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

[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.

[amongthethorns]

[Alan doesn't mind. He isn't bothered by this in the least. After his conversation with Wendy he understands Hibiki a bit more. At least he believes he does.

She's like a noble from back home and that's fine. He's used to that kind of thing. There's a pleased smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.]

I had a feeling you might like this. It's the perfect room. You can stargaze from in here or sit in here during a rainstorm and still enjoy the outside without worrying about getting wet and risking a chill. I spend a lot of time in here.

[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.