Cherubplay

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She shampooed her own hair right along with him, though it took much more scrubbing to get through all that thick hair, then, rather than dipping underneath the water, she just tilted herself back and rinsed the suds that way. She hadn't felt that clean in all their travelling, and it was good to feel her skin softened by the surprisingly sweet-smelling soap provided. "I suppose so. I doubt anyone knows that the Screechlands exist, aside from the In-Between, but only the Ghoul Hunters take much stock in the various monsters inhabiting that area." Those were the prime people that went to hunt the Jabberwocky; overly-privileged highbloods that forget what the Jabberwocky's 'true' purpose was, too bored by the money their pampered lusii to understand the value of life. "Representation is good, though. There are so many more colderbloods than there are mids and highs; probably more of us than them both combined."

The thought hadn't even occurred to him until Gamzee brought it up, his heart too struck by the rapid blows of kindness that he hadn't even thought about reciprocating. He beamed back at him, nodding, "Yes, definitely! But what have we to give? Ms. Kanaya said, uh, that she is fond of heavier, starchy foods, right? Noodles and stuff. She is probably making that for dinner. On our end, we ought to provide a food that is lighter, less liable to stick to the ribs, so to speak."

2014-08-05 21:00:57
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Instead of changing into what he'd been wearing Eridan found some lighter clothes for relaxing in, assuming they'd be staying in. That wasn't to say that they weren't nice; he had high standards of dressing, so these were just looser and of lighter material. "Those hunters are so fucking obnoxious." At one point they'd hunted, or attempted to, in the sea. That had stopped pretty quickly as the sea dwellers, still sore after being brutalized themselves, caused them too much trouble to make it worth it. Now only the most foolish of them tried hunting the seas, and on a couple of occasions Eridan had helped deal with them. "Don't know how to harpoon to save their lives."

Gamzee thought about it for a while. "Might have to pick something up...some sort of drink or dessert thing?" Digging through the pack, he found another brown ribbon, and remembered there had been two of those tubes of frosting filled cakes, unopened still. "We got these. Suppose it was good you got two!" he grinned.

2014-08-05 21:24:09
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Vriska lounged around in just her towel, her wet hair having been squeezed by the towel now around her body. She piled all her hair atop her head in a messy bun the leaked droplets of water down her neck. "That's what you're so concerned about? I'm just tired of them trampling around with no sense of what they're doing. 'Oh look, the sand is so white!' 'Do you suppose that is natural?'" She mocked the common phrases of past Ghoul Hunters, "Ugh, and then there is always that self-made leader, the one that just /had/ to bring around the largest weapon to compensate for whatever tiny tentacle they have packing down below. The one that thinks they know /everything!/ 'The sand's peculiarity must be due to some kind of color-sucking monster!' No, you imbecile, the sand is just white." She laid on her side on her bed, giving a snort of annoyance, "You are lucky that you have the sea to escape to."

"How wonderful!" He praised, almost having forgotten the cake balls, "A gift from us to her - she will love them." Tavros couldn't imagine that Kanaya would not be fond of the confection, but even if she was not, at least the sentiment was there and there would be furthered good feelings about them all. "I wonder how Hare and Hatter will react to her."

2014-08-05 21:36:43
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Eridan descended into a fit of giggles at her rant. It lasted for a while, but he was eventually able to speak. "Yes, now that we've scared them off of ocean hunting, though a few still try. If only you could join in tormenting them for one trip! Some of them are just too funny. Once, we ran across one that thought /dolphins/ were the terrors of the sea...sometimes it's just too easy." He relaxing for a bit in the much more pleasant quiet before speaking up again. "Do you suppose we aught to check in on the other two and make sure they're alright?"

"Even if it ain't good at first, they'll have to get used to it. They got used to us alright. ...though, you are one of the easiest fuckers to get along with, Tavbro. But so's she, I think." Honestly he was a little worried about how it would go with Vriska from her comment earlier. Eridan seemed somewhat too sensitive to bother being rude as anything more than a front to people he'd just met. He figured it was some sort of defense mechanism for the both of them to prevent future hurt. Gamzee was confident though, that with Tavros around everything would eventually work out.

