Luscinia affection story

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!What Makes A Rose Red - Luscinia Affection Story !!Chapter One ''--Manor Garden, daytime'' //It's a sunny day with a cool breeze. I thought I'd spend some time in the garden, but it seems the rest of the manor had the exact same idea.// //It makes sense that the garden would be lively in such nice weather-- this year, more Sage Wizards than usual have been summoned to fight the abnormal Calamity, so the manor has gotten more crowded. But also, the garden's become so much more beautiful since the wizards moved in.// ''Akira'': (No matter how many times I see it, I’m still a bit amazed. All these flowers, and practically [[overnight|1.2]]…)

''Rustica'': Good afternoon, Master Sage. Isn’t it wonderful weather for a tea party? ''Chloe'': You should join us! Murr was just telling us all about the azalea bushes! ''Murr'': All parts of the plant are poisonous, but if you eat it on purpose, you can get some really weird hallucinations, nyahaha! Master Sage, you wanna [[try|1.3]]?

//I look at the flowers in question. Azaleas, hyacinths, and most predominantly, roses. All of them a stunning shade of pure white. Even in the balmy afternoon warmth, the garden looks flush with midwinter snow. I wonder if the sight reminds the Northern wizards of home, though none of them seem the type to admire flowers. // ''Shylock'': How Murr-like, to keep chasing after something meant to warn you away. Though I do wish we could hear about this from the [[gardener himself|1.4]].

//Luscinia, the only Western wizard not present at this tea party, and also the wizard responsible for all these snow white flowers. Despite the crowd gathered here, admiring his efforts, he’s nowhere to be seen. Come to think of it, I barely see him in the company of others at all.// ''Akira'': (Aside from his flowers… It feels like I barely know anything about Luscinia. Maybe he’s [[avoiding me|1.5]]... )

!!Chapter Two ''--Manor Canteen'' ''Akira'': (Looks like finding Luscinia is a lot easier said than done, though…) ''Akira'': Ah-- Luscinia! Are you here for lunch-- ''Luscinia'': … ''//Luscinia [[exits|2.2]], screen right//''

''--Manor Library'' ''Akira'': Luscinia, do you have a moment-- ''Luscinia'': … //''Luscinia [[exits|2.3]], screen right''//

''--Manor Corridor'' ''Akira'': (I guess he’s really avoiding me, huh…) ''Luscinia'': … ''Akira'': Luscinia, I wanted to ask if-- //Luscinia attempts to [[exit|2.4]], screen right, but--''//

//''--BUMP''// ''Snow'': Oho, careful there, little Dulac. ''White'': Do watch yourself, little Dulac. //Luscinia’s face tumbles through several emotions at once: rage, fear, then hopelessness. His shoulders hunch in as he hugs his own arms.// ''Luscinia'': Lord Snow. Lord White. Please… do not call me that. ''White'': We only jest, Luscinia. You need not fret. ''Snow'': Us kind and adorable children would never mean harm, especially not in front of [[the Sage|2.5]].

!!Chapter Three ''--Luscinia’s room'' ''Akira'': (This is the first time I've ever been in Luscinia’s room.) //He closes the door shut as soon as we step inside and gestures for me to take a seat at the table. I wait in silence as he carefully procures a delicate white porcelain tea set from his cupboard and prepares the both of us tea.// [[>There's so many roses in here as well.|3.2a]] [[>You like to drink tea?|3.2b]] [[>It's so quiet here.|3.2c]]

''Akira'': There's so many roses in here as well. ''Luscinia'': Flowers are fickle creatures. I like to keep my favorites close so I can easily take care of them. ''Akira'': Does the pollen ever bother you? ''Luscinia'': Not at all. Although I have received some complaints about the garden from Bradley… ''Akira'': Is he allergic? ''Luscinia'': Hmm, I wonder. Pepper shakers and pollen. The great bandit Bradley Bain is surprisingly full of weaknesses. ''Akira'': (Was that a smile I just saw? I didn’t know Luscinia could [[tease|3.3]]!)

''Akira'': You like to drink tea? ''Luscinia'': Not particularly, come to think of it. But I find myself drinking more and more, as the years go by. After all, I own such a lovely tea set. It'd be a shame to see it go to waste. ''Akira'': I wouldn’t have taken you for the type to have tea with others often. ''Luscinia'': You’re right. I don’t. This set was a gift from a [[long time ago|3.3]]. I’ve merely kept it since then.

