[VIDEO]

[demonicbeauty]

[The feed is shaking and not completely centered. Odds are, it's Airy. And, in fact, after a moment, she manages to almost frame her face.

She's in her Human form today. And looks a bit sheepish.]

I don't know how, but it completely slipped my mind. Yesterday was the anniversary of my birth. I think.

[If her math is correct, which it almost certainly is.]

I feel terrible. Were there any local rituals I was meant to observe? Did the gods expect some kind of sacrifice or fast? If so, I'll do that right away!

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[demonicbeauty]

Oh! Gods, no! I didn't mean that kind of sacrifice.

[Not that she disrespects anyone's beliefs. But it's really not her style.]

I've never been to a place that didn't have some kind of ritual...

[tealeafs]

What kind of rituals did they have for it then where you come from?

[ She can't help but be a little curious, considering the kind of importance Ariadne seems to place on it. ]

[demonicbeauty]

Well...

There's a race called the Daruc. And when they celebrate the anniversary of their birth, they present a gift to their mother or mothers.

And if they're not alive, they make a symbolic offering in a temple.

[tealeafs]

.. that's a rather sweet ritual.

[ And a sad one, considering that last part. But she manages to smile about it all the same. ]

It's probably to show your gratitude towards your mother for bringing you into this world and raising you, right? I like that idea.

[demonicbeauty]

I guess so. Except...

[She winces a little bit.]

For Alastrians, it's the males who give birth.

[tealeafs]

W.. Wait, really?! [ That's a shocker. Especially since she's pretty sure only women can do that where she comes from - even for demons that was the case, not just for humans! ]

I.. I guess they're very different then! [ Her mind is having such a hard time wrapping itself around that fact, but she's trying. ] Why do they give gifts to the mothers then and not to the fathers..?

[demonicbeauty]

Oh, no. Darucs give to their mothers.

Alastrians...don't really have any kind of birthday ritual.

[tealeafs]

Where I come from, humans do celebrate it..

[ .. kind of. But it's easier to keep this simple after just how much her brain got blown a second ago. ]

Although it kind of depends..? I honestly haven't really celebrated my birthday much ever. But others do.

[demonicbeauty]

How do they celebrate, where you come from?

[tealeafs]

[ She pauses for a moment. After all, this is something Chizuru has only heard stories about rather than experienced herself, so it's slightly bittersweet to talk about. ]

I believe people try to come together with the whole family to celebrate someone's birthday. The person whose birthday it is receives a gift from their parents as well to celebrate the occasion.

[demonicbeauty]

[She nods eagerly.]

Gift-giving seems to be very universal.

[tealeafs]

Have you ever received a gift for that occasion back home?

[ Chizuru assumes most people have. ]

[demonicbeauty]

Not...that I can think of.

[She shrugs.]

When you're one of twenty, a birthday isn't really going to make you that unique.

[tealeafs]

.. I guess you're right. [ In the sense that some people might think that way. ]

But I still think it's a little sad.. you deserve a present, you know? Even if you're only one person, you're still unique. And I think everyone is important.

[demonicbeauty]

Oh, every one is.

But the presents would get a little expensive if you had to buy for twenty.

[tealeafs]

[ What Ariadne is saying makes so much logical sense. Chizuru knows that.

And yet she can't just let logic win out here when it's about this kind of situation. ]

Then.. just hold on! [ A bit more determination creeps into her tone. ] I know it's a little late if your birthday was yesterday, but would you still accept a birthday gift today?

[demonicbeauty]

Oh...

You don't have to...

[She gets a little wide-eyed.]

I didn't mean to say I was demanding gifts!

[tealeafs]

I don't think you're demanding any.

[ After all, even with that hint of determination in her voice, there's no desperation. And certainly not fear. If anything, Chizuru starts smiling a little as she continues to speak. ]

I just want to give you one. You've been kind to me when we've spoken before, so the least I can do is be nice to you in return, don't you think?

[demonicbeauty]

I...

[Well, that is logical. At least, it's something Ariadne would say, if their positions were reversed.]

I guess that makes sense.

[tealeafs]

Then expect something from me! I'll come bring it to you later today. [ She just.. first still has to get a present to begin with. But Chizuru is sure she can manage that much - she doesn't have much else to do today anyway. ] Where are you staying?

[demonicbeauty]

Oh. Sigyn's cottage.

I haven't really felt the need to go anywhere else.

[tealeafs]

Okay! Please expect to see me stop by sometime later today, alright?

[demonicbeauty]

All right.

...thank you.

action;

[tealeafs]

[ True to her word, Chizuru does show up! It's quite a bit later in the day, since she had to do quite some stuff to get this working, but by the evening Chizuru is definitely looking for the other at Sigyn's cottage until she spots Ariadne. ]

Oh.. Hi! Sorry that I'm a little late.. Here you go.

[ Chizuru holds something out to her: it's a wooden comb decorated with flowers, the kind you'd stick in your hair as a hair accessory. ]

I know it's a little simple, but.. I hope you like it. Happy birthday.

[demonicbeauty]

[Ariadne's sitting in her favorite spot--halfway down the stairs--when Chizuru arrives. She stands politely, before trotting down the steps. And despite her grace, she nearly trips in surprise when Chizuru holds out the beautiful comb.]

Oh!

[She rushes the rest of the way over, looking shocked.]

It's beautiful!