2014-08-05 22:17:47
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She rummaged around in her pack, pulling out a tight pair of trousers and a loose tunic to wear. "Hmm, perhaps," Vriska began, "Always a sensitive way, what with honeymooners. Can't tell if they're fornicating or fighting. Better tread on eggshells," She gave her hair one last ruffle to dry it as best she could before zipping up a different pair of boots, something a little looser, "So far, though, all's quiet. Perhaps they're taking things slowly?" With a shrug of her shoulder, Vriska edged to the door, but not without snagging the napkin of macaroons, "Here's hoping."

He smiled, "I am just small and nonthreatening; no nicer than the next, really." Tavros had high hopes for Vriska's behavior; he just had a feeling that she reacted harshly to what she was afraid of, but Kanaya seemed the type to gently nurture this reaction so that Vriska felt more comfortable. No doubt she had been fed slander regarding rainbowdrinkers, the same way she believed what was said of violetbloods. He didn't hold it against her; the Screechlands were so isolated and close to monster-infested territory that it didn't surprise him that Vriska was secretly terrified of what she didn't understand. "Hatter will warm up to Ms. Kanaya. She is the kind of lusus-type, anyway. You'd be a fool to dislike her."

2014-08-05 23:09:05
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Getting up to follow her, he pocketed his key, ready to lock the door behind them. The violet blood couldn't picture the gentle happy twosome fighting, really. Gamzee just seemed to blase with everything for the most part, and Tavros was just too nice. He didn't want to make assumptions on their natures, but growing up closer and around civilization he suspected the other 'violent' blood might have an aversion to anger that he didn't possess, being from the sea, where things were much more relaxed where the highbloods couldn't interfere. On this same line of thought, perhaps the other would find himself actually /needing/ a moirail, just to talk to as they got into red territory. Eridan expected he would.

"You know that's a damn lie, you're much nicer than most, Tavbro. And kind and thoughtful," Gamzee smiled, words gentle and not harsh at all. It was more of a joking tone than a chastisement; as if really anyone could be nicer than Tavros. Kanaya being equally nice would probably help, though she didn't exactly seem the type to take shit well, as she'd been quite disdainful of the highbloods fashion sense and how they acted. He set the tube of confectioneries on one of the end tables for the moment, and set out the package with the clothes he'd wear later, preparing a little for after they talked with the Hatter and Hare about dinner plans and such.

2014-08-05 23:25:10
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She walked to the room just beside them, a hand gently holding the napkin as she gave a curt knock on the door. Tavros, perking up with a, 'must be them!' trotted to the door and opened it. He saw Vriska first and beamed up at her, but she hardly returned it with as much enthusiasm as Tavros seemed to constantly emanate. "Hey, Chief. Do you mind if we take a quick visit?"

"Not at all! You know," He walked back to his bed, sitting on the comfortable piece of furniture as Vriska headed inside with Eridan, "We were going to see you two, in a little bit. I have much to tell you about! Very good news indeed."

Vriska quirked a brow, but her eyes fell on the few bags on the floor that read 'Maryam's Boutique' and her attention was soon focused on that, "Oh, so you finally went shopping?"

Tavros was nearly vibrating in joy-Vriska didn't know /what/ had gone on while they were apart, but she was struck by the most peculiar urge to make him just as happy. He proclaimed, "Gamzee and I already found, the midblood! Oh, she is such a delight! Ms. Kanaya, I think, is a little older than us lot, but, uh, she is just so much fun to be around. She invited us to dinner tonight," He crouched down, plucking up a bag and gestured for the pair to peer at their new threads, "She even gave us a discount! Really, you both will adore her, I am sure of it."

2014-08-05 23:55:53
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Gamzee smiled at the enthusiasm, and scooted to one corner of the other bed to let the other two sit if they wanted. He felt a little embarrassed at how Tavros was showing of their new clothes, but really didn't know why. Maybe just the difference? The other two dressed well, but for some reason it just felt odd and he blushed lightly.

