hadriel_logs | i would like you to dance

[Carlisle reddens just a hair as Glacius puts a hand on his back, and he offers the alien a brief, but grateful look.]

You flatter me, truly. It is Emily we should be praising on this day, however. She is an accomplished student, and now an adult in the eyes of her world. What is expected of you, now that that's the case?

You're right. [Of course Glacius is right. He always thinks the best of people and puts a positive spin on even the worst-sounding situation. She gives both him and Carlisle a smile and drops the subject. Here and now, they're all better than they were.

And here and now, she has questions to answer.] Mostly I'm supposed to be a productive, responsible member of society, and to my family and community. You know, get a job, be there for people, help keep things tidy, follow the rules. Do the best to keep things the way they should be. [She gives a little shrug.] Group well-being is really important in Japan. I think sometimes it's a bit much, but it's still a cool sentiment.

[America is more about individuality, and while there's a lot Emily values about that, it can be lonely too. Pros and cons, she figures. Nothing is perfect.]

[Glacius's hand lingers on Calrisle's back a moment longer before he gradually removes it, folding his arms behind his own.] Ah! That does not sound too different from how things were back in my home district. In general, my people place a lot of value on the well-being of the group... we are taught from a young age to place the good of the whole before the individual. [Which probably explains a lot about why he was willing to suffer so much on earth to reclaim his technology and safeguard his people's existence.] It is nice to know that are worlds are not so different from each other in some regards as they may seem.

In any case, you have already been a welcome, helpful member of this society, so you're well on your way. [The alien flashes her a little grin.] But responsibilities can wait until later--is there anything in particular you would like to do now to celebrate?

[Desperately wanting to get away from the subject of his youth, Carlisle chimes in with Glacius.]

Yes, what would you like to do now?

[Amazing, how she and Glacius share so much as far as culture is concerned. How they have a lot in common and can understand each other better for it.

His praise means a lot to her. She asked Delight for fabric more for herself than anything, and now she can't imagine life here without the sewing shop. It's where she and Carlisle met properly, where he taught her how to sew a bag and agreed to give her glyphcrafting lessons.]

Right now? Just drink and eat and have fun.

[It really is the little things.]

[Glacius hems and haws a little bit when drinking is suggested again. While he does not want to seem rude, he also does not want to engage in any behavior that could be seen as negligible to his people... someone should really teach him that it's okay to relax every now and again.]

Well, I'm already having fun, especially now that you're here. But if either of you are hungry, I can get us all something. [The ice alien is rarely the sort to turn down food just so long as he trusts the source--eating bits here and there is important for getting his large body the nutrients it needs, and for keeping his energy levels topped off.]

I could use a quick bite, if you don't mind. Something to help this settle.

[He means the alcohol in his hand, which he is probably going to top off with his personal flask the moment Glacius walks away.]

[She meant she herself wanted to drink, but she doesn't try to smooth it over with more than an apologetic grin. Maybe one day, she and Glacius will share a drink during their culture talks.

For now, she's not about to make Carlisle look bad or Glacius feel bad.]

Sure, me too. Thank you.

[Carlisle do you honestly think that he's not going to notice that your glass has somehow magically refilled itself? He's not likely to speak out here given that it's a celebration and all, but he is gradually becoming wary of the clergyman's frequent overindulgence. He'll just have to keep an eye on him.

For now, he has a job to do, so the ice alien dips his head politely and steps away, leaving the two to chat for a bit. When he comes back it's with a plate full of assorted items in each hand and a slightly apologetic look on his face. By now he has a fairly good idea of what sort of things Carlisle seems to enjoy eating, but as for Emily...] I--I just realized that I'm not even entirely sure what you might want to eat, so I brought a little of everything. Given that it's a party for you, I should hope that the menu was tailored to your tastes...

[And yes, the moment Glacius bows his head and walks away, Carlisle quickly and quietly refills his glass with the Dwarven ale he carries at all times in that fancy flask of his, uttering to Emily before his companion returns.]

And before you ask, no, it's not that the drinks here aren't adequate, but I prefer something a little stronger for an occasion like this.

[Somehow she didn't expect Carlisle to be that kind of a drinker, but maybe she shouldn't be surprised.] If you're that stressed--

[But here comes Glacius, so she leaves it at that. If Carlisle is that stressed, maybe he should go home, is the thought. Surely Carlisle gets it.]

Oh yeah, everything here's good. [She plucks an imitation sushi off one of the plates, grinning at Glacius.] Thank you. And I hope you both know that you don't have to stay if you're tired or anything. I appreciate that you came at all.

[And sure enough, Glacius gives Carlisle a quiet, barely imperceptible look of uncertainty when he notices that the glass has been completely refilled... one that only grows a little but more apparent when Emily drops that suggestion.] W-what? Why would we not want to stay? This is a big occasion for you and we are happy to be a part of it... we're not looking for a chance to slip out unnoticed. We'll leave when we are ready, but I, at least, am enjoying the chance to honor your accomplishments.

[Despite that he is obviously feeling otherwise, Carlisle agrees with his icy companion.]

