genessia | 8th Healing | A simple Question [Video]

[Well... this was simply music to Maribelle's ears. If only her cafe was still in business, but soon... soon.]

Why the best place to have a date is a cafe of course. A place where they serve tea, or coffee for those more inclined towards a stiff dose of caffeine in their diet.

Cafe? I'll look into it! Which one or ones in particular?

Well, when it re-opens I would highly recommend my tea time cafe, easily the finest establishment you'll ever lay eyes upon. However a very close second and a rather large chain of cafes in these fair cities of ours is the cat's meow run by mister Fai D. Fluorite. If you like I could accompany you to such a cafe, I too could use some more friends.

Oh, you owned one before? I take it you went away and came back?

[ Just like someone else she knew, which made her look thoughtful for a moment. Then Maribelle's request clicked. ]

Oh, are you asking me out?

[ She had a knowing grin. ]

I'll be happy to meet you there.

Precisely. How very intuitive of you.

[She wondered if perhaps Konoka knew Robin, because just like her, Robin's business also would have to be started up again, and gathering the capital necessary to do so would be difficult.]

Of course I am darling, you're a beautiful young woman just like I am, it's only natural that I would like to become closer to you.

[Maribelle... had no idea that Konoka had meant asking out in a potential romantic courtship sort of way. Even if she'd said "on a date" Maribelle wouldn't have understood what she meant... and so Maribelle might come off as simply sounding like a very confident lesbian. And while she is very confidant... she's much more of a closet lesbian if she even is one. In truth, she simply lacked many close friends, and a beautiful young woman would make for an excellent employee for her cafe further down the line.]

I very much look forward to meeting you in person.

Oh wow.

[ Maribelle being this forward surprised her. Maybe she really was just confident and not wandering into it. How was she supposed to deal with this? But Konoka was nothing if not interested, so she gave a nod with a blush on her face. ]

I'll um. See you there soon.

[Maribelle merely chuckled as she hung up the device. What a shy young lady! Blushing at being invited out to tea, she seemed almost as shy as her friend Olivia. Well perhaps she can help her with that, although probably not the same way she'd tried to help Olivia, since that hadn't ended well.

Maribelle had the advantage that she was already at the Cat's Meow cafe in Genessia City, using it as her mini base of operations until she was more settled. She was accustomed to spending her money for little comforts like tea, so this was something that made her feel a bit more at home until she could re-open her own business. She had a mess of paperwork she was sifting through as she waited, always keeping herself busy, and already plotting out the new rendition of her tea time cafe.]

Oh! Konoka dear, over here!

[She gives a friendly wave as soon as she spots Konoka entering the establishment, casually sipping her cup of tea while she shifted her paperwork to the side.]

[ Konoka's trek to the Cat's Meow wasn't all that long. She had been at home when she had been asking, and thus didn't have things like work or errands getting in the way. She couldn't help but be surprised on just how soon she managed to actually get someone's attention. Was it coincidence? Fate? Either way she wasn't going to test her luck, so the brunette felt like she should just take things casually for now.

She spotted Maribelle very quickly, just before the blonde called out to her. She gave a friendly wave back. Contrary to Maribelle's thoughts, Konoka wasn't very shy at all, merely off guard from quickly positive results. ]

Hello!

[ She sat down opposite of her. She was very much a rich girl, by the looks of things! It reminded her of someone she knew back at home. ]

Nice to meet you in person!

[Maribelle chuckled at Konoka's words mirroring her own before they'd ended their video chat. It seemed her initial assessment wasn't entirely correct, because she seemed to have no problem with Maribelle calling out to her in a relatively crowded cafe, and seemed to even have a bit of a bounce in her step as she sat with the blonde haired noblewoman.]

That's quite flattering to hear, I wasn't sure if I was altogether presentable after finding myself waking up near the docks this morning.

[Which was a joke on how it could have sounded as if she was some trashy waif who'd woken up drunkenly in a poorer section of town. In this case it was merely that she was a new arrival in one of those pods. If Konoka thought she was a rich girl, she certainly wouldn't be very far off the mark, because Maribelle was the kind of woman who easily found her way into high ranking society no matter where she went. She just had the correct noble bearing for it.]

Now that you're here, what kind of tea would you like? My treat?

Yeah, that Bay isn't much for wading around in dresses, but when you wake up, it's not like you can help it. I guess the new world stuff distracts you from minor fashion disasters the first time around.

[ Unfortunately, that sort of joke passed right by Konoka, but that didn't stop her from making one of her own. ]

Oh thanks! Always the lady of the house, aren't you? I'll take Earl Grey!

[ Tea wasn't a top drink of hers, but she rather liked that flavor in particular. And in the meantime, Konoka decided to start with a bit of small talk. ]

So you've run a business here before, right? I wound up making one of my own, though it's kinda specialty based.

