[ If there's one thing Arlecchino can say about Dumbo, it's that he's persistent. An admirable trait in humans, but not in supposedly trained animals. His score continues to plummet.
The squirrel is transferred to Furina's embrace, which is maybe like a sort of sideways petting, so it might count as mission accomplished? His head swivels to look at Arlecchino, who looks back unimpressed and still does not reward it with a treat. Thus rejected, Dumbo once again deflates sadly in Furina's hands.
Arlecchino returns her attention to Furina. ]
Oh? I wasn't aware that a meal was on the itinerary. It seems Dumbo has found himself quite the lucky date.
[ It's a date...... between Furina & Squirrel. Arlecchino's third wheel status intensifies.
The market looms ahead. It seems rather busier than usual — but surely not everyone is here for the macaroni? Admittedly, The Knave rarely does any grocery shopping, so she can't say she knows the trends. ]
shhhh embarrassing myself... you were not to see!!
( this squirrel goes through a lot of emotions, for a moment, furina feels this creature is a kindred spirit or maybe it's scared of arlecchino. there's a chance it's that, especially when she notices the way it looks over to her. )
It could be... a friend thing, friends go out in threes.
( there's some hesitation as she says that even though arlecchino's third wheel energy is pretty strong. it's terrifying to say these things aloud, even furina is wondering what the hell is wrong with her to say this. "friend"? calling a harbinger a friend? oh, she's been losing her mind as of late, but this has to really be showing it. furina is unable to even look in her direction because she won't make the same mistake as dumbo did.
she's on the weaker side, worried that if she makes the wrong move that she'll die. as a human, she has to make bold decisions, and these are one of those situations where she doesn't want to upset the other woman. furina's hold onto the squirrel tightens more out of stress than love, but it's okay... please be a stress doll for now. )
It is still... pretty early, and I'm sure walking with me to buy food wasn't really on your list of things to do...
( furina's voice grows quieter like she's suggesting "is it fatui business...?" without asking if it's fatui business. )
[ Perhaps her limited experience with friendship is what puts her off guard about Furina's implication that they could be called friends. Is it an offering? A nervous slip of the tongue? Or perhaps even a lonely plea for companionship? Whatever the case, they can both agree that it was an adventurous statement.
Dumbo's sheer mass is an able cushion against Furina's anxious squeezing. Arlecchino considers the former Hydro Archon's continued signs of nervousness. The brief silence that ensues probably does Furina's anxiety no favors, but The Knave isn't one to be rushed. Finally, she speaks again. ]
Life is rarely kind enough to unfold before us in straight lines like a red carpet. A little diversion is no cause for concern.
[ She's talking about the shopping... maybe. Less cryptically, ]
Currently, I have no meetings to prepare for or urgent business to attend to. And if the market offerings are fair enough, the children would care to know. They do enjoy their shopping... but they're kept on a strict allowance, to better encourage prudent spending.
( how dare arlecchino be charming in the way of taking care of kids makes her not as scary despite being someone that could have killed furina instantly in one fell swoop if she wanted. the comment about them helps ease her tension, the tight squeezing on dumbo's body too as she thinks about it. she knows very little about the situation regarding the children there, it's not that furina pays a visit or anything, but knowing that arlecchino still takes care of them despite her lack of presence within fontaine is something to be praised for.
is it normal to ask a father about his many kids without seeming nosey? )
How strict is their allowance? Depending... I...
( her words trail off as always, her attempt to find the words that are best to say in a situation like this. what could she say? what even works to keep up a proper conversation without the knave thinking less of her.
is she thinking less of furina? is that why she's here? to laugh at her late? "come here children, this is the sort of person you don't want to be." though, she doesn't think arlecchino would do that to her! with a deep breath, she follows with clearing her throat and a small smile pulling onto her lips. )
I could tell you what's the best market prices. I'm always preparing for these things, and managing expenses is a very important skill to have before becoming a proper adult.
