( angela's smile, slight, widens a fraction more. )
The one who said they would contact you, yes. My name is Angela. A pleasure to formally meet you. ( a beat. ) Do not ask how or who I got this information from, alright? It's a secret.
[ She wonders how she got it so quickly. Does she know the person who made that post? Or does she have some skills allowing her to see the real names of the people on the network? ]
I am Ereshkigal, Goddess of Death and Queen of Kûr. It-It's nice meeting you?
[ Whenever Ereshkigal returns to her quarters at the Valentia, she'll find that she has a gift waiting for her! Inside a small box that was left by the staff, there's a simple bouquet with amarcrinum and other decorative little flowers... But they're not quite right. They're still pretty and convincing at a glance down to the floral scent, but a closer inspection shows that they're actually made of well crafted wood.
Enclosed with the bouquet is a simple note: ]
While it may not be as good as the real thing, I hope this still brings you a smile. While our condition makes things more difficult, I still think we deserve beauty, don't you?
[While she's in her room in Valentia, a staff member knocks on her door to hand her a gift - five books, specifically romance books. Soundwave is bad at showing appreciation in person; he knows this, but he wanted to for the help and advice. Gifts are one indirect way to do it.
He, uh... He doesn't know what specific subgenre she likes, given that she ran away got busy and had to go before he could get any details from her. But he got her a rom-com, two romantic fantasies, contemporary romance, and dark romance, all non-erotic. Along with the books, there's a note attached and an artificial white lilies taped on it.]
[ R-Romance? here do they come from?! And then she sees the note.
This is so considerate from him! B-But does that imply his hobby is gifting his friends with books? While admirable, he'll be broke in no time if he keeps doing that! And money is quite hard to come by in this world, as she's found out.
She takes to the network a couple hours later to thank him: ]
Dear Soundwave,
Thank you so much for your gift! B But I am afraid as far as hobbies go, this might be quite expensive. Especially the more friends you make!
I I do not think so. As time passes and you make more friends, This may become increasingly difficult for you to maintain! I must confess to being worried.
[ New Eridu might not actually celebrate Christmas anymore, but the day itself is still the fun, meaningful one! So, as sneakily as Mr. Claus himself, there will be a quite beautifully wrapped gift waiting at Ereshkigal’s front door on the morning of December 25th.
Inside is a rather simple looking book, simply titled The Stars of Lyra. A note is tucked into the cover, but the description on the back makes it fairly clear why Hugo had picked this book for Ereshkigal. It’s a romantic story about a cold-hearted bodyguard who receives a job to protect a pop idol, but her heart slowly warms as she finds purpose is protecting the idol’s smile. Naturally, they fall in love.
…Which was a very funny thing for Hugo to find in the bookstore that seems to grab things from home, because he knows exactly who these people are, even if the names are changed. But, hey, it’s not like Ereshkigal does, right? A little RPF of Astra Yao and her bodyguard is actually a good story for what she’d been wanting to read. ]
✦ Happy Holidays, Ereshkigal! ✦ I really went on a mission to find a good, romantic book after our conversation, and truly, you were right! The offerings are so much duller than I thought! So, perhaps a book from my home is more suitable~ I hope you enjoy it. In fact, if you do, let me know, since I’m thoroughly on the hunt for similar now, if only for fun. Who knows? We could start a book club in the new year.
[Early on Christmas morning a neat and tidy package arrives for Ereshkigal. It's wrapped in dark blue paper with black ribbons that cascade in curls down the sides, with a bright blue flame-shaped card attached to it. Within is a set of candy in the shape of Flins' lantern, of a mixed berry flavor. They're a bit crude but effectively convey the image, and the taste is passable when one is craving something sugary. It's hardly fine art, however.
The writing on the card is in a beautiful and elegant script, clearly of a practiced hand, so much that it might be mistaken for a formal document if not for the warm words.]
"Dear Queen Ereshkigal,
It was truly an honor to be your partner in both photography and dinner alike. Although both activities may have proven stressful, I hope you will remember them with equal fondness as I. Enclosed within I have provided some traditional candies from my home back on Teyvat. It would please me immensely if you would accept them with my heartfelt thanks for your kindness and friendship. I pray we have more opportunities to meet and enjoy one another's company in the near future. May your holidays and the new year treat you well.
