Cherubplay

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Vriska took her time inspecting various swords, but, ultimately, she did not find anything she particularly wanted. Making her way towards the door, she bid goodbye to the teal and remarked offhandedly, "I think that was the first time a caste higher than me didn't assume I was out to kill them when I was within two feet of a weapon." The general tolerance of her entire being there was enough to make her think that Alice really had a chance to reform Wonderland; if the midbloods could just understand the plight of the low bloods, then perhaps they would use their good experiences to Tavros's advantage.

A tall, slender woman appeared from a room towards the back, presumably to set out more dresses on racks and the like. She looked surprised, but pleased to see a pair in her store, and she smiled thinly. After depositing her stack of clothing onto the long desk that held the cash register, she headed over to Gamzee and Tavros, "Hello, welcome, my apologies to keep you waiting. Seems my lunch break teetered on for much too long." Her lunch breaks were normally spent taking inventory or sketching new designs, not actually eating lunch, "Are you finding everything alright?"

"Yes, mostly, I think," Tavros paused, looking over at the woman and the name tag that read 'Kanaya M.' in loopy, elegant writing. "Ah, Kanaya, I am actually looking for a dress that is either similar to this one or fancier. I also, uh, am looking for something for my mat- uh!" He immediately blushed, realizing that he had blown their own cover.

Kanaya, smiling in her normal motherly fashion, pat Tavros's shoulder and held her hand out to Gamzee to shake, "Quite a pleasure to meet you both. Do not fret, I am not the type to give one a hard time about blood color. As a jadeblood, I can relate."

2014-08-04 00:07:47
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Eridan followed Vriska out, relaxed by the calm encounter. "It's a nice change, isn't it? Maybe Alice's mission isn't as hopeless as I thought if they're so tolerant here.... Let's check out somewhere else and see if it's the same, I'm growing more fond of the idea of moving," he commented. It really wouldn't be bad, and much less lonely for Vriska, if they could end up finding somewhere to live here. She could find other people for her quadrants, like he had under the waves.

Gamzee had quickly taken up a quieter stance when the jadeblood had come out, half out of habit and partially to keep their cover and not seem like a threat. As soon as Tavros had blown it he startled a little, glancing to see what her reaction would be, a little afraid. Even if Undlegire had been quite accommodating so far, it could have been because they were supposed to be Tavros's servants, essentially, and not anything so familiar as a friend. However she didn't seem to mind at all, which set the purple blood partially at ease. He shook her hand, even smiling a little before letting go. It was kind of amazing, to be treated like an equal.

2014-08-04 00:23:28
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"Where should we go, then?" Vriska wondered if the more popular places would be less inclined to treat them well. Or, at the very least, regard her and Eridan as equals, which wouldn't surprise Vriska in the slightest. "I was thinking someplace that is usually more populated than a weapons shop. A boutique, a cafe, somewhere like that."

She shook Tavros's hand as well, suppressing laughs as he stammered to try to explain what he was looking for when it came to Gamzee.

"Really," Kanaya reassured, "I am not going to be rude to you on a basis of caste. Business is business, right?" With a sweet giggle, she moved to a separate rack and began rummaging through it and ones nearby, humming some local song to herself before she began plucking together an outfit for Gamzee. A pair of black, slim fitting pants with a violet button down and a cream colored sweater made for an impressive outfit, and Kanaya held it out to the matesprits with a bit of a proud look, "Your thoughts, gentlemen?"

"Wow!" Absolutely amazed, Tavros looked to Gamzee for his opinion, "Do you like it? I do, a whole bunch."

2014-08-04 00:40:35
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The seadweller nodded liking the idea. "How about a tea shop? I'd like some tea, and maybe a macaroon or other little sweet." Eridan started heading in a direction he thought they'd find one, soon approaching a quaint little shop with a number of different trolls. He made sure Vriska was next to him before heading inside, earfins stiffly upright as he put on a brave face, refusing to be intimidated by his own slight paranoia as he looked around to decide on a flavor.

It was certainly fancier than anything he'd ever owned before. It was also something he probably never would have picked out for himself. He'd never worn purple, and was kind of surprised she had any at all. The fit of the trousers also surprised him, usually wearing baggy things. He was speechless for a little while, wondering how it would look on him. Tavros's words helped him snap out of his reverie a little and he looked up at the kind jade blood. "If you think it'll suit me alright, looks damn nice to me," he said quietly.

2014-08-04 01:00:50
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Vriska couldn't remember the last time she had had a good macaroon or a some tea, -even if it was just a day or so ago- and she remembered just how out of whack her tea schedule was. Around noon was their normal shared teatime, but Vriska often indulged in a cup while she sat by the ocean, bundled up in her coat and boots and blanket, her characteristic hat off to the side. With a nod, she made her way to the tea house with Eridan, listening as the bell, a staple of most shops, sounded above them. As per usual, people glanced up to see who would be coming in, and a few people, of course, cast rude glares in Eridan's direction when seeing that he was a seadweller.

"Wonderful! Dressing rooms are to your right," She gestured, a pair of white doors off towards the right side of the shop, "While you dress, dear, I will find something just lovely for your darling." Tavros couldn't help but blush some at Kanaya's choice of words, not doing much to stop her as she moved from one rack to another easily. She grabbed two different dresses, one black with a blue sash and another brown with a pink apron. She doubted that he would be too inclined to wear anything that wasn't a blue dress, but she thought that she should help ease both males out of their normal clothing comfort zones.

Holding out the dresses to Tavros, -along with different pairs of stockings- she gave a welcoming gesture to the dressing rooms. Honestly, he was a little overwhelmed by all that he had seen, and Tavros, bewildered, trotted off to get dressed.

