deercountry | call all the ladies out

[sansa made the mistake of mentioning her difficulties with baking bread in the sanctuary kitchen while chopping vegetables. now she's up to her elbows in flour and has been kneading for what feels like an unbearably long time. every time she pauses, head chef abigail barks at her to keep going. there's flour on her nice grey linen apron. she looks like she's nearing her limit and is ready to latch on to any possible sleeper who might provide company to her misery.]

[ it hadn't been long since alayne had come clean as sansa— falco had understood why, completely. with passing eyes over the network, perhaps he hadn't gotten to tell her, but today, together with the book he'd found (and gone into), he wants to. making sure they were to meet at a proper hour, falco is sure to arrive with ingredients for a topping and more.

he's late because of that book, and arrives in a rush, with a quick hello for abigail, who only grunts (but smiles underneath), and immediately does he find sansa— he's got his cloak and bag off, his sleeves cuffed high and his hands washed to bound to her side. ]

I can take over, Miss Sansa— Sorry, I'm late.

[sansa smiles gratefully at falco. she knows she should object, it would be more polite, but this is so hard...she extracts her hands from the dough.]

If you truly wouldn't mind...thank you, Falco.

[she steps back so he can work.]

It's good to see you.

[lady gnaws discreetly on a lamb shank bone, curled away in a tidy corner.]

You, too.

[ his lips curve up as he flashes a smile that's reassuring at the very least, before digging his fingers in and getting to work. he has stamina, more than a boy his age would have, if not bordering on athletic. he's used to running long stances, carrying heavy weights, digging under stress and more. kneading bread was a pleasure. the dough is soft, and soon he rolls it in half, rolls, and repeats.

confetti would surely like to say hello to lady and the others— but he's caught outside doing loop-de-loops by the guardian sapling. he loves that tree. falco would allow the lingering with no qualms. ]

I got caught in something earlier . . . Um, [ he gestures to his messenger bag. ] I brought it with me. I think it's yours.

[sansa is considering whether it would be rude to wash her hands when he speaks. for a moment she wonders if he could have been tangled in one of the nets she mended for the fishermen in his bird shape. burying alayne stone with vi has her recalling her old fears of being tricked and used. she looks at falco with some alarm.]

You were caught in something of mine? I hope you're all right.

[ he'd listen either way to her, although when a pause comes, so does his kneading. he already seems apologetic about it. ]

I thought it was a book about one of the stories you mentioned. [ of a lady and a knight that couldn't be, or something of the sort that he had remembered off the top of his head in that obsessive stupor he was in. he was still interested in it if he was willing to return to the idea even after that episode. his eagerness was in vain. ] I started reading, but . . . It was your story. [ your story. your memory. ] I'm sorry.

[sansa puts these pieces together, recalls the books she's stumbled into herself lately. her mouth twists to one side.]

I'm sorry too. I'm sorry every day for all the people we lost, and that the rest of us had to go into hiding. What happened was cruel and pointless, and I miss them more than I know how to say. But none of it was my fault, and it wasn't yours, either.

[she walks over to the sink to rinse the dough off her hands.]

Did you see my family?

[falco must be bran's age, at least, even if he is much shorter. perhaps they could be friends, and arya too...]

[ falco kneads, seems to busy working the substance, but the longer he pauses, the more it seems like he's stalling. he remembers walking side by side with her. witnessing a man more than twice her size strike her on the kings command. the spikes, the heads that lacked their bodies, on display to remind the people of the atrocity to be feared. he remembers the ledge and the crossway, the little bridge-like space that sansa nearly shoved joffery off.

at least someone was kind enough to stop her, even if— the temptation was grand and human. ]

I saw your Father, but . . . [ that was more than enough. he didn't have to say more, and didn't actually want to. falco chews on his lips for that moment of silence, but settles on something soft as he stared into the dough squeezed in his hands. ] You're very strong, Miss Sansa.

[sansa thinks this over as she dries her hands on a spare dishcloth, and then scrubs it down the front of her apron. she glances back at falco]

Was it the execution? The murder, I should say. Arya was there, on the fountain. She did get away in the end. I imagine the two of you would be close enough in age; you might be friends, if she came here.

[she smiles faintly.]

She was always friends with everyone––she never liked stories about ladies and true knights, though. She thought they were boring.

[ falco manages to give a soft huff to that. even though it hadn't been the execution (murder), it had been the aftermath of that. it didn't entirely matter too much, now that sansa knew the bulk of it. it was her book, anyway. the dough is getting a severe beating, now. ]

That reminds me of someone. [ someone very dear to him. ] Is she okay, Miss Sansa?

