mayfield_rpg | Vingt-Quatre † another year unacknowledged

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c: ciel

Vingt-Quatre † another year unacknowledged

[Ciel didn't sleep the night of May 2nd. The 3rd doesn't really mean much to her. She can't say she looked forward to or dreaded the day, but remembering clearly what she received from the Post Office at the same time exactly one year ago... She's undeniably apprehensive, yes. So it wasn't really a surprise to find the package by the mailbox, when she took a quick glance outside the living room window at the crack of dawn.

...No sense dragging it out. She's come to terms with a number of things since anyway; the past year has been draining, but good things have happened. So not really thinking about what it may be, she takes the box inside and effortlessly opens it on the living room table.

...

A... book. A recipe book of baked goods, to be more specific. The last time she saw this must be a decade or so ago.

H...ah. This town really has a sense of humor, huh? Briefly closing her eyes, she rubs her temple beneath the frame of her glasses. After continuing to idly stare at it for a few more seconds with an expressionless face, she resumes the day by throwing out the packaging and bringing the tome with her to the kitchen.

This is useless to her as a memento. She doesn't have much time these days to wallow on by herself anyway, so maybe it's a strangely fortunate thing that of all possible objects, it ended up being the records of her parents' hard work. With how much cooking she's been doing since her arrival here, it's well feasible that she'll be able to make a great deal of what's written down in there on her own - provided that Mayfield's got the necessary ingredients, anyway.

She's already decided on a typical pancakes breakfast today, but this'll be a good read before work. ...Maybe she should bring it with her too, she could try a few things out after class.]

[Phone - Public]

[Right, there was also prom. Then THAT MEANS ONE THING.] I'm sure everyone must be aware of it by now, but don't forget that Prom is on the 18th, roughly two weeks from now! Talented tailors and seamstresses are already offering their services, so it shouldn't be hard to find something nice to wear. As Mr. Quinn already mentioned last week, dates are optional, so don't be afraid to come alone. You may even meet someone there, so don't be shy!

That said! [here it comes...] I'm in care of a sheltered young boy who's not very good around people. He is quite important to me, so I'd like to find him a charming young lady around his age to accompany him to Prom. ...Though a boy wouldn't matter either actually, I'd be okay with that! He may be a bit crass and rude at times and talk like he's much older than his prepubescent looks, but you have my word that he's an exemplary gentlemen when he behaves. Sporting the image of wise and cool, he is actually quite knowledgeable in history and prides himself to be quite intelligent and capable. He does seem to harbor an uncanny weakness to women with golden blond hair and crimson red eyes, but please don't be deterred. With raven hair smooth as silk and pale skin like fine porcelain, his appearances are actually quite angelic. If that's still not quite enough to cause consideration, I'm willing to negotiate with anyone interested... other means to incite acceptance. So if there's any interest or more questions, please let me know!

[Hmm. Hmm. It may be obvious to some, but there IS more than one shotapire in town, isn't there... but it's not like she's PURPOSEFULLY trying to create some confusion, not at all--!]

[Action]
I. Grocery store → Church ;; Early Afternoon
[Guess who's carrying 5 million bags of stuff again! ...No beef, potatoes, carrots ~~and other typical curry ingredients~~ and such today, however. Still in her civilian clothes, Ciel seems to be exclusively carrying flour, fruits, sugar, eggs, and other things one would presumably need in baking. She's doing fine whether you're just watching from the sides or walking towards her, she's usually pretty good at balance right...]

--Ah, please be careful!

[STILL MIGHT BE IN EVERYONE'S BEST INTEREST to avoid collisions just in case, though... Better be safe than sorry! She's got like two dozen eggs in there, that would be bad to break, ;;;]

II. Church ;; Afternoon
[Anyone who steps in during the evening will be slammed in the face with the enticing sweet scent of baked good. ...But isn't the kitchen in the back? Even if it may be going through excessive use today (which is actually is...), how does it really spread--

--Oh.

If you walk further in, the fact that there's a plate of mixed berry flaugnarde next to a tray of two dozens canelé might explain why it smelled so good. Both are still hot too, upon closer inspection; it must have been baked within the last hour. No one else seems to be around, but the smell is definitely coming from the hallway leading towards the left.

...

What do?]

