[Video] U/N: teacupprincess

[porcelainandblood]

[Perne is situated at a cosy-looking table in the Azure cafe. Chin in the palm of her hand, she tucks dark hair behind the shell of an ear.

Last time, she asked about a cathedral and couldn't recall getting a direct answer. She has, since then, assumed such a thing doesn't exist. But it did beckon some very interesting religious theory conversation.

This time, she has something different she is hunting for.]

I have found mineself with an alarming amount of free time and wish to invest it somewhere other than excessive and possibly unnecessary thought. I thought I had once heard rumour of a theatre house here in Lunatia. Is that true? I am aware we have other exhibitions of art, but mayhaps something musically or stagecraft inclined could be of benefit to many of us with such interests.

I acted as patron and worked within an opera house back where I hail from. I should like to reprise the role.

Comments

[ishgards]

I'm not sure if I could do her food justice.

[ Dakki is so good, and her food is so interesting. He's better at Ishgardian specialties. Beet soup....nice..... ]

But I agree, it would be a most excellent way of meeting others. There are so many interesting people here, and from such diverse places.

[porcelainandblood]

How would you know if you do not try.

[It's not even a question. Perne does not expect to hear the leader of her people imply an uncertainty in his tone. It is a little humanising.]

Aye. I have found the same in mine dealings with the other Moonblessed. There are many different traditions and cultures. Beliefs. Aspirations that others hold. I confess that it has been a bit eye-opening. To be expected, I suppose, all things considered.

[ishgards]

You have a point. But have you had the "milkshakes" she makes? [This is an important counter point. ] Replicating them seems very difficult.

[ He's a quiet for a moment, suggesting there's more to this, and then: ] I was actually thinking something more along the lines of baking. Do you think that silly?

[ Maybe he shouldn't show this kind of weakness, but he's just a regular person here, right? So it's okay. ]

Their perspectives are refreshing. We have gone for so long without the ability to learn things from those with a different point of view. It will be good for Ishgard once she receives more visitors and ideas. And that is only just the perspective of other Eorzeans. Being here, with people from so many different worlds and so many different experiences is even better still. I am grateful for the opportunity.

[porcelainandblood]

[No. Of course she hasn't really explored much in the way of food options. Whilst not at all a simple creature, Perne has had to force herself to eat and indulge very simply. For the sake of survival. Or so she tells herself. In truth, a sliver of it may be for that precisely.]

...Nay. On both accounts. Mine tastes have largely remained within the circles of tea and wine. [How very worldly of her.] And I believe you should pursue that which catches your attention. If that is baking, then I see no reason you cannot follow it. You may not have such an opportunity later. Why squander it.

[She cocks an eyebrow as he continues, though listens with piqued interest. His insight is always... something she appreciates. Any insight that isn't hers is plenty interesting.

He speaks with so much... hope? Optimism? There's a part of her that wants very much to tell him that while his ideas are good and just and she agrees, that he won't even remember this very conversation. He won't remember a bloody thing about Lunatia or the people in it. His experiences, the people he meets, every moment's hesitance.

And she can't. She can't bring herself to say any of that. Let him have a sliver of joy in this place.

In hindsight, it hasn't occurred to her that he could simply mean the opening of their gates to outsiders in Eorzea. They too, will bring with them new and fresh ideas for their people.]

I am, as well. [She agrees with a subtle nod and a softening of her otherwise hard features.] We have been granted a fortune and this possibility that would ordinarily be impossible to encounter. It is our responsibility to make the most of it. That is... I would think it a shame if we did not. We owe that to our people, and to our homeland, if nothing more. Change and evolution will start with us. With our voices and our hearts.

[ishgards]

[ Aymeric smiles at her words. Hearing the hopes that he had for his country repeated from its citizens was always nice. Hearing her talk about it in the way that he knows that it must be done makes it even better. It gives him plenty of hope for their future. Knowing that with or without him, there are people with the same sensibilities. ]

I agree. There is something we can learn from each of our experiences. And even while it may be difficult, at times, making the most of it is important.

Both for the opportunities and the learning. I hope you'll be able to pursue your artistic goals.

[porcelainandblood]

How very kind of you to say so. We shall see, I suppose, in time, whether mine inquiries bear fruit or not. Ideally, we would have something already in place. If not... I suppose I have half a mind to initiate something, though I am no leader and do not think such a position would befit me.

[If only because it would require her to be far more sociable than she would desire to be and it just might put eyes on her.]

And while I am very impassioned about theatre, I'm finding mineself quite curious about this baking you have a mind to invest yourself in. What were you thinking of making? Cakes? Tarts, mayhaps? Biscuits, I suppose... Breads?

[Perne taps at her chin.] I like cakes. I would be quite pleased to taste anything you made if you decide to venture into this.

[ishgards]

But how will you know unless you try? You've just as much ability to be a leader as any other.

[ How the tables have turned on this how will you know if you haven't tried thing. ]

I was thinking a little of all of those things. Have you ever had a Sohm Al Tart? I feel like people would like it, if I could get similar ingredients.

Either way, I could certainly use your help in making sure things are up to taste.

[porcelainandblood]

[You clever, cunning man, you.

Perne does little hide the minute array of expressions she experiences all at once. Some pleasure in what is very much akin to banter. Some annoyance that he has volleyed her words right back at her. And a little bit impressed that he's had the audacity to do so at all.]

