[He laughs openly, nearly dropping the flower he'd just plucked to weave into his crown, though he manages to salvage it before doing so.]
Well— I have been guilty of it on other occasions, I am sure, but I assure you, I meant nothing of the sort.
[Compliments should be genuine, or so he's always felt, especially when you care for the other party so deeply. Complicated as things are, Kisara is a vital fixture in his life, someone to whom experience has unquestionably tied him, and he is grateful for that, for her. She deserves nothing less than sincerity.]
That said, the challenge has been set, and I intend to rise to meet it. I will not be satisfied until I do. [Although—] ... are there bass in Reverein?
I suppose anything is possible in this world, yes? Imagine— one might find fish in this place they've never even dared to dream of.
[Pun at least partially intended. He smiles, her bright mood easily infectious.]
Dream magic seems to have any number of applications— I do hope you'll let me know of any further developments. Do you believe that to be what caused the size of the fish themselves?
Not quite... at least, if it did, it happened under the surface. They'd already grown to that size by the time I arrived.
[She sets aside her flowers for a moment to fish a small crystalline object from her belt, offering it out to him. It's a very simple charm with an equally simple burst of dreamotion energy infused, with a hook attached on one end and a loop at the other, for linking it to the fishing rod.]
The only way to catch them is with these magic lures.
[He nods as he listens, his flower crown momentarily forgotten as he gives her his undivided attention— naturally, he finds this to be fascinating, as he does more curious things.
Reaching out, he gently takes hold of the object she offers. If she hadn't said it was a lure, he might have mistaken it for some kind of trinket, lovely as it is. He lifts the palm of his hand to examine it more thoroughly, gently prodding it with his index finger.]
A remarkable little device. For all the lures I have seen you collect at home, I don't recall any that looked like this— truly, it is quite beautiful.
It's a step above, that's for sure. And not a bad way to restart my collection.
[She'd come with her rod but her arrangement of lures was sorely lacking in this world. While not the worst thing to be missing considering the alternative, it's still a hard thing for a real fisherman to endure.]
You know, we are occasionally granted the opportunity to regain belongings from home... given they were all stored together, it's entirely possible your collection might qualify, when the opportunity arises.
[He smiles again, holding the crystalline lure out for her to reclaim.]
I received my violin, and I know your lures hold similar importance to you.
[Fishing is more than a practical skill for her, it's a hobby, a passion.]
As with many other skills, magic is one that can be honed with practice— much like cooking or fishing.
[He tilts his head to one side as he regards her— she has always been determined, persistent. He has no doubt that she can master anything she might put her mind to.]
Surely, anyone who can make lohikeitto as well as you do can master manipulation of dream energy. You are an incredibly capable woman, after all.
I... thank you. [Embarrassing, of course, but in a good way. She shifts a bit, unsure how to respond, then retrieves her flower project to have something to do with her hands again.] Following a recipe is a little different than creating something from nothing, though. With cooking, all the ingredients are there already. You just follow the steps.
One might think that to be the case, but many of my attempts to do exactly that have turned out to be disastrous. It takes a certain level of care and patience that many lack— and while it can be developed, others seem to come by it naturally.
[Quite clearly, he means her.
He tucks one last flower into the crown he'd been working on, lifting it and gently turning it in his hands to examine it before holding it out to her in offering, complete.]
[Her response is habitually shy - gifts are so rare, and this one so thoughtful even if that's apparently the point of whatever's going on right now (or is it just because it's from Dohalim?) - and she accepts it carefully with both hands.]
Of course I'll take it. Sorry, mine's not finished yet- if you give me another minute, I'd like for you to take it, as well.
[As if it's made of glass, she turns the flowers to look at each part, quietly appreciative, then lifts it up to rest on her head. He's always been so gifted at working with nature, so of course to her it looks perfect. Hers is far more clumsy, but- well, hopefully he'll appreciate it, anyways.]
