isleofavalon | [Catch-All] Making Home

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[Catch-All] Making Home

🧙 WHO: Aerith Gainsborough, You
⚔️️ WHAT: Catch-All
🕒 WHEN: March
🗺️ WHERE: Camelot, Everywhere We Need to Be
⚠️ WARNINGS: None, Will react accordingly.

01. It's Bunny Season

[Aerith has spent no shortage of time trying to get acquainted with the locals of Camelot and form positive relationships with them. It might not be the Midgar slums, but it's something similar in the way of a community. If she's going to be here for some time, then it stands to reason she ought to try to make it somewhat like home.

Hunting down a royal angora rabbit seems like the perfect way to go about that. At the quest board, she's loosely woven her hands together. And then she decides to get to work and make her rounds to the various bunny cafes.

There's no shortage of them.]

Oh, aren't you cute. A little pudgy, though. [She says with a grin, lifting a bunny as she's searching for particular traits of Sir Fuzzlerton the Cad. But the truth is, she doesn't know very much about rabbits and isn't wholly certain of what she's looking for.]

I can't tell if you look like a Sir Fuzzlerton or not.

[So she decides to hold up said bunny to the nearest cafe patron or visitor. Or possibly another person searching for the same rabbit.] Does this look like a Sir Fuzzlerton to you?

02. Harvest Moon: An Age of Camelot

[Aerith lifts a hand and draws wrist across her forehead as she looses a soft sigh. Being able to help with the fields is another thing that makes her think of home and the flowers that she tends there. She's been happy enough to lose herself in it, too, humming as she works in the soil.

Eventually she makes her way for the hay and the horses to lend a hand there as well. All in all, it's a constructive use of her time. Much better than doing nothing at all and a great way of keeping her from overthinking her situation.]

Hey. [She addresses the nearest to her as she points to a bale of hay.] Do you think you could help me move this? I want to bring it closer to the horses, so they can eat, but I don't think I can carry it on my own.

[Yes, she's already tried and probably looked pretty funny doing so. Bales of hay look deceptively light. Aerith has underestimated their true power.]

03. Flower Crowns

Hm...

[Aerith thumbs at her chin thoughtfully, the hint of a frown playing into her features. She's heard it repeatedly. Many of the merchants and locals of the town have voiced their inability to get to the flowers they would ordinarily use. It's springtime and the outskirts are no short of lovely, but Camelot itself looks a little plain without the variety of colour.

But dragons... That's probably not something a silver tongue can talk through. Basically, she knows she can't do it on her own. She'll need some help, so maybe she can convince an innocent (or not-so-inncoent bystander).

There's only one way to find out. Maybe you're shopping. Maybe you're training. Maybe you're just taking in the sights. Wherever you might be, there's an Aerith popping up ~~like a daisy~~ at your side with a smile.]

Hi there! Do you think I could borrow you for a little?

[And by a little, she has no idea if it genuinely is a little. For all she knows, this could be an all-day endeavour.]

04.Smoothies Like Jagger

[After keeping herself so occupied with the going-on's in Camelot, Aerith is overjoyed to see smoothie vendors in no short supply. Maybe it's intentional in the face of the coming equinox. It certainly seems like everyone has been keeping busy.

With a grateful exchange of the smoothie peddler she's stopped by, she becomes one Strawberry-Rose smoothie richer and takes a long moment to indulge.

It hits the spot.]

Ohhh, that's great! I hope these aren't a temporary thing. I could use a few more, honestly. Maybe I can get my hands on the recipe.

[If not for her to make it, then maybe she can find someone else to do so.]

[OOC: If the above don't strike your fancy, please feel free to PP me at

ofthesky, or send me a PM. I'm happy to write closed starts for those who may be interested.]

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[Colette does the hardest task, which, in Aerith's opinion, is actually getting the rabbit in the box. It sounds easy in theory, but rarely the things that do truly are. It'd be easy to underestimate, even if it's just a cute bunny.

Because obviously this very cute bunny has already caused a plethora of issues for said owner.]

I'll carry it if you want to navigate us back.

[And she's right. Box is definitely a bit more weighted. Certainly didn't seem like the rabbit was that heavy. Maybe it's all of that luxurious fur...]

Okay! I can do that.

