[It was kind of a perfect day, but that's not all the irregular in Gridania. It's not that often that Valeria has the time to just roam through her adopted home, even as a Twin Adder officer.
There's a lot going on in the world, after all.
Val walks slowly, hands clasped behind her back and the hem of her tailored coat brushing against the tops of her boots. She occasionally raises a hand to wave at a familiar face, though she can't always remember the name that belongs to the face. Val slowly makes her way toward Apkallu Falls; it seems like a good enough place to stop for a few moments. (It's the water; the sound of it tickles her memory. It's not quite the same as ocean waves, but it occupies the same space in her heart.)
As she turns the corner, she hears the music woven into the sound of the water and she can't help but smile. Two of her favorite things; not what she was expecting today but she can hardly turn away from an impromptu concert at the falls.
Val wanders to a stop adjacent the miqo'te playing her harp, swiping her bangs out of her face and adjusting her glasses as she finds a place to lounge on the ground. She turns her head just enough to offer the woman a smile, then pulls her knees up and wraps her arms around them.
The miqo'te woman's name hovers just out of reach, but that's commonplace for Val; she's still trying to live down forgetting Alphinaud's name that one time. Twin Adder officer, bard... A good one, apparently, Val thinks as she hums along with the melody.]
[Format can be changed, if you'd rather prose. I'm honestly good with either!]
[ This could well be one of M'ahina's favorite places in the city. So calming, with the wind through the trees, the sound of water... It would be easy indeed to find patch of sunlight and simply nap there, were it not so public. Instead, she has a mind for song, softly humming an old tune as she experiments with chords and different harmonies, naught a care in the world.
Until she gains an unexpected audience. She's spoken to Val a couple of times, but she isn't concerned so much with the details of who is watching as much the fact they are watching, be it one person or ten. So she beams, projecting the words a bit more, adding a bit more flourish to her playing. She may be showing off--just a bit--though it's all in good fun. She gives a bow as finishes, pulling up with a laugh. ]
[For a few moments, Val tries to find the woman's name in the recesses of her mind, but it's just not coming. She knows who she is; they are fellow Twin Adder officers and both have served as bards in the company.
She lets it go after a bit, though. If it doesn't come to her, she'll ask. It wouldn't be the first time.
Absentmindedly running her fingertips over the tops of her boots, she chuckles and shakes her head.] No, no requests. Play to your heart's content, bard.
[ It is a simple enough affair to keep playing, of course, and M'ahina does delight in having someone watching. Still... ]
Val, wasn't it? [ They have never really had the chance to speak at length, but she certainly knows who she is. She does pay some attention, despite all outward appearances. ] If there's naught you'd like to hear, then mayhap you might be inclined to join in? I never get much chance to play in an ensemble.
[ Just a thought. If the other woman prefers to listen, she'll hardly be offended. ]
[Val nods, a quick smile gracing her features.] Yes, that's right. [She clasps her hands over her knees and lets her gaze drift to the falls for a moment. The sound of the falling water is almost perfect enough accompaniment.]
You lead, I'll follow. [She has no instrument on her but her voice but that is, in her mind, perhaps the purest instrument.]
[ How exciting. A solo performance is well and good, but it's opinion that there's something special in a duet, of song being infused with multiple expression; all the more powerful when in sync, and a unique disaster when not.
Though they would seem to be more the former, for which M'ahina could not be more thrilled. She strums a progression of chords for them follow, and from there, there's naught to do but improvise. She lets Val compose their melody, and picks up on the bits she likes the most with a variation or harmony.
Forgetting all too easily there's a satchel of documents she's supposed to be delivering to command. And possibly conveniently ignoring the captain at the edge of a small crowd they seem to be gathering, giving the stare of death. ]
[Val's melody is a combination of lyrics she's heard before, her own turns of phrase, and simple melodic sounds. It's easy to sing with M'ahina; the woman has a true talent and Val finds herself truly enjoying the impromptu jam session.
For a time, she doesn't notice the crowd they've gathered, so wrapped up in the music. That's nothing new; Val has gotten lost in melodies and harmonies a million times over.
Someone moving nearby catches her eye and she looks up to find the crowd, slightly surprised that they've drawn a small gathering.
And among that gathering, the captain staring in their direction with an expression that is most definitely not please. Val's voice trails off, wracking her mind for whatever it is she's done this time, and she reaches over to tap M'ahina's leg.]