''Akira'': It's so quiet here. ''Luscinia'': The flowers on the walls insulate a lot of the noise. And aside from the occasional explosion, this floor is rather quiet to begin with. ''Akira'': (That's right, his room is across from Murr and Shylock's, and right next to Faust's.) (Faust and Luscinia, in the same corner. Do herds of hermits flock [[together|3.3]]?)

''Luscinia'': But enough with the smalltalk. Sage, about what you just heard… //He turns that blood-red glare on me once more. The fear is back in his eyes. It’s particularly vivid, when the rest of him is so pale and colorless.// ''Luscinia'': If you breathe a word of it to anyone, I will rip out your tongue with my very hands, do you understand? [[>>>|4.1]]

!!Chapter Four ''Akira'': (That was kind of gruesome, but… is it bad that I don’t really feel scared? After living with Owen and the other Northern wizards, I feel like I’ve kind of gotten used to being threatened.) I won’t tell anyone. I won’t even ask you about it, if you don’t want it. But I do want to ask about you. I want to know more about you, if you’ll let me. ''Luscinia'': Whyever would you want to know about me? ''Akira'': I’ve been asking everyone to tell me about themselves and writing it down in the sage’s manual. I don’t know when I might return to my own world like the previous sage, so I wanted to leave something for the next sage to know you all by. But also, I think it would be kind of sad. To go back to my world after having come here, and still [[not know anything about you at all|4.2]].

//Luscinia’s silent for a long moment, like he doesn’t know how to respond. He reminds me of the stray cats back in my own world, staring at food left out for them unsure if it’s safe to eat. // ''Luscinia'': … So you want information, in return for your silence. Fine. So long as it remains in the sage’s manual and doesn’t go anywhere else. ''Akira'': (That isn’t what I said at all, but it seems like the [[only|4.3]] arrangement that Luscinia will accept.)

//It stings a bit that he doesn’t trust me not to tell otherwise, but it makes sense. I’m only human, my promises will never be binding as a wizard’s. And while I haven’t hurt him, I also haven’t proven that I won’t, either. A safe, but [[lonely|4.4]] way to live.//

''Luscinia'': So, what do you want to know? ''Akira'': Let's start with a brief introduction. Your name, age, things like that. ''Luscinia'': My name is Luscinia. I'm 400 or so… //He trails off awkwardly. It doesn't seem like he's not very used to the back and forth of casual conversation. I suddenly feel like I'm speaking to a shy child at a family gathering, rather than interviewing a centuries-old wizard.// ''Akira'': And what’s your magic tool? ''Luscinia'': My gloves… ''Akira'': (Makes sense, for someone who keeps others at a distance like he does…) [[>>>|5.1]]

!Chapter Five ''Akira'': What are your likes and dislikes? ''Luscinia'': I like roses, and music as well, but all wizards do. What I dislike is… Northern wizards. ''Akira'': (He sounded like Mitile for a second there! Hold on, this is really cute!) You’re a bit different from the other Western wizards, aren’t you? ''Luscinia'': That’s because I’m not a Western wizard. I don’t know why I was summoned as such. I was born in the Northern Country. I’ve traveled in the West, but I’ve never lived there. ''Akira'': Wait, so you’re actually a [[Northern|5.2]] wizard? But you just said you disliked them.

''Luscinia'': I… wouldn’t say that I am, exactly. Tell me, Sage. Out of all the Northern wizards you’ve met in this world, what do they have in common? ''Akira'': Well, Northern wizards are forceful, bad at teamwork, [[strong|5.3]]--

//A small flame appears in the center of Luscinia’s palm. To a human, it’s impressive, but it’s only a small, flickering flame that could be blown out by a stiff breeze. Luscinia stares at it for a short while, the tongues of fire dancing in his eyes, before snuffing it out by curling his hand into a fist. // ''Luscinia'': Barely enough to heat a teapot. Northern wizards are strong. They need to be to survive. But I am weak. Always have been. So, no. I am not a Northern wizard. All I can do is... [[this|5.5]].

