deercountry | patisserie lysitherie: preparations

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patisserie lysitherie: preparations

[a. video, un: charon, ota]

Good evening, Trench. The grand opening of... [she frowns as she says the next part] the Patisserie Lysitherie is currently scheduled for November 15th, pending any horrible Trenchian incidents. So most likely, November 30th.

As we prepare for transition into our new space, I'm seeking a few things.

First, Architects or anyone good with woodworking and metalworking to remodel the existing building and to install a few necessary appliances. I need more ovens. Anyone interested in helping with the business is welcome, too, of course.

Second, if any recreational businesses are interested in a steady supply of pastries - for instance, a café or a bookstore - I'm open to partnerships.

Third, if you've got a cake or a sweet from home you're just dying to experience, I'd like to start collecting recipes from all of you Sleepers. I began this business to revive my beloved nostalgic sweets, but I realize... I'd like to be able to bring that experience to others, too.

[b. Willful Machine, early November, ota]

Augh!

[There comes a loud explosion from a rather derelict building in the middle of the Willful Machine district. A half-dozen thumps and clangs follow. ...Then the upper story of the building drops about three feet, releasing an enormous plume of smoke that settles over wary shoppers and merchants. A girl covered in a thick layer of dust stumbles out ten seconds later and falls backwards on the ground.]

I suppose... that takes care of the rodent issue.

[The building belches out a gout of flame behind her.]

[c. Lysithea's home (Gaze), early November, for new and old customers, employees, or other general CR]

[With the bakery operations in full swing and the storefront not yet ready, Lysithea's home is in perpetual activity. Whether she's fulfilling orders, experimenting with new pastries, or bullying her employees, Lysithea works tirelessly to make her dream a reality. For the time being, her work as an Arcane Scholar in the School of Mutter is suspended as she focuses on her craft.]

Look out - hot pan behind you!

Yes, yes, of course - I can do a dozen mini-cakes for you by tomorrow; that won't be a problem.

Here to collect? If you would sign this form here and fill out what you plan to trade...

You've procured the cinnamon? Wonderful! How much did it cost us? Did you have to give up the hematite?

[Regardless of why you're here, she'll open the door with smudges of honey and chocolate all over her face and an exhausted, though satisfied expression.]

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[ There's been a sharp uptake in the amount of sweet-treats and pastries which have been brought back to the townhouse she shares with Peter Graham (and his demonic house guest). Luna tries not to look a gift-Abraxan in the mouth, especially when something sweet is concerned — but she's certainly been curious as to why there's been these gifts left for her.

It turns out Paimon's been the one leaving them for her, and it takes very little probing to get a name — the demon only too happy to report his new endeavours. He's not always so adept at explaining himself, but he's enthusiastic about it, proud even. Even that in itself feels like a good thing, pleased that the demon's found a new contentedness. The name Lysithea is not one which crops up often, and so she wonders if this might be the same girl from another time. Curiosity gets the better of her, and it brings her across Gaze to find out. ]

Oh, hello—! No, sorry— [ She shakes her head, smiling a little at the smudges of honey across the girl's cheek. ] I'm afraid I'm not here to collect.

[ There's a vague recollection of her face; she remembers speaking to her once before, some time ago now. At least a year. Something on the network in Deerington. But the girl in front of her seems more around her own age than looking a fair bit younger than her. ]

...Oh, you've gotten much older.

[Well, that's rude! Lysithea, on the verge of politely asking what the girl wants, instead gapes at her momentarily with a partially-opened mouth. Her brows knit in a frown.]

Either you're a very harsh critic of strangers or you remember me from Deerington.

[She peers at the girl.]

Hmmmm, I do know you. Once or twice on the network, I think. Though I don't recall the specifics...

Ah! Yes, something about a potion once?

[Was that it? She really couldn't recall.]

Well, I assume you stopped by for some business or another. Come in.

Oh, I offended you. [ Her head tilts, brow pinching slightly. The other girl's expression says it all really. Luna has a bit of a habit sometimes of just... speaking her mind — and it can come off as a little uncomfortable, a startling honesty. ]

I believe that's right, yes. [ She nods. Ah, yes! Likely her calming potions, offering them up for those who might need them in dealing with Deerington's long, nightmarish month of October. ] I'm sure I recall you being younger than me when we did, now you appear more similar to my own age, is all.

