This is not a holiday to glorify the gods of Asgard! [Open]

[nibelungvalesti]

Who: Meril and Open, Friends, and Band Only
What: Meril tries to prepare for a holiday
When: 2/10
Where: In town and specified locations
Warnings: None expected



1.

With her sleeping problems diminished and her attentions turned to matters beyond terror, Meril ventured out into the world more frequently these days. Two large, menacing men in suits constantly trailed behind at a respectful distance, but by the keyboardist's request, remained uninvolved outside of preventing altercations. For Meril had a mission, and it was one that she couldn't accomplish in a bubble -- she had to figure out what to do for Valentine's Day.

So in a dress that looked nothing like her usual garb but nonetheless suited her quite well, Meril walked down a commercial street, frowning at the window displays in the various shops. Ought she to buy flowers, for this? To present at a dinner, or to present with her request of accompaniment? Would one of these books offer a clue, or were they simply commercial? Chocolates -- were they overdone?

The girl let out a frustrated sigh. "This is needlessly complicated."

Uncharacteristic as her dress was, Meril couldn't hide her hair, either in color or length, so those who knew what to look for could recognize the Defying Atmosphere keyboardist easily enough.

2.

Those who Meril trusted -- those who, strangely, she considered friends -- received a request by text or email with a simple request: meet with her. Wherever and whenever was convenient, so long as it was soon.

And for those who agreed, then wherever they met her, they found the same Meril --oddly energetic, somewhat agitated, and with both hands slapped onto the counter, table, or what have you to emphasize her point.

"I need your aid. I apologize for the imposition, but I simply must make this an excellent Valentine's Day!"

Defying Atmosphere only.

Any of the band who might be overly sensitive to things that go bump in the night might be alarmed by the noise that came from Meril's room. Just a faint sound, half a ripple and half a low thrum, but all alien.

...And then it didn't take an alarmed person to wonder what the heck was going on when a heavy thud came from behind the door. Apparently near the ceiling, no less.

Comments

DA

[panspermia]

While Greg's sleeping pattern has improved over the week, the bar had been set low. The strange noise buzzes through the penthouse during one of his bouts of insomnia, and he wastes no time running to her room.

"Meril? Hey, are you okay in--"

When he hears the loud thump, confusion and fear take a grip on his throat, and he doesn't waste any time knocking before bursting in to check on her.

[nibelungvalesti]

Well. This was embarrassing. She had been prepared to explain this in good time and with a proper lead-in... and yet now here was Greg, in her room, with a perfect view of her in full armor.

"...I am having something of an odd evening, Greg."

[panspermia]

Meanwhile, Greg's standing over here in nothing but pajama pants, gaping gormlessly.

"...No kidding." Well, it's certainly not any of the things he was afraid could be happening, that's for sure. "That's a... new look on you."

[nibelungvalesti]

Lifting a hand, Meril drew it into a closed fist as she bowed her head.

"You asked me to accept something that was impossible as true. Now I must ask you to do the same."

[panspermia]

He steps closer, hesitant. She isn't startled, or surprised by all this, so...

"What is this?"

[nibelungvalesti]

With that same noise as before, the one that brought him running, the armor disappeared -- leaving Meril in just a nightgown, as she had been initially, before she summoned it.

"I am, I believe, a valkyrie."

[panspermia]

He balks, looking her up and down. That really happened, he didn't imagine that last outfit. Because that's absolutely something he would imagine.

"Like... like the war goddess? With, uh, the wings, and Odin, and mead...?"

[nibelungvalesti]

Meril nodded. "I appear to be short on the wings, and the alcohol comes in wider varieties, but yes. Exactly that."

[panspermia]

"Meril... this is..." He steps closer. "This is so cool."

[nibelungvalesti]

The small goddess tipped back her head and laughed. Such a laugh, too, coming from her -- perhaps the least-restrained, least-subdued laugh she had ever made in her life.

"I had a feeling you would not mind too much!"

2

[gunslingerqueen]

"Wow," Nariko had barely taken her seat before those surprising, and rather amazing words spilled out of her friend's mouth. When she'd gotten the text asking to meet of course she'd answered, Meril had done just the same not too long ago, and Nariko wasn't going to ignore her best friend in a time of need. Although it's apparently much less serious than what she'd thought.

