cyclists | audience: milla

I have committed far worse in order to protect the people, places, and ideals that were placed in my care.

[to lune, this could possibly be a drop in the bucket. even so they don't seem to be particularly excited for it.]

However, it was my choice to oversee and guide all of you. Getting to know each of you has been a pleasure, and something that I find precious. It would likely pain each of you to be the one to be the reason why someone's last breath is taken, and I whole-heartedly believe that each of you have suffered enough.

If it is to prevent that suffering, I will do anything - and can at the very least do this much.

Even an old man must be useful every now and again.

[Hmph. The response is strong enough, good enough, to favor a nod from Milla.]

Very well. I will be at hand, but I will leave it to you, Lune—and I will trust you to see this through to the end.

[She looks down at the cup of sake in front of her, and smiles.]

How strange. You remind me of a good friend. I wasn't aware of how much I missed him.

[there is a soft laugh at that and they'll proceed to drink their cup before answering]

With your faith placed in me, I can hardly falter now. I hope that your good friend is faring well, and the memories that come up for you are pleasant.

[though judging from their tone, it doesn't really seem like they planned on it either]

The coming week will be the start of your duties as Crescent after all...

Given that I chose you for that role, I wonder if I can feel a bit self-satisfied in my selection?

Ha ha. They are pleasant, indeed.

[At the mention of her assigned position, she nods once, solemnly.]

Yes. I will do my best to uphold the trust you have placed in me in return.

[But at his satisfaction, she allows herself a twitch of a smile, lifting the cup to clink it against Lune's.]

I suppose we will have to wait and see.

[ah - the clink manages to earn a small laugh from lune.]

... I have faith.

Even now, I have faith. As long as the strong-willed such as yourself and others here are able to continue forward without losing heart, then all will be well.

Edited 2019-06-09 07:38 (UTC)

[She nods again, and knocks back the whole tiny little cup.]

As long as I am still able, regardless of my state of being, I will keep moving forward. I will see to it that your faith is not misplaced.

I appreciate that. Certainty and charisma hand in hand are capable of changing even the tides of fate.

Even so... I hope that you will rely on me as well, when there is something you may need.

Understood. I will come to you if I have need of it—and I hope you will do the same for me, should you find yourself at a loss. I am happy to be of assistance.

[There's a beat, and her eyes narrow.]

Is the room... spinning?

[oh.

lune laughs gently at that, and makes a note to just. not refill milla's cup - ]

Is the drink affecting you already, Milla? Perhaps I oughtn't keep you any longer.

The drink? [She stares at the cup in her hand, and realization dawns.] Oh! This was an alcoholic beverage?

[Her face goes through a series of emotions—frustration, fury, and finally, determination.]

I will be fine!

[And with that, she stands up!

And sits down again, heavily.]

Hmm.

This is nothing.

[IT IS SOMETHING]

[iT SURE IS SOMETHING

but lune will raise a hand to their mouth, their shoulders shaking with mirth even though they're clearly trying to keep from laughing out loud in milla's face

even so, it's in their voice as they offer - ]

Might I escort you back to where you're sleeping for the night?

I do not sleep, Lune.

[As if that has anything to do with this.

She is struggling to get to her feet.

It is

magnificent.]

But... I suppose I would be remiss in declining the invitation of our hosts.

You may decline as you please - even if I am a host that enjoys to be taken care of, I know my place is to take care of each of you first.

[but regardless they will stand and place a steadying hand at her elbow first]

If I may?

[it's only polite before asking to touch a lady further]

Hah. You're certainly wise, to ask permission before touching the lord of spirits! You may.

[She says, grasping at Lune's hand. Still, her smile is unshakeable.]

Next time, I will make sure that I am the one taking care of you!

[She continues, wobbling on her feet, an iron grip on her host.]

Edited 2019-06-11 05:30 (UTC)

[there is a laugh at that, perfectly pleased]

I do rather enjoy being taken care of. Tsurumaru had volunteered previously, but I suppose now I must wait if another is feeling so generous.

[but he'll provide a steady hand for her to hold, the other resting at the small of her back]

Do you care to find a place to sleep? Or should we find another venture to occupy our time? The night sky is quite beautiful, if nothing else.

He did? [The bracelet. She'd imagined it a token.] How so?

[Head swimming, but doggedly following the new topic, she shakes her head.]

No, you're right. Let's take a walk. I'm sure this will wear off quite quickl--woah!

[She stumbles again, shaking her head and laughing in disbelief.]

I must look ridiculous.

[it's not like she's wrong? there's a laugh from lune's end even as the hand at the small of her back automatically goes to place a more steadying hand at her waist, grip light and only enough to keep her from stumbling too violently]

Perhaps it might - if not, we may always just sit underneath the stars. I rather enjoy admiring nature.

[why is lune so old]

But I am also a fan of tea. Tsurumaru would prepare it for me if I wished, and keep me company following.

[There is zero objection from Milla. Conversely, she looks up at the stars as they pass outside. It is extremely lucky that Lune is already steadying her, because this only serve to make it worse.]

The stars. [hm] I enjoy them quite a bit. But it seems odd that a place like this would have them still. Aesthetic, perhaps...?

[She comes back to earth, so to speak, at the mention of tea.]

I am only acquainted with the drinking of tea. But I could accompany you regardless, if you would like. I rather enjoy your company.

[why is milla this way - regardless lune doesn't falter. they're able to hold onto her so that she doesn't trip or fall horribly, laughing gently at her antics]

I as well - there are people that I know who place great faith in the stars. Having them overhead allows me to feel as though they are nearer than they are.

I enjoy their company just as I enjoy yours - you are always welcome to join me for tea if you so wish.

[She is, at least, starting to even out—although it seems to be more due to a sheer force of will and concentration, rather than an active sobering.]

Do you make your own tea? [It seems like a question with its own backstory.]

At times.

It is how I remember it being made for me before.

[lune probably could not like

go through the steps of actually making tea]

I have never made tea, but, in theory, I understand its construction.

[It's, what's, leaves in hot water???????]

I could certainly attempt it.

Do you wish to?

I would hate to be a bother.

I wouldn't mind the challenge.

[Actually, she seems kind of psyched?]

I will meet you again next week at this time, with tea.

Ahaha, then I shall look forward to it.

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tothemaxwell - 2019-06-15 06:17 (UTC) - Expand