expiationlogs

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i.
[After the events of the maze, Astralin found it a bit difficult to relax. Everything was a bit too overwhelming, and even though he's recovered since then, he's been a bit restless. Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be any sort of hot springs or spa opened in Aldrip, and he wasn't about to visit the neighboring villages and towns to try and relax. So, as one does, he took it upon himself to use the remaining land that he had now to incorporate a hot springs on his land.

It's busy on the farm again with construction, and despite the citizens of Aldrip being much more... Wary of the chosen, he still managed to find a few of them that would still work with him on the construction. So, you'll find Astralin hovering over the construction with his arms crossed. His focus on some of the construction workers as they begin working on the hot spring. Ready to open it to the public once it was constructed.]

ii.
[After the construction, you'll find Astralin still outside. He isn't relaxing, but instead, honing his magical abilities. The maze has left a scar on him that certainly left him traumatized, and he feels like he needs to practice more to ensure he can keep the people he calls friends here, safe. It's the least that he can do for them, but even then, it seems like his powers didn't have any affect on the illusions when he did try and attack them.

He tries not to let that bother him though, and he focuses on summoning his icicles from thin air. Those icicles being hauled forward and toward their intended targets that he had set up. The whole farm filled with lingering frost that may or may not shift into Aldrip while he practices.]

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[As he was headed said knife, he raised an eyebrow. It certainly looked a little different from what he expect considering that it was slightly larger. Although, in hindsight, he wondered if he should have boiled the potatoes first before cutting them. But...

As he tried to follow what Astralin was saying, he did place his hand in a fist before attempting to cut one down. At the same time, he was kind of looking at him from the corner of his eyes.]

You mean like this...?

[He said before doing just was he was told. Of course, he was having some trouble cutting said potato as he didn't realize just how much pressure he would need to push it down.]

[To be fair, it's hard to get on his bad side in general. It was always a calm and patient man, but it seems that Ange gets quite the smile from him when she agrees to have tea with him. Happy to know that they could just sit down and have a cup of tea, after the traumatic maze event. He owed it to her, after she certainly helped him, and he wouldn't forget that.]

To be honest, it is good to keep busy here... I will be driven mad if I focus on the possibility of not being able to leave and never seeing my loved ones again.

[There's almost a twitch in his voice, and he grits his teeth underneath a false smile. It's one of those rare moments where he drops his usual happy, and kind personality that he usually has. It seems like this is the one thing that makes him tick, but he tries not to show it for too long as he manages to sigh softly.]

What have you been doing to pass your days? I know you said you were trying to find a way out of this place...

[Honestly, he knows that these kids aren't going to stay out of trouble. He's had four of them, and all of them have been very foolish, despite being so wise now. He figures that they will do as they please, and the best he can do is watch over them and ensure that they do not fall into danger.]

Yes, the timing is a bit too close. I do have to wonder if they were able to see inside of the maze while we were trapped in there, but I am not sure... Perhaps at some point, we were on full display.

[He doesn't know what happened outside of the maze during that time, so he's just going to take guesses until something rings true.]

I am sure that you can handle yourselves, though. However, just know that I will be there if you ever need my assistance. I will always have my tablet on me, so feel free to reach me by any means necessary.

[Yu was a good kid, and he didn't want to see him hurt.]

Now, enough of the serious talk... Shall we move to the animals and comfort them during construction?

Makes sense.

[she doesn't think too long or too hard about the maze, because then she'll just go apeshit again. that's not really a good look when she's dragging around heavy rocks.]

I mean... I work with that asshole Dazai, but I can come by and help clean sometimes too. It'd be better than you doing it every day.

[finding little ways to keep herself busy was what she was aiming for.]

[This was kind of wholesome, to be honest. He watches Ken with a watchful eye, and some part of him can't help but chuckle a bit at the struggle. Not that he wasn't patient -- he was, and he takes a step forward so that he can ensure that Ken can actually cut the potato, rather than his fingers.]

Yes. With a little more pressure.

[That knife was particularly sharp, but he still knew that potatoes needed a bit more force to deal with. So he makes a motion with his hands to show the proper pressure, which. Honestly makes him feel a bit silly, but he is still a parent at heart, so he'll do these silly things. Even though Ken isn't really a child.]

You will not cut the cutting board if you add more pressure. You need not worry.

[His experience in the maze was quite mild compared to everyone else's he surmises, but none the less, it was stressful for him. So, hells. He should enjoy the hot springs once it's finished, and he's definitely pushing Vi into it when it's done.]

If you do not mind. I do not want to put anyone out of their way to help me, but if you are willing, then I do not mind at all.

[Honestly, he's grateful, and he gets to spend time with Vi.]

Just know that I am going to push you into the hot spring when it is finished.

[With some more pressure, he did eventually cut a few more pieces. While he manages to get the hang of it, it didn't stop him from feeling frustrated. Mumbling to himself, he stared at the potatoes with a small frown.]

...No wonder a lot of people don't eat it with potatoes. This is a lot harder than I thought.