[sansa's hands twist in the dish cloth.]

She's hiding, like I was. Braavos seems like a good enough place for it. She's training to be an assassin, and she got to choose her name.

[she folds the dishcloth and sets it back where it was, then turns to call out a question over her shoulder.]

Abigail? May we make sweetbiscuits once we've finished the bread? I think we may have need of them.

[she gets a gruff, 'go on then,' in response, and she grins crookedly at falco.]

What kind of biscuits, do you think?

[ an assassin seems like a long road to vengeance. it wouldn't be a road he'd like to take part in, but arya had her story, as much as sansa did. he hoped they could be the kings and queens of their own lives, or at least as much as they could be.

he tries to shy his smiling glance away from abigail, but even if she doesn't show it— she's soft for them. ]

. . . Scones?

[ he seems to have even lowered his voice in a secretive little way. they weren't hiding anything, but, you know . . . abigail was lifting a brow without even sparing a glance at them. she could hear. ]

[sansa has carefully brought her blood gem tool to the sanctuary and set it up at the courtyard. lady curls happily around the sanctuary tree, and sansa's black borzoi-shaped hellhound vhagar sits alert, ready to defend sansa's most valuable possession if need be. sansa herself wears a grey linen dress embroidered with silvery wolves and blue-grey greenery, cut just low enough to allow the dark bloodstone buckle of her needle necklace to rest against her skin. she rises to her feet when ochako enters, hands clasped behind her back. she beams.]

Ochako! It's good to see you. I'm very glad we're doing this. I thought perhaps you might be more comfortable if you had a few new things...

[it's not really the soundest logic, but sansa couldn't really think of what else to do. she withdraws a brown leather tunic and a long green woolen jacket with tiny brown bears and the collars and cuffs, and a larger, rather heraldic looking brown bear on the back. it's speckled with gold stars and rings, much like the dress sansa made for ochako's birthday.]

They're the colors of house Mormont; I didn't know what kind of bear your omen was and I thought you might think it was interesting...Anyway, we don't need to use very much blood.

[Ochako, on the other hand, shows up in a far more modern attire - thick, black tights lined on the inside with fleece for the brisk chill settling in, and...really, a lot of her school uniform which has traveled through two worlds now, with her. The only thing she's without is the red tie, and wears some boots to go with it, instead of her usual school shoes or sneakers. The blazer is actually meant for this weather, so it's warm, cozy, and nostalgic.]

Sansa-san, hello!! Eh? N-new thi--oooh!! Y-You didn't have to make me all this!

[She flounders a little as her friend presents her with those two, very rustic looking garments. Not exactly Ochako's style, considering she's from a much different point in time and place than Sansa, but they are exotic and beautiful nonetheless, and she will be sure to wear them when appropriate. Though getting surprise gifts like this always leaves her a little put off, because she's always been the giver, not the givee. But, there's little to do about it, so she gracefully accepts (though with a bit of protest).]

Eh...heh...I have no idea what that is. [Ochako clears her throat, shaking her head.] Um, I really don't know either, a-and I'm not bothered about giving blood, I've done it plenty of times for trade items and stuff. Just so long as, um...th-this isn't some kinda weird ritual thing or anything...

[SHE HAS NO IDEA?? Ochako's never done this before, but she trusts Sansa completely.]

[sansa flushes a little and looks briefly at the ground.]

Oh, well, I thought you could use more armor, anyway. [she never sees ochako wearing any. in fact ochako's wardrobe seems a little...sparse for trench, and not quite sturdy enough to be truly practical. sansa feels that she shoul make her more clothes, like she does for her other friends.] I had been meaning to make you some.

[she strides over to her blood gem tool, feigning a confidence she doesn't really feel. she doesn't want ochako to think she's weird or creepy, like some of the scholars and disciples...]

You only have to prick your finger, and then I could use your blood to make a little gem or bead. You can take it with you, or I could put it somewhere safe.

I like bloodstone because you don't have to do any rituals or anything strange to use them.

[It's true, Ochako doesn't wear armor, but her Hero Costume is pretty much built like armor for all intents and purposes. The fabric is actually an insanely sturdy mesh that is resistant to being cut or pierced...and it's also fire resistant to boot!! Her boots, while made of a foamy material, have steel heels for the jet boosters and are insulated as well as pretty durable. The harder parts of her costume...the belt, headpiece, and especially the wrist guards are by far the sturdiest parts - made from sturdy metals and plastics that can knock back and even dent iron pipes and other metals with a focused strike or block and not crack or dent on their side.

