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]

[ Hibiki steps further into the room, the better to take it in. Nobly, of course. With dignity.

And a big smile she doesn't realize she's smiling. ] No sentence enders could possibly survive here.

[ THIS IS HER VERY HIGHEST PRAISE ]

[amongthethorns]

[Alan is just moving to follow after her, crossing his arms over his chest.]

I'm glad to see this has your seal of approval. I take it your temple doesn't have one?

[He's asking her softly as he comes up to her side. ]

[priforprince]

It possesses sitting rooms, of course. But those tend to a more cosmopolitan design.

[ Fun fact: Hibiki designed her own temple. After a fashion. She designed a castle for herself when she was in charge of PriPara for a while, and the Far Shore plunked a replica down for her on Apollo's real estate. Apollo's temple is Hibiki, for Hibiki, by Hibiki. ]

This incorporation of refreshing elements is inspired.

[ It makes her think of....sunshine, and, faintly, of two girls' smiles. ]

[amongthethorns]

Ah.. Well, I wanted things to be a little more open. When I was younger I always wanted a big garden and a room like this. The other room we had tea in was a bit more for my Shinki. The Television and things.. I wanted him to feel like it was his home as well.

[He's not sure if she means the plants or the columns and little busts and accent pieces or something else but as long as Hibiki likes it he won't question.]

I'm glad that you like it, Miss Hibiki. I'm rather fond of it myself. It's very cozy and homey. At least I like to think so.

[priforprince]

A temple that reflects well upon all its inhabitants.

[ Hibiki does not want to leave this room. Possibly ever. ]

Sharing it with me has earned my gratitude.

[amongthethorns]

That was my goal yes.

[He wanted to make a home - a haven. There were specially designated rooms under lock and key for the people that were dearest to his heart. His dispatch family. His Shinki. The little reaper-demon child he'd instantly adopted. Even Eric had one the pocket tucked away in Alan's waistcoat.

Perhaps, he thinks he should add a couple other locked rooms...]

It is my duty to make souls feel peace and find rest. That hasn't changed even if I became a god. You're always welcome here, Hibiki. My door is always open to you.

[priforprince]

You are too generous.

[ You may also occasionally find her wandering in like she owns the place, if you keep making that kind of invitation. ]

[amongthethorns]

It is better to be a kind person than a cruel one. Cruel people are horribly lonely I find.

[And he's okay with that. His dispatch family do it all the time.]

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki and her big honking mostly-unrepentant villain backstory have no comment on this topic. ]

Are there more rooms like this?

[ In this place-for-everyone temple? This, you see, is a Hibiki Place. (It could stand to be a bit more rococo, but, well. Only she is perfect.) ]

[amongthethorns]

[He arches a brow.]

Another of glass or a special room? All of my guests have rooms of their own that I decorated to suit them but i do't have another room quiet like this one.

[priforprince]

I see.

[ Hibiki smiles. ] The pièce de résistance.

[ She really would be totally happy to just stand here all day. Oops. ]

[amongthethorns]

[He's laughing softly at her.]

I'm glad you like it.

[Lazily he's leaning on one of the columns, arms crossed over his chest.]

Am I going to have to give you your own bedroom here?

[priforprince]

I'll sleep at my temple.

[ She either missed the joke or decided the best way to respond to it would be to take it seriously. ]

[amongthethorns]

[He's just watching her more than a little amused by her. She's something different but refreshingly different. With her around he'll never be bored.]

If you like, however, should you need it I offer hospitality if you need it.

[priforprince]

[ With her around, why would anyone ever need anything else? Why, she even removes herself from many social situations, or shows up at the last second, to allow lesser acts their moment to shine. Such is her munificence. ]

The consummate host.

[ A smug smile. She offers Alan a hand to shake. Company for doing celeb things like sitting around in pretty places will be pleasant, indeed. ] To elegant afternoons.

[amongthethorns]

I make every effort, yes. After all if someone is coming to my home I want them to feel as if they belong and are welcome there.

[He's blinking as she's offering him her hand. He pauses. There's something so formal about this moment he can't figure it out but then he's smiling taking her hand and giving it a firm shake.]

To pleasant company.

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki's handshake is firm, as well, and her smile is sharp as she meets his eyes.

This all bodes so very well. ]

[amongthethorns]

[And this, Alan thinks, is the official start of a very strange an interesting friendship.

Hopefully, he can be a good influence on her.]

Perhaps next time we'll have our tea in here since you like it so much.

[priforprince]

That would be pleasant.

[ Which reminds her. ]

You had a blend for me?

[amongthethorns]

I believe so as well.

[Alan smiles gently.]

We left the canister in the other room where we had our tea. However, if you happen to like it, I have enough supplies to make you a larger box that I'll bring over when I visit.

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki nods. ] That's satisfactory.

[ A good plan has been planned, and she didn't have to micromanage. Truly the best form of monarchy is one in which one leaves everything to everybody else. ]

[amongthethorns]

Well, I live to please.

[Only not really. But she's his esteemed guest and it's simply proper etiquette to attend to your guests needs. Hibiki clearly needs a gentle hand but one that can shift things to her perspective yet still maintain the original point. At leaast that's Alan's theory.]

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki is only interested in elegant, top-class topics. And there can be no more elegant, top-class topic than...Shikyoin Hibiki. ]

I'll absorb the mood of this room a bit further, then meet you there.

[amongthethorns]

[He's nodding turning on his heel to head back toward where they'd come from previously.]

Of course, Miss Hibiki, You're most welcome to do so.

[He's chuckling softly to himself as he leaves them room. Maybe he can read a bit while she enjoys herself.]

[priforprince]

[ If he looks back, Alan will find Hibiki posed against a column, one hand on the surface and one hand at her breast. This is the best way to enjoy the room.

Of course. ]