//He gestures at the flowers all about his room, delicate white petals blooming in what should be an impossible environment. When Luscinia turns back to look at me, he has that same withdrawn posture and low, meek voice as he did when he was speaking to Snow and White.// ''Luscinia'': … I hope that’s enough information. Now, please, Master Sage. I would like to be alone. [[>>>|6.1]]

!!Chapter Six ''--Manor Corridor'' //In the end, I managed to learn a bit about Luscinia, but in terms of our relationship, it might be even more distant than before. // ''Akira'': (I don’t want to force him to talk about things he doesn’t want to, but now I’m [[afraid|6.2]] to talk to him at all because I’m worried he’ll misinterpret my intentions…)

''Rustica'': Oh, hello Master Sage! Did you manage to have that conversation with Luscinia that you wanted? ''Akira'': Yeah, I did. It didn’t go quite as planned, but… ''Rustica'': You will have to tell me how you did it. I’ve been hoping to catch up with him over tea, but it’s been so hard to find him! ''Akira'': [[“Catch up”|6.3]]? You and Luscinia know one another?

''Rustica'': Certainly, we knew one another before becoming Sage Wizards. I don’t quite remember where or when we met, but… ''Akira'': Luscinia mentioned that he’d been traveling in the Western Country before. Did you meet one another then? ''Rustica'': That must be it! In any case, we’ve been acquainted quite a while. He’s always been the shy and sentimental sort. ''Akira'': (Shy and sentimental? I guess that’s not wrong but also not the first words I’d use to describe Luscinia.) (It’s kind of hard to imagine someone as reticent as Luscinia getting along with someone as [[loud and outgoing as Rustica…|6.5]])

''Akira'': Did the two of you get along? ''Rustica'': Rather well, I might say! Did he tell you he plays the violin? ''Akira'': No, I had no clue… ''Rustica'': Why yes, he doesn’t perform often, but he makes a lovely accompaniment to the harpsichord. We used to play [[together|6.6]] sometimes.

''Akira'': I see… Rustica, you know Luscinia quite well, right? ''Rustica'': I suppose so, compared to the rest of the Manor, yes. ''Akira'': I’d like you to teach me how to talk to Luscinia without hurting him. [[>>>|7.1]]

!!Chapter Seven ''Akira'': I’d like you to teach me how to talk to Luscinia without hurting him. ''Rustica'': How to talk to him without hurting him… That’s a difficult order indeed. I wonder if there is [[a way to live without hurting others|7.2]]. Wouldn’t that be wonderful indeed?

//It’s a bit surprising to hear from gentle Rustica, who never seems to think badly of anyone. But as soon as I think about his words, I realize how childish my request had been. I think of all the times I’ve been hurt by unexpected things, completely accidental words that weren’t meant to harm the way they did, or were never meant for me at all. Getting along with others, let alone not [[hurting|7.3]] them, isn’t a matter of just saying the right things or avoiding the wrong topics. //

//More than that, I think of all the times I must have hurt someone and [[never|7.4]] even noticed. //

''Akira'': But even if it’s impossible… I don’t want to hurt Luscinia. ''Rustica'': I think that feeling is precious, Master Sage. I think you should let him know. ''Akira'': How? ''Rustica'': I think that someone as shy as Luscinia may have trouble accepting it directly. Maybe you could tell him with a song! ''Akira'': (That’s a very Rustica-like answer…) ''Rustica'': Or perhaps you could give him [[a gift|7.5]]. He seemed to quite like the tea set that I gave him a while ago. ''Akira'': (That must be the tea set that I saw in Luscinia’s room…)

''--Manor Garden, Nighttime'' ''Akira'': (I tried to find Luscinia in his room after dinner, but he wasn’t there…) (What’s that sound coming from the garden?) //I take a peek outside, and just barely spot [[a head of pale hair|7.6]] bent amidst the flower bushes, as if camouflaged by the white blossoms all around it.//

''Akira'': Hello, Luscinia? Is that you? //Luscinia freezes mid-movement, and immediately looks up at me, like a frightened animal deciding whether to fight or flee. // ''Luscinia'': Master Sage… Good evening. ''Akira'': (He looks so awkward, like he saw an old classmate in the convenience store… [[I understand|7.7]].)

