( Besides the fancily-boxed black forest cake, Ana will also find a hair ornament he hopes will suit her; he honestly had little idea what to get her, but he thought this one in particular would be quite lovely on her. And it has a lovely chime as it moves. He tried!! )
She still has no idea what the point of this holiday is, though context says something about doting on partners and loved ones.
She'll have to think about getting him something later. For now though she's going to find a way to put her hair up in a way that she can use that lovely ornament.
She's honestly impressed, though. Most wouldn't be so bold with her.]
I would invite you over but I'm afraid everything I make here has basically turned into charcoal because I still don't understand how these "electric ovens" work...
[Because even with exposure to Asura tech most of the human settlements still run on brick and fire cooking stations.]
So I'll spare you any attempt to force yourself through that mess. Where would you suggest going?
( Yeah that's him. Definitely not at all a man about wiping sweat from his brow for a gamble that paid off and didn't end up being awkward, nope. )
Haha, would you like me to show you? It's a bit different from dust tech, but similar enough I've yet to burn anything after the first try.
But if you'd rather not mess with it, there is a place down in the groves that is something called "farm to fork"— everything they use is very fresh. Roasts and baked potatoes and pastas.
I wouldn't turn down your help. Some things I've gotten in a snap and others...
Numbers don't make any sense to me! I just know when something is hot!
[Is she whining?
A little. Yes.]
There's a farm here? Gods, I really need to start getting out more. I wasn't even aware of that. I would love to try it! That would probably be the absolute closest to "home cooking" I could get here.
No, that is quite fair. There's a big difference between cooking over a fire or a wood stove and the machines of this place. I don't quite get the numbers either, but I'll show you what the low-medium range is so you can avoid burning things.
Usually somewhere around an hour or two will cook things through, but meat goes much quicker than, say, a shepherd's pie. Baked goods quicker still.
( It's ok, it's cute whining, even for whining. He's no chef but he has some bachelor basics, so he can get her on the right course and chop a mean onion to help her out. )
There are many, I believe. Especially here on level 2. It is mostly agriculture for the other levels. Shall we go out for dinner then, and I can shove you how to work the stove after? So you can use it at your leisure.
I guess I haven't talked about my upbringing much, have I? Or my world, for that matter. Well, a dinner seems like a good time to catch you up on that.
No, but as you said, we will have time for it. I'll be interested to hear about the place you've come from. I've always found it fascinating, here. How many different people are present.
( He arrives about ten minutes prior, as ever. Never too early to be an inconvenience, but enough as a show of respect that he doesn't intend on wasting anyone's time. He's dressed simply, dark, pressed slacks in a slimmer fit and a dark dress shirt, accented in the red of that silk tie and a pale grey blazer to match the belt and boots he dons.
He knows better than to buy cut flowers for... anyone. So what he arrives with is, instead, a very petite potted gift. They may not be a red that complimented her, but he had honestly looked. He didn't find any in the right shade. Likely sold out, the doofus. He doesn't make the connection from red to romance. It's in the palm of his hand to greet her when she opens the door to his knock, and he's even trimmed his beard up to a far shorter style than she's seen yet. He's working on it. It has to be a gradual change; he's too used to looking in the mirror and seeing whiskers, by now. )
[Ana isn't particularly fond of waiting or making others wait, either. If she knows it's going to take a half an hour to get ready she'll be starting at the latest forty minutes before she's expecting someone.
It does take her a little longer than she expected to pick out an outfit, though, because this is the first true date she's been on in years and naturally that results in some mild panic over what looks good, how many of her scars can hide with what she has available and would heels actually be too much considering he towers over her?
She eventually does settle on a flowy green dress that has just enough similarities to Krytan style clothing that she feels comfortable in it, but also modern enough to not look archaic and matching strapped heels. Hair down in a loose braid, errant hairs a little more deliberate this time.
She answers the door with a bright, excited smile a little nervous that she was answering the door a minute later than she intended to.]
( Why would heels ever be too much? It brings her that much closer to smooching distance. He's for them. Not that it much matters what he votes for; the mere sliver of embroidered green when she opens the door has already wowed him, and he'll just stand there for a moment with his head tilted, smile soft and crinkling at the corners of those blue eyes. After a moment of taking her in, he's raising his good hand, palm up, in offering. )
Absolutely lovely. Not that I expect it's easy to find a dress to match your eyes.