The Support Class and Hero Design Teams know their stuff, truly. Costumes have to be built to endure, quite literally, a cacophony of various "challenges" a Hero might face on the field. Quirks are, after all, exceptionally dangerous when used improperly, or by the wrong kinds of people.]

Uwaah...you really, really don't have to do anything for me!! But I do appreciate it. I;ll try to pay you back for all your hard work sometime, ne? Maybe a dress of my own making, though it may take a while...oh!! Or a sweater!! I'm actually pretty good at knitting, and it'll be like...like a style-swap!! [Since Sansa has all these old, medieval fashions an such, while Ochako has the more modern flair. It'd be a fun thing to swap their styles!]

Eeh...um, I-I'd rather not keep any sort of gem or something from my blood, no. I-I don't trust what could happen if someone got a hold of it.

[...Toga. Toga Himiko specifically is the worst person who could, and probably would, steal something like that, because of how useful it would be for her. All she'd have to do is pop the stone into her mouth and suck on it a while to get the effects her quirk needs to transform into Ochako...and be able to use the brunette's quirk. Ochako shudders at the thought, recalling the old and painful memory of knowing Toga used her quirk to kill people... No, Ochako can't risk that. She can't risk people being fooled and hurt by someone wearing her face. Using her quirk. Not after July's events.]

But I don't mind pricking my finger or anything!! I do that enough just to get food and supplies and stuff, ehehe.

[sansa has adapted fairly well to the fashions of cellar door, with skirts cut to her knees in front and dusting her heels in back over sturdy linen leggings; in turn her heavy beaded embroidery style has become very popular with night walkers and their imitators, she laughs a little, gently.]

I make clothes for all my friends. It's no trouble, truly, but I should treasure any gift you gave me.

[her mouth tugs to one side, and she sits down in front of her blood gem tool.]

It would be easy to destroy it with Darkblood magic, if you wanted. We could ask Wanda or Lady Ange. Or Bakugou could find a way to explode it, I'm sure. But you could always sew it into your mattress––or I could sew it into my mattress; no one would ever even think to look there, and my house is very well-warded, with one of the hounds around to guard it whenever I'm not home.

[honestly she just leaves her hellhound in her room in case jinx tries to prank her.]

Edited 2022-09-22 03:01 (UTC)

[Oh, honey...Ochako needs to introduce you to a pair of jeans, a cozy, knit sweater, or a large and comfortable hoodie. Ochako may have worn something like that, honestly, but she was feeling nostalgic for her school uniform. It's...it's been a while since she wore the skirt, tie, and blazer...and she missed it. Feels like a warm hug sometimes.]

Oh, I know!! I actually might commission you again in the future for some presents, ehehe. [Christmas is coming up, and now that more of her friends have arrived in Trench, Ochako needs to make sure they're cozy and bundled for the winter!! Getting a decent wardrobe going has been a major challenge in both worlds she's been to.]

Mmh...I'll think about it. There's a person from my world here that's extremely dangerous if they get their hands on someone's blood. And in a place like this...that's a lot easier than back home. Let's focus on getting to meet my Omen first, ne?

[sansa grins at the prospect of a commission, though it fades when ochako mentions someone from her own world determined to ruin things for everybody else (why is there always someone...). she withdraws a needle from her sleeve and offers it to ochako.]

You can just prick your finger over the blood gem tool.

[she smiles gently.]

How did you learn that your omen is meant to be a bear?

[In a world full of Heroes, there's bound to be Villains, too. It's a good thing Sansa doesn't know there's more than one in Trench - even more terrifying and dangerous than Toga, and with powerful quirks that easily rival the blood-drinking changeling.

Taking the needle, Ochako nods and makes a soft noise of discomfort at the little prick. Not the worst she's endured by far, but still unpleasant nonetheless. As a fresh bead of red dews on her pointer, she hums thoughtfully.]

It was a while ago - I think around the time I first showed up here? Once of the locals here told me about Omens, and was able to do a ritual to determine what mine was...s-since I was kind of curious at the time, eheh...and that it'd show itself when needed. That person said they sometimes match a person's spirit...though I'm not sure if a bear matches me that well.

[It does. It absolutely does, but Ochako doesn't think too high of herself to realize she's strong, patient, caring, and has some form of balance, be it emotional, mental, or even spiritual.]

[privately, sansa finds the hero/villain phrasing unhelpful at best. she tries to keep an eye out for troublemakers in trench, including the people making trouble on ochako's post. she is very careful about spying on people as birds, though; it didn't go very well the last time she tried.

sansa frowns gently at ochako's finger.]