( it's why she struggles now, she didn't have all that when she was an archon. she knows neuvillette would give her everything if she asked, but that's not what she wants to do as an independent woman. )
[ Ah, there's a bit of that old spirit again. When Furina was still a public figure, her grandstanding and dramatic overtures were a staple of Fontainian life. Many loved her for it — but to one such as The Knave, who was used to a very different sort of Archon, the Hydro Archon was the height of absurdity.
Fascinating that such boastfulness should seem so different within the same person now. The scale of it is much smaller, true... The Hydro Archon boasting of judging other gods is a very different brag from Furina claiming that she knows her way around a grocery store. Yet the latter is more compelling — perhaps even appealing.
Arlecchino laughs through closed lips to think of it. ]
Very well. I shall be your willing pupil.
[ Just in time, they've arrived at the entrance to the marketplace. Arlecchino takes the initiative to grab a bag for them to put items in. ]
Master Furina. Let's say the children have decided to combine their allowances in order to cook a grand pot of pasta. Together, their funds make 5,000 Mora. How might they best go about shopping within their budget?
( what is she to say to arlecchino carrying the bags of all things? shouldn't furina grab that, shouldn't arlecchino just walk around behind her and listen so it looks like a hostage situation — no! no! no! no, furina, that's bad, this isn't what this is because if arelcchino wanted her done for then she'd be dead by now. again, she's squeezing dumbo like he's the only lifeline she has at the moment.
what keeps her at ease is the question almost, almost because there's no master about this! please don't say such things, knave, people will get the wrong idea, especially with how furina looks around hoping no one is in earshot of their conversation. )
Alright! 5,000 Mora isn't bad, that's doable. Do they have any allergies that I should know about?
( let's make this hypothetical a little more difficult, not that's what she wants to do, but it's her looking out for the children in case it does come to that. arlecchino is mindful and attentive, but then again, furina knows if she did suggest something that she would impart the knowledge that the suggestion is no good. however, furina wishes to avoid that at all possible to make this an easy trip for the children that may have actually gathered 5,000 mora and making this hypothetical actually true. )
And do they take after you? Meat eaters more than their leafy greens, I'm unsure if they'd be interested in something as smooth and creamy like vegetable lasagna.
[ If The Knave is going to make the effort to be nice, she should probably stop teasing. And yet it makes for such good sport.
Dumbo endures his new role as a stress ball admirably, his little head whipping around questioningly but otherwise tolerating the gratuitous manhandling. He seems more distracted by all the food smells wafting over, his little nose wiggling on overdrive. ]
Take care to avoid glabrous beans and ajilenakh nuts. Beyond that, there are no concerns.
[ A wise question on Furina's part. Truly a master of her craft. ]
The children are accustomed to well-rounded and nutritious meals. Though they have their personal preferences, they dine from the same table, so excessive pickiness will get them nowhere.
[ They are considerate of each other in their own ways; those on cooking duty will think of what their siblings like, while those being served won't take for granted what the cooks have toiled over. The children of the House take very little for granted — and those that do receive quick instruction. ]
A meaty lasagna will suffice. They've prepared such things many times before.
( that must have been something the knave taught them or perhaps their days before coming to the house of the hearth had assisted in their outlook of what they should be grateful for. it does make her a little sad that they can't be picky, even furina is picky herself before when she played archon, but nowadays, she can only take what her mora can buy. )
The meat is the important part to every lasagna! Which...
( furina's taking a few steps away from arlecchino to start guiding the harbinger towards the colder section of the display. various meats are wrapped and the origin of each slab or ground meat listed atop: sumpter beast, scorpion, cacaua goat and all sorts presented for them to choose from. )
Meat from Sumeru tends to be really flavorful, you have to avoid heavy seasonings or it'll be too overwhelming.
( she points to the mora price and then how many pounds they are, there are some that are way too high even for her. dumbo will get a good look at everything too because furina is keeping him close in her other hand as she looks over everything. )
Ground venison would be nice, ground fluff-fleece goat is healthier but has this gamey flavor... ( but those are so expensive, it doesn't matter, she's already picking up the latter to set into the basket along with ground up sumpter meat to place there as well. ) This meat here will do, especially it saves on how many ingredients you need to buy.
