thenearshore | [closed]

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Who: Maria and Hibiki
What: Shinki naming
When: Sometime after May 26th
Where: Nuada Airgetlám temple
Summary: While wandering around Hibiki discovers a cave and finds out that it's, in fact, a temple.

[For some reason he didn't want to stay in one place for too long, especially when it was an abandoned temple—who knew what used to inhabit it...Hibiki certainly didn't. Maybe that's why he continues to wander around the Near Shore, looking for a place to have some rest tonight. Walking around for hours doesn't bother him much, but every once in a while everyone needs to take it easy, Hibiki included. However, he has yet to found a place which he would consider a good resting spot.

And then, some time later, he notices a grotto, which should be ideal. At the first glance, it doesn't look like a sacred place, so it's a relief. But the further he goes, the more obvious it becomes that he was wrong about this place.

On top of that, someone's here. From where he's standing he can't really see who it is, but it doesn't matter much—Hibiki knows that his arrival is uncalled for.]

Oh, excuse me, I didn't mean to bother you. I shall leave immediately.

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[Even having lived in this temple for coming close to two weeks now, Maria doesn't know everything about it, and she's ventured out into the further areas of the grotto it's set in to try and find where the root system of the tree ends. Something like that obviously has to spread far, but Maria's pretty sure she hasn't reached the end yet, and she's just inspecting a large lump of twisted roots poking out of the ground when she hears a voice she recognises.

Turning more fully towards Hibiki, Maria waves a hand, a curious look on her face.]

Oh, hello. You're not bothering me, but I didn't realise anyone knew I lived here yet. I'm still figuring things out a bit myself, so I haven't told anyone.

[She's assuming he's visiting, for the moment.]

Miss Maria? Hello, we meet again.

[For some unknown reason, he's a bit relieved that he trespassed into a temple of someone he's familiar with—it's still inexcusable to do so, but at least he can assume that the consequences won't be as dire as he expected.]

Actually, I didn't know you live here. I was just wandering in the neighborhood, that is all.

[Why would he walk all the way here, Hibiki doesn't say just yet, though.]

It looks quite impressive, I'd say.

[Rather than looking at the roots, he looks up to examine the treehouse.]

[It is a rather impressive treehouse, and Maria glances back towards it as he does. The branches sprawl everywhere, the tree itself remarkably large and ancient-looking, but still sturdy under the meticulously fashioned rooms and pathways that spread through and across its boughs. Beneath it, though some of its arms spread almost out to the narrow stream between the tree and the two watching it, bright moss grows to soften the ground, with a pebbled pathway leading through it to what must be the entrance.

Turning her attention back to Hibiki, Maria offers a light smile.]

It's good to see you again, yes. And I'm a little surprised myself at how stunning a sight the treehouse is, even though I've been living there almost two weeks now. It doesn't really seem like that long.

Were you trying to get a better measure of the lay of the land here, or just some wandering to clear your head or something? I've found myself doing a little of both recently, I have to admit.

[The truth is, he doesn't even know where to look first. It's so broad, the tree branches and the treehouse itself. No matter how long he'd look at it, he'd probably find something that he hasn't noticed before—either a branch, bridge or a platform.]

Actually... [The pause is a bit too long, just like he's trying to decide on an answer last minute.] I've just been wandering and looking for an abandoned temple.

[There's no point in lying or hiding it, that's the conclusion Hibiki reaches in the end.]

[The hesitation is enough that Maria's smile fades to something a little more serious and curious, and his answer is vague enough that she looks faintly worried when he says it. Putting aside the matter of her not knowing much about abandoned temples, it seems strange to be looking for one regardless.]

Is there something in particular you needed from one? I might have something here that could serve the same purpose if it's an item or a room.

[And she'd feel a bit better at least having made the offer if it does turn out to be something like that. If it doesn't...well, she'll see what she can do anyway.]

[Ah, this question. He should have seen it coming and yet, Hibiki's surprised upon hearing it.]

Oh, it's just... [Another pause here, but not as long as the previous one. No matter how he looks at it, it's a bit embarrassing.] I'm just looking for a place to sleep, actually.

