8th Smile

[keep_smiling]

[Action A, 1670 Nelson: It's just another bright, cheery Mayfield afternoon when your local Smile Junkie goes to grab the mail and sees two boxes for him. How exciting! Not bothering to wait, he opens one right there. He lets out a thrilled "Yes!" and runs back to the porch to sit down and immediately play his Gameboy Advance. Looks like he left the other box in the open mailbox. Care to check out what's going on?]

---

[Action B: Hardware store, then back to 1670 Nelson: Looks like Elmer is stocking up on supplies. Planks of wood, nails, paint, things like that. He'll be bringing them home in his car and dumping them on the front lawn near that nice, big maple tree in the yard. Soon, he's sawing, hammering and nailing things to the tree. Seems like a treehouse is underway! Elmer cheerfully hums and sings to himself as he works. So serene, so happy. Feel free to interrupt. He might even flag you down as you walk by.]

Oi! Are you busy? Can you hold on to this for a moment?

Comments

[snacklist]

[He had just been passing by, and hadn't expected to suddenly find himself with planks of wood in his arms.]

Ah--! Um, no... I mean I'm not busy, I can hold these.

[keep_smiling]

Brilliant! You look strong, and I need someone taller! You can hand off materials up here. [Elmer starts to climb up the tree.] I know this place can be dangerous, but isn't walking around in armor a bit much? It's got to be hot in there.

[snacklist]

[That just gets a nervous sort of chuckle in return.]

I'm not too hot, really. It's... really well ventilated.

[keep_smiling]

Ha, I suppose it would have to be, eh? No sense overheating during battle! That would end things rather quickly.

[Up he goes, to the first set of branches. Not too far up.] This should be good! Maple trees are good for this sort of thing, eh? Nice and sturdy.

[snacklist]

[He's relieved Elmer seems to have bought it, giving a very enthusiastic thumbs up.]

It certainly looks like a good, sturdy tree, sir!

[keep_smiling]

I don't think a place like Mayfield would mess around with wimpy, weak trees. Everyone's gardens and lawns are always so robust and healthy! I was thinking of planting a few more things, though. Maybe a vegetable garden! I've always wanted a tree house, though. Seems to perfectly fit in with the town's theme too.

[snacklist]

I bet it would feel really good to eat vegetables you'd grown yourself, you should do it!

[Congrats, Elmer, you've finally met someone who doesn't need a smile junkie. He's made of sunshine. It's just a shame his armour means he can't actually smile.]

[keep_smiling]

[Ah yes, but smiles can be heard as well as seen! Just the tone of someone's voice can tell you if they're smiling.]

There's something very satisfying about growing and then cooking with them. I'll have to see if I can turn the front yard into a garden. That might make our house stand out a bit more, too!

[snacklist]

[His stomach would be rumbling if it could, and all this food talk is just making him miss eating a lot.]

...that sounds so good.

[keep_smiling]

Once I get something together, I can invite you over for dinner. Consider it a thanks for being a helper. Plus Grell doesn't know how to cook, so I do it all anyway. What's your name? I'm Elmer! Elmer C. Albatross.

[snacklist]

Um, that's really nice of you, but I wouldn't want to be a bother...

[That's all said with the fast inflection of someone making an excuse.]

Oh! I'm Alphonse. Alphonse Elric.

[keep_smiling]

It's not a bother! You're helping me, and we're all neighbors, and neighbors should get along and be friends. It's especially important in this town.

[snacklist]

R-Right! Then we're definitely friends from now on, Mr. Albatross.