Surprisingly wholesome

[killandrecycle]

WHO: Majorita, Meteion, and open to others
WHAT: Two girls who are older then they look attempt to act like they aren't both messed up with the help of their Regent assigned personal servants.
WHERE: Various parts of Achamoth
WHEN: Before the reactivation of the shrines
HOW: SCIENCE!

It was the early afternoon, and standing a short distance from the Citadel's main gates was what appeared to be a woman and a child. The woman, dressed in a nondescript brown dress that matched the color of her hair stood close to the girl, almost protectively so. The 'child' herself looked to be in something of a foul mood, judging by the way she was impatiently looking around.  Dressed in a simple dress of black dyed cloth, she seems a great deal younger then her caretaker, but you'd never know it by the way she addresses the woman. "You've made me wait long enough. You'll tell me what we're doing out here now, or I'm going back inside. I don't have anything important do and I STILL feel like you're wasting my time. You do realize you're  MY servant right, not the other way around?"

The patience on the woman's face is the opposite of what the little Aion is wearing. "Please forgive me, my lady, I fear I may have brought us here a little bit earlier then needed. I may have let my excitement get the better of me. I hope you can find it in your heart to show mercy to me. The violent hair girl responds with a derisive snort. "You're waiting for something. Or someone. That is obvious. Whatever it is gets five more minutes. After that I am going back to my room". She crosses her arms and glares upwards at the women, as if daring her to talk back. She knows she would never dare do so. Not to her 'little lady'

The woman must be a saint, because the only response the little tantrum gets is a further smile. "I would not wish to waste your time, my lady. I have made a selfish request of a certain gentleman I spoke to recently that I will need your help with. I assure you that you won't find it a waste of your time." Its obvious Majorita is not won over by the argument. "Making promises for me without even asking? Are you LOOKING to get punished?  That costs you a minute. Three more, and I am leaving." Never mind it hadn't been a full minute since she had said she would wait for only five.

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[killandrecycle]

Oddly, her description of Meteion's retainer hadn't even been meant as an insult. Considering her nature, and how frequently she DOES stab with her barbed tongue, it was a safe assumption to make, though. She was surprised when the bird actually talked back to her on the boat, and is no less so this time. A look of annoyance comes to her face. "It wasn't an insult, you know." She looks between tiny Aion and towering guardian. "Have you ever seen a gorilla? They're pretty strong. One could easily lift someone my size without even feeling it. That sort of strength is respectable." The words that come out of her mouth don't match up with her facial expression at all. Maybe she's just annoyed because she was, in her own faulty way, actually trying to be nice? "Did you think I was trying to say he was dumb or something? I don't think that. I don't even know him."

Of course that hadn't stopped her in the past. The whole reason that Meteion knew more about her then anyone else was simply because Majorita had no respect for her when the two were in the cave. She assumed the girl was going to die, that they would never see each other again. But she had survived, and made the 'correct' choice. More then anything Majorita respected power, so having the strength to take what she considered the harder path meant that she was worthy of at least a tiny bit of recognition. Even if she could hardly admit it herself.

Charlotte seems positively shocked at the response her little mistress gives. It was still pretty rude, but saying anything remotely positive was a rarity for her 'little lady'. "Did...did you really just ...no, please forget I said anything." She turns away quickly. There's only so far she can push before things break. But judging by the fact that the demon's expression hadn't changed, she hadn't reached it yet. She was still only annoyed, which was practically her normal state. She hadn't reached angry.

Both retainer and Aion remain silent for the next few minutes, but as the woman turns around a corner, a little smile sneaks its way back on her face. "It is just at the end of this street. I can recommend almost everything. Perhaps it was because I had little of my own, but anything they gave me was just SO wonderful. Even a scrap of bread felt like a feast. Of course this is not to say I was starving. The orphanage took good care of us. But you can taste the difference between food made by someone doing it as an obligation, and someone who does it because they want to."

"I'll pay for everything." Majorita speaks suddenly. "For all four of us. Because I assume the two of you will want to join us." She sounds like she's so desperately trying to still sound surly. Her voice is convincing enough. Somehow she manages to sound annoyed while effectively offering to treat the entire group. But the very fact the offer is made betrays her attempt. Wisely, Charlotte says nothing, only nodding in response.

[perfectlygoodbird]

"I have not. We did not have...gorillas, back in Elpis." Or anywhere else she had been, either. But save that one defensive outburst, Meteion seems to accept Majorita's explanation and take her at her word. "I'm not certain. But your tongue can be sharp when you so choose. I did not think he'd deserved it, when he's barely said anything to you." And Meteion knew Gurbahl wasn't dumb, for all his brutish looks.