2014-08-04 01:19:06
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Eridan saw the looks but made himself notice that it wasn't the same with everyone's faces. He told himself that he was better than them for not sinking into the hate cycle, and that he would be civil, and not have an episode. His reassurances made him feel slightly better, so taking a deep breath, he made sure Vriska was close before approaching the counter to order. "A pot of the black peach, please, and whatever she picks out," he made sure to sound polite and meant it. He got out money for it, silvers rather than a gold just in case, and waited for her decision on a sweet.

Taking the articles, he smiled wider at her words. "I'm sure you will, nice as you keep your place, ma'am," he said before departing to try things on. He chose one of the doors, going in and fastening the door before hanging the new garments on a hook and undressing. He draped his older clothes on a chair in there, taking his shoes off too, of course, before putting on the pants. He wasn't all together sure his shoes would go with such nice things, and thought he'd probably need nicer ones, at least for appearing before the reds. He tucked the purple shirt in before zipping up the trousers, which were much more snug than he was used to, but it wasn't unpleasant. He was careful when slipping on the sweater, not wanting to get his, now slightly hated, face paint on it. If he never had to wear the stuff again it would be too soon.

He looked at himself in the mirror and hardly would have recognized it as him. The garments fit very well, and showed off his figure a hell of a lot more than clothes ever had before...especially the pants. "Holy fuckin shit," he muttered to himself. He really did look a gentletroll, or he would without the face mask....they couldn't kill him anymore...maybe he'd stop wearing it altogether. Surely if he took up wearing purple he wouldn't need it anymore? He was pretty obviously not a seadweller.

He left the dressing room slowly, looking around for Tavros and Kanaya. "Tavbro? Ms. Kanaya? Uh, what do you two all up and think?"

2014-08-04 01:43:55
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Her eyes scanned their expansive repertoire, and while it was impressive, they did not have her favorite tea. So, opting for something that sounded equally as delicious, she ordered, "A spot of milk rose, if you would." It was, apparently, a specialty of the area, and Vriska was excited to try it. She likened her and Eridan as connoisseurs of teas and all things surrounding them, and, as she looked over the menu again, she tacked on, "And four vanilla macaroons, please. Are you sure you do not want any macaroons, Marchie? Just a couple, for old time's sake."

Kanaya, busying herself with hanging clothes on racks while they dressed, had her decorated ears flick up when Gamzee called out. "One moment, dear," She replied, hanging the last item of clothing on the appropriate rack before lifting her long red skirt up some to aid in her brisk walking to the dressing room. "Oh, yes, I am ever so fond of this ensemble," She made a motion for Gamzee to turn around, her fingers coming out to tug and pull and readjust his clothing to her satisfaction. "How about that! You have quite the figure, I am surprised that your beau is not inclined to request your showing it off."

Tavros audibly squeaked in the dressing room, and he hurriedly zipped up his black dress and pulled on blue stockings with white lace. The white lace matched the same white accents of the collar of his black dress, and he peered at himself in the mirror before blushing a little; he felt rather pretty in this outfit. Opening the door of the dressing room, he stepped out, having kept off his boots for now, his true height apparent, especially when compared to Gamzee. Kanaya beamed brightly at them both, "Take a gander, boys! My clothes fit you like a dream. Thoughts, concerns?"

"Um, I," Shyly, he peered over at Gamzee, who, he had to admit, looked much more handsome in that outfit than anything he had seen before, "I think you should pick out more clothes for Gamzee. We, are kind of going to head into red country soon, and we will need something very high-end. Do you think this will be good enough?"

"Goodness, dear. Red country have such swaying trends that you would do better off with that outfit and a ballgown in storage." Kanaya looked visibly annoyed with the changing fashion inclinations of the warmerbloods, and she rolled her eyes before perking up with a bright idea, "Ah, I know! How about your boys find yourselves something utterly /gorgeous?/ A pretty gown for the copper and a dazzling suit-piece for the violet, and I will only charge you for the latter; your first choices are free of charge. Reds are such back and forth creatures, I would hate for anyone to be underdressed, and you will both have to make quite the impression, especially with this matespritship between you."

Hardly able to contain his excitement, Tavros's eyes widened and he clapped his hands, "Really? You mean that?"

Kanaya laughed, taking Tavros's next dress and handing it to him, "But of course. Rainbowdrinker's honor."

Too excited to take much heed to her after-words, he took the dress and zipped into the dressing room, chanting 'thank you's over and over again as he hastily undressed.

2014-08-04 02:32:08
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He looked over the macaroon choices a moment. “I suppose I would like a couple of the almond macaroons.” He paid for everything and found them a secluded place to sit while they waited for their tea and sweets to be delivered to them. He avoided looking at the other patrons, keeping his attention on Vriska. He was kind of excited to have tea in a tea shop instead of just their table in the Screechlands. Certainly it was wonderful and he missed it a bit, but they were in actual society around people; and even though there were a few rude looks it didn’t put him down much. He was rather surprised by his good mood, and hoped it kept up for a while.

Gamzee blushed a bit at her compliment, nearly telling her that his beau (he liked the sound of that) had never really seen it so how could he? But then Tavros was out of the dressing room, cute as ever. No wonder Vriska had been getting a bit protective in the street, he was completely unresistable. The purple blood found himself wanting to return to the inn so he could cuddle the little copper blood to him and just lavish him in affectionate kisses and tell him how beautiful he was...Gamzee was essentially melting with affection internally and his expression showed it. Not at all lustful, just incredibly loving and devoted.

“I think I’ll need nicer shoes,” he said to her when she asked about concerns. “Mine’ll ruin how nice this all is.” His current pair were made for walking a lot and not for looking nice. He understood her annoyance with the change in fashions of the reds. It was one of the reasons he preferred this place, the looks here were much more subdued and long lasting, classy.

