[ Annie doesn't know how to approach this. She doesn't want to scare him by how low she had been. Maybe it's best to gloss that over. ]
Well! Let's just say I'm doing better than I had been.
Humans tend to love carbs. It's a quick and easy way to get calories. In this case I just need it for the sauce... although. I did lose weight I can't spare so I guess I do need the calories to fix that.
[ She hums happily. ]
I'd like cooking with you. I'm looking at getting someone else in here. It... It looks like Coraline didn't get my message. I've been on my own.
[He's not oblivious, and it's more out of respect for Annie's boundaries that Eridanus doesn't initially bring up the way she's acting—or the way she'd holed herself up.
But now, it seems as if she wants to share, and doesn't know how.]
Well, you're sweet, so a roommate won't be too hard for you. [Besides, it's almost time for the next fog, isn't it? New arrivals are bound to come.]
Annie. [He starts, and waits for her gaze to meet his. His smile has faltered slightly, but his expression is still soft, and full of familiar fondness.]
You can talk to me, if you want to. I will always listen. I meant what I said weeks ago — I care for you, deeply.
I shouldn't be alone. I get... I get bad by myself.
[ She reaches to rub her face. The food won't burn but she still turns the temperature down just in case. Annie doesn't know how he'll take this. ]
I... I got low after we got back. I had to cover up the bathroom mirror or I would have smashed it open. I just couldn't stand myself.
I didn't even want to get out of bed. I still did for work but I hated every minute of it. It took too much energy to act perky or kind to every person who walked in.
[ She sniffs a bit. ]
If I was a mermaid I might have drowned them just to avoid dealing with them.... or so I could really hide and not have to face anyone. I couldn't... I couldn't convince myself I was worthy of anything. I had to pretty much claw my way back to how I usually am and... It's still hard. I get like this and sometimes I can't shake it. This time I think I'm doing a bit better. But I'm tired.
[As Annie speaks, Eridanus' brow knots. Emotional talks are not things he enjoys, his own problems ignored in favor of whatever pleasure he could readily get his hands on instead. If he were to count the number of times he thought about descending the cliff his estate sat upon, just to walk into the sea—never to return—he would not have enough hours in the day.]
I understand your feelings, Annie. I have had them, too. [Depression, he knows that's what it's called, but he won't say it aloud.
Eridanus steps towards Annie and takes her hand in his own.]
It's hard, going through those feelings, but you made it. You conquered them, even if for a short time, and I am here with you now — and I will be there for you any time you need me. I will come whenever you call, Annie. No matter what your thoughts tell you, you are not alone with them.
My father would get the same way. Sometimes with a touch of like, mania. He'd go through these creative periods where he was at the top of his game... His depressive episodes were like watching a puppet gets its strings cut.
[ If it is allowed Annie is going to just hug Eridanus. Her face ends up pressed against him while she shuts out the world just for a moment. ]
You're so good to me. I didn't.... I didn't want to be selfish. There was a few days where I might have begged to have you and Lucius around even if I wasn't up for talking. I was basically a mushroom by the fireplace.
[As Annie slots against him, Eridanus turns to accept her embrace. It's funny, how quickly one gets used to being intimate with so many extra, intrusive parts—but he's become well versed in navigating those gruesome pincers, and pulls her tightly to his chest.
The hug is just as much for her as it is for him, and when Eridanus pulls back, he keeps one arm loosely about her shoulders.]
I love you too, Annie. Lucius does as well, in his own odd way. He'll never say the words, but the way he talks about you, he beams with so much pride. [Eridanus smiles fondly down at her,] because we love you, you're allowed to be selfish, you know. If ever this house feels too big and empty for you, either contact me, or come to Djavulenstad. You are always welcome at our home.
[A pause,] that reminds me, I should set up a ward here, so that I may readily teleport whenever you need me.
But Eridanus lets go of her, just so that the food she was so keen to make doesn't burn, even with the low heat. He returns to leaning against the counter.]
Well, I can't say no to that — I think it would be good for you to have more friends around your age. Hopefully ones at least closer than Lucius and I. We who live well into millennia are good for advice-giving, but not quite the same comradery as another young lady.
