genessia | 21: Lethargy (Video, Open Action)

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21: Lethargy (Video, Open Action)

A. Video

[ When the feed clicks on, it shows the snow falling in Garden Park and a view of a frozen pond before the camera. At first, it might seem like it was turned on by accident.

But, it isn't long after the feed turns on that a girl's voice sounds, one that some might recognize as Adela's if they know her. It's not an anonymous feed after all, and she doesn't even know why she's turned it onto video other than that she thinks the snow is pretty. ]

This is a time of year meant to spend with one's family and those who are closest to them, if I am to believe what I have heard. I feel I must ask though... For those of you without your family or those of your world here... Just how do you handle that here?

[ There's a pause, followed by a sigh sounds before she continues. ]

I have one other question as well. To those of you who no longer work in the way you had before arriving here... Do you miss what you did at all?

B. Action, Garden Park

[ After turning off the camera, Adela just sighs to herself as she stares out at the lake. Maybe her leg is too cold and sore for her to be out there, and even dressed for the weather she can't claim to be warm or even comfortable, but... There's something soothing about the snowfall somehow, as well as the cold and quiet that it brings with it.

She's far from in the mood to play or even to smile, having kept things to herself for too long. Perhaps, on returning home, she'll be able to pretend that everything is all right again.

When she finally does get to her feet again, a yelp leaves as she almost immediately slips and falls back into the snow. A small groan leaves her a moment later, but rather than get up right away she just stares up at the sky, letting the snow fall on her face and melt against what little exposed skin there is.

Hopefully no one saw that little slip-up, but she's in no hurry to go home just yet. Well... To her home in Genessia, anyway. ]

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Hmm...I would say I try not to think about it...but I can never stop thinking of my brother. No matter where I am or what happens, he's the driving force that keeps me going.

I see... I suppose there is that, if we truly return to our homes when we leave here.

[ The camera shifts as Adela makes herself more comfortable, though she's still not in view and still speaking from somewhere behind it. ]

Is it only the thought of him that keeps you going and nothing else? It... It seems too lonely, if that is the case.

I think it works just as well in this world. I may not be able to search for him here, but I continue practicing my sword arts so that I can grow closer to him and continue my journey when I do leave here.

I don't really have anything else.

[Nothing quite in relation to the question at hand, anyway.]

I see... My thanks to you regardless.

[ She sighs audibly, frowning at the lake and not really saying anything else. Maybe she should try to practice in more earnest again, now that she's more healed than she was... It's been too long for Law to get mad at her for it anymore, right? ]

Hmm...I suppose my answer was unsatisfactory? Well, to each their own, I suppose...

[She gives a light shrug.]

Regardless of what anyone tells you, your method of dealing with things will be unique to you. I hope you find it soon.

I hope so as well.

Perhaps, once I am better acquainted with the sword again, we should spar in the future. It has been far too long for me to believe I could be any decent challenge at this time, but I thought I should offer regardless.

I would be willing whenever you feel you're ready. Just know that I'm not one to be taken lightly in any event.

[She just has to throw that little warning out there, so Adela would know that she'd better steel herself whenever she faces the Princess of Swords.]

Then I should warn you of the same, as I am no slouch when it comes to swordplay.

[ There's a little bit of a smile in her voice now though. Apparently it's enough to cheer her up, at least a little. It's something to look forward to at any rate. ]

Oh?

[If she's that confident in her swordplay, then this could be interesting. Karla just smiles at that.]

All right. I'll look forward to it then.

Well there's always close ones here, of course. Actually I'm going caroling with Will and brother Cassian. It's great fun; we practice in the park each morning, then trade blessings and goodwill for food and money to the needy. Traveling and going door-to-door, with the best and blessed songs man has devised. Someone or another always throws a party, and that's as good as time as any to celebrate then. Oh, can't forget about the gift exchanges! Those are always pleasant surprises.

Goodness, no, the work here is much more exciting. All I did was listen to pedagogues back home. What about you, Adela? Have labors you miss?

[ She's unsure if she has the patience to deal with Ted or just how cheery his tone is, but regardless she does listen. It all sounds nice, and maybe it is something she can try to join in -- even if she's unsure of carolling.

The camera shifts a little, jolting briefly before straightening up and becoming still once more. ]

... I have not worked in a forge for quite some time now, nor practised in swordplay for some time. The latter was because I was still recovering from surgery, but regardless I find myself missing both endeavours.

[ Another pause, and then there's an audible sigh. ]

Being honest... What I did before is not the only thing I miss.

[Uh oh, Adela's in her no-fun mood. Must be sober. Both of those things sound terribly masculine, but if she likes 'em, what can ya do? Ted's been trying to do more of the 'empathy' thing, seeing as that will probably work better than his usual.]

"That does sound hard to bear. How is your leg doing?"

[Nostalgia. Were it any other universe, Ted would be all too ready to pry. But here? He's wary of encouraging it. If one longs too much for the past, he's sure it's just a hop, skip, and a jump to making a subarchway and living a damned lie.

...maybe just this once. An experiment.]

"Mm. Tell me about it."

My leg is all right, and I made sure to prepare for the cold.

