Video

[amongthethorns]

From: Alan Humphries {Persephone)
When: After Sept. 3 but before This

[The video is opening  on a shot of a sprawling flourishing garden, the focal point is a newly placed planter of flowers.  Then Alan is turning the phone to himself as he moves to sit next to that same planter, beaming happily.]

Miss Hibiki, if you happen to see this the flowers you've given me have settled in as nicely as I have. I believe you are right and I shall like it here.

[He laughs softly before smiling kindly abet awkwardly.]

To those of you, I've yet to meet salutations. My given name is Alan Humphries though like many I've taken on the duties of a god. Persephone to be more exact. I waited until I've gotten my temple in order to announce myself. If any of you have need of herbs and plants; as well as assistance with finding or caring for them feel free to contact me. 

Comments

text;

[untodeath]

I do have a flower that I've become rather invested in...
but I'm afraid that it's dying. May I bring it to you?

[amongthethorns]

Absolutely. Or I could come take a look. Whichever is most convenient for you. I'll get it perked right up for you.

[untodeath]

Oh, dear heart! Thank you💖💖💖

If you wouldn't mind a visit, it might be best. I assume I shouldn't jostle her about more than necessary... Also, it would give me an opportunity to treat you, for you troubles!

[amongthethorns]

You're welcome!

I don't mind at all. When shall I come see you? Is there a day that is better than others? I should like to see your temple.

[untodeath]

Hm! Do you have anything planned for this evening?

video, from: Tsuzuki Asato

[sweetdeath]

Whoa, look at those! Are those purple striped geraniums? What a great cultivar.

[Tsuzuki's grin, into the phone camera, is cheerful and friendly.]

I'll have to see if Hibiki's got any extra. They'd go well in my goddess's garden. Nice to meet you, by the way, Humphries, I'm Asato Tsuzuki.

[amongthethorns]

Well they do have purple to them. They're lemon scented - that is to say their leaves are. It's supposed to be good for warding off certain bothersome pests.

[He smiles kindly and nods.]

I'm certain that she would. If you can't get into contact with her, I'll be more than happy to supply you with a small planter for your goddess.

[He's nodding gently at this. He's a flower lover and he's of the belief that beautiful flowers should be shared.]

It's a pleasure to meet such a thoughtful and kind fellow such as yourself, sir. Oh and please, call me Alan.

[sweetdeath]

Then you'll have to call me Asato! [This guy's not just a flower lover, he's nice! Considering all the weird stuff on the network lately, it's a relief to see somebody who Tsuzuki can really get along with show up.]

She's a friend of my goddess's -- actually, she named me for a couple of days once. Long story.

So you must be a pretty good gardener if you're offering to sell people plants, huh? It's a hobby of mine too.

[amongthethorns]

Of course.

[Alan blinks a bit confused but he's fine with that. It's not his nature to pry.] If you say so. Still it's very kind of you.

Sell? Oh dear, no. I wasn't planning on charging. I mean I could but - I just like flowers and you should share them so everyone else can enjoy their beauty.

video ♔ from Apollo

[priforprince]

Magnificent temple grounds indeed.

[ HERE'S HIBIKI, VERY CLOSE TO THE CAMERA

but once she's got the smartphone situated on wherever she's propping it, she sits back on her sofa. The interior of her own temple is very....white, gold, and purple. All over.

Hibiki has an aesthetic and she sticks to it. ]

Having added to their splendor is an honor.

[amongthethorns]

[Alan smiles happily at this happy to hear such praise for his garden. He takes pride in it. A good deal of pride rests there actually. His world might be a bit turned upside down but this is comforting and wonderful.]

Wait until you see it in person. It's much more impressive.

[priforprince]

Then, is this my invitation?

[ As promised, etc. ]

[amongthethorns]

It most certainly is! If you'd like I'll send you a more formal one and directions to my temple.

Text

[tadanokusuriuri]

My, my.... How well those are blooming.