[Yes he said lady. Annie knows what he means. Sorry Annie, Eridanus is still pretty traditional in his mentality.]
I do like her. I hope I didn't like, scare her off. I can admit to being a bit... Dramatic?
[ She carefully stirs the sauce checking on it. Between that and the braised meat Annie thinks it is mostly done. Now to add the pasts to the water that has hit what her new and very useful cook book has called a rolling boil.
She is trying to learn how to cook after all. Research is the key. ]
I even stepped back from my ah, attempts at dating. I don't think I'm well enough to see a guy like that. You can't exactly go out when you're still trying to convince those awful little voices in your head that no, you do in fact look cute.
You don't need to affirm that. I know how I look. It was... It was basically just bad thoughts I couldn't shake.
If someone cannot appreciate your drama, then are they really going to be the type you want in your life? It sounds as if they're boring, otherwise.
[Eridanus glances around the kitchen as he speaks, and in that moment he's a bit sad he hadn't thought ahead to bring a bottle of wine with him. Even if he would have been drinking alone.]
And I promise I won't preach — I had similar feelings about my appearance as a troll. I know many thought it suited me in its own beautiful way, but I could never embrace it fully. I came to loathe that hideous face. I am much happier with this one.
I did get some wine if you want any. It's not really any good compared to what I'm used to but well, I feel like they don't have any good places to grow the right grapes it feels like. I could be wrong though because I don't really drink wine.
[ It had been fun to buy though. The poor clerk had looked so flustered. ]
I liked some of how you looked. I didn't like the fact you looked a bit sad. It was just... there. In your eyes. You don't look sad now.
[A frown creases his weathered, crimson visage, and he reaches out a clawed hand to rest on Annie's shoulder. The look he gives her is one of silent sympathy, as he knows her feelings far too intimately to not understand the thoughts churning through her mind.]
You know, Annie. You don't have to always be so strong, it is not weak to cow beneath your feelings, especially when support is nearby.
[He pushes himself away from the counter and turns away from her.]
Would you like me to pour you a glass of something else? I should have thought ahead to bring something for more than just a present for your birthday. [A pause,] and... thank you, Annie. I don't feel as sad right now, either. It's been months since I've felt so light.
[ Annie reaches to touch his hand gently. Her claws are dangerous, so she takes care with touching him. He knows her so well. ]
I just... I'm tired of being brought low. I know I'm not weak. I've overcome so much.
[ She is considering everything. ]
I think perhaps I should decide if I should seek out the spell I had an idea for or... Or ask Mana to help me create a magical artifact that may help me when I need to feel like me.
[ Annie considers the wine and smiles. ]
I'll trust you to pick out the wine. The clerk was ah... Quite taken with my appearance actually.
[ Her face colors a bit unused to being seen as a beautiful young woman like this. ] He was trying to impress me. I don't mind having a glass with my meal.
I hope Rosefica is getting there too. I... I know things are like, weird? But she matters.
[Eridanus considers Annie's words, her touch gentle despite the rough carapace of her hands. His own used to be just as dangerous—sharpened opal with the lethality of obsidian—but now they were soft again, fleshy with only his nails having grown out into hard talons.]
Do what you must to find happiness, Annie. I sought pyromancy from the witch, but perhaps being made a demon has been more blessing than curse. My guilt no longer plagues me as heavily as it once did, and I no longer hate my appearance as much.
[He sighs and turns away from the counter, to face Annie and slot their fingers together. Though his thoughts travel elsewhere at the mention of a suitor, Eridanus bites down the urge to say something that could ruin the nice atmosphere they have.]
Flirting is good and all, but if he is not willing to annihilate suns for your pleasure, then he is not worth your time.
[He huffs quietly,] as for Rosefica — I have no idea where she is. She has not answered any of my messages, and with the passing fog, even if she somehow perished she should have been back by now. Perhaps she has finally decided to be done with me.
Oh no. I had this idea for a spell and... I'm not sure if I should go for that or something else now.