[ M'ahina tilts her head in curiosity at the gesture, wondering why the music has suddenly stopped, 'till she manages to catch glimpse of the expression being directed her way.
... Ah. That rather explains it, does it not?
She clears her throat, quietly tucking her instrument away and shuffling towards the sheath of neatly tied and ... very late documents she'd been entrusted with. She's certain to be in for it this time--caught both in her own daydreams and her chronic habit of being out of uniform.
She approaches her captain and holds out the papers meekly, but an idea of sorts strikes. She can't be reprimanded if she can't be found, yes...?
So it is that she steals a glance towards Val, carefully mouthing 'meet here later' with a wink.
And darts off with a fleet foot, quite certain the man won't expect her to eventually double back to the scene of the crime, as it were. ]
[Val has to duck her head to hide her smile as M'ahina runs off. Honestly, she's just glad that she's not the one in trouble this time; Val's done her share of forgetting to deliver important messages or showing up very late to an appointment.
After the captain leaves - thankfully without a word to her - Val gets up and goes on a leisurely walk around Gridania. She takes a little time to find something to eat and ends up wandering back to the Falls before too long.
Not surprising. It's one of her favorite places.
If M'ahina is already there, she will make her way over and sit quietly nearby. If not, she'll find a place near the water to sit on the ground.]
[ She makes her way back a bit later, looking ... altogether too pleased with herself, considering. ]
Ah, hello again! [ She settles in by the falls herself. ] Sorry about earlier. I may have neglected to deliver some important documents? But I managed to escape being told off, for now. I have places in this forest they couldn't dream of. Though I suppose that may become an issue next time I'm on duty.
[ ... Hm. Foresight was never a strong point of hers. She's probably quite lucky their superiors don't take their unit terribly seriously yet. ]
Mm, I'm certain I'll find a way to get them to let me off. Would you punish such a face?
[ She gives her most innocent expression. Rather than forgetful, she routinely attempts to push the limits of what she can get away with. Oddly, it has yet to backfire, but although on some level she's knows it's just a matter of time, she does not seem keen on cleaning up her act. ]
Ah, but I can get serious when I need to be.
[ When it's fun, or there's a challenge involved. Whoever let this girl serve in a military capacity must surely be regretting it. ]
[Val grins in the face of that too-innocent expression. There's a part of her that wishes that she could be that carefree, that fun, but she knows she'll never get there. She's too reserved, too insecure in too many ways to be that free with her joy.]
You would not be here otherwise. [The world is just too dangerous to let someone be that carefree for too long.]
[ Though he would gladly take to any opportunities presented to him with his knighthood, Haurchefant had become very fond of his post at Camp Dragonhead. It allowed him more freedom than he might otherwise within the walls of Ishgard proper and has put him in a very convenient and central location in a very literal sense.
Even before the Calamity, Coerthas was a labyrinth of winding valleys and high peaks, funneling travelers and would-be adventurers through the kindest paths. Camp Dragonhead is situated perfectly on one such of those which means that he enjoys the benefits of getting to chat with all who pass through the gates as he likes. Ishgard may not have the reputation of being particularly warm to foreigners, but Haurchefant welcomed all with open arms and a hearty sense of curiosity. The world is a truly much more wonderous place than he would have realized otherwise!
Of course, he did play favorites. In the months past a very particular adventurer had graced his stony doorstep and Haurchefant is always glad to have her grace her with his presence. Thoughts of M'ahina were not infrequent as he sits there going over a supply request meant to pass up further north. He rereads the same line twice as he considers if he should write her a letter--then...where exactly would he send it? Always so busy, always in demand...and rightly so! ]
My lord?
[ Haurchefant blinks and looks up to the knight in front of him, then laughs. ]
Ah, apologies! My mind seems oft to wander as the sun gets closer to setting.
[ He grabs his quill and quickly signs his approval at the bottom of the scroll and hands it back. ]
There we are! And send my regards to Ser Dilort.
[ The knight salutes and makes their back towards the door. Haurchefant leans back into his chair as he watches, thinking back to the last time he saw those selfsame doors burst open and revealing his dearest visitor... ]
[ It began as it always did--some simple errand getting far away from her. M'ahina had been asked this time to procure a medicinal plant, and eagerly accepted, thinking it a simple gesture. How wrong she had been. A sold out market and wild goose chase later, she resigned herself to Coerthas to harvest a rare cultivar of mistletoe own her own. One might think, given her disdain for cold and especially the snow, that she might have dressed a bit more sensibly for the occasion. Such persons would be vastly overestimating her foresight, and vastly underestimating her priority for fashion over function. She has an image to maintain, and surely no self-respecting bard would be caught dull clothing.