Might I ask what manner of herbs you keep in your garden?

Text

[amongthethorns]

Thank you that's very kind of you to notice.

Most of the ones I have are for cooking or teas - dill, mint, rosemary, sage, lavender, chamomile, peppermint - so the list goes. I do have a few others.

Was there something you were looking for?

Text

[tadanokusuriuri]

Though I am but a humble shinki, I have a particular interest in herbs useful for medicine.

Or for ritual purification.

[Can never have too many options for that.]

I find myself more innately familiar with those native to the East, but I shouldn't like to limit myself. Lavender and chamomile, those are useful as aids to peaceful sleep, are they not?

[amongthethorns]

Well this kind of hobby is for everyone not just gods. I have many of those. I have some that are good for headaches, digestion, and coughing.

To be honest, I have no idea what herbs could be used for such things but if you happen to have a list I could assist.

They certainly are. Lemon balm can as well. If you should like I have several books on herbs and their uses. I'm always willing to share such knowledge.

[spes_phthisica]

oh that is such a lovely garden
did your goddess give you those flowers???

my god gave me lots of ducks when i first moved in
well more to the point i found lots of ducks but my god let me keep them <3

[amongthethorns]

Thank you very much, it's most kind of you to say so.
I did get them from a fellow god yes.

That's adorable.
You have a very kind god. I'm pleased to hear this.

[spes_phthisica]

oh im sorry i misread (〃￣ω￣〃ゞ
so she gave it to you as a welcoming gift
that is very sweet!!

haha hes pretty grumpy but hes secretly very kind
(・ωｰ)～☆ promise not to tell anyone

[amongthethorns]

Don't worry. It's quite fine.
She did. We had a lovely chat over tea when I first arrived.
She was most kind.

Ah, I know someone very much like that.
I promise, his secret is safe with me.

Action ♔ After getting her invitation

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki takes her sweet time responding to Alan's invitation. She finds simply staring at it and knowing someone else in the Far Shore finally has style to be sufficient when it comes to keeping her mood aloft and her composure unruffled.

Besides, anyone who's looking forward to a visit from Shikyoin Hibiki can only have the pleasure of that visit increased by prolonged anticipation. This, too, is a gift for you, you see.

Eventually, however, Alan will hear....steady, clopping....hoofbeats....outside his temple.

He's gotten himself in for it now. ]

Action ♔ After getting her invitation

[amongthethorns]

What in blazes?

[Alan has to set aside his book and hot cup of tea uncurling from the plush leather seat. Thankfully he's always properly dressed since he almost always was wearing his suit. Stepping from the manor house he's making his way toward the gates; with their twisting climbing roses.

He doesn't know anyone who might have horses at least he doesn't think any of his seniors or his junior would bother with such an ostentatious display. Not when they could port to some extent.

Drawing the gate open he's blinking wide bright green eyes. Is that a carriage? Mentally, he's having a flash back to when he'd been a tiny human little thing and had first seen a carriage. He'd thought it was something out of a fairy tale. Only this... this was that only taken to the next level.]

[priforprince]

[ Yes, Alan. You may have seen carriages, but it's highly unlikely you've seen

this carriage.

Hibiki is driving it herself, being in a disagreement with her shinki about the necessity of a horse and carriage for the modern divine lifestyle. She's capable of this, however, bringing the horses to a stop outside Alan's temple and smiling. ]

It seems I've kept you waiting.

[amongthethorns]

[It's Purple. Why is it purple? He's seem red and various shades of brown, black, and varnished wood. The color is the oddest part. He's seen them with gold accents and trappings before.

Oh heavens, she's driving it herself. He's taking a breath and holding it waiting for her to stop safely. God help him. He's seen one too many people die in carriage accidents - he's reaped them. So forgive his obvious relief when all is well.

Exhaling he's moving to the carriage a smile tugging at his lips, holding out a gloved hand to help her down.]

Not terribly long. Don't worry. Your carriage is rather impressive, I confess.