Meteion is the one who smiles up at Charlotte, then. She says nothing--the entelechy is at least wise enough to not open a door for the servant to be retaliated against later, but the smile says it all. She's grateful for the woman's reaction. Perhaps someday, they'll get through to Majorita. But Meteion isn't going to tempt fate. Not right now.

"It sounds pretty great," Gurbahl says, then. "I still have a family, but we weren't that affluent when I was growing up. Probably can guess that, since I serve. But my sister's gone off and had her own family, and I'm the one taking care of our parents. We did all right. It's nice to hear that you got some nice things for yourself, Charlotte, even as an orphan." Meteion makes no comment, but she does rest a hand on the big fellow's arm. He gets another smile out of the bird-child, too.

Though Charlotte's words make her speak. "It's love. If they love creating the food, it's obvious. That's what I think, anyway--even before coming here, Hermes loved apples covered in syrup--they were his favorites! I couldn't eat them, then--I didn't need to, and I wasn't made that way, but just how they made him feel..."

A bit self-conscious, Meteion trails off, until Majorita offers to pay for the four of them. Her brows go up a bit, but she only tilts her head a moment, and asks, "Are you sure?"

From her tone of voice, Meteion doesn't intend it as a challenge.

[killandrecycle]

It was a half truth at best, the petite demon not really thinking much of the man at all over then noticing his overly large size. She saw him as a useful deterrent to avoid any harassment, it isn't like Meteion or herself are really visible as Aions from the distance. Up close, her shard was visible, though. She intentionally left it uncovered as a sign of power. It was a deep purplish in color, and had indentations in it that made it look vaguely like a human skull without a lower jaw.

Charlotte seems to think more of the mammoth man however, offering him an approving glance as he shares a little about himself. "But servitude brings no shame. We both have such darling little ladies to serve, after all!" Meteion is probably not the only one that would hug Majorita if the demon would tolerate it.

The mention of love brings a sound of derision from the demon, but before she can go into a little tirade, the group arrives at their destination. Just the smells that escape from the closed doors are enticing, but once the door is opened it would be enough to make anyone hungry. The voice of an older gentleman greets the group as soon as they step inside. "I'll be right with....oh, is that you Charly? Its been months!" The voice belongs to a man that was obviously not cut out for Achamoth's military. Elderly, balding, and clearly without the strength to lift a blade, he looks positively delighted at who is walking through his door. "You brought guests with you, I see. Is one of them...." He knows WHY the girl hasn't been around. She had not been a servant for months, but surely she had been taking time to prepare herself.

"Well, it doesn't matter, all guests are welcome here" The man looks between the familiar lady, and the three accompanying her. "Welcome to my bakery. I'm afraid I never gave it a fancy name, but my own is Haron. My ovens are hot and ready to make anything you may want. This is the first time here for three of you, so you get the same greeting everyone else does." With a friendly smile on his face, he moves behind his counter. returning with a small jar, which he removes the lid of to reveal shortbread cookies. They aren't made of just shortbread, however, with a small indention in the middle filled with some sort of jam, and one side dipped in chocolate. "One for each of you. Including you should wish, sir. I realize these might seem a little 'childish' for a man of your stature, but I have found no one thinks that after trying one. Go on, these are on the house for new guests. Particularly friends of Charly."

Majorita, despite the 'friend' word coming up, takes one without hesitation and promptly stuffs the whole thing into her mouth. Judging by the expression on her face, she is going to be having a difficult time coming up with something to complain about.

[perfectlygoodbird]

"He missed you!" Meteion can't help but chirp that as Haron speaks. She also can't help but smile at the affectionate nickname the older man has given Majorita's servant. Even Gurbahl smiles at the warmth in the elderly man's tone, and lets out another booming, jovial laugh at Haron's words.

"Hardly, sir, a treat is a treat! With the way your establishment smells, it has to be wonderful. Though I'll let my little lady serve me, if she wills--I'd hate to get my hand caught in the cookie jar, literally!"

Meteion laughs at that, too--it's clear she's fond of her extra-large sized servant, and the sentiment is returned. She darts her hand in the jar and takes two cookies, but lets Gurbahl look at them. "Do you have a favorite type of jam? I can't tell if there's a difference!" Surely there was--one looked to be blackberry and chocolate, and the other looked like some red berry and chocolate--strawberry or raspberry. And the look on Majorita's face--it made the bird happy to see her look at least somewhat pleased!

