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Post by DataNinja on Oct 6, 2021 0:08:08 GMT
Thel laughs. "I feel like you know more about all of this than I do. You'd think you were the student here." Her confidence is encouraging, though, and he takes a deep breath, before slipping out before the crowd. "Good evening, everyone," he says, with more confidence than he feels. "For those of you who don't know, I'm Thel Lucasta, and I'll be your hostess tonight. I look forwards to getting to know each of you over the course of this dinner - or getting to know you better for those I've already met." He stumbles more than once over his words, but makes sure to not dwell on it, just pushing forwards. "Appetizers are going to be coming around momentarily, so please enjoy. I'll note that dinner later will contain fish, so please mention when you get served if you'd prefer the vegetarian option instead. Thank you and, please, enjoy the night."Charm: 23
Focus: 8 |
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Oct 6, 2021 20:20:29 GMT
Despite what was likely staged points of conflict, Thel managed to keep his cool through the evening and gets passable but not flying marks, something Jesse consoles him on after things begin to wind down at the end of the meal.
"No one gets top marks on this project, it is intentionally needled and nitpicked because that is what is expected in high society, but hey, you passed! You can breathe easy. This was the big one for this course and it's over."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 6, 2021 23:58:50 GMT
Contrary to what Jesse seems to think, Thel's ecstatic. And emotionally exhausted. But mostly the former. "Jesse, I'm just happy I didn't make a complete fool of myself!" he says, excitedly. "I had no idea what to expect, and was very nervous. Never done anything like this before, or even been to one!"
Then the exhaustion really starts to hit home, and he just lapses into soft laughter. "Thank you for your help, Jesse. And... everyone else." It's over. It's not the hardest thing that he'll have to do even in probably the next twelve hours... but it gives him some confidence.
He looks around for Em, to give her a hug.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Oct 7, 2021 21:08:55 GMT
"You should have some supper for yourself you know. A good meal goes a really long way to building you up for greatness.". Jazz teased, as Em slid in behind him, chin hooked over his shoulder. "You would have fit right in at the tea room, you'll earn that kimono yet.". She giggled.
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 8, 2021 0:10:49 GMT
Thel laughs. "Ah, I'd almost forgotten about wanting one of those," he says, smiling. "And... yeah, Jazz, I should eat. Even if I don't feel hungry... I'm probably hungry."
"So, before I head back to the Gym, need to do a bit of shopping, and go take care of the Ampharos in the lighthouse," he says to Em. "That's what I was doing before you came by this morning. Need to take care of them with all this rain. You want to come along? If you don't mind, I could use another set of hands, since Patience took all my Pokémon with her." He laughs again.
Right now... he's feeling pretty good. Though, the worries are starting to creep back. About the next day, about the rain, about people having problems with why Em was here...
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6,672 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Oct 11, 2021 23:52:53 GMT
"Sure, I wouldn't mind going back out for a bit now that your exam is over.". Taking the time to get changed to deal with the rain and not ruin his new outfit, Thel an Em head out into a light misting. There is measured confusion as the umbrella is lowered. The unnaturally dark clouds have lightened to a soft white and begin breaking apart, freeing shafts of sunlight and blue skies.
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 12, 2021 2:05:49 GMT
"I..." Thel says, gaping at the skies, before breaking into a smile. "She did it. Oh, Muku, I'm so proud of you. I knew you'd pull it off."
He rests his head on Em's shoulder, just taking in the fine mist in the air, and beaming at the rainbow the sun seems to be causing. "Maybe we'll be able to see the sunset from the lighthouse. It's getting about that time. ...I'm sure the Ampharos especially are going to be happy about this."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Oct 12, 2021 19:09:18 GMT
"They must have been working very hard this whole time.". Em replies calmly, arm around his waist and leaning back against him. "Maybe we should let them have some fresh air and a chance to stretch and play before feeding them? I know I'd want some time outside after a forever rain."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 12, 2021 23:43:17 GMT
"Oh, they have... between the two of them, they've been providing light all day and night for the last week," Thel says. "I'm in awe at their strength."
He thinks about the logistics of the lighthouse. "Hmm... I'm not sure how well that'd work. We can ask them, but I don't know how well they can get up and down the ladders. Especially with how tired they probably are. I figure it's a toss up between wanting to be outside, and wanting to sleep."
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6,672 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Oct 13, 2021 1:03:32 GMT
When the lighthouse is made for and climbed the answers reveal themselves. The Ampharos are content to watch the sunset together, knowing that tomorrow will be better. They can rest and play through the day and keep each other company. Then it's back to splitting an easy shift again.
Em is in good spirits, helping Thel prepare food and change bedding with a quiet contentment, when it's all finished they watch the creeping dusk in the chilly sea air.
"Today was everything I could have ever wanted.". She broached quietly. "Are you sure tomorrow has to be you, and you alone?"
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 13, 2021 1:09:35 GMT
For a long moment, Thel doesn't answer, just watching the colours in the air, as the air clears, and a sense of hope and joy seems to be promised. The sun likely has no idea what will happen.
