2018-05-14: Sweep Her Off Her Feet
- Log: Sweep her off her Feet
- Cast: Riesenlied, Noeline
- Where: Vane
- Date: 14th May 2018
- Summary: Mikaia protests that Noeline hasn't been Crimson Nobling it up enough.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Today in Vane, Riesenlied is...
Not here!
Riesenlied's gone to take care of some of the refugees along Vane's outer border for an hour or two, to provide supplies and also take stock of what's missing and what they require. Given she's worked with the CaraKin a lot, it's useful for her to be able to bridge what's necessary and mandatory.
Contrary to that, back at the Wolfsbane Tavern, Janey and Mikaia are whispering and going 'jiii--' at Noeline...
Uh oh. What are these two thinking?
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline /had/ asked if she should accompany Riesenlied on her rounds - but she's also aware that this is one of those things that Riesenlied enjoys working through on her own, losing herself in the familiar organization involved in trying to help people. Given that she has a new objective of her own to look into, it seemed prudent to read up on the geography of Taben's Peak in the meantime...
... but...
... but concentrating is a little difficult when you've got a pair of orphan-daughters occasionally stealing meaningful glances at you, and after a while Noeline sets down the book she's crossreferencing with an atlas, and looks across with a comically glum pout. "--whatever is the matter?"
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Janey takes the charge on this as she puts her hands to her waist. She's still poshly dressed up in her pants and vest, which kind of helps the little air of authority as Mikaia sidles on next to her.
"When are you going to do something next with Riesemama, Mommaline?"
That just came out of nowhere! Mikaia clears her throat to clarify: "Haven't you two been... going steady for some time? Isn't there a next step...??"
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline's initial impression is to furrow her brow at Janey's question, letting out an irritated little huff. It's not their de facto daughter's fault, but the question's been on Noeline's mind a lot lately, especially given Ragnell's warnings about Riesenlied's health. What to do about that is something she truly doesn't have an answer for - especially not one that would still allow Riesenlied to do what makes her happy--
--fortunately, before Noeline can take that line of thought any further, Mikaia intervenes, and provides a bit of necessary clarity. The metal demon's expression as she tries to shift mental gears is kind of priceless, her face scrunched up for a moment before her huffs a second time. This one is softer, and combined with a light flush as she finds herself suddenly very interested in the corner of the tavern rather than anything in Janey's direction.
"--it-- it is not as if it's really felt like an appropriate time for anything like that," she grumbles bashfully. "And it's not as if we have much in the way of traditions for this sort of thing, either..."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
"You've gotta take life by the horns-- er, I mean, you know, not real horns, but Riesemama does have horns but don't grab her horns cause she probably thinks that's lewd--"
Janey gets shoved aside as she gets well and effectively tongue-tied, as Mikaia puts her own hands to her waist to lecture, "We're not going to let you dance around each other forever! Riesemama's been getting less and less healthy, so it's important that she has things to look forward to from you! Like a surprise or two!"
She cups her hands together and interlaces her fingers. "You should be more like the Crimson Nobles in the novels, sweeping her off her feet and whispering delicate and lovely things in her ear... you're not living up to your image, Mommaline!"
M-Mikaia's on the warpath...
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
The 'Crimson Noble' barely has enough time to instinctively wonder where Janey picked /that/ particular collection of words and suggestions up before Mikaia has set upon her. It isn't often that Noeline looks cowed, but she certainly takes a step back at the sight of Mikaia's fervour; she's not immune to her daughter's lectures by any stretch of the imagination, and ends up sinking back down to her chair as she pays it her attention.
"... you are-- you are not wrong, I suppose," she sighs in quiet amusement once it's over, leaning on an arm with a far-off smile before she grumbles in her own defence. "Though it isn't as if we haven't been doing other important things. Building up a home here, ensuring she recuperates from her wounds, looking for the Fereshte-- there has not exactly been a great deal of opportunity for me to sweep her off her feet, you realize!"