[ That's interesting. Still, she smiles, following her inside. ]

Mm, I believe you have acquired a new shop-hand? Tall, dark-haired, ancient demonic entity?

[ .... well, it's accurate. ]

Yes, you're right. I was fifteen - or sixteen in Deerington.

[It was actually difficult to remember precisely. Each new chapter of her life was so eventful and all-consuming of her time and identity that she felt as if she were thinking about somebody from long ago.]

I'm almost twenty now.

[Perhaps she is already. Her birthday was supposed to have been soon. As Luna is ushered into Lysithea's home, she will see that the entire floor has been converted into her operations facility. The kitchen is filled with trays and trays of baked goods while the hallways and living quarters are neatly stacked with boxes that presumably represent filled orders.]

And you're talking about Paimon, of course. Though I didn't know...

[And Lysithea, being a fairly intelligent cookie, turns with a sudden epiphany.]

Ah!

I see. Of course -- the potions, so you're... yes, actually, that makes... a great deal of sense. You are -- Peter's... person.

[Lysithea can be a bit awkward with this kind of thing.]

We're close than age than I thought, I'm twenty in a few months time. [ There's a little hum of amusement. It's honestly a little odd to think about it, she's almost out of her teenage years — a feat she didn't see happening. She didn't even think she'd make it past seventeen.

Her eyes lighten up at the sight of everything as she makes her way through Lysithea's home. It's a busy hub, and she instantly looks delighted. Not to mention the very amazing smells that fill the whole place. Her stomach's rumbling a little just at that; she does very much like sweet treats. ]

This is quite impressive! [ Offered cheerfully before she turns to the other girl and nods. Yes, she's talking about Paimon. Although it seems she's interacted with Peter, too. Seems he's mentioned her, and she smiles a little, warmed by the thought. ] Yes, I'm Peter's person. I'm Luna.

[ She's always like that way of describing it, actually. They're one another's person. But it's the demon she's here about, specifically. As much as she'd quite like to talk about Peter. ]

I'm... also Paimon's— witch.

[ Yes, this is... quite the interesting situation. ]

[On the verge of following up with some observed nicety ('oh, yes, Peter told me about the flower...'), Lysithea notes the subtle change in tone as Luna returns to her original point.

Peter's person is here to talk about something quite specific.]

Oh?

[Lysithea adjusts her body position slightly such that she can be observed to be giving Luna her full attention. There was significance in the words that had just been uttered. Significance she does not immediately understand. It takes a moment of searching - remembrance of the rituals she had done with Paimon, of the bits and bobs she had gleaned from Paimon's speech, of the books she had studied on Peter's behalf...]

You are saying... you've tied yourself to the demon. As Peter's family served as his coven previously.

[Still, she's not sure of the purpose of the visit, though a faint possibility comes to mind.]

Apologies - am I intruding on your pact in some way? I can assure you I am not a witch, though I have performed some small rituals to mollify Paimon when he acts out.

[She makes it sound like a toddler throwing a tantrum.]

We have a bond, yes. I stepped in to be his 'summoner' last summer, an exchange in which I offered a bond with him to help stabilize him. [ There's a brief pause, something uncomfortable passing over her features. She knows Peter's grandmother was involved in Paimon being brought to their plane, although the whole entire thing is... something she doesn't have particularly fond feelings about. Especially considering Paimon was certainly treated improperly. ]

... What? [ There's a blink. Intruding? She thinks Luna might think she's intruding on her and Paimon's bond? She looks surprised for a moment before she quickly shakes her head. ] Oh, no. Nothing like that.

[ Honestly, she's not wrong. Paimon's outburst after often... much like a toddler. ]

If anything, I'm quite grateful you've tried to help calm him down during the times he's been acting out. He's... quite difficult at times. Not his fault, of course.

Oh -- well, think nothing of it.

[She shakes her head.]

Keeping Paimon calm and occupied is what I would consider a public service. I made that decision when I stumbled across him muttering about mass human sacrifice back in Deerington or something of the sort.