Though now, she's paying the price for it, in the form of being almost dangerously chilled, and there can be only one possible destination in such a state. There may be plenty of places offering a fire, but in Coerthas, only of one those places offers any warmth of spirit. Lord Haurchefant's unusual mannerisms notwithstanding. M'ahina can't recall being so enthusiastically welcomed anywhere else in all her years.
It's not a very grand entrance. Her ears are flat against her head, her arms pulled around her, and she walks in tiny steps, shivering. ]
I... thought I might take advantage of you hearth?
[ She attempts to give a wry smile, though not successfully. He face is so numb she could almost imagine her features frozen into place. Mayhap she should reevaluate her priorities--this may well be the height of creating one's own problems, and now she looks ridiculous. ]
[ Her timing could not have been more perfect. How fortuitous that when his mind wandered her way that she would deign to make an appearance! Perhaps the Fury was really looking out for him. Haurchefant--jovial in his own right--seems to brighten tenfold at the sight of her. ]
My friend!
[ He stands, his chair pushing back against the stone with the motion and he wastes no time rounding the desk. Haurchefant extends his arms wide as he meets M'ahina at the doorway, taking in the way her ears hug close to her head, the flush of her skin. Chilled, no doubt. ]
My hearth is ever at your disposal and I assure you it is more hospitable than the weather this afternoon. Come, come!
[ He places a hand at her shoulder to guide her in further and motions to one of his knights who immediately goes to the far corner of the room to rummage for a cloak or a blanket. ]
[ M'ahina gives a couple of nods of agreement, more intent on vigorously rubbing at her arms instead of responding directly. She inches as close to the fire as she can, stretching her fingers out towards it to warm away the numbness. She's still quite cold in the drafty hall and probably will be for a while yet, but she is still able to breathe some small sigh of relief. ]
Much better.
[ More so when someone hands her a an old blanket to drape over her shoulders. ]
I hope you'll forgive the intrusion. I may have underestimated Coerthan winters.
[ Hadn't considered them at all, more like, which might be obvious from how she's donned a skirt rather than a heavy coat, but she did not come to discuss her own thoughtlessness. She waves a hand dismissively. ]
[ Haurchefant is only too ready to assist with that, making sure the woolen knitted blanket smooths over her shoulders properly once it has arrived. He gives a thankful nod to the knight who fetched it. ]
Far from an intrusion! Your presence alone aught to bring some much needed sun. But until such a time, you are ever a welcome guest.
[ She is...thoroughly unprepared indeed, but in some ways it was quite brave of her to venture into the highlands dressed as such. He is hardly one to judge, what with his own penchant for sword fighting in as much "in the buff" as he can. ]
Fighting fit but my day is looking brighter by the minute. Might I interest you in some homebrewed hot chocolate to help warm the bones and belly?
A flatterer as always, I see. [ Tough she is hardly offended by it. Indeed, it is refreshing to hear nice things about her that do not come accompanied with personal requests, for as much as M'ahina loves to bring smiles to the faces around here, the constant obligation can grow taxing, at times. ] It's so nice have easy friendship in these parts. I was never one for snow, but it makes it much more bearable.
[ Sun indeed. Though she brightens at the mention of drinks. ]
Oh! That sounds wonderful. It's rare to be enjoy chocolate...
[ For her, at least; the climate shifts have made it something of a luxury item. She supposes a man of House Fortemps would not have the same problem, so she's eager to take up the offer. Though mayhap a bit too eager, and thus, she clears her throat. ]
... If it isn't too much trouble. I wouldn't want you to think I visit only for a warm drink, after all.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
slacker friends!!
There's a lot going on in the world, after all.
Val walks slowly, hands clasped behind her back and the hem of her tailored coat brushing against the tops of her boots. She occasionally raises a hand to wave at a familiar face, though she can't always remember the name that belongs to the face. Val slowly makes her way toward Apkallu Falls; it seems like a good enough place to stop for a few moments. (It's the water; the sound of it tickles her memory. It's not quite the same as ocean waves, but it occupies the same space in her heart.)