I miss the flowers of my home, and the animals I used to take care of. I miss the trees, and the sea, and even the castle town.

[ An audible sigh, and some strands of red hair make it to the camera's lens before they get brushed out of the way. ]

... I miss my uncle terribly.

[He faintly nods along.]

"A familiar feeling. What was he like?"

He was a very disciplined man, stubborn -- though, it seems I have been able to become worse than he is in that way.

[ She huffs a little laugh, but she doesn't come into view on camera just yet. ]

... He would also smile, and reassure me whenever I needed it. He taught me how to use my magic, where it came from... Took care of me since I was a very young child. He is very wise, an excellent teacher, and...

I remember he used to be awkward around me. I do not think he was used to young children before he had to start raising me, but with him... I never felt unwanted.

[Ted's very interested to barrage with more selfish questions. Magic is always interesting, and its source even more so. This also implies her natural parents were cut out of the picture, somehow. And did he just discover an insecurity? He just manages to stifle them long enough to continue the train of thought.]

"Heh, it does seem like you take after him in that. He grew more familiar with you, then?"

He did. After all... We are family.

[ She's quiet for a bit, thinking over what she wants to say if anything at all. ]

I can at least resume old hobbies if needed, but I suppose there is no real way of seeing him again. Not unless this world takes him first, or if I otherwise return home.

[A look of mild alarm passes his features. Always a temptation, wishing to see someone again. Goodness know he wants to for many. Yet she did say the magic word: "real". Yes. No real way of another meeting. Therein was the plain, if bitter, truth.]

"He really does sound dear to you; I'm sorry your time's spent apart. Is there anything you'd like me to do?"

[ What might surprise Ted is hearing a genuine smile in her voice, like she's actually grateful. ]

You listening has helped, at least a little. Thank you for that, Ted.

[Ted's smiling too, both for her happiness and that something so simple actually seemed to work. He's not used to talking so little; maybe there's something to this?]

"You're very welcome. You're also welcome to join us in caroling, if you like. There's still a week to practice, if you're curious about other ways to spend the holiday."

[ Finally the camera turns so that Adela's looking at it again, and so that she can meet Ted's eye while doing so. ]

I think I would like to try that, actually. I cannot claim to have any experience with song, but if that is all right then I see no reason why not.

[He grinned]

Certainly! It's my first time caroling too. Will's very professional about it, despite his youth. You'll be our first feminine voice! A mezzo-soprano, I'll bet.

Well, we meet at the Park every morning for rehearsal. I look forward to seeing you there.

I will try to be there as well, though I must ask for your patience -- knowing none of the songs, it may take some time for me to learn.

"I probably can't answer your first question well since I don't remember my family. But I always find that the friends you work with can be like your family.

For your second question, my guild was doing good work for the people. Hunting monsters that got too close to towns, finding missing people, among others. So, while I am new here, I would very much miss what I did before, and all the people I worked with."

I see... It sounds like an exciting life, if nothing else.

[ It doesn't seem like she's intent on adding onto the conversation at first, instead looking out towards the lake again. ]

... It could still be something you can do here, if you looked at the bounty boards. At least, I assume so.

Edited (grammar) 2016-12-17 00:55 (UTC)

[he saw. He may have been looking for her after her statement. It's hard to be away from family even if he has family here though not as many as he's used to. He's sad that she's sad though even if there's nothing much he can do about it.

But when she stands back up he hugs her from behind, resting his chin on her head and does his best to warm her chilled skin]

Yo.

[ He does get her gasping briefly with the hug, but the voice is enough to let her relax with recognition. Of course he would surprise her like this...

But, the hold is actually super comfortable and she leans back, one gloved hand rising to rest over his arm. ]

Hello Ace. To what do I owe the pleasure?

You're the pleasure. [he means it too. He likes to see her even though he's been hit or miss for a while. It's almost that time which always makes him moody]

Are you cold? Do you want to build a snowman?

[ If Ace notices her growing more flushed, she'll blame it on the cold. It's easier to huff a laugh when he can't see her face like this though, and she's still pretty relaxed. ~~It's nice to have a human furnace outside ok~~ ]

I do not think I can be warm outside when it is so much colder than I have ever felt, but I can manage well enough. You wish to build a man made of snow, though?

[he doesn't really get what she's saying exactly. Except that yes she is cold so... here he has a scarf! He loops it around her neck. He's also shirtless but just because he is doesn't mean he can't also wear a scarf]

It's great! Me and Lu used to do it all the time. [not that he stopped really. He and his nakama built snowmen all the time]

First we have to make a big ball, for the base. [and he has to try not to melt it]

[ Ah scarf. It's warm too, and she's completely flushed now before wrapping it to make sure her nose and mouth are covered. She finally shifts to meet his eye, even if it means dislodging him from his hold on her. ]

Well, let us start then.

[ She'll follow Ace's lead, starting with a small snowball and packing more snow on it until it's too heavy to carry with one hand. How big is this supposed to be though? ]

[oh no! she looks cute! Just her eyes peering out at him. He kind of wants to give her a smooch but that won't work well so he focuses on not melting his snowball. He focuses so much that he keeps on rolling and rolling and soon it's well over his head and they've kind of run out of snow in the area]

Huh. We're going to get mud on it. [he glances at her efforts]

Well, it is a large snowball... I suppose we make a sculpture out of it now?