Definitely pouting now, it takes a moment for her to catch herself, chewing over the problem with a rather uncertain air. In the end, she sighs, tucking some of her hair back. "I don't-- I have not had a family before," she admits, glancing off to one side. "We've come so much further than we expected - it's not as if I know what would be appropriate at this sort of juncture," she grumbles quietly, "And we have the two of you to look after too." She's dancing around something, at least, because she's the first to admit the kids can look after themselves.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Janey pops in again even after Mikaia wipes her off the panel, with a chimed comment of, "Sounds like excuses to mee--" and gets wedged underneath the proverbial camera shot.
"I know... and Lunar's been a very important and tough time for all of us..." Mikaia pouts. "But the home, the Fereshte, even us-- you shouldn't use them as an excuse to not push your own relationship with Riesemama forward!"
"Y-yeah, I mean, don't become the kind of couple that only looks out for others... I think?" Janey sounds like she's starting to tread waters that are a little too deep for her. Not so much Mikaia.
"Promise us you'll do something to really wow her!" Mikaia grumps further.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline huffs at Janey's comment, though given the frown on her face it obviously strikes home; there's another furrowing of her brow as she folds her arms, especially when the bartender beastgirl makes her second point. That's something she can all too clearly picture in her mind's eye, especially the way she's grumbled at Riesenlied herself for doing exactly the same thing before begrudgingly going along with it.
Before she can dwell on that any further, Mikaia tugs her attention back to her, demanding a promise; in any other situation the Hyadean might snort with laughter, but here and now she finds she can only muster a fond smile in response. Rather than answer straight away, she pushes out of her chair instead, stepping up to place a hand on the girl's hair to ruffle it.
"... in the novels, the heroines are just delicate. Not-- wasting away," she admits quietly as she kneels to be closer to Mikaia's eye level. Her tone of voice is soft enough to suggest that she wouldn't say this for anyone else, perhaps not even Riesenlied. "To be honest, I've been less and less certain what I should be doing to help her, or what would be-- too much for her."
She lets that hang in the air; Noeline's well aware it's not a problem that can be easily answered, but admitting it seems to help, and lets her exhale a long, slow breath. "... I promise. Something to wow her."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
"We'll-- find a way," Mikaia sounds as brave as she can muster, though it's rather obvious that she's scared out of her wits about her mother wasting away as well. "Riesemama has many friends, and the world's not just going to reject her like that. I know it!" Janey looks a little surprised, even, at Mikaia's verve, patting her head and hugging her.
"Pretty sure there's some gella novels where the heroine's got an incurable disease but it's just mysteriously just her coughin' a whole lot and never goes anywhere..." Janey comments.
"We'll help too. Promise," Mikaia sounds impressed. "Take her out of her comfort zone a little!"
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
On an impulse, Noeline tugs the winged beastgirl forwards into a hug, ruffling the girl's hair a little more as she lets out a rueful chuckle. "... I'm scared as well," she decides to admit point-blank, and it only takes a moment for her to reach for Janey in turn, tugging her forwards into the embrace. "I'm sure that you're right - some Guardians already accept her, in fact - but holding onto that fact and keeping it in mind can be a little difficult at times. Really, I've come a long way from being aloof, haven't I?"
She snorts at herself, and leans back enough to catch Mikaia's eye with a more confident sort of grin. "But, I promise. I may not be as much of a Mysterious Crimson Noble these days, but I'll still sweep her off her feet regardless. --though I'm not sure I should really rely on you both for something like that, you know, so much as try it myself first..." she adds as a tease.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Mikaia laughs as she clings tighter and remarks, "The Mommaline I've always known is kind, caring and deeply loves Riesemama, and I wouldn't forgive you if you went away from that." There's a look as she peers back towards Noeline and says, "You know we're going to meddle in some way anyway..."
Janey grins as she puts her hands behind the back of her head. "You might as well hire us to do some intervenin'!"
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
"I'm still not sure that makes me a terribly good Crimson Noble, these days," Noeline points out with a comically glum expression, playing it up on purpose. "I used to be appropriately flighty and distant, and now look at me, terribly loyal to the end. And I don't even have a fancy castle to show for it," she huffs to lighten the mood further. At least there's a mischievous light back in her eyes. "Just two troublemakers, instead."