[Four years later, she had decided this still remained an imperative task.]

Er -- if you're not concerned about the magic portion, might I ask what is it that's on your mind, then? You looked rather serious just now.

... Oh. [ Luna pauses, swallowing thickly. ] When... when was that? Do you remember which month?

[ Why does she have the sinking feeling that it's back in March time when Maul got into Peter's mind and ripped Paimon out into the forefront...? Because that... was a very difficult time, for Luna included. Paimon had actually attacked Luna, something he is now very, very sorry for.

Ah, yes, she's a bit guilty for that isn't she? Paimon does tend to... come with a certain kind of weight when it comes to discussing him with others. Luna smiles apologetically. ]

I'm sorry. Paimon tends to... make me quite serious. He's very important to me, I am responsible for him of course. [ A difficult weight she is learning how to hold. ] I suppose I'm just trying to see what he's getting up to. I was curious as to how he came about helping you, to see how he was doing.

... And to thank you, too. He's quite content, I've found.

[ Paimon definitely seems to be in better spirits, lately. ]

Ah.

[That was a tall order for somebody who had been away for many years. Lysithea frowns for a moment before shaking her head.]

I couldn't say. I can give some context. It was about three or four months before it all came to an end, which I think happened about the third month of spring in Deerington. The automaton creatures in Deerington - the ones that were like people but not really - had stopped functioning, so the local bakery had closed.

I had one last cake I had saved. It was... er. [this is a bit embarrassing to say.] Very important to me. So to appease him, I... used it as a sacrifice.

[This had been, in hindsight, the moment when Paimon had really latched on to her. She didn't regret it, exactly - not if it had stopped real atrocity from happening.]

...He accepted it.

Actually, now that I'm saying this all out loud, that's probably how this came about. Paimon and I are connected in that way, now. But he really just showed up at the door one day and said he wanted cake and I said that he would have to be civilized and do something to earn it, and...

Now he's just here.

Oh. [ Oh, no. It really was when he wasn't right then, when Maul had gotten to him. Luna looks almost crestfallen for a moment, but it's worry more than anything that creeps into the edges of her expression. ] I'm sorry you had to deal with him like that, but also quite grateful. He... he wasn't himself, at the time. Well, more so than usual.

[ Not to mention sad she gave up cake to pacify him. She's very sorry Lysithea gave up something dear to her for the sake of a demon she barely knew. That in itself is another travesty. Luna appreciates sweet treats very much. ]

He does have a penchant for sweet things, chocolate is his favourite. [ There's a little smile at that, amused. It's such a curious trait for a demon to have, really. She's... not quite sure where that came from, considering none of the books mention it. ]

Paimon is quite drawn to those who possess magic. It's familiar to him, it reminds him of what he can't quite grasp about himself — but he understands the importance of working with those who are magical. [ There's a pause, she looks apologetic for a moment. ]

I have no qualms in him assisting you. I suppose I'm quite... cautious about it all, considering he's been mistreated before and runs the risk of being taken advantage of. I worry for him.

[And suddenly, with that final declaration, Lysithea understands. Luna is serving as the protective girlfriend. Not for Peter, even if their relationship was much more accurately described by that title. But for the demon, whose activities invariably affected Peter, but who was equally very much a person who needed to be treated with kid gloves.]

Oh!

[She has to hide a smile by pretending to turn around and notice a tray that needs straightening.]

Of course -- I... understand your concern. Paimon is very much like, er... a toddler, at times.

[should she be saying that]

In some ways, it can be endearing - until one remembers what he is. But he seems to have a genuine wish to be a useful employee, and so he takes to my lessons without complaint. I've told him how to talk to people politely - how to smile so it doesn't frighten them - how to sell things...

Honestly, he's not doing poorly.

He is a bit, yes. [ She is... very much a protective girlfriend, yes. Certainly Paimon's happenings do affect Peter and he's her priority, but she does care about Paimon too. ] He's not... meant to be like that, but the circumstances are quite complicated, I suppose.

