realmofstories | 2 apples | and know me better, man

Entry tags:

2 apples | and know me better, man

Characters: Alfyn | Johnny Appleseed & Shad | Oberon / YOU TOO
Campaign: Hollow Christmas Carol
Format: either! Written in [brackets]
Open; part A closed to Shad
Summary: Ebegeezer and Beltrina share a dance together; Alfyn spends his spare time partying and giving out gifts!

A - Scene 3: A Dance They'll Never Forget

[Alfyn, dressed in Beltrina's best for this little get together, awkwardly loiters near the edge of the designated dance floor. The little band is playing, and plenty of other people are having a great time with the music and merrymaking...and he's here in a dress that looks like something his Ma would've picked out and bare feet. The latter isn't so bad, though.

But the book let him know it was time and...the rest kind of fell into place. He shifts a bit from foot to foot, missing his satchel and his sense of purpose. He's supposed to wait for an invitation from someone special...right?

At least it's not too hot and stifling with a skirt on.]
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B - Spreading Cheer and Good Fruit

[When not otherwise engaged in trying to put a world back together, and dressed in something more his...sort of thing for what he considers a fancy party, Alfyn takes it upon himself to grab a nearby friend by the elbow. Gently!]

C'mon! [And he motions to the door back out into the cold, greying elements.] We're supposed to give out presents, and I know just the thing!

[His hapless ~~victim~~ helper will get unceremoniously herded toward the door! They are going out and about to see to it that every child has something in hand. ...He hasn't grabbed any of the gifts from under the tree, though.]
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C - Mayhem! At The Hoedown

[He's been having quite the night, all told. Alfyn takes some mulled cider and a cookie and sits down near the music and dancing, just to watch. He's not much for the slow and pretty stuff. But watching the "people" move around is kind of mesmerizing, and of course some of his friends - old and new - are at it as well.

Even though he knows soon enough he'll be called upon again to help put this world right...it's not so bad to take a break, is it? Everyone needs rest.

(This is your chance to ask Alfyn to dance!)]

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[Cyrus is only mildly startled when Alfyn seizes him by the elbow, though the reasoning his friend offers brings a smile to his face. Well, far be it from him to resist helping with such a good cause! Handing out presents sounds, frankly, delightful.]

Of course, I'm more than happy to oblige—

[He reaches for his coat, pulling it on even as he finds himself herded out the door, fumbling to wrap his scarf around his neck in the process.]

Ah— won't we be needing the gifts if we're to hand them out?

[Coat? Who needs a coat? (Alfyn. Alfyn needs a coat but didn't even think of it.) He's got his satchel over his shoulder and a bounce in his step.]

Don't worry about that part, Professor! I've got it covered.

[And from said satchel he produces...a big, shiny red apple! This one is wrapped around with green ribbon which is tied into a clumsy bow.]

These things just show up, so I figured I'd make good use of 'em. [And he hands it to Cyrus, absolutely beaming.] Including one for you! Besides, some fresh fruit'll be better for the kids than whatever was wrapped up in those boxes in there.

[Well, that's rather resourceful!]

Far better than letting them go to waste.

[He smiles openly as he accepts the apple, turning it over in his hand. The bow might be clumsily tied, but it's charming in its own right.]

My thanks, Alfyn— I shall treasure it.

[By which he means he shall eat it.]

I'm sure there are some children who might be a bit disappointed that it's not a toy, but given these are a bit out of season, I imagine most will find them a treat!

[Alfyn ties an excellent bow, he will have you know! It's just...usually more practical. For things like thread, and staying tied.]

Only if the part of you treasurin' it is your stomach. And I thought about grabbing the stuff from under the tree, but I was afraid I'd run out, and then...well, it wouldn't be all that fair for some to get toys and some to get apples, would it? Couldn't bear the thought of seein' any sad faces on a happy day.

[The grounds of the manor are quite creepy and Alfyn is keeping his eyes sharp but...he's still having a good time, all told. He reaches into his bag and hands Cyrus two more apples.]

For the first kids we see!

Always thinking ahead, I see!

[He can't help but admire how fair-minded Alfyn is— Cyrus himself wouldn't have thought of that, clever as he is. He takes both of those apples gamely after tucking the first away in his coat pocket, his expression touched with a bit of wonder as he looks to Alfyn's bag.]

I would be honored to assist you in bringing smiles to their faces.

[And they're off!]

Your bag is truly endless, then?

I don't know about endless, but they sure do show up when I seem to want 'em. This time I put a bunch in there myself, though. Hopefully the kids'll overlook the way the ribbons get kinda mussed and smashed up.

