2023-05-19: Scholastic Indecision
- Log: Scholastic Indecision
- Cast: Hannah Curie, Marivel Armitage
- Where: Damzen City - Sandblasted Outskirts
- Date: May 19, 2023
- IC Date: ~498 PC (Approximately 7 years ago)
- Summary: We cast our gaze back to the past to see a visit between mentor and mentee. Marivel arrives in Damzen to bring gifts to Hannah's orphanage. Hannah shows Marivel her acceptance letter to Sielje, and the two have a heart-to-heart about what Hannah wants to do about it.
===================<* Damzen City - Sandblasted Outskirts *>==================== Damzen City is a frontier town, and any approach to it makes this clear. The city proper is walled off, by high walls that offer protection from roving monsters. However, mining interests in the last few years have made the outskirts of Damzen grow well beyond the walls. The outskirts are a rougher part of town. Many of the buildings are small, bordering on ramshackle; others are merely tents and lean-to's. People pass through quickly, many working only temporarily in the mines or oilfields around the city. The businesses here consist of shops, boarding houses, and dining establishments of questionable repute and unquestionable low quality. BGM: Wild Arms 2 - Western Village
<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.
Hannah is practically buzzing with excitement as she dashes about the orphanage, eagerly ducking and weaving between some of the other children milling about. Some of the younger, more impressionable ones are watching her with interest, and clearly getting ready to get up and chase after her, while the other ones are split between amusement and disinterest. She is wearing a plain green dress--one that's been mended by her several times for being too roughwith it--and has long pink hair that flows behind her as she dashes about, bright green eyes keenly searching about for something.
An older woman, wearing a plain dress with her hair in a bun, steps out of a room to grab one younger child about to take off running the frantic girl. "Hannah! Dear, what have I told you about running around inside, especially so late in the day?"
Hannah sticks her head out of a room, with an embarassed smile. "Sorry, ma'am, but I'm just trying to find the last book so I can give it back to Miss Marivel. She's due in any minute now!"
"I know, and I have it right here," says the older woman, holding a book up with her free hand. "I found it for you. You need to get ready sooner so you don't have to rush."
"Oh! You found it!" Hannah came charging out of the room, but the older woman just held the book up out of her reach.
"What did I just say about running?"
Hannah blushes. "Sorry, Miss Rochelle. I'll behave, promise."
Miss Rochelle nods and hands her the book. "See that you do. Now, don't stay out too late, and don't pester Miss Armitage too much. I imagine she'll be tired from her journey. This won't be the only night she's in town."
"Got it!" Hannah acceptes the book and calmly returns to her room, putting it in her (overstuffed) backpack with the rest, and then calmly heading out the door."Bye! I'll be back later!"
Once outside... she started running down the street, letting the other buildings fly past her. The sun was almost setting on the horizon, so the approaching night would be more amicable to a Crimson Noble. Hannah rushed over to the station, hoping she hadn't missed Marivel's arrival already...
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
Marivel, as you might expect, is bringing a book of her own. She always likes to bring books when she visits. At this point, it is as much for Marivel as it is for Hannah. She started looking after kids for a variety of reasons that are, quite frankly, countless but over time it turned from obligation into a pleasure. Filgaia may not be as harsh as it was during the days immediately following the fall of the Zeboim Federation--but it is still quite harsh. Seeing her home world through the fresh eyes of a kid--even one who had a rather rough beginning to it--is refreshing for her soul. And frankly, sometimes a well meaning orphanage is a better family than one you might get born into.
She is getting off the train. Damzen is a desert town and the sun glares hotter here so she is in her full sun protection gear. Her hair has been pulled back into a pair of braids and she is wearing a heavy looking suit and jacket and GLOVES that cover her whole body including a big sun hat on top of her head and some sunglasses for her eyes. She looks, quite frankly, a bit ridiculous but Hannah knows this is for a practical purpose. She has brought an umbrella as well but it's closed for the moment. That's a backup precaution.
When wearing this outfit, she isn't obviously a Crimson Noble OR an elf to anyone but it does draw some eyes because it's still a wild outfit for a desert town. Still, she'd rather deal with that then her arm getting third degree burns while she watches it.
She has a large camping-style backpack on her back and Hob and Nob are floating nearby, as usual, occassionally bonking into one another because while they may be incredible pieces of technology, their purpose is more akin to support animals than having a full sapient nature.