III. Church ;; Late Evening
[The night is much calmer. Despite everything, this date today means something, she supposed, so at least something has to be said to whoever Above to acknowledge the significance.

In the end, Ciel settles on reciting the Memorare in French. Prostrated in front of the Altar with her headdress on, which is rare, she chants quietly.]

Souvenez-vous, ô très miséricordieuse Vierge Marie, qu'on n'a jamais entendu dire qu'aucun de ceux qui ont eu recours à votre protection, imploré votre assistance, ou réclamé votre secours ait été abandonné.

Animé d'une pareille confiance, ô Vierge des Vierges, ô ma Mère, je cours vers vous, et gémissant sous le poids de mes péchés, je me prosterne à vos pieds. O mère du Verbe incarné, ne méprisez pas mes prières, mais écoutez-les favorablement et daignez les exaucer.

Amen.

[Once she's done, however, she doesn't stand up from the spot. ...She owes more than a simple prayer, doesn't she? So even if the Church is silent once more, she'll keep her eyes closed and stay bowed.]
((OOC: Hover on text for direct translation! o/))

IV. Town ;; Late Night
[It's past midnight. It may be on a particularly tall tree. It may be on a lamppost. It may even be on the roof of your house. Wherever it is, upon closer inspection, the night sky isn't the only thing there. ...Actually, someone seems to be perched/sitting on top of that place without effort, while idly taking their time to stargaze.

Nothing too strange about that, right... Interrupt?]

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[He listens in to what she says very carefully, drinking it all in, and he assumes that's the end of the story.

And he's pleased, smile at his lips as he nods looking satisfied.]

That's a good morality story.

[A sensible moral. Don't trust strangers, don't ignore the evidence in front of you for affection, don't stray from the path.]

[she takes keen note that Cain's happy to hear the conclusion.]

Oh, the Grimm Brothers' take doesn't finish there, but the original French story that it's based of off ended as so. The message is rather clear, isn't it? Don't talk to strangers, carelessly trust them, and listen to your loved ones. [a beat.] Do you want to hear the Grimm Brothers' end?

[It's definitely a story he can get behind, and even Abel - his Abel - might like it. Family is important and nobody else can be trusted, giving your friendship to strangers ends in pain... absolutely a good story for them.]

That's the more famous tale, isn't it? The Grimm Brothers' version, I mean? Yes, I'd like to hear it.

[The rigor of his enthusiasm is the suspicious and unsettling thing... She already knew he wasn't like normal kids, but the way how he's been receptive to the story does tell a great deal about his values and sense of morality.]

It is, and it doesn't end on a bad note. Well then! Let's see...

Later on, a hunter traveling through the forest passed by the Grandmother's place, and he was surprised to hear very loud and deep snoring coming from inside the house. Finding that very strange, he carefully opened the door and stepped in, to see the wolf asleep on the bed with a huge belly. Being on the lookout for wolf fur, he killed the beast and cut open its stomach, setting both the Little Red Riding Hood and her Grandmother free. It was a close shave! But they were safe and the huntsman got what he was after, so that segment ended well. Having learned her lesson, the Little Red Riding Hood thanked the hunter, and once she's done making sure her Grandmother was okay, went back home to her mother accompanied by the hunter.

Now some time later, she had to go visit her Grandmother again. With a new basket to deliver and swearing a promise to her mother that she'll stay on track this time, she sets off. And just like that, she runs into another wolf on her way. He came up to her, asking her where she's headed. To that she answered honestly: "My Grandmother's place", but that was the only question that received a truthful answer. When the wolf asked her how to get there, she told him about the long way through the woods instead, but tricked him into thinking that it's the shorter route to take. Not wasting another moment, the wolf set off into the forest, while Little Red Riding Hood hurried her way on the right path to her Grandmother's home.

Her Grandmother's started to lock her door since last time also, and only once did Little Red Riding Hood come knocking and called out loud, "Grandmother, it's me, Little Red Riding Hood!" did she unbolt it, after she made sure to recognize her dear granddaughter's voice. Now both inside, they locked the door again, and expecting the wolf to arrive soon, began to prepare.

