[That sure is the Mother Teresa-esque route... A part of her almost wants to point out that someone's got to initiate the topic, which Lilith seems to doing a stellar job at steering clear of - granted, that may just be because she herself can be quite the chatterbox. Small talk is distracting, 'nuff said.
She'll settle for a 'very well' sigh, then!]
You talk as if you have all the time, freedom, and opportunities in the world. That's almost enviable... But isn't it harder in practice than theory? So much can be going on at once here, and people tend to be high-strung even during downtime.
Sometimes those who are highly strung only need a patient ear. Too many questions can feel like an interrogation to someone who may be reluctant to share, a silence with the illusion of time to spend freely can allow relaxation and even a normally silent tongue to begin sharing.
[There's no subtext there at all, it's clear she really doesn't mind the questions Ciel has been asking her and doesn't consider them an interrogation at all. But she is naturally calm and confident, someone less self assured may go on the defensive with a barrage of questions.]
okay granted she's the one who's spent a year masquerading as a highschool girl. She used to be the one smiling it off and helpfully filling silences when the awkwardness is practically PALPABLE from the other party - teenagers!! It happens. But okay, mature conversations here. Let's... not bring that up.]
I can only pray it is as you say, in that case. I'd argue it depends on the manner of delivery, but maybe it's just a difference in approach. What have you been doing to relax, then? I feel like sharing these sort of tips here may help everyone, haha.
[Awkward silences don't fluster Lilith, she simply lets them wash over her and keep waiting.]
I find nothing is better for relaxing than spending time with friends, even just a short while engaged in the company of someone you care about can make many burdens feel lighter.
she does chuckle lightly at that, though. it's not a surprising answer in the least, is it?]
Company really can make anything better, but just sitting around could get boring, too. What about some things you could do with others? People tend to complain about boredom too often enough, now that I think about it. Walks can only do so much for some, and there aren't any long beaches either, unfortunately...
[...because long walks by the beach is like the most cliched thing ever, but maybe she should've thought twice before making that joke--]
[The joke is perhaps an obvious one, but Lilith still smiles at it. Sometimes the most pleasant things are the moments of brevity that can be enjoyed between the trials here.]
Learning a new skill is always a valuable way to occupy time, and with the diversity of people resident here then it surely wouldn't be hard to find one to learn.
a reaction is nice, though. otherwise she'd feel derp for a second, but NO LONGER!]
Group quilting could be fun! I think I heard it suggested once. [she has because she gave it to Garry...] Or just sewing and knitting in general, it's even easier now that things can also be found in the underground section. The fighter types can find sparring partners or learn new styles, too. I admit I'm a bit surprised I haven't heard many request to those, come to think of it. It's good to stay in shape, if nothing else. Drawing and writing are out, unfortunately, but those are a few among many, right?
Exactly, so you see you already have many suggestions, you need not worry about boredom or having nothing to suggest should others complain of boredom.
[She takes a sip of the prepared tea, before finally prompting just a little.]
I do not believe you sought my out just to ask about the politics of my world and for boredom cures, may I ask what brought you to me today?
I think they're a bit bland and not all that all-encompassing, honestly. There must be more...!
[That gets her to calm down a little, eyes gaining a more sober glint as she sets her own cup down, now looking more pensive.]
...
Mm. I suppose it was rather sudden, wasn't it? [She quietly exhales.] Well... It is mostly about the former, to be honest. I wanted to know more about your world, because it's people from your world who's been with me and helped me out when I first got here. [It's technically not false...] I was hoping to get a better understanding from how things must be at home, but wars are never good topics no matter who you ask, are they? Aha, I'm sorry.
[She accepts that as a fair explanation, and she even feels a little pride and contentment to hear that people from her world had given this woman aid when she arrived in this strange world.]
Then I am afraid I am the wrong person to ask. Though we all share a common world, we are from greatly differing times and their world is much changed from the one I know.
[Ciel likes to busybody. Running errands for Cat is totally something enjoyable to do! And Petros is... Petros...
Oh well Inquisitor bros no questions asked
She nods in assent, and--
For a beat, she was wholly set on playing this off with surprise, act as if this is news. After all, why wouldn't it be? Who would be able to even guess, that the time gap between 'them' is well over 800 years? Ciel wouldn't have even hesitated at all, if this was closer to a year back.
But... well...
That was then, this is now, huh?
She gives a meek chuckle.]
That's okay, too. A great deal must've happened during a great gap, but they're still pieces that make up the whole, right?
[She won't pretend this is a shock, if... nothing else.]
[you tend to overthink things when the topic matters to you. AT LEAST SHE DIDN'T KNOCK HERSELF COMPLETELY LOOSE... letting something like 'I know' slip would be, uh, more questionable, probably...
Plus, it's already somewhat rare, for people of the same world to be separated by large gaps in time. ...To her experience at least, which is somewhat considerable even if it may still be a narrow take. at least she can maybe pat herself on the back, for not lying straight out for once--!
Her eyelids droop, and her gaze drops down to the cup, idly staring into the ripples of what little liquid remaining.]