[ There's plenty she doesn't know about, plenty she suspects. Paimon in many ways is wrong, not himself. But she does try the best she can to help restore a balance to him. ]

Which is part why I think he likes to feel useful. His abilities are... difficult to obtain, so he's trying to find other avenues. [ Trying to help another magic user with their business certainly seems like another way he's trying to find meaning within himself, and it honestly sounds like quite a nice way of going about things? Luna makes a little sound of amusement. ] His people skills do require quite a bit of work, so I'm quite grateful you're helping him with that.

... Did you know of him, before to you met him?

[Lysithea is quiet for a moment, continuing to straighten trays that are already straight.]

...When I first met Peter, it was in a desolate church in mid-winter. I believe he was praying to die.

[She is, as Luna will find, a blunt and straightforward person - not somebody who shies from harsh truths in service of the feelings of others.]

At that time, he shared a hint of what was happening to him. And I told him the truth - that when I was very young, dark, sinister magic had embedded something alien within me, that I, too, could not bear. After that, I... agreed that I would do what I could to help him. To that end, I began to research demonology and grimoires in the library. Truth be told, the magical grimoires of that world were already a keen interest of mine.

So when Paimon first appeared before me, I had read of him, even if I only learned his name later.

I still have that copy of the Lemegeton with me. From Deerington's library. I know what his folklore says of him.

[ Luna inhales at that: I believe he was praying to die. In truth, it's not something that surprises her. She remembers how Peter was last winter; how he'd spoken about his thoughts to her: how it might be better if he wasn't here any more. And she'd tried her best to support him, to talk him through those thoughts. She knows she can't change how he thinks or feels, but she can try to help him through it.

But still, it hurts. The thought of it hurts her: someone she loves, praying to die. She's quiet, sombre for a long moment — silently aching with that thought as she wrings her hands. She listens, though. Quietly absorbing the other girl's words, her brow furrowing slightly at the mention of her own experience with dark magic. ]

What was put into you, was it removed? Or does it remain? [ Paimon being part of Peter doesn't seem like it's something that's going to change any time soon, if ever. But she's interested to know a little more. ]

So it's not something found in your own world? This particular branch of magic? Of demons? [ She seems much like Luna, she supposes. She'd only just started looking into this kind of occult magic as he relationship with Peter grew. ]

For a long time, I didn't know who or what Paimon was. He'd told me his name after a few months of knowing Peter. We'd once been connected with a magical thread which subsequently connected me with Paimon, too. But I had no idea he was a demon, they don't exist in my world — not to our knowledge. But I wanted to help Peter... which in turn lead to me helping Paimon too — I went down my own rabbit-holes of research.

Paimon existing like this isn't... it doesn't seem like the norm. I find myself dealing with quite a delicate situation. Trying to help him find balance is all I can do. It's why I chose to bond with him.

It's a bit difficult to explain.

[Lysithea turns now, and the sober expression on her face makes it clear that she does not especially enjoy the explanation.]

There is a particular element of magic in my world that traces its origins to the influence of the divine. It manifests in blood - much like the blood abilities found here, it is both a physical, tangible thing, and a supernatural power.

I am grateful that here in this world, its influence has been removed. I had very little time left in Fódlan.

[This is a euphemism. Lysithea hopes she does not have to elaborate further for Luna.]

We do not have demons of this form, exactly, although we do have monsters, creatures of the abyss, Demonic Beasts. The idea of a 'demon' as a... a sort of person who does wicked deeds is something that exists only in tales. To me, Paimon resembles a sort of a fusion of a dark mage and a minor deity, perhaps.

He is supposed to be much stronger, isn't he? And less childish. I suspected he had degenerated over many centuries - I believe the same can happen to deities in my world.

... It's not something that could ever be removed, in your own world. [ More a statement, but somewhat a question. Although perhaps if it were removeable, it might have been done long before now.

Whatever power within her was something slowly consuming her, until the end and then, well— Luna... understands the euphemism. She's solemn for a moment, eyes lowering briefly. It is something of a relief that she's able to to live without its influence, a kindness almost.

She tentatively reaches out, tries to take her hand if the other girl will allow her. Just a brief holding of her hand, squeezing it gently before she lets go once more: ]

I'm sorry.

