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

[priforprince]

It's the truth.

[ Trust her. She's a professional liar.

Wait.

But no, this time she does mean it; she wouldn't have accepted an invitation that she felt didn't become her. ] Your invitation was a sunbeam parting the clouds of the Far Shore. And your hospitality matches it.

[amongthethorns]

I have no reason to disbelieve you.

[He had been being playful before but now? Now he is genuinely flattered by the compliment. Yes it's over the top to say that about a simple hand written card however... that bit about his hospitality he takes that as gold because that is his goal - has always been his goal when he invites people into his home.]

That's very wonderful to hear. I strive for nothing short of a welcoming home for my guests.

[priforprince]

Your followers are sure to appreciate it, as well.

[ It is a commonly-known fact that Shikyoin Hibiki saying things makes them a reality. The puniverse, and those populating it, would not wish to disappoint or inconvenience her. See how she therefore guarantees your success as a god?

Astounding greatheartedness. ]

[amongthethorns]

I certainly hope so, Miss Hibiki.

[He smiles faintly watching her for a moment.]

When you're ready to leave I would like to give you a gift if you'll permit me. Since I know you're fond of tea I prepared a blend for you.

[priforprince]

For me?

[ A special...Hibiki tea...

Pardon her while she just sits here and relives this knowledge over and over. Yes, in the past, she's always sought out the highest-quality tea for her own enjoyment, the most exclusive blends -

But Alan has surpassed even that. He has created a Hibiki tea. ]

[amongthethorns]

Are you truly so surprised?

[Then again this was Alan's go to gift much of the time for new acquaintances until he knew them better.]

I had to do a bit of guessing so if you dislike it I will of course understand. Thought I think I did rather well - it's strong but sweet though I hope you don't dislike blue berry, vanilla, or creme.

[priforprince]

...No, on the contrary.

[ It's a dessert-like tea? That is even better! Hibiki is not one to load her plate (it's tacky), but she also listens to her sweet tooth. ]

To think your talents extended to crafting the tea yourself....you must be someone of renown in your home puniverse.

[amongthethorns]

Oh good! That's wonderful then you'll likely enjoy this.

[And he's setting aside his tea cup, venturing toward the kitchen only to return moments later with a cylindrical container that he places on the table before her.]

There. So I don't forget to fetch it for you. Not really. Just a simple dispatch worker mostly doing office work.

[priforprince]

A baffling fluke.

[ Hibiki takes a judgmental bite of pastry. Obviously it is your puniverse's fault she was wrong in her guess and not hers. ]

[amongthethorns]

You think highly of me, Miss Mibiki. I'm flattered.

[Alan smiled happily happily.]

I didn't mind that life. And in a way it's the one I chose for myself. It was nice.

[priforprince]

Unfathomable.

[ Doesn't change her opinion of you, though. Or of your desserts. This is really good.

Hibiki focuses on eating her treat, since the information she just learned is confusing. ]

[amongthethorns]

It was better than the life I left behind for it. It was a step up.

[He's laughing softly to himself.]

If you like I can give you some sweets to take home.

[priforprince]

[ Is she being that transparent?

Ah, well. Hibiki puts down her fork. ] Well, you've stepped up further now.

[ When she thinks of it this way, everything is fine! She knew it would be. What a genius she is. ]

[amongthethorns]

[Only a lot but it's okay Alan is actually used to it and he takes it as a compliment to his baking skills.]

I'll pack you a few before you leave then. I don't mind. I always make too many.

[Which would explain why if anyone lingers too close to the manor Alan will send them away with a couple pastries. He's used to making enough for his Dispatch family with plenty to spare it's hard to scale back.]

So it would seem.

[And he must be doing a good job of blending in because Hibiki seems to be a bit selective of the company she keeps, at least in this long term fashion.]

[priforprince]

You must have splendid plans for your tenure here, since you've settled in so well.

[ Look at this hospitality!

Look at her taking guesses again like this didn't blow up in her face two minutes ago! ]

[amongthethorns]

Plans? I don't know that I readily have any. I'm content just being here with my family.

[He tilts his head.]

Though I suppose I could do more. Be more active with prayers something more than growing and trading flowers and herbs.

[priforprince]

Godhood is rewarding.

[ If you happen to like praise. Someone here may. ]

Though, this is also an excellent environment for leisure.

[amongthethorns]

Godhood takes a bit of getting used to.

[Alan shakes his head and smiles.]

I never was good with a lot of idle time. I enjoy working and having things to do.

[priforprince]

[ What an unfathomable concept. Though, Alan's prior occupation does not require straining his body or exerting sweat. Perhaps that explains it.

Ah, well. ] My temple is open to you should you tire of your toils.

[ Tea sip. Apollo's temple is full of fun things to do. ]

[amongthethorns]

[Little do you know Hibiki.]

I can't help that I like to be useful. Ah? But what would I do there? I must admit I'm curious about your temple.

[He laughs softly sipping at his tea and biting into one of the little tarts.]

[priforprince]

That's worth anticipating.

[ This grin, however, promises great things. ] Previews would impact its entertainment value.

[ All the world's a.....movie? And Hibiki doesn't believe in spoilers. ]

[amongthethorns]

That's the nicest way someone has ever told me to wait and see.

[He smirks slightly before nodding his head at her.]

Okay, but know this I expect a top-quality show.

[He's kidding obviously, his tone is playful. Only knowing Hibiki she's taking that as a challenge.]

[priforprince]

I provide nothing but.

[ Yeah, it's a challenge.

And also might as well be the slogan of her Aesthetic. If it is not high-quality or, better yet, exclusive, she doesn't want it anywhere near her person. ]

[amongthethorns]

[Alan smiled happily then he's settling back sipping at his tea peacefully.]

I'll give you sometime to prepare, of course, and await your invitation as you did mine.

[priforprince]

I'll show you the brilliance of my revolution.

[ Perhaps she'll do a dinner show. Or put on some videos of her performances and annotate them audibly, for maximum comprehension of her glory. ]