[Now that he said it, Hibiki realizes that he could've worded it differently. Or not mention it at all, somehow.]

But please don't feel obliged to help me out, I just wandered and got lost near your temple.

[For a moment, Maria looks shocked and sympathetic - but the shocked part of that doesn't remain long. She's heard a very similar story recently, and as with the last person it was the case for, Hibiki doesn't seem like he at all deserves that kind of upheaval so soon after coming here. While she still looks like she feels for him, a more sincere and serious note comes into her expression a few moments later, and she shakes her head at the notion of not being obliged to help.]

I may not be obliged, but I wouldn't feel at ease turning you away knowing you have nowhere else to go. Your god and temple disappeared too, right? [Stepping aside slightly, she gestures towards the treehouse with one hand.] Would you like to come in? You don't have to discuss your circumstances if you don't want to, but I'm sure we could come to some kind of agreement if you wanted to stay here.

[Not that she'd be hard to make an agreement with on that front - she just wants him to have somewhere to go. It's more a question of what he wants to do from there.]

[Hibiki believes that he once told Maria that she's too kind, and now exactly the same words come to his mind. But instead of saying anything, he just smiles sheepishly.]

Well, yes...that's the whole story, basically. [Coming to a conclusion that it's not such a rare occurrence around after seeing all these board posts, Hibiki realizes that Maria probably saw them as well.] There are no other circumstances, I think. Maybe apart from one thing. Not having a master...it certainly feels weird.

[Not being useful to anyone is what bothers him the most.]

[That's...not too surprising, Maria supposes, though she has to take a few moments to think on it. Even if it wasn't in his nature from the start, which she doesn't know, being placed into a role like a shinki's and then losing a master definitely sounds like it would feel weird.

She lets her arm drop from the gesture to the treehouse, though she's still wearing a somewhat understanding smile.]

That was what I wanted to discuss, actually. I'd understand if you wanted to stay without that connection being a necessity, but if you wanted a new name, then it's something I can offer you. Either way, it's up to you. It's better to have the chance to think about it in these circumstances than have to decide on it in battle, at least.

[She and Natsuru had very nearly left it too late there, but luckily they'd settled in fine afterwards. This still seems easier overall, though.]

Thank you for your offer.

[While he was given time to think things over, Hibiki doesn't really need it. They've had the opportunity to cooperate, and it's something he considered a good experience. There's simply no reason to decline this generous offer, so he gives his reply immediately.]

It'll be a pleasure to work with you, miss Maria.

[Maybe there's no need for such formalities, but still Hibiki bows in front of her.]

[With an answer that quick, the surprise on Maria's face is obvious, especially as Hibiki bows to her, and she waves a hand a little as she recovers from it.]

Really, you don't need to bow. I just hope I can be a good god to you, if it's your choice to work with me.

[In any case, with that part of the conversation resolved, Maria sees fit to smile a little and extend a hand back towards the temple.]

Now it definitely seems best to invite you in, or at least show you around. After having to give someone else a name so suddenly, I'm sure having the chance to think about yours will be good for us both. [She came up with something serviceable for Natsuru, but Hibiki might be a little harder.]

I'm convinced that there's nothing to worry about in that particular case.

[Her words don't surprise him that much, but they're appreciated nonetheless. As for the bow, it's simply a habit of his. But he straightens his back shortly and takes a few steps forward and checking whether Maria is following him.]

Thank you. As for the name...anything will do, really. [Wondering for a while whether it's alright to ask for an explanation, Hibiki takes the risk:] But how did that happen? If I may ask of course.

[While Maria can't quite agree with that compliment, she's not callous enough to turn it down, so she merely smiles a little.] Thank you for saying so.

[At the very least, it reassures her a little that he might be able to accept her at the standard she is now, even if she still feels she needs to improve a lot to live up to the name of a god.

Maria steps up alongside Hibiki when he starts walking, definitely planning to follow, and she heads towards the bridge for the moment as she mulls on how to answer that question.]