"She knows about Starnette, too, where we're all an' supposed to be going next." He mentioned, "so we won't be as surprised this time."

Eridan sat down a little primly next to the other purple blood, not really wanting to look overly interested even though everyone in the room, minus Gamzee, knew he had pale intentions. He decided to ask something quietly while Tavros was explaining things excitedly. "How was she? Ya know, with..." he indicated some of his purple attire.

Thinking back on Eridan's concerned nature about the difficulties they might have faced in Undlegire when they still didn't know what it would be like, Gamzee was able to respond quickly. "Real cool, doesn't give a shit about it at all. Hasn't been all that kind to her either."

2014-08-06 00:07:04
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"Well, perhaps she can give us some real insight about a red infested location," Vriska, rather impressed that this "Kanaya" lady had been so cordial, even to the point to give such high quality clothing for a discount, she looked a little less apprehensive. As if suddenly remembering something, she finally held out the napkin of macaroons, "Marchie and I were out earlier," Vriska explained, the furthered, "I thought you might like vanilla, too."

His eyes seemed to light up at the display of a gift, especially because it was sweet, and Tavros smiled at her with such gratitude that Vriska could not stop the blush that settled gently on her high cheeks. "What are you staring at me like that for?"

"Because this, uh, was so sweet of you," He opened up the napkin and bit into the macaroon, purring loudly at the taste of the confection, "These may even be better than cake balls!" Truly, he felt pretty honored that she would think of him to the point to give him something, and Tavros put away his clothing before standing up with the macaroons, "Thank you, Hatter."

Vriska stood fully as well, mumbling for Tavros not to mention it, though her words were not a formality and should be taken literally. Tavros went on to explain that Kanaya was a rainbow drinker, though she didn't seem to rely on blood as heavily as the reds tended to advertise. Vriska visibly tensed at the mention of what she was, and she made a face, "Are you sure, Alice? What if she /really/ wants to have /us/ for dinner?"

Tavros shook his head, giving Vriska a pat to her shoulder, "You worry too much; just because you have never met a rainbow drinker does not mean you should be so frightened of her!" Vriska frowned sharply at him, and he returned it with an apologetic but reassuring smile and gaze, "Really, Vriska. She is a nice lady."

2014-08-06 00:21:39
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"Any way I asked her about food and she didn't mention blood. Does like pasta and such though," Gamzee put in. Really there wasn't much else to say about the matter. "So dinner's at seven thirty, and you'll both get to meet her then."

Eridan looked with interest at the clothing, admiring it and thinking he might get himself something new as well. Since they were going into red territory, they'd need to look the part to get much recognition, he thought. It appeared they and this Kanaya had the same idea, from the formal gown and three piece suit.

For the most part the two purple bloods were quiet, not having much to say with their much more talkative partners of either duo covering much of what there was to talk about. Gamzee figured they'd save the riddle and a lot of the journey talk for when they were at dinner so that their fifth party member could be included in the conversations and know what the plan was.

He also wondered if maybe later he should hint at Vriska's pale feelings? It was pretty obvious from her difference in dealing with him, but his matesprit didn't seem like he understood that that was happening. He wasn't interested in what a spurned Vriska would be like, but just as cautious about pissing her off through telling him about it perhaps without her wanting him to... Maybe he'd try talking to her about it? Though that didn't sound much better.

2014-08-06 00:40:37
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They still had a couple hours to waste, and Tavros didn't want to intrude upon Kanaya, who was probably getting odds and ends together when there weren't customers in her store. He wonders what she would be like on their journey to Starnette; she seemed resourceful enough when it came to the customs and culture of both midbloods and warmbloods, but she was such a fashionable, elegant lady that Tavros would have assumed she was knowledgeable regardless.

"Everything will be fine," Tavros assured them all, though it was mostly to Vriska, "Ms. Kanaya is a true gem."