"Ah, Hannah!" you can hear the smile even if you can't see it. "Perfect timing. Tis good to see you again."
<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.
Hannah is used to seeing Marivel all covered up by now, and doesn't even question it anymore--indeed, she makes a beeline right for her instead, knowing the fact that she can't recognize Marivel is, in fact, how she can identify her at that moment. Having Hob and Nob floating around also don't hurt, either.
She skids to a stop, leaning over and bracing her hands on her knees for a moment. She punctuates each word with a big gulp of air. "Howdy! Miss! Marivel!" Sometimes she manages to get there before the train, sometimes she chases it into the statin, but just as often she's getting there just after, and out of breath from running through town.
After a few more gulps of air she stands upright, beaming a smile back at Marivel. "I'm so happy to see you, Miss Marivel! I hope your train trip went well? Oh! And hi Hob, hi Nob. I hope ya'll are doin' alright too!"
"C'n I help ya carry anythin'?" Probably not that backpack, given she's got her own. She's very diligent about making sure Marivel gets her books back, and surely that's what her backpack is stuffed with. "I talked to the inn owner and made sure your room's all ready for ya, just how you like it!"
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
She's such a sweetie, Marivel thinks--a little sadly. Hannah reminds her of Anastasia, though a lot of bright children remind her of Anastasia, and sometimes that makes her a little sad even if it is far eclipsed by the joy. It reminds her of Jack too, of course, as a more recent friend but he's old now so that's something else to be sad about.
She pushes those thoughts away. None of that is Hannah's concern. She makes her way towards Hannah. "Full of energy as usual, I see." She will, if allowed, crouch down to give Hannah a hug though Hannah's greater concern might be Hob and Nob floating over rapidly to chirp excitedly at her. Nob will even try to lick her face like a dog. They're very friendly robot eyeballs with mouths full of teeth.
That seems to suggest they're doing well.
"It was peaceful--they added blinds to for the windows. Very helpful."
Can she help her carry anything? Marivel hesitates because she'd rather save opening up the bag for when they make it back to the Orphanage (or the inn) but she ultimately offers Hannah the umbrella. Not strictly neccessary, but when a child wants to help you should let them if it won't result in missing fingers.
"You're really giving me the star service here, Hannah. You don't need to spoil me so, but thank you. I was thinking I'd drop there later--I have some things to deliver." She pushes up her shades with a finger so she can wink at her. "Including something for someone special."
<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.
Hannah just grins as Marivel comments that she's full of energy. "Heehee, that's me! I'm always happy whenever I get a chance to see you."
Hannah will happily and gratefully accept the hug--though she is mindful of the fact that they are both carrying burdensome loads on their backs, so does her best not to upset Marivel's balance too terribly much. She giggles as Nob tries to lick her face, seemingly unconcerned with the concept of a floating robot eye with teeth. She's seen them before, and she finds them (and the technology that enables their existence) endlessly fascinating. "Heehee, well howdy Nob." She gives the top of Nob's hed a pat, followed by one for Hob.
"Oh did they now? Well ain't that accomodatin' of them! I hope that made your trip a wee bit easier, then."
Hannah accepts the offered umbrella with all the solemnity of swearing a solemn oath to ensure its protection, hugging it to her chest after just to keep it extra safe.
"Aww, well shucks, Miss Marivel. You've been so kind t' me over the years, it's the least I c'n do to make your stay pleasant! 'Specially since you're comin' all this way just to visit!" She nods as Marivel says she wants to deliver something first. "Sure thing! Where're we off to first, then? I got all my chores n' my homework done so I can help you out." Hannah breaks out into a big grin. "Oooh! Who's it for?" The question is actually a genuine one. She will, of course, be ecstatic if it's for her, but she'll also be just as happy if someone else gets something special, too.
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
Marivel's cheeks flush blue which is obscured by the scarf, but it also is in her body there--a soft slackening of the shoulders, a shift of her weight onto her backfoot. As a daemon (even if she wears the trappings of a vampire), she just isn't accustomed to it. Not because Hannah is the first to treat her with this kind of exuberant kindness--rather, it is because no matter how often it happens it still continously surprises her in spite of it not being a wholle rare circumstance.