Here, you have to let it drop into the center––

[she looks at ochako for permission before guiding her finger downward.]

Bears are very strong, and protective of their families, but they only eat fish and berries, and they never bother anyone unless somebody attacks them first. [this is a very generous way of framing their territorial behavior, but sansa likes animals.] I told you about the Mormonts of Bear Island; I don't know them very well, but I know Lady Dacey, the heir of that house, fought with my brother Robb in his vanguard. She must have been a great fighter, and very brave.

[she smiles at ochako.]

I think it fits well enough.

Edited 2022-10-04 05:50 (UTC)

[And if Ochako even knew that was a thing, she would vehemently demand Sansa not go anywhere near the members of the League, if she knew who they were. The three here are some of the strongest and most deadly villains she's encountered. Truly the worst of the bunch, with powerful quirks that can kill in mere seconds, or deceive even some of the most perceptive people.

Nodding, Ochako turns her finger over and lets the pooling droplet splatter onto the device below as she's told. She listens, her mouth pulling up at the corners with a little giggle.]

I know what bears are, Sansa-san. We have them in Japan. [Don't mind her, Ochako's just being a little cheeky. But then she grins brightly with a little flush to her rosy cheeks.] Thank you. I hope this works, I have been a bit eager to meet mine - I didn't really realize how useful they could be. And even Bakugou has met his!

[And he's about as sociable as a venomous reptile. Ochako's been kinda feeling left out not meeting hers. hopefully this works...]

[sansa lifts her eyebrows and smiles crookedly.]

My father used to tell us about wolves every chance he got, even though we were the ones looking after wolf pups.

[to be fair to ned most of these wolf anecdotes happened either before the direwolves were found or after the Incident...]

Some people here seem to think wild creatures just sit around outside waiting for people to eat. [this is probably an exaggeration, but with the way some people talk about 'predators' (and eagles) sansa's not actually sure.] I know you aren't like that, but I suppose I've picked up some of my father's habits.

One boy had wandered into a bear's cave sometime, and when it chased him out he thought it was trying eat him. [people are not even tasty!!!] I just told him never to go into any caves without shining a light in them first. That was something else my father wanted to make very sure we knew.

Anyway, I'm sure your omen will be clever and kind, like you. They're already in your heart, truly. I'll be very glad if I can do anything to help the two of you meet face to face.

[she turns her attention to the drop of blood. it does seem like a bit of a waste of 'virgin blood' not to imbue it with much power, but that does seem like what ochako wants. she frowns hard, her hands on the blood gem tool, and produces a small shimmering red bead...]

Edited 2022-10-06 19:17 (UTC)

[It's Ochako's turn to raise both of her brows - do people actually think that? Maybe back in the day, before information was so readily available on TV, the internet, and just from picking up a book about specific animal biology. It's so bizarre, the difference between worlds...Ochako's modern age and Sansa's clearly fantastical one. Or at least medieval.]

Mm, not at all. Animals are usually more afraid of us people than we are of them. They on;y really attack when they feel threatened, or perceive us as prey because they've never encountered a human before. [She snorts loudly, covering her mouth with her good hand to stop herself from howling with laughter. Sorry, but the image of someone being chased by a bear is just so damn comical...even if it was probably terrifying at the time. Ochako's humor is just that - a little grim, slapstick, and stupid puns.] Honestly, the real issue would probably be bats... Their, um...y-y'know...eh. Waste is really unhealthy to breathe in, and they're one of the main carriers of rabies.

Ehehe, I just hope I can get along with it, that's all.

[Ochako follows Sansa's gaze, half expecting something fantastical to happen, or whatever. As for 'virgin blood'...nope! Ochako's not that in any sense. She's actually given up her blood via a much needed transfusion a long time ago, to Dito specifically, when those horrible plants started popping up everywhere, and draining people of their precious fluids. Had she not, he probably would have passed away in time from a serious lack of it. Warmbloods, for the precious little their blood can do, is great for transfusions.

She tilts her head, cooing softly at the little bead curiously. It looks pretty, sure, but...it's still blood. Kind of weird, and definitely a little gross, in her honest opinion. Ochako's definitely not going to have this lingering around, where someone foul can get ahold of it. No need for more people to die because someone misused her quirk.]

Is something supposed to happen with that thing? Do I wear it? Hold it? Am I, ehh...s-supposed to concentrate or something? [She's just now realizing she has...no fucking clue what she's supposed to do here.]

call all the ladies out

falco

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ochako

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