[ She laughs nervously. ]
I had the idea for a while. Mostly because I liked the idea of grossing someone out as a way of protecting myself. Basically I thought it would be useful to either manifest like, my body weight in scorpions or maybe transform into a pile of scorpions? I'm not sure how either would work but it was a thought.
[ She grabs a wooden spoon to push around the cooking pasta to keep it from sticking together. She rubs her thumb against his hand as she is thinking away. ]
He made me blush. That's all. I wouldn't accept a date from someone like him anyways. I mean, we eat normal humans why would I possibly develop feelings for someone who might be dinner later?
[ That's a little worrying. ]
I... don't know what to say. I hope she's just..... Busy or not lost to that blasted Sea of Stars. I hated that place. It's nightmarish.
[The imagery conjured within Eridanus mind—of Annie so much as reducing herself to nothing more than a creeping pile of scorpions—is enough to break the tension that has pulled his back straight. Bubbling laughter shakes his shoulders, his stern visage cracked with youthful mirth as has plants his free hand against the counter to steady himself from the humor that doubles him over.
His joy ebbs with a weary sigh, and he brings a clawed finger up to wipe at his eye. The smile he casts towards Annie is nothing short of adoring,] I think that's a splendidly devlish idea, my dear.
[His hand drags down is face, and albeit hesitantly, Eridanus pulls the other free from Annie's grasp. He makes for the fridge to spy if that's where she's hidden the wine, and as luck would have it, it's sat chilling right before his eyes. He pulls it from the fridge and retrieves two glasses for them.]
Well, you are a lovely young lady, Annie. I am not so surprised some pathetic human boy would set his amorous gaze upon you. [He pauses as he pours their fill and sets the bottle aside. He walks the second glass for Annie over, and sets it next to where she's minding the pasta.]
We can't really control who we fall for though, so... be mindful — and on that note, I too hope Rosefica is okay. We may have had our... difficulties, but I still care for her deeply. She was my confidant for years, and she is the mother to my daughter still. [Eridanus' smile fades slightly, though he hides it behind a raised glass and the taste of white wine on his lips.] Enough of that though, let me taste that sauce. It smells divine.
I'm glad you like my ideas. I... I honestly wasn't so sure. You see, I'm not good at like, fighting. Every time I've killed a human so far it has been by chance or with well-timed webs in this world.
[ Annie closes her eyes for a moment. This world scares her. She knows without looking so scary she would be easily hurt by others here. It's just best to not let Eridanus know that she is scared.
No one needs to know that. Keep it buried. She opens her eyes and just lets out a soft chuckle. ]
He's not my type. If I were to let anyone .... I guess woo would be the right word? I want someone who isn't so easily frightened by the darker parts of myself. Someone who would treat me like their equal. I... I won't let someone treat me like Dylan did. If they try I'll destroy them.
[ She banishes every thought of that little shit away and scuttles to start serving up two plates. ]
It really does smell great. I think I finally nailed this dish!
[He raises a brow at her, giving Annie a somewhat judgemental gaze over the rim of his wineglass.]
You can't be serious Annie. You're ferocious, Lucius has mentioned your hunts to me. While I've been spared the details, [because Lucius is always vague about things like that,] I have no doubts you were incredible. Besides, you can have all the strengths but if you do not know how to use them, they are useless tools. The mind, in my opinion, is the sharpest weapon.
[Eridanus pushes himself from the counter and follows after Annie. He grabs her glass to alleviate her from having to carry everything to the table.]
I think to want someone who would accept all of you is noble. If they cannot love your faults as well as your glories, then they are not worth your time. The right person will appreciate you in all your splendor.
[Then he inhales the air dramatically, the scent of dinner salivating his mouth,] and be rewarded in turn. [He chuckles.]
[ She blushes a bit knowing Lucius wouldn't mince the details at all. It's him. ]
The fact I can use my pincers and my tail can act as a bludgeon does help I guess but I'm still not quite so confident. I guess I'll get better at feeling good about my abilities sooner or later. I certainly haven't gone to anyone else for food.