[ Arlecchino follows along with rare compliance, acting faithfully in her role as the student. She listens closely when Furina speaks and looks where Furina points, for all the world taking the lesson to heart. Noting also that Furina has finally seemed to overcome her nervousness... for now. When meats are selected, Arlecchino obligingly receives them into their basket as their beast of burden. ]
A prudent thought. An overabundance in the number of ingredients often leads to waste and disorder in the kitchen. Children often don't have the patience to deal with too much prep work. The faster the cooking can start, the better.
[ Hence, the barbecue enjoyment. Yes, their "Father" enjoys the pure flavor of grilled meat, but the children enjoy the simplicity of the preparation as well.
As they make their way through the market, their fellow shoppers appear to experience a multitude of reactions. Some seem starstruck by Furina, perhaps even considering approaching her... while others seem nervous or bewildered by The Knave, whether or not they recognize her for who she is. For now, the two forces seem to cancel each other out, and Furina and Arlecchino are given their berth. ]
( no, she's still nervous, but food is something she can focus on that fixes everything! arlecchino must not give her too much credit or she'll find out that certain activities takes her mind off the real problem at hand. ipad baby, but shopping in the store baby. )
Disorder isn't as bad, I believe the children could be creative and surprised at what they're able to make. Flavors that are yet known to man can be found in a single person's kitchen!
( she doesn't realize the people who wish to approach nor their reservations at who is furina with. it's not that the fontanians are aware of who comes and goes within their nation, and while some are reminded of who exactly the knave is, there are others who pull their friend to steer out of the way and a few wishing they had a kamera to take a picture.
furina comes to a stop at the vegetables, she's already picking things up like celery and lettuce, skipping the jalapenos, and making sure a head a spinach is set inside as well. it's with a snap of her fingers will bubbles form around her hand before fluttering down in the basket to build a small wall between the meat and what she just put in. )
While we're here, a salad will also be nice, as well as refreshing. Is there a certain way you enjoy yours?
( it's from a distance, but there's a click, flash... nothing that furina notices. )
[ The click and flash don't escape Arlecchino's notice. She catches the face of the photographer before it retreats in a panic, disappearing around the nearest shelf.
As a Snezhnayan diplomat, The Knave enjoys photographic exemption from all news publications unless the paper gains permission to include her visage. In that regard, she has nothing to worry about from reputable sources like The Steambird. However, there are all kinds of ways to twist the laws to one's advantage, especially if one is writing for one of Fontaine's... less savory publications. Rumor-mongering, sensational photo editing, and baseless speculation will draw eyes regardless of how suspect the sources are.
No matter. The Knave has a great eye for faces, and it just so happens that she has time to spare. It will be a small task to ensure that no one is feeling irresponsible about any photos taken today.
So the salad. She looks back to Furina, expression unchanged. ]
As you said, a salad should be light and refreshing. I don't subscribe to mixing them with heavy meats and thick dressings.
[ She automatically rearranges the items in the basket around Furina's bubble barrier for efficiency of space. That's really her only function now, seeing as how Furina has gotten into her shopping groove. The basket has started to gain a decent amount of heft... ]
This is turning out to be quite the comprehensive meal.
[ She's no longer certain if Furina is shopping for the children, herself, Arlecchino, or all of the above. ]
( remember she came here for macaroni and to act as though she were shopping for the children, but now? there's more to her actions as she stares at the rapidly growing basked of a few items that could feed quite a few. )
Giving those children a chance of something nice, that way they don't have to spend their money so soon.
( she doesn't recall ever having the chance to have something called an allowance. furina was simply created and bided her time, waiting for someone to notice her, talk to her, and then was placed upon the grand stage of life. it's why she believes that the children should hold onto what they have, if only for a little bit longer. )
You could say a treat from the old heart of Fontaine, but... I don't expect them to react positively hearing its from me.
