[ Is that what was most frustrating about her? That as menacing as she was, an allure calls for one to ignore their common sense and give her one last chance. A charm that was Archon's only knew how old in the making. ]
Or perhaps dogs were always meant to be tamed. The difference is you're less likely to find a domesticated fox than you are wild dogs, no? It is as nature intended them to be.
[ Yet, Thoma tries to fight against one's nature. Perhaps he can't relate. Mondstadt may have its hooks on everyone daring to want freedom, but... here he is. Trying to get a fox to smile anything but a sly grin. ]
If it did anything other than bring amusement, the request would have been denied. I run a shrine, Thoma, not a zoo.
Oh? I wasn't aware that was more your nature. To me, you seemed quite fond staying put with your Lord and Lady – just as a dog would spend the very last of his days happy at the side of his Master. Am I wrong?
You're not wrong, my lady. There's a lot I owe to the Kamisato clan after washing up to these shores.
[ like purpose. and a home. perhaps she's right after all (as always, really-). Thoma likes to think that the freedom to choose where to live was him living out his homeland's ideals, but he's felt at home being rooted.
and he thinks she's rooted too, in not such a different way, although he's smart enough not to mention it. ]
But I think I appreciate the knowledge that it's my choice, every day. It doesn't feel so much as being leashed as it feels like I'm affirming my desire to stay here every time I wake up and go about my day. Whether that's being domesticated or not, I suppose it's up to one's perspective?
[ She gets it. Some loyalties run a little deeper, tugging at parts of oneself that they wished to keep more guarded. Miko doesn't travel the world, tending to the affairs of humans and archons alike. She's still bound by duty, by her lax role in Inazuma.
No one would question it, for they are fearful of what would come from it. ]
Mm, so it is. Much of life is subjective, such as if it is a good idea to bring a gang of dogs up to a mountain shrine.
You are an odd one, you know. For you represent what makes Inazuma... well, as it is but something else. It is usually Liyue that welcomes settlers from other lands.
The Kamisato clan is fortunate to have such obedience and care, it seems.
If only I snatched you up for a shrine role first...
[ Sarcasm is so difficult to read over messages. She's silent for some time, even if Thoma continues talking. ]
Please bring towels, as well, unless you like the smell of wet dog.
[ she's not wrong. the subtle significance of being picked as the 100th individual to have their Vision taken away has not escaped Thoma's notice - he is (was) a representative of the threat to eternity, by his own existence. a foreigner, where lands should always remain the same. but he prefers to consider it all important for a reason. what small waves he can make in his day-to-day actions may one day be stronger tides. ]
Something tells me you'd be just as fond of me as you are of the stray dog that's undoubtedly making your nose wrinkle. Although I'd be much better behaved...!
[ he's grabbing some towels, some treats for ease of capture, and of course, one should never intrude in the same space without making a genuine effort to both apologize and express gratitude. ]
Are you in need of anything, lady Miko? Would you like some dango? Or perhaps some fried tofu?
[ She's sorry her ex tried to make a weird kinda sexy ritual about taking your vision, bro. Miko tries to only get involved when it makes sense to, after all. Thoma pushes his luck, relying on a sunny charm that reminds her quite like the Traveler... ]
Making my nose wrinkle with its stink, yes. Your behavior is very much up for debate if this cute boy is causing problems.
[ Because what kind of problems could Thoma, of all people, cause? He's a fixer, after all.
Bribery comes in the sweet form of food and she doesn't think twice before replying: ]
Fried tofu. Freshly made. That will be your apology.
Ah, he won't, he won't! He's a good boy at heart for sure. Perhaps if he's antsy enough to dip into the pond, it's because he's feeling lonely? Please tell him that I'm on my way, as soon as I pick up these freshly made fried tofu.
[ yep. he's requesting for her to speak to the dog - sincerely. hey, they understand more than most people assume! ]
I'll be there before you know it, milady. Ready to hand over two servings of fried tofu for a wet pup. Thank you for being so patient...!
[ She fortunately doesn't confirm if she passed the message on. The shrine maidens were too busy zipping around trying to calm the foxes, after all. ]
Perhaps he was chasing fish, causing more trouble than he's worth... hm. It just seems like no one here is capable of speaking dog, so it truly is up to interpretation. I doubt it's loneliness, however.
Good. A transaction worthwhile. I'll be seeing you shortly, then.
