expiationlogs | [open] harpstring moon catch-all

Entry tags:

[open] harpstring moon catch-all

Who: Marianne and you!
Where: Around Aldrip
What: Catch-all log
Warnings: N/A

i.

[ Though Marianne has made her life in Aldrip for many moons now, the remodeling of town has her losing her way. You might run into her doubling back around, entering an establishment only to quickly excuse herself, or stumbling into shadier alleys looking terribly out of place for a woman of the cloth. ]

Excuse me— where is this?

[ Apart from running her usual errands, she can also be found putting up recruitment posters around town for the Artzenritter healer troop. Come take a look? Or perhaps lend a hand at graphic design, technology is a struggle. ]

ii.

[ The memories of the other Aldrip linger, an alternate life where she wasn't plagued by her Crest and she held hope and confidence in herself that she never knew she could. On one sleepless night, she writes an anonymous message to the network after much fiddling with the new charms. ]

I still feel troubled by the memories of the other life we lived. Is it the same for anyone else?

[ If you know her already, she may feel comfortable enough to confess in person. ]

Some days, I feel like I don't know which of my memories to trust.

[ ooc: Her usual haunts are the Willow Clinic where she'll be trying to ease pollen symptoms this month and Astralin's farm and the surrounding meadows where she can be found tending to chocobos and her horse Dorte. Feel free to PM or ping me at

ahlyo for a custom starter! ]

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[ That's the nice thing about animals, always excellent in fostering a comfortable environment for fellow introverts. Koromaru's not here today though. It's just Minato, who offers Marianne a small nod in response to her reassurances.

Fortunately, she's asked an easy question. He'd joined the Artzenritter for the same reason why Minato did anything at all. ]

Ethlyn asked if I wanted to join.

[ It was the first thing the woman asked as soon as she'd learned Minato had access to healing magic. That seemed a little more important to the Artzenritter's mission compared to whether or not someone knew how to ride a horse, but really, he probably should know how to do that. ]

...I didn't see any reason to say no.

Really? Just to help us out?

[ Their numbers have been dwindling and Marianne had been saddened to see one of their long-time members return home even knowing that he is where he should be. She's glad to welcome Minato into their troupe (and honorary member Koromaru, it shouldn't be forgotten!). What with the persistent strange happenings around Aldrip, there continues to be need for the Artzenritter to act. Her hands goes to affix the saddle to the horse and she smiles. ]

You're very kind.

[ There's a part of Minato that feels Marianne's giving him too much credit. He's perfectly content to help the Artzenritter out, but he can't say he'd specifically agreed out of the goodness of his heart. Not necessarily, anyways.

Sometimes, it's easier to say yes instead of no.

It's why Minato finds himself shaking his head as Marianne smiles. Surely, it's not that big of a deal, even if he'll always inherently want to help others however he can. ]

I just... didn't want to say no.

[ ... ]

But now that I'm here, I should learn how to ride a horse.

[ Step 1 of joining horseback medical troupe: failed. ]

[ Hearing him put it like that, Marianne wonders if Minato had a hard time saying no to people. She knows she herself is easily pressured and would have found it difficult to refuse a sincere request. ]

If it turns out that it's not, um, not to your liking, you don't have to stay. We'd just be grateful for the help you've given us.

[ She knows Ethlyn would feel the same. Not knowing how to ride a horse is no problem, she'd be happy to show him. She just hopes he's happy being part of the troupe. ]

Here. I'll show you how to put on a saddle, then you can try it.

[ This time, Minato nods. ]

Okay. I haven't found any reason to leave though.

[ Which is about as close to an "I think I quite like it here, actually," that anyone can get out of him.

He steps a bit closer to Marianne, hovering at her side to get a better look at how to put the saddle on. He's seen how gentle and meticulous Marianne is about caring for the animals. It's how Minato knows he's in good hands. ]

I hope that means you're enjoying it somewhat.

[ Hopefully, he won't find reason to leave anytime soon. It's a lovely job, in her biased opinion, to be able to work closely with animals and ride to the aid of others.

Marianne demonstrates how to fasten the saddle and how to adjust it. She never raises her voice, but there is a kind of quiet confidence to her instructions where animals are involved. She then unbuckles the saddle and passes it over to him for practice. ]

Does that make sense?

[ While Minato wouldn't be caught dead taking initiative on anything, he naturally gravitates towards assisting others. And given that he's a fellow animal lover too, he'd find himself agreeing with Marianne's biased opinion.

He observes as Marianne covers the purpose of each saddle's strap before taking it into his hands. ]

I think so.

[ He sets to refastening everything, carefully making some adjustments to a few strap's length. That way, Marianne can see he's also retained how to loosen or tighten the saddle. Minato holds it up to her. There's a slight smile on his face. While he's not particularly studious, Minato does enjoy learning new things. ]

...it probably feels different trying to make the adjustments on an actual horse though.