( Place a hand in his and see it kissed, of course. But he's bringing attention to the pot held delicately in gloved metal fingers after, so she can take it. )
Haha, I can certainly imagine. It seems to be the constant struggle around here; even the flowers seem too bright.
( The potted mini roses, however, seem to be a hit when she's immediately sweet-talking them, and he leans in the doorway with an easy smile to watch her. The shade was close to her hair, but not quite right. Well, he tried. Not that she'd think it his goal. )
Of course. I figured they would have a good home with you. Take your time.
( He can be a doorstop in the meantime, filling the framing with his shoulders alone. )
[She wouldn't be much of a druid, or even a farmer's daughter if she didn't love and adore plants. Of course she has just as much love for people and animals but right now the only one she's really doting on his James and she doesn't even have her mounts here, let alone her pets.
Maybe someday, but not while she's living in such small quarters. She was not about to subject any of her familiars to such a cramped life.
Plants, however, are perfectly alright with it and she steps inside leaving the door open to place the pot carefully on a windowsill that's currently facing what little daylight is left.]
There you go. You'll get good light here until I can get a planter.
[The color already brightens the place up and she's more than happy to look after such sweet flowers.]
( Well, he's more than happy to hog her attention by happenstance and give her a few more plants to spread the love with; once he realizes how exceptionally good she is with them, he'll probably start bringing her the sadder ones so they can get the love they deserve and perk back up.
Imagine willfully picking out sad plants??? That's not romantic at all, dingus. He steps in just far enough to see where she places it and to hear her continuing to speak to it, smile never once fading. She's cute. )
They said the clay pot would be good for it, at least. I didn't want to pick anything cut or that wouldn't last.
[It should probably be embarrassing, really, the fact that he's once again managed to time his meeting with Illyana during the Iris moon; this cycle it is, unfortunately, rabbit ears he's got sticking out of his head, but thankfully the other fun effects Iris usually brings are calmer tonight moreso than they have been throughout the rest of the cycle. Small mercies...
Anyway! No need to focus on all that. Tonight - ears or not - he has a date, with a pretty girl, to an interesting location! He's even left the labcoat at home, exchanging it for something a bit less conspicuous.
All that's left is to wait for Illyana to arrive, and her to lead them to this tavern of hers.]
[Look, he's already attractive to her. Iris traits making him even cuter is a bonus in her mind. Plus, rabbit ears are very expressive!
He does indeed have a date with said pretty girl in a lovely vintage style green dress and matching high heels, her hair loose and curled at her shoulders.
She spotted him as soon as she had exited her apartment to meet him, giving an excited wave.]
[See, the expressiveness of the rabbit ears are kind of a problem, especially since the sight of Illyana has made them shoot up excitedly...
...let him just. grab them, what a fantastic start-]
Ah, bonsoir! Sorry, I'm still getting used to these things-
[They seem to be shifting back into...some manner of relaxed position after some encouragement (thankfully...), so! Back to attempting to be charming.]
What a stunning dress - and that colour! It looks simply incroyable on you!
[She can't help but giggle behind a hand at the ears. Ah, so cute, yet such betrayal of one's emotions. There are benefits to being Sanguis, and exalted at that. Dragon ears tend to twitch much less.
It's an amused one, though, and while there is a teasing tone beneath it she's not about to start needling him over it. Especially not when he's giving her such lovely compliments.
She even gives a little twirl, the skirt flaring and revealing a peek of ruffled petticoat. Some of the larger scar that ran down from her stomach to her leg could also briefly be seen though the skirt did keep it covered when she wasn't moving. Part of what encouraged her to purchase it when she was looking for something appropriate for their date.]
Thank you! I'm actually starting to really enjoy the varied clothing here.
[Oh, the twirl...so charming! With any luck, he won't have to keep his hands on these darn ears the entire date...
For now, however, they seem to have calmed down, so Sycamore feels comfortable enough to put his hands in his pockets and smile.]
It's all rather fascinating, isn't it? The city I'm from does have a vibrant fashion scene, I must admit, but it's not quite as colourful as everything here! I'm certainly enjoying myself, and I'm glad to hear you are too.
[The scar is definitely noted, but he's far too much of a gentleman to draw attention to it - needless to say, however, it seems his date must have seen a few battles. If anything, it just makes him all the more curious. So!]
[She has a lot of smaller scars, older ones, much more faded but the ones from Balthazar seem to have permanently marred her skin in ragged edges and dark colors that have never gotten any lighter as the years passed by. All the more reason for her to rather keep them hidden as much as possible.
