lightfallsword

[lightfallsword]

When she'd suggested a balloon ride, she hadn't stopped to think about how high they'd be going up. Eula's not usually one to fear heights, but as she looked over the basket and down toward the ground, she couldn't help but feel a pit start forming in her stomach. But she doesn't let it show.

At least...she thinks it doesn't show.

That she's too focused on the desert sands to respond to the other's question is probably enough of a yellow flag to the fairy. Her attention's only brought back once she manages to tear her gaze away from it, only to be met by a pair of beautiful--yet incredibly scrutinizing--silver eyes. Eula almost loses her balance, but is kept in check as her back hits the basket's rim.

Baobhan's touch is significantly cooler than her own sun-touched skin, a small mercy in this hot weather. She plays it off, albeit poorly. "N...No!" she stammers, way to play it cool. "I mean--yes. I'm fine. I haven't dealt with hotter weather like this, but it's nothing to me. I've worked up more of a sweat during practice training than I have here," As a bead of sweat runs down her forehead, landing onto Baobhan's hand. Great, she's sweaty and a liar. "Besides, I thought the experience would be good for both of us. Don't you agree?"

@lightfallsword ● HOT-IN-THE-AIR BALLOON RIDES

● "Hmm... How high up do you think we are now?" Baobhan Sith had been in the hot air balloon with Eula for almost twenty minutes thus far. Most of their ride had been the ballooning ascending as it carried them who knew where. But it was hot. "Are you doing alright?" Heels quickly closed the gap between the two of them, shifting the weight in the balloon basket.

She leaned into her partner's body, staring up at her eyes. "Hmm..." Only to raise a hand to press against Eula's lips teasingly before moving them to her forehead. Her body was never especially warm, so she was hoping her hand was cool enough to bring the human some relief.

"Maybe the desert was a bad idea? You fare much better in cooler climates, don't you? But you just have to put on a brave face, huh?"

[lightfallsword]

"Blowing anything up in general isn't advised. But fine, I'll humor you: how would you even accomplish blowing up something as big as...the sun?"

"...So. The Sun kinda sucks right now.

I'm sure not that many people would miss it if it got blown up, right?"

[lightfallsword]

"Even harmless fun can spiral out of control if you're not careful." Was she being a bit of a buzzkill? Yes. What she's saying isn't wrong, though, only a little overly cautious. "I suppose that's one way to look at it. A potentially...problematic way, but even so." Kaeya's way of justifying it isn't inherently bad, but could cause a problem if it got out of hand, much like she said moments prior.

At his notion that she enjoys gossipy topics, however, Eula huffs. "Hah, it'd be strange if I did, wouldn't it? What good is there in taking an interest in who likes who, who has the most trauma, or whatever the common trends are these days...it's just embarrassing!"

❝ Come on now. It's not that much of a disturbance, is it? It's just a little harmless fun. ❞ at least to him, there could be far more worse he's done in regards to disappointing his fellow knights. for now, he simply shrugs a little, aware that the other must know it to be true, given his many lectures from jean herself.

❝ If you're asked about the balloon, that means it's done its job. After all, it gives them something to talk about beyond the usual topics that float around, right? Oh, unless you're the type to enjoy those topics. Then I suppose it would pose a problem if something else took the spotlight. ❞

[lightfallsword]

"Potential disturbance of the public peace, eh?" An exasperated sigh follows soon after as she stops to stand at his side, arms crossed. All things considered, it's a pretty harmless prank, but she knew how easily it was for people to run with a story. And how it'd make her patrols that much more annoying when she was asked to investigate something strange.

"I expected you to be more careful, cavalry captain. Conspiracy theorists love to ask me to investigate strange happenings. It won't be long until I'm asked about your balloon, too."

TAKING A GLOWING BALLOON, IT ISN'T that long before the man sends it flying into the air from an obscure spot... with what seems to be a random light hanging from the string. the higher it goes, the more unknown and strange it looks in the darkening skies, seeming more like a ufo than anything. he could only hope that someone out there would start a commotion about some foreign life visiting the island.

honestly, it was one of his more harmless pranks, buuuut一

[lightfallsword]

"Why, Baobhan Sith, I thought you enjoyed games!" she quips back, that teasing tone still apparent. Baobhan was always so confident when she had the upper hand, but now it was Eula's turn to be smug about it. And unfortunately for the fairy, she intended to ride this out for as long as she could.

As Baobhan presents her finished product, the knight takes a moment to let them sit and inspect it. The presentation is nice, the aroma is good, and she could ignore her reckless disregard for oven mittens, despite wanting to say something.

Servants, she thought. They never paid any mind to what normal humans regarded as essential...

