[center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjU0LmYwMTcwYS5VMk5vYjI5c0lGTnJhWEEsLjIAAAAA/shlop.regular.png[/img][/center]
[center][sub]Dates: November 9th - December 6th[/sub][/center]

[hider=11/??: Ben and Amaris]
[center]The Gift[/center]

“[color=f49ac2]I thought the clerk said it was supposed to be somewhere over here.[/color]” Amaris grumbled to herself as she continued to scan the shelf for the desired title. The Countess had been overdue on an update to her book collection and thought she might stock up on a few titles that she couldn’t get at the academy library. Already she had gathered a small stack of novels varying in genres bundled in the crevice of her left arm while she ran the index finger of her right along the spines she was searching through. The final title on her list was a guide on the mixing of paints that she had been trying to get her hands on for about a month or two and that had finally come back into stock, however, she was struggling to locate it where she thought it should have been. 

“[color=f49ac2]Maybe it’s one more ov-[/color]” Amaris spun around to check a nearby set of shelves but found her path unexpectedly blocked. Having failed to notice the presence of another shopper, Amaris wound up slamming straight into the solid force resulting in a rather unceremonious fall. The stack of books she had been holding onto scattered around her as  backside met ground, though she ended up looking more stunned overall than hurt by the fall. “[color=f49ac2]Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you standing there, are you alright?[/color]” She asked from the ground, head tilted up to address whoever she had collided with.

Curiosity had led Ben to the bookstore; after a few months getting acquainted with the academy grounds he decided it was past time to get familiar with the small town nearby as well. The bookstore was quaint but filled with all sorts of literature ranging from educational to recreational. A book to pass the time would do him well, he had decided, and so he spent the better half of an hour perusing the shelves. 

He had planted himself in front of one such shelf as he had chosen a book on the art of tea making when he was bumped into. Had it not been for the resulting crash of books, he would have been embarrassed to admit he hardly noticed the contact. Snapping his book shut on practiced habit, Ben looked around for a moment before laying his eyes on the countess. This was one way to make a first impression; gone was the formal introduction he had crafted for the soiree later this week.

Ben dutifully placed the book back in its place before offering the countess a hand. [color=C0C0C0]“My sincerest apologies, Countess Marivaldi,”[/color] He said. 

“[color=f49ac2]Ah, thank you.[/color]” She responded as she accepted the man’s offered hand, righting herself once again. Amaris took a moment to brush out the wrinkles on the bottom of her sweater before returning her attention to the person standing before her. His face was somewhat familiar to the Countess however she found she could not place him further than as one of her classmates. Clearly he knew who she was as he had addressed her by her family name but that only served to add to a creeping feeling of guilt that she could not do the same.

“[color=f49ac2]Seems the embarrassments are stacking up for me today, I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. You know my name but I do not know yours.[/color]” Her smile was apologetic as she stooped to quickly scoop the books that had fallen closest to her. 

Ben mimicked the countess as he knelt down to help gather the scattered books. Once they were all picked up he would stand. It was not surprising that the countess did not know who he was, although he briefly had a minor sense of deja vu to when he had met Count Sinnenodel. The princess had advised him that the two were opposites however so he did not expect a repetition of that meeting. At least, he hoped not.

[color=C0C0C0]“We haven’t met as far as I am aware,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“I am Count Benjamin Pierce Eve. I had hoped to properly introduce myself this weekend.”[/color]

“[color=f49ac2]Of course, Count Eve. I was looking forward to making your acquaintance later, but I suppose it doesn’t hurt to get it over with early. Please, feel free to call me Amaris if you’d like.[/color]” The Countess shuffled the weight of her books around so that she had a better grip on them, determined to keep them off the ground for the foreseeable future. “[color=f49ac2]Nothing quite like inadvertently trying to tackle someone to make a first impression. Hopefully I’ll find the opportunity to correct that. [/color]” Amaris couldn’t help but to chuckle at the situation she had found herself in. At the very least it had momentarily distracted her from the frustrations of her search.