It was hardly mine capacity that I thought lacking. [So she isn't arguing with him. She has the heart of a leader and the mind of mine. The ambition of one lingering beneath her surface.]

As for tarts... I have heard of them. Have not tried them mineself. I hear they are quite good, however. I would be of the mind to try it if you think you can replicate it. I do not expect your initial foray into this venue to be particular resplendent, yet we all must start somewhere. I should hope you will not take this opportunity to poison me, however. I have a pretty head atop mine shoulders and I should like to keep it.

[...That's a joke. But really, don't poison her.]

[ishgards]

If your capacity is not lacking, then do not allow yourself to be held back by notions of what should and shouldn't be.

[ A bastard shouldn't have been Lord Commander, and yet here he is. ]

Please, have some faith in me! I learned to cook--and bake--at a young age. [ Just because he has people who can do those things for him doesn't mean he can't rely on himself too sometimes!! ] One must know how to entertain guests, after all.

[porcelainandblood]

[She huffs out something that is somewhere betwixt a laugh and a scoff. After a moment's consideration, Perne decides that he is bullheaded enough that her options are to either continue bashing her proverbial horns against his or simply concede. She chooses the latter, believing he will most likely forget all about it and it'll never come up in conversation again.

A dark eyebrow raises. Right. Of course he's learned necessities. He isn't nobility. And it's not improbable that some nobility has likely dabbled in it. Her experiences are not equivalent to everyone else's...]

Oh. Yes, that is true. I should have had you cook for me instead of us going out to dinner then. No matter. I will accept future baking exploits as a replacement.

[ishgards]

[ It's obvious when she skirts the issue. He thinks about pushing it, about asking her to talk about it nevertheless. But there's no reason for them to get in a fight over the network. Mostly, he thinks it is a pity. She might be hopeful about the future of their home, but it's a reminder that hopes as easier to change than realities. And that many of their number were far more resigned to their fates than he. ]

How quickly you change your tune. First you are afraid of poison, and now you are looking for recompense!

[ He's teasing, and it shows with his laugh and lighter expression. ]

[porcelainandblood]

[There is a moment, perhaps a couple, where she is thankful that Aymeric knows there's a line in which she will tolerate him. And even more so, that he respects her enough to stay there. But she has not expected anything less from him. At least, not when it comes to matters not pertaining to her safety.

The touch of a curve finds her mouth. It's nice—good, rather—that he can laugh. He sounds lovely when he does. And she isn't immune to the humour either.]

I never said I was afraid, mind you. Only that avoiding it was a preference. Have I frustrated you to such a point yet? If you do intend to do so, I should like to properly earn it, after all.

[...And she too, is teasing.]

[ishgards]

I'm afraid such subterfuge is a little beyond me -- I prefer to be much more to the point. And poison seems like such a horrid way to go. Very messy.

[porcelainandblood]

[To the point. Doesn't he use a sword? Is he being clever again...?]

Messy. On the contrary, it can be rather clean. Although I suppose messy for the receiver.

[And as he has said, a horrid way to go. There would be some irony if that ever comes to be her comeuppance.]

[ishgards]

I suppose it rather depends on the kind of poison you use.

[ Like some make people suffer more than others. ]

Regardless, I've no such designs on your life, my lady. And it would be a pity to lose out on a taste-tester so quickly.

[porcelainandblood]

You say that as if you would not have a line of people willing to test your food, Lord de Borel.

[In fact, she's almost certain someone has likely already made such an offer.]

Regardless, I shall take it as the privilege that it is. Make me a lot of cakes. The small ones. Little dainty ones. I love those.

[...And she must because she's pretty sure she's never said she's loved anything since she arrived.]

[ishgards]

Your request is duly noted. I am writing it down.

[ Because it is video, it is clear that he indeed is writing it down. ]

[porcelainandblood]

[Oh. He's serious.]

Ah... You do not really need to do that. I could just... buy a cake... Truly, earnestly, honestly, make what you really want to make.

[ishgards]

I don't believe I've heard you express such a sincere interest in anything else. I certainly will not be letting it go now.

[porcelainandblood]

I— [She pauses for just a moment or two before she continues.] It is not as though I do not have any interests. I just do not normally speak of them.

[ishgards]

Tell me another?

[porcelainandblood]

I... like music a bit. More than a bit, actually. I am quite good at playing the harp. Mine parents thought it might make up for mine shining personality, and though I complained a great deal at them supposedly having made me do it, I enjoyed it. Very much.

[ishgards]

Music.

[ He does not write it down. But he is thinking about it, to remember. ]

It does not surprise me that you would become good at it. Though you need not insult yourself in explaining it to me.

[porcelainandblood]

I was not. I was being absolutely serious. It was supposed to make me appealing because I was rude to mine suitors. If one wishes to call them such. Mine parents believed I needed something to offset that harsh side to me.

[She thumbs at her chin thoughtfully. Yes. He has probably earned some of this information by this point.]

I never expected to like it as much as I do. For me, it was a means of expressing mineself where I otherwise could not. I was afraid if mine parents knew I liked it, they would take it from me to punish me when I did wrong, so I pretended to hate it, so they would allow me to continue pursuing it.

[ishgards]

I am sorry to hear that you had such a difficult time with your parents.