( without giving arlecchino time to refute that, furina's already walking away from where she was to take a look at where everything else is placed. what would make a decent side for the food already chosen, or should she keep it as simple as she has now: lasagna and salad.
[ Arlecchino regards the smaller woman's back as she walks away. That's quite the bit of self-deprecation. The Knave could have guessed that Furina would act more humbly in her new capacity as a "normal" Fontainian, especially given her newly modest way of life, but the depth of that apparently humility is unexpected.
There are things she planned to bring up later, perhaps in the comfort of tea and a nice cool seating area, but upon further reflection, Furina may find it easier to express herself in the most casual of casual settings that is the marketplace. The Knave can accept that she herself probably looks less overbearing with a basket in hand full of lettuce and lasagna layers -- and that not having to endure her direct stare might do wonders for one's ease of mind.
She waits for Furina to pause at the next item before speaking up again. ]
Miss Furina. Have you ever known what it's like to be a child?
( did she say too much? here she was hoping for "oh, that's nice miss furina that you want to be helpful in ways that you failed before", but that's not what she gets. instead, she's given something so unfamiliar and unusual that she turns her head to look at arlecchino to try and find what reason she's posing that question.
what it's like to be... a child... that's not something she can easily answer. thinking over the groups of children she's seen through her years as an immortal, she's never actually experienced that sort of freedom. upon her creation, it's not like she was a concept that started off as a child, she was probably a small whimsical idea in focalor's mind. outside of it, she was like this, has always been like this, and so the answer is obvious with how long furina keeps herself quiet. )
E-Excuse me!! ...Let me think about it! ( she already knows, that's why she was silent, but she doesn't know what sort of answer arlecchino is looking for. is that the curiosity of someone finally realizing that furina is an odd character implemented in the story line of the world who should have never existed? )
But what of you! Since you want to bring up childhoods...
[ Furina's poor attempt at deflection earns a musing little hum. The Knave had the opportunity for a nice long chat with the Iudex after the prophecy was fulfilled. In the aftermath of averted crisis, they had the luxury of being slightly more frank with each other. The full details behind Focalors's machinations may never be fully disclosed to the public, but The Knave was made privy to just enough to get an idea. She was, after all, already on truth's doorstep, and Neuvillette could be surprisingly forthright with information when asked the right questions.
All the same, she'll let Furina disclose as much or as little as she likes. ]
I am a human, so yes. I do recall what it was like to be a child. It is something I take care to draw upon, given that a number of children are now in my care.
[ A mere few... ]
Adults often fall into the trap of thinking that children are fragile, but they conflate a lack of physical strength with a lack of emotional strength. I fear that you, too, have become one such adult.
Therefore, I invite you to Hotel Bouffes d'ete. Clear your misconceptions — and if you truly wish to treat the children, then understand who it is you're treating.
( what is she trying to say, that furina doesn't understand children... she can't say that the fatui children are a little different from the children she knows, but is that even her place? that's rude, but she is a little offended that she's one of those adults.
luckily, dumbo, is out of the fire of being squeezed to death because furina's already turning to face the knave with her attention officially on her. )
I'm human, too! ( somewhat, not completely, she is something else but she's unable to be the same as arlecchino in terms of childhood. furina did not get to live a life where she were offer difficulties due to her stature and actions. if anything, she had already had the perfect look of an adult who would be able to rule a nation with the snap of her fingers.
those were her battles to not be seen or seen through whereas she could never tell or be able to begin to understand what the other's childhood may have been. )
I mean... ( has she misplaced her good will, what is she doing wrong this time? furina won't fuss, but it's telling on her face as her eyes shift downcast, and a sigh leaves from her lips. she's supposed to have this down pact already, but asking if this is the best way to go about it seems rhetorical.
the knave wouldn't have suggested it if it wasn't. )
I...
( she doesn't want to mess up again. ) I'm sorry... for speaking out of place.