[ Annie refuses to beg. She wants to feel strong. She listens to him as she carries the two dishes over. Annie had proper place settings laid out. Annie had wanted to play hostess so badly but didn't want to beg for people to come over either. Again she wants to feel strong. ]
I tried to talk about my favorite horror films. He told me I was being like, gross. I just wanted to share something I thought he'd like.
[ She sniffs in irritation. She had deserved better and hadn't seen it. ]
Enough about boys who wouldn't even make good meals.
[ But she is beaming at Eridanus seeing the look on his face. Someday she will get to serve a meal like this to other people she cares about. All Annie wants is to try and banish the ghosts and shadows that creep about her. Good friends seem to do the trick. ]
[As Annie sets the table, Eridanus places their wine glasses before he sits in front of the plate of food she's prepared, and across from the seat she's taken for herself. He takes a moment to adorn his lap with a napkin before, beneath the table, his legs cross ankle-over-knee.]
You've mentioned these "horror films" before, is that something on that so-called television? I must admit, I have only ever walked past them in the shops. Staring at a picture-screen is not my usual pastime.
[Eridanus plucks up his fork and knife between nimble claws, and cuts himself a piece of that flesh-steak.]
Perhaps we can watch one together sometime. [He pauses to take his bite after dragging the meat through marsala sauce, and savours the rich flavor that coats his tongue. Once he swallows, he continues.]
As for me, what else do I do besides work? I suppose there was that time spent in Felfri. I enjoyed some aspects, and others... not so much. Maybe I should get hobbies besides reading and playing fethesi.
It's like watching theater but with breaks for commercials. Like, advertisements from the patrons?
[ Annie considers it. ]
I may need to request my collection from Mana at some point. There are some fun ones based off fairy tales. Like Krampus.
[ It might be more worthwhile than the box of Christmas sweaters floating around in her mind. She really wants to show him the Addams Family. ]
I used to do pottery sometimes. I thought about.... building the right kind of oven outside. I need things to do when I don't want to deal with people.
Just word your wishes to the witch carefully, you don't want to turn into this "Krampus" instead.
[Eridanus is still wary of Mana, even if he kind of likes being a demon.]
I was never much for creative outlets myself. I did scribe-work for some time when I was training, and I am of course educated in music. I play the piano exceptionally well.
[He pauses.]
Perhaps I can help you build this oven? You just need mud and fire, right? Like what the primitives would make.
Uh, like, no? I don't want to turn into a weird goat legged demon who kidnaps naughty children and shoves them into sacks? I don't know the rest of the story but that can't be good.
I can only deal with the weird legs I have. At least I don't have to shave.
[ What. Annie. Explain things better. ]
Not that you look weird. You look handsome. Krampus is supposed to look ugly and scare children.
[ The idea of Eridanus scaring children is hysterical. He just wouldn't. Too much of a Dad vibe.]
I think that could work.
[ She twists some of her hair in thought now that she thinks about it. ]
If I work out how it should look we should be able to build it. I know it has to be able to withstand a lot of heat.
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ohmyscream) wrote2020-06-06 01:59 pm
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no subject
[ Annie doesn't know how to approach this. She doesn't want to scare him by how low she had been. Maybe it's best to gloss that over. ]
Well! Let's just say I'm doing better than I had been.
Humans tend to love carbs. It's a quick and easy way to get calories. In this case I just need it for the sauce... although. I did lose weight I can't spare so I guess I do need the calories to fix that.
[ She hums happily. ]
I'd like cooking with you. I'm looking at getting someone else in here. It... It looks like Coraline didn't get my message. I've been on my own.
[ Not exactly the best for her mental health. ]
no subject
But now, it seems as if she wants to share, and doesn't know how.]
Well, you're sweet, so a roommate won't be too hard for you. [Besides, it's almost time for the next fog, isn't it? New arrivals are bound to come.]
Annie. [He starts, and waits for her gaze to meet his. His smile has faltered slightly, but his expression is still soft, and full of familiar fondness.]