As she turns the corner, she hears the music woven into the sound of the water and she can't help but smile. Two of her favorite things; not what she was expecting today but she can hardly turn away from an impromptu concert at the falls.
Val wanders to a stop adjacent the miqo'te playing her harp, swiping her bangs out of her face and adjusting her glasses as she finds a place to lounge on the ground. She turns her head just enough to offer the woman a smile, then pulls her knees up and wraps her arms around them.
The miqo'te woman's name hovers just out of reach, but that's commonplace for Val; she's still trying to live down forgetting Alphinaud's name that one time. Twin Adder officer, bard... A good one, apparently, Val thinks as she hums along with the melody.]
[Format can be changed, if you'd rather prose. I'm honestly good with either!]
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Until she gains an unexpected audience. She's spoken to Val a couple of times, but she isn't concerned so much with the details of who is watching as much the fact they are watching, be it one person or ten. So she beams, projecting the words a bit more, adding a bit more flourish to her playing. She may be showing off--just a bit--though it's all in good fun. She gives a bow as finishes, pulling up with a laugh. ]
Why, hello! Any requests?
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She lets it go after a bit, though. If it doesn't come to her, she'll ask. It wouldn't be the first time.
Absentmindedly running her fingertips over the tops of her boots, she chuckles and shakes her head.] No, no requests. Play to your heart's content, bard.
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Val, wasn't it? [ They have never really had the chance to speak at length, but she certainly knows who she is. She does pay some attention, despite all outward appearances. ] If there's naught you'd like to hear, then mayhap you might be inclined to join in? I never get much chance to play in an ensemble.
[ Just a thought. If the other woman prefers to listen, she'll hardly be offended. ]
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You lead, I'll follow. [She has no instrument on her but her voice but that is, in her mind, perhaps the purest instrument.]
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[ How exciting. A solo performance is well and good, but it's opinion that there's something special in a duet, of song being infused with multiple expression; all the more powerful when in sync, and a unique disaster when not.
Though they would seem to be more the former, for which M'ahina could not be more thrilled. She strums a progression of chords for them follow, and from there, there's naught to do but improvise. She lets Val compose their melody, and picks up on the bits she likes the most with a variation or harmony.
Forgetting all too easily there's a satchel of documents she's supposed to be delivering to command. And possibly conveniently ignoring the captain at the edge of a small crowd they seem to be gathering, giving the stare of death. ]
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For a time, she doesn't notice the crowd they've gathered, so wrapped up in the music. That's nothing new; Val has gotten lost in melodies and harmonies a million times over.
Someone moving nearby catches her eye and she looks up to find the crowd, slightly surprised that they've drawn a small gathering.
And among that gathering, the captain staring in their direction with an expression that is most definitely not please. Val's voice trails off, wracking her mind for whatever it is she's done this time, and she reaches over to tap M'ahina's leg.]
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... Ah. That rather explains it, does it not?
She clears her throat, quietly tucking her instrument away and shuffling towards the sheath of neatly tied and ... very late documents she'd been entrusted with. She's certain to be in for it this time--caught both in her own daydreams and her chronic habit of being out of uniform.
She approaches her captain and holds out the papers meekly, but an idea of sorts strikes. She can't be reprimanded if she can't be found, yes...?
So it is that she steals a glance towards Val, carefully mouthing 'meet here later' with a wink.
And darts off with a fleet foot, quite certain the man won't expect her to eventually double back to the scene of the crime, as it were. ]
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After the captain leaves - thankfully without a word to her - Val gets up and goes on a leisurely walk around Gridania. She takes a little time to find something to eat and ends up wandering back to the Falls before too long.
Not surprising. It's one of her favorite places.
If M'ahina is already there, she will make her way over and sit quietly nearby. If not, she'll find a place near the water to sit on the ground.]
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Ah, hello again! [ She settles in by the falls herself. ] Sorry about earlier. I may have neglected to deliver some important documents? But I managed to escape being told off, for now. I have places in this forest they couldn't dream of. Though I suppose that may become an issue next time I'm on duty.
[ ... Hm. Foresight was never a strong point of hers. She's probably quite lucky their superiors don't take their unit terribly seriously yet. ]
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I have never just ran from the captain, though. That's a new one. I might try that next time. [There's laughter in her voice.
She's never going to actually try that. Val's a bit too straight-laced for that.]