[Merry Christmas... Soundwave has no idea what a Christmas is exactly, but he has a vague sense that it's a human holiday. Regardless, it's quite the pleasant surprise to receive a gift!
It's not the New Year just yet, but it's less than a week away. He can buy her a gift in exchange instead of waiting for it. So, an hour after receiving his gift from Ereshkigal, a wrapped package is delivered to Ereshkigal. Within, she'll find a smaller box containing a slice of strawberry cake and a romance book. Not just any regular romance, but an exotic one that came from his world. A riveting tale of forbidden love between a lower caste mech and a higher caste mech, but society as a whole fiercely opposed their romance! Thankfully, it's translated into a readable language.
Along with the gifts, there's a card inside and a mirror selfie photo of him wearing the dress she gifted him.]
Dear Ereshkigal,
The dress is comfortable. Thank you.
P.S. Do not worry about my financial situation. I have enough disposable income to afford a book for you.
[ the gift is a simple novel. the novel seems to feature a very pure romance. apparently the most popular in the city at current. however, the cover looks like it's been removed and re-binded together to be a little sturdier, and on it features a beautiful water color artwork depicting a few variety of flowers.
he didn't forget their first conversation, it seems. that said, it's left with a very simple note on it.
I'll know you read it all at once if I see bags under your eyes, you know. - R. ]
[There's still a lot about romance he can't wrap his head around. Ereshkigal has given him a lot to think about, in addition to....everything else.]
[But that isn't the point right now. He is willing to help, especially since she seems so nervous about it all.]
[He does seem to fit in the look of a cemetry - dressed in all black, pale and mildly skeletal - and his insect features are apparent with the extra pair of arms tucked against his chest and the singular lace wing on his back.]
[ It's brief, but behind one of those tombstone there is someone he can see... Well, only the back of her head. Silver, and there is something akin to two wings sprouting from her head it seems.
But she kneels and when she steps out from behind the tombstone? Golden hair, no wings to be seen anywhere. Because of course she's never letting anyone see her without the glamour. ]
G-Greetings! [She clears her throat.] I didn't expect you'd be here so quickly.
[ Is he... Disappointed? Well, she supposes she doesn't look very mysterious and cool the way a goddess ought to be... She ought to fix that immediately. ]
It's fine. [She clears her throat.] J-Just a second.
[ But then... gasps! Darkness falls upon the graveyard!
The light of the stars fade away, the tombstones disappear beneath the veil of shadows and soon it is as though he is standing within the void itself! ]
[ And lo! Little green lights emerge from all the tombstones, and the silhouette of the goddess appears, her shadowy form ominously walking in the darkness. ]
[Is Ereshkigal busy caring the souls, or is she sleeping? Either way, he's careful not to make any sounds to avoid disturbing her as he makes his way through the cavern, footsteps next to silent. He's supposed to come later in the afternoon to accompany and help care the souls with her, be on (self-appointed) guard duty, but he's in the cavern for a different reason. Thus why he's quietly visiting the mini Underworld at five in the morning. There's a sizable package in his hand, which he gently places on the ground, behind her back. Then, he quietly makes his exit.
The package he left on the ground is a brightly colored, neatly-wrapped gift box; hard to miss.
Inside, there's a small, cute, deer plushie. Between the plush's hooves is a bundle of wooden roses, infused with a natural floral scent. At the bottom, there are two layers of chocolates - a neat assortment ranging from cheap to the mid-tier but tasty, to the few expensive and high-quality chocolates.
There is a letter with it that reads:]
I recall there is a human holiday this month (humans sure have too many celebrations now that I think about it). A time when you give a gift to a friend you like and cherish to show your appreciation. I believe. You've shown me rare kindness and generosity. Far more than someone such as I deserved, but I appreciate them greatly nonetheless. With this human holiday, I figured now is the opportunity to give back the kindness to one who is most precious to me.
Oh, and the meal we had weeks ago at the cafe was a more pleasant experience. I genuinely enjoyed the company we had and hope for more similar experiences in the future.
