013 [action]

[no_hometown]

[Sephiroth is feeling a little off, a little odd, but that doesn't stop her from going on her daily silent patrols, making sure that all is well in the Gardens. It's become a habit of hers over the months she's been here. She is a secret guardian of the Gardens' inhabitants

Comments

[esoteric_rose]

[It's been several days of careful work and clean-up for Grell, and she's glad she's done for the moment. She's taken to enjoying the sunlight, with a few books from the library-the ridiculously overdone dialogue and sensationalism is exactly what she needs to couple with the strange music that's been surrounding her lately. It makes everything easier to process, easier to think.

Sephiroth's "hello" takes a minute to reach her, and despite the extremely pronounced differences between the two, her heart momentarily stops at that tone and the silver hair. On second look, it was not the Undertaker, most definitely, and the hostile mood that had sprung up despite the music drifted away as swiftly as it had come.]

Hello, Sephiroth.

[no_hometown]

[Sephiroth had noticed Grell's dismantling of her house. Having damaged her own Headquarters at some point while distressed, she'd decided to leave well enough alone. People could do what they wished to their own creations, and she wasn't one to pry.

She notices Grell's initial tensing, too. It could mean hostility or something else. It interests her.

Grell's own coloration and choice of garb remind Sephiroth of someone, but it's someone she has positive feelings concerning. Not that the woman is much like Genesis otherwise, though they do seem to share a certain flare for the dramatic, not to mention an interest in literature. She comes closer, still smiling.] Good afternoon. What are you reading?

[esoteric_rose]

It's actually an etiquette book, if you can believe it. [Holding it up.] It's amusing to compare this to things that certainly aren't going to be done anywhere in the Gardens-not that I wouldn't know how to implement such things, I do, from table settings to how divorced women should address their letters-but women being so helpless or assumed to be so is so widespread throughout the book. It's always made me laugh. [She smiles at Sephiroth.]

[no_hometown]

[She laughs, softly.] Amusing indeed. I don't believe I've ever read such a book. How foolish. In my world, there is no one stronger than I am.

[With no warning, she seats herself at Grell's feet, gazing up at her.]

Will you read to me?

idek, close your eyes and pick something!

[hopelessdreamer]

[to be honest, she's been wary of venturing outside after getting abruptly turned into a child, but she can't stay in one place for long. The music has been helping her relax a little, at least. With a familiar metal dog by her side, she has a hook and pole and a small tackle box, with the intent of going fishing at the lake.]

[Sephiroth's appearance, to her embarrassment, startles her. She really shouldn't be letting her guard down so much...or maybe the other woman really was that fast.]

Hmm, let us see...

[no_hometown]

A pleasure, Gal. [She usually downplays her own abilities. It's easier to relate to people that way. She moves closer quickly, studying the other woman and eying the tackle box.]

Do you enjoy fishing as well? I often catch fish here. I prefer food I've gathered and prepared myself. Perhaps we should fish together sometime.

I'd also like to spar again, sometime soon, if you're willing.

[hopelessdreamer]

[it takes her a moment to find her voice.]

It's--a good way to take a break, you know? Plus, I'm not cooking anymore, so I figured I should be useful somehow. I certainly wouldn't mind company, though.

[she shifts her grip on her burden, and the dog wags its tail, recognizing the other woman.]

Sure, I can't exactly let myself get rusty after what just happened.

[no_hometown]

Then I'll accompany you. It would be my pleasure. [She smiles at the dog, acknowledging its presence with a nod. She's rather used to the robots that sometimes follow her around by now.

She leans in closer to Gal--very close, nearly touching her--glancing toward the tackle box.] May I carry that for you?

Anytime you'd like to practice. I usually train in the morning. I find a good practice session quite stimulating.

[a_good_daughter]

[Her quest (though it seems she only just recently gave it such a grand title) to find and slay the Evil Queen is far from over, and Kadaj moves through the Gardens with a purpose. Sometimes she goes as flesh and sometimes as a fleeting, dark mist.
Her mood is odd. Optimism isn't a native emotion for Kadaj. Vainglory and arrogant self-assurance, but nothing as pure as belief. She feels-- brave, earnest, and sure of the righteousness of her cause. If Kadaj knew what such a thing was, she'd recognize the feeling as almost knightly one.

Of course, she is aware of Sephiroth at all times, just as Sephiroth is aware of her. There is no need to give warning or to announce herself. She materializes in step with the taller woman.]

Sister.

[no_hometown]

Sister. [Sephiroth brightens at Kadaj's appearance. Of course, she sensed her approach. They are always drawn together, and for the moment, that strikes her as a pleasant thing. She checks her step and smiles warmly.]

It is good to see you. [She puts her arm in Kadaj's as they walk side by side.] Walk with me a while.

[a_good_daughter]

[She's a little surprised by the gesture-- but anything and everything seems possible at the moment and she leans into the embrace, keeping pace easily with the taller woman.]

Yes, I'll walk with you, Sister. I miss spending time with you.
[Kadaj is stricken with a wonderful idea. A project they can do together!] You should come with me, I am going to find the Queen!

[no_hometown]

I miss spending time with you, too. I used to wish I had a sibling. [Or some family, at least--someone who could truly be called family.] I'm glad we can be close like this. [She reaches up and gently ruffles Kadaj's silver hair, fondly.]

The Queen? She does show herself sometimes. [Sephiroth doesn't have a great deal of hope for this project being successful, but sisters should stick together, and she wants to spend more time with Kadaj.] I'll come along. We're more likely to succeed together than apart.

[ritsu_kouyou]

[Akiha is underage and affected by Easy Listening.]

[Normally, someone appearing out of nowhere by her as she's sitting on the porch of her mansion isn't terribly out of the ordinary when one lives with a teleporting magician, but other than brief glimpses on the Vine, Akiha has never crossed paths with this tall woman. Just about any other time, she would respond to the greeting with a cutting remark, but not today. Today, Akiha is so chill, someone might think she's high instead of just relaxed. Given how tightly wound she normally is, it's not that far of a stretch of imagination...]

Good evening.

[no_hometown]

[Love songs it is, then!]

Ah, do I have the honor of addressing the mistress of this house? A pleasure to meet you at last. I am Sephiroth.

[She smiles, very warmly indeed for her, though the warmth would strike someone else as being merely moderate. She nods her head in a respectful mini-bow, approaching.]

Your residence is impressive.

[ritsu_kouyou]

[Considering how little Akiha smiles herself, there's a whole lot going on here.]

Indeed, I am. Akiha Tohno. A pleasure. [Yup, there's a bit of a smile there.] And thank you. I've put a lot of work into recreating the mansion here.

[no_hometown]

[So much uncharacteristic smiling is happening here.]

You're quite welcome. Your effort shows clearly. You should be proud. I thought I would stop to admire the architecture today, as I was quite taken by it.

I hope you haven't found your presence here too much of a burden, Ms. Tohno.

[1/2]

[runawayalot]

!

[2/2]

[runawayalot]

What do you want?

[Must look unruffled! Must look unruffled!]

[no_hometown]

[Sephiroth smiles warmly, not mentioning Laura's moment of surprise.]

I wished merely to offer you a greeting. It's been some time since last we spoke. How have you been?

[runawayalot]

Pretty good. I've been on my own. Taking care of myself. [She is trying hard to look tough.]