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]

I was born to it.

[ Between her noble upbringing as heir of the Shikyoin Conglomerate, her magnificent personality, and her individual perfection, she has never not been dyed in the elegant celebrity life. Being the token rich kid in a comedy anime didn't hurt, either.

She sits back in her commandeered chair, sips her tea, smiles down at it. Delicious. ]

Only elegant things are permitted in a 1 kilometer radius of me.

[amongthethorns]

Ah, that explains a lot of it actually. Most of the young people I've met with a flare for the finer things are fortunate to have such circumstances.

[There's no judgement in his tone and his words are carefully picked. It's a delicate way to say what he wishes to say in a way way that won't become something she sees as an offense to her - hopefully. His lips twitched at that.]

Are you saying I qualify as something elegant, Miss Hibiki? If so I must say I'm flattered.

[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. ]