[Since the children in question aren't...quite people in the way most people think of people, smiles may or may not appear on faces, but he's noticed that when he does something genuinely good for these people - because to Alfyn they are people whether they're Blots or not - the place gets juuuuust this much more lively and less gloomy.

That's more than enough for him for now.]

Did you see anything interesting in there? You've always got the best eye for details.

[Perhaps the citizens here are not people as they know them, but still very much people who could likely use a bit of cheer while the rest of the Aspects make an effort to set the story back to rights. Alfyn's explanation of his bag— and in truth, Cyrus' own hypothesis concerning it— defies reason, but Cyrus will save any attempts at testing its limits for another time.]

I confess, nothing quite caught my eye— though that doesn't mean that nothing will. I always do find something.

[More true than ever, now that he's embodying a certain detective's essence.]

I'll admit, I found myself distracted by the party...

[Oh, that he could dance...!]

That so? [He grins, different to his usual - more sly and leading-on.] Anyone in particular catching your fancy?

[Alfyn, who isn't the greatest at discerning when somebody is flirting with him versus just being genuine and sweet, is far and away more savvy about potential romance than Cyrus. He's well aware how unaware his friend is of his charms, and the girls talk about it pretty often.]

Have the got a piano? You could do some of that if you have time.

[Two children huddle nearby and Alfyn forgets all about a piano; he crouches down to their level and just beams.]

Hey there! We're here to wish you a really great Christmas! And we brought you presents.

[A fast and encouraging nod to Cyrus. Bring on the apples!!]

Anyone?

[He looks startled by the very suggestion— of course, that's the furthest thing from his mind!]

Ah, you mean a dance partner! I suppose any young lady who might not mind my trodding on her toes, but even so, that would be quite unfair on my part— I shan't subject a poor, unsuspecting partygoer to my clumsiness.

[He loves music and dance, alas, but he is dreadful at it all around, with no sense of rhythm. For now, however, they have a task to see to, and Cyrus gives a winsome smile as he produces two apples, bending down a bit more demurely than Alfyn had as he holds them out, one in each hand.]

Yes, a happy Christmas to both of you!

[The inky children take the apples; whether they like them or not is...hard to figure. But the atmosphere around them all brightens just a touch, which satisfies Alfyn to no end.]

You're great for conversation, if you don't want to dance with anyone. Sometimes I think you must know everything, or at least a little bit about everything.

[And he wonders how Cyrus does it. Alfyn may know a lot about being an apothecary, but he worked and works hard to remember it all and keep it straight, because lives are on the line. Cyrus just...knows. Things he reads, sees, hears. It's downright fascinating, if not a little confusing.]

[Cyrus thinks that shift in the light must signify a smile in some way, and so he, too, is pleased, determined that they're doing good work here.

He lets out a soft chuckle at Alfyn's praise, though the smile that follows is genuine.]

You flatter me, my friend. Though there's something a touch tempting about reaching a point where one does 'know everything,' I think it would be terribly tragic to be out of things to learn— growing our minds is one of the greatest joys we have in life! I look forward to the day when my students surpass me and are able to teach me something new.

[ Shad is Uncomfortable. This is a fact. It doesn’t even matter how much he had prepared (for those curious— not much, considering he had only a little time to after he received the notification in his journal), that he is suddenly forced into a role had set him into a near panic. If he could, he would have fled!

But no. He has to see this through. Even if flirting is the absolute worst thing he’s capable of doing, period. ]

Lady Beltrina, I presume? ........You look..... nice.

[ IT’S SO FORCED but he is already blushing so hard right now because he just. Can’t.

Shad slaps a hand to his forehead and shakes his head. ] Ah, wait, no— allow me to try again.

[ This is going to go excellently. ]

...You think so? [He mutters it, while "Ebegeezer" is trying to introduce himself.

Watching the man stumble all over the place in his words just gets Alfyn all sympathetic, and in seconds he has forgotten the awkward air of wearing a dress.]

Hey, sure thing! You can have as many tries as you want. [His smile is gentle and friendly, and he even curtsies with a blunt clumsiness.] Well then, stranger?

[ Wow this guy is extraordinarily calm. Why can Shad be just as chill? why?

Clearing his throat as he watches the other man curtsy. ] ...Ah, that is. My name is Shad. [ Or should he introduce himself as Oberon? Or, wait, no-- ] Er, I mean, Ebegeezer.

[ And he'll at least follow through with a courteous bow, although his is well practiced as if he's done so many times before. And just as smoothly, he extends an arm for him to take. ] Would you care for a dance, my lady?