"I didn't think you were the Valentine's type! What do you have in mind?" A pause, and then she added: "And this isn't an imposition, friends ask friends for help, all of that. But, seriously, what are we doing!"

It was important to state the obvious with someone as hardheaded as Meril, but even though Nariko hadn't planned much for herself she could be excited to help someone else!

[nibelungvalesti]

"I am not the type," Meril said wryly, "but if Greg and are are... well." Actually saying it out loud still was no easy admission for her, and she -- of all things! -- colored faintly. "I would like him to be happy and this seems like a good way."

[gunslingerqueen]

"So, are you guys going out on a date or are you just wanting to do something nice for him?" She's a little confused, so the question isn't laced with suggestion.

[nibelungvalesti]

"It will definitely be a date. I am not certain if anything we have done yet truly qualifies, but this one will leave no doubt at all." Meril nodded with an unusual firmness. Girl was fired up.

[gunslingerqueen]

... What in the world had happened between the first time they opened this topic and this very moment? It seemed as if Nariko had missed not just one or two, but several whole developments in the Saga of Meril and Greg. But whatever, man, she gets to help plan a Valentine's Day Date! And that pretty much makes up for not having one of her own.

"Okay, so, what does he like? It's best to find something you both like to do and make a night of it."

They can focus on clothes and little details later on, the meat of it is where, when, and how.

[nibelungvalesti]

Meril was profoundly relieved that Nariko took to this news well, with fervor rather than jealousy. She had been a little worried, and with that worry now gone she herself showed an uncommon amount of animation.

"Well, he does love to perform, of course. We sang karaoke once or twice, and he quite enjoyed it. Is that romantic enough, do you think? That is not a terribly classy date..."

2

[giglio_madonna]

For the first time in days, there's a lively spark in Luce's eyes despite her pallid demeanor and she beams. It had taken no small measure of work to make sure she'd have at least some time for herself instead of being used as everyone and their grandmother's errand girl...

But it's worth it.

"Greg, isn't it?" Yeah, she'd noticed certain goings on at a certain charity concert. Her smile could fuel an entire building. "Alright, do you have anything planned so far?"

[nibelungvalesti]

"Yes." That smile brought a faint blush to Meril's cheeks. At least Luce was not teasing her, though. "I only know a meal should probably be involved, since that is traditional..."

[giglio_madonna]

The teasing would come later. For now, there are more important manners. Luce clasps her hands together, humming in thought. "Well, Greg isn't the type of guy who seems like he'd be up for super ritzy things... Besides, he gets enough of that living in Virgo. So you'll want to try something opposite- down to earth, personalized. I can't recall, do you cook often?"

[nibelungvalesti]

"I have no ability in that department. I suppose I could make him a sandwich... and for Greg, that might even do, so perhaps that could be lunch." This was Meril's idea of great romance. This is why she needed HELP, Luce!

[giglio_madonna]

Honestly, Luce wishes she could dispute that fact about Greg. He'd adore it, more likely than not. So she doesn't immediately dismiss the thought, giving a slight hum. "There'd have to be more than just the sandwich, I could show you a few things... But anyway. Did you know they still do outdoor movies? Well, for a given of 'outdoors'."

[nibelungvalesti]

"At this time of year?" Neither she nor Greg had a ton of trouble with cold, and yet that still seemed unlikely. "You must mean something particular by 'outdoors' then."

[giglio_madonna]

Leaning forward, Luce beams. "I've heard that there's an outdoor movie set up that takes place now and then beneath one of the overpasses- you know like at the music fest last year? A place a bit like that. Out of most of any bad weather, and it won't matter anyway if you take a car there. Try a van, something with empty space in the back or with movable seats. Then the two of you can sit there, have whatever you've brought for food and snacks, and enjoy the movie."

A pause, and she tilts her head to the side with the innocence laid on maybe a little thick. "And if you ever want privacy for whatever reason, all you would have to do is close the back doors..."

[nibelungvalesti]

"Luce!" Congratulations: the keyboardist was now red as could be. "Your ideas are excellent up to a point, but must you!"

Poor Meril had no idea how to go about the whole 'physical intimacy' thing.

[giglio_madonna]

"Oh, did I say something, Meril?" Pressing her hands together in mock prayer, Luce directs her gaze skyward. "I was to be a nun, you know! I'd never suggest anything indecent."

She knows she was never a nun, now. But it's still too fun an idea to use as teasing bait.