During that attack of the undead, after I separated from you, I ended up in a rather tight situation with Natsuru. I hadn't brought my shinki, since she was native to the Heavens and didn't seem interested, and I couldn't use my weapon again after earlier, but it turned out Natsuru's god had vanished like it seems yours may have, and she ended up accepting a name from me so we could fight our way out of that.

I should've been more careful, it seems.

[Words of self-criticism muttered under his breath are the least thing he can do now. Too little, too late too blame himself for leaving her in that state. Nonetheless, he's glad to hear that Maria and Natsuru established cooperation, even if it was abrupt.]

The most important thing is that you're both safe and sound. I mean... [He can be certain that it applies to Natsuru as well, so.] Is miss Natsuru alright?

[From what he's seeing, there's nothing going on with her, but just in case:]

How about you, miss Maria?

[Maria's honestly on the edge of saying the same thing, but he's the one who gets there first, and she seems a little surprised for a moment before shaking her head.]

I was the one who didn't pay enough attention to where you were when I left. By the time I had the chance to regroup, I'd lost you.

[In any case, Hibiki is right that it's most important that they're both safe, and she shakes off the moment of self-doubt with a reassuring smile.]

We're both fine. And Natsuru seems to be happy with having me as a god, which is the best anyone can ask coming out of a situation like that. I never wanted to have to just...use her to escape, even if she did offer.

[Sure, he could argue with her over who didn't pay enough attention and who is at fault, but how pointless that would be? Pretty pointless, that's why Hibiki just sighs.]

All's well that ends well.

[Somehow, he's not surprised to hear that.]

Of course. [A short chuckle escapes past his lips.] I assure you that I'll do my best to get along with miss Natsuru.

[But before their first meeting happens, there's one more thing.]

Do you think you could give me a quick tour around?

[Even if she wasn't really worried about Hibiki stirring up any trouble, it is helpful to know that he's going to make an effort with Natsuru. Especially given Natsuru could probably use it, and a slight, grateful smile tilts Maria's lips.]

Thank you. She's not the most confident person, so I'm not sure how well she would've dealt with someone wanting to mess around with her.

[Maria's tone is fond nonetheless, but it is something she hopes Natsuru can overcome someday.

As for Hibiki's question, Maria gives an encouraging nod, following the winding path up to the front of the treehouse.]

That's actually what I was planning to do. It's a lovely place, but it is a little...strange, for something called a temple.

I'll be sure to keep that in mind, I promise.

[He'd add something, but again, isn't self-confidence something everyone has to build up for themselves? There's nothing wrong with being a little lost.]

Strange? How so?

[Strange things are pretty common in the Far Shore, which may be the first lesson he learned here.]

I'm sure she'll appreciate it. [Even if Natsuru doesn't know, hopefully it won't be hard to tell he's making an effort there.

Turning her attention back to the front to make sure she doesn't stray off the twisty little path and into the colourful moss surrounding it, Maria simply gestures up to the treehouse at his question. The massive thing is easier to see from here, rooms and platforms linked and perched throughout its branches even up past where it exits the huge hole in the cavern's roof.]

Well, I didn't expect it to be a treehouse, for starters. It's a bit unconventional.

That's quite unconventional, indeed...I've seen a few abandoned temples and they were, to say the least, just as unconventional, so maybe it's just a thing around here.

[Living in a temple is unusual enough, to be honest.]

How easy is it to get lost, I wonder...the structure seems really complicated.

[The moment Hibiki thinks he's counted all the ladders on this side, he finds another one. Not to mention platforms or bridges.]

I really need to explore more of this place when I have the chance, but as it is I've mostly been visiting the Near Shore. Even that's a little different to what I'm familiar with, so it's not just here that's strange.

[Following the path up to what appears to be the door, Maria opens it to reveal a spiral staircase going up the centre of the tree.]

It's not too complicated once you remember that everything goes back to the trunk. As long as you're on the right level of the tree, you'll find what you're looking for eventually.

[As she says that, she points out the ringed platforms that go up the tree trunk, serving as meeting points for all the outward bridges on a certain level.]

To be quite honest, this place strikes me as the one you could explore for years, if not longer, and still find something you had no idea that exists. Maybe it just me, however.