“[color=f49ac2]So what brings you through? Looking for something specific or just taking a look around, if you don’t mind my asking that is?[/color]” The Countess couldn’t spot anything in his possession that resembled a purchase, though she could have written it off as the Count having not found his desired item just yet. It was also, unfortunately, the only subject of conversation she could think of to continue moving away from what was already an unfortunate first meeting.

The first name basis was unexpected, but he had heard more than once that the main branch of the Marivaldi family was odd more than once. Perhaps this was an attempt to break the ice, albeit one he did not expect for some time to come. He laughed politely as she did, but he could not help but notice she seemed to struggle with her books. As far as he was aware she was a pureblood vampire. She was, however, the current heiress, surely there was little reason for her to lift a finger in her home. Transitioning to having to do things herself must have led to a lesser strength.

[color=C0C0C0]“A look around indeed. The academy’s library is expansive but I prefer to take my time with my readings and am always looking for books to add to my collection,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“A healthy bookshelf is always a wonderful sight.”[/color]

Ben then looked to the countess’ books. [color=C0C0C0]“You seem to be struggling, would you like me to carry them?”[/color] He asked.

“[color=f49ac2]I couldn’t agree more. A shame I couldn’t transport my personal collection when I came to the Academy, but I have to admit that it is a beautiful opportunity to expand my library.[/color]” Amaris found herself taken somewhat by surprise at the Count’s question, her eyes trailing down to books she had gathered as he offered to assist her. She hadn’t thought of herself as struggling with them per se, but even she couldn’t deny that she hadn’t exactly been displaying her best so far. Ever since her experiences with the recent exam, Amaris had found herself feeling somewhat out of sync. She couldn’t say that she felt particularly sore or fatigued but a minor disconnect between her mind and body. To her it had been proof that she had a lot more room for improvement than she had previously thought.

“[color=f49ac2]Well, it would be rude to decline such a polite offer. I wouldn’t mind the assistance if you’re insisting but in return, how about I help you pick out something new for your collection?[/color]” She countered. There was still the one additional book she had to find but she figured shopping around with him might make for a decent opportunity. What better way to learn a little about her fellow noble than in an environment far more relaxed than some party?

Ben held his arms out until the books were passed to him and nodded in agreement. He hadn’t originally planned on buying anything but now was as good an excuse to make a purchase as any other time. His initial desire to read more about tea making would be set aside as he skimmed the books in front of him. What would be a good topic to research? Crossbows were his initial choice but he was unsure how the countess would react to that. Something gentler perhaps. He remembered he did intend to give Lilie a small reward for her hard work after the practical; perhaps it was overdue, but it was a start.

[Color=C0C0C0]"I'll take any advice on a reward for my mage, then, if you would be so kind,"[/color] Ben said. [Color=C0C0C0]"I'll admit I have never been one for gift giving."[/color]

“[color=f49ac2]Certainly. I find gifts to be an interesting beast, they sort of force you to face the reality of your relationship to the recipient. You can really learn a lot from a gift.[/color]” Amaris smiled warmly at the Count before her expression was consumed by thought. He had used the word reward over any other phrasing when he had made his request. For her that usually meant something positive, a selection that ought to be more personalized than it was random.

“[color=f49ac2]A reward should probably be more about her than it is about you so what would you say are some of Lilie’s interests are?[/color]” The only information she had about the young mage had been second hand from Cassandra, and even then she never pushed for information. So far, all of her attempts to befriend the girl had failed. Each time Lilie had either cooly cast her off or had found an excuse to flee the area whenever Amaris had tried to reach out. She couldn’t understand what she might have done wrong to warrant such avoidance, but Amaris had little choice other than to respect it. Because of these failures, Amaris knew next to nothing about the Count’s mage. Her hope was that Benjamin might know more about Lilie than she so that they could pick out something properly. 

Ben wasn't entirely sure if he was in complete agreement with facing any sort of reality, but at the very least he wasn't concerned with the current pleasantness between himself and his mage. At this point in time he could comfortably admit they had found some semblance of a groove between them. Their rocky beginning would eventually be seen as a distant memory if he had anything to say about it. 