[ Arlecchino is usually happy to leave her words open to interpretation. The uncertainty stirred in others will handily put them on their back foot, and they end up conjuring whichever assumptions match the reputation she (and her colleagues) have cultivated for herself over the years. A tactic useful to her when acting as a Harbinger and diplomat, and even as a "Father." Fear bends to power, and power is her currency.
In this particular instance, however, she can admit that her usual way of speaking is producing the opposite of the desired effect. Furina's flash of spirit she can abide by, but the following deflation catches her off guard. She would cross her arms if she weren't acting as a grocery mule. ]
And just where is your place, Miss Furina?
[ It's a direct question that seeks a genuine answer. But her tone is too blunt, and she understands that it may sound like a provocation to someone already expressing remorse.
Her gaze lifts away from Furina to find some random bottle on a shelf, easing the pressure of her strange eyes. ]
No matter. The invitation stands, should you be open to it. The children embrace any opportunity to entertain a guest.
sorry for the late reply, rl got hectic and threw me off so bad
( yes, furina shouldn't let those words get to her, but maybe she's been looking at everything wrong from the start. that's a bad habit of hers and as a performer, she has charted her on steps and voice to obtain what it is that she needed. not out of malice, or to have power, but because she cared that much.
does she care so much that she's missing a vital piece?
with dumbo unfortunately her stress ball whether it likes that or not, furina's brows knit together in thought at the newfound question presented.
where is her place?
here, she thought, in fontaine without the title or archon, and as someone who wanted the best for her— the iudex's people? noting the way arlecchino looks away at a random bottle, furina perks up a little confused, unsure, worried even as she scrambles to try and stand in front of the knave.
furina must have said something wrong again, but she'll correct it, even if she has to be in line of the burning fire. )
I'm still... searching. When I find it, I'm sure things will become clearer. B... ( dear, how hard this is with trying to stare at arlechinno's crossed eyes without flinching. ) But... how will I find my place if I do not partake in the avenues offered to me, haha, yes. If you don't mind...
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
fhdfh the whisper tag...
The squirrel is transferred to Furina's embrace, which is maybe like a sort of sideways petting, so it might count as mission accomplished? His head swivels to look at Arlecchino, who looks back unimpressed and still does not reward it with a treat. Thus rejected, Dumbo once again deflates sadly in Furina's hands.
Arlecchino returns her attention to Furina. ]
Oh? I wasn't aware that a meal was on the itinerary. It seems Dumbo has found himself quite the lucky date.
[ It's a date...... between Furina & Squirrel. Arlecchino's third wheel status intensifies.
The market looms ahead. It seems rather busier than usual — but surely not everyone is here for the macaroni? Admittedly, The Knave rarely does any grocery shopping, so she can't say she knows the trends. ]
shhhh embarrassing myself... you were not to see!!
It could be... a friend thing, friends go out in threes.
( there's some hesitation as she says that even though arlecchino's third wheel energy is pretty strong. it's terrifying to say these things aloud, even furina is wondering what the hell is wrong with her to say this. "friend"? calling a harbinger a friend? oh, she's been losing her mind as of late, but this has to really be showing it. furina is unable to even look in her direction because she won't make the same mistake as dumbo did.
she's on the weaker side, worried that if she makes the wrong move that she'll die. as a human, she has to make bold decisions, and these are one of those situations where she doesn't want to upset the other woman. furina's hold onto the squirrel tightens more out of stress than love, but it's okay... please be a stress doll for now. )
It is still... pretty early, and I'm sure walking with me to buy food wasn't really on your list of things to do...
( furina's voice grows quieter like she's suggesting "is it fatui business...?" without asking if it's fatui business. )
becomes as homer unto the bushes
Dumbo's sheer mass is an able cushion against Furina's anxious squeezing. Arlecchino considers the former Hydro Archon's continued signs of nervousness. The brief silence that ensues probably does Furina's anxiety no favors, but The Knave isn't one to be rushed. Finally, she speaks again. ]
Life is rarely kind enough to unfold before us in straight lines like a red carpet. A little diversion is no cause for concern.