[ Good thing it's been snowing nearly every day so there will be more soon enough, but that's not the point. Wow that is a large snowball! She can't even see the top, considering that the thing is taller than Ace. ]

Oh. Nah. We have to make yours bigger to put on top of it. [he sniffs back snot then will help her roll it, eyeing her leg as he does. The automail makes a distinct sound. Not a loud one but he's got good ears]

You've really adapted huh?

Huh? Oh, I suppose I have.

[ She nods, smiling and momentarily distracted from the prospect of somehow putting her snowball on top of Ace's giant one. ]

I did have to make certain it was cold-resistant, else I would not be able to come out here like this. It is a little less sturdy as a result, but at least I will not suffer from frostbite.

[ That's probably not what Ace means, but whatever! Adela looks back to the top of the giant snowball though, then down at her own... ]

... Even if we do make mine bigger, how are we supposed to get it up there?

You're so smart. [light noogie. He likes that about her. He's always impressed] You'll take over the world one day, 'Dela, no doubt about it.

[at her question, he nods] I'll lift it.

[ Agh, noogies! Adela tries to shy away, laughing a little before shaking it off and re-adjusting her hat. Even with the scarf on, it's easy to tell she's smiling at least. ]

If you say so, help me make this one a little larger then?

[he nods and helps her. Then lifts it onto the other but he has to stand on tiptoe and push for it to go on.

He's being too quiet he knows but he can't help it.]

And now we need a head. [but see? He's cheerful. He was just focusing that's all.]

[ For now it doesn't strike Adela as off, if only because they're focusing on what they're doing. She tilts her head, frowning at it before looking to him. ]

It seems large enough, though. I mean, a head and a body, do we really need to make it taller than that?

[he looks up at it and thinks] I want it to be as big as Pops. [starts melting it a bit between the two parts and then pulling back so it'll freeze in place]

Let's make a head. [and then after a second] Have I told you about Pops?

[ Attention gotten! Adela's eyes widen and probably seem to light up a bit with her interest, and she starts on a third snowball for the head like Ace wants. ]

You have not, and I have not heard a lot about him otherwise beyond his name. Will you tell me what Whitebeard was like?

Oh man, he's the best. The greatest man in the world! He's strong, too. One of the strongest. I couldn't even beat him though I tried about a thousand times. [he puts his hands in his pockets and rests against a tree, staring up through the naked branches, remembering]

Every time I tried he kicked my ass. I really hated him. [he laughs a little] But he really... He .. I don't know... I became family somehow. He loved me even though... even though I wanted to kill him. He's a strong enough guy to do that. [it's to be admired. He wishes he could be strong like that. No, he wants to be, for Pops' sake, so he'll be proud of him]

Anyway, we're all sons of the sea in Pops' crew. We're like a huge family. Our parties last for days. And when people we care about are threatened... [he looks away briefly] There is no mercy....

[a smile]... but even then sometimes there is. Because Pops is so awesome people just have to join him. Want to sail with him and be his son. Aside from Luffy and Sabo-- he's -- I'm really lucky...

He sounds amazing, Ace. I think, given the chance, I would like to meet him.

[ She does notice his mumbling about important people being threatened, and it bothers her. She's getting flashes of the halloween party then, and of what Marco told her so long ago. It explains so much about that...

She can't let him get hurt for her sake. That's the most important thing.

She tries to make her smile that much brighter then, and she reaches for his hand again. ]

Let us finish the snowman then, and make it just like him.

Thanks, Adela... I hope you get to meet him, too. [he can kind of tell that she's hiding back something but he doesn't know what it is. Maybe connected with how sad she was earlier?

He squeezes her hand though and bends down to kiss her cheek without thinking]

You get the head I'll get something for the mustache.

[ Her breath catches with the kiss, and she's stunned for a moment before nodding. She can play off her blush as being cold this time at least, but that doesn't stop her from being embarrassed... Or, well, feeling just a little more pain as well.

She thought she was over this, but apparently not... She nods, taking a moment and crouching to start on another snowball. ]

Right, I will start that now. I still do not know how we are going to get it up there, though...

Edited (OH MY GOD LATE IN NOTICING THE FORMATTING ERROR I am so sorry orz;;;) 2016-12-26 04:43 (UTC)

Okay, you officially need to go sledding, drink hot cocoa, and go dancing and mingling.

[Do you see what your December blues have done Adela? You are forcing Smoker to be the cheerful one. That is not right. SO NOT RIGHT.]

What? Why do I need to do those things?

[ She seems legitimately confused at that, and what does it have to do with what she's talking about anyway? ]

Because you're moping and focusing on the downsides instead of enjoying yourself.

[ There is a long moment of silence before she can be heard sighing, finally turning the communicator so she can look at it with a frown. ]

Are you saying I am not allowed to miss home in the least, Smoker?

That aside, I was not aware that inquiring about how to handle that counted as "moping".

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21: Lethargy (Video, Open Action)

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