[Color=C0C0C0]"She is a simple child, fortunately; the effort is appreciated more than the gift itself,"[/color] Ben said. [Color=C0C0C0]"While I have been raising her vocal abilities I have noticed she has a few mortal talents: floral arranging, a few crafts that consist of folding paper into different shapes, and cooking. The latter is my assumption purely by view and scent, of course, but she has mentioned her family owns a bakery. I safely assume that takes skill to remain in business through generations."[/color]

“[color=f49ac2]Simplicity sounds rather refreshing.[/color]” Amaris mused, running through the Count’s list in her head. From what she was being told Lilie’s hobbies weren’t just simple, they were elegant and yet so temporary. What beauty Lilie could create from flowers and scraps of paper could be made eternal with just a few dabs of paint from upon the Countess’ canvas, but she supposed that was the point. How mortal indeed.

As for her baking, the Countess couldn’t help but draw a comparison to her own Maddie and her cooking, after all, that was how she was first introduced to the mage. Scanning the immediate area, Amaris searched for something that might relate to the hobbies the Count Eve had observed.

“[color=f49ac2]We could try the crafts section to see if they have any recipe collections that might interest her. Alternatively, something concerning the language of flowers might help to inspire more diverse arrangements… and who knows, maybe it will come in handy for a future exam.[/color]”

Crafts would likely be the right direction, Ben agreed. The mention of a 'language' confused him for a moment. Floral arranging was considered an art to some but considering it a language came off as strange to him. It must have had to do with what they symbolized. At least, that was his assumption; he couldn't say for sure as he had little knowledge on the subject. Now he was truly curious to learn more and with the perfect alibi to boot.

[Color=C0C0C0]"A language involving flowers would certainly appeal to someone named after one,"[/color] Ben said. [Color=C0C0C0]"I can't say I have any knowledge in that area. Do lead the way."[/color]

Amaris nodded her head and led the way to the section marked for crafts. It was filled with miscellaneous topics ranging from cooking and baking to activities such as knitting and drawing. The diversity in available information excited the Countess and she made sure to mentally note a return for herself at a later time; there was no telling what she would be able to find for Maddie or herself if given enough time. Looking around, Amaris finally spotted the subsection dedicated to all things flora.

“[color=f49ac2]It’s an interesting concept. We’re so used to languages of a spoken or written nature that it’s easy to overlook the subtlety of a visual one. While I might have a limited knowledge on the flower portion, it’s not too different from color theory.[/color]” Glancing around, the Countess searched for a place to start their search. A few titles caught her eyes, though they turned out to be mostly about tips for proper growth and maintenance of varying species. She considered pulling a volume to suggest an opportunity for Lilie to cultivate her own garden, but she wasn’t quite ready to give up yet and offer an alternative.

Amaris scanned further down the aisle to where some of the encyclopedic volumes sat before finally spotting what she originally had in mind. Gently pulling the object from its place in the row, Amaris smiled down at its title; [i]Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Language of Flowers[/i]. Opening the cover to peek inside rewarded the Countess with pages upon pages of vibrant colors and excerpts detailing each species’ history, meaning, and uses. With a smile, Amaris turned the decorated cover in the Count’s direction so that he could see it as well.

“[color=f49ac2]It’s a very intricate practice, or so it would seem. Just by changing the color of a single flower you can completely change the nature of the message. I wonder what it has to say about lilies. Shall we take a peek?[/color]” 

The power of floral language could prove useful down the line if he decided to enlist Lilie’s services in his home. He wasn’t aware of those intricacies Amaris spoke of. It completely fascinated him and he found himself eager to learn more. Lilie wouldn’t mind a second handed gift, or so he hoped. 

[color=C0C0C0]“I’m interested,”[/color] Ben said.

“[color=f49ac2]Let’s see…[/color]” She hummed, thumbing through the pages until she came across a few excerpts concerning lilies. “[color=f49ac2]White lilies appear to represent majestic beauty and purity. How lovely.[/color]” Amaris sighed before shifting her gaze to the water lily. 