And she certainly hasn't mentioned she's a daemon to a kid. Better to be the funny comedy vampire than to get into the fine details of what she is and where her long lost people came from.
"Well I'm sure other passengers wouldn't want the sun blaring in their eyes either." Marivel smiles. "But yes, Filgaia has been pampering me as of late. I must be careful to not allow myself to be spoiled."
"Tis for you, Hannah. I've brought some for the others too but this one struck me and I thought 'Hannah would like this book'."
Hannah's even going so far as to offer to help out. "Well, my Electool's been on the fritz, perhaps you could help me repair it." Marivel says. "Let's visit the orphanage first. I have to express my gratitude to the matron."
Hob and Nob float over to Hannah's shoulders and plop down on them.
<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.
Hannah seems to simply accept that Marivel has a sensitivity to sunlight. Lots of people are allergic to all kinds of things, after all, and even most people can get really burnt if they stay out too long, right? Right.
"Welll, I s'pose that's true," Hannah admits of the other passengers. She giggles, "But how could someone as awesome as you ever be spoiled?" She seems to have a lot of Faith in Marivel's capabilities.
Hannah draws in an excited breath, gasping as if it hadn't occured to her, which it might not've. She's not very performative. Exuberant, yes, but not performative. "Really?! Aww, Miss Marivel, you shouldn't've!"
And a moment later is, somehow, an even more excited gasp, followed by a bit of an excited squeal. "Yes! I'd love to help you fix it! We can get my tools when we stop by the orphanage!"
"O-oh! And, um..." Suddenly she gets much more bashful and shy, looking down at her feet. "Um... I had something t' show you, too. But maybe after we make the other deliveries?" It feels like they should set aside some time for what she has to share.
She gives both Hob and Nob a smile, and then nods up to Marivel. "Sure! Miss Rochelle'll be happy to see you, too, I'm sure." And with that, she leads the way back to the orphanage.
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
Marivel doesn't really hide her nature as a Crimson Noble--not from KIDS. The disguise is more for adults who have learned cowardice. She doesn't really get into the demon stuff though. Most demons are not as kind as her. She knows that first hand. And honestly--it's so rarely RELEVANT (this will change).
"Pfffh, obvious flattery will only work so far."
"Mmhmm, It's actually a pretty old text of mine--I had to rebind it and everything so it'll look new--though the title faded away and frankly I don't even remember it, heh..."
The Electool is a simple device. It's a bit like a short-range taser that emits electricity when pressed against a surface. That's why it's called... the Electool! In truth, MArivel could certainly handle a repair like that herself but she can't say no to Hannah's enthusiasm and, well, if she's able to fix it--well it might be simpler than something that would require an ARMsmeister but it is still a wiring job. Most kids would worry about shocking themselves (Hopefully Hannah worries enough about that to wear rubber gloves while working it).
"Something to show me?" Marivel asks. "...Well, then we best get moving. I should be here for the full weekend at least."
In truth, she doesn't really have anywhere to go. The reason she woke up this time is to prepare for Ashley's arrival but she woke up a bit too early and now she's sort of been twiddling her thumbs waiting for the right time--but that does mean she isn't too busy to check in on Hannah who is just precious.
She starts making her way to the orphanage, letting Hannah lead. The sun hits her hard, but she doesn't burn at least-those extra layers and the Sunblock behind it really do wonders.
Did the other drifter really have to leave her in a desert town though? ... Well, it's mostly desert towns these days, she supposes, but it would've been a lot easier on her if she was closer to Meria. Ah well. Good things come to those who make the effort.
"If all matrons were as capable as Rochelle Filgaia would be a better place. She picked a good place. Has she visited lately?"
She doesn't say the name but Hannah surely knows who she means.
<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.
Hannah considers that. "Bu is it really flattery if I mean it?" she asks, quite sincerely.
"Oooh, I can't wait to read it and find out what it's about! I guess if it's missin the title that'll just mean I have'ta start reading it sooner!"
Hannah might be aware that Marivel is humoring her, to some degree. Possibly. However her enthusiasm for getting to work on a real device is genuine enough that even if she does realize... she doesn't really care. Not as long as she gets to poke at a device (while wearing gloves, of course.)
"Okay!" Hannah eagerly leads the way.
