[Open!]

[gardenparty]

Who: The Garden and you!
Where: Everywhere!
When: June 27 - July 3
Rating: PG maybe
Summary: The Garden is making friends!
The Story:
There is a thread for each of the Garden NPCs, even those whose interactions can be hand-waved (just in case!). Their effects are also there, as a reminder.

Anyone can respond to any of the NPCs, even if you didn't sign up on the event announcement post. In the subject of the tag, indicate when during the event the interaction takes place, and where if possible. This will serve as a point of reference. Both prose and action-style tags are welcome!

If you want the interaction to go in a specific direction, you can always IM me at MadMadPhineas or PM this account!

Have fun! ♥

Comments

[eatsyourscience]

"It could be worse."

[gardenparty]

"Indeed it could!"

The Rose shifts as though tilting its head curiously.

"Do you miss your homes, my dears?"

[jivitadana]

Minato didn't have to hesitate too much in answering the question since it was mainly instinctual too. But he liked the idea that maybe, just maybe in present company he could hang onto the idea that "home" didn't have to be in the plural.

"I do."

Most people would, but then some others didn't. He couldn't speak for them. His answer could be much more complicated than the one he had given though.

[eatsyourscience]

Souji nodded as well, though he glanced at Minato as he did.

[gardenparty]

"Perhaps I can help."

The Rose closed its petals tightly, shaking as it concentrated, then bloomed fully after a moment. Resting inside are a small beaded ring and a photograph of a small family.

[jivitadana]

Now Minato had hesitated. He immediately recognized the bead ring, but hadn't touched it. He was a little more focused on the picture instead, and a very small smile appeared on his face as he looked over at Souji.

[eatsyourscience]

Souji blinked in surprise at the picture of his uncle, cousin, and deceased aunt. Then he noticed the ring resting on top of it. It looked hand-made, like a children's craft--like several of the things Nanako had made for him to celebrate his grades, actually.

He looked over at Minato. "One of yours?"

[gardenparty]

The Rose holds still until they actually take the items.

"I hope these will bring you sweet memories, my friends."

[jivitadana]

Minato nodded, carefully taking the ring in hand, holding it in his palm for Souji to see.

"Thank you."

He had to thank the Rose since now having this particular ring did remind him of home.

[eatsyourscience]

Souji looked at the ring closely, then realized he should also take his item, plucking the picture as though he thought it might combust if he were too slow.

"Yes. Thank you very much."

[gardenparty]

"My pleasure, my dears."

The Rose pulled its petals in close again and receded a bit into the foliage along the wall.

[jivitadana]

That flower seemed much nice than some of the others Minato had talked to. He looked at the ring in hand, then slid it onto his finger.

"Hanged Man. Maiko-chan made it for me, saying she wanted to marry me."

[eatsyourscience]

Souji smiled. He set the photo on the table, turned it around, and slid it toward Minato. "Nanako and my uncle and aunt."

[jivitadana]

Minato smiled too. Somehow, being in this place, let him see the impossible. He took it back after he had thought though since it might not have been so impossible anymore. But any chance Minato had to catch pieces of home, he was going to take it.

"She's cute."

But more than that, they all looked so happy. It wasn't hard to figure out why Souji had cherished his time in Inaba so much.

[eatsyourscience]

Souji nodded. "My Justice link."

He considered, remembering Naoki and the Hanged Man arcana. "What was Maiko like?"

[jivitadana]

Justice. That said a lot already about who Nanako was. Minato made another mental note and wish that he could meet her.

But Souji's question made him pause to think again. He fingered the ring, slowly spinning it around his finger so he could see all of it.

"She had to choose which parent to go with after their divorce."

[eatsyourscience]

Souji almost winced. "That's tough."

[jivitadana]

Minato nodded. "She chose her mother." At least she had a choice.

[eatsyourscience]

Souji was quiet for a moment, considering the comparison.

"My uncle wanted to make the world good for Nanako, but he didn't realize he had to be part of her life to do that." He added, "He's my Heirophant."

[jivitadana]

Minato glanced at the photo again. Had he known a little more about Souji's aunt, Minato could have somehow connected the loss both Hierophant Links had suffered. But he smiled a little to himself; Souji had been so close to the both of them.

"He knows that now, right?"

[eatsyourscience]

"Nanako helped him figure it out."

[jivitadana]

"You helped with that too?"

[eatsyourscience]

"I was a bridge. They're the ones who had to meet in the middle."

[jivitadana]

Minato nodded. "Isn't it usually like that?"

[eatsyourscience]

"Yeah. I just don't want to overplay my role."