formless | (no subject)

[That sure was! Good thing she's light, and she can deal with pain, but this happening often is very irritating. She's just used to it by now.

His voice grows louder, so she recognises that as him coming closer. Her arm waves just as soon he peeks in.]

Over here! I deeply apologise for greeting you like this. I am alright, this happens more often than not during this moon cycle.

[Is that him? He's cheerful. Just wait till she notices that he's actually super tall.]

[ Soon, Sen. Sooner than she thinks. ]

Moon cycle? I overheard it was the moonlight of Sanguis upon us. I didn't quite understand the commotion, but it won't do to cause someone trouble, regular happenstance or not.

[ He says that, extending a hand to her.

Wait, he's over where she is already!? Yes because walking and talking is a thing, even in cutscenes. Right now he's kneeling down to provide her some assistance in getting up from the floor. Even now, he's a guy of some stature, with those elven features and a kind smile. ]

Of course, a conversation down here isn't so bad, unkind as it is for a fair lady to have been knocked off her feet... or fins now, I suppose.

[That was way too soon. That was so soon her eyes widen as he walks over, even as he speaks, because she's sure those long strides was also how he got to her so soon.]

It is indeed, though, it cannot be helped! The forces of nature here are out of our control. [His words flow so pleasantly, she can't even help but not how one could easily fall into his pace.

ALSO HE'S HERE ALREADY. She takes his offered hand, although, she's not entirely sure how much more she can do other than sit up. Which she does, twisting her body in a way that could let her speak to him. He dwarfs her completely, but his expression soothing.]

I apologise again for being such a hassle, then. The situation on the floor is something that will not do for a guest. Although, you could always pull a chair over and I can try to get on it.

[Her arms are still strong! Mostly.]

[ Viet: he's so smooth
Me: how do I muck up a perfectly good sentence so it sounds more Ishgard

Anyway Haurchefant shakes his head, taking her hand back. ]

You are from being any sort of hassle, my lady. However nature may take us along its whims, we shall be the responsible ones when it acts like such.

[ He sees her chair in the office, and it isn't some hefty throne he'd have to lug over for this mermaid, thankfully. But that's still a silly thing to do, taking a chair over to her. She's right here, why not do the reverse. Then she she can definitely get in it and sit at her desk.

Upsy-daisy. Despite big fish tail, Haurchefant is tall and strong enough to pick up a big fish with ease. She can use her string arms however she likes. ]

It would be a presumption to act as if I'm aiding a poor ailing soul. This is your business to conduct yourself, isn't it?

Edited 2019-10-17 05:29 (UTC)

[Viet: he's so smooth
Fruit: how do I muck up a perfectly good sentence so it sounds more Ishgard
Amy: Ishgard is like Fantasy French. Yo gonna get laid BOI. /SNAPS FINGERS

So he has a warm and delicate touch. On her hand. Which of course is going to be a surprise later since he can heft a fish.]

You're too generous, sir. [Sir?! What have you done to her, she can't believe this. Considering her status back home, she often learns names so that she doesn't use Sir as much as she should.] I mean! I have not yet even learned your name, and you are so generous. You can also call me Vietnam, or Sen. Whichever you prefer. [There, now he probably won't call her "my lady" anymore, if it would make it easier for him. Or so she thinks.

Now, back with the hefting. She didn't expect him to so easily carry her, in that it's definite that she gets heavier after the change. He's very strong, and she quickly wraps her arms around him in surprise. Though why is she even surprised, he's large and strong.]

Not only are you truly too kind, you're also much too humble. [Though he's not wrong, this is her business. Who sent this man. Where did he even come from. This kind of attitude is so optimistic.]

[ She is probably surprised because this is quite the genre shift. She's of the historical fiction sort with some gintama-level spoofing, not otome! ]

That is what a knight strives to be, Miss Sen. Above and beyond that too, as needed.

[ You know he should sit down after she's been placed in her own office chair. He's supposed to be here to get a job or assistance in job-hunting. According to Ms. Yukimura, this humbled fish woman has connections. Of course, he wouldn't dare think of anyone, even a newly acquainted Sen as a means to an end. For right now, he is perfectly fine with these Sanguis misadventures. ]

You may call me Haurchefant. Now, I was here on behalf of a kind recommendation, but if this is a bad time do say so, and I'll tell Lady Yukimura you were preoccupied with personal affairs to assist.

