them, and I would similarly be grateful for the assistance in the vineyards. Although I have come to a reasonable understanding of manipulating the weather for the small scale required, such things are frequently at the mercy of unwelcome moods or external events.
[It's winter too, so that doesn't help. Asura's warmth-spewing shards may be his poor grapes' saving grace right now.]
I look forward to your presence at whatever time is most desirable for you, whether for business or leisure. You shall find me frequently At Day's End [poetic.] as I train our new hires, or else at my abode and vineyard.
Regards,
Barok van Zieks
no subject
If you have need of anything else in the meantime, please, you need only say the word. Though you spoke of my convenience, please let me know if there is a particular time or day that is especially convenient for you, and I will be more than happy to oblige.
- Dohalim il Qaras
no subject
I am typically less occupied midmorning, if you would prefer my full attention. Though I am curious as to your activities, we would likely find such conversation easier to pursue once we are face to face.
[texting is weird.]
no subject
Excellent. I will come by tomorrow morning.
[And COME BY he does! When the next morning rolls around, Dohalim enters At Day's End a little after 10:00, finding the place largely empty given the hour and offering the man in question a smile and a nod of his head by way of a greeting when he sees him.]
You are looking well, my friend.
[Smashed any good wine glasses lately?]
no subject
When Dohalim greets him at that time, however, he knows it's just politeness. Even Barok isn't unaware that there are certain aspects of gloominess and exhaustion extensive grooming can't hide, though perhaps a brief return to paleness after he'd gained some color from working in his vineyards isn't so alarming. Regardless, he responds with sincerity, and a bow:]
As do you, Mr. il Qaras. You have my gratitude for coming. Might I offer you a cup of tea?
[He doesn't typically serve tea at the bar—it's for employees only, though maybe that should change—but Dohalim is a guest, and... perhaps a friend, as he suggests.]
Journal; Sender: Ira
I would like to apologize for that.
no subject
Such occurrences are far from unexpected in this realm. Whatever dream you may have seen, I assure you there is naught for which to apologize.
[His problems have already been... out there, several times. And it's not as if he remembers every dream he has—even the ones others do, for having visited them.]
I find myself curious to know which you may be referring to, however.
no subject
We fought in a graveyard, as I recall.
no subject
I have some vague recollections of the matter, now that you have described it. I believe I mistook you for another.
[Something about a symbol transformed into a proper physical manifestation, to his mind. But that part is largely irrelevant.]
Is that a form you take with any frequency?
no subject
The nightmarish version, that one is fairly new. I've never been clouded with that much Darkness before.
no subject
Have you any idea as to the cause?
no subject
Combined with some other concerns of mine, it resulted in...that. I am working to improve things.
no subject
Have your efforts been met with any marked improvement?
no subject
no subject
[Good to know, if so.]
What methods have you utilized to prevent such a thing in future? [asking for a friend maybe]
no subject
I have been working on reaching out to people, and trying not to ignore my feelings. Doing things that will ease my Heart. Easier said than done, I've found.
no subject
I have no doubt.
[He's not the type to sigh much even when alone, but he's feeling the urge right now.]
For such times when you find those efforts too difficult, might I suggest the use of lunar flowers and their derivations? I believe its honey can be found in small amounts at an apothecary I am familiar with.
no subject
I admit I have never tried that, but it might be worth looking into. I'll keep that in mind.
no subject
Additionally, should you have any interest in more traditional methods of relaxation, pray consider a visit to At Day's End, where I should be glad to offer you a drink of your choosing.
[Hey, he's still a business owner. Even if money doesn't exist here.]
I cannot guarantee a particularly conversational server, but he shall endeavor to lend an ear to your troubles at the very least.
no subject
I shall be sure to visit. I have a tendency to stick close to home when I should be putting myself out there more.
no subject
[eeeagh why do these people not have last names]
You have the advantage over me with regards to appearances, so pray do not find offense if I fail to recognize you immediately.
no subject
I shall be sure to introduce myself properly.
Though, I do tend to stand out. I am usually wearing a mask.