''Akira'': What are you up to? ''Luscinia'': Oh, just some… gardening… //True to his word, Luscinia’s traded his usual red suede gloves for a pair of soil-stained gardening gloves. As I approach him, I spot a hand trowel and a pair of clippers laid down next to him. // [[>>>|8.1]]

!!Chapter Eight //It’s strange, and a bit refreshing, to see a wizard doing something as mundane as kneeling in the dirt and working the soil with his own two hands. Like seeing Nero cook, Cain doing drills, or Lennox grooming the sheep, it makes Luscinia feel incredibly [[human|8.2]].//

//Luscinia's gaze snaps onto me with burning intensity, as if he’d forgotten about my presence entirely. Normally it would be scary to have a wizard glaring at me like this, but somehow, it doesn’t seem like I’m the one who’s afraid.// ''Luscinia'': Sage. I need to speak with you, now. //He looks cautiously at Snow and White, who don’t seem to have any intent of interrupting.// ''Luscinia'': … Not here, though. Come with me. ''Snow'': Hoho, take care, dear Sage. ''White'': Play nicely with the Sage, Luscinia. ''Akira'': (At least I get to talk with him after all?) [[>>>|3.1]]

''Akira'': Actually, have any of you seen Luscinia recently? ''Rustica'': Why, he passed by just not long ago. I tried to invite him to tea, but he didn’t seem to have heard me. I wonder what had him in such a rush? ''Akira'': (Rustica… He’s definitely avoiding you as well…) There’s something I want to ask him, so maybe I’ll go find him. [[>>>|2.1]]

''Akira'': Do you usually garden in the middle of the night? ''Luscinia'': The night is quieter. Oz is asleep, Mithra’s trying to be, and the Lord Twins are trapped in a painting. Fewer people in the garden, and fewer disruptions. ''Akira'': But isn’t it hard to see when it’s dark out? ''Luscinia'': Back in the Northern Country, days are short during the winter. I’m used to gardening without daylight; the Great Catastrophe provides all the light I need. ''Akira'': That’s [[impressive|8.3]]…

//We lapse back into [[uncomfortable silence|8.4]].//

//We lapse back into uncomfortable silence.// ''Akira'': (I need to speak [[now|8.5]], or I’ll lose my chance!)

//We lapse back into uncomfortable silence.// ''Akira'': (I need to speak now, or I’ll lose my chance!) Luscinia, take this-- ''Luscinia'': Master Sage, [[I--|8.6]]

//We start speaking at the same time, and immediately pause, staring at one another in shock. Then, almost in sync again, I muffle my embarrassed giggles with my hand, while Luscinia gives a series of bashful coughs that almost sound like laughter.// ''Luscinia'': I’m sorry. Please speak, Master Sage. ''Akira'': No, I’m sorry for interrupting as well. What I wanted to say was, I’m sorry for the other day, and I wanted you to have [[this|8.7]].

//I hand Luscinia a small packet of sweets wrapped in fancy tissue paper.// ''Akira'': Back in my world, these are called Turkish Delights. I described them to Nero and he made them for me… They taste a little different than the ones I’m used to, but it’s made with roses, so I thought you might like it. //Luscinia probably wouldn’t eat it if I weren’t watching him, but under my expectant gaze, he carefully lifts one to his mouth-- using magic, so it doesn’t touch his dirty gloves.// ''Luscinia'': … They’re not too sweet. ''Akira'': (Is that a [[good thing|8.8]]?)

//I’m worried that he doesn’t like it, but he keeps on chewing, and before long, a second piece is floating towards his mouth. I feel a deep sense of accomplishment. I’m such a good older relative.// ''Luscinia'': … Thank you. You didn’t have to do this. ''Akira'': I know, but it felt bad to just leave things the way they did… I’m sorry for pushing you to talk. ''Luscinia'': No, I am sorry for… Master Sage, allow me to tell you about myself. [[>>>|9.1]]

!!Chapter Nine //Luscinia runs a gloved hand through his white-blond hair, and little bits of dirt fall into the strands. Combined with the powdered sugar clinging to the corner of his lips, he looks less intimidating than before. More messy and frustrated.// ''Luscinia'': I was born 400 years ago to the House Dulac. It was an old family, named after the first Lady Dulac, a witch. Thanks to her, the family gained wealth and influence, but after she died, there were no more wizards in her family line… until [[me|9.2]].