The rest of their little meeting went without incident, and, once it hit about seven-ten, Tavros was already out in the lobby of the inn, awaiting his companions. He didn't wear his new dress, as he was too frightened he would mussy it up, he wasn't too graceful, but he did wear one of the nicer, open cardigans over his usual dress, as well as his Mary Jane's. It had been a while since he had worn them, having opted for a different shoe choice, but he didn't mind the very slight discomfort since he would be sitting for a majority of his time in them.

Vriska appeared shortly, outfitted in the same trousers as before but a thicker cerulean shirt with lace at the bottom and her coat across her shoulders. She had taken special care to place her hair in a neat bun, her bangs framing her face nearly rather than the wild abandon she normally kept them in. Tavros commented that she looked lovely for the evening, and Vriska muttered that she felt a little uncomfortable but still thanked him whilst simultaneously tenderly pulling Tavros's cardigan closer to his little frame. It was cold out and he would do well to keep his injured arm covered.

2014-08-06 01:14:02
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Following behind their counterparts were the other two, Gamzee in his new purple button down with the sweater and those slimmer pants that Kanaya had put together for him, as well as breaking in those newer shoes a little so they weren't so bad when he'd really need them. He was smilingly devoid of the paint, excited to go out into public without it for the first time. The change in his attitude was positive, as he stood straighter and smiled more animatedly, really quite happy to look nicer and have a normal visage.

Eridan had done similar to Vriska, keeping his loose trousers tucked into a pair of clean, nice looking boots, his shirt hidden under a sweater of a vibrant sort of violet with complicated patterns knitted right into it. He had to admit to himself that the other looked very much nicer. Vriska, he noted, also looked very nice. He was slightly disappointed that Alice hadn't joined them in dress-up, but he still looked just as good with his cute sweater.

Since they were all together they could start walking, Gamzee and Tavros leading as usual since they knew the way. Finding the back wasn't too hard either, and soon but not too soon, they were knocking on Kanaya's door.

2014-08-06 01:40:43
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Oh, she was absolutely flustered.

Kanaya hadn't had proper company in so long! She had to clean up her hive, which was strewn with clothes and sketches and swatches of fabrics, and more than once had she tripped over random heels that she had just imported. Her hive, though, finally became clean and orderly and dinner was wonderfully prepared. A nice hot pasta for her lovely guests, two wine bottles out on her table, which she had artfully made up with a white tablecloth and contrasting red plates and dinnerware. Kanaya's home, much like her boutique, was personally created, the entire upstairs apartment plain but with specific pieces that made it so unique. She had a grandfather clock she had repainted jade, the same color marking a fluffy rug by her fireplace. Her hive held black as one of the centre colors, from the floorboards to the candlesticks. However, there were always key places that lit up the apartment and made it uniquely hers.

Tavros was a little worried that he had been underdressed, and he relayed this concern to Vriska, who dismissed his concerns for impressing anyone. "You're Alice," She stated simply once they were up the stairs and standing at the back door, "She should be honored that you are even arriving."

Kanaya rushed to the door, herself dressed in a simple dark purple dress with a green choker and shoes. She, slender and tall, smiled widely at her new friends, eagerly gesturing for them to come inside, though Vriska seemed to be on edge. The hearty smell of tomatoes and noodles and garlic wafted against Tavros's nose, and he could remember a time in which he would ever eat so fully. Kanaya led them to the dining area, five white chairs all seated around a round table. The pasta was in a deep, large dish, glasses all sparkling in the light of a small chandelier high above them, and Kanaya allowed her guests to become seated before she sat herself.

"How good it is to see you two once more," She greeted to Tavros and Gamzee, then turned her gaze to Vriska and Eridan, "And quite the honor to meet the March Hare and Mad Hatter, even moreso to have them dine within my hive."

2014-08-06 01:54:20
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"We brought you something," Gamzee said, handing her the package of cake balls with a smile. Her newness was still a little unexpected so he was quieter than he would have been. "It's nice to see you, again, too."

