"And you're in a better mood now! I know you won't hurt me."
[And as much as Amelia would like to deny her warmer expressions... Well, they'll cross that bridge sooner or later.
Emil will now proceed to spray Henry's hair down with a solution to make it pliable and to begin the haircut properly. It doesn't hinder his ability to reply to Henry.]
"Mm, what would you like to know about her? I guess the first thing I could say about her is that she's referred to as the Crystalline Witch, kind of like how Miss Steinbeck has her own title, the Emerald Witch."
[Emil begins to trim and shape the edges of Henry's hair and over the sound of the scissors clipping, he continues.]
"The other thing is that she has a lot more golems like me! I'm the youngest one."
[Getting his hair cut like this isn't unusual—he had to be presentable all those years in the lab, of course, and even before that—but having such a chatty barber is new and unusual. Emil really is a very excitable golem, isn’t he?
He’s not wrong about his mood being substantially better than before, at least.]
How many more?
[Crystalline Witch. Maybe it’s fitting for a witch that creates golems.]
"Hmmm... I guess if I had to put a number to it, about the size of a small school population?"
[That's still a lot of golems! And they all serve the witch in one way or another, though not all of them appear among normal people.]
"We usually live in the workshop with Berna unless she brings one of us with her. Or in my case, Miss Steinbeck borrows me a lot when she needs help around the house!"
[Snip, snip! Tufts of Henry's blonde hair start to fall to the ground.]
"If you're wondering more about Berna... Hmmmm. I think she's someone who has a taste for the finer things in life! When she isn't working on her projects, she loves dressing up, going to parties, mingling with all sorts of people, that kind of thing. She likes dragging Miss Steinbeck along too."
[The size of a small school population? That's a lot of golems.
In his periphery, blond locks of his hair fall away. He thinks about that answer, trying to imagine Amelia getting dragged along to a fancy party. It amuses him, in two ways: it's just funny to think about, but also, though they're not going to a fancy "party" tonight, is he the one getting dragged about instead?]
I can't imagine Amelia allowing herself to get "dragged along" anywhere. Are they close friends?
[Emil nods as he makes a half circle around Henry, brushing his hair again to part it to the side. The curls he was sporting before are starting to tame from the hair solution the golem applied and already Henry's looking different. The golem will show Henry later though since he didn't set up a mirror.]
"They're close enough that Berna's been working very hard on creating the tool that will help you return to your dimension. She usually doesn't take requests but for Miss Steinbeck, she will.
Berna was really mad when she saw I had my head broken, she almost didn't want to lift a finger!"
[Gotta hand it to the golem, he held no grudge even at the time when they first met.]
"I'm not exactly made for action like my other siblings so yeah, she wasn't really in a good mood... But some time has passed! I'm sure she's relaxed by now. Work puts her back in the rhythm and all."
[The golem pauses really focus on the haircut since it's coming together and he hums to himself all the while.]
"... We're almost done. I'll show you as soon as I dry and give some volume to your hair."
[Just some more combing and final touches to make sure the edges are to Emil's liking.]
"I hope you'll like it! I think you and Miss Steinbeck will be surprised."
[He really wonders what his hair will look like. He's already gotten an idea of what some of the younger men in this world are sporting simply by walking around but then again... he's almost forty. So.]
Maybe someday I'll get to meet her.
[Berna, he means.]
As for my hair, I'm sure I'll be surprised, Emil. So you were just created for this kind of thing? Domestic tasks?
"It's what I'm starting off with! My siblings tell me that my purpose can change as the years go by and if I want to learn more. I'm only ten years old after all."
[Perhaps a little surprising since Emil appears to be within the age range of a teenager appearance-wise but he did say he was the youngest. His social skills, domestic talents, and now stylist abilities are on another level which really speaks to the Crystalline Witch's work on him.
Emil finally dries out Henry's hair and brushes it out. Already it should even feel different, with less weight from the lack of curls, and more light because of the type of cut he's done.
The golem takes a mirror from the cart and stands to hold it in front of Henry. He looks extremely pleased by his own handiwork.]
[Only ten years old… But he should expect these kind of proficiencies inherent in someone who’s made by magic. Crafted by a powerful witch, at that.
Well, he can ask more about that later. Right now? Right now, Emil’s holding out a mirror, and Henry is catching a glance of his face with a new haircut to frame it.
