Open: Takes a lot of medicine to make it through the wintertime

[vineleaves]

The first day of Dark was difficult enough to get through. When the situation didn't improve after a few days, however, Dionysus really began to worry. That the house would stop cooperating when it comes to creating food at the same time his own powers of generation have become so severely diminished... it doesn't sit easy with him.

He is grateful that he still has some powers, but he's been finding it difficult to produce grapes or wine (or any related products) of any quality, whereas before it came to him like breathing. But he considers it his duty to do what he can to offset the dwindling supplies, so every day he spends a few hours creating what he can: grapes, raisins, cartons of grape juice, and of course, bottles of wine, before diligently distributing it to the various kitchens and eating-places in the house. Wherever he thinks people may go to look for something to eat. Should anyone need him, he shouldn't be too difficult to locate.

Comments

[vineleaves]

"You're good at this!" he tells her once she's done. "And here I thought we would be an even match, I didn't know you're almost a professional at it."

[ravkanwitch]

"Oh no, what I got was the smallest fraction of the high score on the welcome table... but you owe me a favor now!" She smiles at him. "I promise I'll go easy on you."

[vineleaves]

"A gracious and most kind mistress," he says with fake solemnity. "What were you thinking?"

[ravkanwitch]

"Hmm." Nina pretends to think very seriously, as if mulling over an appropriate punishment for him. "I've been reading about these things called slumber parties... They're typically for teenage girls -- and there are a lot of us here. I figured Dark would be the perfect time to hold one... for morale. But it might be tough to find snacks for it. Would you, Dionysus, provide juice boxes and help with snacks for my slumber party?"

[vineleaves]

Oh thank the gods, for a moment there he had no clue where she was going with all of that. He grins. "Of course, I would love to! There's not much variety in the snacks I can create, unfortunately, but I'll do what I can! I can even check around in the mansion and see if it decides to be forthcoming with any additional snacks, too. Do you know what day already, or are you still in the early planning stages?"

[ravkanwitch]

"Oh, I'm still planning. I haven't even sent out invites yet... but I'm pretty sure people will attend. I'm very convincing." She gives him a little grin. "You missed our talent show!"

[vineleaves]

"I heard there was one, but I haven't gotten many details! Perhaps we should do another one some time? Give those of us new to the mansion a chance to show off as well, or anyone who wants another go at it. What did you do?"

[ravkanwitch]

"I did a short scene from a... movie? Maybe you know of it. It's called Fight Club." Nina can't quite tell if Dionysus is from one of the branch-offs of the world that so many other people seem to be from, but it's worth a guess.

[vineleaves]

"I've heard of it, but I haven't seen it. Don't get out to too many films, unfortunately." And it's a different enough art form that it doesn't fall under his domain, so he doesn't just know them like he does theatre. "All I really know about Fight Club is that you're not supposed to talk about Fight Club. Or something."

[ravkanwitch]

"I did read that part. We did the scene where one of the characters says I want you to hit me as hard as you can. Janet said it was an iconic scene."

[vineleaves]

"I wish I could have seen it! I'm sure you were wonderful!"

[ravkanwitch]

Nina does preen, just slightly. "I was great. I'm not sure when we'll put on our play... I think Dark has everyone focusing on more important things."

[vineleaves]

"Gives us something nice to look forward to, doesn't it? This month will end, along with all of its problems, and then we'll be able to get back to planning the show!" He hopes.

[ravkanwitch]

Nina smiles at him. "The weather will be warm before we know it!"

[vineleaves]

"It always is." He smiles back. Bad times do always end, it's the 'getting through them' part that sucks.

[ravkanwitch]

"Do you... do you need a hug?" Nina asks, on a whim. "I give really good ones. You can also tell me no, Nina Zenik, you're being too forward and friendly--"

[vineleaves]

Dionysus immediately hugs her, very tight, and stays like that for several long moments. He doesn’t start crying, only because he thinks it would be rude. He isn’t the one in any sort of danger here, and while normally he thinks it is definitely best to feel all of your emotions fully and honestly, maybe crying at a kid - even if that kid is your friend - would do more harm than good. He’s trying to be responsible. Okay, maybe there’s one or two tears, but that could just be rain. Indoor rain. From his face. Don’t question it.

He finally pulls back and wipes his cheeks dry, definitely feeling at least momentarily better, and smiles. “Now, Nina, never let anyone tell you you’re being too friendly. There’s no such thing.”

[ravkanwitch]

Nina gives really good hugs; they're warm and all-encompassing. She pretends to not notice him wiping off his face and gives him another smile. "Good. I like to feel useful."

[vineleaves]

"Me too! If I can't help someone out, what's even the point, you know?" He's all smiles again, the hug having done wonders. "So! What's the next stop on our tour?"

[ravkanwitch]

"I suppose you've been to the café already too... What about the bone room? --animal bones, I mean," she clarifies.

[vineleaves]

"...There's a bone room?"

[ravkanwitch]

"Yeah!" Nina grins. "It's full of other creepy things as well. Let's go."

[vineleaves]

"There's not --" he pauses, trying to mentally weigh how uncool he's willing to look right now. He decides Nina is obviously his friend and therefore obviously can be trusted with this. "There's not frogs in there, are there?" Bones are fine, frogs are another story entirely.

[ravkanwitch]

Nina carefully watches his expression. "There might be. I think I saw some preserved in jars. Do you... Is there something wrong with frogs?"

[vineleaves]

Is there anything right with frogs? "I've had... a bad encounter with them. One tried to eat me." To be completely honest, he hated frogs before all of that, but that's not important right now. "If they're dead in jars though that might be okay." He still doesn't want to look at them, but at least they can't attack.