After the rather stressful start of the month, do help yourself to some delicious snacks I handpicked. I pray for your happiness and for the souls under your care a peaceful passing. Take care, Queen Ereshkigal.
- Soundwave
un: Rinne_A | backdated to a couple of days after she struck takasugi
[ ooc: niki might show up later but it'll be just rinne and ereshkigal for now! ]
[ Ring, ring, ring. She can't be too busy after all that went down, right? Well, whether she bothers to pick up or not, the message is the same, light and easy: ]
Yo, Queenie. You free right now? Niki made a dozen cupcakes too many for the kiddies, so we were wondering if you wanted some. As tribute!
[ Mhm... Not heard of him in months and a sudden call a couple days after another red-head nearly got his comeuppance... Even a socially awkward and introverted goddess can put two and two together. ]
I-I was under the influence of Katalyth. I won't hunt or harm Takasugi, much as I may dislike him. [She sounds... Tired? Depressed?] You can eat the cupcakes.
video ; @librarian
Deer-zero-zero-zero?
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H-Heh? Are you-Are you the one from that anonymous post...?
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The one who said they would contact you, yes. My name is Angela. A pleasure to formally meet you. ( a beat. ) Do not ask how or who I got this information from, alright? It's a secret.
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[ She wonders how she got it so quickly. Does she know the person who made that post? Or does she have some skills allowing her to see the real names of the people on the network? ]
I am Ereshkigal, Goddess of Death and Queen of Kûr. It-It's nice meeting you?
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she's so cute...
and yet she thinks she's terrifying...
squishes her cheeks
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a gift~
Enclosed with the bouquet is a simple note: ]
While it may not be as good as the real thing, I hope this still brings you a smile. While our condition makes things more difficult, I still think we deserve beauty, don't you?
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And she'll probably contact him to thank him at a later date once she's sure her emotions are under control. ]
dated to a day before she moved out
He, uh... He doesn't know what specific subgenre she likes, given that she
ran awaygot busy and had to go before he could get any details from her. But he got her a rom-com, two romantic fantasies, contemporary romance, and dark romance, all non-erotic. Along with the books, there's a note attached and an artificial white lilies taped on it.]I believe I have found a new hobby.
- Soundwave
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This is so considerate from him! B-But does that imply his hobby is gifting his friends with books? While admirable, he'll be broke in no time if he keeps doing that! And money is quite hard to come by in this world, as she's found out.
She takes to the network a couple hours later to thank him: ]
Dear Soundwave,
Thank you so much for your gift!
B
But I am afraid as far as hobbies go, this might be quite expensive.
Especially the more friends you make!
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I am not following?
I believe I should be fine with this hobby going forward.
[Of course, he's talking about reading - that's what he tried to imply. And he is also actually broke right now...]
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I do not think so.
As time passes and you make more friends,
This may become increasingly difficult for you to maintain!
I must confess to being worried.
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a gift (dec 25)
Inside is a rather simple looking book, simply titled The Stars of Lyra. A note is tucked into the cover, but the description on the back makes it fairly clear why Hugo had picked this book for Ereshkigal. It’s a romantic story about a cold-hearted bodyguard who receives a job to protect a pop idol, but her heart slowly warms as she finds purpose is protecting the idol’s smile. Naturally, they fall in love.
…Which was a very funny thing for Hugo to find in the bookstore that seems to grab things from home, because he knows exactly who these people are, even if the names are changed. But, hey, it’s not like Ereshkigal does, right? A little RPF of Astra Yao and her bodyguard is actually a good story for what she’d been wanting to read. ]
✦ Happy Holidays, Ereshkigal! ✦
I really went on a mission to find a good, romantic book after our conversation, and truly, you were right! The offerings are so much duller than I thought! So, perhaps a book from my home is more suitable~
I hope you enjoy it. In fact, if you do, let me know, since I’m thoroughly on the hunt for similar now, if only for fun. Who knows? We could start a book club in the new year.
Delivery for December 25
The writing on the card is in a beautiful and elegant script, clearly of a practiced hand, so much that it might be mistaken for a formal document if not for the warm words.]