And— it’s surprising, to say the least. He’s not quite sure what to think of it, having been so used to the old style, but it seems to suit him?]
I look like someone completely different. [Maybe not that extreme, but that’s what it feels like. Emil seems proud, though, so—] I like it, it’ll just take some getting used to not surprising myself when I look in the mirror.
"Hehe! Awesome! I'm so glad you like it. I really think I brought out your best features and it'll be easier to maintain. It's going to look nice when the hair grows out too."
[Emil is so, so proud of himself. He'll finalize everything by sweeping all the stray hair off of the cape and some extra blow drying. As the golem removes the cape, he happily remarks:]
"Now the real test is to see what Miss Steinbeck thinks! Oh! Speaking of —!"
[The back door opens and Amelia goes to check on the both of them.]
Finished already? It sounds like you were both getting along —
[She catches sight of Henry and. Pauses. Looking. Blinks.
Emil is all but bouncing as he looks back and forth between her and Henry.]
[This is truly a bit more pampering than he ever received in the lab when he had his haircut — and that’s saying a lot, since he’s barely being pampered at all, but the bar was forever low.
He follows Emil back inside, and when he catches sight of Amelia's scrutiny... Henry isn't self-conscious, per se, because he's lost that particular flaw when he was much younger, but he is very much aware of her pause.]
Yes. What do you think?
[Good? Bad? Is she processing? Maybe he isn't suited for slightly longer hair.]
[That's not exactly answering the question so that makes the golem move closer to Amelia suddenly as he tries to examine her expression.]
"Of course I did a good job, Miss Steinbeck. But how do you think it makes Mr. Creel look?"
[The witch is doing that tell with her fingers again where they start fiddling when she's nervous or uncertain of how to answer.]
He looks very...
[The more Amelia pauses, the more a pouting Emil pushes for an answer.]
"Don't be so stingy with compliments Miss Steinbeck! You can just say it!"
Emil, please...!
[why is this woman so awkward?? She puts her hand on top of the boy's shoulder to calm him down and at that moment, even with her hair hanging down, Amelia's face is... Pink?
And she somehow manages to mumble it out, hope you can hear her Henry.]
[...Oh. He can hear her, and that awareness of himself? How funny. It spikes a little in tandem with that awkwardly-given compliment, and he has to hold himself back from running a hand through his hair.]
Aha... Emil did a good job, I think.
[Ah, and he could leave it at that, but. You know. He won't.]
Sorry, I didn't hear you, though, Amelia. Do you think it suits me, or should we try for another style down the line?
[He's a villain and he's here to make people suffer.......from embarrassment.]
[Do not perceive her, the both of you! Emil takes a step back and says nothing but he's grinning from ear to ear. Amelia turns away from Henry and crosses her arms.]
It suits you, alright? It's a handsome haircut and Emil has highlighted your best physical features.
Then thank you. I'm glad you think so, that just means we'll be more suited for our outing together tonight, right? I have to match you somehow.
[He leaves that hanging, though the implication is surprisingly clear and straightforward or Henry. Match her in what? Presentability? Attractiveness? Yes.]
[Emil somehow looks more self-satisfied and smug and he glances over at Henry to give him a quick thumbs up! :D
But the golem will now busy himself with the list of chores Amelia has for him leaving them both alone. She runs a hand through her hair as if trying to sift out the awkwardness she's inflicted on herself.]
We'll be leaving the house in about ten minutes. I want to stop by the church first before we go and choose some clothes for the evening.
[He thinks about teasing her a little more, saying that maybe she should enjoy the sight while she still can, given that he might just be granted his monster body should he ever return back home... But maybe he'll bring that up later, amid clothes-shopping.]
The church? [Skeptically:] Dropping in for a quick prayer?
[yeah henry, one of us needs jesus wanna guess who]
Ah, well. You never when you'll need it. There's another person... or rather, an entity of sorts that's made the church his home though. I check up on him every once and while to make sure he's healthy.
[If she didn't add "entity" it would have sounded like she was visiting a church member or priest. But this is Blackgale and this is Amelia; she surrounds herself with odd company.]
We'll leave in about ten minutes. Don't mess up your haircut in the meanwhile.
[Amelia shakes her head though his remark makes her grin somewhat.]
No, he isn't a load like the one in the lake. I do make him care packages every once and while. I've never seen him partake but the basket comes back empty so I'd say he appreciates it.
It shouldn't be a long visit. He's not one to spare idle words to just anyone.