“Uh, you think we can really get away with bein open and such?” he asked her about their matespritship. She seemed trustworthy and non-judgemental, so he was surprisingly comfortable talking to her. “I wouldn’t wanna underpay ya none, nice as ya are and fancy as these threads are...” he said quietly, not wanting to talk too much. Then she mentioned being a rainbow-drinker and his expression turned to utter surprise.

“Are you all up and serious? Don’t suppose you really glow and such? Tavbro! Your riddle!” he said excitedly. This was unreal. They just stumbled across her? How damn lucky was his darling matesprit? Gamzee grinned widely.

2014-08-04 03:04:48
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Vriska stood about idly, reading over the menu again if in the case that she was to come back for any reason, but the hardened looks in their general direction were, more or less, redirected. No comments had been shown, lest she would have fallen to a rage, and if they were talking about them quite literally behind their backs, Vriska heard nothing of it. When their sweets and teas were ready, they were placed on a tray with two saucers stacked with a pyramid of sugar cubs. Sadly, her magic was much much less when she was not in the Screechlands,and she could not move too much with simple finger movements once she sat. She could lift sugar cubes and stir her tea, but she could not lift her cup nor a macaroon. Vriska, visibly, was disheartened by this fact and sipped her tea solemnly.

Kanaya, moving fluidly about her quaint shop, shrugged a slender shoulder as she looked for a suitable ballgown for the resident darling. Gamzee had a nice figure, it was true, but she knew she would have to find a shirt in the back to fit the cut of the coat she now held in her hands. She looked it over, back and forth, the dark ebony of it matching the pants it had been paired with, but she was not sure if she wanted a white shirt or perhaps a light gray...Falling back to the task at hand, she looked over her shoulder at Gamzee, "I do not mind. I would find higher fault in letting either of you walk out my shop without the fullest spectrum of clothing allotted for those silly reds than worrying about money. Besides, I am one of three boutiques in the entire city, I will have customers regardless." She always held a soft spot for violets, anyway; she could understand why, too. Jadebloods almost always turned out to be rainbowdrinkers, and were attributed to an idea of violence and impulsivity, something quite at odds with Kanaya's elegant nature and sophisticated notions. When she had first arrived in Undlegire, she was under constant surveillance by the mayor's appointed officers, just in case she had a moment in which she snapped. And, how could she /not/ adore the relationship between the two, when it was so pure and unadulterated? "Check the staircase, dear, for a pair of dress shoes. Smaller sizes are on the floor and bottom stairs and it only goes up from there."

At Gamzee's sudden surprise and excitement, Tavros hurriedly pulled on the second dress and apron, which he wasn't too fond of, -he had never really liked pink- but stopped to rummage through the pocket of his original dress. He took out his map and the riddle on it, walking out the dressing room as he peered up at Kanaya, who had an arm stacked with clothes just awaiting to be worn by Tavros and Gamzee.

"Gamzee, we should not just jump to conclusions like this," He warned, not entirely convinced that his first couple of hours in Undlegire would be so lucky, but at the easy transition from gray skin to glowing white of Kanaya, he was liable to believe him. "Uh. Oh. It seems I have been proven quite wrong."

2014-08-04 03:24:04
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Sipping his tea with some delight, Eridan took in the scenery a little . He nibbled a macaroon, they were quite good, and looked over at Vriska. He didn’t like how unhappy he looked, especially since he felt fine for once. When she set her tea down he took the cup so he could taste a sip of it, hopefully annoying her slightly in the process and distracting her from whatever it was. “Hmm, it’s quite interesting. I like the rose...what do you think of it, dear Hattie? The peachiness of mine is quite a delight.” He set her cup back down lightly, glancing at her haughtily.

Gamzee grinned at the outcome, and ducked back into the dressing room to take off the nice clothes. After carefully hanging them again and returning to his previous attire, he went out to find a pair of shoes; simple black ones that would go with anything, and picked out a couple pairs of nicer socks. He went over to look at what Kanaya was picking out, and saw her deliberating on a shirt for under the suit coat. He didn’t want to intrude upon her obvious fashion sense, but he had a sort of idea. “Uh, what about a lighter sorta lilac or somthin?” he suggested quietly.

“Looks like you got a lot to try on there, Tavbro. I can try and explain your quest while you find something you like,” he offered, not thinking he’d need much besides for the one dress outfit and the one he’d been wearing before. If she wanted him in other things he wouldn’t complain, he just didn’t want to take up too much time or money for anyone. He had a feeling Vriska would not be entirely pleased if they spent a sizable chunk of her coin.

2014-08-04 03:47:54
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"Shut up," She groaned, flicking her wrist so a sugar cube nestled itself in his hair, her nose wrinkled in annoyance, "My magic is not as strong outside of the Screechlands. My teatime abilities are all but gone," The core of her magic, that to do with luck, was better in other areas, but she had grown so accustomed to what made her the Mad Hatter that it was saddening to think she had lost that part. Perhaps if she had kept some of the sand of the Screechlands on her, her abilities would be the same? Or, in any case, better than they were at the present moment. "And the rose is lovely, but I am certain that your peach flavored tar is horrendous."

It seemed that Gamzee said the specific word to snap her out her intensive thought, and she parroted, "Lilac! Of course, lilac! Here, hold this, dear," And so she set the coat and pants and three gowns she had found for Tavros into Gamzee's arms before excitedly finding more clothes. "If you are not fond with the cut of that suit," She started, her glowing skin seeming to pulse even brighter for a moment as she plucked up a three piece suit of such a dark black that it shone purple just slightly in the light, "I have this one, as well. There are plenty of items stashed away in my inventory; I could always find you something that matches your measurements exactly if these two choices are ill-fitting."

"You can tell her," Tavros relinquished the story as he pulled on his normal dress, but not his apron or sweater just yet and grinned at Gamzee and all the clothes that Kanaya had given him. "I like the way you tell stories, anyway."