[But then again, he never said it was easy and especially with how much he saw Shinjiro cooking.]

[she won't mind getting pushed into it at all. maybe that's why she's so stubborn about helping him, even.

even if she does roll her eyes in the most dramatic way at him.]

I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to do it.

[she grins, though.]

I'll make sure to drag you down with me.

[Too close. That's a good way of putting it...Yu nods in agreement, thoughtfully rolling the idea over in his mind. Is it possible that the townspeople were able to see what happened within the maze? If so, how? It's disconcerting, in a way. Being seen like that...it makes them all vulnerable.

There's a kindness in Astralin's offer that pulls him away from that train of thought. It reminds him of his uncle, in a way, and a pang of homesickness works its way into his chest.]

... Thank you. Really.

[It-- it means a lot to him. It really does.]

Mm, alright. Does this kind of stuff bother them much?

[He's never had a pet or an animal, so he wouldn't really know.]

[ His loved ones again, huh. He had mentioned something about them back in the maze as well. If this place would deem that the most fit to use against him, coupled with the very faint shift in his demeanour as he talks about them now..

.. well, it says a lot. Especially to a quite observant girl like Ange. Astralin must really miss the people he's left behind by getting dragged to this world, but at the same time he seems to be trying to downplay it.

Not because he wants to lie, she thinks. He doesn't seem like the type, unless she's massively misreading him.

It's probably instead that he doesn't want her to worry. Especially if she really does remind him of his kids.

Ange contemplates it for a moment or two, but then she slowly exhales as she answers his question. ]

Pretty much just that. Trying to investigate this place. Explore around town, and a little bit outside of it. [ Maybe it sounds a little sad, being so focused on one thing, and not even really sounding like she's having fun with it.. but Ange answers like this is the natural thing for her to do, still following him. ] I'm really not sure how much closer I'm getting to figuring out anything substantial, though. It doesn't feel like much lately.

I hope so. [She grips her elbow with one hand.] It is all I can do for them.

[She doesn't know what it would take. The terrible enemy that was overthrown only by miracle has returned to rule her homeland. Her daughter raised by the man who killed her parents. Her son possibly fighting the war his parents couldn't win.]

But the knowledge is a gift. No one from my homeland has arrived here, and even if they did, there's no guarantee that they could have told me what happened. At least now I know.

[She gives Astralin a smile in return, though. She can see that his words are sincere... that is a relief.]

I'm glad to hear you say that. Coming to terms to things is... so very difficult.

[At least he's cutting potatoes, Astralin notes. Though, again, he can't help but chuckle a bit when there's so few pieces. Still, Ken will get the hang of it, and Astralin goes head and starts the oven so that Ken can put the potatoes in the oven whenever they're ready.]

It is hard at first, but you will get the hang of it, the more you practice. Cutting anything in the kitchen is rather tedious, so I do understand.

[When he was a boy, he certainly wasn't great at cooking either.]

Put the potatoes on one of the cooking trays when you are finished, and put it in the oven. The temperature is already set.

[He smiles at Ken, before reaching for one of the pans that he needs to cook the fish with.]

Everyone that I met here has been far too kind to me. I do feel a bit bad I cannot offer you anything good in return, but a good meal, and a first try of the hot spring.

[He chuckles first, and then can't help but laugh a bit. Honestly, he like. Wouldn't mind being dragged in. His body seriously hurts after the maze.]

Very well. Even though I am much taller than you, I do not doubt you could.

[After a while, Ken manages to put the potatoes into smaller pieces. Granted, it wasn't as pretty as he wanted to but at least it was a start. Mumbling to himself, he stared down at his work before looking back at the oven. As he walks over and places said pieces onto the cooking trays, he raised an eyebrow or two.]

I have to admit, I never really seen people cook potatoes this way before. I'm more familiar with them frying it in a pan.

[Of course, he was used to potato fries or some other fancier way to cook.]

...I suppose that's the difference between how other people cook it compared to Japan.

There is no need to thank me... I suppose being a parent of four makes me worried about everyone else here.

[The frown slowly drops, and the corner of his lips curve into a soft smile as they begin to shift subjects, and locations. Now in the barn, where the cows don't seem to be too disturbed, at least. The cows immediately placing their attention on Yu and Astralin, before they start to move toward them to seemingly get food.]

Mmm... Cows do have sensitive hearing, but as long as the workers are not throwing things, then it should be alright. They will retreat if they are scared, but as you can see, they expect food. Fruits, to be exact.

[He points at the basket of fruit out of reach from the cows, that Yu will see on one of the shelves.]

[It's one of his more sensitive triggers, as he's been here for quite some time and the only thing he has of them is a picture of them as well as his wedding rings. None the less, he tries not to disturb Ange with how he misses them, and his attention is quickly shifted elsewhere to try and keep distracted. A barely audible sigh escaping from his lip as he turns his head to look back at her.]

It is rather difficult to say... I must admit, I have not done much exploring, as I am not the kind to investigate as much as I should, but should you need my help, you can always come and find me and we can search what we can, together.