She'd rather not have to explain how she died once. It's an awkward conversation and she wants to enjoy herself tonight. Still, if he does eventually ask she's not going to avoid the truth, either.]
Oh, well thank you! I wouldn't have minded paying but I do appreciate being doted on a little~
[She smiles brightly at him, wrapping an arm around his elbow so he can lead the way.]
[If it makes her feel any better, one of his close friends recently arrived and he has...also died, once, so he won't be overly shocked by the concept. But still! Frightfully impolite to open an evening with a lovely woman with 'so how did you get that massive scar?'. Although admittedly, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't curious about the origin. But they can save that for later; for now, they have a tavern to get to.]
It's my pleasure.
[Honestly, if they keep their arms linked, he'd likely have earned enough chroma to cover the drinks by the time they get there...]
What sort of alcohol do you like, anyway? I think I can guess, but I'd love to know if I'm correct.
[That would make it easier, yes. It can absolutely be a talking point later in the night.]
Ah, well... I've probably spent too much time around people who drink pretty heavily in my world but I tend to lean towards stronger ones. The ales I've found here are laughable, but I did find some harder sorts that I enjoyed! I know that's not "ladylike" of me, though.
[Oho! His suspicions were right - it makes him grin (fondly, of course!)]
I was going to say; it's not often I end up on a date with a woman whose choice of venue is a tavern! I think it's delightful.
[Look, he already assumes Illyana could beat the crap out of him, now he's positive she could drink him under the table as well. No problem! If anything, that makes him all the more thrilled to be here. He'll pat the hand holding his arm, after that.]
I know it isn't my place to say - not being a lady myself - but I think each woman has her own definition of what it means to be 'ladylike'. What do you think?
[he thinks that he loves them all, but he's not. going to say that...]
I think nobles are full of dolyak shit, and that being a man or a woman shouldn't dictate what you enjoy, even if it is copious amounts of Norn-brewed alcohol.
[Sorry for the smattering of Tyria-specific language there, but it's something she's pretty passionate about and while she doesn't hate most nobles their rhetoric does get very tiring after a while. The only one she gets along with in any capacity is Karen but that's because their families have been friends for a few generations now and they practically grew up together.]
... that said, even though I spend most of my time in armor and facing down enemies I'm not entirely opposed to the... I guess 'finer' things?
[She brushes her hand against the flare of her dress with her free hand, silently indicating 'finer' likely meant 'girly' in this regard, at least how others may define it.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
arrowroot
valentine's
Date: 2020-02-17 08:40 am (UTC)-Jᴀᴍᴇs Iʀᴏɴᴡᴏᴏᴅ
( Besides the fancily-boxed black forest cake, Ana will also find a hair ornament he hopes will suit her; he honestly had little idea what to get her, but he thought this one in particular would be quite lovely on her. And it has a lovely chime as it moves. He tried!! )
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-22 05:40 am (UTC)She still has no idea what the point of this holiday is, though context says something about doting on partners and loved ones.
She'll have to think about getting him something later. For now though she's going to find a way to put her hair up in a way that she can use that lovely ornament.
And send him a message that's just a heart emoji.
This is how you relationship properly, right?]
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-22 09:48 pm (UTC)Hmm, I knew it.
It'd look loveliest in your hair.
I hope the truffle cake will be to your taste, as well, miss Illyana.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-23 07:19 am (UTC)I'm saving it for after dinner, but it already looks fantastic! Thank you for the gifts.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-23 07:41 am (UTC)A woman of discipline; I can respect that.
So where are we going?
For dinner.
( This moron just invites himself right along like they've had the plans set in stone, smh... )
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-23 07:48 am (UTC)She's honestly impressed, though. Most wouldn't be so bold with her.]
I would invite you over but I'm afraid everything I make here has basically turned into charcoal because I still don't understand how these "electric ovens" work...
[Because even with exposure to Asura tech most of the human settlements still run on brick and fire cooking stations.]
So I'll spare you any attempt to force yourself through that mess. Where would you suggest going?
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-23 07:55 am (UTC)Haha, would you like me to show you?
It's a bit different from dust tech, but similar enough I've yet to burn anything after the first try.
But if you'd rather not mess with it, there is a place down in the groves that is something called "farm to fork"— everything they use is very fresh. Roasts and baked potatoes and pastas.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-23 08:33 am (UTC)I wouldn't turn down your help. Some things I've gotten in a snap and others...
Numbers don't make any sense to me! I just know when something is hot!
[Is she whining?
A little. Yes.]