[Well that gets a bit of a mirthful chuckle out of Maribelle, because contrary to what others think she can appreciate a good joke!]

Well said indeed, and you surprise me with your choice of tea! That just so happens to be the flavor I often choose myself.

[So Maribelle merely turned a spare cup face up, and poured Konoka a cup of the still hot pot Maribelle had been slowly emptying herself.]

So you own a business yourself do you? What business are you in? Perhaps I might be able to help.

I own a charms shop in Everglade. It specializes in protective and utility magic. I do free healing, and though I haven't done it in a while, I also tell fortunes.

[ It had been so long in fact, that Konoka felt like she'd been out of practice. She mentally winced, but on the outside just gave a shameful giggle. ]

It's necessary, Everglade has been through hell itself. Did you know Dracula could make it rain blood? [ She shivered in revulsion at the memory. ] Jerk had been waging war over something he thought was just too good to be true.

My how noble of you! It's been some time since I've seen someone using that sort of magic and putting it to use the way you-

[This time it was Maribelle's turn to wince.]

Did you say... Everglade? That's where Grell is a city guardian is it not?

[Maribelle was going to visit Konoka's shop, maybe even offer to help there or even set up shop with her but in Everglade?! Noooope, nope, nope, nope!]

That must be...

[So many words slipped through Maribelle's head at that moment, not the least of which being... ungodly or mortifying.]

Unpleasant.

She is, yes.

[ Unlike Konoka's earlier, Maribelle's wince was obvious. She knew that her chances of getting Maribelle's help just sank very quickly. ]

It is. I'm considering moving to Fayren. But... given the state of Everglade, I feel like moving would be abandoning the people that feel it most. Plus I'm not exactly rolling in the dough it would take to move.

I...

[Well... now Maribelle felt ashamed of herself for being so quick to abandon Konoka to her own devices in Everglade. Unfortunately she knew the sorts of things Grell was capable of, where many people in Genessia had not the full extent of Grell's madness.]

You're a very brave young woman Konoka. I would not wish to step into Everglade myself, but I would not wish to abandon innocents that may dwell there as you yourself are.

[She heaved a heavy sigh... lacking the influence or resources here to really do much. Well... perhaps...]

If you do decide to leave Everglade you may always seek asylum with me. I don't know if a tea shop is the best place in the world for selling charms, but it's not the worst. Especially if you practice your fortune telling and love charms for couples that come for romantic liasions.

[ Konoka gave a soft, if lopsided, smile at the mention of helping romantic liasons. ]

You know, that's a pretty good idea. I should be expanding business more than I have. I probably should have come with my own romantic charm. It might raise the chance that you sweep me off my feet.

[ Konoka giggled, her own flirting sounded a little silly. ]

I should at least stop by your shop when you get it running, your taste in tea is pretty good, given I don't drink it as nearly as often as I should!

[Well that has Maribelle giggling again, and then giving Konoka a playful wink, thinking that the girl had just made a great joke.]

Well perhaps, but I'm not the sort of woman who kisses on the first date. You'll have to wait until at least the third or fourth date for that.

[Maribelle had very little experience when it came to romantic encounters with other women, and for the most part didn't even think of it as a possibility. It was one of the reasons why her own love affair with another woman had ended so poorly, because she didn't understand the nature of their relationship for much too long. Even now she simply assumed that Konoka was making playful jokes since Maribelle was the one to bring up the idea of romance in cafes in the first place.]

Perhaps... perhaps I might consider stopping by Everglade just to see the state of things. I would like to help make a difference if I can, and to simply abandon a place because it needs help the most is... unethical of me.

[She couldn't really tell Konoka that she was considering working there as a lawyer when she herself was still terrified of the idea. Worst yet, the job offer came from the very person Maribelle most wished to avoid]

Now why's that?

[ Konoka had a good idea of the answer, but she wanted to be sure. Naturally, someone as lawful and by the books as Maribelle might not get it now, but if Konoka got through to her... ]

I imagine it's because you don't know how this will go, but... what if you start falling harder than you thought?

Though I definitely appreciate you visiting Everglade. It won't be just me who's thankful.

Why it's very simple, it's because I am a proper and modest woman who is not so easily wooed by mere pretty words.

[She was also... a giant tease. Why did she dress so modestly? Because it made it all the more rewarding and shocking to others when they caught even the smallest glimpse of skin. Why did she hold out so long to bestow her first kiss? Because with enough buildup it could be more passionate or sensual than a one night fling that many people in this day and age would have. She teased for a slow buildup, until it came to the point where the one she was wooing would be hopelessly smitten with her when she did finally grant them more than they had hoped for.