[It shouldn't be too hard? She figures. To lead the way. There were maps with those phones after all. She just has to check where the owner lives. Then figure the directions from this cafe. She passes the rabbit to Aerith, getting out her phone, checking the address and asking the staff which way to get there. Figuring the locals would at least know hopefully on some basic directions to follow.]

[Aerith quite happily takes the box and she peers over to get a look at Colette's phone. Not because she's interested in eavesdropping, but mostly because she just wants to look at what she assumes is going to be a map.]

After all the trouble this one's given us, I think I can say with confidence that I no longer want to adopt all of the rabbits in the cafes.

[Her attention turns onto their boxed rabbit and she tilts her head.]

Any luck? We can probably stop by the board to double check the location if we need to.

Even just this one has been a handful. Pets are a big responsibility.

[Though. Well. Colette might love dogs but even she knew there were limits in how many one could realistically care for at once! So she can't help but to get a little distracted in almost giggling at Aerith admitting her desire to adopt all the cute rabbits.]

But ah, I guess. We might have to. I'm still figuring these things.

[The phones. It's more advanced than what they had back home.]

I can imagine they are. I don't have any pets at home, but there's an area of the neighbourhood that stray cats congregate to. I'm pretty everyone takes care of them, though, and the kids play with them, too. So I feel like that's pretty close to having a pet.

[Because if she claims she doesn't stop by to pet a cat every now and then, that would be false.

Her attention turns when Colette makes mention of her phone and she dips down just a touch more to get a better look.]

Hmmm. If I'm remembering correctly, try looking up Bledsoe Manor. I'm pretty sure that's the place we need to be taking him to. There should be a thing to navigate us and it should even tell us how long it'll take to get there.

Aw, so everyone sort of helps look after those cats. That sounds really nice!

[Everyone pitching in and all. She supposes it is sort of like how everyone back home helped keep an eye on her, as the Chosen and all. Sort of. But that was part and parcel of being the Chosen that everyone was counting on her and thus had to protect her and keep her safe, so pretty much all of Iselia helped raise her in that sense.

She gives a nod to the suggestion to look up the manor, then using that to navigate in guiding them in that direction at least.]

I kind of feel like they did that for a lot of things. There are a lot of orphaned kids back in the slums, so they run errands for the locals. The locals help take care of them. Give them things to do. Can't always pay with money, but they get food, and they're kept safe.

[She shakes her head.]

Oh, there we go. That's what we were looking for. Thanks for navigating us, by the way. I feel like you probably put in more effort to catch him than I did. [Given that she's spent most of her time picking up and petting rabbits, this probably isn't too far off the mark.]

Still, that's a wonderful way for everyone to help out. If sad that there's so many kids without their parents. I lost my mother, but at least I still had my dad and grandmother. And the rest of the village helped them out with me.

[Because she was the Chosen. They all had a vested interest in her survival. At least until she left for her Journey. But also there were cases like Dirk, who took in Lloyd after Anna had died trying to escape the Ranch.]

But ah, no! I mean. I'm just glad we were able to find him and get him back home is all. I know if I had a pet I'd be worried if they ran off like that, so.

[Colette's just a softie for the fluffy adorable animals, really.]

[For several long moments, Aerith simply listens, as if she's filing away what she learns about Colette. She doesn't say it, but she thinks of the loss of her own mother, though Elmyra has been perfectly motherly in her own way. It might not be the same, but it's pretty close.

Her expression softens.]

I'm very happy that you had people to help. I can't tell how old you are, and I don't want to underestimate your own abilities, but regardless of age, no one should have to go through those things on their own.

[Her face gives way to a smile and she nods in agreement.]

I'd be worried, too. I'm glad we were able to find him. I thought we were going to be looking at rabbits for days, honestly.

I'm sixteen! But. You're right. Everyone should have someone. To go to if they need.

[Whether that was someone in their family, a friend. Whoever they trusted. Everyone needed some support. Whatever their family situation. Aerith was right about that. Even Lloyd had Dirk, after Dirk had found him near the Ranch all those years ago and taken the boy in.

Even pets. They needed someone to look out for them. Even if it would always hurt, to be reminded of those they lost. Her mother and Lloyd's.]

I wasn't sure how long it would take either, there were so many, and so many cafes to check!