You can talk to me, if you want to. I will always listen. I meant what I said weeks ago — I care for you, deeply.
cw: depression
[ She reaches to rub her face. The food won't burn but she still turns the temperature down just in case. Annie doesn't know how he'll take this. ]
I... I got low after we got back. I had to cover up the bathroom mirror or I would have smashed it open. I just couldn't stand myself.
I didn't even want to get out of bed. I still did for work but I hated every minute of it. It took too much energy to act perky or kind to every person who walked in.
[ She sniffs a bit. ]
If I was a mermaid I might have drowned them just to avoid dealing with them.... or so I could really hide and not have to face anyone. I couldn't... I couldn't convince myself I was worthy of anything. I had to pretty much claw my way back to how I usually am and... It's still hard. I get like this and sometimes I can't shake it. This time I think I'm doing a bit better. But I'm tired.
cw: depression talk, suicide ideation
I understand your feelings, Annie. I have had them, too. [Depression, he knows that's what it's called, but he won't say it aloud.
Eridanus steps towards Annie and takes her hand in his own.]
It's hard, going through those feelings, but you made it. You conquered them, even if for a short time, and I am here with you now — and I will be there for you any time you need me. I will come whenever you call, Annie. No matter what your thoughts tell you, you are not alone with them.
cw: mental health
[ If it is allowed Annie is going to just hug Eridanus. Her face ends up pressed against him while she shuts out the world just for a moment. ]
You're so good to me. I didn't.... I didn't want to be selfish. There was a few days where I might have begged to have you and Lucius around even if I wasn't up for talking. I was basically a mushroom by the fireplace.
I love you both.
Re: cw: mental health
The hug is just as much for her as it is for him, and when Eridanus pulls back, he keeps one arm loosely about her shoulders.]
I love you too, Annie. Lucius does as well, in his own odd way. He'll never say the words, but the way he talks about you, he beams with so much pride. [Eridanus smiles fondly down at her,] because we love you, you're allowed to be selfish, you know. If ever this house feels too big and empty for you, either contact me, or come to Djavulenstad. You are always welcome at our home.
[A pause,] that reminds me, I should set up a ward here, so that I may readily teleport whenever you need me.
no subject
I mean.... He does care. I can see it in how he treats me. You're easier to talk about feelings with.
[ Plus Lucius is not one you can simply pour out feelings to easily. It's like playing chess to make sure he understands it clearly. ]
I... wouldn't say no to you doing that. I think I just need to reach out to some of the newer people. Maybe make sure I get at least one person here.
no subject
But Eridanus lets go of her, just so that the food she was so keen to make doesn't burn, even with the low heat. He returns to leaning against the counter.]
Well, I can't say no to that — I think it would be good for you to have more friends around your age. Hopefully ones at least closer than Lucius and I. We who live well into millennia are good for advice-giving, but not quite the same comradery as another young lady.
[Yes he said lady. Annie knows what he means. Sorry Annie, Eridanus is still pretty traditional in his mentality.]
no subject
I do like her. I hope I didn't like, scare her off. I can admit to being a bit... Dramatic?
[ She carefully stirs the sauce checking on it. Between that and the braised meat Annie thinks it is mostly done. Now to add the pasts to the water that has hit what her new and very useful cook book has called a rolling boil.
She is trying to learn how to cook after all. Research is the key. ]
I even stepped back from my ah, attempts at dating. I don't think I'm well enough to see a guy like that. You can't exactly go out when you're still trying to convince those awful little voices in your head that no, you do in fact look cute.
You don't need to affirm that. I know how I look. It was... It was basically just bad thoughts I couldn't shake.
no subject
[Eridanus glances around the kitchen as he speaks, and in that moment he's a bit sad he hadn't thought ahead to bring a bottle of wine with him. Even if he would have been drinking alone.]
And I promise I won't preach — I had similar feelings about my appearance as a troll. I know many thought it suited me in its own beautiful way, but I could never embrace it fully. I came to loathe that hideous face. I am much happier with this one.
no subject
[ Annie sniffles again. ]
I've been pretty bad lately.
[ Stop that. No more tears. No more wallowing. ]
I did get some wine if you want any. It's not really any good compared to what I'm used to but well, I feel like they don't have any good places to grow the right grapes it feels like. I could be wrong though because I don't really drink wine.