Of course... the one time she did explain this concept of modesty to a young woman who always dressed in practically nothing, the girl called her even more slutty than she was, at which point Maribelle decided to never explain this again.]

If I start to fall harder or faster than I anticipate I will stay the course, and if the one I'm falling for feels the same way... well I'll let them make the bold gesture. I am fully willing to initiate a romantic encounter, but unless my partner wishes to take the lead from me, they shall merely have to be patient. I am the sort of woman who can be swept off her feet, but if someone is looking to be swept off their feet? Well...

[She flashes Konoka a coy smile, did she perhaps know they were flirting at this point? Perhaps a small part of her suspected that the girl at least was starting to hint that she might have an interest, but Maribelle was cautious as ever.]

They'll simply have to quiver in anticipation for when I do make my move.

Edited 2017-10-06 21:49 (UTC)

[ Konoka listened respectfully. And in the end? Seemed like Maribelle might have been a lot more cautious than she initially appeared, but then why hit on her so much? This was making her interesting in the eyes of the brunette healer, so she continued to play the flirtatiously coy game. ]

So the onus is on the other party, huh?

That's too bad. You seem like the master of pretty words that makes a lady's heart flutter. But then again a power like that would be so dangerous in the wrong hands. You'd be a bigger enemy of women than several men I know back at home! But I'm starting to like that side of you too. Using such dangerous powers responsibly takes a lot of work. But the rewards are wonderful.

[ And Konoka would have found that other explanation even more amusing, to the point that she'd see it as a challenge. ]

I hardly think my charms are the sort that should make me the enemy of men or women, but alas I find that to oft not be the case.

[She sighed at thoughts of how she'd blundered in trying to associate with Weiss, or when she'd earned so much ire as a ship captain that took a stand against the piracy that surrounded her. It seemed she had so many more enemies than friends, but she rather suspected that was not what Konoka had been referring to.]

They say that forbidden fruit is often the sweetest, so if you truly desire something it is best to wait until that desire hits its peak before finally letting the rivers of passion run free.

[She chuckled, realizing again that she was probably using too many pretty words here, and in retrospect if the girl did have any interest in the same gender, it was little wonder she might start falling for someone who said them. Not her obviously, because she was the pariah of Genessia, the butt of many a jape but hardly the kind of person most but perhaps the exceptional few would call fun.]

Or to put it more simply, if I wait until the second or third date to bestow a kiss, the one who desires such a kiss will have had that much more time to savor its coming.

[She stirred her tea, carefully studying Konoka to think about what sort of person would best suit her, though a small part of her kept coming back to... herself.]

Patience can be quite rewarding, or you can take the bold initiative and see how well it pays off, you may get away with it if your heart and courage are true, or you may find yourself with a cold shoulder. I have certain standards I hold those I let into my heart to, because the trials to come require a person of character, compassion, patience, courage, and understanding. They may not require all these attributes, but they need to at least prove some of them to me if they wish to taste the fruits of their labors in the form of my affection.

[ And ironically, those words only enforced what Konoka thought. ]

You truly are a romantic~

[ Konoka has her face in her hands gazing at her with an increasingly soft smile. ]

I feel it in your every sentence. I don't yet know if you and I are meant to be together in that way, but we definitely share some things in common. I look forward to getting to know you better.

[ Compared to Maribelle's lawful devotion, Konoka much preferred to just do what felt right. But she couldn't help but admire her, and how well she stuck to her words. ]

Like for instance, what are your hobbies? All work and no play can make even the most studious girl dull, you know.

[Maribelle blinked in surprise because... there was almost no mistaking what Konoka was saying that time.]

Oh...

[Fortunately... after her relationship with a certain mermaid, the concept wasn't entirely foreign to her, and while she hadn't originally thought of this as a date... she didn't entirely object to it either, so her recovery from her shock was rather quick, and could have simply been from any of many things Konoka had said.]

You're a very bold young woman Konoka, and I can certainly respect that to a certain degree. So I think I do agree that I look forward to getting to know you a bit better myself.

[She wasn't going to initiate any form of physical contact, not on their first date, but she did smile for her new friend, and possibly new romantic prospect.]

I do indeed have a number of hobbies, but many might consider them to be another form of work. For instance, my drinking tea and simply chatting with you here could be considered a hobby of mine. I enjoy drinking tea with friends and simply talking. Other hobbies of mine include fencing, horseback riding, violin, chess, and reading.

[Of course... most of the books she read were for research purposes, but Maribelle was a bit of a workaholic.]

What of yourself?