Thankfully, for Marivel's sake, the sun is starting to set, so while looking at the horizon might be quite blinding, that won't be a problem for much longer. There's already someone going around lighting the street lamps in preparation for the evening, in fact.
Susanna picked Damzen because it was an area she was familiar with... They had to put the infant somewhere, and at least this way Susanna would be assured of stopping by regularly. That's how she explained it to Marivel, at least.
"Yeah! She's really great! I try to help her out as much as I can with all the littler kids." She nods, "Not recently, but I think Sis said she'd try to stop by next week for a visit. She... well, she wants to see what I have to show you, too."
But they arrive at the orphanage, and Hannah calls out, "Miss Rochelle, I'm back! And I brought Miss Marivel with me!"
The older woman steps into the main room, smiling, and several kids come out of various rooms to look. Everyone knows Marivel is here especially for Hannah, but the girl is all too happy to see one of her favorite drifters lavish some attention on the rest of the orphanage, too. "Please, come in, come in." She starts drawing the curtains to block out the last remnants of sunlight, and sets about lighting some candles. "Can I get you something to drink? Water, coffee, or tea, perhaps?"
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
Marivel actually takes a moment to think about that one. IS it flattery if one means it? She's sure she has heard it in the manner she just used it as, but it's possible that it isn't strictly accurate. "Praise, then." She steps back electing to look into this later.
Though she doesn't comment on it, she does visibly relax a bit when she sees the sun setting. The Sun Protection Gear is helpful--but let's face it, she doesn't like wearing it all the time. Usually a light cloud cover is enough but the deserts just amplify it if she doesn't wear the full outfit.
She understands Susanna's reasoning but she wonders if Hannah will be here for much longer. Even if it's a warm place, Damzen's on the cusp of ended up the same way other frontier towns have: A ghost town in the making. She figures Hannah will go abroad soon, though whether that's to a city or just traveling as a Drifter as is getting more popular these days--she doesn't know.
"I see." Marivel says. "Perhaps I'll stay a bit longer so we can catch up."
She hasn't traveled with Susannah as much as she'd like. When she travels...
She puts the thought out of her head. She has a job to do.
"Good to see you again, Rochelle." Marivel smiles, crouching down to greet the other children, which she does by name. Whether she gives headpats, or just a smile, or a hug--well it depends on each child. She opens up her bag in the process and hands out gifts.
It is actually impossible for a bag like this to contain all the things she ends up bringing out. At one point her arm goes deep enough within the bag that it should pop out the bottom--but doesn't. And sometimes she has to dig around a bit before she finds what she's looking for.
One gets a new set of paintbrushes and little jars of paint. Another gets a heart patterned journal and a quill to go along with it. Yet another gets a wrapped treat all the way from Sylvaland. Another a wooden carved flute.
"Not too late," She advices them.
But eventually she draws out a book. Hannah enjoys working with ARMS and Marivel has something that she thinks Hannah is ready enough to read. It's a book, surprising nobody--and the title is worn away. But the author's name? That's still there. Apparently whomever wrote this tome was named Dr. Sharon Wyatt.
"A loved one gave this to me one day but I'd like you to hold onto it." She says. "I made a copy but I thought you might like the original--I apologize for the condition of the title but I couldn't restore it--and forgot the name."
"There's a lot of talk about design in this one so it's pretty advanced but don't get discouraged if it takes you a few tries to get through it."
She looks to Rochelle--after a moment of hesitation to remember.. "Tea please."
She doesn't really need to drink tea but tea is often a labor of love. And she enjoys that taste.
<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.
"I'm sure she'd appreciate it! Though, I dunno if I wanna wait to share the letter..." She hastily corrects herself, "--Er, I mean, to share the thing I wanna share."
There might be a third reason Hannah leaves Damzen soon, but... We'll get to that.
The matron of the orphanage smiles as she sees Marivel handing out gifts. She slips away to make the tea as Hannah takes on the duty of helping Marivel hand out gifts--mostly making sure that all the kids get a chance to get in and visit with Marivel, for however briefly.
One day she hopes to know the secrets of making a bag that deep. Sure would be a handy thing to have.
But she gasps and holds her breath when Marivel brings out the last gift. She reaches out with lightly trembling hands to take it, though her grip tightens so she makes sure she doesn't drop it. She nods solemnly as Marivel explains, running her hands over the cover geingerly. She traces out the name, and then where she imagines the title must've been. Marivel apologizes for the condition, but she firmly shakes her head, hard enough for her hair to go flying back and forth a little.