[ That sounds like she was too busy with a sexy office tryst to hire Haurchefant... Why is he like this. ]

[Where are her shounen manga gags?! This is not the genre she was made to be in! WHAT IS HAPPENING.]

Oh, you're a knight! [Like this changes anything or as if it suddenly makes sense. She has met Knights who really this way, but then also gruff ones. So hmm.

Still, she's snug in a chair now, and immediately gestures for him to join her. What actually makes sense was what follows.

But really, sit down. She cranes her head to much just to look at him.]

Megumi sent you! Oh! I am not busy. But you did catch me at an unfortunate time. That is, I wish I could've served you tea and snacks as we talked about your request. And not just because it's nice to meet you, Haurchefant. [She bows her head politely--] but also for all your help.

[ Fine, he'll sit down for a bit. A neck ache would be most unfortunate! Are we gonna get to the bit about getting a job at Yorozuya—

Nah. ]

I can't make the request of you right now, that would be too selfish! Mayhaps I can continue help you for the time being, as your mobility is rather limited.

[ Her tray of tea prep and cookie tin is on a counter where he could spot it before helping Vietnam with her stumble. He's gonna fetch it even if it's not ready to serve all proper. ]

I noticed you are the only one in here today. I would imagine it's a bit lonesome. A hazard too, were it not for some stranger today.

[Finally, she can look at him properly. Although with her head still raised. He may be the tallest man she's ever seen around these places.

Also, don't you wanna be part of Yorozuya. Don't you want to be a knight turned sellsword! Odd Jobs Haurchefant!!]

I am just sitting here, so I can listen all day, truly. You can make a request any time you wish. [Although, her tail suddenly swishes, as if she's pleased.] I do need some help...I mean, if you are interested in making requests, it might give you an idea of what I do here?

Ah--! [He already stood up to get her tray already. He's charming? Damn he's charming. Don't think about that, stop.]

Some of the others are out already, doing work. We do odd jobs here, so I am alone to do some paperwork before seeking other jobs to fill. You are correct that, if not for you, I may be in a worse position. But it happen frequently. I'm glad for your assistance, however.

[ I mean he's pretty smitten with someone who does odd jobs for a living. It makes them such a well rounded, splendid character...

So maybe trying it out seems fun! He's already charming the pants off Vietnam here. See, she doesnt have pants while in fish mode! ]

Oh, is that what this sort of business is? I can see why I was given such a splendid referral to such an establishment. I suppose I'd have to start somewhere. In a way it's similar to the guilds I've heard about in the other cities. Working to help the problems of others is quite noble, and probably fulfilling in its own way.

[ He sounds genuinely curious and interested! Tall dude is like a child, cheerful despite circumstances, like HOW DO YOU MAKE THIS WEIRD TES... oh this is Vietnamese coffee, not tea. That means he can't make it though, so Sen can pour her own tea, Haurchefant will set aside some cookies for her from the tin. Oh, there's a shopping and to do list. ]

Do you mind if I would try provide more assistance? I came by rather early, and while I'm no stranger to being trapped behind a desk with paperwork, but surely you would not mind being swept away to wherever your legs would normally take you for errands?

[Haurchefant. Your flavour is really wild. Like literally. Because they had to go do some really strange shit.

Anyway, just hope she doesn't turn back while her pants have literally been "charmed" off. Ya feel.]

Guilds? [She's curious now. She assumes from the way he talks about the referral that perhaps he and Megumi originate from the same world. She can't be sure, but she can ask a little later.] It really is! Although, I can't say the reasoning is as noble as it seems, since we are getting money back from it.

[It wasn't entirely out of the goodness of one's heart if you get SOMETHING back from it, right? But they need to eat.

Meanwhile, it seems like he's encountering THE BEST DRINK IN THE WORLD, but they have no hot water.] Ah! If you wish to try that drink, we need some hot water first. Here, have this in the mean time. [She has teabags set around at least, so she's taking them out to help him make tea. He's already doing what a host should, so she's charmed, but also, Haurchefant! You need to be doted on, please!]

My, you were stuck doing paperwork once as well? That sounds exactly like my life back home. [A paperpusher, now that they don't really need her fighting.] I would feel terrible having you carry me, but I would love to see you at work if you are also interested. Do you think you can handle my weight a little more?