The wolf did arrive and pretended to be Little Red Riding Hood, but knowing what he was up to, the house stayed silent, and did not grant him entrance. The wolf crept around the area several times, and when it became clear that his trick won't work, finally decided to wait on the roof. 'If I can't get them to come out,' he thought, 'then I'll wait until nightfall when Little Red Riding Hood has to go home. In the darkness of the night, it would be no trouble to swallow her right up!' So with that plan in mind, he waited patiently until the sun went down.

As for the Grandmother, she had a clue of the wolf's plan, and she wasn't keen on allowing that to happen. Now there was a large and quite deep stone trough right next to the house, under the chimney, so the Grandmother had an idea of her own.

"Dearie", she called out to Little Red Riding Hood. "I cooked some sausage yesterday, and the water is in the cauldron over there. Here's a bucket; can you please fill the trough outside with this? You can open the window and pour it out from there, it's right outside the house."

"Of course, Grandmother." The Little Red Riding Hood agreed, and began to do as she was asked. Soon, the trough was completely full, and it was nightfall. Catching the smell of sausages, the wolf got curious and looked down. Because it was dark however, it was hard for him to see, so he stretched and stretched and stretched his neck, until he lost his balance, fell off the roof, and dropped right into trough. Unable to get out, he soon drowned without another sound.

It was so that with the threat of the wolf gone, Little Red Riding Hood bid her Grandmother goodnight, and safely returned home.

[Finishing with a quiet sigh, she reaches out for her glass again, but doesn't immediately take a drink from it.]

That's the final published version! I think... [not sure if she remembers everything right, there might or might not have been some embellishment at places ok...] This one ends well. [yes, she wants to ask him what he thought, but hm, might be good to just watch him for now. He might give his opinion unprompted too, there are good odds.]

[Typical.

How like humans to take a tale that was fine as it was, with a good moral ending and a clear message, and sugar-coat it so their delicate sensibilities couldn't be offended. They never liked to be told what to do as a species, did they? Don't pollute the planet, don't kill one another, don't start wars, don't talk to the wolf on the way to grandma's cottage...

And then when something did happen as a result of not listening, they stuck their fingers in their collective ears to the moral. They added on happy endings to placate them, to encourage them to make the same mistakes over and over.]

So I see, it's definitely got a different feel to it than the original. [His outward expression is all polite smiles.] Thank you for taking the time to tell it to me, Miss Ciel, you're a wonderful storyteller.

[She watches his expression carefully.

It's guarded and doesn't reflect anything. That blanket politeness again, this child...]

It does, doesn't it? You're welcome, but I'm really not that good, I probably got some details wrong. That said, I'd like to ask how you really thought of that ending, Cain.

[Because there's a reason why she told the Grimm ending, and didn't just wrap it up at the truly bleached one - which consists of the hunter freeing Little Red Riding Hood so that she makes her way home safely, period. The second meeting with the wolf could have been skipped, but it was there for a clear purpose. Beyond just slapping on a happy ending to a sobering moral, it puts into direct application the experiences gained from a lesson that's learned from the mistake of old. To not only stop it from happening a second time, but also turn the tables against the threat and come up with an effective counter. Hence above "don't talk to strangers", there's an even more basic and fundamental moral to this that every living person would do good to hold close to their heart:

"Learn from your mistakes".

A human value that none is exempt from.

So.

Did he really, completely overlook that? Someone of his intellect and reasoning shouldn't be able to miss it. But if he has...

Then she just might be onto something, there.

She's looking calm and pleasant as always, but her focus has definitely sharpened, while she continues to wait patiently for his reaction/answer.]

[That moral wasn't 'learn from your mistakes', it was 'humans can defeat anything in the end'. The wolf was bigger and smarter, it was stronger and faster, it should have emerged the victor.

But Red and Grandma somehow won the day, defeating the 'bad' wolf, who had only been obeying his natural instincts to hunt and eat prey. Yet he was the villain, but they were the heroes for killing him in return. Disgusting.]

I think I preferred the original ending, but the additions were very interesting.

[...]

Really? Hm... If you could rewrite the story, how would you finish it?

I don't think I'd change much from the original version, it seemed to be well contained on its own merits.

The moral is more stark there, isn't it?

[...

a beat.]

You use words like 'think', 'believe', 'should' and such a lot, Cain. Why's that?

Is there something wrong with those words?

[It's odd she would pay so much attention to his phrasing, but he doesn't see anything off here.]

We all say 'think', 'believe' and 'should'.