[That piece of information will save him lots of time in the future, most likely.]

The trunk? It does make sense...well, I'll do my best getting a hang of where everything is. That said, I have a very important question.

[So important that he lets some time pass.]

Do you like sweets?

It does look a bit like that, doesn't it? It's probably the fairy mythology aspect that's made it like that, though I have to admit that same mythology makes it a little hard to parse what exact role I should be taking here as a god.

[As far as she can tell, the person she's standing in for is more of a god-king than a straight god, and from rather old Celtic myths to boot. With nobody to rule over, the only hints she has are the kinds of prayers she gets, which often seem to come from fishermen or similar.

Hibiki's always seemed like such a serious person that Maria's expecting a much graver question than the one that comes, and she lets out a short laugh as she starts to lead him up the staircase.]

I do, though I don't eat them too often. Is there a reason you're asking now?

Not that I have a profound knowledge of mythology, but I believe you'll figure it out eventually, your role as a god. And we're here to help you. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself and I shouldn't speak in miss Natsuru's stead, especially since we haven't met yet, but I suppose it's true for her as well.

[His voice throughout this little speech is calm, yet firm. If his support is all he has to give, he's not going to hesitate, that's for sure.]

I thought I could make us some sweet treats. I mean, I came here empty-handed, so that's the least I could do.

[Even if she hasn't reached the point of naming Hibiki yet, it's hard for Maria's heart not to warm at how supportive both her shinki are, and she shakes her head with a soft smile.]

Trust me, Natsuru wouldn't mind you saying something like that in her stead. I appreciate the support of both of you, really, and I'll do my best to fill the role I've been given.

[Being forced into roles isn't something Maria appreciates, but this...this, she can do something with. She's been put on this stage, but given almost free reign beyond that.

At Hibiki's proposition, Maria's smile becomes, if anything, even warmer.] It's no problem to come empty-handed, but the kitchen is well-stocked if you do want to put something together for us all.

[Naming is just a formality to him. Alright, maybe not just, but he absolutely doesn't mind Maria taking it slow to come up with a name she considers a good one. That being said, he'll go with anything, really.]

In that case, I'll try to prepare something special for this occasion. If you could only show me the way, then I'll take care of the rest.

Maybe we can cook together sometime. I think Natsuru would enjoy that as well, and really, it's not as if the kitchen isn't large enough...

[Also thankfully, it's one of the closer rooms to the bottom, and Maria beckons him out one of the doorways out from the staircase onto one of the surrounding ledges. This first one is actually enclosed, with a whole circular room around the trunk that appears to be some kind of reception or leisure room. There's plenty of comfortable seats, as well as a television screen and a few bookshelves.

A few corridors, also enclosed, lead off from the room, and Maria crosses the room to head towards the widest one.]

It's just down here. I suppose the idea was to have the food preparation area as close to any potential guests as possible.

Cooking together sounds really enjoyable, I'd say.

[Even if he has trouble imagining it. But maybe that's simply because he's been doing it alone for a while.]

It makes perfect sense and was really thoughtful of the creator. Would you like to rest while I take care of the snacks?

I think it would be a good bonding experience, at least. [Maria herself sounds rather pleased with the idea, because it's only recently that she's really gotten the chance to do fun things with people she cares about.

At Hibiki's offer, Maria gives him an amused smile as they head into the kitchen proper. It's fairly spacious, one dedicated room with no dining area or anything else taking away its space.]

At least let me show you where everything is in here first.

Ah, thank you.

[He didn't want trouble her with the small things, but in fact, maybe it'll be better this way.]

I thought about making something simple, muffins perhaps...?

Muffins sounds good. We'll leave the more complex things for next time we're all around to join in. [Passing by the fridge as Maria figures what's likely to be in there should be obvious, she gestures towards the right side of the kitchen.]

The cupboards above the benches here are where you should find the ingredients themselves - we have everything you should need for muffins, and everything for baking is all together near the middle as well. The left is where the bowls and tools are. Plastics together, trays together - it's all quite well organised.

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