Video - Sept 27th

[clothes_make_the_man]

Hello, everyone. I trust you've all seen the invitation to Amaterasu's autumn banquet by now. Normally with a party like this coming up, I'd open up clothing commissions, but unfortunately even I can't work that quickly. That said, I should still be able to manage some beauty treatments over the next few days in between some other work and my own preparations. If anyone is interested, please feel free to reply here or stop by Lakshmi's temple. I'll do my best to fit everyone in.

[He may be biting off a bit more than he can chew here, but that's Forrest for you.]

Comments

[clothes_make_the_man]

I have some creams I bought on the Near Shore, but honestly, I've found the water from the healing pools in the temple does a perfectly fine job of keeping my skin smooth all on its own.

[declamando]

Either one is fine, then. If it's been reliable for you then it's good enough for me.

[clothes_make_the_man]

It's better than anything I've found in stores. The only thing I've tried that works better is a special cream my friend Midori made for me once.

[declamando]

Oh? They must be very skilled, then. [Still, if Forrest is going to be quite busy, she should keep the chatter here to a minimum.] I can come over as soon as is convenient for you, then.

[clothes_make_the_man]

I've never met anyone more skilled with herbal remedies. She mostly makes medicines, but the cream was a special gift.

[Forrest smiles, clearly not minding a bit of remembrance.]

I'm free now if you'd like.

[declamando]

I see. It's a shame I can't meet them. [It doesn't sound like they're here, at least, but there's nothing wrong with musing about it.]

That's fine, then, I'll be over in a minute.

[clothes_make_the_man]

I think you'd get along well.

[He nods.]

All right, feel free to just come inside. I'll be getting everything ready.

>action

[declamando]

Alright, I'll see you then. [The video shuts off with that.

As promised, in a few minutes' time, the sound of footsteps approaches the room Maria remembers being invited to last time Forrest took care of her like this. For politeness' sake, she knocks at the doorframe before outright coming in.]

[clothes_make_the_man]

Ah! Welcome back, Maria.

[Forrest smiles at her from the middle of the floor, waving her inside.]

I'm ready whenever you are.

[declamando]

Morning, Forrest. It's a pleasure to be here again.

[It really is. Forrest's temple is a rather nice one, and Maria takes in the room once more as she steps inside properly.]

I'm ready to start as soon as possible. I'm sure you'll be quite busy over the next few days.

[clothes_make_the_man]

Well, which would you like to start with, then - fingers or toes?

[He's all set on his end.]

[declamando]

Toes, I think. They might need a little more work. [As much as Maria does try to take care of both her hands and feet, feet are always made a little harder by virtue of the kind of style she prefers.]

[clothes_make_the_man]

All right. I'll make sure they're sparkling.

[Forrest smiles, pulling over a foot bath with water from the temple's pool.]

[declamando]

[Maria takes a seat for the moment, waiting for Forrest to begin his work.]

How have you been? It's been a little while since we spoke to each other.

[clothes_make_the_man]

[Forrest smiles, gingerly lifting Maria's feet one at a time to put them in the water. He'll let them soak for a minute or so before toweling them off and getting started.]

About the same as always, really. I've been spending most of my time studying with Lady Orihime and teaching sewing at the school.

[declamando]

With Orihime? How has that been? It's good to hear you've had the opportunity to work with the Heavens' most trusted seamstress.

[Or at least, that's the impression she got from the announcement around Tanabata, even if she hadn't required the services herself.]

[clothes_make_the_man]

[He'll talk as he works, washing Maria's feet, drying them, and then getting going with the base coat.]

Even if I had a hundred years, I don't think I could come close to her level of skill, but I'm just thankful for the opportunity. It's more than I ever could have imagined possible.

[declamando]

Well, she would have had even longer than that herself, wouldn't she? It's an old legend. [Not one she knew a great deal about herself prior to Tanabata, but she's done her reading since then.] But I'm glad you're enjoying it. It does seem like a wonderful opportunity to work under someone with that kind of experience, though I'll admit I didn't ask for her help myself last time she offered to tailor for us.

[clothes_make_the_man]

That's true. Probably closer to thousands of years. I wouldn't dare ask a lady her age, though.

[His smile quirks up a little at his own joke.]

But yes, it's been wonderful. And I think it helps keep her mind off of Hikoboshi.

[declamando]

No, it would be a bit rude, wouldn't it? Especially considering how the legend goes. It's a little sad to think about. [Being separated from a lover for so long, only able to see them once a year...Maria can understand why Orihime had needed cheering up in advance of Tanabata.]

That's good, then. It's a shame things are that way with them, but I doubt it's something we could easily sway the Heavens on.

[clothes_make_the_man]

Yes... I wish there was something more I could do for her. It must be sad, only being able to see your lover once a year.

[Forrest sighs, frowning at the thought.]

[declamando]

I don't know how she's done it for so long, honestly. If this is the kind of punishment the Heavens deal out regularly, I can understand why they have people against them.

[It's inevitable they'd make somebody angry enough to want revenge, even if Orihime and Hikoboshi themselves are more mild-mannered.]

[clothes_make_the_man]

I wonder if she's simply lost hope of her situation changing...

[He hadn't really thought it through that far - or perhaps didn't want to - but it would make sense after so long.]

[declamando]

It could be. She certainly did seem surprised that we were all so kind to her in the lead-up to Tanabata.

[It's definitely a troubling thought, but she can't really think of any other reason that kind of basic company and cheering would have such a huge impact on her.]

[clothes_make_the_man]

It's really a shame. She's so nice and considerate. I don't see why she should be denied happiness.

[This got really sad.]