songerein | [07] move along, move along just to make it through

Entry tags:

[07] move along, move along just to make it through

Who: Susato and anyone
Which: Open catch-all log for September + network option
Where: The Wild Harvest garden, but open to other locations.
What: Yujin Mikotoba has left Songerein.
Warnings: Will add if needed.

🌸 A. an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Sender: Susato Mikotoba
To: Everyone
Subject: Reverein's clinic

[ It's short, and to the point. Susato doesn't use the journal often to broadcast like this, but now that she is, she feels it prudent to be as direct as possible. ]

To whom it may concern: For the past couple weeks, the Reverein communal clinic has been without a proper doctor to run it. If you are in need of aid, please be patient, as the volunteers are doing the very best they can. If you have medical experience and would like to help, please let me know. Thank you. Regards, Susato Mikotoba

🌸 B. move along, move along, like i know you do.

[ Within the garden of the Wild Harvest, among the faint hissing of snakes and the lull of the waterfalls, Susato closes her journal and tucks away her pen. She takes a deep breath as she moves to stand from her favorite bench, and she walks with purpose into an area littered with stars that look like stepping stones upon the ground.

For a moment, she stops and simply stares. There it is. A blank star, waiting for a name. Perhaps it appeared some time ago. Perhaps she simply ignored it, but after digesting recent events, she has no time to wallow in the remaining stages of grief. He's not even dead, but she wonders if that doesn't make things worse.

Either way, she doesn't even need a pen. She slowly bends down, spending another moment feeling the rough surface of the starfish with her hand before she commits with her pointer finger.

The strokes appear in a glow, and the end result looks engraved. ]

御琴羽悠仁

🌸 C. wild card.

[ If neither of these fit! ]

(( ooc: Feel free to write your own prompt/starter, or if you'd like me to write a personalized starter for you, hit me up at

yammdere or via PM!

Side note: I would love to incorporate Quest #902. Hug it out if you hit prompt B. uwu ))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ One day, she'll regale Beatrix with legends of the crane. A mythical being, said to live for a thousand years. How it had become tradition, in the future of her world, her culture, to fold such creatures--a whole thousand of them, for each year they live--to wish someone well.

For now, she perks up curiously, her warm smile giving way to curiosity. ]

Oh? Y, Yes, of course I will. Though... you should already know, I already have plans to give one to everyone who came out that night. [ If it is any of them... Eustace and Tifa included. But she'll wait for more information. ]

I—

[Before she can actually get the rest of the words out, Beatrix is hesitant all over again, realising that she's felt that way a great deal as of late. Although Oriphi's words linger in her head, Eustace's, and many of the others that have been shared with her, she cannot completely shake the feelings that rattle about her insides. Finally, as she draws in a breath, pulling together the pieces of her that she fears may just go clattering about, she looses a breath. And presses herself to continue and to clarify.]

I did think that you might do something of that sort. The others will appreciate it, I have no doubt. I was hoping you might make one for someone outside of it. I do not think I have the capability to protect him. Perhaps something like this, however, can.

. . .

[ Susato thinks she knows who it is. She's never met him, but she's gathered by now that he means a great deal to her. Before that, however, she can see the way her breath shakes, and the uncertainty with which she speaks. Susato speaks softly, though there is a certainty in her voice that cannot be denied. ]

Is that why you do not have your armor, nor Save the Queen? Because... you feel you have lost that capability?

[She'd like to not answer that. Any of it, really. Ori asked for her assistance with learning of swords, but... Beatrix is not at all comfortable wielding hers at present. Between Eustace and Burmecia, for the first time since she's picked it up, she wonders if she's worthy of a sword that has been passed down betwixt hands before she was even a concept in the mind's eye of a woman and a man.

Beatrix doesn't outright answer, though her head does tilt just a touch.]

Is that your way of turning down my request? If it is because I have not offered anything in return, I can amend that easily.

[ ...? Susato clearly looks taken aback by the accusation. After recovering, she is shaking her head as vehemently as she can manage. ]

No, of course not. I would have obliged, even if you had not offered anything. Though I will remind you that you have.

[ Her fingers nudge the brooch delicately, as if to bring them into her view, but then she will let it go. ]

I suppose I... I was simply trying to make sense of things, as anyone would. I apologise if I overstepped.

[The reaction is transparent. As ever, Beatrix's harsh demeanour continues to affect others. Some simply shake it off because they're accustomed to how cold and protective she can be of herself. Others like Susato... It's a reminder that Beatrix can't speak to everyone in the same way.

Her expression softens for just a breath or two, wordlessly apologetic.

She shakes her head slowly.]