[ She's talking about the shopping... maybe. Less cryptically, ]
Currently, I have no meetings to prepare for or urgent business to attend to. And if the market offerings are fair enough, the children would care to know. They do enjoy their shopping... but they're kept on a strict allowance, to better encourage prudent spending.
as i thought... you go in there and stay there
is it normal to ask a father about his many kids without seeming nosey? )
How strict is their allowance? Depending... I...
( her words trail off as always, her attempt to find the words that are best to say in a situation like this. what could she say? what even works to keep up a proper conversation without the knave thinking less of her.
is she thinking less of furina? is that why she's here? to laugh at her late? "come here children, this is the sort of person you don't want to be." though, she doesn't think arlecchino would do that to her! with a deep breath, she follows with clearing her throat and a small smile pulling onto her lips. )
I could tell you what's the best market prices. I'm always preparing for these things, and managing expenses is a very important skill to have before becoming a proper adult.
( it's why she struggles now, she didn't have all that when she was an archon. she knows neuvillette would give her everything if she asked, but that's not what she wants to do as an independent woman. )
no subject
Fascinating that such boastfulness should seem so different within the same person now. The scale of it is much smaller, true... The Hydro Archon boasting of judging other gods is a very different brag from Furina claiming that she knows her way around a grocery store. Yet the latter is more compelling — perhaps even appealing.
Arlecchino laughs through closed lips to think of it. ]
Very well. I shall be your willing pupil.
[ Just in time, they've arrived at the entrance to the marketplace. Arlecchino takes the initiative to grab a bag for them to put items in. ]
Master Furina. Let's say the children have decided to combine their allowances in order to cook a grand pot of pasta. Together, their funds make 5,000 Mora. How might they best go about shopping within their budget?
no subject
what keeps her at ease is the question almost, almost because there's no master about this! please don't say such things, knave, people will get the wrong idea, especially with how furina looks around hoping no one is in earshot of their conversation. )
Alright! 5,000 Mora isn't bad, that's doable. Do they have any allergies that I should know about?
( let's make this hypothetical a little more difficult, not that's what she wants to do, but it's her looking out for the children in case it does come to that. arlecchino is mindful and attentive, but then again, furina knows if she did suggest something that she would impart the knowledge that the suggestion is no good. however, furina wishes to avoid that at all possible to make this an easy trip for the children that may have actually gathered 5,000 mora and making this hypothetical actually true. )
And do they take after you? Meat eaters more than their leafy greens, I'm unsure if they'd be interested in something as smooth and creamy like vegetable lasagna.
no subject
Dumbo endures his new role as a stress ball admirably, his little head whipping around questioningly but otherwise tolerating the gratuitous manhandling. He seems more distracted by all the food smells wafting over, his little nose wiggling on overdrive. ]
Take care to avoid glabrous beans and ajilenakh nuts. Beyond that, there are no concerns.
[ A wise question on Furina's part. Truly a master of her craft. ]
The children are accustomed to well-rounded and nutritious meals. Though they have their personal preferences, they dine from the same table, so excessive pickiness will get them nowhere.
[ They are considerate of each other in their own ways; those on cooking duty will think of what their siblings like, while those being served won't take for granted what the cooks have toiled over. The children of the House take very little for granted — and those that do receive quick instruction. ]
A meaty lasagna will suffice. They've prepared such things many times before.
no subject
The meat is the important part to every lasagna! Which...
( furina's taking a few steps away from arlecchino to start guiding the harbinger towards the colder section of the display. various meats are wrapped and the origin of each slab or ground meat listed atop: sumpter beast, scorpion, cacaua goat and all sorts presented for them to choose from. )
Meat from Sumeru tends to be really flavorful, you have to avoid heavy seasonings or it'll be too overwhelming.
