saint valentine's

[fixtures]

Username/Display Name: un: headmaid, dn: Giselle
Server Channel: #general
Time: Early evening

Dear fellow guests,

Have you heard of the holiday "Saint Valentine's Day?"

With the turn of the month, the upcoming date is on my mind. Preparations for any formal celebrations of the holiday at the mansion typically begin around this time.

In any case, for those who are unaware, allow me to share the tradition with you: Saint Valentine's Day is a celebrated time of romance, taking place on the 14th day of February — a tradition which dates back many centuries.

Some say the date marks the beginning of birds' mating season, explaining its romantic association, while others connect the day with the assumed date of the execution of Saint Valentine, who, in legend, married young lovers in secret, despite the church's outlawing of the practice. Quite the tragedy...

On this day, it is common for lovers and friends alike to exchange written cards, poems, flowers and sweets as tokens of their affection.

I suppose I am curious which of these gifts you would most prefer to receive. A card filled with heartwarming feelings? The soothing aroma of a bouquet? A satisfying treat?

Or, perhaps, there is something different altogether which would lighten your spirit on Saint Valentine's. Hehe... would you enlighten me?

Best regards,
Giselle

Comments

[fixtures]

On the contrary — it is more difficult to think of what we desire, rather than what we would like to give.
To love someone is, often, to think of their happiness first...

But if you are fond of cooking, a suitable gift for you may be a quality kitchen tool. Or a book of recipes.
Both helpful in aiding you continue to give, as you prefer.
See?

Might you tell me what else it is that you like to make?

[cuteshit]

Yeah? Is that really true, about thinking of other people's happiness?

[Damn. He's pretty inexperienced, but if that's the case, he loves a whole lot of people?]

Those would be pretty great gifts.

You won't laugh, right? I get a lot of crap for the things I like back home, and I'm doing real good about not caring what other people think, but I'm new here. Be nice to have a guarantee.

[fixtures]

I shall not make light nor jest about this matter.
It is hardly a maid's place to make judgments about such things, my dear.

[ Which like, is true, but also... she doesn't really laugh at anything anymore these days — really laugh, not the occasional quiet and sometimes sinister chuckle. So, on the topic of his hobbies, she can be certain she won't greet it with anything but serene acceptance, no matter what it is. It's not like he's carving people up or hunting them for sport, right?? ]

But it is also not a maid's place to pry.
Would you feel more assured if I shared my hobbies with you first?

[cuteshit]

[He is almost definitely not doing those things.]

It's okay, I can go ahead and share mine, but I'd like to hear about yours, too.
I made a promise I'd be true to myself. Turns out that's not the kind of thing you figure out overnight.

I like sewing and knitting and crochet and stuff. Painting, too, but my favorite thing is making these little dolls for people. My family owned a textile shop, so I just kind of grew up around this sort of stuff. How about you? You can't be doing maid stuff all the time.

[fixtures]

So, you are skilled with a needle.
There is no reason to be ashamed of taking on your family's craft.
Particularly if you enjoy it. Some resent the trades they are born into....

But, in any case, while I do not consider this a "hobby," I am skilled with the needle, and with the loom, as well. It is a most useful skill to have — though I have never tried my hand at creating dolls.

Perhaps you might show me one of these dolls someday, should the chance arise.

[cuteshit]

Wish everyone thought that way.
I used to get all kinds of crap about it, especially from girls.
Some people still think it's pretty damn weird, but I'm working hard at getting people to understand me.

Yo, you know how to weave? That's awesome! I've helped my mom with it a few times, but haven't really done a lot of it on my own. Think I will in the future, though.
I never really thought seriously about taking over the family business someday, but it's been on my mind lately.

I saw this place has a whole floor full of all kinds of stuff for crafting and building. Might make use of it. What's your favorite animal?

[fixtures]

[ Privately, she thinks to herself that a boy good at sewing and weaving would have the opposite reaction from girls in her time... it's not often men become skilled in such things at all, usually, and women in the eighteenth century would find it a novelty. ]

I am afraid I do not have one.
But I would be pleased if you would simply craft an animal which you enjoy making.

[ The answer comes before she dwells on it for too long — she really can't think of any animal she has particular fondness for, and if she ever did, she forgot it already. Anyway, her assumption is that he's only asking her to have something to practice on, and not because he's going to make something specifically for her. ]

Your time here in this hotel may be well used in reflecting on whether or not you wish to inherit the family business — that is what I would encourage you to think about, while creating your next project.

[cuteshit]

Really? You don't have a favorite?
I can definitely come up with something on my own, but there's gotta be something you like a little more than the rest. If I'm gonna make you something, it should be something you really like.

[He stares at that last bit a little longer before writing out the rest of his response, thoughtful.]

I think I'll do that. I won't be in high school forever. Sooner or later, I'll have to figure out what comes next.