It's clear, when Gurbahl chooses the red jam cookie and Meteion tests the blackberry and chocolate confection, that they truly are a delight. She dances around as she takes small bites, attempting to savor it and make it last. It's likely comical, but Meteion, if she notices, has no shame in it.

"Thank you, Miss Charlotte, for bringing us here! And thank you, Majorita!" Because she hasn't forgotten that the demon offered to pay. She might regret that once she really considers Gurbahl's size...but the big man isn't going to do that to the demon. And not only for Meteion's sake.

[killandrecycle]

Majorita is doing her best to remain quiet throughout the whole thing. This had meant no complaints about the cookie, but also no introductions, no responses to anything said, just a, very clearly force, neutral expression on her face. Its obvious what the others are trying to do to her. The whole thing is just so wildly out of her norm. The obvious affection being thrown around by everyone who wasn't herself would have been something she would have longed for once. Now it almost feels like she's being mocked.

She wants to complain about it. To voice her annoyance in the same way she has so many times before. She's ready to vent, ready to kill the mood just because she doesn't feel she can really be a part of it. But then Meteion starts to dance. The simple joy of something like a little sweet treat gives the one who calls herself the necromancer's friend so much happiness that it is enough to stop her rant entirely. All that escapes her lips is a tiny little sound. Its muffled, likely intentionally so, but it sounds an awful lot like a little chuckle managed to sneak its way out of her. She sounds more amused then anything else. There is none of her characteristic cruelty to be heard, if only for the moment.

"You look ridiculous." There is no smile on her face, but neither is there a scowl. She still feels a lot more calm then normal, perhaps even in a mildly good mood, but it doesn't show in her body language. She seems to be controlling that VERY carefully. "But I will be needing some of these to bring back with me. I don't expect them to be free, of course."

Even Charlotte can feel the difference in her attitude, but is wise enough to say nothing. She offers Meteion a silent smile in response to her exuberance. Seeing her so openly happy is enough. Haron does not seem content to let his delight remain silent, though. "Of course. Charly always brought a moment of brightness to my days when she came to visit. I don't have any family of my own left, and this city is not always the most pleasant place for an old man. So having a sweet little darling come to visit me gave me something to smile about. And now I've got not one but two more young ladies to brighten my day."

The cheery response does briefly put a tiny frown on Majorita's face, but it doesn't deter Haron a bit. "I am assuming you are the one she serves." Meteion had literally attached herself to Gurbahl after all. Boldly, considering he is dealing with an Aion, the man reaches out to place a hand on the necromancer's head, tousling her hair. The passive look on the girl's face melts away in an instant. Surprisingly, it isn't anger that replaces it, but instead surprise and embarrassment. "Wh...what are..." The man's smile doesn't fade. "Forgive me if I have overstepped. But I'm sure Charly will serve you well." Her turns back towards his counters, walking away to leave a very awkward looking witch behind him. "Now, you are not here to be doted on by an old man, you are here for my talents. So tell me what I can do for my friends, both old and new. I have much more then just sweets, if you'd care for something more filling." Majorita has no response, and is doing her best not to look at anyone, but anyone could tell that she isn't used to such undisguised kindness.

[perfectlygoodbird]

"So?" That was the bird's response to Majorita's challenge of how ridiculous she looked. If Meteion was actually self-conscious, it didn't show. One last spin, and she shamelessly licks the melted chocolate left over from the cookie off her fingers.

"Ser Haron, my name is Meteion! I hope we can be friends! This very large fellow is my dear servant Gurbahl, as you may have guessed. Clearly you know Miss Charlotte, and her 'little lady' is my friend Majorita."

Guess she's going to handle the introductions, since the demon wouldn't. Also, she used the accursed 'f' word! Horrors! (There wasn't any shame in the bird about that, either. To her, it was only the truth. They were friends. Whether the demon chose to admit it, or not. She didn't really have a choice...)

Meteion imposes another horror on Majorita's person, as well--a swift, one-armed hug around the smaller girl's shoulders. Likely that's all she can get away with. If that, but clearly she likes to live dangerously! Charlotte gets a wink and another smile from the entelechy. She frowns, though, when Haron mentions how Achamoth isn't always pleasant for a fellow like him.

"Maybe if it gets around that we are frequenting your establishment--Majorita and I, at least--it will get better for you?" Even as she speaks the words, the bird hopes so, in her heart of hearts. And one had best believe she would come to check up on her newest friend! Even if the Innocent legacy was mocked and looked down upon. It just meant that she was underestimated.