[ Marianne watches him repeat the movements, nodding in approval. Minato has a calm presence that makes her think he would be good with animals. Watching him with Koromaru always makes her smile. It can be hard to tell what he's feeling though, like whether he's happy in the Artzenritter or not, and she attributes it to her own social awkwardness. Marianne knows she's not very good with people, but she's been attempting to change, starting with looking them in the eyes as she speaks. ]

This is where I introduce you to my friend. Myrtle's been with us from the start and is patient as can be.

[ She steps up to a mare as white as her namesake grazing peacefully on grass. ]

[ Minato's gaze tracks Marianne as she steps over to a white horse. He hesitates initially, uncertain whether it's all right to approach. He knows animals can be rather particular about whom they permit in their vicinity, and not every creature appreciates a complete stranger hovering about. But Marianne specified that Myrtle's a patient one. Nor does Minato think she'd choose a particularly challenging horse for him to work with as a beginner.

After working through all those mental processes, Minato finally shuffles over to Marianne and Myrtle. ]

...how do I say hello to her?

[ Koromaru and the stray cat he used to feed had different ways they wanted to be greeted. Minato imagines it must be the same for Myrtle. ]

Here, put out your hand and let her approach you as she gets used to your scent. Then you can rub her on the shoulders or neck and talk gently to her.

[ Though usually quiet, Marianne's voice grows more certain when she is explaining how he would greet Myrtle. The part about talking is maybe more of a personal habit of hers that others sometimes thought strange. She had always found it easier to open up to animals, and it only felt natural for her to speak to them in the same way their movements seem to speak to her. The way Myrtle's ears are pricked forward right now, head raised, she can tell the horse is curious to meet Minato, too. ]

[ Minato reaches out slow and measured, careful to avoid making any sudden movements. He offers his hand to her with an upturned palm. ]

Hi, Myrtle.

[ He speaks softly, taking on the tone he'd used with the hungry stray. ]

It's nice to meet you.

[ He addresses the horse in the same manner that he'd address any other person. After all, he speaks to Koromaru in a similar fashion. And still speaking to the horse, he adds: ]

Can you help me learn how to use a saddle?

[ Myrtle's nostrils flare as she takes in his scent, and Minato may feel her breath in soft puffs against his palm. Then, slowly, she nudges her muzzle against his hand, letting out a snort.

The ice broken, Myrtle is not shy around him after that, sniffing his clothes while her ears flick back and forth attentively. When he mentions the saddle, there is another snort. He won't find it hard to put on the saddle because she stays in place, tail swishing and eyes blinking but otherwise still.

Marianne looks on at their interaction, smiling. ]

[ He smiles as the horse sniffs at his clothes. It's not too different from Koromaru trying to familiarize himself with someone's scent.

Once Myrtle settles down, Minato moves to the horse's side. He unfastens the saddle, stepping through all the instructions Marianne provided earlier. He then lays it on the horse's back before carefully and gradually adjusting the straps to hold it in place.

Only after he's satisfied with his work does he look over expectantly at Marianne. After all, she needs to evaluate his work. ]

[ Marianne gives the saddle a tug as she inspects it's securely fastened and nods in approval. ]

That's perfect. Next we'll try mounting. Will you allow me...?

[ She moves forward to demonstrate. Her hands go to grasp the saddle and she places one foot on the stirrup, pushing herself up and swinging her leg across. ]

... And that's how you do it.

[ She demonstrates how to dismount as well, moving slow but with the obvious grace of someone who's done it plenty before turning the reins over to Minato. ]

[ Minato steps aside as Marianne moves forward. He observes carefully as she hoists herself onto Myrtle's back and then shows him how to dismount too.

He glances at the stirrup once it's his turn. Minato sets a foot on it and pushes himself up just as he'd watched Marianne do earlier. He misjudges the amount of force required to get himself up there and has to hop back down. He's not discouraged though and tries again, this time managing to swing a leg over the other side of the saddle. ]

I think I get it.

[ He nods a bit. It doesn't show on his face, but he is somewhat proud of this accomplishment. ]

...a lot easier than trying to get onto a wyvern...

[ He remembers having to scramble onto Zafeera's back, only making it onto the saddle thanks to Claude hauling him on. ]

[ Marianne stands by and allows Minato to give it a try, or two. Experience taught more than words could. It's important to feel things out, and it's in these moments the bond between horse and rider develops. She can trust Myrtle to be a patient partner in the process. When Minato is successfully mounted, Marianne too feels a rush of pride on his behalf. What she doesn't expect is to hear him compare it to wyvern riding. ]

Oh, have you met Claude and Zafeera?

[ As far as she knew, Zaffy was the only one of her kind in Aldrip. If she wasn't, Marianne simply must hear more of the wyvern Minato had taken a ride on! ]

[ Minato nods from his seat on Myrtle's back. ]

I know Claude and Zafeera. Sometimes Claude hires me to help gather herbs for the apothecary.

