faithfulflame | Tenth Prayer: Fanning the Flames [Action/Video]

[What a week! Rei couldn't remember a time she'd been more exhausted in her life. The minute she made it in the door of House 3 she'd just dropped into bed like a wilting flower. And she'd slept. For days. When she finally managed to get up and feel...human...again, though, she had things to address. Lots of things.

And the first thing on that list? The shrine. And preparations for a trap she planned to lay on two unwary wizards. After that, she had promises to keep and work to do. This was going to be a long day...]

Action

[Rei spends the early part of the day around Tsukino Shrine. She's been gone for more than a week, and the whole thing needs a bit of tending, just basic chores. While she works, Phobos and Deimos play around the small courtyard, flapping around merrily in the spring breeze. It's a pretty nice time, a far cry from the insane battle the week before. Anyone's welcome to come by and help out with chores, or setting up for her foray into forced match-making.

Midmorning, before she sits down to have lunch she opens her journal and sends out a broadcast. Phobos and Deimos are probably pawing around the camera, being nosy birds as usual.]

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Good afternoon, Luceti. This is Rei Hino. I would like to inform you that fortune telling at Tsukino Shrine will resume today as normal. I'd also like to express my sincerest condolences to anyone who was injured on the draft last week, and even more to those who lost someone in battle. Words...fail me at the moment, but if you are in need of a place to pray or find a peaceful place to think, you are welcome to use the shrine here for that. I hope you are able to find some measure of solace, however you choose to seek it. If you need me for anything, I will be here until six this evening for fortune telling or prayer services.

Additionally, I would like to ask a question. What are ways that you've learned to relieve stress? Particularly after a battle. How would you go about creating an atmosphere to help people relax? I have a small project that I'm working on down this vein, and I could use some suggestions. I would appreciate it a lot.

[A little later she sends out 3 more filtered broadcasts]

Locked to Max Woodville

Max-san, can we talk?

Locked to Okita Souji

Souji-san, if you have time, I would like to make good on my promise.

Locked to Helios Sprensonne
Helios-san, can you visit the shrine tonight at around seven? There is something very important I need to discuss with you. I'll prepare dinner, so please come hungry. This may take some time, as well. And it's a sensitive issue, so I'd appreciate it if you could leave your journal at home.

(OOC: Feel free to just drop by the shrine instead of responding to the broadcast if that suits your character better.)

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[ Today, Serenity is all a flutter; all her grace, and elegance left behind in excitement. The matchmaking idea had been wonderful, an idea that, when Rei mentioned it, sent Serenity giggling and nodding like a teenager. She enjoyed matchmaking, enjoyed the idea of helping others find love; it was the kind of shenanigans she would never truly grow out of.

The queen arrives at the shrine early, ready to do whatever it takes, especially if it meant taking some pressure off of Rei; her friend had only recently returned from the draft, after all. ]

All right, Rei. What needs setup? [ Her smile is wide, and excited. There was a lot to do at the shrine today! ]

[Well Rei was certainly appreciative that Serenity had gone along with the idea. When she'd brought it up she hadn't quite expected the same level of enthusiasm from the queen that her teenage friend might've given, but she was absolutely delighted to have the help.

When her friend arrives, Rei's hard at work doing sweeping and taking care of some basic things. But queen or not...if she was offering to help, Serenity was not going to get off light. Because it was just easier to think of her as a grown up Usagi than anything else for the moment. An Usagi who put some of that boundless energy into something besides complaining.]

Thank you for coming. I appreciate it. [She beams]

I'm...not terribly good at romantic things, but I was thinking of setting up a trap like what you and some of the others did for some of our friends when you were younger? Locking them in the shrine. I'm trying to tidy things up, but do you have any suggestions?

[ Serenity's expression turns mischievous at the mention of locking the lovebirds in the shrine, her hands clapping together with a nod. The idea would force the two into each others company, and as long as there wasn't a way to leave, or something to distract them too much, it would also force them to discuss what they may have been avoiding. ]

That's a great idea. [ No escape! ] We'll need to make certain they can't just leave, but still be comfortable. [ a beat, and her face lights up. ] And it needs to be romantic! Candles, maybe?