"It's perfect!" she insists firmly. "That jus' means it's got character, is all." She hugs it tight to her chest, looking almost bashful at receiving such a precious book, that was restored personally by someone she looks up to. "Thank you so much, Miss Marivel. I'll always treasure it. I'm gonna start readin' through it right away!"
Rochelle calls Marivel and Hannah from the kitchen, where she's put out 3 cups of tea, and even a few cookies--a somewhat rare treat that an honored guest is worth bringing them out for. "Thank you again, Miss Armitage. Your visits always mean so much to the children, I can't thank you enough. If there's ever anything we can do for--"
There's the sound of a flute tooting way too loudly, and Rochelle sighs. "My apologizes, please excuse me."
They're alone, and Hannah takes a moment to dig around in her backpack--very mundane, and very overstuffed--and pulls out... a latter. "So... I just got this a few days ago." She slides it across the table towards Marivel.
It's an acceptance letter for Sielje. But Hannah looks pensive.
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
"I can keep a secret," Marivel says of the letter--er--the thing, with a smile. "I won't make you wait. You can tell me today and I'll pretend not to know anything." Marivel isn't naturally secretive--she had to learn that trait--but for a surprise for a loved one, well, she isn't exactly going to ruin that! It's honestly nice to have a NICE secret instead of an awful one for once.
"Well said," Marivel agrees. "A well-read book shows its character in time--and they don't exactly make more copies of this one anymore." She doesn't get into that it's likely older than Hannah expects either but--
She listens to Rochelle's call. Marivel always tries to be respectful of Rochelle's rules but the key word is try. Sometimes she is overcome by the PRECIOUSNESS of the kids here. She is not immune to puppy dog eyes whether they are on a canine's face or on a kid's. She can be quite stern, but it's harder when she knows an easy beginning doesn't leave you in a place like this.
"You already do everything I could ask of you, Rochelle--" She begins as
TOOOT! TOOT TOOT TOOT!
"...Sorry," She manages, guiltily. She has the upmost respect for Rochelle's work. She scarcely considers most adults to be adults but Rochelle would be one of the exceptions.
"But I miss your 'Sis' from time to time too--another week is scarcely a hassle. I just don't want to be overbearing."
Or draw trouble here, she thinks, as she removes her hat and pulls away the scarf, carefully setting them aside so she can get a good look at what Hannah is showing her.
Her eyes widen. "Well now that's impressive! Congratulations, Hannah! You must be very excited." She pause. "But--if you are a bit scared as well, I understand."
Sielje might not be on the other side of the world but it is rather far away.
Huh, she thinks. Sielje. Come to think of it, Eleanor...
She is going to start having to think about stuff like that, she thinks with a sigh. "Have you told the others?"
<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.
All of the children are thankful for their gifts, as always, but the kitchen is a nice and quiet spot to talk since all of the children are enjoying their new gifts in other parts of the orphanage.
Rochelle just smiles and shakes her head at Marivel's apology. "Please, don't apologize. It's a lovely gift, just one enjoyed a bit earlier in the day. I'll only be a minute." She has the patience of a saint, albiet one with too much to do and not sometimes not enough resources to do it with. But she tries, regardless.
But it's just them now, as Rochelle leaves, and Hannah smiles--even blushes a little at the congratulations. "I... well, I am." Excited, that is. "But..."
She looks down at the table. "Kinda," she admits. "And..." She figits a bit, kicking her feet under the table. "I dunno if I should go. Miss Rochelle is so busy, and all the younger kids need me, and is it really fair for me to just... leave like that? I'll be gone so long..."
She shakes her head. "Miss Rochelle does, but nobody else. She's tryin' to encourage me to go."
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
This is a tough question. Suggesting someone leave home--well--that's not what she should be doing, really. She doesn't know what will become of this place in a year, let alone four or five. She doesn't want to suggest a course of action so directly. Besides, she reminds herself, this isn't about what you think is best it's about what Hannah thinks is best.
She'll let Rochelle do her job as she thinks about this question.