2014-08-04 04:09:37
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He sniffed and threaded the sugar cube out of his hair. "Just because you have no taste for heavier caffinated flavors doesn't mean they're bad. It means you've only got tastes for those most /delicate/ of brews." He was smirking a bit, knowing how much she hated being called dainty or fragile in anyway. The sea dweller was concentrating on tea related topics, hoping to take her mind off of her less potent magic.

"Uh, I guess I can try them both and you two can decide what's best," Gamzee wasn't sure which suit was better, sure either of them would be fine, and definitely nice enough for their purposes. She seemed excited about the darkest one, and it was intriguing how it changed colors slightly in the light. Also he had no idea what his measurements were and didn't want to trouble her overly much. He gestured to Tavros to start trying on gowns, as it looked like she wanted them to try on the whole store and he didn't really want to be here for the rest of the day, no matter how delightful of a person she was.

"You don't gotta flatter me none, Tav," he laughed a little, smiling. "Well, it all started when Tavros fell down onto the edge of the Dewgrass Fields after this White Rabbit in fancy clothes. I found him sitting there, and we got to talkin as he wanted to know just where he was and which way was Alternia and I'd never heard of such a place so I suggested he go see my friend the Bibliosaurus and maybe she could help. Well, then a giant eagle was all tryin to swoop after us so we booked it into the Tulgey Woods...." he continued on, telling her how they'd gone to his home, chatting away and figuring out that Tavros was from another world, one somewhat opposite of Wonderland. How he had found the map with the riddles on it telling him he was Alice. Then how they traveled together, Gamzee there to show Tavros the way to the city and introduce him to his friend, and waking up with a face full of fuzzy critters after camping out for the night because of Tavros's communing abilities. They got to the city, and at the library how they solved the riddles together, and proceeded from there. Traveling the distances first to the Screechlands where they picked up the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, finding the trees and Tavros's coloring abilities, continuing on to the In Between. How Tavros had communed with the Jabberwocky, the joys of flying, and then ending up in Undlegire, and now finding her, who he assumed was the glowing figure from the second riddle. He kept to the plot throughout his tale, skipping over more personal and upsetting moments mostly. Some of his affection and wonder showed through in the telling, of course, but the story was about Tavros, essentially, and so how could it not?

2014-08-04 04:41:15
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"Untrue," She denied instantly, plopping another sugar cube into her tea and mixing it before she raised the cup manually and sipped it. The cups were nothing like the tea sets back in the Screechlands, but they had their own quality to them that she supposed she could appreciate. "One does not have to go about and childishly sip on heavy brews just to appear strong and powerful. A true warrior can balance softness and hardness whilst maintaining their outward looks of detachment." She liked finer things, so what? Vriska hadn't the palate for hardier teas, though she was bloodthirsty in other areas and retained the idea that she had balanced it all with ease.

Kanaya tried to keep her mind on the idea that Tavros was the fabled Alice, but her own thoughts often intruded and, after the story, she began to bring up her own point. "That is intriguing," She started, and would have thought them both insane had she not seen the map and listened to the entirety of the story - it seemed too detailed to just be made up. Still, she was worried about the fact that both the March Hare and the Mad Hatter seemed to be in a relatively close proximity, and it bewildered the jadeblood that she was, somehow, destined to join them on their journey, "It seems that the reds really have found their Alice."

Tavros furrowed his brows at her words, hastily picking the dress that he liked the most and politely handing the other two back to Kanaya; they were not pressed for time the sense that they had to leave right at that moment, but more in the fact that he wanted to relax with his matesprit back at the inn. "What do you mean by that?"

"You know the story, do you not? Alice came to this world long ago, she, apparently, 'fixed' everything, but the warmerbloods, especially the royal reds, are more powerful than ever! The kingdom of Hearts flourished in a manner unprecedented; the former Alice surely had not any idea as to what she had done, and she, content with her work, left for her own world on the Grand Transportilizer. The Royals, seeing that they had an entire hemisphere under their control due to Alice's influence, wished to find even more land and power. There is another land, on the other side of this planet, called Witzend that is apparently populated by humans; that is what the first Alice was, after all. 'It must be a sign!' The Reds ranted and raved, but I think not," Kanaya rolled her eyes at just how stupid some of those royals could be, "But everyone in Wonderland had never ventured to Witzend, and there are many that say that it is a land that is not magical. Naturally, this caused much fright in Heart Kingdom, and, to introduce magic to a land that was, oh-so-obviously barren of whimsicality, sent out the White Rabbit, who, long ago, found the first Alice. However, the first White Rabbit had long since perished, so it is more a title now, a job appointed by the Queen herself. An amulet in the shape of a pocket watch allows the White Rabbit to shapeshift, and the normal form is, obviously, the rabbit. A universal animal, if you will. The White Rabbit travels mysterious lands in search of the Alice, who will undoubtedly follow him and the great magic of Wonderland will take hold of Alice. Who," She smiled thinly, "Is apparently you."

A frown wormed its way to the surface; the reds had initiated his being here, but surely they could not have orchestrated his feelings and his intuition. They could not have guessed his meeting with Gamzee or his emotions with the Jabberwocky! Right? "So the Reds started all of this?"

"In a sense, yes," She finally put the other two gowns in their appropriate places, switching Gamzee's clothes for the dark purple three-piece, "But your journey sounds that it has been pulled by the mighty fates themselves, not some pompous lunatic on a throne. Worry not, dear, your journey may have started by those rapscallions, but it is up to the Fates and your own power to determine what will come of it. Though," Kanaya smiled sheepishly, "I cannot tell you why I would be part of this quest, but there is not doubt about it; I am the only jadeblood and rainbowdrinker in all of Undlegire."