Gladly— such a thing would be well worth waiting for.
[He had not expected her to offer him the same in turn, but he smiles all the same. He is patient by nature, and so lets his hands come to rest in his lap as she situates the new crown atop her head.]
I think it suits you nicely.
[He may be a bit biased, but he stands by his opinion all the same.]
Besides, I thought it only right that you receive one, seeing as you've been working at them so tirelessly for others.
[She shakes her head, a little self-conscious, though not unhappily so. Her hands drift back to the crown she'd been working on, adding another flower or two to close the circle.]
It feels like it's been so long since I had the chance to try my hands at anything creative outside of the kitchen. This felt like a good place to at least think about what else I might do to keep busy.
Have you been at a loss for what to do with your time?
[He inclines his head once more as he regards her with interest, curiosity.]
It has been much the same for me. Beyond practical applications, I am not quite certain what to do with myself. There are worse troubles to have, no doubt. There is music, of course, and continuing to develop important skills, but I would like to do something meaningful, as well.
I've heard that some are calling for the formation of a city guard. If I wanted something familiar, I could certainly volunteer. And I've been doing work at the smithy for a while now.
[Even if it kind of feels like 90% of what she does there is clean up after the fellas. Sort of like at home.]
With your skillset, there's plenty of ways you could help out. What would you consider meaningful, in this world?
[He nods in agreement; he has heard quite a bit about this potential city guard from its prospective founder, and has even offered his aid with the administrative bit of putting it together, though it has largely been refuted.]
I think that would be an excellent fit for you, if you so chose, though I suppose there is something to be said from straying from the familiar, as well. The smithy is fortunate to have you.
[He considers his own path, lips pressed together slightly.]
Something that aids in the improvement of quality of life, perhaps. I am hesitant to jump to government of any kind; there is talk of a council coming together, but I do not know that I am suited for it.
[He still questions his own abilities as a leader.]
Maybe it is time to look back to the arts. We've a theatre district now, after all.
[She nods along as he speaks. Guarding the place she calls home and working with weaponry is familiar and comfortable to her, as is cooking and cleaning. Ways she knows she can help, ways she knows she'll contribute effectively. She could try something new in the process, even: different forms of training, maybe how to create weapons on top of maintaining them. Maybe something else entirely. There's bound to be options she hasn't considered yet.
As for him...]
I think you should. [She considers a moment, tying one more flower into place, then offers the finished crown out to him. Truly nothing special, aesthetically speaking, but it should suit his colours well.] At the festival, I talked to someone who was interested in learning music, and I said I'd recommend you speak with them. Does the idea of teaching music interest you at all?
[He pauses before he answers, gladly accepting the offered crown and smiling fondly as he gingerly turns it to examine it fully. 'Fancy' or not, it is the sentiment that matters most to him, as well as who it is offering the gift, and he is quick to set it atop his bright red hair, eager to put Kisara's work on display.]
It is lovely— thank you.
[As she'd suspected, it does suit him, and he will wear it throughout the festival gladly. He goes on to consider her proposition, his smile gaining something of a mildly startled quality before he nods in response. He hadn't considered teaching.]
I might have thought of that on my own, given enough time, but I have never thought of myself as a teacher. That's an interesting idea— I certainly like the thought of it. Inspiring the love of music in another, what could be more rewarding than that?
[She'll just be quietly honoured by this for like, ever. Most definitely for the duration of the festival.]
I'm not sure, but it sounds like it would suit you perfectly. And it would be a way for you to get back into music, as well. You should try.
[The worst that could happen is no one takes him up on it. And even then he could use the time allotted for training to practice his violin. Win-win, right? She sees no reason not to encourage him, here. Music seems to give him such joy.]
If you need help with anything at all, don't hesitate to ask.
[His smile warms; the idea is an excellent one, and quite practical, too. Very Kisara in its own right, in that way.