There's a farm here? Gods, I really need to start getting out more. I wasn't even aware of that. I would love to try it! That would probably be the absolute closest to "home cooking" I could get here.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-23 12:42 pm (UTC)No, that is quite fair. There's a big difference between cooking over a fire or a wood stove and the machines of this place.
I don't quite get the numbers either, but I'll show you what the low-medium range is so you can avoid burning things.
Usually somewhere around an hour or two will cook things through, but meat goes much quicker than, say, a shepherd's pie.
Baked goods quicker still.
( It's ok, it's cute whining, even for whining. He's no chef but he has some bachelor basics, so he can get her on the right course and chop a mean onion to help her out. )
There are many, I believe. Especially here on level 2. It is mostly agriculture for the other levels.
Shall we go out for dinner then, and I can shove you how to work the stove after? So you can use it at your leisure.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-24 06:36 am (UTC)And a little scary.]
That's already helpful information, thank you.
That sounds like the perfect date. I apologize in advance if I get overly excited about the farm.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-25 08:35 am (UTC)Of course.
And there's no need to apologize; did you grow up in the countryside?
Shall we say, about 2.5 hours?
( A respectable 1800 dinner time. )
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-25 08:59 am (UTC)That's perfect. I'll see you soon.
1/2
Date: 2020-02-25 01:33 pm (UTC)I've always found it fascinating, here. How many different people are present.
And 1800 it is. I'll see you soon, miss Illyana.
to action!
Date: 2020-02-25 01:33 pm (UTC)He knows better than to buy cut flowers for... anyone. So what he arrives with is, instead, a very petite potted gift. They may not be a red that complimented her, but he had honestly looked. He didn't find any in the right shade. Likely sold out, the doofus. He doesn't make the connection from red to romance. It's in the palm of his hand to greet her when she opens the door to his knock, and he's even trimmed his beard up to a far shorter style than she's seen yet. He's working on it. It has to be a gradual change; he's too used to looking in the mirror and seeing whiskers, by now. )
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-27 07:32 am (UTC)It does take her a little longer than she expected to pick out an outfit, though, because this is the first true date she's been on in years and naturally that results in some mild panic over what looks good, how many of her scars can hide with what she has available and would heels actually be too much considering he towers over her?
She eventually does settle on a flowy green dress that has just enough similarities to Krytan style clothing that she feels comfortable in it, but also modern enough to not look archaic and matching strapped heels. Hair down in a loose braid, errant hairs a little more deliberate this time.
She answers the door with a bright, excited smile a little nervous that she was answering the door a minute later than she intended to.]
(no subject)
Date: 2020-02-29 09:45 am (UTC)Absolutely lovely. Not that I expect it's easy to find a dress to match your eyes.
( Place a hand in his and see it kissed, of course. But he's bringing attention to the pot held delicately in gloved metal fingers after, so she can take it. )
I hope these will be to your liking.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-03-02 07:31 am (UTC)[Who even came up with neon green? It's such an obnoxious color.
She perks up even more at the offering, taking the little plant with gentle hands that have clearly handled many in her years.]
Oh aren't you just a sweet little thing!
[She's actually talking to the plant, but it does extend to him as well. She smiles up at him over the flowers.]
I'll have to put these inside before we leave.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-03-09 06:23 am (UTC)( The potted mini roses, however, seem to be a hit when she's immediately sweet-talking them, and he leans in the doorway with an easy smile to watch her. The shade was close to her hair, but not quite right. Well, he tried. Not that she'd think it his goal. )
Of course. I figured they would have a good home with you. Take your time.
( He can be a doorstop in the meantime, filling the framing with his shoulders alone. )
(no subject)
Date: 2020-03-09 11:56 pm (UTC)Maybe someday, but not while she's living in such small quarters. She was not about to subject any of her familiars to such a cramped life.
Plants, however, are perfectly alright with it and she steps inside leaving the door open to place the pot carefully on a windowsill that's currently facing what little daylight is left.]
There you go. You'll get good light here until I can get a planter.
[The color already brightens the place up and she's more than happy to look after such sweet flowers.]
(no subject)
Date: 2020-03-15 09:34 am (UTC)Imagine willfully picking out sad plants??? That's not romantic at all, dingus. He steps in just far enough to see where she places it and to hear her continuing to speak to it, smile never once fading. She's cute. )
They said the clay pot would be good for it, at least. I didn't want to pick anything cut or that wouldn't last.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-03-16 07:04 am (UTC)[Meaning he was right on the money with this. She gives one of the flowers a gentle tap and turns back to him.]