I did not bring that to you with the intentions of obtaining something in return. As I am being consistently reminded whilst here, not all relationships need be transactional. Or the actions taken in those relationships.

[Folding hand over the other, she pauses and then continues.]

I told someone here I wanted to protect them. That they should always allow me to place myself between them and danger if such things arose. Given what we experienced with Eustace and the others, I understand now that for me to have made such a request was irresponsible. I need more power, more strength, more... something. I do not know what that something is. Until I find it, I would like something in place of that. Something to make up for my inadequacies.

[ She dares not interrupt. They've spoken over the past few months after they met, though this still feels like the first time Susato is really seeing or hearing her. It is striking just how difficult it is, to listen to a strong, confident woman talk about herself that way; though Susato herself has been guilty of the same. ]

Beatrix... I...

[ For a moment, she doesn't even know how to respond. It is rather a lot to absorb, so there is a quiet sigh as she tries to find the words. ]

...I understand. I will help you convey these feelings, but it will be because you are my friend. Not because of your inadequacies or anything you lack.

[It is beyond humiliating to make such admittance. She is a strong woman. Self-sufficient. Ever carrying an air that she doesn't need or want anyone else. To portray herself in any other way... She doesn't like it. But if she's honest, and she has to be, she understands that she's a liability if she can't do the one thing she's always thought she was good at. Whether that's rebuilding her confidence or whatever else is required of her, Beatrix understands she can't put others at risk.

Not right now.]

If there is anything you need from me in order to make them, say something. I am not fond of getting something for nothing.

[She says, after telling Susato it wasn't transactional. Old habits really do die hard.]

. . .

[ Susato seems to pause and think, though it's not long before she is shaking her head. It's not transactional, but perhaps there is something she feels that she could use to fulfil Beatrix's request. ]

I'd like you to tell me about him.

[ She lets those words hang in the air for a moment, as if giving Beatrix a chance to change her mind, but she decides to clarify: ]

It will help me find a bottle that suits him... Something that he likes. Or something that reminds you of him, perhaps. [ Something that is meaningful between them would probably enhance the magic as well. ] ...Would you be willing to give me some guidance?

[This again. She had to do the same back when she wanted a flower crown for him from Tifa. She wonders in the present how she would describe him. Things are different between them now, after all. They are… closer in a variety of ways. Before she can get locked into it, she understands why Susato makes such a request. It’s to make this a more personal accent. It will mean more if it’s something close to him because then it will have meant that she put a good deal of thought into it.

After a moment of looking somewhat uncertain, she dips her head with some thought. And then perhaps a breath or two later, it raises.]

I suppose… that is agreeable.

[Although her insides don’t seem to agree, with the way they seem to drown in something akin to trepidation.]

I am not certain what you wish to know of him. I know he likes music. Theatre. Poetry. I remember, not long after we had both arrived, he was conducting research on the journals we use here for me and he wrote me poetry.

[Back then, she had acted as though she disliked it deeply. The truth is that she has a soft spot for poetry. She keeps plenty of poetic books hidden among her more serious ones on war and strategy.]

I associate him oft enough with poetry. Walking poetry, perhaps. He has a way with words.

[ In truth, Susato doesn't really know what she wishes to know either. Inspiration can strike from a variety of places; she merely has to wait for it as she listens to Beatrix speak about him. Susato can sense a fondness behind the General's voice that makes her smile. ]

I see. Poetry... He is an author.

[ She gently taps a finger to her chin. What is the first thing that comes to mind when she thinks about an author? A pen, perhaps, or... a typewriter.

Or... ]

Perhaps something like an inkwell, then.

I hesitate to say author. No. Not like that. I suspect he has penned things before, but perhaps not things like poetry.

[Work, she suspects. She's not really certain how deeply he got involved with his work as a lord. She isn't sure she wants to ask either. He wants those days to remain behind him. Not because he wants to forget, but because he's trying to forge himself a new path. She can understand all of that.]

I think he is most passionate about music, honestly. I think it is what he would have pursued if he could have had that opportunity. He is quite the violinist.

~~[Boy is he ever. He can pluck her strings anytime.]~~

...Hmm.

[ It feels like she has to shift her focus somewhat, then. She looks thoughtful. The inkwell had been the first thing that came time her mind, but perhaps more care and consideration is needed. ]

You know, Mr Sholmes plays the violin. Perhaps he would have an idea... [ ~~Alas.~~ ] Or maybe I could get to know him myself.

I was not aware of that.

[For just a moment, she looks surprised, but as she's thinking to everything she's learnt about the man, it almost suits him. Master Sholmes certainly is a man of many talents... Perhaps she'll gain the amicability to eventually say so, instead of ridiculing him as she is wont to do.

