isleofavalon | [Catch-All] Reunions, Memories, & the Colour White

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[Catch-All] Reunions, Memories, & the Colour White

🧙 WHO: Aerith Gainsborough, You
⚔️️ WHAT: Catch-All for June / July
🕒 WHEN: June / July
🗺️ WHERE: Aerith's flower shop, Brocéliande, Camelot city proper, the Bay of Avalon
⚠️ WARNINGS: TBD

[01. Come for the Flowers]

[Little by little, Aerith's flower shop is getting put together. The walls are still a little barren, but contain some paintings done by local artists. Finally, it seems a little more put together.

There's no shortage of flowers on display in intricate arrangements. Planters hang from the ceiling. The scent lingering in the air is some combination of cinnamon and sweet floral notes. There's almost always a cup of tea (or something like it) at the front desk.

Aerith tries her best to keep herself busy, wandering from one end to the other, up the steps to the small loft up the stairs, back down again, making sure that everything seems to be perfect. She hums during the day to herself, overjoyed at being surrounded by some of the things that she likes most, even if she can't glean from them what she would back home.

Perhaps you've stopped in by mistake, maybe you're running errands, or you're here with the intention of finding something in particular. Either way, you're here now, and the little bell sound that chimes once you've come in signifies your entry. It's too late for you to leave now. (Aerith won't be chasing you down if you turn tail and flee.)

Whatever Aerith's in the middle of doing, she looks up from her task and eyes the door with a welcoming smile.]

Hi there! If you give me just a moment, I'll be right with you.

[02. How to Business 101]

Hm...

[Aerith holds a notebook protectively against herself as she wanders the streets of Camelot's business district. She stops every so often in the front of a store window, occasionally pokes her head in to get a good look at the wares and the design. She's doing business research to see what she can do to better her flower shop.

It's also a good excuse to get to speak with owners and others along the way and having never been one to shy away from conversation, Aerith is quite happy to exchange words in idle conversation.]

I wonder how they decided on prices. Did they just compare it to something local?

[A frown briefly crosses her features because she knows her own pricing has been pretty negotiable. But maybe flowers just don't work the same as drinks at a cafe or some of the other wares that Camelot provides.

Her feet start carrying her off to another store, her face is fixed on her notebook, where she's writing in small script her observations. She brushes up against a shoulder, or perhaps she walks headfirst into you, or maybe you simply found her in your way whilst you were trying to pass by. Either way, you are precisely one Aerith richer.]

Oops—Am I in your way? Sorry about that.

[03. Gone Fishing (Not Really)]

[She hasn't been here to visit since her original arrival. Aerith has lost track of time easily, and she knows why. She drowns in keeping herself busy and occupied. It gives her less time to think. The Bay of Avalon is a vivid recollection of how confusing it was to arrive in this new world, with the discovery that the world back home was frozen in time. It's still a little hard to wrap her mind around, but she's continued to adopt the idea that there's no sense in causing an uproar over it.

This is a thing she cannot affect, despite the otherworldly abilities that she may play host to.

It's a pleasant day, one that has her lifting an arm as she takes in what feels like a bay of water that stretches beyond what she can see.]

It's beautiful when you're not swimming out of it in the cold. Or being escorted out by turtles.

[There's a basket over one forearm, not even half full. Aerith has come all this way to see if there's any flowers that might be worth adding to the collection. Down in the water, there's occasional splashes of the fish and the welcoming organic ebb and flow of the water. Maybe one of these days she should consider going for a swim.]

Although it looks a little more serene when people aren't arriving, doesn't it?

[...She wonders if the Lady of the Lake sleeps when she's not bringing newly arrived.]

[04. Communing with Nature]

[Her fingertips splay against the rough bark and for several moments, Aerith remains still, listening to everything around her—the rustle of branches, the far off lilt of birds, and other things she cannot readily identify. For once, she's not out scouting for flowers. Rather, her visit to the forest sitting just outside of Camelot's town is for something more profound.

Aside from the occasional dreams she's had of home, of different times, of times that perhaps have not yet occurred, she hasn't felt the same since her arrival. Aerith hasn't had a way of discovering just how in touch she is with her Cetra abilities. It's not an easy thing to test either, considering the details of her 'abilities' have been complex.