[ It had been fun to buy though. The poor clerk had looked so flustered. ]
I liked some of how you looked. I didn't like the fact you looked a bit sad. It was just... there. In your eyes. You don't look sad now.
no subject
You know, Annie. You don't have to always be so strong, it is not weak to cow beneath your feelings, especially when support is nearby.
[He pushes himself away from the counter and turns away from her.]
Would you like me to pour you a glass of something else? I should have thought ahead to bring something for more than just a present for your birthday. [A pause,] and... thank you, Annie. I don't feel as sad right now, either. It's been months since I've felt so light.
no subject
I just... I'm tired of being brought low. I know I'm not weak. I've overcome so much.
[ She is considering everything. ]
I think perhaps I should decide if I should seek out the spell I had an idea for or... Or ask Mana to help me create a magical artifact that may help me when I need to feel like me.
[ Annie considers the wine and smiles. ]
I'll trust you to pick out the wine. The clerk was ah... Quite taken with my appearance actually.
[ Her face colors a bit unused to being seen as a beautiful young woman like this. ] He was trying to impress me. I don't mind having a glass with my meal.
I hope Rosefica is getting there too. I... I know things are like, weird? But she matters.
no subject
Do what you must to find happiness, Annie. I sought pyromancy from the witch, but perhaps being made a demon has been more blessing than curse. My guilt no longer plagues me as heavily as it once did, and I no longer hate my appearance as much.
[He sighs and turns away from the counter, to face Annie and slot their fingers together. Though his thoughts travel elsewhere at the mention of a suitor, Eridanus bites down the urge to say something that could ruin the nice atmosphere they have.]
Flirting is good and all, but if he is not willing to annihilate suns for your pleasure, then he is not worth your time.
[He huffs quietly,] as for Rosefica — I have no idea where she is. She has not answered any of my messages, and with the passing fog, even if she somehow perished she should have been back by now. Perhaps she has finally decided to be done with me.
no subject
[ She laughs nervously. ]
I had the idea for a while. Mostly because I liked the idea of grossing someone out as a way of protecting myself. Basically I thought it would be useful to either manifest like, my body weight in scorpions or maybe transform into a pile of scorpions? I'm not sure how either would work but it was a thought.
[ She grabs a wooden spoon to push around the cooking pasta to keep it from sticking together. She rubs her thumb against his hand as she is thinking away. ]
He made me blush. That's all. I wouldn't accept a date from someone like him anyways. I mean, we eat normal humans why would I possibly develop feelings for someone who might be dinner later?
[ That's a little worrying. ]
I... don't know what to say. I hope she's just..... Busy or not lost to that blasted Sea of Stars. I hated that place. It's nightmarish.
no subject
His joy ebbs with a weary sigh, and he brings a clawed finger up to wipe at his eye. The smile he casts towards Annie is nothing short of adoring,] I think that's a splendidly devlish idea, my dear.
[His hand drags down is face, and albeit hesitantly, Eridanus pulls the other free from Annie's grasp. He makes for the fridge to spy if that's where she's hidden the wine, and as luck would have it, it's sat chilling right before his eyes. He pulls it from the fridge and retrieves two glasses for them.]
Well, you are a lovely young lady, Annie. I am not so surprised some pathetic human boy would set his amorous gaze upon you. [He pauses as he pours their fill and sets the bottle aside. He walks the second glass for Annie over, and sets it next to where she's minding the pasta.]
We can't really control who we fall for though, so... be mindful — and on that note, I too hope Rosefica is okay. We may have had our... difficulties, but I still care for her deeply. She was my confidant for years, and she is the mother to my daughter still. [Eridanus' smile fades slightly, though he hides it behind a raised glass and the taste of white wine on his lips.] Enough of that though, let me taste that sauce. It smells divine.
no subject
I'm glad you like my ideas. I... I honestly wasn't so sure. You see, I'm not good at like, fighting. Every time I've killed a human so far it has been by chance or with well-timed webs in this world.