To her recollection, Cassandra had never come right out and told Amaris about Lilie’s affinity, although the Countess had pieced together a guess through many context clues and several class observations. If she had guessed correctly, Lilie was supposed to be a water mage. So what did the book have to offer on that? “[color=f49ac2]But a water lily is indicative of eloquence and persuasion. All good qualities to live up to where namesakes are concerned.[/color]” 

Purity was accurate; the child was hopelessly naive. It was a dangerous trait to have but Ben would be lying if he didn’t admit that it stirred something in him. He was more sympathetic to her than his other mages, albeit he always thought it was because of her background. To most he supposed he could understand why it was seen positively even if he did feel somewhat concerned about it. 

Regardless of meaning Ben did find himself enjoying the language. He couldn’t say he was an expert in botany and simply saw them as decorative more often than not but it was interesting. He wondered who decided what each flower meant. This was going to be a fascinating read, he could already tell. The subtle art of messaging his allies and foes could be accomplished with a simple bouquet. What a comical thought!

[color=C0C0C0]“She is a little frail for my taste and a lack of background is curious for one assigned to nobility, but...the princess has her reasons, I’m sure,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“Either way I will see to it that she lives up to her namesakes’ meaning.”[/color]

“[color=f49ac2]Perhaps. Or she might have no reason at all and everything was left up to the whims of fate. But who are we to know such things?[/color]” She countered with a shrug and short laugh. Amaris wondered about the probability of the Count having heard about the removal of her first partner. If the princess had a reason for such a match-up, she still couldn’t fully figure it out. The Countess shifted her eyes back down to the book with an amused grin.

“[color=f49ac2]You know, it’s sort of ironic. I had pulled from a similar cask of knowledge to this during the exam. How fitting that it might become a reward for someone’s performance from the same event. So what do you think? Does it meet your approval or should we look for something else instead?[/color]” 

That was certainly one way to look at it. Ben smiled politely at the countess’ laugh and put the thought out of mind for the moment. He wasn’t foolish enough to question the princess directly nor was he keen on getting on her bad side. For all his talk of remaining neutral he was being quite opinionated. A correction would follow. Instead he eyed the book for a moment before looking around.

[color=C0C0C0]“One or two more in addition to it would do well,”[/color] He said. [color=C0C0C0]“Starting up a mage’s bookcase is a reward in and of itself, don’t you agree?”[/color]

It was mostly an excuse to keep looking around but he wouldn’t go admitting that much just yet. His intentions, however, were completely sincere.

“[color=f49ac2]A very generous reward, and one I fully support.[/color]” She nodded her agreement before putting her eyes back to work. “[color=f49ac2]Depending on what skills you’d like to cultivate, there are plenty of options left. You could make her flower arrangements more self sufficient with gardening guides to compliment the floriography book. We can pop over two aisles to the cooking section and find some new recipes for her. You could also share a little bit of yourself with her by gifting a copy of one of your favorites to start off her collection as well.[/color]” The Countess found it difficult to curb her enthusiasm. She couldn’t tell what it was that she enjoyed so much, but, at the very least, it was a nice change of pace to be able to shop with someone other than just herself. While she wouldn’t admit it, Maddie had already done a far better job at making friends than she had, and the mage had only been at the school a fraction of the time. The Count was a long way from being anything considered a friend, but she didn’t get the sense that she was walking on needles like she did with Varis, which certainly made the whole ordeal much easier. 

Cultivating skills from a mage that lived their life as a human was easier said than done. All of the mage’s talents were firmly in an area where humans could find usage and admiration but were otherwise useless to him. He honestly hated to admit that much no matter how true it was. Judging from the countess’ remarks, however, he couldn’t say that out loud without drawing some ire. 

[color=C0C0C0]“All very good suggestions,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“Let me see...”[/color]

Ben did not let his eyes wander too much despite the multitude of titles enticing him. He would have to return to satiate his curiosity another time. Which books would look nice on Lilie’s shelf? He did catch her tending to the flowers in front of the dorm so the countess’ suggestion was spot on.

