✘ Round 3 | [Audio]

[glacius]

[Despite things in his apartment being a little bit more complicated than usual, Glacius comes to the network today with a relatively straightforward question. Since Carlisle has sequestered himself away in his room--again, a concerning tendency that has developed only recently-- he assumes now is as good a time as any, though he doesn't particularly care if the clergyman sees it or not. One way or another he's going to find out what the alien is up to, he'd just prefer his efforts to culminate in a nice surprise for his friend.] Hello, fellow residents of Hadriel. I have a simple question, so I will get right to it: is there anyone here would happen to be kind enough to teach me how to make any dishes or meals that are commonly enjoyed by humans?

I live amongst you now, after all, so I should... probably know how to better provide for my friends. You can leave recipes here--or if you are feeling particularly inclined, I would be willing to take lessons as well. It would have to be in your residence, however... I doubt my roommate is currently up to entertaining company, and I do not want to infringe upon what I assume is wanted space.

Thank you for your time.

Comments

[wendigoner]

It's no problem. [ Hannah is quick to insist, smiling at the near-stranger. ] I'm happy to help.

[ She doesn't feel as if she can do much these days, so this is... a small victory. ]

I get it. [ Comes the next admission, almost surprising herself. ] This is, um... really different from which I'm used to, too.

[glacius]

[Glacius looks at Hannah now, considering that last addendum. He always gets so wrapped up in the fact that the humans all have each other that he sometimes forgets just how different this cave is from their homeworlds, too. They might not be displaced from their own people or their own culture to the extent that he is, but that doesn't mean they don't face their own difficulties.] I can understand that. Life in this cave is always an adjustment--and very rarely a pleasant one. It is the people here that make it more bearable, those that are willing to reach out and help should you need it. So...

[The ice alien pauses, then looks away. He's aware that this is somewhat forward, but Hannah is a good friend of Emily's and has never been anything but kind and helpful to him and those around her... so he figures it can't hurt to try to build a bridge, here.] Is there... anything I can assist you with? Or anything that is bothering you? I am not always the best at helping to talk humans through their difficulties--and am aware that you have no real reason to trust me with such--but I can at least lend an ear if you need one...

[wendigoner]

[ The offer surprises her, somehow, and Hannah is a little flustered as she pieces together a response. ]

That's really sweet of you. [ She says finally, smiling. ] Um, I don't think there's anything... right now, and... all my stuff is pretty - stupid, anyway.

[ Well, if you consider transforming into a cannibal monster and terrorizing your former friends 'stupid.' ]

If something comes up, though, then - totally. And the same for you.

[glacius]

Somehow, I doubt that, [Glacius murmurs, in the response to Hannah's remark about her problems being stupid. If there's one thing he's learned, it's that this cave drags everyone through the dirt at one point or another in new and horrible ways... and some of them have been through hell in their own worlds, to boot. It happened to him, to his partner, to most of his friends... they all have their darkened pasts. But that's all the more reason not to pry; those types of memories could be extremely painful, and if she wanted him to know, she would have told him.

His invitation lies open; there's little more he can do for now, save to establish himself as a safe space should she one day want to talk about things. And despite the fact that he's just made his offer, the fact that this human has returned it so readily still surprises him.] Oh--thank you. I do appreciate that. This cave has forced me to face down the more harrowing moments of my past time and time again... but if something new ever comes up and I find myself needing assistance or support, well. I will remember this offer.

[A pause, then he tries to help them away from such potentially troubling topics as he hefts the odd-looking... "squash" in one great white hand:] If you're as good with matters of the heart as you are with your botanical knowledge, then I shall be in good hands, I think.

[wendigoner]

Sure. [ And then he compliments her and she blushes. ] Oh, I'm not... I'm not that good. With any of that stuff.

[ Botanicals or otherwise. ]

Thanks, though. That's really sweet. [ He may be a big ice alien, something she's never seen before, but he's kinder than most of her human friends. ] And if you need any help with the soup, I can stop by. Just text me.

[glacius]

Thank you, I appreciate that. I likely will given the heat transfer inherent in the cooking process, but I'll try not to bother you with anything too inane. [This is said with a slight, self-depreciating grin.] For now, I will let you go. Would you like to be escorted back to your residence, or shall we part ways for the time being?

[wendigoner]

Aw, I don't mind. I doubt it'd be 'inane.'

[ Still, she offers a little grin. ]

I can find my way back, but thanks. [ Hannah replies, rising to her tip-toes. ] I think I want to look around here a little more, actually.

[glacius]

Very well. [Glacius bobs his head in a polite nod.] Thank you for your assistance today.

[With that he turns to leave, still carting that squash in his arms. Though he disappears shortly from view, he may still be lingering around the outskirts of the orchard... you know. Trying to be sure that no one or nothing slinks in and tries to cause problem for the kind young woman. It isn't until she departs safely that he allows his self-imposed vigil to end, and retires to his own apartment to try and figure out what to do about this whole soup business.]