''Luscinia'': The Dulacs wanted a powerful wizard to bring the family back to greatness, but instead… //Luscinia laughs shakily.// ''Luscinia'': I am not… fond. Of the Dulacs. So when Lord Snow and Lord White call me by [[that name|9.3]], I, I…

//Luscinia hugs his arms tightly. I can feel the fear and pain rolling off of him, as if every word is another thorn lodged in his throat. There's nothing I can do to fix it. But still, [[I don't want to see him like this|9.4]].//

//I grab Luscinia’s hand and squeeze it tightly. I can feel them shaking through the thick fabric of the gardening gloves.// ''Akira'': Luscinia, it’s fine. You don’t have to say anymore. //I hold onto Luscinia’s hand until the trembling stops. It’s quiet again, but this time I don’t try to break the [[silence|9.5]].//

''Luscinia'': … Do you like roses, Master Sage? [[>Yes, I do.|9.6a]] [[>No, not really.|9.6b]]

''Akira'': Yes, I do. ''Luscinia'': They’re such gorgeous flowers. I’ve visited gardens all over the land looking for the perfect rose. ''Akira'': Did you find it? ''Luscinia'': No. In the West. The North is too cold for roses, the East too austere, and the South is too wild for such domesticated flowers. Only the West had roses of any beauty. ''Akira'': (That makes sense… Roses do match the West’s aesthetics.) ''Luscinia'': But none of them were [[perfect|9.7]]. None of the ones I found, anyways.

''Akira'': No, not really. ''Luscinia'': I don’t blame you. These ones here are rather ugly, aren’t they? Sometimes I look at them and just want to tear it all up by the roots. ''Akira'': Wouldn’t that be such a waste when you take such good care of them? ''Luscinia'': … I know. I wouldn’t. It’s just a feeling. I’m [[responsible|9.7]] for them, after all.

''Luscinia'': In my opinion, a rose isn’t really a rose without its color. And what color is there for a rose but red? Someone once told me that he loved red roses. He once wished to gift an entire garden of them to his… someone precious to him. And it seemed such a [[beautiful|9.8]] thought, that perhaps if I could give that to him…

//The light of the Great Catastrophe shines down on the garden of the Wizard Manor, illuminating the white flowers that fill it. Aside from Luscinia’s faraway gaze, there isn’t a drop of red in sight. // ''Luscinia'': I’ve been trying for so long, but they still never come out quite right. But this is the one thing I can do, so maybe just one more time… //Luscinia’s hand grips hard--almost painfully--onto mine, while his other hand reaches to touch a nearby rose. His fingers brush lightly, reverently, against its delicate petals. It isn't a gesture of disappointment, anger, or hurt-- it is the caress of a lover.// [[>>>|10.1]]

!!Chapter Ten ''--Manor garden, daytime'' //It’s another beautiful day of clear skies and plenty of wizards outdoors. As I enter the garden, I see that several of the Western wizards are gathered there again.// ''Rustica'': Good day, Master Sage! We’ve been blessed with the most lovely weather. Doesn’t it make you feel like putting on a performance? ''Chloe'': Rustica, we’re supposed to head to the market for-- ''Rustica'': //[[Amorest Viesse|10.2]]!//

//As soon as he utters his spell, a harpsichord falls out of the sky and lands on the ground miraculously intact. Rustica happily takes a seat before it, and begins playing what must be an improvised piece-- a sprightly, gentle tune with feelings of sunlight and romance and spring. // ''Chloe'': Oh, Rustica… ''Akira'': (Chloe sounds like he’s complaining, but he’s smiling so widely. [[Everyone|10.3]] is.)

//The sound of Rustica’s music draws the attention of an ever-growing audience of wizards. Then, suddenly, an unexpected addition rings through the air. The sound of a violin dueting with the dainty notes of Rustica’s harpsichord. // ''Rustica'': Marvelous! Now we really have a concert! //The violinist himself is nowhere to be found, but I spot an upper-story window open wide where it would usually be closed, and a glimpse of [[white flowers|10.4]] inside. //

''Akira'': (... He really is a great accompaniment.) //Beautiful music echoes through the garden, entracing all who hear it. It’s not too sweet, but fragile, and hopeful: the song of a shy, sentimental gardener hoping that next time, surely next time, the roses will bloom red. // ''--END''