[ Occasionally, those herbs require flying out of Aldrip. It's always a good time, and Minato quickly came to understand why Claude enjoyed wyvern riding.

Even now, Minato doesn't quite understand why Claude insisted on seeking his assistance. He's fairly certain that Claude could gather whatever plants he needed that day on his own. What Minato hasn't figured out yet is that Claude's caught onto the fact that he enjoys the wyvernback riding. ]

It sounds like you know them too.

[ So Minato has already met Claude and Zafeera. Moments like these make Aldrip feel smaller and interconnected, and her expression softens. ]

I've known Claude and Zaffy from even before Aldrip. We're from the same world and studied together. Claude was our house leader.

[ She's since learned that they come from two separate Fódlans, but she trusts him nevertheless as a friend and leader. If anything, the time they spent here away from war has only strengthened their connection and given her the chance to know him better. ]

[ House leader, was it? That certainly explains the leader-ly vibes Minato's been getting from the man. He'd suspected the man also held that sort of position in his home world, given how Claude exudes charisma. Plus, he seemed to care deeply for Aldrip's residents in a caretaking role. ]

He seems like he'd be a good leader.

[ Minato's then leaning forward a bit with one foot in the stirrup, carefully sliding off Myrtle's back. He manages to land smoothly, much better at getting off Myrtle's back compared to climbing on. He offers the horse a grateful pat on the neck. ]

There are others in Aldrip from my world too. ...somehow, we're from different points of time, but they're all the same people to me. I guess Claude is the same to you.

[ For her part, Myrtle holds still until Minato dismounts. She snorts and eventually resumes grazing on the grass. ]

Yes. We're from different points in time too, and we'll be going back to different worlds...but I'd like to think the time we spent here will remain with us.

[ She wants to hold onto the memories they've made, all the good times and the hardships they've endured. She hopes the Marianne in Claude's world can come to know him better, too. Just as she hopes that, someday, the Claude of her world will feel comfortable telling her about himself. ]

I'm glad you have others from home. I hope it's made settling in easier.

[ It's not easy being displaced to another world. Having the support of people you know makes a difference. ]

[ It's the same for Minato and the rest of his teammates. They'll all be returning to different time periods, and in effect, different worlds as well.

He doesn't know whether the time spent in Aldrip will remain with him. It's difficult to tell, given that Minato knows he's no longer conscious in his original world. On the other hand, he's long since come to realize that once you meet someone, you never really forget them. Surely, that would still hold true with everyone he's met in Aldrip?

He goes quiet for a little too long, wordlessly contemplating Marianne's hopeful words. When he finally speaks up, it's to say: ]

I think it will.

[ There's a smile on Minato's face, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes. ]

I hope it does.

[ There's no need to dwell on something that might not even come to pass. As far as Minato's aware, no one truly knows whether anyone who lands in Aldrip ever makes it back home permanently. ]

It's okay. I'm used to moving to new places.

[ When he goes quiet, her brow creases and she starts to worry she might have said something wrong. She's never been good at deciphering people, and Minato is more reserved with his emotions than most. But maybe she's being silly and worrying over nothing, because he smiles, and she wonders if he's putting on a brave face or if she should chide herself for overthinking things. She attempts to return a smile. ]

Was there a reason you had to move so often?

[ She's moved before. After losing her parents, her quiet life in the countryside had been uprooted and she had found herself in a carriage to Edmund territory. The adjustment hadn't been easy, so she sympathizes with him. ]

Edited 2024-06-24 06:44 (UTC)

[ He nods. ]

...my parents died when I was younger. I went to live with relatives after that. Everyone took turns giving me a place to stay, so... I had to move a lot.

[ There's no need for additional detail, no need to elaborate on how he'd been passed around as a burden they'd temporarily taken in. Even at a young age, Minato could see they'd all done so out of obligation. ]

It wasn't bad though. Just quiet, I guess.

[ He's downplaying the levels of isolation and emotional neglect, but at the very least, it certainly could have been a lot worse. ]

[ Ah. His past sounded very similar to her circumstances. ]

I see...I can relate.

[ He's calm about it, but she fidgets in place, feeling awkward for having broached the topic. One of her hands stroke Myrtle absently, her thoughts troubled. ]

I'm sorry if I dredged up a bad memory.

[ He spots that fidgeting. It's why Minato shakes his head. ]

No, it's okay.

[ In fact, he'll offer Marianne a kind smile to try and reassure her. ]

I'm glad you asked. Now I know it's something we share in common.

[ Saddle instruction and basic How To Horse lesson aside, he's learned something new today about Marianne. He'll always enjoy learning more about the company he chooses to keep. ]

...it sounds like you lost your parents too.

(no subject)

snowslip - 2024-07-30 05:54 (UTC) - Expand

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