He gently places a hand against the ground, preparing to push himself up and get to his feet, while one of the little flower fairies that has been following him around flits over to rest on Kisara's shoulder and giggle softly, reaching up to touch one of the blossoms in her hair.
Dohalim rises to his full height, brushing off the front of his robes with both hands.]
I should leave you to your work, but perhaps we can get something to eat before long? I will be certain to ask, should I need anything— and I hope that you feel the same. I would like to be someone you feel you can depend on, Kisara.
[Kisara offers the little pixie a quietly delighted smile; the experience still feels new and fresh to her, and the creatures and residents of this world are fascinating (and cute, she won't deny that). To Dohalim, she lifts a hand to bid him farewell, the other resting subconsciously on the crown he'd gifted her to keep it in place as she moves, as if it's a precious treasure.]
Same to you, Dohalim- for all of it. I'll find you later for that meal.
there's more stamina cracks where that came from
[He laughs openly, nearly dropping the flower he'd just plucked to weave into his crown, though he manages to salvage it before doing so.]
Well— I have been guilty of it on other occasions, I am sure, but I assure you, I meant nothing of the sort.
[Compliments should be genuine, or so he's always felt, especially when you care for the other party so deeply. Complicated as things are, Kisara is a vital fixture in his life, someone to whom experience has unquestionably tied him, and he is grateful for that, for her. She deserves nothing less than sincerity.]
That said, the challenge has been set, and I intend to rise to meet it. I will not be satisfied until I do. [Although—] ... are there bass in Reverein?
H E H
[As one might expect from a strange dream world, the fish have been odd and varied. She does perk up at the memory, though.]
Oh, but I did learn how to do a bit of dream magic while fishing! And I pulled up some enormous fish, so there's definitely plenty out there.
no subject
[Pun at least partially intended. He smiles, her bright mood easily infectious.]
Dream magic seems to have any number of applications— I do hope you'll let me know of any further developments. Do you believe that to be what caused the size of the fish themselves?
[Curious!]
no subject
[She sets aside her flowers for a moment to fish a small crystalline object from her belt, offering it out to him. It's a very simple charm with an equally simple burst of dreamotion energy infused, with a hook attached on one end and a loop at the other, for linking it to the fishing rod.]
The only way to catch them is with these magic lures.
no subject
Reaching out, he gently takes hold of the object she offers. If she hadn't said it was a lure, he might have mistaken it for some kind of trinket, lovely as it is. He lifts the palm of his hand to examine it more thoroughly, gently prodding it with his index finger.]
A remarkable little device. For all the lures I have seen you collect at home, I don't recall any that looked like this— truly, it is quite beautiful.
no subject
[She'd come with her rod but her arrangement of lures was sorely lacking in this world. While not the worst thing to be missing considering the alternative, it's still a hard thing for a real fisherman to endure.]
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[He smiles again, holding the crystalline lure out for her to reclaim.]
I received my violin, and I know your lures hold similar importance to you.
[Fishing is more than a practical skill for her, it's a hobby, a passion.]
no subject
[She accepts the lure back, tucking it safely where she'd stored it.]
If I was better at the magic here, maybe I could dream up whatever lure I need.
[She's not exactly unhappy about her state of abilities here, but she's also self-aware enough that she can do better.]
no subject
[He tilts his head to one side as he regards her— she has always been determined, persistent. He has no doubt that she can master anything she might put her mind to.]
Surely, anyone who can make lohikeitto as well as you do can master manipulation of dream energy. You are an incredibly capable woman, after all.
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[Quite clearly, he means her.
He tucks one last flower into the crown he'd been working on, lifting it and gently turning it in his hands to examine it before holding it out to her in offering, complete.]
For you, if you will have it.
no subject
[Her response is habitually shy - gifts are so rare, and this one so thoughtful even if that's apparently the point of whatever's going on right now (or is it just because it's from Dohalim?) - and she accepts it carefully with both hands.]