2014-08-04 16:16:05
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He liked hearing her defend herself so poetically, and hoped it was distracting enough. "Certainly, but is there not something to be said for the connoisseur who can enjoy a wide variety of flavors? Is it not enriching to enjoy and be able to tell the goodness of many different varieties more than just one sort? You really are missing out, my dear. You might attempted acquiring a taste for things out of your comfort zone, mayhap," he smiled, showing just a little of the sharpness of his teeth.

"Well, his riddle says the reds'll only bother listening if there's a midblood, pretty specifically you, I'm guessin since you're the only glowy person in Undlegire, I'd venture, and this is where it says." He was glad that this Alice mission didn't seem to be in the red's favor after all that Kanaya had told them. If it had it would have been like marching himself and the other lowbloods to their dooms. It was a thought he couldn't bear, especially the way the others would have reacted. The disappointment would have brought despair of ever being anything remotely close to equal.

He took the suit into the back, really thinking it was too fancy. Besides for being friends and now matesprits with Tavros, he wasn't much more than a cook and a pack mule. He felt like he was somehow inflating his importance on this mission; surely they could all get by without him. He supposed he was good protection, too, as no one was likely to try messing with a barbarian blood.... The whole self sorry bullshit he felt infuriated him so he put it from his mind. He was here for Tavros, whom he loved dearly, and would continue to do what he could for him, and would have, even if they were just friends.

He donned the suit quickly and carefully, making sure things sat where they should, before trying to get his hair a little more in order. He went ahead and put the shoes on, too, just to complete things and stepped outside the dressing room. "Uh, what do ya think?" he asked Kanaya, blushing slightly at how nice it was, and wanting to be wearing it right and look nice, too.

2014-08-04 17:19:39
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She made an irritated sound, her lips pulling together in an irritated tightness before Vriska pulled her braid over her shoulder. "I see not the appeal to brash brews, is all," She said finally, "Besides, many of the options here are nothing like what was provided back in the Screechlands. I would sooner slice my own hair with my heaviest ornamental cutlass than allow just one tastebud to shrivel at the barbarism of these so-called teas. The bluebloods of Miyah Island had much better selections." There was an island not too far from the Screechlands that held an exclusive amount of bluebloods that kept to themselves and brewed their own teas, creating different strains and combinations that no one else had ever tasted, aside from herself and Eridan. For a couple nets of oysters that were rather easily obtained, Vriska could hoard various kinds of aromatic teas from the only people she could consider slight friends. "Vanilla daffodil, white rain, their skill with crafting teas is remarkable."

She hummed in agreement, "Ah, that makes sense. Many a lowblood has tried their hand at reasoning with the Royals, but to no avail. Some midground seems to be necessary." Most midbloods hadn't any qualms with what was happening, either because they were unaware or because it didn't involve them directly. The government made sure their cities and towns were well-kept, , and the more close to yellow a greenblood was, the less likely they were to get too bent out of shape.

Just as she was getting Tavros a pair of shoes, -several different types and sizes were all held in her long arms- Kanaya was spoken to again and she turned. Her eyes lit up in excitement, though her glow did not pulse as it did before since she had returned to her normal skin color. "Utterly perfect! Your beau took a liking to a similarly dark dress; it shines blue, naturally." His ballgown was a midnight blue with the skirt harboring a layer of a shining lace atop it. The gown was sleeveless, but extended up towards his neck with more delicate lace. It cinched in tightly around the middle, accentuating his tiny form but giving him more a figure that was all the rage in red territory with the men and women donning their gowns. Before Tavros had a chance to leave his dressing room, Kanaya was just outside it, sliding two pairs of identical silver shoes underneath the door. "There are two sizes," She explained, "One just a size bigger than the other. Try them on and then come out so we may see your whole outfit."

Tavros called an 'alright' and tried on the bigger size, first, which fit like a dream to the point that he didn't bother with the second pair. The shoes were just a slightly elevated silver heel with straps across the ankle and foot, and he felt so lovely that he nearly cried. The door opened and, proudly, Kanaya gave a displaying motion with her arms to Gamzee, "These outfits were /made/ for you two."

Bashfully, he stepped further out of the dressing room, holding his dress up in the front to assist in walking as he listened to the click of his heels against the wood floor. "Oh my..." Tavros was, at first, at a lost for words as he strode to Gamzee and smoothed a hand over his chest, then linked both arms around his neck, "You look beautiful, Gamzee."

2014-08-04 18:48:19
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“Ah, yes, they really do know how to make tea, don’t they,” Eridan mused, remembering a few visits. They were also partial to the lighter teas, but made a few more bitter varieties which he liked. He tasted water all the time, so he guessed he liked things stronger, and not quite as dilute. His favorites were a rare sort of combination of the two, which were lighter from less fermentation and drying but still full-bodied teas. “They did have the best oolongs…certainly the most variety. We should go visit again once this whole journey is over.” He hoped making plans would give him something to look forward to and some hope for an eventual return to normalcy.

Kanaya really was just too nice. She was as friendly and motherly as the Bibliosaurus back home, and it made him a little homesick. He was really quite glad there were more nice people around here, at least compared to what the red city was like. Gamzee liked her a lot already; she was easy to talk to and her happy passionate nature for fashion was uplifting, and he was quite relieved that he hadn’t had to try and pick things out.

When Tavros came out Gamzee took it all in silently. When he came forward he was still a little at a loss for words or movements, but eventually was able to link his hands behind his matesprit’s back, just as Tavros linked his own around his neck, purring deeply at the contact. “Nah, Tavbro, if anyone here’s beautiful it’s you. They’re gonna wanna sweep you off your feet.” He was smiling, but it was a bit worrisome. He paused to enjoy the moment before continuing. “Do you think we should bring Hatter and Hare in so they can get all fancied up, too?”