( she points to the mora price and then how many pounds they are, there are some that are way too high even for her. dumbo will get a good look at everything too because furina is keeping him close in her other hand as she looks over everything. )
Ground venison would be nice, ground fluff-fleece goat is healthier but has this gamey flavor... ( but those are so expensive, it doesn't matter, she's already picking up the latter to set into the basket along with ground up sumpter meat to place there as well. ) This meat here will do, especially it saves on how many ingredients you need to buy.
no subject
A prudent thought. An overabundance in the number of ingredients often leads to waste and disorder in the kitchen. Children often don't have the patience to deal with too much prep work. The faster the cooking can start, the better.
[ Hence, the barbecue enjoyment. Yes, their "Father" enjoys the pure flavor of grilled meat, but the children enjoy the simplicity of the preparation as well.
As they make their way through the market, their fellow shoppers appear to experience a multitude of reactions. Some seem starstruck by Furina, perhaps even considering approaching her... while others seem nervous or bewildered by The Knave, whether or not they recognize her for who she is. For now, the two forces seem to cancel each other out, and Furina and Arlecchino are given their berth. ]
no subject
Disorder isn't as bad, I believe the children could be creative and surprised at what they're able to make. Flavors that are yet known to man can be found in a single person's kitchen!
( she doesn't realize the people who wish to approach nor their reservations at who is furina with. it's not that the fontanians are aware of who comes and goes within their nation, and while some are reminded of who exactly the knave is, there are others who pull their friend to steer out of the way and a few wishing they had a kamera to take a picture.
furina comes to a stop at the vegetables, she's already picking things up like celery and lettuce, skipping the jalapenos, and making sure a head a spinach is set inside as well. it's with a snap of her fingers will bubbles form around her hand before fluttering down in the basket to build a small wall between the meat and what she just put in. )
While we're here, a salad will also be nice, as well as refreshing. Is there a certain way you enjoy yours?
( it's from a distance, but there's a click, flash... nothing that furina notices. )
no subject
As a Snezhnayan diplomat, The Knave enjoys photographic exemption from all news publications unless the paper gains permission to include her visage. In that regard, she has nothing to worry about from reputable sources like The Steambird. However, there are all kinds of ways to twist the laws to one's advantage, especially if one is writing for one of Fontaine's... less savory publications. Rumor-mongering, sensational photo editing, and baseless speculation will draw eyes regardless of how suspect the sources are.
No matter. The Knave has a great eye for faces, and it just so happens that she has time to spare. It will be a small task to ensure that no one is feeling irresponsible about any photos taken today.
So the salad. She looks back to Furina, expression unchanged. ]
As you said, a salad should be light and refreshing. I don't subscribe to mixing them with heavy meats and thick dressings.
[ She automatically rearranges the items in the basket around Furina's bubble barrier for efficiency of space. That's really her only function now, seeing as how Furina has gotten into her shopping groove. The basket has started to gain a decent amount of heft... ]
This is turning out to be quite the comprehensive meal.
[ She's no longer certain if Furina is shopping for the children, herself, Arlecchino, or all of the above. ]
no subject
( remember she came here for macaroni and to act as though she were shopping for the children, but now? there's more to her actions as she stares at the rapidly growing basked of a few items that could feed quite a few. )
Giving those children a chance of something nice, that way they don't have to spend their money so soon.
( she doesn't recall ever having the chance to have something called an allowance. furina was simply created and bided her time, waiting for someone to notice her, talk to her, and then was placed upon the grand stage of life. it's why she believes that the children should hold onto what they have, if only for a little bit longer. )
You could say a treat from the old heart of Fontaine, but... I don't expect them to react positively hearing its from me.
( without giving arlecchino time to refute that, furina's already walking away from where she was to take a look at where everything else is placed. what would make a decent side for the food already chosen, or should she keep it as simple as she has now: lasagna and salad.
oh! she really shouldn't forget her macaroni. )
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There are things she planned to bring up later, perhaps in the comfort of tea and a nice cool seating area, but upon further reflection, Furina may find it easier to express herself in the most casual of casual settings that is the marketplace. The Knave can accept that she herself probably looks less overbearing with a basket in hand full of lettuce and lasagna layers -- and that not having to endure her direct stare might do wonders for one's ease of mind.