Of course I'll take it. Sorry, mine's not finished yet- if you give me another minute, I'd like for you to take it, as well.
[As if it's made of glass, she turns the flowers to look at each part, quietly appreciative, then lifts it up to rest on her head. He's always been so gifted at working with nature, so of course to her it looks perfect. Hers is far more clumsy, but- well, hopefully he'll appreciate it, anyways.]
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[He had not expected her to offer him the same in turn, but he smiles all the same. He is patient by nature, and so lets his hands come to rest in his lap as she situates the new crown atop her head.]
I think it suits you nicely.
[He may be a bit biased, but he stands by his opinion all the same.]
Besides, I thought it only right that you receive one, seeing as you've been working at them so tirelessly for others.
no subject
[She shakes her head, a little self-conscious, though not unhappily so. Her hands drift back to the crown she'd been working on, adding another flower or two to close the circle.]
It feels like it's been so long since I had the chance to try my hands at anything creative outside of the kitchen. This felt like a good place to at least think about what else I might do to keep busy.
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[He inclines his head once more as he regards her with interest, curiosity.]
It has been much the same for me. Beyond practical applications, I am not quite certain what to do with myself. There are worse troubles to have, no doubt. There is music, of course, and continuing to develop important skills, but I would like to do something meaningful, as well.
no subject
[Even if it kind of feels like 90% of what she does there is clean up after the fellas. Sort of like at home.]
With your skillset, there's plenty of ways you could help out. What would you consider meaningful, in this world?
oh cool dw just hide this notif from me
I think that would be an excellent fit for you, if you so chose, though I suppose there is something to be said from straying from the familiar, as well. The smithy is fortunate to have you.
[He considers his own path, lips pressed together slightly.]
Something that aids in the improvement of quality of life, perhaps. I am hesitant to jump to government of any kind; there is talk of a council coming together, but I do not know that I am suited for it.
[He still questions his own abilities as a leader.]
Maybe it is time to look back to the arts. We've a theatre district now, after all.
dw hates cute nerds bein cute together huh
As for him...]
I think you should. [She considers a moment, tying one more flower into place, then offers the finished crown out to him. Truly nothing special, aesthetically speaking, but it should suit his colours well.] At the festival, I talked to someone who was interested in learning music, and I said I'd recommend you speak with them. Does the idea of teaching music interest you at all?
a hate crime honestly
It is lovely— thank you.
[As she'd suspected, it does suit him, and he will wear it throughout the festival gladly. He goes on to consider her proposition, his smile gaining something of a mildly startled quality before he nods in response. He hadn't considered teaching.]
I might have thought of that on my own, given enough time, but I have never thought of myself as a teacher. That's an interesting idea— I certainly like the thought of it. Inspiring the love of music in another, what could be more rewarding than that?
[They may be onto something here...]
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I'm not sure, but it sounds like it would suit you perfectly. And it would be a way for you to get back into music, as well. You should try.
[The worst that could happen is no one takes him up on it. And even then he could use the time allotted for training to practice his violin. Win-win, right? She sees no reason not to encourage him, here. Music seems to give him such joy.]
If you need help with anything at all, don't hesitate to ask.
steering us to wrap since we have new stuff!
[His smile warms; the idea is an excellent one, and quite practical, too. Very Kisara in its own right, in that way.
He gently places a hand against the ground, preparing to push himself up and get to his feet, while one of the little flower fairies that has been following him around flits over to rest on Kisara's shoulder and giggle softly, reaching up to touch one of the blossoms in her hair.
Dohalim rises to his full height, brushing off the front of his robes with both hands.]
I should leave you to your work, but perhaps we can get something to eat before long? I will be certain to ask, should I need anything— and I hope that you feel the same. I would like to be someone you feel you can depend on, Kisara.
hella
Same to you, Dohalim- for all of it. I'll find you later for that meal.
[Something to look forward to.]