Her touch moves over a subtle gash in the wood and after a moment's pause above it, it takes a gentle push of healing, an encouragement for it to heal. Whether it works or not, she hardly would know. Nature is more hardy than many give it credit for.]

There you are. [She says aloud, though she seems to be addressing the tree. After a beat, she turns to press her back against it before she finds her voice again.] I can't seem to hear anything, though. Even being surrounded by it all, it isn't the same. I'm not connected to you in the same way.

[She sighs, shutting her eyes as she thinks about where to go next. What to do. She's not seen anyone else hunting or searching for any of the ingredients that grow in the veil of trees just yet. But it doesn't mean they aren't there.]

So... what do you think we should do now, hmm?

[05. Wild Card]

[For everything else. If you'd like a closed starter, please let me know. You can PM Aerith's journal or PP me at ofthesky.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He must know. When he puts his attention onto her, she feels like that's inevitable. Balthier is not only a clever man, but also incredibly intuitive. Observant. He's obviously experienced a great deal more of the world than she has. She knows he's not an idiot. Aerith wonders if she's ever underestimated him. She's not certain she has.

Whatever he may be thinking, he doesn't pry into her. At least, not in a transparent way. Not in one that she can detect. For that, she's grateful.]

Sounds like you understand. [As much as she's willing to let him understand, anyway.] I've been called reckless, and I am. A little bit. Maybe too excitable sometimes. Too willing to get myself in danger. [Aerith shakes her head at him slowly.]

I'm just doing what I think is the right thing to do. I'm doing what I feel is right for me. There's no other way for me to put that. Part of the whole enrichening life thing. But I feel like you understand that, too.

[She smiles then, tipping up her chin to eye the sky.]

I can't wait to be up there. Even if it's just for a little bit, I want to see how everything looks.

[He cannot draw any firm conclusions without further details, reading between the lines as he is, but it's enough. What she says, and what she doesn't say, paint a vague and shapeless picture of the situation from home, but the sentiment behind it is plain. Recognizable to him, familiar for all their differences.]

I suppose I do.

[It was part of why he'd chosen the life he had, wasn't it? To live life to the fullest, to never let himself be weighed down by regrets— at least, that's what he'd always told himself. It had never really been the case, in intention or execution.

What he pursued in theory, Aerith actually practiced.]

You're being true to yourself. [It's a remarkably small number of words, for him, but he feels it sums up her own quite well, and it's similar to the remarks he'd made concerning her approach to business.] None could fault you for that. Many who would do the same have tried and failed— myself included, at times.

[He's willing to admit that much now, at least.

He follows her gaze upwards, smiling fondly.]

If I have my way, you'll have the chance before long. I'll never be content to keep my feet on the ground, and I do believe I made you a promise.

["You're being true to herself."

Those are words that she can appreciate. They embody her from head to toe. When she really thinks about them, she understands that it's easier to use words than to back them up with actions. She's been fortunate in many ways. Without a doubt, she suspects people like Balthier—real adventurers—can't always have the luxury of pursuing that kind of freedom, even if they desire it so adamantly.

When he continues, her attention turns back onto him. Her grand smile is back.]

I guess you did, yes. I wasn't sure you'd remembered or not. I wasn't going to force it on you, after all. Honestly, I was more interested the moment you sounded so impassioned about it. It was something you really wanted, so I wanted it for you.

I don't make promises idly.

[It's been long enough that he can't quite recall what words he used, but he remembers the intent well, the very thought of that conversation causing a familiar bit of warmth to resurface in his chest— the idea of flying again is one he has every intent of making a reality, whatever it takes to do so.]

Actually, I try to make a habit of not making promises at all— but those I do, I fully intend to keep.

[What sort of leading man would he be if he did not?]

Did I really sound so different?

[But even as he asks, he knows he must have. Much of his usual caution must have fallen away when he spoke of what was dear to his heart, despite his best efforts.]

[He doesn't make promises at all, hm...? That somehow makes it all the more special that he made such a promise to her. Balthier can't possibly understand what that means to her, but she does sit on that information for a few moments with a reverent interest.

Instead, she simply smiles with something akin to glee, a distinct kind of pleasure that makes her almost preen. She's that special, is she? She'll have to tease him about it a bit later.

Until then—]

You did. It was pretty obvious. You were really open about it. That was the surprising part. You tend to keep most things to yourself. When I noticed how willing you were to talk about it, I knew it meant something to you.