[ wild like wildflowers Excuse me there is nothing wrong with admiring sentient flora. BABY KORPOKKURS AND MORBOLS ARE CUTE, OKAY?

Tea! That will work for now, and he nods appreciatively before taking a sip. Even if this business aimsbto earn money, isnt that something necessary to live? He's practical, not some noble moron. He's a different kind of moron! ]

Your weight isn't a problem at all, my friend. I suppose it isn't much more difficult than hauling around a "catch of the day", as I believe it's called. And I did find a wonderful one, and bold at that...!

[ Vietnam the catch... ]

To have you supervise my efforts and experience them firsthand, that is an honor. Speak of when you are finished at your desk, and I shall whisk you away!

Edited 2019-10-18 03:04 (UTC)

[Damn...you're right. This is bad. It's bad because he's so right. Not that she knows what those baby plants are. Maybe an AU version of her. Hmm.

She's relieved that he got something out of that, sipping his tea over there. On the other hand, he's still an endearing moron and it's frustrating her! Inside! But don't tell him that!

HE JUST CALLED HER A WONDERFUL CATCH OF THE DAY. She quickly clears her throat.]

I-I am unsure if I am worthy of such a title! I cannot be eaten, after all!

[Cannot be eaten. Seriously? What kind of remark is that?]

A-anyway, I am ready whenever you are. Perhaps after you enjoy your snacks? [That's just an excuse to calm down.]

Fear not, my dear friend! There are foreign tales of consuming such bringing one immortality, but I would dare not test it. it would be shameful to devour upon magnificent flesh.

[ Hm

Maybe it is Sen who has the peculiar taste in men. Who do we judge here, someone is dying behind a screen.

Surprising he eats his cookies like a gentlemen. Swiftly but without an undue sense of messy urgency. Without further delay, Sen is in his arms while he's beaming. Lead the way, fish princess. ]

Well... [There is the part where she's also an immortal too, but she flushes deeply as he makes comment about her flesh being magnificent.

It takes some people. Also look, don't judge her. DON'T JUDGE HER. Also also, it takes confidence to say the things he does, and she wishes for a fraction of it. Even in her Sanguis cycle right now.

He's elegant, doing his best to eat those delightful wafers before he scoops her into his arms again. She hasn't yet considered the gravity of the situation yet where he's going to be carrying her like this (a fish princess) all over the place. What she noticed first that despite his noble grace, in his attempt to hurry, there were a few crumbs on his lips.

She manages a tiny smile before wiping them away with her thumb.]

There, please excuse my forwardness. [Forwardness, huh. Anyway give her two seconds.]

[ He's a knight in shining armor! But a dork who sparkles with such confidence in what silly things he may say is dangerous. To cut through the awkwardness, he just laughs gently. Don't think too hard about mermaid food! He wont do it, after all. ]

Oh...?

[ Congrats, Vietnam finally has a charm point over Haurchefant. It's not the stunned kind of blush though, more like a pleasantly surprised one. And grateful! ]

Be as forward as you like. You are the boss and I am but your humble steed for now. I should at least be a presentable one.

[ So on her to-do list is grocery shopping! Should he grab one of her bags for that? ]

[His armor sure is shiny and she wonders if he really should be doing odd jobs, and not something that is a lot more...well, noble. Majestic. Something worth his time. He may say dangerous things, but his eyes twinkle with such delight it's rather pure. He managed to make her sound like mermaid food!

Still, she frets and dotes like no other, so she wanted to make sure he looked like his best, knightly self. The colour on his cheeks is rather fetching but she's not going to say anything about it!]

A-ah...[Then of course he gets her just by being himself.] Humble steed, you're much more than that. But indeed I do need you to carry me around. [Wow, just rolling with it now! And...actually good idea. She gestures over to the side a little so that they would be close enough for her to collect the bags, and he wouldn't have to budge from carrying her.]

[ Sen the splendid goldfish cracker. Haurchefant meanwhile doesn't mind fitting into the shoes of an odd jobs guy, he has to start somewhere. Let him be inspired by all this weird but good friendliness. ]

Are you a chef? That list is quite robust... I hope you can make a wonderful meal. Or a few for a full course!

[ Is a dinner date too soon? Just kidding, but he gonna feel just a bit lost, looking to Viet for guidance. The shelves are as tall as him! How does the short fishy manage. ]

[The tastiest, even if she's not coated in delicious spices or cheese. Still, if he's fine with this kind of role, she can't argue with that. She'll just make sure he's comfortable in it. Perhaps he is like her: you've fulfilled one roll completely. But do you want to experience something else?