[Older than Aerith's suspected. There's only a six year difference between them and Aerith can very easily remember what life was like for her at sixteen.]

I'm sure you have all of the help you need among your friends here, but if you do ever find yourself in need, you can always come to me. I probably won't have all of the answers, but maybe I can help in one way or another.

[It's a very easy offer for Aerith to make and she knows that she'd probably make it to just about anyone around her receptive enough to it.

Her head tips this way and that and she finally looses a sigh, exhausted by the mere idea of going from cafe to cafe.]

Thank goodness we didn't have to do that. Before you came along, I'm pretty sure I'd been to a few cafes before. Obviously I should have run into you much sooner. I bet you're the good luck charm.

[Colette: Bunny Attraction Extraordinare.]

Ah, at your flower shop, right? I can do that! And the same for you. Um, not that I'm sure how much help I'd be...

[Being the younger of the two of them. And being newer here and all. It's more likely she might need Aerith's help but still. The offer is there in return. If Aerith needs it. She focuses on their directions, navigating if they need to turn a corner or such.]

Eh? A good luck charm? I know some friends say my being so clumsy is like I'm blessed in how that tends to work out, but.

[She isn't sure anyone else has said that. She is the Chosen after all. Everyone is well aware of the chance she might fail in even getting to that Final Seal. Let alone what awaits her there.]

[Aerith considers reminding her that age is rarely a factor when it comes to being in need of companionship or a listening ear. She refrains from saying so, however, thinking that somewhere, Colette likely already knows. Like Ken, Aerith remembers that she must step carefully. Appearances are not the end-all, be-all. Colette is obviously not a child.

In the end, she laughs.]

Sometimes being clumsy can be a good thing. It's not likely that you'd see yourself as good luck. Most of us don't see those kinds of things about ourselves. Whether it's coincidence or intentional, I can't deny that having you around helped. Let's call it a happy chance.

Right. I guess me tripping that one time did stop Sheena from running at me trying to kill me when we first met. I accidentally tripped on a lever that opened a passage she fell down.

[The best first impressions, right? Sheena asking which of them was the Chosen, Colette cheerfully putting her hand up and then. That. Yup. There's a reason some of her friends proclaim her clumsiness as being blessed somehow given it so often works out like that to her benefit.]

My friends sometimes say my being so clumsy is 'blessed' because of it helping like that.

[She explains as she focuses on navigating, on directing them towards the house of the owner.]

I think we call that a happy coincidence! [Just hearing about it, however, does make Aerith chuckle a bit. She's not the most graceful either, but usually she has herself in a good place on her feet.

Usually. Even Aerith is not infallible.]

Your friends might say that, but it sounds to me more like they're teasing. I find that the more I like someone, personally, the more I'll tease them, actually. In that case, I'd say you're really blessed, Colette.

Really blessed? I guess that comes with being the Chosen and all.

[Anyone that really knew the truth on all that with the Chosen System, what is expected of Colette, would argue against that in it being the farthest thing from being blessed in being expected to sacrifice yourself. But still. She can't help but to smile and give a shrug at that as she navigates them.]

Ah, I think it's.....this one! Here! Wow, it's so big....!

[Aerith has a thought to ask about what it means to be 'the Chosen.' It's possible that it might be something like herself. Maybe, though it sounds more like something one might call a priestess. Something like that. She's left wondering when they do manage to happen upon Bledsoe Manor.

Colette's assessment is right on. It's luxurious and fancy. Almost a little over the top in Aerith's opinion. Grandiose to an extreme.]

I think you're right.

[Even she has to pause as she looks up in something that she can only describe as 'awe.' And after picking up her proverbial jaw from the ground, she shakes her head and gives Colette and encouraging nod.]

Let's get them their rabbit, hm? Sounds like this rabbit is living better than probably most of us here. Wouldn't want him to lose out on his comforts now, would we.

So huge....! I wonder if this is what it's like over in Tethe'alla where Sheena lives. But ah, yes! Yes, let's get him inside back to the owner!

[She agrees, giving a nod and pocketing her phone now they had arrived. There's no point in keeping it out when they were here, in it being obvious where to go with the huge front doors she leads the way to as Aerith carries the rabbit. Trying to focus on the task at hand in not getting too distracted with really explaining but perhaps she could another time.]

