Fantasy AUs

[nerdietalk]

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[phoenix_temple]

[ She friends with concern. ] You sound hoarse… would you like tea?

[fluidgender]

...ain't that just hot dirt water?

[phoenix_temple]

Have you never had tea before? My mother always made it for father when he came home.

[fluidgender]

Ma keeps trying to force it on me, but I just don't get it...

[phoenix_temple]

It might help your throat feel better, if you’d like to try.

Maybe we could… have some together?

[fluidgender]

[She looks doubtful but.]

I guess that's alright.

[phoenix_temple]

[ She nods!! And she’ll rush off toward— well she hopes toward the kitchen. She may have to ask for directions a few times. ]

[fluidgender]

[There's a very grumpy chef who clearly recognizes Fuu on sight but is pretending not to. He grouses about kids wandering in without any concern for people.]

[phoenix_temple]

[ Fuu bows very politely. Oversized cape and bloody shirt aside. ]

I am afraid the Young Lady Ranma is feeling a bit unwell. Her throat has been strained. Do you have a tea she might like? Something sweet, or herbal?

I apologize for asking a favor before formally introducing myself.

[fluidgender]

["Is she coughing up her insides? Cause I reckon tea ain't gonna do it for her."

Gestures to shirt.]

[phoenix_temple]

Oh—[ She looks down, blinking. ] oh, no, this is mine. I don’t know where my belongings were taken.

[fluidgender]

["Hmph. There's a storage room where staff bags are temporarily housed. Either that or your new room, wherever it might be. They ain't told you nothing? This place really is going to the dogs..."]

[phoenix_temple]

[ She shakes her head. ]

There was… an incident with the lord. He’s likely furious with me. I don’t imagine much of anyone would be willing to show me right now.

But I’d be happy to help, I can make the tea myself if you show me where to find the supplies.

[fluidgender]

[His grip visibly tightens within his crossed arms, but his face doesn't flinch. "Did I ask for yer life story?"

He turns, waving a hand mildly. "Come with me then. Goddess knows I have to do everything around here myself."]

[phoenix_temple]

[ Oh. She looks away. She’s made someone else upset. ]

I apologize. [ her voice is very small. How did her father manage here? She wishes she was half as confident as he seemed. ]

[fluidgender]

["Why?"]

[phoenix_temple]

I didn’t mean to bother you.

[fluidgender]

["So you'd agree that talking to you is a bother?"]

[phoenix_temple]

[ She looks startled. And then looks very ashamed of herself. ]

I-I can find the tea things if you just let me know.

[fluidgender]

[He sighs, back still turned. "Let's get to the kitchen. Don't dawdle."]

[phoenix_temple]

Yes, sir. [ She follows along, though uneasily. ]

[fluidgender]

[Its when they finally arrive in the kitchen that he turns around to regard her again.

"You slouchin'? My grandson slouches and its gonna ruin his back."]

[phoenix_temple]

[ She’s not slouching even a little. She stands with professionalism that most guards of a decade fail to pull off. ]

Father taught me not to. He said appearances and posture were very important for my role.

[fluidgender]

[He grunts. "Reasonable enough. Ain't the only important thing, still crucial."

He opens up one of the kitchen supply closets. There's a long shelf with plenty of tea leaves in jars.]

[phoenix_temple]

[ She peeks a little. She sees a few things that might be good. ]

… May I?