username: butterfly (video, post jailbreak)

[digophelia]

[ This time around, Alice doesn't look as awkward addressing the network. Curled up in a dark blue cloak, Alice gives a small, awkward wave. ]

Hello.

[ She wonders what some may think of her now, given how calm she is. Alice usually isn't one for starting up conversations and it shows how she seems to fidget in her seat. ]

We must have new "recruits", I can't say I remember any of you from when I first arrived. I'm not good at introductions, forgive me -- my name is Alice Liddell. But I didn't want to address others to introduce myself.

I imagine that some of you may have had your clothing sullied or tattered from what transpired a few days ago with our little excursion. [ Far too polite, considering some of ALASTAIR's own are far from noble and composed. ]

I do have an offer. If you're mindful of your budget, and... other things, such as keeping from authorities, I would like to offer my services to tend to garments. I'm not the most renowned seamstress, but it is very customary where I come from young girls are taught many things, including sewing. I don't ask for anything in return; I don't want anything. It's the least I can do for some of you, who have been held for two weeks. I'll even clean garments for those of you who haven't gotten the chance in the past few weeks.

[ Alice pauses and adds- ]

And, I must note, despite offering such a generous offer, I will only do so, for a small while, as long as some of us -- or most of us -- are looking to be discreet. Indeed, there are vendors who are willing to provide, though they may be looking at this as means to exploit us for a profit. Alternatively, the goblins maybe one venue if you're looking for new clothes to begin with. At least they seem reasonable when it comes to pricing, I've noticed.

Comments

[digophelia]

I wouldn't worry too much about your level of skills, Miss Olivia.

[ She offers a smile. ]

You can show me what you know -- chances are, it may not be that much different than what I know. It's simple repair, nothing grand like sewing dresses. Unless, of course, one of the children here need a new dress, then I can manage.

[winces]

Oh, um. Just Olivia is fine! [ it's a hasty correction, though she seems apologetic to even have to do it. but "miss olivia" just makes her feel strange... she's never really been in such a formal setting before. ]

But I've mostly just done simple repairs, too. My troupe tended to keep our expenses to food and shelter, so whenever a costume would tear, we always tried to fix it on our own first.

[digophelia]

I shall try, it's a bit of a habit. I was raised with the notion it was impolite to call someone by their first name without formalities.

[ And she'll promptly forget to address her just by Olivia. ]

Hopefully, it will be just simple repairs and nothing too drastic, like blood. Were you a performer?

[winces]

Oh, well I mean — if that's easier for you — please do whatever makes you comfortable! [ olivia will just learn how to deal, tbh. ]

But I'm a dancer, yes. Though I guess there were nights I'd be asked to sing, but dancing was my main number.

[digophelia]

On the contrary, whatever makes you feel comfortable. [ She seems so meek and Alice feels a little guilty. ]

What a noble profession! Was singing not your preferred "number"?

[winces]

I-It's no problem at all! Really — I'm just being silly. [ are they just going to challenge who can out-courtesy the other?

but, wow, olivia has never really heard her profession described as noble before... it makes her a little flustered, stalling her response. ]

O-Oh, um. I enjoy singing as well, but if I had to choose between the two... Dancing is definitely a bigger passion of mine. It's so easy to get lost in the music, and the feelings, sometimes your body just moves on its own—

[ ah, she's getting embarrassing. hastily, she adds: ]

B-But! I'm afraid I'm not very good at it...

[digophelia]

[ It's not often she meets someone as modest as she is. Olivia seems modest, isn't she? Sure she does. ]

Why not? If you enjoy it so much, I'm sure you're very talented.

[winces]

Oh no, no, not at all! I'm as graceful as a drunk boar, it's really terrible.

[digophelia]

Oh, don't say such things! It's like an artist or a musician... none of them like what they create and do!

[winces]

Oh... do you really think so? I've never really thought of it that way!

[digophelia]

[ Olivia's fluster... is slightly met with Alice's own sheepishness. ]

Well, why not? Dancing is an art form. It must be difficult, so it should be admired like any other art form, regardless of how skilled you think you are.

[winces]

Hehe, I guess you're right... Sometimes I just get so caught up in it — I want it to just be perfect, you know? Because performing isn't just about the artist or performer... it's about the audience, too.

[digophelia]

If you ever feel as if you're out of practice, I would love to watch you. I've always wanted to see the theater when I was girl, but my parents thought I was too young. I'm sure you're just as good as any dancer back in England.

[winces]

[ how quickly olivia's demeanor seems to shift. she can't abide by this tragedy!! ]

H-Have you really not seen a dance performance before? Alice — that's terrible! Anytime you want — I can dance for you any time you want!

[digophelia]

Only if you like, Miss Olivia! I wouldn't ask you yo do something if you weren't comfortable with it.

[winces]

[ she's so preoccupied with this tragedy, she doesn't even bat an eyelash at "miss" this time. ]

Not at all, Alice! Dancing's what I do! If I could — I'd perform for everybody here!

[digophelia]

I am sure, in time, you'll be able to do so. I hope that you do.

[ Dream big or go home. ]

[winces]

[ she flushes a little. ]

Y-Yes, maybe—

[ but this isn't about her, alice...! ]

But more than that, I hope you get to experience it yourself.

[digophelia]

[ Alice can't take praise, so others will receive it instead. ]

I'm sure that I would. When I was a little girl, I used to beg my parents to take me to the opera with them. They would always tell me when I was older.

[ Vaguely, she's making an allusion to be an orphan without getting into too many details. ]

How shall I say it? Operas are performances with singers and dancers in large theaters. They're quite expensive and people come from all over to see them. So, I think I would, as silly as that sounds.

[ But anything her parents enjoyed, Alice wants to throw herself at. ]

[winces]

Oh, they sound like lovely performances... [ there is an awed quality to olivia's tone, making it lighter. wistful.

operas sound a bit like what she and her caravan do, but in a larger scale. ]

If I had the resources, I'd love to take you to one.

[ or create one for alice herself. ]

[digophelia]

Not to worry, someday, I will. Or maybe, in the future, we can find something similar to it and go together.

[winces]

[ she gasps softly. ]

Oh, Alice — I would love that! That you would be willing to share something so meaningful with me, a virtual stranger... [ is she sniffling? she's sniffling. ] That's really touching..!

[digophelia]

[ Why the tears? ]

I see no harm in it, you haven't said anything for me to be anything but cordial. [ Unlike some people, like Ban. Besides, what's the worst Olivia can do? Apologize all over? Apparently. ]

Stranger or not, I appreciate kindness.

[winces]

[ because feelings, alice!! ]

That's a wonderful perspective to have, [ she responds warmly. ] Though I guess I can't be too surprised... Anyone who so selflessly offers their services like this has to have a very kind and giving soul!

[digophelia]

You're right, I'm sure that you do.

[ Her? Never. It's easier to shift that attention on another. ]