I...think I know your name already? [Alfyn smiles with only half of his face, the other half trying hard to grimace a little.] I mean...I think I remember you from...school? You sure were a troublemaker!

[The details of certain parts of the story are a little fuzzy for him but he will do his absolute best.

For exaple: this curtsy that almost knocks him over, until he changes it to a bow instead. Dress be damned! He does a good bow, if a bit playful.]

I'd love a dance! Most of this ain't my kind of music, but- I guess I'll give it a try.

[Is Beltrina or Alfyn talking here?]

[ This guy is either a good actor or a terrible one, and Shad cannot decide. The bow Alfyn changes to mid-curtsy does earn him a bit of a brow raise, however. What a strange man...

....Aaaaand Shad is still offering his arm to take, but since "Beltrina" did not take it, he's kinda just left there... standing awkwardly as well?? Time for Shad to then offer his hand instead. ] I'm not familiar with this music, either, but let us make the most of it, shall we? [ They Can Do This!

Shad smiles at him courteously. ] The steps are not too complex.

[He was getting there! Acting is a new experience for him entirely and he's torn between playing it up or just being himself. Two of his friends are excellent actors, even though that's not either one's job, and he's trying to emulate how smooth and effortless they make it look.

Which results in kind of a stiff reach for Shad's hand and an easy smile.]

Glad to hear that. I've been watchin' and trying to get the lay of it, but the message isn't getting to my toes.

[Suddenly he remembers said toes are bare and hopes nobody dance-steps on them.]

Ah, well. [ Shad sighs, giving him a sympathetic half-smile. ] I highly doubt anyone will blame you should you miss a step or two.

[ And ever used to playing the gentleman at formal banquets, it's a smooth transition for Shad to begin leading Alfyn towards the actual dancing. ] We've both been thrust into roles to which neither of us are accustomed. The script wrote to participate in a dance, not to be masters of the dance.

[This guy reminds him a lot of Cyrus, which means Alfyn settles all the more comfortably into conversation with him. Unlike Cyrus, though, it seems this fella can actually dance. As the next song starts and Alfyn eases into the rhythm - it helps that it's a folksy holiday tune, perfect for his usual sensibilities - he grins at Shad.]

Yeah, but I bet they weren't half bad at it, you know? Especially since it seems like this is what people do for fun around these parts, all gatherin' for food and music. Truth be told, this ain't too far off what a celebration'd be like back home. ...A little richer, though.

[Clearbrook as a whole doesn't have many leaves but they've got a lot of heart.]

[ So, uh. Shad knows what to do with a lady during a dance, depending on the dance. And whatever this song requires for them to do, whether it be holding onto his waist or beginning side-by-side for a few steps, he'll do. The blots are easy to follow, but it's not as if anyone is paying attention to how they're dancing.

He's used to both the sophisticated but stuffy pleasantries of the upper class as well as the lively gatherings of the taverns in the streets. In his opinion, there is a time and place for both festivities; to him, it's more about who is present at a party rather than where it is held. ] It is not so much different from where I hail, either. [ Were it during a time a peace, that is. ] Although-- having a tree inside the manse is certainly new.

[ And then he chuckles. ] What a concept! It will be the first thing I shall add to my parlor when I return home. [ Assuming he'll remember. ]

Yeah, the tree's a nice touch! Wish they hadn't had to cut it down to get it here, though.

[For reasons he is still, slowly, figuring out, he pictures an apple tree decorated with festive lights and such instead, one growing right up from the floor, brilliant apples hanging from its branches like the glass balls do from this tree here. It doesn't have the splendor of a pine but it has its own charm...inside his head, anyway.

The music seems to be mellowing out into something of a slower dance.]

So is this all we're supposed to do in this scene? Just have a kind of nice dance together?

[ Did he have to remind him......... ]

I believe we are to sing.

[ Clearing his throat. ]

But must we? [ Can't they just skip that part? Oh, sure, Shad will join in the merry tavern song with a group, but not... this. ]

[Sing? Alfyn looks embarrassed already.]

Haha, well, I can try to sing but they probably won't like it much! [He his chipper about his lack of mastery in this area, though.] Especially since I don't know a one of these songs here.

[He just barely misses stepping on Shad's foot, stumbling a little to get back into the steps.]

I do a pretty good drinking song though. Long as it doesn't have to sound like a performer or anythin'.

[ A drinking song is doable. ] Ah! Then sing, my boy, and I shall join you. [ Drinking songs are catchy and easy to learn, after all. He's certain he can join in after the first verse or something.