[color=C0C0C0]“A gardening book will do nicely. After that, going over to the cooking section should round the trio off. Aside from magic books I don’t believe she reads for pleasure, though I could be wrong. I’ll double check her room for the future once I return,”[/color] Ben said. [color=C0C0C0]“Do you use this tactic with your mage as well?”[/color]

The Countess didn’t respond to his inquiry right away, instead hiding her face by reaching to check another nearby title. It was no secret how the Marivaldi’s could be with their mages. They had been branded mage lovers and she was more than aware how other families spoke about them when they weren’t around. The only ones who didn’t pull their punches were the other nobles, or at least that’s how it felt anyway. In her experience, the Eve’s had been the least hostile toward their doting habits, but she still felt like she had to be somewhat cautious. After all, just because the Count sought to reward his mage in a thoughtful manner didn’t mean that he shared the same views as she.

“[color=f49ac2]Well, it wouldn’t be completely inaccurate to say that I do. I encourage Maddie to be vocal about her wants and needs though, so it does make the process a little easier on me. Ah, here we go.[/color]” Amaris slid a title she had been eyeing earlier from the shelf and gave it a once over. There was enough information about native flora as well as more exotic species to try her hand at. Satisfied with the selection to accompany the guide, Amaris turned back to the culinary arts subsection the pair had passed previously.

“[color=f49ac2]You are welcome to take my advice with a grain of salt if you must though. Count Varis has already beat you to any insult or criticism of my so called ‘tactics’ that you could possibly imagine. To be honest, taking what you need and ignoring the rest would be doing me a kindness.[/color]” The Countess never lost her smile, however, the energy behind it was no longer quite as full. She gently pushed a book she had been previewing back into place as she discovered its focus to be on baked dishes instead of pastry creation. Sliding her finger across the spines, she made her way down the row until she found another promising text.

“[color=f49ac2]I have a question, if you’ll humor me…[/color]” She said after a moment, skimming through the pages curiously. “[color=f49ac2]If you had to choose one mortal trait or ability to inherit, what could you see yourself picking?[/color]” 

Ah, so the two already had the pleasure of meeting. The Sinnenodel count had yet to live up to the expectations Ben had heard so much about; while he would keep his wits about him, for now he needed to placate his father's wishes and get along with all the nobles. Still, even a coiled serpent was dangerous and he would be a fool to underestimate him. Right now he was a little more invested in the countess before him, however, and her words gave him pause. Encouraging a mage to be vocal sounded bizarre if he was being completely honest. Perhaps the heiress preferred a more hands off approach. He supposed that was one way to go about it but the idea didn't sit well with him. Mages only lived so long and had a tendency to focus on things that didn't last and not utilize their abilities. He felt part of his duties were to guide his mages to playing their parts to the fullest. However, he was also speaking from a position of less privilege. Comparing himself to an heiress was not only pointless but also counterproductive to the conversation but he did feel he should try to look into what she considered 'kindness'.

Her followup question was puzzling to say the least. Ben didn't have to think very long for a response and his father would argue that he had [i]plenty[/i] of replies ready. It may have been something the countess herself had considered.

[Color=C0C0C0]"If I had the choice, I would like nothing more than to understand a mortal's idea of passion,"[/color] Ben said. [Color=C0C0C0]"Even knowing nothing they create could ever compare to someone that has had centuries of experience behind them, the zest they use as they put their very souls into their work is admirable."[/color] And more often than not gave Ben the strangest shades of green. He thought about the strange paper arrangement he had seen in the dorm. [Color=C0C0C0]"Odd, I know, but it is difficult to explain. There is a beauty that can't quite compare to even the best of vampiric abilities."[/color]

Amaris’ smile was a bit brighter this time around as she closed the recipe book and added it to the two others they had picked for Lilie. It wasn’t often that she got to ask her odd little question and receive such a well throughout response. He wasn’t the sort she would expect to dismiss or take offense to the question as someone like Varis would, but the Count seemed too structured and formal for a response she would have expected from someone more like herself. The Countess found his response rather warm and sincere… perhaps she didn’t need to be quite so wary after all.