But that's besides the point. After taking a cookie off the platter, she bites into it. And it's...good. Excellent, even, to have been her first foray into baking. "It seems the princess is not so spoiled that she can't whip up a decent batch of cookies after all." Sure, it's a jab at her, but it's all in light fun. "I'd give you more praise, but it'd go right to your head."

● "I-It's not!" Baobhan was quick to bark back, although her cheeks burning redder wasn't about to convince anyone. Eula had always known how to push her buttons, even before they started dating. She was still good at it! But she was much more teasing with it than she used to be. It often led to them try to one up each other playfully.

It took her a moment to process what her partner had said after she was kissed and pulled down. "Hold on! Eula Lawrence, are you going to withhold..." She had the sense to say the next word so quietly that only Eula could hear it before returning to her usual volume. "...from me over cookies!?"

It was the best timing in the world that led her oven to ding, signaling that her cookies had finished baking. She gave Eula a defiant look before heading over and pulling them out without an oven mitt. A little warm, but not enough to burn a Servant. "Go on. Try one. They're going to blow you away." Was that a promise or a threat?

[lightfallsword]

At this point, the knight has forgotten that her creation has yet to be put in the oven. Her main focus had now shifted to flustering Baobhan, and it seemed to be working. As much as the princess tried to keep her cool, it was obvious to Eula that it was getting to her. "I think it's weighing more on yours, really." Judging from the dusty pink gracing her cheeks, it was hard not to come to that conclusion.

This may be setting herself up for failure, but it's not about that anymore. In fact, she's silently conceded defeat by doing this anyway. Eula leans in close now until her lips are a mere breath away from the fairy's, but just as she's about to seal the deal, the timer for Baobhan's cookies goes off. As reluctant as she is, she knows they should do something about that, but not before giving her a quick peck as she finally lets her down from the countertop.

"It seems we'll have to continue later, though I should warn you that it wholly depends on how good your cookies are," she's teasing, of course.

● "Wicked wiles, you say?" Baobhan teased as she narrowed her eyes and smirked. "I've been accused of a lot worse than playing dirty, you kn- H-Hey!?" Just when she thought she was in control of the situation, Eula effectively pinned her against the counter and hoisted her up. Crap! Her fatal weakness of freezing up when being advanced upon suddenly had been used against her!

"I can't exactly do anything up here", she complained with her gray cheeks painted blush. Not only was that probably the point, but she had nothing to do! "What am I going to do? Look pretty? Well... I guess I'm pretty good at that!" Archer's composure returned little by little as she watched her girlfriend work.

"I imagine you're only setting yourself up for failure, right? Having to look at such a pretty girl sitting on your counter like this? It must be hard on your mental! Hehehe..."

[lightfallsword]

Often, she forgets that Baobhan is much stronger than she is. Strength, dexterity, and just about everything else in between were skills she outranked the knight in by a long shot. She's reminded when she's put at the mercy of the princess's quick reaction in taking control before she has time to do anything.

Eula could only huff as the other leaned against her shoulder. Cute as she was, she was also very distracting...so distracting in fact that Eula hadn't even put her cookies in the oven! Unwilling to admit defeat but also just as equally not wanting to move from her current position, she lets Baobhan have her way. "Distracting the competition by using your wicked wiles...hmph. It's cheating."

"And I have no tolerance for underhanded tactics." Even if it'd been her original idea, how dare Baobhan get ahead of her!? Finally, she moves to pin the other against the counter and lifts Baobhan so that she sits on top. "I demand that you play fair."

● Luckily enough for the pair of them, all it took was pouring a few for the Archer to recognize that she had picked up the bag of raisins and not the bag of chocolate chips. She did her best to undo her mistake without Eula noticing, but any attempts at being discreet would probably be picked up upon while she plucked them out of the batter and tossed them into the garbage.

Eula's words gave her an opportunity to try something flirty of her own once she'd put her project into the oven. "Oh? What's that about offering me a hand? Why accept an offer..."

She scooted close and grabbed the knight's hand in her own before she could react. Was she abusing her Servant reflexes? Yup! "When I can just take it!" Followed by a leaning against Eula's shoulder.

[lightfallsword]

Eula knows that that bag is full of raisins, but does she say anything to correct her? Of course, she doesn't. Chin in hand, leaning against the countertop, the knight takes a moment to watch the other before continuing with her own cookies. "Hm...a good choice," It's an earnest compliment, though she can't help but chuckle at Baobhan being cheerful.

"If you need help, I may be able to offer you a hand...for a price." she edges a little bit closer, still propped against the counter. What's a little friendly flirting in between baking? It kept things interesting!

