Heart Game: Sol [#06]

[idolpro]

Note: please be as cryptic as possible regarding any specific actions your character takes when discussing them in the game channel to avoid influencing everyone else!

Comments

[bluerosestyle]

"Right. What if he'd brought the Blue Rose Sword with him... and we had that sword in the village? I'd love to wield it once."

"What are you even thinking about, Kirito...?"

[Sol's grandfather proceeds to tell the rest of the story-- after an epic fight, retold with great skill, the great hero was able to leave the cave, his life pardoned by the dragon, but leaving the Blue Rose Sword behind. And then he smiles at Fox kindly.]

"The White Dragon is one of the protectors of humanity. That is why in a fight between him and Bercouli, who was also a brave soul, a tie was the best outcome."

[artisticliberty]

Oh... I see, I see. So they were both great figures worthy of valor and respect, then.

[bluerosestyle]

[The girl replies! She sounds a little like she's lecturing, or reciting from memory.]

"That's right. The White Dragon lives in a cave up in the End Mountains, forever protecting humanity from any and all invaders from the Dark Territory."

[Sol's grandfather looks at Sol now.]

"Well, Eugeo... Are you going to introduce me to this young man?"

[Sol jumps.]

"Ah--! Yes, I'm sorry, grandpa! I didn't want to interrupt your story..." [His grandfather laughs, and Sol stands up, red in the face.] "Fox, this is my grandfather... Grandpa, this is Fox. Um... and Alice, Fox, Fox, Alice." He pauses. "And Kirito."

[Kirito, of course, complains.] "Hey, don't introduce me like that!"

[artisticliberty]

It is a pleasure to meet you all. Thank you for allowing me to listen to your story, as well.

[he bows from his chair, like a polite boy]

[bluerosestyle]

[Alice nods with a slight bow, Kirito has to be elbowed into it but also returns the bow. Sol's grandfather speaks.]

"Stories are for sharing. I hope Bercouli's greatest tale can help you on your way. Would you like Eugeo to give you a tour of the house?"

[artisticliberty]

I would like that.

[he turns to sol]

I am in your care.

[bluerosestyle]

[Sol nods! Also to his grandfather.]

Then, um... Come over here.

[He leads him to the kitchen first. Someone's baking something that smells delicious, but it doesn't sound like it's ready yet. An old woman is asleep on a table... Sol sees her and runs towards her.]

Grandma! You fell asleep again!

[The woman drowsily opens her eyes and smiles at Fox.]

[artisticliberty]

[:O he bows again]

Pardon the intrusion. Something smells delicious.

[bluerosestyle]

"Grandma is baking an apple pie... If you fall asleep, it will get burned again!"

[The woman rests her hand on Sol's worried head and ruffles his hair.]

"Thank you for waking me up, dear. Who is that young man?"

"His name is Fox. I'm giving him a tour of the house, he wants to meet everyone."

"It is very nice to meet you, Fox."

[artisticliberty]

Likewise. Are you really baking a pie?

[i love pie]

[bluerosestyle]

[She speaks slowly, but it's a very kind cadence.]

I am. Would you like to try it?

[artisticliberty]

[SPARKLES]

I would love to.

[I LOVE PIE]

[bluerosestyle]

"Then, please wait for twenty more minutes and you can take some pie home with you, for you and your family."

[Sol sighs, but smiles a little.]

"Grandma..."

"Now, don't let me keep you. Go on, Eugeo dear."

"Don't fall asleep again!"

[Sol hugs his grandmother quickly and goes back to Fox's side, now with a happier smile]

"Let's go find my brothers."

[artisticliberty]

[haha i am going to eat that entire pie (of the pie that is given to me)]

I shall look forward to it, then. Where to, Eugeo?

[bluerosestyle]

[GOODBYE PIE! They leave the kitchen and are now in a corridor. Sol looks a little apologetic.]

All of my brothers are out in the fields now, but grandma doesn't remember. I'll introduce you to my sister.

[artisticliberty]

Of course. So, your brothers are farmers? Is your mother around?

[bluerosestyle]

[He looks kind of sad, but smiles anyway.]

My family has barley fields. Mom goes out to help too. I'm the only one who doesn't have a Calling yet, so I stay here with my grandparents after school, and my sister helps with the housework.

[artisticliberty]

You are eager to find something meaningful to do with yourself?

[bluerosestyle]

[Tiny Sol tilts his head]

What do you mean?

[artisticliberty]

Forgive me if I assume too much, but it sounds to me that you wish to do something important, to support your family. Is that what you mean by a "Calling"?

[bluerosestyle]

[He stares at him for a moment... then he shakes his head.]

I want to be a swordsman. Like Bercouli the Hero. But the Village Elder decides them, and everyone gets the same Calling as their parents.

[artisticliberty]

Is that so... but you do not have to do what the Village Elder says, you know. You can be a swordsman if you are determined.

[bluerosestyle]

B-But that's not true! The Taboo Index says--

Yes, the Taboo Index says! And so, now you feel a sharp pain behind your right eye. Blood red color covers your vision. The sensation of your limbs fades. You feel faint. Your Life has dropped by 800.

[artisticliberty]

--gh!

[fox clutches a hand over his eye, pained, and doubles over]

The... Taboo Index... will even overwrite your free will? Your hopes and dreams?

[bluerosestyle]

I'm turning 10 in two years, so I'm getting my Calling soon. Everyone has dreams, but if they can't come true, there's no point...

[hesitantly approaches]

Are you okay, Mister Fox...?