[ Because yeah, she's having to enter the fray to wrangle this dumb dog up too. ]
[ when Thoma does arrive at the Grand Narukami shrine, his face is almost as red as his jacket, but his smile stays ever so expansive (and apologetic) as he approaches Miko with a recognizable container of fried tofu take-out, carefully wrapped to preserve as much heat as possible without compromising the crunchy quality. it goes from being cradled in his arms to an open offer with both hands; whatever fear he feels around Miko has obviously been tempered by the urgency he feels to get the dog off the sacred premises. ]
Lady Miko, please accept my apologies again. And my deepest thanks-
[ a little excited yip of recognition from the criminal himself makes Thoma give a short laugh despite himself. little rascal. ]
- for allowing this trip in the first place. I'll be sure to exercise more caution next time. Ah, if there will be a next time, of course. I wouldn't want to presume.
[ Miko hadn't done anything that would scare the dog off. She stews in her own grievances, silent as the dull wind in the mountains. It takes a bit for Thoma to oblige to her request and make his way back – but she had left the ponds at the side of the compound to the front steps when he arrives.
The sunny blonde catches the sunset like nothing other, leaving the maidens behind her in awe. He's a good guy and his word was solid. They approach Thoma, taking the container for their Lady without even a single word.
Thoma's friend was all too happy to see him – bumrushing the boy without any reprieve. ]
If you can make one promise, perhaps. Are you willing to oblige my request?
[ A soft huff past her lips follows: ]
A smaller class of dogs. I'm not quite sure you can manage them.
[ the wanted criminal is safely gathered up into his arms, wetting his jacket and shirt and effectively heating up the housekeeper - who's already so warm - ]
Aha... [ his face is the epitome of rueful apology as he winces; the suggestion is well-deserved, but no less embarrassing. the only thing that comforts him is the thought that the shrine maidens aren't looking at the pair of them with any hint of disgust.
well. it must be difficult to resist the charms of a puppy, no matter how wet and dirty it is, right? ]
Yes, of course, lady Miko. I must say that I'm grateful to be granted a second visit at all. I'll be sure to use the time between to brush up on my skills of instilling obedience. [ after which he begins to look a little hopeful - ] Would you... happen to have any advice, milady?
[ If there was no one to set Thoma right, would he even be the dutiful worker many people know him as? Miko wasn't his 'supervisor' by any means, but Thoma provides the same helpfulness as he does to his Lord and Lady. Maybe it was because Miko's reputation far exceeds her title... ask Gorou. ]
The girls need a break from time to time. I'd rather them playing with dogs than falling for boys from the city. Either their hearts are broken or they leave my tutelage. A lose-lose and their sobbing does get rather annoying...
[ A thinly-veiled connection to men and dogs, it was clear dogs were the lesser of two evils in this silly case. ]
Positive reinforcement only goes so far. If you wish to have someone follow you, letting them know the proper way is the only way is crucial. There is a standard one must maintain and if they do not meet it – what is the alternative?
[ Thoma's smart enough to catch the implications and to keep his reaction to a bare minimum; it's times like these that Yae Miko seems truly otherworldly, when she's able to so easily dissect human lives into whimsical passings - and on some level, rightfully so. ]
Is this the experience you've found to be most common when dealing with us, my lady? [ his tone is nothing but sincere curiosity, ] That positive reinforcement cannot cover the entire distance of improvement?
[ it sounds harsh, but it also sounds like a very Inazuman way of thinking. the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes that it also applies to his own life here, and how he's been forced to grow.
but it also makes him wonder what Yae Miko truly thinks about his master. ]
Hm... I believe you're right. Even if we never consider it in such stark terms, that is the underlying expectation we all have when we're in such a position.
[ something to consider later. for now, the pup squirms in his arms and reminds Thoma - ]
I don't mean to take any more of your time than I should, Lady Miko. Thank you, again, for your gracious understanding. [ with a deep bow, ] I will take your words to heart.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sorry for the delay!
Or perhaps dogs were always meant to be tamed. The difference is you're less likely to find a domesticated fox than you are wild dogs, no? It is as nature intended them to be.
[ Yet, Thoma tries to fight against one's nature. Perhaps he can't relate. Mondstadt may have its hooks on everyone daring to want freedom, but... here he is. Trying to get a fox to smile anything but a sly grin. ]
If it did anything other than bring amusement, the request would have been denied. I run a shrine, Thoma, not a zoo.
Oh? I wasn't aware that was more your nature. To me, you seemed quite fond staying put with your Lord and Lady – just as a dog would spend the very last of his days happy at the side of his Master. Am I wrong?
never apologize<3
[ like purpose. and a home. perhaps she's right after all (as always, really-). Thoma likes to think that the freedom to choose where to live was him living out his homeland's ideals, but he's felt at home being rooted.
and he thinks she's rooted too, in not such a different way, although he's smart enough not to mention it. ]
But I think I appreciate the knowledge that it's my choice, every day. It doesn't feel so much as being leashed as it feels like I'm affirming my desire to stay here every time I wake up and go about my day. Whether that's being domesticated or not, I suppose it's up to one's perspective?
no subject
No one would question it, for they are fearful of what would come from it. ]
Mm, so it is. Much of life is subjective, such as if it is a good idea to bring a gang of dogs up to a mountain shrine.