"I'm sure…" he says quietly, at last. "I wish it could be otherwise. But... I won't be alone. I'll have my Pokémon. And I'll have a little bit of you." He rests one of his hands atop hers where a ring would be. "I will come back to you, my love. I... I have to."
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6,672 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Oct 14, 2021 19:10:41 GMT
"I trust you.". Em replied softly, the purples, oranges, and reds of sunset reflected across her eyes. "The sun will rise tomorrow, and we will greet it together... Every... Every day after that, we can celebrate. No moment wasted. Romance, adventure, family..." Her lamenting tone rose and she smiled, twining her fingers with his.
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 14, 2021 23:47:21 GMT
"No moment has ever been wasted," Thel says, quietly, "so long as I've been with you."
Despite the air getting ever colder from the sea breeze as the sun dips below the horizon, Thel feels warm inside. He's content. If there's been a day to be a last day... this is a pretty good one to have.
But, it's not yet over. First, shopping, to grab some stuff for tomorrow. Then, heading back to the Gym. See everyone again, his Pokémon and Patience, and spend some one-on-one time with each. Brushies for Serenity, holding for Bliss... just giving everyone some time for what they most want.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Oct 19, 2021 20:03:15 GMT
The clerk in the Mart seems more energetic then usual, probably something about there actually being business and it not torrentially downpouring. "Ah! Thel, is it? Jasmine said you might be by today. I've been holding onto the beach market stock during the wet weather too. Feel free to pick from whatever catches your eye."
(Load for bear, no item restrictions provided they have a cost listed in the book and aren't also illegal.)
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 20, 2021 0:06:57 GMT
"Thank you," Thel says, smiling. "I really do appreciate it. It means the world to me."He looks through the various supplies, mostly loading up on medicines, but also grabbing some charms that apparently help Pokémon focus their power, some herbs and vitamins, and a better pair of shoes for himself. Also a bottle of sky blue nail polish for Patience. Thel buys:
10 Bandages
10 Hyper Potions
5 Full Restores
5 Full Heals
2 HP Ups
2 Attack Boosters
1 Sp. Attack Booster
2 White Herbs
Running Shoes
And has 5725 left over, mostly for food. With that all settled... it seems like he's good to head back and settle down with his family for the evening. He can't wait to see them all again.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Oct 20, 2021 20:50:52 GMT
Family, he calls it.
Thel certainly returns to something alright. Serenity has Hope in her mouth like a disgruntled koosh ball and is laying on top of a frazzled looking patience. Harmony are carrying Bliss around like royalty and she seems to absolutely be loving it. Jasmine is in the far corner speaking reassuringly to her Aggron, who looks worse for wear.
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 20, 2021 23:47:49 GMT
Thel has to look over things several times as he and Em return to... definitely something.
"Uh, hi all," he says, giggling, and just trying to figure things out. "What exactly is going on around here?" He reaches out to connect with them all again, hoping that that helps him understand.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Oct 21, 2021 2:50:23 GMT
Apparently Hope was instigating as she does, which baited Harmony into a fight with the Aggron they didn't want. Bliss stepped in, in a big way and the Falinks has been treating her like royalty since. Serenity got ahold of Hope and hasn't let go. Hope doesn't like being wet.
Em kneels beside Patience and makes some small attempt to fix her hair, smoothing it back.
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 21, 2021 3:26:22 GMT
Thel sighs, with a bit of a sad smile. "Hope..." he gently chides the small bug, though there's no malice in it, as he crouches next to the pile of human and Pokemon. "I understand you like having fun, but... sometimes it isn't the best idea to follow through on."
"For one thing, it isn't fair to Bastion to get caught up in it all... this is his home, and we're just guests. They would be well within their rights to tell us to go elsewhere for this. But, for another... I know you like getting a rise out of people, but if you do it to the wrong person at the wrong time, people will get hurt. Whether friends or not. That... it isn't a good thing, Hope. Not everyone loves jokes and teasing all the time and... it's important to know when those times are, okay?"
"Can we please let her go, Serenity?" he asks, as he gently attempts to guide the Ribombee from the mouth into his hands. "Hope, what do you say about us going up and apologizing to Bastion and Jasmine? Does that sound like something we can do?" He trusts her to do the right thing. She always has, in the end.
He looks over at Patience. "Oh, I, uh, I forgot in the excitement. I got something for you when we were out." He brings out the bottle of polish from one of the bags, and hands it to her. "Hope you like it."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Oct 21, 2021 20:21:18 GMT
Hope folds her tiny arms across her chest and pouts at being lectured. Serenity does gingerly release the bug, but gives her a big wet lick across the face to add insult to injury. She is quite pleased with herself.
"Oh... You didn't have to do that Thel, but thank you, thank you so so much! I can't wait to put it on..." Patience is genuinely excited for the gift. She pauses now and then to give Em a gauging look.
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