It's a big day for you, and we're happy to be here to celebrate. It took us quite a while to get ready, what with these outfits, so we'd better make good use of them.

[But more important to Carlisle than the effort put into being at the party is that Glacius wants to be there, and even after all his reservations seems to be having a good time. Carlisle might not tell just anyone, but his actions make it apparent he'd do just about anything for his alien friend.]

I'm just saying. [The words come out on a laugh. Geez, she has to remember to be extra careful how she phrases things. Glacius isn't used to how humans from her time period talk, and idioms and cultural norms are always the hardest part of communicating.

And she has to admit, it's nice to be in the spotlight. It's nice to know these people she respects think so well of her.]

Well, you both look great. [And it's true. The effort alone means a lot to her, far more than it would've back home, where preparing for a party like this isn't as much trouble.] Perfect for the occasion.

[Glacius bows his head, a flattered smile on his face... then straightens up and places a hand on Carlisle's back, attempting to reassure him. After having spent so much time in close proximity to the man, it's getting easier to pick up on his tells.] Thank you, Emily. I appreciate you saying that. I... I do so love this sash that you have made for me, and am glad that you are still... happy to see me wearing it.

[Which is as nice a way to put "I wasn't sure if it would be proper to wear something that you gave me as a friend and guardian after I brutally killed you" as he can think of. The ice alien grows uncomfortable just thinking about it, and quickly seeks to divert his own attention.] A-and look! Does Carlisle not look fetching in his own attire? [He pats the clergyman's back perhaps a bit more heartily than he intends to as he comes out of his own thoughts--he's completely unaware of whatever attention their joint appearance at this party may be gathering, is just trying to garner support for his friend.]

[Carlisle smiles as Glacius talks about his sash, glad his alien friend managed to move past his concerns with wearing the garment to the party in the first place. Emily does seem so genuinely pleased, as he thought she might be.

But then Glacius goes on to talk about him, and Carlisle swallows half his drink in response. He ends up nearly choking on it as Glacius pats him a little too hard and he has to catch himself.]

Ah, my, er, [cough] more traditional outfit could use a few more repairs, as well as a full cleaning. It really wasn't in appropriate condition for such a fine gathering.

Edited 2017-01-25 22:55 (UTC)

[Is. Is Glacius aware of how that looks and sounds to her? To (probably) most of the people here? Emily doesn't want to assume, but...]

Just bring it by the sewing shop tomorrow, and I can patch it up. [She's managed to get the hang of the washers and dryers here, but it's far from proper garment care.]

Glacius is right, by the way. That's a nice outfit. [Casual and classy.] Really appropriate for the occasion.

[He absolutely is not. He comes from a world where the only things humans were interested in doing with him were subjecting him to cruel and unusual experiments, imprisoning him, or outright killing him. He's still adjusting to the thought that they could want to befriend him--any further implications haven't even occurred to him at this point. Who knows how long that will last.

In any case, he seems happy that Emily agrees, and is more than happy that the potential subject of the demon incident has been glossed right over.] And if anyone knows human fashion, it is Emily. [He nods in her direction.] Just look at her! I, uh, admit that I do not know exactly... what it is that you are wearing, but it certainly looks beautiful.

I agree. [Thank goodness they're not talking about him anymore.] I assume this is some kind of ceremonial piece, symbolic in every way?

[Wow okay there you flatterers. That's actually a really good way to derail Emily's train of thought, at least for a little bit.]

It's called a furisode. It's traditional formal wear for girls in Japan. [She holds out her arms, showing off the long sleeves of her outfit.] A regular kimono has shorter sleeves.

[Glacius lets his eyes drift up the sleeves, then over the rest of the garment, taking in the seams and the patterns.] Interesting--you humans find such intricate makes for your garments. The long drapings that hang from the sleeves are not all that different from some adornments that my people were, though!

[Carlisle nods, also examining the garment, albeit with less scrutiny than Glacius.]

I see. So you would wear this to all formal events in your homeland, then? Do just people from your village wear these, or is it a trend more far-reaching?

It's kind of a national thing. [And it's kind of a deep topic (she loves fashion, okay, of course she knows about this), so she's going to just keep it light and easy for now.] There are different fabrics for summer and winter. This kind of kimono is for unmarried girls.

[It's a lot, she knows.]

I'm picturing you in a fancy cape now, [she says to Glacius.] Something that sparkles like fresh snow.

[He's about to ask what sort of fabrics would be worn in the winter, but then she goes and drops that remark and Glacius sputters slightly--the sound is brief, quiet, and utterly flattered.] Well I--I don't know if I am anyone grand enough for a shining cape. That's the sort of thing that only the Grand Councilors of my people wear... but I... that you can even see me in such a thing is a very high complement...

[A smile -- yes, a smile -- crosses Carlisle at Glacius' reaction. Maybe the alcohol is loosening him up after all. He's lived with the alien long enough to discern that purple coloration in the ridges of his cheeks.]

I believe Emily may be onto something, actually. A cape would look good on you, wouldn't it?

i would like you to dance

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