Mm, but that's when presenting a comment to something. You always have been polite, but just making sure, you don't do anything on purpose to never give a firm opinion when you're directly asked, do you?

[small things pile up, Cain...]

[He chuckles, don't be absurd, Ciel! That would almost be like he was hiding his true intentions behind a mask of warm politeness, and that's just silly...]

Of course I give my opinions, Miss Ciel. I gave one just now, I said I liked the original tale better, and I'm always airing my opinions about Abel's eating habits.

[well you know. Girls her age let their imagination get away from them sometimes--!]

You specifically said "I think I like the original better". I don't know, was the first part really needed? Haha, that's true, but we're comparing different things now. I'm going to say "I don't think" because I don't know your situation, but I really don't think anyone expects you to be a certain way here. You also don't have to live up to anything other than how you want to live, Cain. [at least not in Mayfield. One thing she's fairly certain to have pieced together about him, is that he led an isolated childhood and was burdened heavily with expectations. With that in mind...] So... It's fine to say out loud what you really have in mind, you know? [resting her chin on her knuckles, she continues lightly, her tone and expression devoid of any hint of tension. ...Just a friendly remark, really.]

[It's moments like this which make him worry about how perceptive she is, and what else she might be hiding behind her own smiling mask. If she pushes much harder then he will start to push back in time.]

I wasn't aware I needed to be stringent on how many words I used in a sentence, Miss Ciel... Perhaps the 'I think' was unnecessary, but it wasn't so vague an opinion as to spark this much confusion, was it? If it was, I'm sorry, and I'll be sure to be as straight forward with you as I can, so you don't misunderstand.

[He's smiling, words light-hearted as though this were all a joke. But there's a slight undertone of meaning to imply she were stupid as to question if he had opinions for the choice of a few words, and he would only spell it out for her because she was simple.]

[oh, she's fine being pinned as a nosy idiot. it's not like cain doesn't know someone else like that, HE SHOULD BE USED TO IT BY NOW...]

Ah, how to say this...? It's more like something of a bad habit with you, at least from what I've noticed! You've been like this since we met, so I thought to make a mention today. Mm, I'd appreciate that, but you shouldn't do it with just me. You're a healthy and active boy, so there's no need to be so reserved! I'm reminded of pretty porcelain dolls in cases sometimes. It's sort of depressing when you see the reflection through the glass, they never move the ones on display either... [She mumbles, as if having already lost her previous train of thought with some silly tangent. Simple-minded and totally unrelated, rite?]

[Well that was both rude and a compliment, he's pleased that she can read him just as well as a doll in a box, and he'll stick that way.]

I'm very sorry my way of speaking comes across as a bad habit, I'll do my best to change.

[He's a little irritated. Why was it a bad thing to be mannerly and polite? She'd have him change who he was to fit her ideals of what a 'healthy and active' boy should behave like.]

[teenage girls say dumb things ok. u_u]

You don't have to apologize. All I meant to say is you don't have to make yourself out to be a perfect model of anything. What other people want and what they see is completely different from what you want and what you see, right? So take it easy and be what you really want to be. Though if anything, I apologize for rambling, haha. [More like her base intention is to have him stop acting as if he's always limiting himself to please other people... which sure would be difficult, if he's so engrained in the behavior that he stops perceiving his blanket nods and smiles and agreement in front of others as a problem, hm...

Well, whether she's made a move for the better or the worse, it's not something she can take back anymore. Again... all she can do here is help him live normally, and as far as she's aware of, that includes trying to encourage him to express his real opinions more and display more distinct individuality.]

[His duty and his wants are a little tangled now to separate them easily. He has been taught to be perfect no matter what, obedience and a desire to please bred into him from the moment he was old enough to comprehend the lesson.

But at the same time, he wants to do well. He thrives on the praise and it gives him a satisfied smugness when he achieves a task to the best of his ability. Because he is the best, and it's good to have confirmation of it.]

I am what I want to be, Miss Ciel. I'm Cain Knightlord, what more could I possibly want to be?

[Which is a much cooler name than Abel Nightroad, just fyi.]

[That's a huge problem in itself, especially for a boy of his age... He doesn't seem to realize just how short-sighted a sole thirst for praise derived from good results is.]