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[ She gives her most innocent expression. Rather than forgetful, she routinely attempts to push the limits of what she can get away with. Oddly, it has yet to backfire, but although on some level she's knows it's just a matter of time, she does not seem keen on cleaning up her act. ]
Ah, but I can get serious when I need to be.
[ When it's fun, or there's a challenge involved. Whoever let this girl serve in a military capacity must surely be regretting it. ]
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You would not be here otherwise. [The world is just too dangerous to let someone be that carefree for too long.]
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Even before the Calamity, Coerthas was a labyrinth of winding valleys and high peaks, funneling travelers and would-be adventurers through the kindest paths. Camp Dragonhead is situated perfectly on one such of those which means that he enjoys the benefits of getting to chat with all who pass through the gates as he likes. Ishgard may not have the reputation of being particularly warm to foreigners, but Haurchefant welcomed all with open arms and a hearty sense of curiosity. The world is a truly much more wonderous place than he would have realized otherwise!
Of course, he did play favorites. In the months past a very particular adventurer had graced his stony doorstep and Haurchefant is always glad to have her grace her with his presence. Thoughts of M'ahina were not infrequent as he sits there going over a supply request meant to pass up further north. He rereads the same line twice as he considers if he should write her a letter--then...where exactly would he send it? Always so busy, always in demand...and rightly so! ]
My lord?
[ Haurchefant blinks and looks up to the knight in front of him, then laughs. ]
Ah, apologies! My mind seems oft to wander as the sun gets closer to setting.
[ He grabs his quill and quickly signs his approval at the bottom of the scroll and hands it back. ]
There we are! And send my regards to Ser Dilort.
[ The knight salutes and makes their back towards the door. Haurchefant leans back into his chair as he watches, thinking back to the last time he saw those selfsame doors burst open and revealing his dearest visitor... ]
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Though now, she's paying the price for it, in the form of being almost dangerously chilled, and there can be only one possible destination in such a state. There may be plenty of places offering a fire, but in Coerthas, only of one those places offers any warmth of spirit. Lord Haurchefant's unusual mannerisms notwithstanding. M'ahina can't recall being so enthusiastically welcomed anywhere else in all her years.
It's not a very grand entrance. Her ears are flat against her head, her arms pulled around her, and she walks in tiny steps, shivering. ]
I... thought I might take advantage of you hearth?
[ She attempts to give a wry smile, though not successfully. He face is so numb she could almost imagine her features frozen into place. Mayhap she should reevaluate her priorities--this may well be the height of creating one's own problems, and now she looks ridiculous. ]
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My friend!
[ He stands, his chair pushing back against the stone with the motion and he wastes no time rounding the desk. Haurchefant extends his arms wide as he meets M'ahina at the doorway, taking in the way her ears hug close to her head, the flush of her skin. Chilled, no doubt. ]
My hearth is ever at your disposal and I assure you it is more hospitable than the weather this afternoon. Come, come!
[ He places a hand at her shoulder to guide her in further and motions to one of his knights who immediately goes to the far corner of the room to rummage for a cloak or a blanket. ]
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Much better.
[ More so when someone hands her a an old blanket to drape over her shoulders. ]
I hope you'll forgive the intrusion. I may have underestimated Coerthan winters.
[ Hadn't considered them at all, more like, which might be obvious from how she's donned a skirt rather than a heavy coat, but she did not come to discuss her own thoughtlessness. She waves a hand dismissively. ]
But nevermind that. How are you?
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Far from an intrusion! Your presence alone aught to bring some much needed sun. But until such a time, you are ever a welcome guest.
[ She is...thoroughly unprepared indeed, but in some ways it was quite brave of her to venture into the highlands dressed as such. He is hardly one to judge, what with his own penchant for sword fighting in as much "in the buff" as he can. ]
Fighting fit but my day is looking brighter by the minute. Might I interest you in some homebrewed hot chocolate to help warm the bones and belly?
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[ Sun indeed. Though she brightens at the mention of drinks. ]
Oh! That sounds wonderful. It's rare to be enjoy chocolate...
[ For her, at least; the climate shifts have made it something of a luxury item. She supposes a man of House Fortemps would not have the same problem, so she's eager to take up the offer. Though mayhap a bit too eager, and thus, she clears her throat. ]
... If it isn't too much trouble. I wouldn't want you to think I visit only for a warm drink, after all.