[Rei's smile mirrored Serenity's own. Mischievous and happy. She nodded eagerly at the thought of candles.]

I agree. Candles are lovely. I...think perhaps I can use my magic to set up a spell to keep them in the shrine. Maybe you could help me with yours to reinforce it somehow? [She's already moving over towards a chest to start pulling things out.]

And food, yes?

That's a great idea; I'd be happy to give it a try! [ Barriers were a cinch, even though she had no idea how well her powers would work now that she was back in Luceti--it should be enough with both her and Rei, however; she can't imagine them trying too hard to leave.

At the mention of food, her head bounces in agreement. ]

A candlelit dinner. [ A swoon, her head in the clouds. ] I think that sounds wonderful, Rei; they couldn't possibly want to leave if there's food. [ Of course, she wouldn't want to leave if there's food. ] It would be so romantic! We'll need to make certain there's a dessert, too.

Wonderful! Working together I'm sure we can make it stronger.

[Because she knows Helios and his tendency to run from things that might make him slightly uncomfortable.]

I'm glad you agree. I knew you'd be the right person to ask, Usagi-chan. Really, I'm still just...no good with these things. What sort of food do you think would be best? I was considering cooking something Japanese. But I'm sure you'd have good ideas for desserts.

You don't give yourself enough credit, Rei. [ Her tone is mildly chiding, but light. She knew her friends well, and knew that all of them could, on occasion, underestimate themselves. Rei was the brains behind this particular scheme, and saw that two people needed help: she was better than she thought she was. ]

I think Japanese would be wonderful, and, as for dessert...? [ She trails, letting out hum. ] What about chocolate and strawberries? They're simple, light, and romantic

[ and does not need cooked, so giving them all a little less to do. ]

If you say so.

[Boy, she flails a bit at the thought of romance still, Serenity. But this was something she could do at least]

And that does sound good. I know Helios-san enjoys strawberries, and chocolate. I'm less sure about Max-san though. But who doesn't? What about other things?

Edited 2013-04-11 01:51 (UTC)

[ Serenity hums, thoughtful, tapping a finger against her lips. Romance, for each person, was different. Some people enjoyed extremely romantic settings, and others enjoyed things much less so. ]

Have you given any thought to drinks?

I have.

[Rei smiles slyly. Perhaps she might not approve, but there was little point in lying about it.]

After our battle on the draft, they agreed to share wine, though they wanted me to join them. I think, perhaps, that would be the most romantic thing. Wouldn't you agree?

[ Serenity seems to light up at the idea. ]

Yes, and since you're making a Japanese meal, then a pinot noir would be perfect. [ A couple bottles of wine, a nice meal, and a fire for the mood would make the perfect romantic setting. She giggles. ] They won't be able to resist themselves after all this, Rei!

I certainly hope not. It's a lot of trouble. But...I think it'll be good for them, and the right thing to do.

[She's honestly glad that the plan's been so warmly received. She wasn't sure how much Usagi would approve of a teenager drinking wine, after all. Or suggesting it. But she did sometimes. Only sometimes.]

You should meet them, after all of this too. They're important to me, like family.

[ Rei is a soldier, a guardian, and a friend--if she wants to drink, Serenity certainly won't wag a finger at her. As long as Rei isn't getting smashed, Serenity is fine with it; she's mature enough, anyhow. ]

I'd love to meet them. Anyone important to you is important to me. [ If they're family to Rei, Serenity will do whatever it takes to protect them; that's what family does, after all. ]

I'm sure you'll have the chance.

[Her birthday is in a couple of weeks, after all]

And I'm certain they'll love you too. They're good people. Brave, and strong.

I look forward to the chance, then. [ As long as they aren't too upset with her assisting Rei in the matchmaking, anyway. ]

[Rei nods cheerfully]

Well, shall we begin?

[ She mimics the nod. ]

Lets!

Tenth Prayer: Fanning the Flames [Action/Video]

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Actually, this feels like a good stopping point...don't you think?

Yep!