Eridan, on the other hand felt in his element. "You have such a lovely home, Ms. Maryam," he figured the boutique name was her last name so used it in the spirit of being more formal. "You've got such excellent taste, of course I should have expected from the clothes Alice and Gamzee showed us. And dinner smells just delightful, dear, and it was so nice of you to invite us! My, it's been quite a while since I've had such a lovely dinner, I assure you, we're both quite honored as well." He figured he'd make such effusive conversation so Vriska wouldn't have to, knowing she was uncomfortable. ...Also she really did have good taste. He was confident enough knowing from Gamzee that she didn't care about their purpleness, and kind of wanted to show that he appreciated that, too, by not being closed off.

2014-08-06 02:17:58
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The cake balls were an unexpected gift, but she smiled at the gesture and thanked them all kindly, stating she would eat one or two after dinner. Kanaya wasn't sure what she had been expecting when it came to the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, though the latter seemed to be talkative and well mannered. His counterpart was more reserved, she supposed, an observant one, if anything. The compliments were taken with as much modesty as she could muster, her thin hands moving efficiently to pile plates with decadent pasta and thick slabs of buttery bread until all members of the table had food stacked upon their plates. "I do thank you," She began, opening one of the older bottles of wine and filled her glass halfway, "Finding others that not only understand but /appreciate/ all the effort that goes into proper coordination - well, let's just say they are few and far between."

She offered the wine out to all, and Vriska, safely seated just a person away from her, finally spoke, "I'll take a glass, Ms. Maryam, if you would please," She was inwardly chanting the words Tavros had said to her earlier; just because she had never met a rainbow drinker before didn't mean she had to be afraid of them. "But I must agree, your taste is exquisite. The clothes you provided for Alice and Gamzee were top of the line items. Things I would see in warm territory."

Kanaya passed the bottle through Eridan, to her right, so that he could hand it to Vriska, "Indeed, dear. Much of my work takes inspiration from red country, but with a midblooded twist. We jades, in particular, take pride in our simple refinement. A little goes a long way, does it not? Besides," She took a sip of her wine, and Vriska tensed slightly at the flash of her fangs, "Paying upwards of a hundred-odd gold for a dress that is too gaudy for public is just plain nonsense. I could make a better dress here and sell twenty versions of it, all at silver prices. Those reds, really, have too much money to know what to do with it."

Throughout the discussion, Tavros was watching carefully and politely eating his pasta. As he expected, he very nearly spilled a tomato on himself but caught it at the last second. He had wine a couple times in Alternia, but nothing aged so wonderfully as what Kanaya had, and he wondered how different it would taste. For now, he kept quiet, curious to see how the rest of dinner would pan out.

2014-08-06 02:37:23
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Eridan was rather eager to partake in conversation, warming up quite quickly to her. Her friendliness and obvious knowledge of fashion and design, as well as wine (something Eridan liked almost as much as tea, especially the drier varieties--parallel to his preference for heartier teas) brought out his talkative side. When it got to him he poured himself half a glass, knowing that a bottle of normal size had five half glasses typically, perfect for the present party. He then handed it to Vriska so she could pour some and pass it on.

"How wonderful, we'll have to visit your shop tomorrow so we can pick out some things for our trip like Tavros and Gamzee. Is this wine from Undlegire or do you get it from somewhere else? It looks exemplary from what I've seen more readily available." He didn't want to rule the conversation so dropped off before he descended into jargon. He noticed Vriska's twitch out of the corner of his eye, though, and nudged her foot gently with his own, even though he figured it would annoy the hell out of her.

Gamzee ate neatly, enjoying the tastes. He didn't often make pasta, rice being easier to acquire, and the way Kanaya made it was delicious. He absently noted spiced he tasted, remembering them for when he made such things. He was also intrigued by the wine, like Tavros, and had had it a few times with the Bibliosaurus when he stayed over occasionally. He'd read a lot about it, and her knowing how interested he was in food had decided to make it a treat for him whenever they both had time. He'd not had something that old, either, so was intrigued and had decided to savor it slowly when it came around.