Chewing on what to do, she frowns to herself as she continues to pat Mikaia's hair. Intervening is all well and good, but-- "When is business the lightest? Could I get you both to close up early one evening?" This might be a silly question - the Wolfsbane Tavern is not exactly bustling. "I-- will need to head into Meribia as well, I think, and organize a couple of things."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Mikaia snickers a little and sticks her tongue out. "Everyone loves a Crimson Noble who's got a heart of gold on the inside," as she goes and sits by the Hyadean's side and cuddles up to her. "And who needs a castle when you've got a flying ship? That's even more striking, in my opinion!"
"She really has taken to those gella novels..." Janey muses. Before pausing to go, "Anytime around after lunchtime, usually! And you know Riesemama doesn't stay up late, so..."
Mikaia lights up and goes, "Ooh, there's the Mommaline we know!"
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
With a snort, Noeline glances over at Janey to ruffle her hair as well. "--that's a little rich coming from the Lord of Calamity, is it not?" she notes with a brief grin, showing a fang for a moment. "Besides, it's nothing to complain about, if you ask me. I'd rather the two of you be able to imagine whatever you want, whenever you want. Things would be a lot more dull otherwise," she notes, as she readily allows Mikaia to cuddle up against her.
She tilts her head a little at Mikaia's comment, accepting the way in which the girl brightens. "... I... well, I think it would be best to give Riese a memento. Something she can hold onto and remember I am with her whenever she needs it. I suppose I hadn't really done anything of the sort, up until now..." she trails off with a light frown, before snapping back.
"It will take a little while to find something suitable. I'd want it done /right/," she grumbles protectively.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Mikaia looks amiably dazzled as she expresses, "That-- that's such a good idea! H-hmm, hmm..." as Janey grins and expresses, "Whaat? The Lord of Calamity can say someone's nice without it affectin' their reputation."
Mikaia pumps her hands as she says, "What about jewelry? Or something to house that gem of Riesemama's... she's always holding it close to her like that... what if it were a locket it's set on? But, ah, taking it from her to get refitted is mean..."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
"I meant the gella novels rather than calling someone 'nice'," Noeline shoots back to Janey, but there's already a light in her eyes as she flicks out one of her tails of hair. "But then, I know you're just as much of a secret soft touch as I am when it comes down to it."
She pauses, and looks to the pair for a quiet moment of pride. "... I already know what I would like to get her - it will just be a matter of getting a custom piece done," she comments, though she does waver uncertainly for a moment at the idea of the gem. Something to house it would be nice - but she's aware that it would be like taking away one of Riese's senses, and that naturally makes her draw back from the idea.
She's got other ideas, though. "A locket, absolutely. And I will need to take the two of you to Meribia at some point. With the both of you looking nice," she huffs for added emphasis. Eh?
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Mikaia lights up as she expresses, "Are we going to go take a group-- um, picture thing? Or maybe get our portrait done? Waah, I'll have to dress up my nicest!" and immediately flies off reality into her own thought bubble. Janey laughs and says, "... you know I can't help but keep my hair scruffy, you've tried combing it before! But, okay."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline snickers softly to herself as Mikaia lights up, letting the girl drift off into her own world with a pat on her head. "... that's alright. Really, it's not a matter of looking nice so much as it just being the three of us, together," she explains to Janey, nodding her head as she does so.
"You know as well as I do that she can get lost in memories from time to time, and fear that she's alone. I think the best gift I could give her is a reminder that we're with her, whether scruffy or not," she adds with something of a drawl, ruffling the mousegirl's hair once more. "Something to quite literally hold onto as she needs it."
She rocks back a little, and-- looks self-satisfied. "Well? How is that, for an idea? ... of course, I'll make a fine date out of giving it to her, as well"
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Mikaia nods as she looks starry-eyed to go, "That's such a perfect idea! Waah, I knew I could count on you, Mommaline!" and hugs her a little tighter--
The door opens, and Riesenlied perks her head with a soft smile to go, "I'm home... I hope I wasn't gone too long? Oh, you three look wonderful over there..."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
The quiet laugh masks Noeline's moment of brief surprise; she greets Riesenlied with an answering smile and a nod of her head, beckoning for her due to not wanting to dislodge Mikaia. "Not at all. I take it everything was settled for the time being, more or less?" she asks, knowing full well that Riesenlied is the sort to do whatever she can.
