✙ VIII ✙ [Video]

[neutralbyforce]

[This is a sight very few have ever seen (and by very few, think one). Vash is sitting on a bench not far from the forest's edge, surrounded by flowers of varying shapes and sizes in containers as diverse as their occupants. The sight of the normally reserved country surrounded by flora isn't even all that odd; it's the pure and open smile on his

Comments

[ergaleomancer]

Flowers? ...Do you have red and green ones?

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash grins in reply.]

Good afternoon, Theta! I haven't spoken to you in a while; how have things been?

Red, most certainly, but I've never seen a flower with green petals before.

[ergaleomancer]

I've been well! I'm glad to see you~. Why don't you come by my shop some time? I'd love to show you what I've been working on~~.

That's a shame, I thought flowers came in all colours... But red ones would make Grell very happy, so please.

[neutralbyforce]

I would be delighted to take you up on that invitation some time, Theta. I'm sure whatever currently holds your fascination must be quite amazing indeed.

Perhaps they do in some worlds, but as far as I know flowers have petals to distinguish them from their surroundings so that bees and other pollinators can find them. Since most other plants are green already, flowers choose more flamboyant routes.

I'm afraid I haven't met a Grell yet, but it's kind of you to think of them.

[ergaleomancer]

Oh is that why? [[She doesn't know anything about flowers.]]

Grell is one of my roommates. She's [[Theta is obviously smitten. Her tone conveys this loud and clear.]] the most beautiful lady I've ever seen~.

[neutralbyforce]

As far as my understanding goes, yes... but I'm far from a botanist.

...Ah. I see. [He doesn't really, but whatever. Flowers are flowers and people are people... besides, he's in too good of a mood to worry about figuring things out.] Well, when I have a moment, shall I deliver the flowers to you? Or, better yet, you could send John to fetch them. He's working for you, right?

[ergaleomancer]

I could send John, but if you're coming over for a visit anyway, you may as well just bring them at the end of your other errand running and stay for tea~.

[neutralbyforce]

Very well, then. I'll see you soon, Theta.

[About thirty minutes later Vash can be seen approaching Theta's shop, carrying two pots; one with simple red blooms and the other with dark orange/yellow petals that fade to crimson at the tips.]

[ergaleomancer]

[[Inside of her shop is filled with clocks and display cases of pocket watches. There's also a piano in one corner, and several teapots on it. One display case has what look to be clockwork dolls, though none of them wound.

There's a stool opposite Theta at the counter, and she looks up from sketching in a notebook when she hears the door open. She smiles for him.]]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash ducks his head by way of greeting, returning the smile.] Thank you for the gracious invitation, Theta. I have some flowers for you; where would you like me to set them?

[ergaleomancer]

Just here on the counter is fine, I'll fuss with them later. Come have a seat, tell the teapot how you take your tea~.

[[She sets out a teacup for him, and a teapot waddles over to fill it.]]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash obliges, watching the clockwork creation with an approving eye as he sits down.]

Just water, if that's okay. I've never been big on the taste tea, no matter how much or often my fellow countries try to change that.

[ergaleomancer]

[[She nods and reaches into her pocket and pulls out what looks like a pocket watch. She opens it up and out fold a pair of arms and legs, and she sets it on the ground.]]

Go get a glass of water for Mr. Zwingli, Fetch-It.

[[It salutes and heads off.]]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash smiles when he recognizes Theta's little helper.]

Good to see Fetch-It is still running well.

[ergaleomancer]

Of course~. I take exceptional care of my clockworks~.

I'd offer you a teapot for the flowers, but... [[Fetch-It returns with his water and presents it to him.]]

Perhaps I could interest you in an assistant~? [[She gestures at the collection of doll-like figures in the case.]]

[neutralbyforce]

[Vash accepts the glass of water with a grateful nod to Fetch-It.]

Hmm? Ah, no, please don't worry about it. I didn't really do anything to get them beyond fend off a few very toothy squirrels. [A gentle grin suggests that this is him just being silly.]

Besides, I've never been very fond of dolls, I'm afraid.