2014-08-06 03:09:39
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She, naturally, had a motherly countenance, but it was interesting to have someone that shared her interests like this. Kanaya didn't feel like she had to lightly baby or fuss over Eridan the way she did Gamzee and especially Tavros. The other male had such a grown up quality to him that she felt on level ground with Eridan, and, slightly with Vriska, who sipped her wine gracefully between bites of pasta.

"I am sure that I have plenty of items that you will find dashing! I have a cerulean dress in the making that will compliment your hips," She nodded to Vriska, who quirked a brow, "What style is it?"

"It is modeled after late-war highbloods with much less frilliness," Kanaya nearly rambled, though her excitement wavered in some contemplation about her wine, "Oh, yes, I bought that during my weekly trip to Starnette. I have a friend who lives up there," She explained, figuring that she should give all the context of her ties with Starnette. It wasn't extensively complicated to travel there, (three hours by train) but it was always a little annoying until she was with her friend.

Tavros perked up at the mention of Starnette, and he chewed and swallowed the bite he was on before asking, "Please, give some insight about that city. I would like to know as much as, I can about it before we head out day after tomorrow."

Giving a hand gesture that stated that Tavros should calm down, she nibbled on her bread before dabbing her mouth with her napkin as she chewed and swallowed, "You see, I used to live and work within Starnette - I was the assistant to a yellowblood who works for the government. We were rather good friends, he was a bit of the cynical type, but if you can get past his dry humor and mildly displaced arrogance, he is a joy to be around. Anyway, I worked for him for, I would say, four sweeps? He was the only one that made living in Starnette tolerable. The citizens there likened me to a trained monkey! They thought it amazing that I spoke eloquently, that I could read and dressed well, when i had been making my ownc clothes since I was six sweeps! I spent my off days gazing at fashionable dukes and duchesses and the spare chances I saw the Queen, but I always had such contempt for the flamboyance of it all. Reds are like that, dears. They shove their money and status in your face, then wonder why the rest of the world wants nothing to do with them! They are brazen, careless creatures."

She paused, realizing that she was giving her back story instead of information about Starnette, and Kanaya laughed a bit, "Moving on. Starnette is the central city of red territory. It has the Royal palace within it, and, you can imagine, only the most privileged yellows, browns, and reds. The yellows are usually brutish policemen, so please be of exceptional behavior. Coppers tend to themselves, mostly - they man shops and restaurants but usually are not too involved with citizens affairs in that regard. And the reds, yes, the reds, our delightful rulers." She grimaced, "You'll never catch a red walking amongst you. Bow your heads if you see a red, so the saying goes. It should be taken seriously. The yellows have been known to publicly beat lower colors for minor offenses, and there have been plenty instances when a brown has gotten a lower caste arrested. I hope we will have extra protection in terms of law," She furrowed her brows, "Jades are rare, so treatment is not very harsh, and with a copper blooded Alice, we will get through more easily. I just advise you all to keep your eyes on the ground. Making eye contact with the wrong warmblood could mean the difference between life or death. But, on a happier note," Kanaya pushed her food around a bit on her plate, trying to ignore how fidgety and angry Vriska seemed, "My former employer and close friend still lives in Starnette, and I am sure he can provide housing for us. He always does when I come to visit, and his large apartment is not doing anything but gathering dust."

2014-08-06 03:41:51
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Gamzee let himself scowl at her account. He wasn't looking forward to this at. ALL. Hell, even if he did keep his head down they'd probably try to kick the shit out of him. It wasn't like it hadn't happened before just for him walking around. Even with Tavros around he doubted it would afford much protection with the lot of them. The police he'd known could be crafty when they felt the itch to abuse their power, and a number of times he'd thought he was fine but then they'd get him. It would be much more difficult for Tavros to take care of and keep track of them all with a larger group and a higher concentration of the typical abusers.

And hell, he was used to it. He was starting to get concerned about the other two...Vriska would probably be okay...she wasn't a 'problem caste' and not as low. But Eridan? Shit, a seadweller would stick out like a sore thumb. Which led the tougher purple to conclude he had somewhat of a moral duty to keep him to the interior of the group. Well shit, hopefully things wouldn't go as bad as he expected them to. He could always try to delude himself. He decided to distract himself by smelling the notes of the wine, picking out the different flavors, then taking a small sip and doing the same thing. After a little while he felt calm enough to speak. "That'd be mighty nice of you and your friend, Ms. Kanaya."