"Ultimately, I think the choice is yours. There is nothing wrong with staying here to help Rochelle, maybe even taking over some day. I'd tell you that there is no better work than that in the world if you can do it well. I have seen many in Rochelle's position who could not, who were cruel at heart--but neither you nor she are like that--so I can safely say you would be quite good at it and you'd help a lot of children."
"But," She says. "Rochelle want you to do what make you happy, be who you want to be. And what that is--it doesn't have to be forever. Sielje will take you as easily at age 30 as it would next year. I can't promise they'd accept you again in twenty years, but they'd be fools not to!"
"But I cannot teach you the things they can teach you." Marivel admits. "I know old things, not so much new things--and more to the point, I cannot be your peer. Not because I am better, but because of the nature of our relationship. The same goes for your family here. They are family. I am sure Rochelle wants you to meet people whom you could simply be friends with, Hannah. That is very important for everyone to have. If you only live to have family and mentors--you will be missing out on a significant portion of life--and knowledge."
But she nods and admits, "But it is a big decision, I cannot deny it. As someone who has watched over you and am close to you--I don't want you to make a choice carelessly simply because I and Rochelle think it will be good for you. Becaus it is not about us, it is about what you want. And there's often an exchange with these decisions, it is rarely all good or all bad."
"But if it is simply a matter of worry about the workload, I will come by more often to lend a hand. And perhaps, ere you make your decision, you can talk to your brothers and sisters--and your Sis--about their thoughts! It is your choice, but you can ask for as many opinions as you need."
She exhales, nodding to herself.
"It doesn't have to be you just leaving if you make the decision to do so. It isn't you ... sneaking away in the middle of the night. But none of us--not Rochelle, not me, not Sis...want us to be the reason you fail to reach for your dreams. And while some of the younger children might not understand right away... They will, in time. They're good kids here. You know that better than anyone."
<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.
Hannah isn't even touching her tea or cookies--she must be seriously in a way if she's not even enjoying her cookies--but she does look up, blinking as Marivel suggests that she could not only stay to help Rochelle, she could take over and even be good at it.
There is a brief smile that tugs at her lips at that thought. "Wow, you really think so?" But it's fleeting, as she realizes what that would mean.
Staying here. Never seeing the outside world. The thing that she's dreamt about (and denied herself) for so many years. Marivel has easily heard her say, a thousand times over, that it would be amazing to explore the worlds and find out about lost tech and magic, and in the next breath to say that she could never leave, that she has too many responsibilities.
But she listens as Marivel continues to talk, laying out a variety of very fine and reasonable points... but not directly telling her waht the answer is. She does look like she's about to interject when Marivel insists there are things she can't teach her--but she cuts herself off, realizing the truth of her point, there.
But Marivel mentions about the workload--and at that, Hannah glances away. And there must be something deeply troubling if the offer of more visits somehow fails to register with her.
"I... want to go..." she admits, quietly, "But..." She fidgets for a moment, then folds her arms on the table, resting her chin on top. "... do you really think I... that I'll... fit in there? I know it's not gonna be nothing like the school here, and... okay, maybe I'm kinda clever an' all... for here, but there... what if..." She lets that thought trail off, unable to bring herself to finish it.
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
Marivel would love to say she knows everything. And she would, honestly, if this wasn't such a serious matter. Even now, Marivel knows all too well how little she knows. How it weighs on her. Those she couldn't protect because she didn't know which is almost as bad as those she's going to have to hurt because she does.
Hannah asks if she'll fit in.
"What, a sweet girl like you? I'm sure you'll make at least three friends and a rival within the first week." Marivel says, confidently. The idea of people not being as charmed by Hannah as she is (even with her personal bias) is completely alien to her. "And if anyone gives you a hard time, let me know and I'll eat them."
She beams, doing that trick(?) of hers where she smiles broadly and her teeth is all fangs.
She probably won't actually eat them literally but you never know what she might do to someone metaphorically.
"Then you should go. If it does not work out, you can leave. No harm no foul. While I should hope you wouldn't abandon your studies on a whim, if you feel it best to leave--you can. A degree is nice to have, but it is the friends you make who will be most important, and what you learn that will serve you. More than any piece of paper."
But is she clever enough? Marivel steps around and will give Hannah another hug, though this one will be with only one arm.
"It isn't your intelligence that matters, Hannah. It's your love for learning. You like Hob and Nob, don't you? They weren't built by the cleverest person in the world though that book I am giving you might have once been one of them."