[It's just an idea, and he doesn't like the idea of Ange getting injured while she's investigating. Especially since her magic doesn't seem to work here, which makes him a little more anxious. Astralin absently playing with his hands, and slowly breathing out as they continue to walk toward the house.

Upon arrival, Ange will notice how large his house is. That, and there seems to be quite a bit of barn cats surrounding the house -- greeting both him and Ange with loud meows.]

I will feed them again, after our cup of tea and snack.

[ Ange does eye the cats. And though she doesn't move away from them if any of them get a little closer, she doesn't seem to be making any attempt to move near them to try and pet them either.

Instead her attention turns back to Astralin after regarding the cats for a moment, though her tone is a bit more of a mumble.

An audible mumble, though. ]

Sheesh, you really sound like a dad when you say stuff like that, you know..

I do understand how hard it is as a parent... If you are having any trouble, you re more than free to speak to me about it. I do not think I am the best parent, but it is good to have someone that can understand to some extent.

[It's honestly the least he can do, and he tries to comfort her the best he can by placing another hand against her shoulder. Gently patting her shoulder, before slowly pulling away as he nods his head.]

I am glad. Sometimes... Knowledge is not always a good thing, but I am glad that you are seeing the positives. Even though it is hard.

[He brushes some of his hair back, and laughs a bit.]

I suppose my problems were not as extreme. Just some issues that I dealt with in my youth, that I never really brought to light until the maze brought it up again. However, I had friends that helped me through it, and that is more than enough.

[Honestly, Astralin doesn't mind how they look, as long as they taste good and they're seasoned well. His eyes quietly watching Ken, before moving so that he can place those potatoes in the oven. The heat, luckily, at a perfect temperature so that they'll cook evenly and properly.]

I do not mind either method; I suppose I used the oven because it is a bit healthier than fried potatoes.

[He is familiar with this Japan, but the name is certainly different back home. There seems to be a lot of similarities -- down to the names, food, and buildings.]

I am familiar with Japanese cuisine, although it is not named that in our world. However, I have seen familiar ingredients that we have been using, used back at home.

Really? What kind of ingredients have you seen?

[He said before raising an eyebrow or two. Perhaps he just wasn't used to this style of cooking and maybe just using some things he was more familiar with might make him a better cook.

Either way, as he looked down at the oven and then back at Astralin, he crossed his arms before giving a small pout.]

...Although, I have to admit, I still want to try my best to impress you.

Four? Really?

[Yu's expression mirrors the surprise in his voice. He can't really articulate what about that surprises him, but for some reason, four feels like...a lot...

Though, if he's as good with kids as he is with animals, maybe it's not too much after all.]

I see. So they're food-motivated.

[...

Clearly he's gonna feed the cow. How can he not? It's a thing he's never done before. He loves things he's never done before. (Is he maybe planning to check the bookstore on the way home for farming books?...will neither confirm nor deny.) He grabs an apple out of the basket and holds it out to one of them.]

Like this?

Listen, that's all I'm gonna need. I'm an easy girl to please.

[her body and soul hurts after the maze... so she's really looking forward to it.]

Tallness doesn't have to do with anything. I've beaten up guys your size before... it's just a matter of strategy.

[even though all of Vi's strategy is "punch first try not to get killed" but he doesn't have to know that.]

[Oh he heard that, and there's a soft laugh that escapes from him. His eyes softening at Ange as he opens the door and brings her inside of the house. The scent of multiple flowers quite strong in the living room, and in the house in general, but none the less, there's a calming feeling to it.]

Well, to be completely fair, I am a father. Of four, actually.

[Once they're inside, he shuts the door behind him and locks it. Happily guiding her toward the kitchen now, where he doesn't hesitate to reach for the kettle to place it on the stove. Astralin reaching for earl grey tea, since that tended to be the tea that everyone drank.]

I hope that earl grey tea will be to your liking.

I have seen soy sauce, wasabi, chili oil, ponzu... Multiple things. They are in the cabinet above you, should you ever want to use those condiments.

[There's also fresh ingredients in the fridge that he noticed Kotone liked using, so... He's made sure to make them as comfortable as possible now that they're living here. It's the least he could do as the adult.]

Impress me? There is no reason reason for that... Truly. It would mean more to me if you were much more relaxed.

[Ethlyn gives Astralin a warm smile, grateful for his understanding. It seems there are few other parents here, which has always seemed unusual to her... most everyone is around the age of Sigurd and his friends, and almost all of them had one or even a second on the way when she and her husband left the main force of her brother's army.]

It's been keeping me up at nights since I've arrived here. I left my daughter in a terrible situation of my own making and my son was in the care of our family knight. But now I know that they did live to an age where they can defend themselves, I can perhaps rest a little easier.

[What she regrets is not having more time to be a parent. Leif was still just a baby when she and Quan made their terrible ride into the desert.]

I'm sorry we didn't meet each other in there, but I'm glad that you were able to work through it with others. Whatever power operated that maze had an unpleasant talent for dredging up the worst in our memories.

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