[ It does hit quite close to home, considering Peter. ]

I see. He is... considered a deity of sorts, in some texts. [ Some have the word 'goddess' thrown in, it's hard to really decipher the languages. ] Others call him a Djinn, which is a genie, a wish-granter. But, yes. He's meant to be very different to how he's described.

[ Rather than the twisted, lost thing he is now. It's something even Paimon himself laments over. He understands he's broken, that something is wrong with him. Luna's been trying her best to help him, even if she's stumbling in the dark as much as he is some days. ]

He was placed within Peter almost immediately before Peter came to Deerington. [ She shakes her head, whatever's happened to Paimon wasn't something that took a long time but rather a very terrible short amount of time. ] ... I'm not quite certain, but I have suspicions there's been other hosts. But... this would be over decades, not centuries.

Shall we say, nobody believed it to be possible with the current knowledge we possessed?

[Though truth be told, she could not imagine anybody who would care enough to pursue such an aim. Perhaps Professor Hanneman, with his Crest obsession, but they certainly didn't have that kind of relationship.

When Luna reaches for her hand, Lysithea is surprised - but she does not pull away completely. Her younger self would have certain been too prickly to allow such a gesture, but she has been learning to accept such physical acts of comfort. Still, it's clear this isn't something she's wholly used to.]

Thank you. But you don't need to be. I am... free now. Free from the obligation of Crests, free from their malign power. That's what Trench means to me, really.

[As much as she missed her home, it was the reason she had found purchase here. To be able to open this place, to be able to pursue different dreams and goals... Trench was a nightmare, but then, so was a world engulfed in war where she was doomed to die in five scant years. At least here, she had choice.]

...You are worried for him, too, aren't you?

You perceive him as a victim, as well. Of all this. Of what happened to Peter and the cult. You wish him restored to his normal senses, not just for Peter's sake.

[ Luna tries to let her gestures be as less fuss as possible, generally. Nothing too overwhelming, keeps them simple. She's quite aware people can find such gestures difficult, after all. Peter was often like that at first, when they first met. Terrified of being touched, unused to affectionate gestures. Holding hands probably came easiest. ]

I can understand that. Being in Trench kind of... freed me too, in a way. [ Freed her of her fate back home, whatever that might have been. Something terrible, she suspects. With her likely not living past the new couple of days, considering the Wizarding World being on the eve of battle. Still, she smiles gently. ] I'm glad this place has allowed you to have some peace, let you make your own life for yourself.

[ It feels like that for many, she supposes. ]

... I am, yes. [ In truth, yes. Paimon is much a victim as Peter is. Peter the unwilling, unknowing host and Paimon the demon manipulated, treated incorrectly — for perhaps decades, thanks to Peter's grandmother and those who followed her. ]

He's... he's his own being, one that's been twisted and stripped of himself. It's hard not to feel pity for him. Nothing, no one should exist like that.

I... suppose I'm a bit protective of him, at times.

((apologies for the delay! got covid, trying to keep up with current events and let some things fall on the backburner!))

...Thanks.

[Lysithea responds, a touch of softness coming to her expression that she has not previously displayed. She will allow Luna's hand to linger as long as she wishes.]

What I seek from Trench is something that I'd never truly be able to have in my home world. And for that, I can feel grateful. Even despite the... incidents.

[Many Incidents.]

I've never thought of Paimon as an individual until recently, to tell the truth. I'm afraid I saw him as a sort of... ailment of Peter's. But he does have his own personality, doesn't he? His own needs and wants and wishes and goals. He's very bad at expressing them - and it's possible some of those wants are not compatible with what a human society would allow, but...

It's fair to want more for him.

I admit I fear what will happen if he gains his full power. ...To him. And to Peter.

(( gosh, don't worry about it! I hope you're feeling better! ❤ ))

[ Luna smiles at the thanks, nodding gently. She understands, she does. The freedom to have what they can't back home. She's certainly grateful she's been able to come here, with friends in tow. Even if it did meant leaving her own world behind. She'll miss it, and there's new difficulties here, but— she's optimistic. ]

Funnily enough, I used to think he was some sort of curse that had been placed on Peter before I learned what he was. [ The first time they ever met was during one of Paimon's restless fits, and she had to try and calm him down into submission. But the term 'demon' didn't really come into the equation until several months later. ] It's something I've been trying to work with him on, trying to help him work on what he wants in order to help him feel fulfilled. I do know he feels content to serve, it's one of the core parts of him that he does remember of himself.