“[color=f49ac2]Passion, hm? I have to say Count Benjamin, you surprise me.[/color]” She gave the Count a look of approval as she spoke, flipping the much smaller stack of books around so that the books about flowers sat on top. “[color=f49ac2]What I respect, admire even, about passion is how unapologetic it is. Art created from passion is for no one but the artist, any praise or outside acknowledgement comes as just a bonus. It sort of reminds me of Lilie’s flowers, actually. No two are exactly alike and each are beautiful in their own right, but they can either be incredibly resilient or especially fragile. Care too little for it and it will wither and fade away, care too much and you risk smothering it. I’d like to think that we could be capable of experiencing true passion for ourselves if we really wanted to but we always seem to care too much.[/color]”

Amaris flipped the stack around once again so that the collection of recipes was back on top. “[color=f49ac2]I’m almost embarrassed to admit that you’ve put my own answer to shame. Shall we?[/color]” Amaris motioned to the seemingly complete stack of titles the pair had collected between them. She would have to ask the front clerk again about the one title she had been looking for when she bumped into the Count, but for the time being Amaris could settle for what she had found already.

Ben hadn’t expected a positive response but it was a pleasant surprise nonetheless. He didn’t have to worry too much about his views as the heiress certainly lived up to her family’s ideals. It was a reassuring thought but it didn’t mean he should make any assumptions. He did think of it as a positive for the moment, taking solace in finding some common ground with the countess.

[color=C0C0C0]“Forgive my curiosity, but what would your answer have been?”[/color] Ben asked. 

“[color=f49ac2]I’ll tell you, but you’re going to think it’s silly. I’ve come to find that I’ve grown envious of their ability to eat. Their fondness for food is so different from our own craving for blood; and it goes well beyond mere survival. From what I’ve observed, food can be used to convey deep emotions to another being without either one ever speaking a single word. Not to mention the sensory experience that must accompany such varying textures… It must be quite something if our embraced willingly put themselves through discomfort for it.[/color]” She responded, curious to see how the Count would respond. 

An unexpected response for certain. Perhaps it was Lilie’s cooking that swayed him to believe it wasn’t a silly thought; he was often content with the scents of what she made and tasted her sweet blood as a substitute for the pastries. Emotions and food being mentioned together was also the first he had ever heard of such a thing. Ben gave a small hum of acknowledgement as he considered the response. Taste was certainly something mortals had over them and he did hear an amusing rumor about a professor's love for odd fruit. At the very least Amaris was not alone in her desire to taste food.

[Color=C0C0C0]"I've always thought food to be inconvenient myself, but I also feel the need to feed ourselves in general is terribly inconvenient at all. Many a spilled glass over documents would support this,"[/color] Ben said. [Color=C0C0C0]"I thank you for sharing and indulging in my request."[/color]

“[color=f49ac2]You were the one indulging me, remember?[/color]” She chuckled as the pair approached the counter with their selections. Peeping the time, Amaris carefully placed the much smaller stack down so that she could accept her own pile from the Count’s possession. “[color=f49ac2]Ah, sorry to cut things short but I still have some details to work out to get ready for the weekend. Thank you for your assistance with these, I hope it wasn’t too much of a bother.[/color]”

Ben figured he should get going as well. Fortunately checking out wouldn’t take too much time. He gazed at the covers of the books picked out, his finger tapping the spine. He would have to come back for the tea making book. [Color=C0C0C0]"Not at all, Countess. Forgive me for taking up so much of your time,"[/color] Ben said. [Color=C0C0C0]"I will let you know how Lilie receives your suggestions; I may need your expertise in the future."[/color]

“[color=f49ac2]Looking forward to it, I hope she enjoys them. As for recommendations, feel free any time. One’s collection could always use more additions.[/color]” Amaris offered. Once everything had been situated, the pair could finally go their separate ways but the Countess found herself disappointed to lose the company. Perhaps the upcoming event wouldn’t be a complete bust after all. 

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