Hmm, that's a given. You are you, of course, but what would you want to be, Cain? Like when you grow up, in a few decades' time, what would you want to do then?

[her eyes are lighting up with something akin to childish curiosity, while she idly plays with her glass of water that's a few gulps away from being empty.]

[What does he want to do then? It's so reminiscent of the question he asked Abel so often: "What future do you want, Abel?" He knows the answer, of course, but it's not something he will discuss with Ciel. She's too nosy for her own good, her and Charles both, don't think he hasn't noticed...

But he is practised at telling the truth without really giving anything away, something much more useful than outright lying, and so he just shrugs.]

I'd like to have a happy life with my family, I think most people want that.

[She doesn't need the whole truth. He already let on enough for her to have a very basic understanding, however incomplete that may be. This is just another case. He might not be giving away what he considers to be some secret worth keeping, but the fact that no normal 10-years old should give an answer so bland already speaks loudly and reinforces her concerns that something is disconcertingly off about him.]

...Mm. [She sits up straight, her eyes thoughtful but also somewhat resigned. ...She'll stop pushing, for today, but her notes are filling up. Extremely sharp and intelligent, always guards himself under a polite and well-mannered smile, conceals a nihilistic belief about people in general, and of course, that family obsession that falls neither here or there...

She'll figure something out eventually, but for now, this is all she can do. Well... It's not a bad start. A bit slow to her liking, but again, she still doesn't know what she can do even if she knew. So...]

That'd be a surprisingly answer actually, haha, but yes, you're right. It may be simple, but still precious. [a beat.

...but one last thing.] Have you considered starting one of your own, by the way, or is what you have now already more than enough? [no normal kid of 10 would think so far ahead as becoming a mother or father down the road, but with him... She can't tell, though asking that might give her a better idea of his definition of 'family', just maybe - or at least, narrow it down.]

[If he knew that she considered him some project that needed helping, he might be a little offended. He considered himself doing very well in life, much better than most children his age, and so certainly didn't need anyone's pity. His views, his manner, these were all things born from logical conclusions about the world. And his family obsession, well... everyone has their skeletons, don't they?

He looks mystified by her question, as though wondering why someone would ask if the sea ever turned luminous pink in colour. It was just such a ridiculous notion, and a little distasteful to tell the truth. He would certainly never have children with one of the humans, he wouldn't distil his perfect DNA that way. But that left only members of his own family to procreate with, which was out of the question. Besides, why would he want children or a partner, when he had all he could possibly want in his brother?]

No, I won't ever be a father. What about yourself, Miss Ciel, do you see motherhood in your future? Or are the nuns from your world as bound by vows of chastity as ours?

[Even that's not really it. He's just. Not living like living ought to mean. He's certainly doing fine and looks perfectly functional, but she just has a feeling that unless something gets straightened out...

The road he's taking can't lead to a good end.

Which goes back to the problem of knowing something's wrong but being unsure of what to do, so... Well. At least she's subtle about it and has still so far kept all her speculations to herself. He doesn't know what she really thinks (and the vice versa applies, she's quite aware), and it's likely that things will stay that way.

...

Haha.

She gives a vapid chuckle (keep thinking her as a nosy gossiper okay). His answer is very definite, and has very much provided the answer she sought to the real question that she's asked.]

Certainly not, the vows are absolute! [psht she never... took them....] Though I wouldn't mind working at an orphanage, haha. The Church does run quite a few of those in remote areas, at least back in my world.

[He knows there's more to her than a simple nosy gossip, but he doesn't know what. He doesn't know what her motivations are, and that bothers him more than he'd let on. It also gives him a grudging respect for her... she's very intelligent, that much is for sure, and he knows to respect others who can give him a run for his money.

Though her faith definitely knocks her down more than a few pegs in the intelligence opinion he has of her, and it seems a waste that she'd like to work out her days in a church orphanage somewhere. Still, that's her waste of life to do with as she pleases.]

I think that's a very admirable ambition, to want to take care of children wanted by nobody else. I'm afraid my career won't be anything as selfless, but I suppose a nun has to reach a level of piety and charity that others don't.

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Sorry for the mega slow tag, moving house ate me alive

You know it's fine with me! ♥

all the hearts for ruki!

swap that out for ena and sounds legit okok

omg don't swap out my hearts for you, how rude! also, cain totally stalked ciel and abel...