SHAD IS READY TO GET THIS OVER WITH! ] If there is a jig to it, all the better. [ Hell, a drinking song (and more drinks) would definitely make this place more turnt. ]

Hey --!

[Therion does not appreciate being grabbed no matter how gently, and he jerks his arm out of Alfyn's grasp. He was busy just watching things happen and not participating, but now that Alfyn's noticed him and is trying to get him involved, Therion knows better than to resist. So he sighs and follows along, even though he crosses his arms again to stomp along after Alfyn.]

... you should've kept the dress. [He observes, following behind. Red is a much better color.] Anyway... What?

[By which he means 'what exactly are you planning to give? Aren't the presents back that way?']

It was kinda gettin' in the way of moving around. [Further evidence that Tressa and Ophilia are extra magical for being able to do all they do in a skirt - though theirs fit much better than his did. He's glad Therion follows him even though he has rejected a friendly tug!

Alfyn holds up one "wait" finger, grins, reaches into his satchel, and pulls out an apple. It's tied with a ribbon - blue this time, and he hands it to Therion.]

We're going to hand out gifts! I think it's supposed to be cheerful. [That's a hint.] But more importantly, I realized I had the perfect thing to give! Something delicious and shiny.

[His apples do have a certain glint to them.]

And that one's for you!

[Therion is not interested in pursing the topic of the complexities of moving around in skirts, so he declines to comment further and waits as the finger instructs. He furrows his brow a little upon seeing the apple and glances from it to Alfyn's face and then back again. It's the ribbon that's throwing him more than the apple itself, but he takes it after a moment, turning it around to look at the ribbon (and also maybe examining for bruises, bouncing around in that satchel, or else the perfect spot to bite first).

The explanation about gifts and cheer gives the ribbon context, but Therion still thinks it's a weird thing to do to a perfectly good apple. Perfectly excellent apple, really. It looks and smells wonderful, and it takes self-control not to bite it right away but instead untie the ribbon first and hold it out for Alfyn to take back. Therion has no use for it, though his birds might but they're out on the roof of the building just now.]

Thanks.

[He sounds genuine, if still a trifle confused.]

Is this a bribe?

[For helping him and attempting cheer.]

Of course not. It's a gift. The ribbon too if you want it.

[Another comes out of the bag, but Alfyn holds onto it this time; it is for the next child they come across, after all, and he senses getting another apple to hold might overload Therion's confusion too much.]

But you like 'em well enough, and gifts're supposed to be stuff you'll like. So you're welcome!

[Which is, as always, its most genuine.]

[Therion continues to hold the ribbon out for Alfyn for another few seconds, but if Alfyn doesn't take it, then he just exhales and sticks it in a pocket somewhere.]

...

[He looks at the apple again, ready to move on with his life, but then something occurs to him, and he looks up as he gives it a quick polish on his sleeve.]

Wait a sec - you're not giving these to the ink people, are you?

[Therion doesn't know what else to call them.]

... do they even eat?

'Course I am! Them being different doesn't mean they shouldn't get presents. ...I didn't think about whether they eat what we eat, though. But I think...if I believe the story will let them, then it will!

[Still. He rubs his chin and rolls his shoulders.]

I guess if that doesn't work out, we can always go back and grab what's inside the house for them.

[ It's been an interesting night. From helping someone else put on a dress, to kicking around devious elves, to passing out presents, and to listening to scary stories by the fire-- she can simply describe it as enchanting.

And yet she can't help but feel as if something is missing. What that is, she's not quite sure, and as that's confusing enough she simply pushes the thought away on its own. Luckily, her Essence knows how to have fun at a party being the clever half-fox spirit that he is. It also helps that her Essence has also granted her an acquired taste for the sweeter wine tonight, as well as a willingness to ignore any unsettling thoughts in favor of levity.

She's just seeking out one more bottle when-- ] Oh-- excuse me, my lady. [ --Not paying attention, she accidentally bumps into a figure in a scarlet dress making her way off the dance floor. ] I did mean to--...

[ Hold up.

Is that... Alyfn. ]

[ That is Alyfn.

And by the thirteen gods, he's wearing a dress-- ]

--Oh, Alyfn! [ She had been mid-curtsy in her apology to the would-be stranger, but as soon as she recognizes him, she straightens in surprise. ] Why... look at you! That dress! [ It truly is exquisite. ]

You look positively lovely.

[ Why is it that when this realm puts men in dresses, they look great?? It's baffling. ]

[A familiar voice! He turns around, slightly flushed, and runs a hand through his hair.]