[ That realization crossing her face? Those are the kinds of reactions Konoka lives for. She giggles when Maribelle makes that awkward confession. ]

Well! [ She straightens up. ] I'm a mage. I've been aiming to be a Magister Magi back at home, but none of that official recognition is around here, so I decided to keep my eyes on being the best healer around. I've taken up studying Eastern Magic for my shop.

I also enjoy hearing about romantic escapades, I like collecting and wearing kimonos, and I need to get back into fortune telling!

[Excuse Maribelle for a moment as her eyes widen with surprise even greater than her previous surprise.]

You... didn't somehow plan this, did you?

[No of course not... Maribelle was the one who invited her out to tea.]

It just so happens that I am an archmage, and perhaps the most powerful healer in all of Ylisse. It is not so much my hobby as one of my professions, as I have had extensive training and fought on the front lines in at least two major wars. If you like I could help to further your training, as I am already as proficient in the ways of magical healing as one can be in my world.

Whoa.

[ She needed to set something straight before they continued. ]

I can't say I have the accolades of fighting in a straight war, but I have been in several situations that have put my powers to the test. I may say 'hobby' but I take my talent as a healer seriously. That being said, I do like learning even more, so if you'll teach me I'll be glad to learn from you.

[ She pulled out a card... her pactio card. A picture of herself wielding two paper fans, with herself in an omnyouji robe. ]

With this I am quite capable of healing nearly any living creature. Even healed a giant dragon twice! (One of those was right here in Genessia.)

...but I can only pull that off once a day, so I still have a long way to go.

Aha, then please forgive me for being so presumptuous. I have had many ask me to teach them in the ways of the healing art, and since you said that you were aiming to be a magister magi, I simply assumed you still required some training. Now of course, I still wouldn't mind sharing with you what I know and perhaps in turn you could even teach me a thing or two. I am proficient in the magics of Ylisse, but I can be relatively powerless without the tools of my trade.

[She's got the squishiest defense stat in the game, good magic resistance though.]

If I were to teach you the ways of Ylisse's healing magic, there might be no limit to how much you could heal in one day apart from the time it takes. I've been able to heal an entire small army in one battle, so I think that with our talents combined, we might be able to really accomplish some amazing things.

[She hummed, pouring herself another cup of tea cherrily.]

But I digress, I wouldn't want to impose upon you when we're only just starting to get to know one another.

That sounds pretty wonderful.

[ She's enjoyed her power, but this might be the first time in forever that she's actually been excited to use it in forever. Though she has stronger priorities at the moment, like getting to know this rather romantic woman in front of her. ]

Don't worry about that. We have plenty of time~

[ For example, none of this stops her from pouring some more tea. ]

Nightclubs, or so I am told. No actual personal experience in looking for such things.

Hmmm. I'm not sure those would work too well, I get the feeling that the people out there would think I'm too young.

Won't toss it out entirely, though.

So you let what others think to determine what you do and don't do?

Yikes. When you put it that way?

[ Yep, it was a fine reminder to the brunette not to let others boss her around. ]

That's pretty bad of me to think. I should definitely look into the place.

Even if it's just once and you know then you don't like it. At least then you know you tried.

I mean I am still doing that whole not letting people tell me what to do bizness, but it's always good advice never the less. If you need someone to go I will always be happy to help because I get going to new places can be terrifying alone.

While I'm not necessarily scared of going by myself, I do like the idea of going with company. I'll definitely take you up on that offer should I go there!

Awesome, plus it's always fun to have a friend than to be by onesself.

I've heard After Life is pretty exciting if you're looking.

[ Though she hasn't actively had to look for a date like.. ever. But her life is not everyone's and she is friends with Gale, so might as well drop his business's name. ]

After Life? I've heard of that place. I ought to visit.

[ She had concerns earlier, but after Kristen's words she had successfully quashed them. ]

I'm not really a club person, but I know the owner. He's a little eccentric, but he knows what he's doing and I've heard a number of satisfied individuals.

Good to know. I tend not to go for alcohol, but here's to finding someone interesting!

...well, after this tea trip. Wow, some people are fast.

Did someone ask you out?

You know, I'm surprised more people don't try it over the network, actually.

They did!

Now that I think about it I'm surprised too! I mean it makes sense, doesn't it? Present yourself on the video, instant communication to everyone in your strike zone... might be a little too public for the shyer of us, but... don't think a lot of people are that shy?

If anything I would think it would be easier on the shy people considering they wouldn't actually have to go out and socialize with anyone without the option to just hang up.

True, but shyer people would need to muster up the courage to ask regardless.

Still, this IS one of the best ways to look for a date.

Playing the game yourself after all, hm?

Well, if you want to try bar hopping I'll take you out.

Hey Eva-chan!

Yep, I figured if I want a date, the best thing to do was to go looking for her myself!

8th Healing | A simple Question [Video]

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