Does your friend live in a mansion too?

[Just what kind of people does Colette know? Not only is she the famed Chosen, but she knows people who might potentially be well off...? Aerith just has more and more questions. There's obviously a lot more to Colette than what meets the eye. She's the very epitome of not judging a book by its cover, it seems.

She lets Colette lead the way, stepping after her, admittedly distracted by the whole intimidating structure. She is, however, very much shameless and wastes little time knocking on the door and patiently waiting to explain they've brought back one missing bunny.]

I don't know how I'd live in a place like this myself. Sometimes I think just the apartments here are big enough for me. But I guess I could put a lot of plants inside of it... [Because of course that's where Aerith's mind goes.]

I don't know. I haven't been to Tethe'alla. I mean. Not yet that I remember. Apparently Kratos said we go there later on but. I'd guess things there are a lot more prosperous and happy and more advanced than Sylvarant, given they have more Mana supply.

[But that's. Not the priority here in her rambling a little. No. Returning the rabbit is. And at least Aerith is more focused in knocking on the door.]

It would be a lot of plants.....I'm used to a more simple housing myself.

[The door opens then and Colette gives a sheepish wave, gesturing to the carrier Aerith holds with the rabbit inside, explaining they hope this is the right one to return to them.]

[Once the door opens, Aerith lifts the carrier to better show off the rabbit they've caught. There are moments that the bunny in question is examined. Perhaps a few too many. Enough that Aerith can feel a sliver of uncertainty, just in case they've been wrong all along. But just when she's preparing herself to hear that she and Colette will have to return to square one, they're delivered joyful news.

One success.

A boisterous exclamation later and Aerith relinquishes the rabbit to the staff answering the door. It's followed up by gratitude and some explanation (a bit terse, really) on where Colette and Aerith can collect their reward, because evidently not just anyone is allowed into the manse for such collections. And just like that, rabbit misadventure is over, leaving Aerith somewhat winded by the situation.]

That was easier than I thought it'd be. [She stretches her arms above her head before setting her attention back onto her immediate companion.] It would be a lot of plants, by the way. Probably too many and that's coming from me. Never thought I'd say something like that...

What're you gonna spend your reward money on?

I'm just glad he's back home and safe. I haven't decided with the reward money yet, but I'm sure I'll figure something.

[Colette says, giving a shrug. Just relieved that things worked out. That they were able to help. She follows Aerith as they start to turn around and head back after returning the rabbit in having that confirmed, and being told about where to get the reward. She stretches, giving a sigh as they walk.]

What about you? More plants for your shop?

[It's a good question. One that Aerith isn't really sure how to answer right off to bat. Well, not necessarily true. She has a particular direction she wants to go. Tifa...

Thumbing at her chin, Aerith settles her gaze back onto Colette as she regains some feeling in her arms from lugging the furrylicious rabbit across Camelot proper.]

Hm. Someone I know from home wants to open a bar here, so I want to help her do that. I told her that any money I made from the shop and anything extra I made would go to her bar. I want her to feel comfortable too, and I want her to have something that makes her feel like she belongs. She was a bartender back home and I think her having something like that here will make it not seem so daunting.

Maybe after that—more plants!

Oh, that's a nice idea! To help your friend. I guess I'm still figuring what I want to do here besides school exactly. But I'm sure I'll figure something! I hope your friend is able to open her bar! And I'll definitely come see your new plants!

[She says as they turn and head back in the direction of the main area of Camelot, away from such well to do housing. Colette's definitely more used to the simpler accommodations and life, given how she was raised back home, how sheltered she was given her role as the Chosen.]

[Colette brings up an interesting point. It can be hard to find what to do with the oodles of free time they end up with. Camelot, undoubtedly, has its very interesting moments, but there's also down time and sometimes there might not always be a balance between the two.]

Hm...
I hope she does, too. And of course you're welcome at the shop anytime you'd like. I keep trying to make improvements, and I keep trying not to overdo said improvements.

[As she eyes Colette with a distinct fondness, she gently clears her throat.] If it's not too nosy to ask, what did you do with your free time back home? I'm not sure how much free time a 'Chosen' gets, but I'm sure you did more than study or work.

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