Guilty as charged, I suppose.

[He knows full well just how guarded he tends to be, including his tendency to use a handful of words where one might suffice, or to talk at length without truly saying anything at all. There's something to be said for Aerith's ability not only to take notice, but to actually comment on it. The latter was something few ever did, and those who managed were quite singular individuals indeed.]

I chose the life of a sky pirate for myself for a number of reasons— my strength in engineering being among them. What better way to guarantee you have the best and most coveted ship around than to keep it up yourself?

An engineer. An alchemist. Patron of the arts and music. Sky pirate extraordinaire.

[Aerith regards him thoughtfully as she puts all of those pieces together. No. There's still more to him. Balthier is giving her the smallest shards one at a time. She wonders if it's inadvertent or intentional. Just by looking at him, she's unable to determine it. All she knows is that there's still more at work than what she sees, than what she learns.

He remains enigmatic. She supposes that she does as well, in her own way. It's something they're both incredibly good at.]

Makes it sound like there's almost nothing you can't do. But you're right. With a background like that, you'd be in a good position to have the airship with the best reputation. A good sky pirate would need to have a good airship to make getaway in. Something that would go well with the stories and the rumours. And I guess building an airship is probably a work of art to those who are passionate about them.

To be fair, the alchemy bit is a rather new addition.

[Though he can't argue with the rest of the list, and there's no denying that the magic this place had seen fit to gift him with suited him. He was someone who took great pleasure in learning new things, understanding how things worked at their very core, and so while alchemy and technomancy had both introduced him to countless new concepts, he was finding the process of learning to use them effectively quite enjoyable. Compared to many other outlanders here, he had been incredibly lucky.

Even as he gives that small correction, his smile pulls a bit to one side. She's very good at putting pieces together; it's not the first time he's taken notice of that, but he does wonder how many he might have given her by now without meaning to.]

I'd argue that's a rather grand claim, and one I might be hesitant to make myself, but I certainly don't mind implying it.

[Reputation is, after all, a significant part of being a sky pirate— or notoriety, more accurately.]

We'll see if it's something you'd consider a 'work of art' when it's finished— whenever that may be. [Right now, it may as well be an age away. He's in a foreign land with foreign materials, and no skystones to speak of. That means working on a new sort of engine.] A ship is more than a vessel or status symbol, as well. For a pirate, it's home.

Oh, I thought for some reason you knew a little of it back home, too...

[Aerith tips her head thoughtfully and after a moment, she decides that her opinion ultimately isn't changed much. Balthier is still very impressive and quite mysterious. But maybe that's to be expected from the kind of man he is. Whatever else he's got going on he clearly wants to keep quiet for the time being. If she learns everything so quickly, how will he get her to come back for more?]

I'm not sure I'm gonna be a real great judge, honestly. I don't know the first thing about airships. I guess I've seen pictures of them in books, but... that's not good enough, you know?

[She's smiling, though, something of a hopeful curve of the mouth, touched that he'd even consider her opinion important at all, knowing that she's never been on one.] If this airship is going to become home for you, I guess that means I should bring some plants for ship-warming presents.

[Get it. Because it's not a house-warming party. It's a ship-warming party.]

It's not about how a ship looks, anyway— well, mostly.

[There's no denying that the Strahl is quite sleek, as ships go, and far and away more attractive than a dumpy Atomos or any number of lesser ships he's had the opportunity to pilot.]

It's all about how it flies— and that, you don't need to be an expert to judge. Someone who knows airships well might have some finer points of critique, but that matters little once you're actually in the air.

[What matters is how it feels.

He smiles at her offer, giving a firm nod in response.]

I'll be sure to reserve room just for them, in that case. Though, more immediately, I have been thinking of relocating to somewhere more permanent. Well... semi-permanent, I suppose.

[Not a hotel room. That's the main thing.]

Oh... I see. It's not about the outside, but the inside and how it feels to be aboard.

[She perks up. That's something she can definitely help with. Either way, Aerith seems particularly more keen on the idea of doing that than trying to give some kind of professional artistic opinion. Given... that she isn't an artist at all.

When he makes mention of moving, her enthusiasm is palpable.]