In his arms, she nods.]

I enjoy cooking a lot. What do you like to eat? I can make something for you.

[They're already on the way, so they might as well. He looked at her list with such curiosity that she wonders if something like various cuisines would be a new experience. Fear not, she'll guide him when it comes to shopping, and point everything out!

Actually, she's excited. Because he's so tall, she's not going to worry at all.]

The shops are quite close, so you do not have to worry about carrying me for too long a period of time.

[ Haurchefant tilts his head, trying to think. Aside from the food you shouldn't eat (like the carrots, plums, and pears enjoyed by chocobos), he realizes he doesn't have strong preferences in food or flavors. Except. ]

Stewed meat and vegetables. Plain I know, but I'd be scant to remember the details beyond that it works out... But it's a good meal to share and warm up with comrades. Theres at least something in the pot to make a soldier smile.

[ He can recall enough eveningslike that to think fondly on it. Plus, he hopes it isn't asking for a lot... ]

If it's just the two of us however, I wouldn't balk at good soup with warm bread. 0lease, I was never one to ask for exquisite cuisine like my brothers knew how to.

[Some of those foods are totally edible in this universe. And other...universes. Hmm.

Still, she waits patiently. He has very humble tastes from what it sounds, being that he's dedicated to the cause of being a knight and soldier. That being said, she picked up something, and the quirk of her eyebrow shows that she noticed it. He spoke of his brothers have exquisite cuisine, whether or not their tastes matches is a different story. Is he also of noble stature?]

I enjoy cooking of all kinds, whether it be something so fine, worthy of your brothers. I suppose you're from a family of renown? Even so, I think I have an idea of something for you that would be comforting. Do not worry, the process might be a little time consuming, but it is a humble dish.

[INSERT SUGGESTION OF CLICHE VIETNAMESE DISH HERE THAT INVOLVES NOODLES AND SOUP.]

Blessed with a fine body a perceptive heart! You really are quite a catch to behold my arms, Lady Sen.

[ Currently they are in the spice section. This is the only reason why it's acceptable. ]

House Fortemps is an old family of knights, yes. But it is only correct to say I am a part of the house like fellow knights and servants, so my tastes are allowed to be less refined.

[ The countess never accepted him or forgave Edmont for his transgressions. In a way it was a blessing! Working your way to position of respect is as satisfying as having it passed down as a part of familial responsibility. ]

You've been eyeing that jar of star-shaped seeds; is such a curious-looking spice part of the dish you speak.

[ They're not like regular anise star, but she can inspect them as he holds it out for her. ]

[How do these words just flow out of his mouth. It's worse when that by being in his arms, she could see him up close (because she can't normally she's too short).]

You're much too nice, Haurchefant, I'm not sure if I am worthy of such observations. Lord Haurchefant? [She tried it once. She doesn't normally use such honourifics because of her own status, but she's trying it to see how it flows.]

Well, I find it admirable, either way. Your tastes. I am surrounded by nobility and those of renown myself, so I always find it so refreshing.

[She's made out money herself, man. If only she knew of his past, that someone so optimistic has suffered deeply.

Meanwhile, he's catching on.]

Mmm...it's different to the spice I am used to, but I think it will do. We'll need this for the dish I am going to make for you. [She takes it as he holds it to her.] I'm not sure if you can smell it now. I can, but my sense of smell is heightened in this form.

I didn't know that fish had a stronger sense of smell! What a curious transformation you have undergone.

[ That's news to him... They have noses, even? Well, this one does. I hope Sen realizes that when he takes a sniff of the spice, he dips his head, having to tuck his silvery blue hair behind his hair. ]

Hm... It reminds me of a spiced treat, but without the sweetness. How unusual for a soup, but I would not be surprised that a mature, dignified flavor suits you.

[ Spicy. ]

They do not! But it looks like in this form, I do. Isn't it strange?

[She had thought they didn't smell at all. Also, why are you doing this to her. Does he know that he's attractive because she just did. It's like her personal hell just opened up.]

You will see once you try it, it will be an interesting experience if you have not tried it before. [But it sounded familiar to him, so she wonders...

That's not before she coughs as well.] Are you saying I am like a spice?