2014-08-04 19:50:11
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"Definitely; their green teas are to die for!" There was always a certain therapeutic effect whenever she sipped their tea, especially the different kinds of the green variety. A wistful expression occupied her face as she sipped her own tea and thought, briefly, that she should give the people more than just the oysters they so loved for the gift of quality tea. To her, oysters weren't much, but the Miyahan bluebloods were unable to digest, for whatever reason, most kinds of oysters aside from the ones that were located on the shore of the Screechlands. The animals were such a delicacy that the Miyahan bluebloods were more than happy to give whatever teas Eridan or Vriska may have wanted, and even take suggestions for new kinds of teas, but Vriska really didn't think that just oysters were enough for the richness of their brews. "We should give them something else aside from those special oysters, Marchie," She hummed, "Their teas are spectacular, after all."

Kanaya, similarly, was feeling particularly attached to both males. She had always been one for a motherly or sisterly nature, and she liked to fawn over both Tavros and Gamzee and lend them a helping hand in whatever she could. The chemistry floating around them was positive, and Kanaya was already making plans to begin packing what she could for the journey ahead. To give them what privacy they could get, Kanaya slipped past them silently and plucked the clothing from the dressing rooms that they liked, the ones that were free of charge. Then, she placed them into the delicate paper bags that all her clothing was taken from her shop in, neatly placing them on the edge of her desk. They'd only pay for what they were gawking over now.

"Sure, yes," He grinned up at him, "Let's get all of that sorted tomorrow. I want to, uh, spend tomorrow getting necessary supplies and taking care of that remaining riddle. I want everything to be prim and proper tomorrow so that we can continue on to Starnette without worrying about anything."

Inwardly, Kanaya grimaced at the mention of Starnette; that was the capital of Wonderland, the hub of reds, the absolute centre of the highest ranking warmbloods. Tavros would be nearly considered royalty himself in some areas, people may think him a duke if he had such an entourage following him, and Kanaya could only hope that things would pan out successfully. She would have to warn them extensively about Starnette and all it entailed; before opening her own shop, she was the personal assistant for a yellowblood, -which was kind of ridiculous in her eyes, she wasn't much farther from him in terms of caste- but she was treated as more of a pet than some kind of monster. People marveled at her fangs, and she had to glow in public, -though that rule, among others, had been abolished so long as the 'problem castes' wore their colors openly- and, occasionally, people questioned if she was even literate. The moment she had saved up enough money was the moment she left without so much as a word to her employer for Undlegire.

2014-08-04 20:14:01
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Eridan agreed with Vriska on that point. The people were so kind, and didn’t mind him at all—even having a few other seadwellers visit them on occasion. “What about other seafood? Crab or lobsters maybe? They’re not so hard to catch, if they end up liking them.” He didn’t think gold or gems would really impress them that much, not needing money in their isolation. Even though he might have liked a pretty thing and finery, he appreciated the more simplistic lifestyle they lead; it could be very refreshing, as refreshing as their teas. “Unless you could think of something else? Maybe we’ll find some sort of plant life they don’t have on the island that we can bring for them to experiment with.”

“What do you think Starnette’ll be like? Can’t think it’ll be like this place, …yellows…” he grimaced. He didn’t know why they were always the worst, maybe their sort of lower high blood position bothered them somehow so they felt the need to abuse their power as the police force and guards of the city. It was unclear to Gamzee for the moment if they would be just as bad in a warmer city with less diversity or if it would be slightly less evident, or a different attitude entirely.

He moved back from Tavros after gently hugging him so he could go change back into his previous clothes. “Won’t they be surprised, eh? Dapper ass gentletroll me. Have to make sure to tame my main in t’some semblance of order. Hope I won’t have to wear the paint. Ruins the look, I think,” he rambled as he took Tavros’s hand to lead him back to the dressing rooms, bowing to him before letting go so he could return to the one he’d been in. “Gonna have to be open then, lest some pawsy someone or other decides you’re too cute to handle. Can’t be abiding that, an’ don’t wanna do nothin’ drastic,” he muttered, not caring if Tavros heard him or not.

After returning to his comfortable old attire, laying the suit like it had been before and holding it almost delicately, he waited for Tavros to get done redressing himself. “So what do you want for sup? No kitchen in the room, we’ll have to find something.”

This brought him to another point. “Ms. Kanaya, while we’re travellin I do the cookin, so what do you all up an like to eat? Still gotta go shoppin for supplies and such tomorrow, wanna make sure the menu is satisfactory,” he grinned.

2014-08-04 20:55:41
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Vriska picked up a macaroon and bit it thoughtfully, then chewed and swallowed so she could answer, "We'll try crab, sure. Nice young crabs, though; they have such delicate little stomachs from their isolation, I would hate for them to get sick." There were many different kinds of foods that they could not digest or were allergic to, their genes not quite right for the modern nutrition that was so favored nowadays. "I mean," She continued, hoping to salvage more of her aggression, since she was being much nicer than usual, "Who else is going to make our teas if we end up making them ill?"

"You'll have to at least wear something that openly identifies you as a violetblood," Kanaya called, "The Problem Castes no longer have to do somewhat horrible things in order to display to the world what color we are, but we do, in fact, have to wear our color someplace so that others will know." She gestured to the jade-colored top she was wearing, something a bit tight and long-sleeved, "Frankly, I am surprised that you are still wearing your paint, dear. The remaining violetbloods have not worn the identifying paint in sweeps." Violets occasionally passed through Undlegire, but they all wore a purple shirt or hat or something of that nature that identified them as a purpleblood, never any paint. "I do feel I should warn you boys about Starnette; I previously lived there and I know much about the current state of mind." She still held some business there, often importing shoes or accessories from the regal boutiques of Starnette to offer them to Undlegirians for affordable prices; paying 40 gold for a pearl necklace was outrageous! She could rant and rage for days complaining about upperclass fashion and how it was so backwards in terms of looks and pricing, but she abstained for now.