She waits for Furina to pause at the next item before speaking up again. ]
Miss Furina. Have you ever known what it's like to be a child?
[ The Knave knows the answer, but asks anyway. ]
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what it's like to be... a child... that's not something she can easily answer. thinking over the groups of children she's seen through her years as an immortal, she's never actually experienced that sort of freedom. upon her creation, it's not like she was a concept that started off as a child, she was probably a small whimsical idea in focalor's mind. outside of it, she was like this, has always been like this, and so the answer is obvious with how long furina keeps herself quiet. )
E-Excuse me!! ...Let me think about it! ( she already knows, that's why she was silent, but she doesn't know what sort of answer arlecchino is looking for. is that the curiosity of someone finally realizing that furina is an odd character implemented in the story line of the world who should have never existed? )
But what of you! Since you want to bring up childhoods...
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All the same, she'll let Furina disclose as much or as little as she likes. ]
I am a human, so yes. I do recall what it was like to be a child. It is something I take care to draw upon, given that a number of children are now in my care.
[ A mere few... ]
Adults often fall into the trap of thinking that children are fragile, but they conflate a lack of physical strength with a lack of emotional strength. I fear that you, too, have become one such adult.
Therefore, I invite you to Hotel Bouffes d'ete. Clear your misconceptions — and if you truly wish to treat the children, then understand who it is you're treating.
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( what is she trying to say, that furina doesn't understand children... she can't say that the fatui children are a little different from the children she knows, but is that even her place? that's rude, but she is a little offended that she's one of those adults.
luckily, dumbo, is out of the fire of being squeezed to death because furina's already turning to face the knave with her attention officially on her. )
I'm human, too! ( somewhat, not completely, she is something else but she's unable to be the same as arlecchino in terms of childhood. furina did not get to live a life where she were offer difficulties due to her stature and actions. if anything, she had already had the perfect look of an adult who would be able to rule a nation with the snap of her fingers.
those were her battles to not be seen or seen through whereas she could never tell or be able to begin to understand what the other's childhood may have been. )
I mean... ( has she misplaced her good will, what is she doing wrong this time? furina won't fuss, but it's telling on her face as her eyes shift downcast, and a sigh leaves from her lips. she's supposed to have this down pact already, but asking if this is the best way to go about it seems rhetorical.
the knave wouldn't have suggested it if it wasn't. )
I...
( she doesn't want to mess up again. ) I'm sorry... for speaking out of place.
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In this particular instance, however, she can admit that her usual way of speaking is producing the opposite of the desired effect. Furina's flash of spirit she can abide by, but the following deflation catches her off guard. She would cross her arms if she weren't acting as a grocery mule. ]
And just where is your place, Miss Furina?
[ It's a direct question that seeks a genuine answer. But her tone is too blunt, and she understands that it may sound like a provocation to someone already expressing remorse.
Her gaze lifts away from Furina to find some random bottle on a shelf, easing the pressure of her strange eyes. ]
No matter. The invitation stands, should you be open to it. The children embrace any opportunity to entertain a guest.
sorry for the late reply, rl got hectic and threw me off so bad
does she care so much that she's missing a vital piece?
with dumbo unfortunately her stress ball whether it likes that or not, furina's brows knit together in thought at the newfound question presented.
where is her place?
here, she thought, in fontaine without the title or archon, and as someone who wanted the best for her— the iudex's people? noting the way arlecchino looks away at a random bottle, furina perks up a little confused, unsure, worried even as she scrambles to try and stand in front of the knave.
furina must have said something wrong again, but she'll correct it, even if she has to be in line of the burning fire. )
I'm still... searching. When I find it, I'm sure things will become clearer. B... ( dear, how hard this is with trying to stare at arlechinno's crossed eyes without flinching. ) But... how will I find my place if I do not partake in the avenues offered to me, haha, yes. If you don't mind...