● Baobhan Sith had always been stubborn, but these days that stubbornness was expressed in a much healthier way. No longer was it used as a grounds to kill, and she definitely wouldn't treat Eula that way. In a way it was surprising just how much living in a "normal" setting had mellowed her out. "A prize, huh...?" She got a little distracted trying to think of just what Eula might be offering.

Once Eula went off to do her own thing, the Archer began to flip through the recipe book she'd been using quickly with the pages raised close to her face even though she was wearing reading glasses.

Her girlfriend's suggestions came at the right time, since she was being indecisive about what to make. "Aha! Chocolate chip cookies! I was just looking for those!" She lied through her fangs, but she did find the recipe second later. "I wouldn't use salt a second time! But I do need these chocolate chips!" She picked up a bag that looked kind of like chocolate chips.

They were raisins.

[lightfallsword]

"Would you think it's too much to receive both a Valentine and a Windblume, if you were going to receive one though?"

"I don't want to overwhelm her...but I suppose fretting over that is a bit silly, isn't it?"

"As long you don't mind gettin' an extra set of, uh, Windblooms, then I don't see the harm in it, no."

"It's something folks do for their sweethearts, ain't it? So as long as you've got one of those, then you're set."

[lightfallsword]

Eula ✩ Midnight Encounter at the Tavern

[lightfallsword]

The fairy had certainly come a long way; Eula knew that by her reaction alone. While usually quick to give up and leave the task to the other, she was insistent on continuing on her own this time. And despite the brave face she was putting on, the knight could sense some frustration in her words and equal amounts of determination to do something on her own for once. She was proud of her. Little improvements such as these should be worth celebrating after all.

"I don't recall this being about winning or losing, but if that's how you feel about it…Then I have to give you a challenge, don't I?" Even as she says that, she doesn't plan on going too hard against her but just enough to give her something to compete with. "Who knows, you may just receive a prize at the end of it all," she says with a wink, going back to her side of the countertop.

While both of them make themselves busy with their respective baking endeavours, Eula looks over every so often and sees that though she's still struggling, Baobhan is indeed trying her best. "Why don't you start with something simple? Chocolate chip or sugar cookies ought to be best. So long as you don't reach for salt again, I see nothing going awry."

● Eula was trying to be accommodating with her again. The Archer had gotten better at acknowledging it. Not just that her girlfriend was going to these lengths, but that she had a bad habit of giving up too easily and taking her up on the offer in the end. She couldn't change plans every time something didn't work out for her. It wasn't fair to Eula, especially if it was something Eula wanted to do. "I-It's fine! I'll just try again! This time it'll be perfect!"

Baobhan Sith also had to consider her pride when it came to things like this. She was very alike with her girlfriend when it came to this particular topic. They could be hardheaded when their pride was on the line. "Urk... Well, I think I can probably manage on my own..."

It wouldn't be Eula's fault if so, but being bossed around tended to get under her skin.

"Besides, I want to bake something that will impress you! If you help me then it won't really be a victory. I'm going to knock your socks off, Eula Lawrence!" A bold declaration. Her pride really was on the line!

[lightfallsword]

"It's curious to think about all of the overlap holidays seem to have across worlds. Valentines here is very similar to Windblume...I wonder if celebrating both would be appropriate." she'd need to prepare yet another gift for Baobhan if she was actually going to do that...

"Would it be...too much to incorporate holidays in such a way?"

[lightfallsword]

Maybe Eula should have figured out as much by now seeing as she was always the one cooking between the two of them. In hindsight, it made sense: she was a princess and had lived her life as such before coming to this city. Plus, she didn't need a regular diet of food, unlike Eula.

Baobhan's self-admittance of being inexperienced lightens the mood, enough to make the usually serious Eula give a half-smile in response. "If this isn't fun for you, we can clean up and try something else. I meant for this to be a good experience for the both of us," she says, wiping her hands on her apron while gathering up the already-made cookies to throw away. It's a shame they'd go to waste, but she didn't think anyone would want salt-filled sweets.

"Unless you'd like a little extra help, which I don't mind. Though I must warn you, I'm said to be quite the taskmaster when it comes to teaching. I won't be letting up just because we happen to be dating." It wouldn't be going according to her exact plan, but she was good at making minor revisions...

● It was a pretty standard reaction on the fairy's part to blame someone else for her own obvious mistake. Accountability hadn't been a very common thing in her life before being summoned as a Servant, and even now sometimes she relapsed into it. Eula was quick to call her on it when it happened like in this instance, but it probably didn't help that she'd blamed her specifically.

"I. Uh..." The realization hit her immediately. The usually boisterous and boastful Baobhan Sith fumbled over her own words and made a face that suggested she didn't know what face to make. Before the two had started dating this probably would have ended with an outburst.

But she went quiet for a second instead. She was trying to choose her words more carefully rather than just blurting out the equivalent of a "NUH UH".