Tavros heard Gamzee's mumbling, and while he did not comment on it, -as he was too engrossed in Kanaya's words- he did pocket that piece of information for later. Perhaps for the inn? He didn't want to do anything drastic, flirting enough was good for him. "Can we have something hardy? Like soup or pasta?"

Kanaya, feeling a smile that was mildly worried spread onto her lips, turned to the pair as they exited the dressing rooms with their clothing in hand, "I am fond of starchier, heavier foods, really," Which was at odds with her lithe frame, "Potatoes, breads, and, of course, pastas," She shone a brighter smile to Tavros, who grinned in response. "But if you boys want something to eat, I would be glad to host an impromptu dinner party upstairs in my hive. Bring along the Mad Hatter and March Hare; I ought to get acquainted with who I am to travel with to Starnette, hm?" Tavros never thought he would meet someone just as hospitable as himself or Gamzee, but Kanaya was shaping up to be the resident mother hen and he was loving it. "Honestly? You are being so kind, Ms. Kanaya," He handed her his gown and shoes when she held her arms out for it, and Kanaya also took Gamzee's suit to bring to the register for pricing, "I hardly, uh, know what to do with myself. You are much different from the Hare and Hatter when we first met them."

"Oh, I just like to be helpful, that's all. And who could stand themselves to be rude to a pair of gentlemen like you?" She checked her watch, which read three o'clock, and gave a quiet hum, "Alright, I close in three hours, come by, say...around seven-thirty. There is a staircase in the back of my building that leads right up to my hive. Just knock, and I will let you in. How does that sound?"

Unable to restrain himself, he nodded and scrambled up to her, wrapping his arms around her waist in a friendly hug, "Yes, thank you very much!"

Kanaya, with bubbly laughter leaving her in quick spurts, looped her arms around Tavros to reciprocate, one hand gently patting his dark wavy hair, "It is my pleasure, really. And, you will be even happier to note that for all your clothing, it is only twenty silver and six bronze! Even with this discount, you would find yourself upwards in gold if you were in Starnette and purchasing this clothing."

2014-08-04 21:34:48
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“I can find some of the better ones pretty close by...we don’t tend to eat them much, too easy to digest. Usually give them to kids to start ‘em out. Should be perfect...and goodness no, we couldn't have that. Where would I get my hibiscus and rose hips blend? I couldn’t possibly go without it,” he smiled. He ate the second of his macaroons less slowly, the almond flavour going very well with the peach in his tea, which was quite invigorating. Tea had been an excellent idea; he was really in a good mood, especially with Vriska trying to regain her ferocity across from him.

Gamzee was completely shocked by what she’d said. Sweeps...he’d been wearing this stuff needlessly for sweeps?! Learning he could have just worn purple the whole time was devastating. If he’d known...but they’d told him the complete opposite...those fucking bullies! He was furiously angry, probably angrier than he’d ever been, but he quenched it quickly. He of all people wasn't allowed to be cross, and he didn’t want to be sad in front of Tavros and Kanaya which was the other emotion he felt at the news. She’d obviously been through things herself and both of them were just too nice to trouble with how upset he was. So he stayed quiet and brooded a little, trying not to let it show on his face. Haha, face, he thought sourly, keeping his expression neutral.

No one had told him about that change in regulation. In fact he’d been told the opposite, every single time he’d ever forgotten the paint the guards and higher blooded bullies had gotten after him, shoving him in the mud and generally being completely appalling and vicious until they let him leave. He only had one purple article of clothing; a gift. He thought it would only bring more trouble to be brazen about it but it would have made things so much easier! He was thankful he’d brought the sweater; he’d wear it that evening.

He was also surprised at the pricing being so low for such fancy attire. This whole ending of this shopping stop was heartbreaking. Everything from where he was had been prohibitively expensive. He’d never go back there if he didn’t have to. Gamzee decided he’d visit the ‘saurus one last time and the old man at the market and then never have anything to do with the place ever again. ...at least they’d found Kanaya here and there was some benefit in knowing now.

Dinner sounded like it would be nice, and he could certainly provide the sort of food she preferred. It wasn’t so different from what he already brought, heavier foods being good for long traveling journeys when a lot of energy was needed. He was glad they’d found someone so damn nice to travel with, and he was liking her mother hen personality too, especially how happy she was making Tavros with all this fancy stuff and openness. He kind of wondered why she had a nervous sort of smile when he mentioned eating, but wasn’t too concerned.

After things were packed up he picked the bundles up to carry them with a smile, ready to follow his petite, happy matesprit back to the inn for some relaxation time.

2014-08-04 23:06:03
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She went through the rest of her macaroon and a second one, her eyes falling on the large wooden clock above the door. It was nearing fifteen past three, and she figured that they ought to head back to the inn soon. Alice may want to go over things with them. Taking a napkin, Vriska delicately wrapped up the last two macaroons, -Alice may want them, she reasoned, he had quite the sweet tooth- then finished up her tea after a bit of quiet between herself and Eridan. She was rather enjoying the atmosphere of the tea shop; while she had been, initially, on her guard and apprehensive about stepping inside, it was comforting to know that they had found a safe haven with Undlegire. Midbloods were more accommodating than she had thought! And all this time, people had told her that everyone hated colderbloods...

Vriska, readjusting her hat as she was prone to do, buttoned up her coat and questioned, "Ready to go, Marchie? We ought to go back to the inn, or at least explore other places in the city." She didn't want to seem like she was /completely/ devoted to Tavros, -which she wasn't- but she wanted to keep the option there, just in case.