I've been looking to get some color in here, though, so this is a perfect start to that.
[Indoor garden, go!]
action (lmk if this works!)
Date: 2020-06-14 09:47 am (UTC)Anyway! No need to focus on all that. Tonight - ears or not - he has a date, with a pretty girl, to an interesting location! He's even left the labcoat at home, exchanging it for something a bit less conspicuous.
All that's left is to wait for Illyana to arrive, and her to lead them to this tavern of hers.]
This is good! And I am here now.
Date: 2020-06-19 07:08 am (UTC)He does indeed have a date with said pretty girl in a lovely vintage style green dress and matching high heels, her hair loose and curled at her shoulders.
She spotted him as soon as she had exited her apartment to meet him, giving an excited wave.]
(no subject)
Date: 2020-06-22 07:06 am (UTC)...let him just. grab them, what a fantastic start-]
Ah, bonsoir! Sorry, I'm still getting used to these things-
[They seem to be shifting back into...some manner of relaxed position after some encouragement (thankfully...), so! Back to attempting to be charming.]
What a stunning dress - and that colour! It looks simply incroyable on you!
(no subject)
Date: 2020-06-25 07:44 am (UTC)It's an amused one, though, and while there is a teasing tone beneath it she's not about to start needling him over it. Especially not when he's giving her such lovely compliments.
She even gives a little twirl, the skirt flaring and revealing a peek of ruffled petticoat. Some of the larger scar that ran down from her stomach to her leg could also briefly be seen though the skirt did keep it covered when she wasn't moving. Part of what encouraged her to purchase it when she was looking for something appropriate for their date.]
Thank you! I'm actually starting to really enjoy the varied clothing here.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-06-26 10:57 pm (UTC)For now, however, they seem to have calmed down, so Sycamore feels comfortable enough to put his hands in his pockets and smile.]
It's all rather fascinating, isn't it? The city I'm from does have a vibrant fashion scene, I must admit, but it's not quite as colourful as everything here! I'm certainly enjoying myself, and I'm glad to hear you are too.
[The scar is definitely noted, but he's far too much of a gentleman to draw attention to it - needless to say, however, it seems his date must have seen a few battles. If anything, it just makes him all the more curious. So!]
Shall we? Drinks are on me, by the way.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-07-02 11:36 pm (UTC)She'd rather not have to explain how she died once. It's an awkward conversation and she wants to enjoy herself tonight. Still, if he does eventually ask she's not going to avoid the truth, either.]
Oh, well thank you! I wouldn't have minded paying but I do appreciate being doted on a little~
[She smiles brightly at him, wrapping an arm around his elbow so he can lead the way.]
(no subject)
Date: 2020-07-05 08:30 am (UTC)It's my pleasure.
[Honestly, if they keep their arms linked, he'd likely have earned enough chroma to cover the drinks by the time they get there...]
What sort of alcohol do you like, anyway? I think I can guess, but I'd love to know if I'm correct.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-07-06 10:14 pm (UTC)Ah, well... I've probably spent too much time around people who drink pretty heavily in my world but I tend to lean towards stronger ones. The ales I've found here are laughable, but I did find some harder sorts that I enjoyed! I know that's not "ladylike" of me, though.
[She even does a one handed air quote.]
(no subject)
Date: 2020-07-07 10:53 am (UTC)I was going to say; it's not often I end up on a date with a woman whose choice of venue is a tavern! I think it's delightful.
[Look, he already assumes Illyana could beat the crap out of him, now he's positive she could drink him under the table as well. No problem! If anything, that makes him all the more thrilled to be here. He'll pat the hand holding his arm, after that.]
I know it isn't my place to say - not being a lady myself - but I think each woman has her own definition of what it means to be 'ladylike'. What do you think?
[he thinks that he loves them all, but he's not. going to say that...]
(no subject)
Date: 2020-07-10 01:08 am (UTC)[Sorry for the smattering of Tyria-specific language there, but it's something she's pretty passionate about and while she doesn't hate most nobles their rhetoric does get very tiring after a while. The only one she gets along with in any capacity is Karen but that's because their families have been friends for a few generations now and they practically grew up together.]
... that said, even though I spend most of my time in armor and facing down enemies I'm not entirely opposed to the... I guess 'finer' things?
[She brushes her hand against the flare of her dress with her free hand, silently indicating 'finer' likely meant 'girly' in this regard, at least how others may define it.]