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]

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. ]

[amongthethorns]

Somehow I knew not to expect anything less of you.

[Alan has no idea what he's in for but he's looking forward to it a great deal.]

Is there anything else of my temple you'd like to see? There are other rooms, the maze, the tree, my tea and herb collection.

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki considers this. ] A tour of its special features would be acceptable. Your collection must impress.

[ She doesn't want to come out and say "show her the tea", but.

Show her the tea. ]

[amongthethorns]

[Finishing his tea he's delicately setting the cup and saucer aside. Then he's coming to his feet he's buttoning his jacket again and smoothing it out - even if it's falling perfectly already.]

Of course. I'll show you where I made your gift.

[Though he's in no rush and perfectly content to let Hibiki finish her tea and pastry. Once she's ready he's leading her to a door tucked under the stairs that leads to where he keeps stored dried herbs, teas, oils, even fruits. Each stored properly in jars, tins, glass bottles - labeled and dated. Two of the walls are lined with shelves.]

[priforprince]

Such excess, harmoniously arranged! [ Hibiki takes this sight in with appreciation. Granted, it's a bit more domestic than her usual milieu - she doesn't really think about where the tea comes from as long as it's a good tea, typically - and yet... ]

You possess an organized soul.

[amongthethorns]

Well, I never know when I'll have guests, have a small party, or need a quick gift. I like to keep things neat it makes to less work and helps me keep a proper stock of what I need.

[Alan is pretty proud of his collection actually. If anyone wanted any kind of tea he likely had it unless it was a custom blend he didn't know anything of.

Even if he'd never had much when he was human he was organized. A trait that carried over into reaperdom, through academy and all the way here.]

I am. I've always been rather organized.

[priforprince]

Sorting begets serenity. [ Hibiki walks closer to the collection to take a better look. ] Serenity, an exalted life.

[ When she takes a pleased breath, she catches the faint aroma of the ingredients. ] A satisfactory tour stop.

[amongthethorns]

Something like that I suppose. I honestly just like being able to find my things. I've always been that way.

[He is pleased however to have seemingly brought her somewhere she approves of.]

I don't think you'd take much interest in the kitchens or dinning room. The study could prove interesting if you cared about flowers or British literature at all. The solarium might be an acceptable stop.

[priforprince]

The sun is my domain.

[ Not to, you know. Talk herself up or anything. ]

[amongthethorns]

Well then I have to show it to you, mustn't I?

[Smiling he's leading Hibiki to the room in question. It might be a bit bigger than the room they'd drank tea in. He's holding the door open for Hibiki to let her go in first.]

[priforprince]

[ NOW THIS IS A ROOM

Hibiki walks right past Alan as if having doors held open for her is her birthright (it is), the better to soak up this scenery. She smiles.

Can she stay here? Like, forever? The only god to have an environment rivaling this is Forrest, who has some very therapeutic fancy gardens. ]

I can feel my heart cleansing itself.