[Why is this the first thing you wonder about, Henry. To his credit, he asked first!]
But sure, whatever you want to do. I'll follow. I appreciate you showing me around town. This place really is far more interesting than Hawkins ever was.
[She raises a brow at him... But yes, at least he asked.]
You can try. Just don't break his concentration.
[Other espers have read into the church man's mind but it seemed results varied. She'll let Henry find out on his own though.]
I'm glad you find it interesting. The supernatural persists and stays strong because of its mystery... And since I'm part of it, I try to take care of the others.
[While they're all absolutely dangerous in their own ways, coexistence isn't impossible. Amelia takes great care to ensure this.]
You've been staying with me for a while now Henry. It wouldn't do if I just let the interesting things in town pass you by.
[Again, there's that alien consideration for him. Out of nothing more than what he suspects is kindness and perhaps a familiarity that borders on-- What?
Friendship?
He wonders. (A thought that tugs on every neuron in his brain, but he sets it aside for now.)]
Every day, I'm more and more in your debt for every little thing you do.
[He smiles but then turns to head back towards his room.]
[They leave the house and make their way to Ivory Park. Gradually, it becomes noticeable how Henry is turning heads or at least receiving a second glance. Amelia just continues to look straight ahead as she leads him through the park and to the peaceful Ivory Church.
Though it isn't a grandiose and heavily decorated place of worship, the surrounding trees, and flowers more than make up for its humble visage. Other park guests are milling about and it looks like there are even some couples who are scouting out the area as a possible wedding venue.
Amelia pauses before they go inside.]
So you've never been inside the church yet, right?
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sunfloras2023-04-20 07:42 pm
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[And as much as Amelia would like to deny her warmer expressions... Well, they'll cross that bridge sooner or later.
Emil will now proceed to spray Henry's hair down with a solution to make it pliable and to begin the haircut properly. It doesn't hinder his ability to reply to Henry.]
[Emil begins to trim and shape the edges of Henry's hair and over the sound of the scissors clipping, he continues.]
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He’s not wrong about his mood being substantially better than before, at least.]
How many more?
[Crystalline Witch. Maybe it’s fitting for a witch that creates golems.]
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[That's still a lot of golems! And they all serve the witch in one way or another, though not all of them appear among normal people.]
[Snip, snip! Tufts of Henry's blonde hair start to fall to the ground.]
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In his periphery, blond locks of his hair fall away. He thinks about that answer, trying to imagine Amelia getting dragged along to a fancy party. It amuses him, in two ways: it's just funny to think about, but also, though they're not going to a fancy "party" tonight, is he the one getting dragged about instead?]
I can't imagine Amelia allowing herself to get "dragged along" anywhere. Are they close friends?
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[Gotta hand it to the golem, he held no grudge even at the time when they first met.]
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I imagine she's protective of her creations. I hope I didn't get on her bad side?
[Well. He hopes if only because it might make his return journey home all the more delayed.]
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[The golem pauses really focus on the haircut since it's coming together and he hums to himself all the while.]
[Just some more combing and final touches to make sure the edges are to Emil's liking.]
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Maybe someday I'll get to meet her.
[Berna, he means.]
As for my hair, I'm sure I'll be surprised, Emil. So you were just created for this kind of thing? Domestic tasks?
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[Perhaps a little surprising since Emil appears to be within the age range of a teenager appearance-wise but he did say he was the youngest. His social skills, domestic talents, and now stylist abilities are on another level which really speaks to the Crystalline Witch's work on him.
Emil finally dries out Henry's hair and brushes it out. Already it should even feel different, with less weight from the lack of curls, and more light because of the type of cut he's done.
The golem takes a mirror from the cart and stands to hold it in front of Henry. He looks extremely pleased by his own handiwork.]
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Well, he can ask more about that later. Right now? Right now, Emil’s holding out a mirror, and Henry is catching a glance of his face with a new haircut to frame it.
And— it’s surprising, to say the least. He’s not quite sure what to think of it, having been so used to the old style, but it seems to suit him?]
I look like someone completely different. [Maybe not that extreme, but that’s what it feels like. Emil seems proud, though, so—] I like it, it’ll just take some getting used to not surprising myself when I look in the mirror.
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[Emil is so, so proud of himself. He'll finalize everything by sweeping all the stray hair off of the cape and some extra blow drying. As the golem removes the cape, he happily remarks:]
[The back door opens and Amelia goes to check on the both of them.]