"I've never baked before... I didn't have to at the castle, and I just purchased prebaked goods in the city." It extended to her cooking too, which was why she always purchased premade meals when not consuming blood. "S-Sorry... I did it again. Why would you switch my ingredients? You're not out to make me look stupid..." She did it well enough on her own, to be fair.

[lightfallsword]

"This...Section 6, does it function as a sort of law enforcement?"

⇪ "Hm... I wonder if it would be beneficial to establish Section 6 in this city as well? But I'd need to figure out a building and employees first. Would anyone be willing to help with a city defense operation?"

[lightfallsword]

Thankfully for Baobhan, Eula has plenty of experience when it comes to food. Whether baking, cooking, or outdoor food prep, she could make most of anything with enough care and attention. So, when they had decided to try their hand at one of the stalls, the knight had been all too happy to oblige. For her, it'd be a chance to show off and to include something special! For the fairy princess, however, things didn't seem to be going so smoothly...

"What--how could I switch your sugar? I've been focused on my own half of the counter!" Which, from the looks of it, was much more tidy than the space that belonged to the redhead. Eula took a cookie for herself, eyeing it before giving a courtesy sniff. It smelled salty alright, nothing like how it was supposed to. She couldn't help but sigh, "Honestly...you must be more careful! Have you never baked before? Surely you must have at least made an attempt before now!" Not counting her time as a princess, she'd been in this city long enough to have at least tried, right?

@lightfallsword ● you bake it you buy it

● "Bleh!?" Baobhan's fangs accidentally bit down into her own lip after taking a bite of one of the cookies she'd baked. Fortunately she hadn't drawn blood, but if she had it probably would have tasted better than what she had made. Was it really that surprising? She was a princess, not a baker.

Well she wanted to believe she was good at baking!

"E-Eula! Did you switch my sugar with salt or something? Why aren't these sweet at all!?" Maybe if she'd read the labels a little more closely she wouldn't have accidentally used the wrong one herself.

[lightfallsword]

Thankfully for Neo (and both of them, really) Eula's pretty quick on the uptake. "Neopolitan, but you prefer to be called Neo," she says slowly, saying it aloud more for herself so that she understood correctly. It's an easy enough name to remember, one that she'll commit to memory. It isn't often that she meets people who humor her, so this interaction, though brief, is pretty meaningful.

And maybe she's jumping the gun, but a mutual introduction seemed to be a good enough sign, so why not take it a step further? "Well then, Neo, if you'd be interested...perhaps we can try more snacks of this nature. I know quite a few establishments and stalls. We could make a day of it sometime soon."

Constantly she was reminded of how her upbringing affected her in ways that mattered so little- the introduction put forth had her rushing slightly to finish her bite, even though her mouth being full didn't affect her ability to do the same at all. She settles for a half-shrug at the other woman's admittance, never having looked herself but finding her situation the same in light of that. Then her hands get to work, one snatching a mildly used napkin as the other procures a pen from her pocket. In neat cursive she quickly writes 'Neopolitan' and underlines it, then circles the 'Neo' twice before bringing her gaze up to lock with Eula's, hopeful she'll understand both her answer and how to proceed.

[lightfallsword]

Even on Christmas, Eula still kept to her daily routines. It was a force of habit, more than anything. For years, even before coming to this city, she had spent most holidays by herself. A solitude that she had grown used to, a silence that she had grown comfortable with.

Walking into the warmth of her home to be met by Baobhan greeting her affectionately reminds her that that isn't the case anymore. Though she still has trouble returning her girlfriend's displays of affection, it's easier to do so in private. Eula wraps her arms around the fairy's waist, holding her in place even as she presents her gift. "A gift? You know things like this aren't necessary," but there's no use fighting her on that, it is Christmas, after all.

While most would consider a gemstone made of their lover's blood to be on the more extreme side, Eula finds it quite charming. Is it peculiar? Perhaps, but it's very in line with Baobhan's personality. "I'll protect this with my life." And, of course, she meets that intensity in kind. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait a bit more for your gift though...but I promise, it will be worth the wait."

@lightfallsword

● Baobhan had waited for Eula to return home. It was snowing outside, but it painted the perfect Christmas picture at least. Not that she really cared about the aesthetics. The moment her girlfriend had stepped in, the Archer had jumped into her arms and hung off of her after planting a kiss both on her neck, and then again on her lips before sliding off. A small box was held out. "Merry Christmas!"

Within was a pendant wrapped in a silver chain, with a blue gemstone hanging from it. "I know red isn't really your colour, so I had to figure out a way to dye it. Nonetheless! That gemstone was made with my blood. I... guess it's a little macabre, maybe? But this way you can always have a piece of me with you. Hehehe!"