[ Annie closes her eyes for a moment. This world scares her. She knows without looking so scary she would be easily hurt by others here. It's just best to not let Eridanus know that she is scared.
No one needs to know that. Keep it buried. She opens her eyes and just lets out a soft chuckle. ]
He's not my type. If I were to let anyone .... I guess woo would be the right word? I want someone who isn't so easily frightened by the darker parts of myself. Someone who would treat me like their equal. I... I won't let someone treat me like Dylan did. If they try I'll destroy them.
[ She banishes every thought of that little shit away and scuttles to start serving up two plates. ]
It really does smell great. I think I finally nailed this dish!
no subject
You can't be serious Annie. You're ferocious, Lucius has mentioned your hunts to me. While I've been spared the details, [because Lucius is always vague about things like that,] I have no doubts you were incredible. Besides, you can have all the strengths but if you do not know how to use them, they are useless tools. The mind, in my opinion, is the sharpest weapon.
[Eridanus pushes himself from the counter and follows after Annie. He grabs her glass to alleviate her from having to carry everything to the table.]
I think to want someone who would accept all of you is noble. If they cannot love your faults as well as your glories, then they are not worth your time. The right person will appreciate you in all your splendor.
[Then he inhales the air dramatically, the scent of dinner salivating his mouth,] and be rewarded in turn. [He chuckles.]
no subject
[ She blushes a bit knowing Lucius wouldn't mince the details at all. It's him. ]
The fact I can use my pincers and my tail can act as a bludgeon does help I guess but I'm still not quite so confident. I guess I'll get better at feeling good about my abilities sooner or later. I certainly haven't gone to anyone else for food.
[ Annie refuses to beg. She wants to feel strong. She listens to him as she carries the two dishes over. Annie had proper place settings laid out. Annie had wanted to play hostess so badly but didn't want to beg for people to come over either. Again she wants to feel strong. ]
I tried to talk about my favorite horror films. He told me I was being like, gross. I just wanted to share something I thought he'd like.
[ She sniffs in irritation. She had deserved better and hadn't seen it. ]
Enough about boys who wouldn't even make good meals.
[ But she is beaming at Eridanus seeing the look on his face. Someday she will get to serve a meal like this to other people she cares about. All Annie wants is to try and banish the ghosts and shadows that creep about her. Good friends seem to do the trick. ]
Is there anything interesting you've been up to?
no subject
You've mentioned these "horror films" before, is that something on that so-called television? I must admit, I have only ever walked past them in the shops. Staring at a picture-screen is not my usual pastime.
[Eridanus plucks up his fork and knife between nimble claws, and cuts himself a piece of that flesh-steak.]
Perhaps we can watch one together sometime. [He pauses to take his bite after dragging the meat through marsala sauce, and savours the rich flavor that coats his tongue. Once he swallows, he continues.]
As for me, what else do I do besides work? I suppose there was that time spent in Felfri. I enjoyed some aspects, and others... not so much. Maybe I should get hobbies besides reading and playing fethesi.
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[ Annie considers it. ]
I may need to request my collection from Mana at some point. There are some fun ones based off fairy tales. Like Krampus.
[ It might be more worthwhile than the box of Christmas sweaters floating around in her mind. She really wants to show him the Addams Family. ]
I used to do pottery sometimes. I thought about.... building the right kind of oven outside. I need things to do when I don't want to deal with people.
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[Eridanus is still wary of Mana, even if he kind of likes being a demon.]
I was never much for creative outlets myself. I did scribe-work for some time when I was training, and I am of course educated in music. I play the piano exceptionally well.
[He pauses.]
Perhaps I can help you build this oven? You just need mud and fire, right? Like what the primitives would make.
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I can only deal with the weird legs I have. At least I don't have to shave.
[ What. Annie. Explain things better. ]
Not that you look weird. You look handsome. Krampus is supposed to look ugly and scare children.
[ The idea of Eridanus scaring children is hysterical. He just wouldn't. Too much of a Dad vibe.]
I think that could work.
[ She twists some of her hair in thought now that she thinks about it. ]
If I work out how it should look we should be able to build it. I know it has to be able to withstand a lot of heat.