...It seemed like a lot has happened, and I didn't want to bring up anything that might be difficult to talk about.
[She assumes that it is Abel that has helped her since arrival, simply due to the fact that they share a room and he would have been in the right proximity.
She can't blame Ciel for not wanting to hurt him. For all his silliness and feigned smiles, he has a vulnerability that exposes a raw grief terrible to behold.]
Sometimes discussing painful topics cannot be avoided, and for a friendship to deepen they should not be shied from.
[No need to correct that assumption even if it was voiced. She's already coasting by with half-truths as it stands, also doing a good job of omitting Mayfield history altogether. That part isn't relevant to their current setting, after all, and personal impacts are matters for her own consideration.]
There's a time for all things, as the saying goes. We have all this free time here to boot, so it may be best to go at our leisure instead of taking too much rush, I'd think?
[Aha... She feels like a dork right now. Which. Probably isn't too far from the truth either, is it?]
[yes she's getting the distinct feeling this is indirect advice... Not things new to her, no, but we all need reminders to nudge us back to the right direction once in a while, right?
So her eyes are quiet and thoughtful, her gaze cast aside and downward but also showing rather obvious signs of seriously mulling this over.]
I'm not sure about 'rewards'... [she doesn't want anything, at least not for herself.] But there has to be more to it than just time, too...
[nevermind the fact that this conversation sounds super vague on the surface... Ciel's pretty much resigned to the fact that this is going to be obvious regardless, but oh well. Besides, if shredding through the transparency is okay with one person, she's facing that woman now, so let's. Just keep rolling with it--!]
[She had meant rewards in the sense of being rewarded with his trust, and with the information that she so clearly desired.]
Most men respond well to patience and kindness, there is little else that needs to be offered.
[She's found that as a universal truth, whether dealing with Abel or any other human, male or female... what everyone wants is someone to be there for them, waiting.]
She'll chuckle softly at that. Not awkward actually, because there's certainly truth to that. Ciel knows it's her own problem, if the words sound way too simple and idealistic from her personal perspective.]
It would solve much of the entire world's problem if everyone could do that everywhere, wouldn't it?
[They are idealistic views, but that doesn't stop them from holding a kernel of truth at the centre.]
Perhaps, though some problems require action and immediate decision. There is a time and place for both, but in matters of friendship I believe patience to be best.
Naturally. The world would be awfully stale, if everything was in rigid absolutes with no means of changing. But that's not how God has made us, is it? So it would be a big shame to waste that potential, haha.
[She takes a small sip, her shoulders relaxing.]
I think I can see why you would work wonders for the church, miss Lilith. Have you been with the faith since you were young?
[She smiles back warmly, feeling the soft click of something old, familiar, and... not uncomfortable, not at all, settle in place somewhere deep down.
[Number of people who really cares in this room: 0]
Certainly. Teachings are just words in textbook and stories passed from mouth to ear without the people's actions that put them to practice, right? He has set us an example, and though He has died for our sins, we must nevertheless continue to carry our own cross.
[SHE REALLY DOES AGREE THOUGH. Even if she might be somewhat catty cheeky in expressing the sentiment...]
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She'll settle for a 'very well' sigh, then!]
You talk as if you have all the time, freedom, and opportunities in the world. That's almost enviable... But isn't it harder in practice than theory? So much can be going on at once here, and people tend to be high-strung even during downtime.
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[There's no subtext there at all, it's clear she really doesn't mind the questions Ciel has been asking her and doesn't consider them an interrogation at all. But she is naturally calm and confident, someone less self assured may go on the defensive with a barrage of questions.]
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okay granted she's the one who's spent a year masquerading as a highschool girl. She used to be the one smiling it off and helpfully filling silences when the awkwardness is practically PALPABLE from the other party - teenagers!! It happens. But okay, mature conversations here. Let's... not bring that up.]
I can only pray it is as you say, in that case. I'd argue it depends on the manner of delivery, but maybe it's just a difference in approach. What have you been doing to relax, then? I feel like sharing these sort of tips here may help everyone, haha.
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I find nothing is better for relaxing than spending time with friends, even just a short while engaged in the company of someone you care about can make many burdens feel lighter.
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she does chuckle lightly at that, though. it's not a surprising answer in the least, is it?]
Company really can make anything better, but just sitting around could get boring, too. What about some things you could do with others? People tend to complain about boredom too often enough, now that I think about it. Walks can only do so much for some, and there aren't any long beaches either, unfortunately...
[...because long walks by the beach is like the most cliched thing ever, but maybe she should've thought twice before making that joke--]
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Learning a new skill is always a valuable way to occupy time, and with the diversity of people resident here then it surely wouldn't be hard to find one to learn.
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a reaction is nice, though. otherwise she'd feel derp for a second, but NO LONGER!]Group quilting could be fun! I think I heard it suggested once. [she has because she gave it to Garry...] Or just sewing and knitting in general, it's even easier now that things can also be found in the underground section. The fighter types can find sparring partners or learn new styles, too. I admit I'm a bit surprised I haven't heard many request to those, come to think of it. It's good to stay in shape, if nothing else. Drawing and writing are out, unfortunately, but those are a few among many, right?