Sorry Ana, she thinks... Though it IS true. And part of her charm, really.
"Failure is nothing to be ashamed of Hannah. It is the bedrock of science, in fact. So long as you don't forget your love of learning--you haven't truly failed--simply stumbled."
<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.
Hannah does smile a little bit as Marivel confidently asserts she'll have friends and rivals both within the first week. And she actually giggles as Marivel promises to eat anybody who's mean to her. Just a little. "Miss Marivellll, I can't solve all my problems by havin' you eat them."
She does not seem in the least bit concerned that Marivel might actually follow through.
"The degree would be nice, I s'pose... but... honestly it's not what gets me excited and all... Just... the thought of so many new things to learn..." she says dreamily. But after a moment it's followed by a wearier sigh.
She leans, quite easily, into Marivel's hug. "I sure do love learnin'..." she says quietly in agreement. But the mention of Hob and Nob gets a more enthusiastic, "Yeah!" from her. "They're really great!"
But they weren't necessarily made by the cleverest person around, but they're still so great... "Hmm." Hannah ponders that softly. And there is a little nod to go with that thoughtful 'hmm' at the mention of the scientific method.
"i hate the thought of leavin' everyone, but... I do wanna learn how to do all kinds of cool stuff..." She bites her lip and looks down. "I guess I'm just... scared. Of... bein' somewhere new, not knowin' the customs, not knowin' any people..."
She gets up, then, and goes over to a window. There's a tapping at it with a beak, but--Hannah started moving before that tapping sound, just about, and Zephyr came directly to that window.
Ain't that funny ol' coincidence?
Zephyr hops inside, and then flutters over to the table, where Hannah sits again. She looks up to Marivel. "Do you think... do you think the other kids'll understand?"
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
"Alas, it is true." Marivel sighs and then maybe more seriously than is strictly comfortable. "It would make things a lot easier if I could though."
"Mm.... No no, you're right. Sometime a present day snack is a future friend."
She didn't think Hannah was after the degree, but she knows that nobody exactly wants to feel stupid either.
Marivel is a little offguard for the moment though. Would it be appropriate to take her? It wouldn't exactly be strange for a thirteen year old to be escorted to a school.
Marivel then frowns more deeply. Well hold on now, it is possibly a bit dangerous for her to go on her own, what if she meets someone she isn't supposed to--
--well, okay, maybe she's just nervous about running into her OWN sort of mentor. One of them. Even if it was not for very long at all. Eleanor probably wouldn't be very pleased if she started being a senseless time traveler. Or would she? She clearly knew her already... But did she already know her NOW or LATER?
She's starting to get a headache. Maybe she should just ask Rochelle what she thinks. Or Susanna. Susanna is a cool drifter lady, she probably knows what to do.
Marivel rubs Hannah's shoulder fondly as she stares into the distance. She's been doing this shit for literally thousands of years and she still gets tripped up. Well, she supposes that's part of the joy of it.
"Well, maybe all that--is part of the cool stuff you can learn." But then, with a bit more oomph behind it--like from personal experience.
"Hannah... When I was ... young. Maybe a couple years older than you, as far as how my people would've seen me... I was ... careless. While I wouldn't say I was cruel to my friends, I don't feel like I treasured them enough. And I didn't reach out to other people who I never got to know because I felt I had enough companionship in my life as it was. While I feel you treasure your loved ones plenty well... It is always a risk meeting new people. But it is usually worth it. And even those we do not get along with--well, sometimes being challenged isn't a bad thing. I know it'll be difficult, but you know... many of the other children there will be in a position not quite unlike yours--and you can't just deprive them of the greatness of Hannah Curie."
She is distracted by BIRD. Marivel doesn't think too much about animal companions. Humanity's ability to befriend any kind of animal is just... astounding. But not unusual.
And convenient.
"Besides, you won't be alone really. You'll have Zephyr. And you certainly won't have to travel alone either."
Whether it's Susanna or her or a third party, there's no way Marivel is going to let a thirteen year old kid walk to Sielje on their own.
"Maybe not all of them," Marivel admits. "Not at first. But they will. And more than that, they'll have to. One way or another, parting is as much a part of life as meeting."
<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.