A mischievous pause, and then she hums as she leans up to offer Riesenlied a kiss. "Mikaia and I were making mysterious plans. Janey as well, but she's not terribly good at being subtle," she teases merrily. "Are you doing alright?"
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied nods warmly as she expresses, "We found why the drafts are occurring, so the south building should be a more comfortable place to sleep now." She lays down the page of notes as she-- sucks just a little bit of a hitched breath at the kiss, and bashfully says, "I--I'm fine... plans?"
Mikaia giggles as Janey grins and tries to act nonchalant.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
With a light hum, Noeline slips her hand around Riesenlied's as she tugs the other demon in a little, not letting her get away. "I'm glad. Wayside by any other name - hah, I can just imagine bringing the Fereshte here. The place would get fixed in no time," she hums with pride, but falls silent quickly as she reaches up to offer a second kiss, this one lingering just a little. In front of the children, goodness.
She seems pleased with herself when she draws back this time, snickering brightly. "Ah, well-- it was pointed out that I have not swept you off your feet in some time. So I thought I would get to preparing a little something," she states almost primly. ... keeping it secret is one option, certainly, but watching Riesenlied fluster cutely over something is even better in her book, and it's not like she's given anything much away just yet.
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
"It's a little, at a time... everyone here is just as hardy as our people are in Wayside," Riesenlied warmly smiles, but-- blinks as she turns redder at the second kiss, wah...! This is a bit much--
"S-sweep me... e-er, off my feet...?" Riesenlied finds herself stammering, as she remarks, "Y-you don't have to..." as Mikaia and Janey look like they've done a job well done.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
With a quiet snicker, Noeline lightly shakes her head. "It has been far too long since I did so last, that we are quite overdue. Besides, I would like to," she points out with a warmer smile and another twinkle in her eye. "It was pointed out that I might have been getting a little complacent."
For the time being, though, she simply tugs again, bringing Riesenlied to her lap; an arm around the other metal demon to keep her there, and Noeline looks up at her fondly. "There has been a lot going on, but-- well, I should hope I never give you cause to doubt my feelings for you, or our family here."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied lets out a bashful little squeak as Noeline tucks her in; there's a shy moment, then she glances around and grumps just a little bit as she manuevers her unwieldy arm around Noeline's shoulder so she can hug her. "I--I'm not doubting. I hope I haven't been acting or showing as if I am?"
Janey and Mikaia take that cue to basically pile on both their laps in turn, looking rather comfortable. "Hehe..."
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
With a hum, Noeline shakes her head, the motion allowing her to maneuver into a more comfortable position against a less jagged plate. Neither she nor Riese are particularly at danger from scratches, given what they're made of, but she's gotten used to working with Riesenlied's arm. "Not at all - but I was sharply reminded by a certain someone that I should be a little bit selfish from time to time, even if that means keeping you for myself."
She inclines her head as the pair pile on, rather indicating who the catalyst for all this was to Riese. At least the twintailed girl softens, though. "... so I thought I should simply make it a little more clear."
<Pose Tracker> Riesenlied has posed.
Riesenlied's face just about turns beet-red at that point, as she shrinks into her rising shoulders and glances with a very toothless huff towards Mikaia and Janey. "... I'd like that..." she admits very quietly, pressing ever closer. "... be a bit selfish with me... I'd like it." Riese is fortunately spared a meltdown, because Janey doesn't wolf whistle or anything.
<Pose Tracker> Noeline has posed.
Noeline laughs softly in return, her free hand going to the back of Riesenlied's hair to nudge her in closer. "... of course. I'll be sure to do so from now on," she promises with a rather fanged grin, before pouting at Janey and Mikaia as she nestles Riese in against her. "... though perhaps not with you two looking," she grumbles more openly, before placing a kiss on Riesenlied's forehead anyway.