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[She takes a sip of the prepared tea, before finally prompting just a little.]
I do not believe you sought my out just to ask about the politics of my world and for boredom cures, may I ask what brought you to me today?
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[That gets her to calm down a little, eyes gaining a more sober glint as she sets her own cup down, now looking more pensive.]
...
Mm. I suppose it was rather sudden, wasn't it? [She quietly exhales.] Well... It is mostly about the former, to be honest. I wanted to know more about your world, because it's people from your world who's been with me and helped me out when I first got here. [It's technically not false...] I was hoping to get a better understanding from how things must be at home, but wars are never good topics no matter who you ask, are they? Aha, I'm sorry.
[She ducks her head a little at that.]
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Then I am afraid I am the wrong person to ask. Though we all share a common world, we are from greatly differing times and their world is much changed from the one I know.
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Oh well Inquisitor bros
She nods in assent, and--
For a beat, she was wholly set on playing this off with surprise, act as if this is news. After all, why wouldn't it be? Who would be able to even guess, that the time gap between 'them' is well over 800 years? Ciel wouldn't have even hesitated at all, if this was closer to a year back.
But... well...
That was then, this is now, huh?
She gives a meek chuckle.]
That's okay, too. A great deal must've happened during a great gap, but they're still pieces that make up the whole, right?
[She won't pretend this is a shock, if... nothing else.]
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She sees no reason why Ciel should be surprised, there are others here from different timelines in their worlds, it doesn't seem to be too uncommon.]
You're right, though I must wonder why you do not ask the ones you are grateful to for this information.
[It's not that she minds, far from it, but surely that would be easier and less roundabout.]
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Plus, it's already somewhat rare, for people of the same world to be separated by large gaps in time. ...To her experience at least, which is somewhat considerable even if it may still be a narrow take. at least she can maybe pat herself on the back, for not lying straight out for once--!
Her eyelids droop, and her gaze drops down to the cup, idly staring into the ripples of what little liquid remaining.]
...It seemed like a lot has happened, and I didn't want to bring up anything that might be difficult to talk about.
[Anything painful, to be precise...]
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She can't blame Ciel for not wanting to hurt him. For all his silliness and feigned smiles, he has a vulnerability that exposes a raw grief terrible to behold.]
Sometimes discussing painful topics cannot be avoided, and for a friendship to deepen they should not be shied from.
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There's a time for all things, as the saying goes. We have all this free time here to boot, so it may be best to go at our leisure instead of taking too much rush, I'd think?
[Aha... She feels like a dork right now. Which. Probably isn't too far from the truth either, is it?]
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[Especially if they were talking about Abel. He was a man that responded to kindness, encouragement, and patience.]
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So her eyes are quiet and thoughtful, her gaze cast aside and downward but also showing rather obvious signs of seriously mulling this over.]
I'm not sure about 'rewards'... [she doesn't want anything, at least not for herself.] But there has to be more to it than just time, too...
[nevermind the fact that this conversation sounds super vague on the surface... Ciel's pretty much resigned to the fact that this is going to be obvious regardless, but oh well. Besides, if shredding through the transparency is okay with one person, she's facing that woman now, so let's. Just keep rolling with it--!]
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Most men respond well to patience and kindness, there is little else that needs to be offered.
[She's found that as a universal truth, whether dealing with Abel or any other human, male or female... what everyone wants is someone to be there for them, waiting.]
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[HERP just gonna. quietly and sheepishly chuckle that off.
...
a short pause while she picks at her cup and takes another sip isn't TOO awkward, r-right...]
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If you care for one another, that is the first hurdle overcome and most others can be navigated by trusting one another and listening to each other.
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JUST PUTTING THAT OUT THERE
She'll chuckle softly at that. Not awkward actually, because there's certainly truth to that. Ciel knows it's her own problem, if the words sound way too simple and idealistic from her personal perspective.]
It would solve much of the entire world's problem if everyone could do that everywhere, wouldn't it?
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Perhaps, though some problems require action and immediate decision. There is a time and place for both, but in matters of friendship I believe patience to be best.
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[She takes a small sip, her shoulders relaxing.]
I think I can see why you would work wonders for the church, miss Lilith. Have you been with the faith since you were young?
[She smiles back warmly, feeling the soft click of something old, familiar, and... not uncomfortable, not at all, settle in place somewhere deep down.
...Mm, this'll do, more than enough.]
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Not at all. Though I believe in God's spirit, I see Him more in the goodness and amazing feats of humanity, than in the bible or the church walls.
[Possibly not the most sanctimonious thing for the Holy Madonna to say.]
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Certainly. Teachings are just words in textbook and stories passed from mouth to ear without the people's actions that put them to practice, right? He has set us an example, and though He has died for our sins, we must nevertheless continue to carry our own cross.
[SHE REALLY DOES AGREE THOUGH. Even if she might be somewhat
cattycheeky in expressing the sentiment...](no subject)
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