Kanaya gave them a wave and a smile, but there was a lilt of worry to her gaze that she just couldn't disguise. She was the type to concern herself with all she met, and she couldn't help but feel anxious about the journey to Starnette. Tavros, on the other hand, twirled about happily in his sweater and ripped dress, occasionally pulling up his stockings as they walked back to the inn. "I cannot believe how nice she was!" He remarked in astonishment, "And I have never met a jadeblood before, it was so fascinating to see her glow! She really did, uh, look similar to a start, didn't she, 'Zee?"

2014-08-04 23:18:25
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When Vriska spoke Eridan finished the dregs of his tea quickly and stood. "Whichever is fine with me," he said, not afraid of wandering around anymore. He'd nearly been nodding off in daydream during their silence, thinking of hunting crab and what other sort of delicate sea life he could hunt so they could indulge in teas. He was a little surprised at being so readily comfortable, but didn't pay it any mind.

"Did you have anything in particular you wanted to look for? Otherwise we should deliver your macaroons back at the inn, unless you like carrying them around, or just want to nibble them as we walk."

The indigoblood had been zoning out, distracted in his own thoughts so it took him a little while to answer, but when he did he rambled. "She was one wicked sister; I'm glad we went in her place. Real nice of her to have us all for dinner, too. I didn't know jades could really do that...wasn't sure that rainbow drinker thing was something to be believed. Hope it doesn't get her pestered, none, nice person like her, couldn't stand that sorta animosity to a lady so kind. ...I hope Hatter doesn't have a problem with her, I remember she said somethin' 'bout hopin it wasn't one of them... Think it was just one of her small mean things or what?"

The injustices done to his own person hurt, but he'd become acclimated to them over the sweeps. What really got to him was the same done to other people, as it brought out his empathy and need to do something to help. It was something that had been instilled in him from his guardian when he was young; to be more than his blood color and to surprise people. It was one of the reasons why he read so much, and didn't end up eating a lot of meat, instead experimenting with vegetables and fruit more. ...the point being that he didn't know if he could stand to see Kanaya treated badly, and hoped it wouldn't be the case.

2014-08-04 23:41:42
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"I mostly just want to get out of these boots," She admitted. While they were the kind that were meant for walking, it would do her some good to stretch out and relax for a while. The next stop was red country, and Vriska figured that she should get as much quiet time as she could before things inevitably went sour. "Let's just go back to the inn." Vriska made her way in the direction of the inn, which she couldn't wait to relax in. The bed looked comfortable and snuggly, the comforter soft and smelled of fresh detergent; the inn, clearly, was family owned and well-maintained, and before she went to bed that night, she would take a nice soak in the tub. Perhaps she would with Eridan? Their kismesistude usually went about as far as a few rough kisses when things were particularly exciting, but the rarely divulged into the softer fights for dominance that was still rivalry. Vriska wasn't sure if she could let herself be that vulnerable to begin with...

Tavros shook his head, "She didn't mean it. Vriska may seem like some seasoned fighter with a penchant for rudeness, but she is just mean to things that she does not understand." He hadn't really talked to her much, but just observing her mannerisms and the way she reacted to different things was proof enough, "She had probably never met a violetblood before, so she, uh, was just horrible to you because she was afraid of what she did not know. I think she is still just, a little bit frightened of letting anyone see her as kind or forgiving because it makes her vulnerable. But enough about her," Tavros tilted his head back as he peered up at Gamzee with a quirked eyebrow, his former excitement having seeped away, "Are you okay? You look, umm. Solemn."

2014-08-05 00:00:01
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He kept up, kind of looking forward to getting back to their comfortable little room. "I can't decide if I want to soak in that tub as soon as we get back or later in the evening... I suppose we should check in with Alice and see what his plan is for the evening, eh?" He paused and chuckled. "You think they'll be getting up to something? You know, that morning you thought they'd been in the sack together they hadn't...I actually had a short chat with him and they hadn't formally begun their matespritship until this morning." Personally Eridan was looking forward to a little of their usual kismesitudinous fair, having been trying to annoy her and having such comfortable surroundings to do it in. He didn't expect much more from her though, even if he wanted that, as she was quite controlling in that area. He only dealt with it because it was perfect for the rivalry element of their kismesitude.

The purpleblood blinked a little, not liking Tavros's suddenly less chipper attitude. "Sure, Tav, I'm fine," he smiled reassuringly. He didn't feel like he had any right to really unburden himself. Tavros had such a huge and difficult mission to accomplish, he couldn't be selfish like that. But he sensed his counterpart, sensitive to the feelings of others, would not be satisfied with the answer. "Just woulda liked to have known about not havin' to wear this stuff before is all. I wouldn't a minded wearin purple instead."

2014-08-05 00:20:15
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"I don't care when you get in, I just want to soak before tomorrow." Vriska decided, "But we should check in with Chief and see what he needs from us, if anything." At the question of Gamzee and Tavros doing something, she almost concluded that they /had/ to have been indulging in each other's bodies, especially since the one morning that she had assumed so, but it appeared not. Surprised, Vriska raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed over her chest; she should have figured as much. Neither male seemed like the type to start anything sexual with the other too soon. "Well...that does make sense. I do hope nothing happens while we are the inn," She remarked sarcastically, a grin spreading onto her features, "We would hate for possible other patrons to be annoyed by any such, ah. Sounds emanating from their room, huh?"

The copperblood frowned at the initial explanation, then, when Gamzee finally talked more about it, he gave a little sound of thought. "Hmm. Well. The city you were in was a mixed one, right? From what I can tell, the mixed cities kinda govern themselves, while the cities with specific castes have more guidance from the government. It is no surprise that the highbloods of your city just did as they wished, -namely, humiliating you, those jerks- but you should not take it so harshly." With a saddened smile, he kissed Gamzee's shoulder, which is about how far he came up to him in height, "But think about it, darling. Once, I am through with Wonderland, you will not have to bother yourself with paint or wearing purple or anything, uh, like that ever again. I promise."

2014-08-05 00:50:45