Finished already? It sounds like you were both getting along —
[She catches sight of Henry and. Pauses. Looking. Blinks.
Emil is all but bouncing as he looks back and forth between her and Henry.]
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He follows Emil back inside, and when he catches sight of Amelia's scrutiny... Henry isn't self-conscious, per se, because he's lost that particular flaw when he was much younger, but he is very much aware of her pause.]
Yes. What do you think?
[Good? Bad? Is she processing? Maybe he isn't suited for slightly longer hair.]
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[That's not exactly answering the question so that makes the golem move closer to Amelia suddenly as he tries to examine her expression.]
[The witch is doing that tell with her fingers again where they start fiddling when she's nervous or uncertain of how to answer.]
He looks very...
[The more Amelia pauses, the more a pouting Emil pushes for an answer.]
Emil, please...!
[why is this woman so awkward?? She puts her hand on top of the boy's shoulder to calm him down and at that moment, even with her hair hanging down, Amelia's face is... Pink?
And she somehow manages to mumble it out, hope you can hear her Henry.]
It's a handsome look.
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Aha... Emil did a good job, I think.
[Ah, and he could leave it at that, but. You know. He won't.]
Sorry, I didn't hear you, though, Amelia. Do you think it suits me, or should we try for another style down the line?
[He's a villain and he's here to make people suffer.......from embarrassment.]
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It suits you, alright? It's a handsome haircut and Emil has highlighted your best physical features.
[She throws her hands up in exasperation.]
There! Satisfied?
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Then thank you. I'm glad you think so, that just means we'll be more suited for our outing together tonight, right? I have to match you somehow.
[He leaves that hanging, though the implication is surprisingly clear and straightforward or Henry. Match her in what? Presentability? Attractiveness? Yes.]
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[Emil somehow looks more self-satisfied and smug and he glances over at Henry to give him a quick thumbs up! :D
But the golem will now busy himself with the list of chores Amelia has for him leaving them both alone. She runs a hand through her hair as if trying to sift out the awkwardness she's inflicted on herself.]
We'll be leaving the house in about ten minutes. I want to stop by the church first before we go and choose some clothes for the evening.
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The church? [Skeptically:] Dropping in for a quick prayer?
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Ah, well. You never when you'll need it. There's another person... or rather, an entity of sorts that's made the church his home though. I check up on him every once and while to make sure he's healthy.
[If she didn't add "entity" it would have sounded like she was visiting a church member or priest. But this is Blackgale and this is Amelia; she surrounds herself with odd company.]
We'll leave in about ten minutes. Don't mess up your haircut in the meanwhile.
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An entity? That stays in the church?
[That feels like the start of a horror novel or somesuch, and he should know
since he's from a horror canon.But this is a strange town, full of things that are not quite normal, himself and Amelia included. He's always, always curious to learn more.]
This isn't another one we need to feed, is it...?
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No, he isn't a load like the one in the lake. I do make him care packages every once and while. I've never seen him partake but the basket comes back empty so I'd say he appreciates it.
It shouldn't be a long visit. He's not one to spare idle words to just anyone.
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[Why is this the first thing you wonder about, Henry. To his credit, he asked first!]
But sure, whatever you want to do. I'll follow. I appreciate you showing me around town. This place really is far more interesting than Hawkins ever was.
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You can try. Just don't break his concentration.
[Other espers have read into the church man's mind but it seemed results varied. She'll let Henry find out on his own though.]
I'm glad you find it interesting. The supernatural persists and stays strong because of its mystery... And since I'm part of it, I try to take care of the others.
[While they're all absolutely dangerous in their own ways, coexistence isn't impossible. Amelia takes great care to ensure this.]
You've been staying with me for a while now Henry. It wouldn't do if I just let the interesting things in town pass you by.
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Friendship?
He wonders. (A thought that tugs on every neuron in his brain, but he sets it aside for now.)]
Every day, I'm more and more in your debt for every little thing you do.
[He smiles but then turns to head back towards his room.]
I'll get ready to head out. See you in ten.
time skippy
Though it isn't a grandiose and heavily decorated place of worship, the surrounding trees, and flowers more than make up for its humble visage. Other park guests are milling about and it looks like there are even some couples who are scouting out the area as a possible wedding venue.
Amelia pauses before they go inside.]
So you've never been inside the church yet, right?
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