You are an odd one, you know. For you represent what makes Inazuma... well, as it is but something else. It is usually Liyue that welcomes settlers from other lands.
The Kamisato clan is fortunate to have such obedience and care, it seems.
If only I snatched you up for a shrine role first...
[ Sarcasm is so difficult to read over messages. She's silent for some time, even if Thoma continues talking. ]
Please bring towels, as well, unless you like the smell of wet dog.
[ STOP DIPPING IN THE PONDS... ]
no subject
Something tells me you'd be just as fond of me as you are of the stray dog that's undoubtedly making your nose wrinkle. Although I'd be much better behaved...!
[ he's grabbing some towels, some treats for ease of capture, and of course, one should never intrude in the same space without making a genuine effort to both apologize and express gratitude. ]
Are you in need of anything, lady Miko? Would you like some dango? Or perhaps some fried tofu?
no subject
Making my nose wrinkle with its stink, yes. Your behavior is very much up for debate if this cute boy is causing problems.
[ Because what kind of problems could Thoma, of all people, cause? He's a fixer, after all.
Bribery comes in the sweet form of food and she doesn't think twice before replying: ]
Fried tofu. Freshly made. That will be your apology.
no subject
[ yep. he's requesting for her to speak to the dog - sincerely. hey, they understand more than most people assume! ]
I'll be there before you know it, milady. Ready to hand over two servings of fried tofu for a wet pup. Thank you for being so patient...!
no subject
Perhaps he was chasing fish, causing more trouble than he's worth... hm. It just seems like no one here is capable of speaking dog, so it truly is up to interpretation. I doubt it's loneliness, however.
Good. A transaction worthwhile. I'll be seeing you shortly, then.
[ Because yeah, she's having to enter the fray to wrangle this dumb dog up too. ]
no subject
Lady Miko, please accept my apologies again. And my deepest thanks-
[ a little excited yip of recognition from the criminal himself makes Thoma give a short laugh despite himself. little rascal. ]
- for allowing this trip in the first place. I'll be sure to exercise more caution next time. Ah, if there will be a next time, of course. I wouldn't want to presume.
no subject
The sunny blonde catches the sunset like nothing other, leaving the maidens behind her in awe. He's a good guy and his word was solid. They approach Thoma, taking the container for their Lady without even a single word.
Thoma's friend was all too happy to see him – bumrushing the boy without any reprieve. ]
If you can make one promise, perhaps. Are you willing to oblige my request?
[ A soft huff past her lips follows: ]
A smaller class of dogs. I'm not quite sure you can manage them.
no subject
Aha... [ his face is the epitome of rueful apology as he winces; the suggestion is well-deserved, but no less embarrassing. the only thing that comforts him is the thought that the shrine maidens aren't looking at the pair of them with any hint of disgust.
well. it must be difficult to resist the charms of a puppy, no matter how wet and dirty it is, right? ]
Yes, of course, lady Miko. I must say that I'm grateful to be granted a second visit at all. I'll be sure to use the time between to brush up on my skills of instilling obedience. [ after which he begins to look a little hopeful - ] Would you... happen to have any advice, milady?
no subject
The girls need a break from time to time. I'd rather them playing with dogs than falling for boys from the city. Either their hearts are broken or they leave my tutelage. A lose-lose and their sobbing does get rather annoying...
[ A thinly-veiled connection to men and dogs, it was clear dogs were the lesser of two evils in this silly case. ]
Positive reinforcement only goes so far. If you wish to have someone follow you, letting them know the proper way is the only way is crucial. There is a standard one must maintain and if they do not meet it – what is the alternative?
no subject
Is this the experience you've found to be most common when dealing with us, my lady? [ his tone is nothing but sincere curiosity, ] That positive reinforcement cannot cover the entire distance of improvement?
[ it sounds harsh, but it also sounds like a very Inazuman way of thinking. the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes that it also applies to his own life here, and how he's been forced to grow.
but it also makes him wonder what Yae Miko truly thinks about his master. ]
Hm... I believe you're right. Even if we never consider it in such stark terms, that is the underlying expectation we all have when we're in such a position.
[ something to consider later. for now, the pup squirms in his arms and reminds Thoma - ]
I don't mean to take any more of your time than I should, Lady Miko. Thank you, again, for your gracious understanding. [ with a deep bow, ] I will take your words to heart.