Oh, hey there, Ophilia! Didn't expect to see you like this...er, I mean, for you to see me like this? I'm only- it's for a scene, you know, in the story.

[He guesses it's not the worst thing that could happen to him. Red's not really his color though.]

You look great, too!

[ He's the first one to compliment her tonight, and even if it's only said as a courtesy in return for her own to him, it feels nice to hear it nonetheless. Look how she blushes in response, hands twining behind her shyly. ] Ah, well. Thank you....

[ Ahem. ] Will you be enjoying the rest of the party as Beltrina, then?

[Absolutely not! His feet are cold, for one thing.]

Can't say that's part of my plan. I think I have another scene to be in, anyway, but...even if I look good, I feel a little wrong like this.

[Between the lack of shoes and the bit of a draft? It would take a lot of getting used to.]

What about you? Anything you're looking forward to?

I've done plenty already. [ She laughs. ] The dancing, food, drink, and gifting presents to those outside was all wonderful. [ But hopefully not too much more drink, ha haaa. ] In fact, [ She brings a hand to her chin, playfully thoughtful. ] I may go for a round of all four of those things once more, later! [ It's that part-fox spirit of her Essence that's giving her all of this extra energy, it must be. Had she nine tails, they would all be swishing behind her happily. ] How fortunate that this story has such a festivity! We may not have this tradition in Osterra, but it is quite fascinating.

[ It's about merriment and gift-giving and joy, so of course she loves it even if she has no idea what it is about. ] But of course, I did not mean to keep you here since you wish to change. [ She's just glad she got to compliment him for the scene. ]

[He sighs a bit, marveling at Ophilia's beautiful mood even while shaking his head.]

The scene hasn't happened yet. I'm gonna look like this for a little while. [A gesture to the festivity of the room.] I'm all for the tradition, though. Giving gifts to people just to make them happy, sharing food and music together...it's all great! We could use more things like this.

I agree completely.

[ A nod.

And then another nod!

She rocks on her heels for a moment, and then she practically bounces towards him. ] And did you know-- [ She says, leaning forward. She's used a number of the pins that were securing her own updo in place in an effort to braid Cyrus's hair, which makes hers looks somewhat unkempt as a result. A few strands fall forward, swaying, and she uses a gloved hand to brush them over her shoulder. ] --that there is a whole table dedicated to desserts here? And not only that, but dessert wines. I never knew such a thing existed. [ Her voice is low, almost conspiratorial as if she's sharing a well-kept secret. ] ...Do not tell anyone, but I tried that first.

[ What has her Essence done to her ha haaaa. ]

I found the sweets first thing!

[And the drink to go with them. Alfyn's a few cups in himself, but it doesn't do to him what it apparently does to Ophilia.]

Any of them you like best? I'd be happy to go get you another.

[He'll admit, she is acting a little strange here. But so do a lot of people who don't drink much, and she's not out of it or having trouble standing or anything like that. He's not too worried; in between scenes he'll keep an eye on her.]

Why would I tell anyone, either?

[ Why would he offer to get her another when they can clearly both head over to the table filled with desserts and dessert wines. ] Oh, Alfyn, I will happily take another helping of the port. But why not go together?

[ She steps ahead of him with a bit of a skip, her skirts dusting the floor as she turns back to him to extend both of her hands out towards him. Beckoning, inviting, and with a bit of a coy smile to go with it to, she looks very much a woman who promises something curiously dangerous rather than someone just inviting him for a drink. ] Come, come! If you haven't tried it, you simply must!

[Oblivious to any sort of curious danger, Alfyn only smiles wider and falls into step at her side.]

Can't rightly turn down a drink with a friend! Maybe it'll make it easier for me to dance.

[He...isn't quite looking forward to making a fool of himself on the dance floor. All these kinda slow, big grand songs...they don't make him nervous, he's happy to do it for the sake of the story, but preoccupied with being his character at the same time.]

[ The only danger she promises is more drink, maybe too much, honest! ] Drink does have that effect on people. Why, I remember seeing even Sir Olberic tapping his foot at the tavern one night!

[ Ophilia glides with her steps towards the display of desserts and wine, selecting a sherry so deeply red that it could be mistaken for blood. Her fingers curl around the bottle delicately, picking it up from the table as she turns to give him a smile. ] This one; I have a good feeling about this one. [ Pouring the drinks right now, don't mind her! And now, a toast: ] To your dancing.

[ Okay now she's just teasing him. Blame her Essence.... ]

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2 apples | and know me better, man

B

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A oh my gooooooood

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i just remembered it's a musical number

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wild card also 1/2

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