avalononline | [video] - un: pinkmemory

[This ought to come as no surprise, really. Aerith spends a decent amount of her free time in the flower shop and usually if she appears on Avalon's network, it's there. That's precisely where she is on today's little impromptu Camelot interruption.

Resting on her forearm against front desk counter, she wears a smile, though it's a bit lighter than she normally gives.]

It's been a while since I said anything on here and I realised I should probably fix that. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Aerith. I run a little flower shop here in the business district of the town. I was in the middle of putting a nice little patio setup outside for people who come by, but it's getting a bit colder, so I think that's going to have to be put on hold until it warms up again.

[Taking a pause to sip from the cup of tea at her side, she sets it down before she continues.]

I know I've said this before, but if any of you have flowers or seeds from your home, for whatever reason that you would, if you bring them to me, I'll try to grow you something. I'm also really interested in trying to crossbreed some flowers, especially from anything that might be capable of surviving the colder weather. If you've already purchased flowers from me and you're having trouble with them, you can pay me a visit any time and I'll fix them up for you.

[After a moment's consideration, she sinks down a bit, shifting to settle her chin in the palm of her hand.]

And you know, with the weather getting colder, it's easy to get sick. Make sure you're taking care of yourselves. I don't normally offer this, but I have some healing magic, so if you find yourself not feeling well, I might be able to help you out there. I'm not a doctor or anything, but I like to think I know marginally what I'm doing. At worst, I can make you a nice pot of tea.

[That seems to be all she has to say because not long after, she turns off her video and audio feed.]

[Private to Tifa - Text]
Hey, can I ask you to do a favour for me?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Familiarity has nothing to do with it.

[Though he'll certainly make a mental note of that.]

Your 'attention' was clearly not well-received.

[Aerith's responses are not the words of a fond friend, to say the least.]

And who are you to rush so quickly to her defense?

[There's a faint twitch at the corner of his mouth. A couple of weeks ago, he would have known how to answer that with some degree of certainty. Now? Perhaps not so much— but he supposes it's not where he stands with the woman in question that matters, so much as how he views himself.]

A friend, and one familiar enough to know that you aren't one. As such, seeing a situation cause her unease does concern me.

Her and I share many moments together. One which I remember quite well. You could say it holds a certain importance. Though if you are as familiar as you believe then I assume she's mentioned it to you.

[He's doing this on purpose.]

[He's absolutely doing this on purpose.

While with many others, such a statement could mean any number of things, there is one particular 'moment' that immediately comes to mind, one he knows Aerith isn't typically inclined to share with anyone, even those she considers close.

Balthier's gaze narrows sharply, unamused.]

If you're implying what I think you are, then I suggest you not do so lightly.

[If this man is truly willing to attach his name and face to the event Balthier is thinking of, then he is either a complete and utter fool or fears nothing. Perhaps both.]

[Sephiroth has something of a knowing smirk. Oh so this one knows. That's interesting. And he claims to be a friend of hers. That's certainly something to keep note of.]

That depends. What am I implying?

Nothing I would be so crass as to repeat in public.

[Especially considering he'd been asked, expressly, to keep it to himself. His expression remains hard, subtly studying the man on the other end of the feed.]

That you would speak of others' business so coyly says a great deal about your character— or lack thereof.

I don't recall giving any real indication to exactly which event I'm speaking of. You are basing this on an assumption. But if you wish to hear the details out in the open, I can oblige.

Don't.

[Even if they were referring to different events, which he highly doubts, he has absolutely no interest in entertaining that level of disrespect.]

Regardless of the event in question, gossip is in such poor taste, don't you think?

[And this would be far worse than that.]

I'd say words are better than the alternative, don't you agree?

[Not that he has any real interest in harming her. As mildly entertaining as it'd be to anger this person, he is not Cloud and at the moment that'd be the only reason Sephiroth might go after her.]

Quite, but they are not to be underestimated. They do harm enough on their own.

[There are countless ways to hurt someone. The fact that this man seems to take pleasure in making Aerith uncomfortable, in sniffing around in hopes of catching the scent of fear, even if only for a moment— it's more than enough to have Balthier on edge, on the alert.]

Leave her be.

And if I do not? Does the thought of coming after me tempt you? Do you you think you could save her?

[He's certainly fishing. Pushing random buttons down to see where the lines are. ]

[It's bait. He knows it's bait, but it has his hackles up just the same.]

Let's not test that particular theory.

[The tone in his voice, however, is anything but fearful. Though he doesn't say so openly, he recognizes the challenge.]

[It is most definitely bait.]

Why? Fear? For her?

[What has to happen to a person, he wonders, to make them feed on uneasiness in such a way? Regardless, Balthier remains unflinching.]

I'd be more worried about yourself, at this juncture.

[Wise? Probably not, but he's never been inclined to show or admit to fear in front of anyone, least of all a stranger who seems out to get his thrills.]

Oh I needn't worry. Though you should worry more for her. She has a habit of getting in the way of situations she should not. It ends rather tragically for her.

An inclination we share, truth be told.

[Fear is something he won't give this man the satisfaction of. He has never been the type to allow himself to be intimidated. His expression remains irate and otherwise unflinching.]

You seem rather fond of the sound of your own voice.

As are you for jumping in so heroically. Letting the world know you are a hero. Yet were I to do something, I wonder if you would succeed where others have failed?

This was hardly for anyone else's benefit. Trust me, if it were a performance, you would know.

[This hardly even rates on Balthier's typical theatrics scale.]

I'm not one easily given to failure.

If that is a challenge, I do not mind rising to it.

Nor I.

[Given much of what he's faced already, a single man hardly seems a major threat in comparison, and given the strong implications that have been put forth, he has no choice but to stand his ground.]

You seem the sort who is used to having intimidation on his side. You'll find I'm not so easily deterred.

[Having so many bullets on his person at all times does wonders for one's confidence.]

Nor am I. Though intimidation is not a tactic I often employ. It is not needed. Skill is always more important.

Indeed it is. I assure you, I have no shortage of that on my side, as well.

[Though whether or not either of them actually intends to show it remains to be seen. This posturing between the two of them is almost comical when one considers they've not even met in person, but Balthier knows himself well— were they to do so, the situation would quite rapidly escalate, especially considering his own temper these past weeks.]

Leave the lady be, and we'll have nought to worry about either way.

[video] - un: pinkmemory

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