"Dear Queen Ereshkigal,
It was truly an honor to be your partner in both photography and dinner alike. Although both activities may have proven stressful, I hope you will remember them with equal fondness as I. Enclosed within I have provided some traditional candies from my home back on Teyvat. It would please me immensely if you would accept them with my heartfelt thanks for your kindness and friendship. I pray we have more opportunities to meet and enjoy one another's company in the near future. May your holidays and the new year treat you well.
Warmest regards,
Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins"
gift delivery on dec 25th
It's not the New Year just yet, but it's less than a week away. He can buy her a gift in exchange instead of waiting for it. So, an hour after receiving his gift from Ereshkigal, a wrapped package is delivered to Ereshkigal. Within, she'll find a smaller box containing a slice of strawberry cake and a romance book. Not just any regular romance, but an exotic one that came from his world. A riveting tale of forbidden love between a lower caste mech and a higher caste mech, but society as a whole fiercely opposed their romance! Thankfully, it's translated into a readable language.
Along with the gifts, there's a card inside and a mirror selfie photo of him wearing the dress she gifted him.]
Dear Ereshkigal,
The dress is comfortable. Thank you.
P.S. Do not worry about my financial situation. I have enough disposable income to afford a book for you.
a gift, slightly belated.
he didn't forget their first conversation, it seems. that said, it's left with a very simple note on it.
I'll know you read it all at once if I see bags under your eyes, you know. - R. ]
action; somewhere around mid-January
[But that isn't the point right now. He is willing to help, especially since she seems so nervous about it all.]
[He does seem to fit in the look of a cemetry - dressed in all black, pale and mildly skeletal - and his insect features are apparent with the extra pair of arms tucked against his chest and the singular lace wing on his back.]
[He sweeps his gaze over the tombstones.]
Are you there? It's me. Sariel.
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[ It's brief, but behind one of those tombstone there is someone he can see... Well, only the back of her head. Silver, and there is something akin to two wings sprouting from her head it seems.
But she kneels and when she steps out from behind the tombstone? Golden hair, no wings to be seen anywhere. Because of course she's never letting anyone see her without the glamour. ]
G-Greetings! [She clears her throat.] I didn't expect you'd be here so quickly.
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[Ah.]
[He actually looks mildly disappointed, by the very mild turn of his mouth, but he's back to his usually emotionless expression in a second.]
I wanted to meet you. I'm sorry if it was startling....I can come later.
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It's fine. [She clears her throat.] J-Just a second.
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That was a quick meeting? ]
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The light of the stars fade away, the tombstones disappear beneath the veil of shadows and soon it is as though he is standing within the void itself! ]
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I am she who tramples the sacred mountain...
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Aaaall fear me for all paths lead to me...
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gift delivery - 14th feb, early morning
The package he left on the ground is a brightly colored, neatly-wrapped gift box; hard to miss.
Inside, there's a small, cute, deer plushie. Between the plush's hooves is a bundle of wooden roses, infused with a natural floral scent. At the bottom, there are two layers of chocolates - a neat assortment ranging from cheap to the mid-tier but tasty, to the few expensive and high-quality chocolates.
There is a letter with it that reads:]
I recall there is a human holiday this month (humans sure have too many celebrations now that I think about it). A time when you give a gift to a friend you like and cherish to show your appreciation. I believe. You've shown me rare kindness and generosity. Far more than someone such as I deserved, but I appreciate them greatly nonetheless. With this human holiday, I figured now is the opportunity to give back the kindness to one who is most precious to me.
Oh, and the meal we had weeks ago at the cafe was a more pleasant experience. I genuinely enjoyed the company we had and hope for more similar experiences in the future.
After the rather stressful start of the month, do help yourself to some delicious snacks I handpicked. I pray for your happiness and for the souls under your care a peaceful passing. Take care, Queen Ereshkigal.
- Soundwave
un: Rinne_A | backdated to a couple of days after she struck takasugi
[ Ring, ring, ring. She can't be too busy after all that went down, right? Well, whether she bothers to pick up or not, the message is the same, light and easy: ]
Yo, Queenie. You free right now? Niki made a dozen cupcakes too many for the kiddies, so we were wondering if you wanted some. As tribute!
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I-I was under the influence of Katalyth. I won't hunt or harm Takasugi, much as I may dislike him. [She sounds... Tired? Depressed?] You can eat the cupcakes.