Susanna will surely take her, if Marivel doesn't. She's been supporting Hannah at each step of the application process, so there's no reason to think she wouldn't take the time to make sure Hannah got settled in.
Hannah seems fine with giving Marivel time to think. After all, she's doing plenty of thinking of her own, at the moment. So it's a nice, comfortable silence with the two of them thinking in companiable silence.
At least, until Zephyr arrives. Zephyr doesn't exactly attempt to break the mood--he seems to be able to read the room, and instead just rests close enough to Hannah for her to stroke under his beak.
"That's true," she reflects. "I would be goin' to a school n' all... SO I guess I could learn that stuff there..."
She looks up, rapt at attention as Marivel reveals a little bit about her own history--certainly not the most common thing for her to get, except in personal moments. She hangs on every word, and when Marivel mentions that other children there might be in a similar situation, she appears to give that some serious thought. "Huh. Hadn't thought of it that way, b'fore."
Certainly they won't all be from orphanages, like her, but... theycould be from families with not as much money, who got scholarships...
Oh. Well, that feels reather obvious now that she's thought of it.
She giggles. "Aw, shucks, Miss Marivel. I try to do alright by everyone but I don't know that I'm that great..." It's a refrain Marivel has certainly heard before.
"That's true. Zephyr's always watchin' my back, aren't you boy?"
Zephyr just chirps and makes a motion that could be interpreted as a bobbing of the head.
Then she sighs. "Maybe I'll have to ask Miss Rochelle to help me talk to them... Sure is gonna be tough to leave them here..."
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
One day Marivel will meet Gwen Whitlock and get a kind of Hannah vibe from her but it certainly is true that orphans might not be common in Sielje...
Well there's a lot of clever people out there. Some are so clever they're actually pretty stupid, but that sort of attitude is something she doesn't want to weigh Hannah down with. After all, Marivel sometimes wonders if that's really how she sees others or herself.
She does have her pride. A Crimson Noble's pride is not something to be discarded but... Sometimes it's hard, being what she is.
"You have time. And perhaps before you leave, you can give them a little something to hold onto when they miss you."
It's not something Marivel can gift them, after all, it would have to come form Hannah. But she is relieved, in a sense, that she is willing to get out there. Even if it's only to return home one day, you'll never really know what is your need unless you step into uncertain territory.
"I'm sure she will." Marivel says. "You should eat your cookies before Zephyr gets at them though."
Hob chirps insistently.
"Or these guys." Marivel grunts.
<Pose Tracker> Hannah Curie has posed.
Hopefully Hannah will get to meet this Gwen someday. Anything's possible.
Hannah considers that. "I could, at that... I know what everybody likes, I could bake something, or there's a few things I could fix up..." It sounds like the plans are already whirring into motion inside that noggin of hers.
She'll still miss them terribly, of course, but if she gives them something to remember her by, that might actually be okay. A piece of her can still be with them, even if she can't be here in person.
Hannah giggles. "Miss Marivel, Zephyr's a carnivore. He ain't gonna eat my sweets." But then she mentions Hob chirping, and Marivel insinuates Hob or Nob might. "Hmmm... Zephyr, you're on guard duty!"
Wait, guard duty? Why would--And she's already getting up and running off. "Be right back!"
Rochelle seems to materialize out of nowhere once the tension of the tense conversation is done (but only figuratively; she was waiting until a good break in the conversation and her only power is superhuman patience.) She takes her seat again and says simply, "Thank you for talking to her."
Hannah comes running back with a pile of things in her arms. "Since you're here, wanna see some of the things I've been working on?"
And the tone in the kitchen is much lighter now that the gloomy talk is out of the way, as Hannah wows her audience with small inventions, particularly excellent homework assignments, and the very beginnings of her magical studies late into the night.
<Pose Tracker> Marivel Armitage has posed.
Marivel has had to say a lot of goodbyes in her life and so she has gotten quite good at the art of it. It's as much a skill as anything else is, and she knows that emotionally speaking--saying goodbye to your found family for a few years is roughly equivalent to saying goodbye to them for a thousand.
"Nothing would please me more," Marivel says, relieved at the topic shift--but not lacking in genuine desire. She has learned about the importance of little moments like these. It is what keeps her looking forward no matter how heavy her head gets.
And she'll be just as thrilled as any child who happens to see Hannah's work. Somehow, it just works out like that.