Eridan was just about as excited. He really didn't want to have his head down the entire time. What was the point in traveling if he couldn't see the sights? And that was just the shallow worries he had. He was deliberately not thinking about the possibilities lest he descend into a panic again. He glanced over at Vriska, worrying about how pissed off she seemed. He wanted to calm her but didn't think she wouldn't lash out at him if he tried, so he glanced to Tavros to try and silently get him to calm her down.

2014-08-06 04:12:41
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Her self control diminished and, while she did not outwardly shout like Eridan did when angry, her rage was still apparent in her tone, "That's bullshit," Vriska proclaimed, already fed up with Starnette and she wasn't even there yet, "I may not receive such harsh treatment since I am nearly a midblood myself but this is utter stupidity. Just because some warmbloods are on a power trip, we colderbloods have to start acting like a bunch of sniveling morons? I don't think so - I'll gladly take whatever violence they wish to dish out with a saber to their throats."

Kanaya, reasonably shocked by her words, almost replied, but Tavros quickly tried to assuage her pertinent anger, "Please, Vriska-"

"No, don't 'please Vriska' me, Alice." She snapped, "This is ridiculous! When I agreed to go on this journey with you, I did so under the assumption that things would change, I would have to-"

"And they will." He interrupted, voice resolute and his brows drawn together, "I made you and Hare a promise. I said, that I would do everything within me to change, uh, what has happened to Wonderland. Nothing good can come about with you whining about how horrible the beginnings are. Listen to me," He had never been so stern with someone before and Vriska, albeit reluctantly, gazed into his chocolate eyes and felt very slightly at rest, "This mission of ours is not something that can be solved within a day. The Royals have to be appealed to, and if that means suffering under the hand of a few privileged idiots, then so be it. There is the solution just on the horizon, and I know your frustrations are high, but it is pertinent that we think with our heads now and not our hearts."

2014-08-06 04:27:33
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That was a nice sentiment and all, but Gamzee was pretty sure he /was/ thinking with his head as he was going from experience. Sure it was a different city, but that didn't make it any less likely to be the case in a similar situation with similar people.

"Tav...," he sighed, not wanting to start but feeling like he had to. "I don't think it's going to be so simple," he said, staring at his remaining pasta. "...and if you retaliate they'll probably just find some way to make that into an offense so they can punish you worse. We're going to have to be careful, Tavros. And it's going to be hard. Especially for those of us who aren't used to keeping their heads down. It's not exactly the easiest thing even when it's done." He'd gotten quieter as he spoke, hardly feeling as if his words meant anything.

Eridan was just quiet. Though the copperblood's words were comforting, he couldn't help thinking that the hand they'd be suffering under might have been literal. He just nibbled at his pasta absently, really having nothing to contribute to the conversation as he'd had minimal contact with highbloods except for the random ones that wandered into the Screechlands. It was much different when you were on your home turf compared to walking into theirs.

2014-08-06 04:51:20
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"I am not retaliating with anyone!" Aggravated that Gamzee had taken him the wrong way, he ended up snapping on him with more force than he had meant; he was saying that Vriska shouldn't jump to violence and try to lay low, and he really would have preferred it if Gamzee hadn't spoken at all, "The lot of you are acting as if we are already defeated, and we have not even departed Undlegire!" It took quite a lot for Tavros to get angry and frustrated like this, and, Kanaya, sensing that everyone was going to practically explode, made use of her parental guidance.

"There, there, dears. I can understand where each and every one of you is coming from." Having gotten over the initial shock of the anger presented, Kanaya finished her wine and proposed, "Everyone, apologize to each other, even if you did not think you did anything wrong. Make amends. If we are going to journey with each other to red country, it would do us all some good to be unified, right? So, my companions, I sincerely apologize for causing such an uproar! I hope the remainder of dinner will go by smoothly."

