Office Hours - We Could Be

[shieldof]

[Faith's door remains closed, the brass "PRIVATE" plaque silent and unyielding. Trying to force the door yields no results, but- she said you could contact her here, so just go ahead and knock. Worst case scenario, you're no worse off than before, right?]

((OOC: Please tag your top-levels with the appropriate week and day.))

Comments

[composalvation]

[Oh! That looks really complicated, whoops!]

S-Sorry! Am I interrupting something?

[shieldof]

No- ...that is, you all certainly take priority over small projects like this, it's fine.

[the gloves are off and on the workbench, she's being a good host and focusing on her charges]

It's- rather late. Isn't it?

[Is that a question of concern, or is she looking for confirmation?]

I can offer you a drink- Is there an emergency-?

[composalvation]

[??? Kanade taking priority??? sounds fake but okay.]

A-Ah, it is... sorry. I'm more used to being awake at this time of night... but it's not an emergency, no. I just.... wanted to see if you needed help with anything.

[Even though she's pretty useless outside of composing.]

I did say I would, in exchange for setting up a way to check in on Mafuyu.

[shieldof]

Oh. ...Thank you.

[She hesitates for a moment, then moves behind her desk, leaning down and rummaging through- something. But she comes back up with a pair of ceramic drinking vessels, roughly the same size but otherwise mismatched; and a metal bottle. Unscrewing it, she pours a steaming liquid into the mugs before offering one to Kanade.]

[The smell of fresh coffee wafts up into the office.]

You're quite kind to offer. Attempting to locate your loved ones is really the least I could do.

[composalvation]

[Oh... that's not really Kanade's choice of hot drink, but she's not going to say no to it. She'll take the cup with a grateful nod, letting it sit in her hands for a little and just... absorb the warmth.]

I wouldn't really say I'm kind... just that it seems wrong to not try to help. Especially when you seem to be in a difficult spot.

[She doesn't really seem to be enjoying this whole... trapping people thing.]

... You don't really like what's going on here, do you?

[shieldof]

[look at least it's not a gallon of mayonnaise]

[But at Kanade's words, Faith goes still for a moment.]

[She takes a slow sip of her own coffee.]

You're certain of that, Lady Kanade?

[composalvation]

Of me wanting to help? Or thinking you're not okay with all of this?

[shieldof]

The latter. May I ask what makes you think I would question my god's will?

[composalvation]

... You're kind to us. Like this, making me coffee and offering to help me look out for Mafuyu. You don't...

[... She doesn't get that cold feeling, like she did when she met with Mafuyu's mother.]

All the things scattered around this place, making it seem like we're pets or zoo animals... you don't act like we are. And you didn't even expect anything in return when I made my request. Someone like that... doesn't sound like someone who would gladly go along with those rules about sacrifice.

[shieldof]

[Faith takes another slow sip as Kanade speaks.]

The rules are written as they are for a reason. Questioning or speaking of it too deeply is not my place.

Is it so strange that I would also wish your lives here to be as comfortable as possible?

[composalvation]

[Oh... she doesn't really like that.]

But you're the one that's talking to us, not your god. If something happens... if the people here get angry or upset... it's going to be you that takes the fall. Not your god. It's fair to question the rules in that case, I think.

[But the whole time she speaks, Kanade's voice never loses that soft, gentle tone.]

It's not strange. I'm glad you're here to help us and make us comfortable. But if you weren't... what would happen to us? What would your god do?

[shieldof]

I'm certain they would find ways to provide for you all.

[She does sound it, at least.]

And I appreciate the concern, but I am quite capable of defending myself, emotionally or otherwise. The worst you all could do would be leaving me alone, and I am quite used to that.

[composalvation]

[... Oh. That - that also hits hard.]

... How long?

[shieldof]

It has just been myself and my god as long as I can recall, why?

[composalvation]

... I lived by myself for two years. I didn't think I felt anything about it at the time, but looking back on it now...

... It's. A yawning feeling, isn't it?

[shieldof]

I suppose if you are right I will know in time.

[It's a bit noncommittal.]

...If- you are still insistent upon offering your help to me, there is one thing that I believe may rather lie within your area of expertise.

[composalvation]

[That answer... isn't the most reassuring. But Kanade's stopped from dwelling on it too much by what else Faith says.]

...? What is it?

[shieldof]

Ah-

[She hesitates a little, cheeks a bit pink.]

Sir Kinger requested. A theme song. About the group gathered here. It seems it was something of a tradition in his circus.

[composalvation]

[Oh! Kanade perks up at that!]

I can try...! I don't have any of my equipment, so it might be a little hard, but... if it's something you want, Faith-san, I'll do my best.

[Ah...]

Does it need to be a secret? I can talk to Kinger-san alone about it, but... I'd like to include Mizuki too. She's a part of Niigo, and I don't want to leave her out of any kind of music I make here...

[shieldof]

I- don't think it's secret?

[Should this be a secret. Will other people knowing about it ruin things, or-]

Ah- regardless, yes, please include Lady Mizuki if you wish, I am not- I've no experience, musically. At all.

[composalvation]

Ah, I just don't want to ruin anything, that's all. I just wanted to be sure...

[... Oh. But...]

... Is music something you'd be interested in?

[shieldof]

[She thinks for a moment.]

I have never given thought to becoming a musician, if that is your meaning. But if you would accept the efforts of a complete novice, I suppose I could make an attempt.

[Likes: discovery]

[composalvation]

I've never really taught anyone anything before, and I mostly learned on my own from watching my dad... but if it's something you want to try out, I don't mind showing you.

[Assuming they can find something she can play in this place...]

[shieldof]

That would- be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[She's not sure what she expected to come from that request, but this feels a little beyond the initial scope.]

Sir Kinger seemed concerned about the, ah, number of necessary rhymes involved, and while I am confident I could find sufficient words for all those present, I rather suspect there is a good deal more to being a proper lyricist.

[composalvation]

[... Ah. Something shifts in Kanade's expression, at the mention of a lyricist.]

... Mmm, there is. I don't think I'm very good at writing lyrics for my music... that's why I originally teamed up with Mafuyu. The one I asked to check in on.

[Her gaze drops down to her hands, as she idly picks at one of her bitten-down nails.]

My music wouldn't be half of what it is without her lyrics. The right words... they can convey the rawest emotions, feel like your chest is being carved out...