Using one's time

[caressthedarkness]

1. (Open)
[Alhambra Base is buzzing with its usual activity. However, in the relatively quiet lounge at this time of day, Seta sits down happily and opens a special package she has just received. It's even marked as 'Urgent Delivery'. This isn't the first time such a package has showed up; but it is the first time that the contents are seen by others...

What lies within are plastic cases with built-in cooling systems that in turn contain some sort of exotic soft pastry. Each is about the width of an adult's open palm, and golden-yellow in color.]

"Thank goodness...it arrived safely..."

[She may still be covered in bandages and affected by venom, but as soon as she spots these, Seta is very energetic. Moreover, she doesn't even devour the mysterious items in an instant like she would nearly everything else...it actually looks like she's savoring them.

If you're standing close enough though, you might catch a whiff of something in the air that tells you there isn't just thick cream in those things. The smell is difficult to describe - some close matches for those who are disgusted would be turpentine, rotten onions or raw sewage.

To Seta (and probably some others)? That smell is heaven, and needs no description.]

---


2. (Semi-locked to long-term CR)
[At some other time: there is a small group of flowers planted on the edge of the field outside, close to the woods. Seta stands by them, whispering something that can't be heard to herself. Lately, she has been here quite often.

If you decide to approach, you'll likely catch a glimpse of red coming from the corner of her mouth, but it's quickly wiped away. She only spares her hand a glance before going back to whatever it was she was doing.]

...

Comments

[mistaken_for_monster]

...Seta?

[Volya's going to carefully shuffle over with worry in his eyes.

Was... was that blood?

[caressthedarkness]

Volya...

I know this is selfish of me...but may I ask a favor of you?

[mistaken_for_monster]

[He looks extremely hesitant. There's honestly no telling what Seta's going to ask but...]

I'll try my best. What do I have to do?

[A sense of worry and resignation twisted in his voice.]

[caressthedarkness]

...Please do not share what you just saw with anyone.

[Seta is...unusually calm about this. But there is your answer.]

This is a matter that is best kept to as few people as possible...

[mistaken_for_monster]

But... Seta... what if its something really bad?

You might need help!

[cloningblues]

Seta? I thought you're cured at this point...!

[caressthedarkness]

When I mentioned that I was beyond full recovery...this is what I meant. I assisted the UG in missions when I was not supposed to, as well...so this is to be expected.

[cloningblues]

...

Are you going to die?

[caressthedarkness]

...

[Her expression hardens at that.]

Not until my duty is done...

[cloningblues]

It's not about duty! You're not just a weapon to be thrown away when it's no longer needed...!

1

[herodrawing]

!!

[Izuru caught a whiff of the pastry smells. That's his face now.]

Seta, are you eating these?

[caressthedarkness]

Yes...

These are my favorite...it is not often that I get the chance to enjoy them.

[herodrawing]

What are those?

I never smelt something like this before...

[caressthedarkness]

Durian Crepes...a special treat made in one region of the world.

I am sure that most people are aware of Durians...

[herodrawing]

They have quite a reputation going on...

So. You like durians, Seta?

1

[a_louse]

[A horrible smell lures Roger in, led by morbid curiosity. He quickly identifies the source.]

...I'm afraid your crepes might've gone bad in transit.

[caressthedarkness]

Actually, they are still fresh...

This is how these are supposed to smell...

[a_louse]

That's some... eccentric eating habits you have there. The taste is better than the smell, I hope?

[caressthedarkness]

It is...

...Would you like some, Mr. Smith?

[a_louse]

[Roger looks at the crepe suspiciously.]

I'll pass. I'm going to eat dinner soon, and I don't think this'd work as an appetizer.

Is this Kijin food? Or something people in the outside world eat normally?

2

[majestic_keiki]

Is everything alright? You're not pushing yourself after being in the hospital?

[caressthedarkness]

It would be a lie to say that everything is fine...

...Although, this would have happened even if I did not fight...

[majestic_keiki]

What is wrong?

And look after yourself, we can take care of things while you look after your health.

[caressthedarkness]

It is the venom in my body from the battle against Madame...

In small amounts, it is possible to remove it. But with how much is inside me now, only she would be able to do so herself. And...she is here no longer.

...I cannot simply stay away from all battles, either.

[majestic_keiki]

And there is nothing that can help you deal with it while it runs its course? Or alleviate the effects?