Vriska was the next to speak, "And I'm sorry for lashing out."

Tavros sighed quietly in his seat, but he did like Kanaya's approach, "I am sorry for snapping."

2014-08-06 05:02:41
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He'd directed that remark at Vriska, actually, and so was doubly surprised when Tavros raised his voice, visibly flinching away and only barely restraining himself from shielding his head with his arms. He hadn't said anything defeatist! He thought he was being realistic, he couldn't understand and was frightened just from habit. "I'm sorry, too," he apologized quickly, not sure what to apologize for...just talking?

"I'm...also sorry?" Eridan said, not having said anything at all, and grimacing sheepishly as he looked over to Kanaya.

2014-08-06 05:13:38
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"You all are quite the lively bunch," Kanaya smiled, taking a graceful bite of pasta before she chewed and swallowed, "But everyone feels better, yes? Got all that excitement out your system?"

Tavros shifted uncomfortably in his seat, but he was still a little bit upset. Kanaya, once all the frustration had really simmered down, began, "Starnette is a lovely place, though," She watched Tavros and Vriska closely, though they both returned to eating until they finished, "The buildings are tall and grand, and the palace is remarkable! If anything, at least we will enjoy the architecture," She rolled her eyes, "Most of it, anyway. Lots of places are plenty flamboyant."

2014-08-06 14:04:10
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Gamzee finished his food uncomfortably, not really very hungry anymore. He was trying to get his head sorted out. The latent fear of something happening to him didn't go away but just simmered there and he tried to reason himself out of it. He at least was able to maintain a semblance of normalcy, even if he sat stiffly and didn't talk or make eye contact for longer than a second or two.

"I think we're looking forward to it, it's interesting to visit new places. Vriska and I have really enjoyed Undlegire thus far, and were thinking of a return visit after this is all finished," Eridan was happy to help out restore the happier atmosphere, even if it was slow in coming back. He was actually a little excited to see the place, even if it sounded completely terrifying.

2014-08-06 15:10:13
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She quirked a brow, "And where did you both originate from?" Kanaya couldn't remember if they had told her or not, but she figured that it wouldn't hurt to ask.

"The Screechlands," Vriska replied coolly, not one to linger in the awkwardness left over from their outbursts; better to just move past it than concern themselves with it. She didn't doubt that Kanaya would place down a heavy hand of motherly guidance, -guidance that she, frankly, didn't want- and would much rather be wellbehaved than worrisome, "You know Alice here can color things that are devoid of hues."

As the attention was placed on him, Tavros perked up, his mouth having been occupied by wine at the time of his mention. He swallowed his sip and nodded, a bit bashful that Kanaya looked so involved in what he was about to say, "Oh, um. Yes. For some reason, out in the Screechlands and the In-Between- "

"In-Between?"

"Yes," Vriska interjected, "It is where the Jabberwocky lives."

That sounded familiar, and Kanaya vaguely remembered Gamzee telling her about that, but it was so much information to process that she couldn't take hold of all the details, "Go on."

"In the Screechlands and the In-Between," Tavros continued, settling into his seat and reaching underneath the table to lightly pat Gamzee's thigh in apology, "There are certain parts of the landscape that, uh, lack color and even texture! I thought it to be peculiar, but, what is odder is that I can just touch these things to make them revert to normal."

The jadeblood 'hmm-ed' in thought, trying to come up with some kind of answer before she snapped her fingers in sudden realization, "I thought it was all poppycock, but it must not be! It was said that the royals sucked away any color that was not red in order to bring down the general morale of colderbloods. I thought that was just as much nonsense as the Jabberwocky, the conglomerated beast sent to hunt coldbloods. Tell me, was the Jabberwocky really that ferocious?"

At the question, Tavros found himself rubbing at his injured shoulder, and he shrugged lightly, "Not ferocious. Just misunderstood."

Vriska gave a sound of disbelief, "Not ferocious, my ass. It nearly sliced Alice's shoulder clean off!"

2014-08-06 15:43:49