Her attention is diverted by what Susato says next and she dips her chin for just a moment.]

He tends to be an overly friendly sort. [Coming from Beatrix who... is not friendly at all, really.] I think you would like him a great deal. If you have an interest in learning how to wield a staff, he could provide you tutelage. I believe he is assisting Tifa with something similar.

[ Susato listens dutifully. She doesn't know what it is that reminds her, but at some point, it clicks like a switch: she should be writing this down. She reaches into ~~hammerspace~~ her kimono sleeves, suddenly pulling out not her network journal, but a normal, everyday notebook.

She starts scribbling bullet points of what she's learned, though talk of the staff seems to make her pause. Leia wielded a staff, too... a longstaff. ]

What was his name again? [ If Beatrix doesn't mind saying so. ]

[Ah, right. She never gave his name, did she? She doesn't seem inclined to provide that. Maybe because without a name it doesn't feel as real or as solid. But that's not fair to him. Or to her, she supposes. Or... anyone else who has the mind to inquire. So after a moment's breath, Beatrix clears her throat.]

Dohalim. It is possible you already know who he is.

[She considers how to describe him and then continues.]

Tall. Red of hair. Brown eyes. Difficult to miss.

[ Susato blinks at the way Beatrix clears her throat, but scribbles down the information. Her face does seem to light with recognition, as if she's heard the information before, but she has not met him.

The reminder is greatly appreciated, either way. She nods. ]

...You can count on me. I will send word as soon as I have something.

[ Though, now that she says that-- ]

Is there a... some sort of deadline I should keep in mind?

[Beatrix shakes her head without much hesitance.]

No. Of course not. Whenever is fine. Sometimes the things that mean the most must not be rushed. I understand the value in taking one's time. I suspect if I were to make such a thing for him, it would be years before he saw it.

[If only because Beatrix would want it to be perfect and she can't help feeling that nothing coming from her hands ever will be.]

[ ...It wasn't meant as a joke, but Susato finds herself chuckling anyway. She doesn't even know if any of them will be here after "years," but a part of her hopes so.

A small part, but bigger than she'd anticipated. ]

A week or two should suffice. I merely wondered whether there was a special occasion for which you wished to convey your feelings. A birthday, or... something else.

[ An anniversary, perhaps? The holidays were too far off, and they'd be much too busy with helping Tifa's wedding by then. ]

O-oh. No. Nothing like that. The instance with Eustace made me think of it. That, and the one you gifted me.

[She wouldn't call that a special occasion, but in a way, she supposes it could be.]

Take all the time you need. I suppose it has been nearly a... a year, by this world's standards since he and I met. I wonder if that is something that ordinarily ought to be celebrated. I wonder if even he should want such a thing.

[Beatrix tilts her head thoughtfully.] I would not have considered that without your input. I appreciate it.

[ She nods, with a respectful tip of her head in acknowledgement of her thanks. ]

As long as it is from you, I'm sure he would.

...Although... now that you mention it, how did you meet?

We arrived in Reverein at the same time. He mistook me for someone else.

[Although as she thinks about it now, she knows who he mistook her for. Kisara. Beatrix tips her head thoughtfully as she takes a moment to turn that over in her head. Maybe she didn't realise it until saying it.]

I think he believed I was in this world on my own, or rather that I spurned the companionship of others. There were dinners. Poetry, I suppose. Spars. Festivals. ...I suppose we have spent more time together than I realised.

[Folding her hands together with consideration, she continues.]

I also think you are right. It is very likely he would find favour with anything I gave to him. Simply... because it came from me.

[ He thought she was someone else, huh? She considers Beatrix's features, watching her as she speaks. Things like her long brown hair are probably common, but she can only imagine the mistake was rectified quickly. She is rather exceptionally beautiful, and uniquely so.

A hum. ]

I hope you'll forgive me for saying so, but those sound like "dates."

[Beatrix, for a moment at least, just the one, looks incredibly annoyed. Not by the idea because yes, certainly that is a very logical conclusion to draw based on what she's been willing to share, but she continues to really dislike the word. It sounds so casual. So informal. So impersonal. So... beneath her. And that is likely a result of where and when she is from.

It sounds like something Zidane would say and she can appreciate the man, but not his casual method of speaking.]

I do imagine he would agree with you. I cannot very well be upset about it, though the wording is not my preferred. The General of Alexandria does not have dates.

[ Susato asked for forgiveness before she even called it as such, so Beatrix is not even allowed to be mad. Her issues with the wording aside, she didn't even disagree, so Susato continues innocently: ]

But... why not? Is it not allowed?

[ Yeah, that's probably it. She could probably believe it if she said it wasn't. ]

[07] move along, move along just to make it through

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