[ It's something that's so unknown to both of them. Paimon doesn't remember himself, Luna has never worked with a demon before. It's a... learning journey they're doing together. It's certainly not easy and it's had its setbacks but — they're trying.

As for the last thing, Luna smiles weakly. ]

There's... not really much of an answer for that. What... might happen. [ Especially now the rules have changed. This isn't Deerington. But she does worry one day she might lose Peter. ] But... I do think my influence can... keep him reigned in, sort of speak. Demons like Paimon aren't meant to exist on this plane untethered. They need to be kept in check by summoners, witches, magicians, mages. And Paimon does understand how important Peter is to me.

[She nods, slowly.]

I've noticed... he has become particularly docile in response to my commands. It was not something I expected. But if the nature of a demon in his world is to act servile towards a human user of magic, it would make logical sense. Odd that Peter's family conspired so to revive something that prefers to act in deference to humans.

And so he considers you his summoner...

[She makes a soft noise of thoughtful contemplation under her breath.]

Then I shall have to trust you, of course. In your relationship with him. I will continue to train him to ah, participate in human society as much as I can, but I imagine those are goals we share.

Mm, he does work well with commands. [ She nods before pressing her hand to her chest, her heart. ] He understands it, well— feels it, in his spirit? It's important to him.

[ If that makes sense. ]

For the riches, I suspect. [ People can be greedy, can't they? Paimon might be able to offer assistance in form of supernatural means, but according to texts he can grant vast amounts of material wealth. ] People like money, don't they?

[ It's a... yes, that's pretty much it. She nods again, smiling faintly. And now she's his summoner. Even if the... whole thing wasn't... perhaps quite so to the letter. They're both stumbling around in the dark, though. But it's... alright, really. They're okay with that. ]

I would really appreciate that. Admittedly, it's a large task and I suppose I'm being cautious with him with others— [ But she feels relatively at ease with the other girl. ] but if it's helping him with something like that, it does help me, too.

And I'm still quite happy with him working for you. It's nice he's found some work to do that's something positive for him.

Oh -- I... did forget about that.

[Lysithea, who envies and desires things unattainable in the material realm, has never given much thought to hoarding wealth or goods. She blinks, as if the thought has struck her for the first time.]

So in a sense, he has perpetually been taken advantage of, hasn't he? And... that's why he keeps manifesting coin as an attempt to appease me when he upsets me.

[She is speaking to herself, as if coming to a realization for the first time. Perhaps a part of her does feel more sympathy for the demon now.]

Well, I'll try not to let you down. I run a tight ship around here - Paimon isn't allowed to scare or harm any customers, of course, but I also have expectations that might not have been placed upon him before.

He doesn't seem to mind it much, though.

[ It's honestly one of those things Luna doesn't really get, either. Sure, money can be helpful in certain circumstances but she's never really been all that interested in it. ]

I believe so, yes. I suppose some part of him understands that people like gold, so he's kind of using that as a blanket rule for everyone. And to try make magic users he interacts with in general happy. [ He knows Luna's an exception. She's told him flat out she has no need for riches. But he's even been manifesting gold coins for her too, anyway. He's very keen to impress her.

There's a weak little smile at that 'scaring or harming customers'. She... really hopes he's on his best behaviour. He's... still kind of working out how to be around people properly. ]

Oh, that's not a problem. The routine and strictness is really good for him. [ It's something he very much needs. ] But if you do have any issues that you might need hand with, please feel free to contact me and I can come over.

[ There's a pause. An afterthought concerning Paimon working here: ]

... I also feel I should pay you something for the baked goods Paimon's brought home with him for me, if you'll allow it.

[ By the looks of things, she has been working very hard! ]

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patisserie lysitherie: preparations

c | i'm so sorry this is late!

no worries, we talked!

<3

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