♫♪ ARABESQUE

dawncrests‌.

     “I do.” She admitted it without much reservation or bashful antics. She knew she could be a touch overzealous, which could be overwhelming or offputting for some, but her passion was a defining piece of her, and her art, so she tried to own her craft at least a little bit. She had certainly worked hard enough, and for so long too. She was gifted, she could see some of that now, but confidence had not ever been her strong suit off the stage, even with Maribelle twisting her arm, or other Shepherds encouraging her.

     “I’ve performed since I was a little girl, so I have much to speak of both home and here. I’m a little nervous sometimes, but I know I have an extensive knowledge, so I hope the information is still engaging to you.” Though her blush remained, Olivia felt a little more at ease with the woman’s recognition that seemed to be a sign of her possessing a positive impression.

     “My name is Olivia. It is a pleasure to meet you, Edelgard.” 

aurulent‌.

     With subtleties, Claude further showed his character to be someone she could let herself be at ease with, at least as far as near strangers went. Olivia would always feel the need to guard herself a little, until someone had truly garnered his trust, but she didn’t have to be so hesitant... that much was clear. He seemed to respect her passion for the earth, even mirroring it in some regard, he was polite and gentle as he shook her hand, plus his outlook on this situation was far more positive than some of the responses she had seen in newcomers. Over a year had passed, and she had seen a whole selection of different personalities. His stuck out as one considerate and perhaps warm.

     These thoughts blossomed over her features in the form of a persistent smile- albeit a small one- that reached into the cerise hue of her eyes as she nodded her thanks to his compliment.

     “You are kind to say so. The name Claude is quite a nice one too.” Pausing, she looked down at the flowers as the briefly contemplated his inquiry. She had truly been here for some time. When she answered, she looked back to him, and truly met his gaze with certainty and her own warm regard. 

     “I’ve been here a little over a year. It is not a perfect world, it seems none is, but many interesting walks of life pass through, and everyone has their own story to tell. I find it fascinating to listen and learn about everyone here, at least from those who wish to tell their stories. There are so many different from that of my own home. I bet you have interesting stories too.” She’d begun to bubble up with excitement, rambling a little and truly letting herself be comfortable in the man’s presence... and only feeling the slight creep of sheepishness under the surface.

gempathic‌.

     “You are very welcome.” Olivia smiled wide, her eyes creasing with the genuine show of emotion. She was all too happy to make another smile, or improve their day, and it seemed this was one such act of kindness for the boy. It was not as if she could spare all her wages on supplying desserts to anyone who wanted them, but sometimes actions that seemed so minute could mean the world to someone else. 

     “I’ve been here quite a few times. I like to pick up treats after work, or simply on a relaxing outing. I like to try whatever they have that is new, but I think I’ve tried most of the menu by now.” She was a touch bashful in admitting this, her cheeks staining pink, but even if these treats weren’t the best for her, she danced them off regardless. They made her happy, offering the kind of warmth some of the bakeries she had been familiar with in Ylisse did. “You’ll have to come and try more of the menu yourself! They have wonderful fruit tarts and chocolate croissants... it’s truly an amazing location.”

aurulent‌.

@odettile ➴ ( sc ) !!

      Wrapped up warmly for the onset of the autumn chill, Olivia still set out to tend to the gardens she had been nurturing. She’d spent many years away from her home continent of Ylisse, and had learned many tricks in making these new places feel like home. Planting flowers, looking after the plant-life surrounding her, it was a way to not only give back, but to help create a healthier environment for all. 

     It was a quiet, calming, and personal little ritual of hers, visiting each location when she could and tending to each plant and blossom with delicacy and care. That said, she never minded company passing by and admiring the work of nature, with just a touch of her aid. Today was one such day where an onlooker saw her, and verbally confirmed his admiration of the beauty nature provided them both with.

     “Yes, that’s me.” She stood up from kneeling, and brushed any errant dirt from her jeans before meeting the strangers eyes. “You’ve probably seen a few patches I’ve tended to, I like to return the love to the earth that we are shown with things like these flowers.” She rambled a little, a faint pink hue creeping up on her cheeks as she did.