Really? You could probably use more space, honestly. I was actually thinking something of the same. I have an apartment right now, but was thinking I want something larger. If you have a place of your own, you can make it feel as if it's your own. That's important. You've been here long enough to have your own place. If you need help with funds, I'm sure the shop has some that I can spare for you.

[It's an unnecessary offer on her part, but it's just like her to give it.]

[He nods in agreement— space is, primarily, the driving factor.]

I'm not quite sure what I'm in the market for just yet, but it would be nice to have some workspace. I've not had anywhere permanent to stay in years— with the Strahl, I never needed it, always on the move. The hotel has done well enough, but it's well past time to move on.

[As for her offer— well, it's certainly kind, and yes, just like her, but even if he did have need of it, he could never accept. That simply wasn't like him, although fortunately, it's a non-issue.]

Kind though your offer is, I've managed to do surprisingly well for myself between odd jobs. The more mastery I gain over technomancy, the more I'll be able to depend on it for such matters, as well, strange as it is for a pirate to seek formal employment.

[He's teasing. Mostly.]

And, though I know you would be more than willing to give, I could never take from you or your business.

Is it really taking if it's being offered?

[That he declines her offer isn't a surprise. Aerith is just polite enough not to push him to accept it either. A man has his pride, after all, and Balthier isn't lacking in that in the slightest. On the contrary, he sounds so sure of himself that it's... attractive.

Her smile betrays the thought for just a moment. He really is impressive when he wants to be, isn't he?]

I hear you, all the same. You could just sell your services and be like... a technomancer-for-hire? I'm not sure how that would work, but it wouldn't be different from a... a high-class mercenary?

[Because she distinctly recalls that Balthier is very adamant that what he does and what he is, is far above that of a sellsword.]

Perhaps not, but I could never accept it, all the same.

[It's part pride, part concern for her own business, partly a desire to not complicate any friendships unnecessarily by bringing money into the equation. It tends to muddy things, he's found, and he'd rather not go down that road. Still, he gives his refusal kindly, and with a smile that assures her he appreciates the offer all the same.

As for being a high-class mercenary— he wrinkles his nose in response, though the reaction is largely performative.]

Well, when you put it like that, maybe I should reconsider putting myself up for hire... or find a far better name for it.

[Techno-pirate is, sadly, woefully inaccurate on top of sounding abysmal.]

[Aerith knows better than to push. Instead, she simply admires him with a smile drawn across her expression. If he really needs the help, especially needs it, she suspects he'll say something. If not to others, then at the very least he will to her. Whether that's all wishful thinking on her part or the truth, she can hardly say.

Her head tilts thoughtfully and her attention turns. What does one call what he would do?]

Well, I tried to come up with something. I'm not sure what one would call you as a technomancer. For me, it's easy. I run a flower shop, so people can just call me a flower girl. You're a little more special. We can't exactly simplify it. Maybe everyone should just call you Mister Mysterious.

[She even wiggles the fingers on a hand as she says 'Mysterious.' Because that's an accurate assessment, too.]

I'm sure you think that suits me perfectly.

[Oh, he can hardly argue; the fact that he keeps so many things to himself is by design, after all, but he gives a short, good-natured laugh in response, shaking his head slightly.]

Suppose I'll sort out something when the time comes. I've never had much trouble making a name for myself, whenever I thought it necessary— but one thing at a time, yes? A semi-permanent residence with room for a workshop is the first order of business.

[Their stroll through the festival grounds has brought them nearly to the end of the long, long row of market stalls, and he lets out a soft, muted noise of amusement as he takes a moment to take in their surroundings.]

It would seem we've nearly run out of marketplace to walk.

Of course I think that.

[She grins, a bit teasingly with a side of perfectly coy. He's onto her, knows she enjoys trying to get under his skin. He must not hate it himself entirely overmuch. Otherwise he wouldn't be giving her the opportunity to do so. He still takes her company, still humours her. A part of him likes it, Aerith is confident.

She nods in agreement when he makes mention of conquering one thing at a time. He's right, after all. Taking on too much at once will only bring about unnecessary strain and then likely nothing will happen. Her attention turns and she follows his gaze thoughtfully.]

Oh. I wasn't even paying attention to the market, honestly. Guess I got kind of wrapped up in our conversation. To be fair, I think you're more interesting than any of the stalls here. Tournaments are fun and so is shopping, but there's just something about you. You're almost like a really good book that I can't put down. The more I read, the more I want to read.