Haron's next action--ruffling Majorita's hair--has Meteion smiling, but she suppresses it quickly. She can tell her friend is embarrassed, and far be it from Meteion to make things worse. "I can be both, can't I? Here to be doted on by an elder, and appreciate his talents?" Maybe she can take a bit of focus off Majorita and lessen the embarrassment, even if it's because Haron knows Charlotte since she was young. And Charlotte is Majorita's servant. Still. She'll try!

"I have to ask--what is your favorite creation, though, Ser Haron? Either what you enjoy making the most, or what you enjoy eating the most?" She still gets joy out of the emotions people express, even though they don't give her the same sensation as they did when she was a being of pure dynamis. Her interest is far from feigned. That and there's so much already on display that looks amazing, it's a bit difficult for her to choose any one thing.

[killandrecycle]

The response the demon gets to her teasing is ALMOST enough to put a smile on her face. Its like she's trying to actively fight against it. She comes SO close to just breaking down and doing it. Meteion's silly little twirl and topping it off by licking the sweets off her fingers seemed to genuinely amuse her, and not in the way she is 'amused' by hurting someone.

Sadly, her antisocial nature wins the struggle, and that smile never shows itself. It might not be enough to hide her feelings from an empath, but at least the others present won't be able to notice. They won't be able to miss what happens next, though. The moment the bird's arm hugs her, Majorita's entire body seems to stiffen up. Her face takes up an odd expression, not anger, not annoyance, not embarrasement but something that almost resembles fear. Its there for just a moment, before she calms down, bringing her hand up to Meteion's, gripping it with enough force that it would be difficult to pull away, though not enough to cause pain, and raising it over her head as she ducks down to extract herself, before letting go. She gives her 'friend' a little glare, but it softens quickly before she turns away.

And then, almost instantly, she's treated like a child by the bakery's owner. She's remained remarkably silent during all of this, seeming almost overwhelmed, and is content to let the others carry the conversation. Charlotte, ever the loyal servant, steps protectively close to her little lady. She isn't sure if her presence will be comforting or annoying but she's offered it regardless. The baker, seeming to notice all that discomfort, does his best to be as jovial as possible when responding to Meteion's questions, giving the flustered demon a little time to compose herself while not being the focus of attention.

"You need not trouble yourselves to try and promote my business, dear girl. I pull in enough to stay afloat, and were I to get too overcrowded I would not be able to keep up. I handle everything on my own, and I could not guarantee the same quality did I not make everything myself." He clearly has a bit of pride in his work. "Still, I'll be more happy to play host to you and your friend anytime you wish." Yes, that was a little groan you just heard from the demon. "As well as anyone you might want to bring along. Now, as for your question, I am not sure I can answer it the way you wish. I do not create anything I do not personally love. Some days I may want for something both crunchy and sweet. A cookie like you have already had is best for such times. Others I may not have such a sweet tooth, and for those I have several different sorts of breads. I also make a pretty good dinner pie, if you have no sweet tooth at all." A warm smile touches his face. "But I've found best of all to be a little of each. Variety, my dear girl, is more delicious then picking any one single item. And that is why I cannot truly claim to have a favorite. I love it all, from the sweetest cookie to the driest crust of bread. So tell me, Mistress Meteion. What sort of variety will add spice to YOUR life?"

[perfectlygoodbird]

Majorita's secret is safe with her--for all the teasing, the smile that does not escape the demon is, indeed, felt by the bird--but too much is too much, and the entelechy feels if she calls the demon on it, that smile might never come to light in reality. So she keeps her peace.

She does, however, mumble a "Sorry!" when Majorita hauls her arm away. Not for the hug--Meteion is not sorry for that--but for the frisson of fear that gesture brought out in the demon. Let Majorita think what she will. That's another thing the bird is not going to call any attention to. For all that she likes to push the envelope a bit, even she knows when enough is enough.

"Well...I promise to do my best to not sing too loudly of your skills! But I can't promise you won't get a few new customers. Some of them might be my friends--I have a few people I'd probably bring here." And she's thinking of at least one poor, laid-up fellow who might be happier with a treat. This is a perfect opportunity, and one Meteion won't pass up.

She does give good thought to Haron's question, but gives it equal respect. "This may sound strange to you, Ser Haron, but my experience with food is new in coming to Horos and being an Aion. It certainly hasn't disappointed me so far, but I fear I might disappoint you--because I want to try everything! Luckily, I'll be satisfied with...perhaps some of that bread you spoke of? This will just make sure I do come back!"

Not for a moment does Meteion expect a smorgasbord delivered to her demand; she figures return visits will be all to the good to broaden her culinary experiences.