     Nonetheless, she smiled, offering him a hand hesitantly. It was nothing to speak of his demeanor, as he seemed quite a respectful man, but though her best efforts were put forward, she still found herself much quieter and reserved with strangers. It was when they got to know her that she blossomed to show her full warmth and energy. It just took a little time... just like the flowers.

     “My name is Olivia. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Claude. I guess it’s not the best thing to say you’ll get used to life here... but there are some truly lovely sights, and kind people.”

camelliacried‌.

     Always happy to speak on the subject of performing, Olivia lit up with further enthusiasm, especially in light of her company expressing interest.

     “I am a dancer, I started at a very young age. I can sing and act too, but not as well. Dancing has always been my greatest passion. I became the creative director for the Spirale Theatre Company. I perform in many shows, but I usually have a hand in the ones I’m not in as well.” She beamed with pride, for as reserved as she could be about herself, performance was her single greatest accomplishment, even when she doubted herself.

     “There are always a lot of shows in the works, if you’re ever interested in auditioning, or working behind the scenes, or simply coming to watch!”

gempathic‌.

     “It was just an educated guess.” And it was. He seemed the type to enjoy very sweet flavors, though strawberry had a nuance of its own. It was also the kind of sweet Inigo might have preferred, and using that information certainly helped her make her guess. The thought made her smile warmer, as she ordered a strawberry treat and then turned to the boy to hand it to him, taking the matcha cake in turn.

     “A little adventure can be very good for you, but perhaps another day as far as the matcha goes. Is this your first time coming to this bakery?”

encorose‌.

     “It can certainly be a bit too lively at times, but even with the sound, I manage to find sleep. Something about hearing all this life mulling about is a comfort. I’m not too fond of when there is shouting, though.”

dawncrests‌.

    Olivia was a touch sheepish about how enthusiastically she showed her passion, but that subsided when the young woman encouraged her to speak further on the matter, showing her own interest for the arts as well. So Olivia lit up and spoke further on the production: the performers, the set dressing, the music direction, everything.

     “The costuming is some of my favorite. I perform here too, and in other theaters here in Spiral, so I have seen a lot of astonishing work. These costumes though, they so perfectly suit each character, the setting of the story, and yet they all catch the light and your eye just the same.” She was rambling, and she knew it, so she tapered off just a little, but there was still that glint in her eye. She’d talk for hours if her company wanted.

gempathic‌.

camelliacried‌.

     “Not at all! In my experience as a performer, sometimes it’s pivotal to repeat the stances of others, especially through means like art. As long as we maintain the freedom to say what we want, that is what is important! Especially as an artist...”

     The warmth of the summer sun was always a home to Olivia, and dancing outside in the golden beams for an enraptured audience was it’s own kind of thrill. When she left the stage and weaved her way through the crowds, however, she took solace in one of her favored pastry shops in Cotes. “Oh! You picked a matcha cake too! They’re so delicious, are they not?”

     “What did you think of the show?” It was easier to ask such a question when the performance was not her own. Having watched the performance next to this woman, who seemed as intrigued as Olivia with the production, she was curious of what the other woman took away from it. “I’ve been looking forward to this performance for some time.” // @dawncrests

eyebrand‌.

     “I should hope so! I pray my dances mean a lot to those who witness them... it is nice when my passion can benefit others. I wonder what inspirational things you might have seen throughout the city... perhaps I could create new dances around them.”

sundroptm‌.

     “Festivals are endless fun, especially when there is dancing. Will this be your first in Spirale?”

     “I feel so invigorated, like I could perform a million dances all in a row!”

sundroptm‌.

     Olivia watched the woman craft a note, attach it to a lantern, and seemingly pray in her reverant state. It made Olivia wistful for her own home, the traditions of Regna Ferox, especially with Spirale transformed as it was. Softly, she stepped closer to the other woman, and lowered herself next to the other woman. “That’s a beautiful lantern you sent off. Do you launch lanterns out often?”