[That earns another laugh in reply, open and more genuine this time; he actually allows their slowed pace to come to a complete stop as he angles himself towards her. He doesn't drop her arm just yet, but he does arch one finely-shaped brow as he looks down to meet her gaze.]

Is that so?

[Well, it's hardly unlike her to be direct about what she's thinking, should she choose to share it.]

You know, we needn't wait to 'run into' one another if you're that eager to turn a few pages. You could always ask.

[Of course, so could he.]

[It's only because he stops that she does as well. Her gaze meets his and settles. Is she colouring again? Hell, she hopes not. Too much of that and she'll have to explain where it's coming from and she still isn't sure she knows.]

Welllll...

[With a tilt of her head, she eyes him patiently.]

If I learn everything immediately, that's no fun, right? I guess you have a point, though. We didn't really run into each other today, though. I was definitely specifically keeping an eye out for you. But honestly, I don't really know what your schedule is like. I doubt you're as flexible as I am.

[With time. That's what she means.]

[There might be a touch of color on her face, he thinks— hard to tell in this light, but it would hardly be the first time, and he often prides himself on leaving others at even a momentary loss for words.]

Well, I'll concede to that point— no fun if it's over too quickly, now, is it?

[They both enjoy the aspect of a challenge, a chase, the idea that even the most mundane knowledge is to be sought after rather than given freely.

What he plans to say next is swept entirely aside by her last comment, and he looks far too amused— and undeniably pleased with himself— as he raises both eyebrows in response.]

Oh, I assure you, I'm quite flexible.

[Her eyebrows shoot up at his response and she erupts into laughter, trying to stifle it behind a hand. If she wasn't blushing before, she definitely isn't in the present.

That wasn't quite what she meant, but...
How does she even know that was what he meant? (She doesn't, of course.)

As she grins, she nips down into her lower lip, as if she's trying to keep herself from smiling too grandly.]

Are you trying to embarrass me? [She sounds as if she's teasing, however.] I just don't want to disrupt too much of your time. If you get accustomed to seeing me so often, I won't have the same effect on you. Can't let you build up an Aerith immunity now, can I?

That all depends— is it working?

[The question is all-too-flippant, his smile pulling wider as he leans down to close the some of the distance between them. It's nudging dangerously close to the line of how lewd he's generally willing to be in what he would still consider polite company, but just cheeky enough to be considered this side of safe.]

An immunity... well, that would be a terrible shame, wouldn't it?

[He draws back up to his full height, that knowing smirk remaining.]

I don't think there's much danger in that. You would have to be terribly predictable for anyone to be able to manage it, and that, you are not.

Maybe just a little...

[And that's coming from someone who's not easily embarrassed. Aerith is a spring chicken in many ways, but it's not like she isn't street-smart. She knows exactly what kind of euphemisms come with 'flexible,' even if she doesn't know the details.

As he leans down, she manages to stay put, as if she's just daring him to try something. He won't. She's almost positive he won't. Nothing outlandish where other people can see them, after all. And in the end, she's right. He rises right back up, she smiles coyly—knowingly—and then looks supremely proud of herself.

What a flatterer.]

Oh, good. I'd hate it if you thought I was predictable. I like keeping you on your toes, after all. For what it's worth, you're not really predictable either. I feel like you keep me constantly guessing.

[He seems to be reasonably satisfied with that answer, giving a single nod of approval. As for the rest—]

Ah, as high a compliment as I've ever received. I do make it a point not to be dull, at the very least.

[He knows he has a rather successful record, in that regard. All things considered, he's kept things quite tame here in Camelot, partly out of necessity— but surely that can't keep on for long.]

It seems we both have what we want.

Do we?

[Aerith raises her eyebrows as she eyes him, though instead of simply contemplating, she voices precisely what she's got on her mind.]

What is it that you wanted, hmm? I didn't even know that you wanted anything.

[Maybe it's something as simple as wanting her company. Balthier doesn't strike her as the sort to say something like that, though. Even if it's true, he'd likely keep it to himself. Much in the way that to some extend, she would very much do the same. Sometimes it's easier not to say anything and simply to imply it.]

Do I have to do something special to find out what you want? Unless you've had what you wanted all along and I just never knew it...

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