Activity Check

Expenses

[-1,000G] For living in the Shade Apartments alone.

Profits

[+1,500G] For working at the Celestia Church.

[+1,000G] For working at the Magnolia Clinic.

[+1,000G] For working at the Daybreak Orphanage.

[ +2,500G ]

New Balance: 14,000G

apiescatch:

“No problem! Thank you for inviting me!”

For Laney, she had no problem making food, especially if it were gifts for other people. She planned to make most if not all her gifts food of some sort. The blonde had just dumped all the necessary ingredients into the stand mixer and was letting the machine do the worlk. Hand mixing was possible, but it would be done a lot quicker and more efficiently this way. 

The Sister was in charge of making strawberry cupcakes. They were so cute and delicious. It looked like regular cake on the outside, but they were pink and fluffy on the inside. Laney nodded in agreement. Not everyone liked sweets so making some non-sweet things was a good idea. 

“So how about vanilla cupcakes, then we can add salty treats and other dishes that aren’t sweet,” she suggested.

【✝】~ She gasps. “Right, vanilla! How could I have forgotten such a classic?” Laughing, she rushes over to grab more ingredients for a vanilla batter, ponytail bouncing about as she moves around the kitchen. She listens to Laney’s other suggestions as she does so, nodding to herself.

With the sweet tooth she had, Lara wasn’t much of a fan of salty or spicy things, but she had no problem making them for those who preferred those sorts of treats. She just needed an idea on what exactly she should make...

“Yes, of course. Do you have any suggestions, then?” Laney was an amazing chef, so it wouldn’t be surprising for her to be more knowledgeable about food.

Bake the World A Better Place

gun-nun:

Aurelia never minded doing the missionary duties to begin with. It was an excuse to travel, see new things and perspectives– but when it came to the part where she had to talk about anything, the sister for the most part kept quiet. She didn’t needed to waste her breath, or their ears for whomever didn’t care to listen.  Mayhaps that is why when she the magenta haired woman finally speaks, there is a weight to the words.  “Sister Lara…….” The older woman turns to her, admiring her wholesome compassion and unrelenting kindness. A sister truly devoted to the veil. No muddy past, no troubled waters– just the symbol of purity.  Aurelia swears to herself sometimes that if there were angels out there, Lara was one of them.

While they continue trekking the cobblestone streets with the bright colors and the snow dancing towards the ground gently– Aurelia finally says what’s on her mind. “I am… troubled.”  Well that’s a start.

【✝】~ Lara finds herself surprised by Aurelia’s words. Not only the content and the heavy weight she could sense behind them, but by the fact she had actually spoken in the first place. As happy as she was to hear the other’s voice, she couldn’t help but let her concern for her companion cloud her thoughts, curious and determined to hear the other woman out.

"What is it that troubles you, if you don’t mind my asking...?” Perhaps it had been a foolish question. The fact that she brought it up to her in the first place would imply she was fine with speaking about it, but Lara couldn’t be too presumptuous.

Say A Little Prayer

crystalball-predictions:

Fortune after fortune was given by the curvaceous fortune teller of Arcadia. Some good, some bad, some in between, but all accurate and a hundred percent true - whether the person wanted to believe it or not. She wouldn’t be where she was today if they weren’t, but the simple-minded don’t think that way.

“I hope to see you soon.”

The customer was sent off with a smile and a wink, her signature goodbye. Equal parts friendly and flirty, the perfect combination that was usually enough to get a handful of customers returning on a daily to weekly basis.

Up next was… a Sister? Alicia raised a brow at the unexpected visit and let the woman speak first. This was bound to be interesting. She had been preached about those types of things by her mother once before and already wasn’t in the mood for it again, but she could play along for now. Alicia didn’t get a feeling of trouble from this woman; however, the pause before “profession” wasn’t appreciated. The very word had left her mother’s lips on various occasions, but instead of meaning a paid occupation, she meant it as a false claim. Belittling her gift. It left a bad taste in her mouth.

“If you must.”

【✝】~ Lara nods. So far, so good, it seemed. “Well, I suppose I should get to the point then, shouldn’t I?” She gives a sheepish smile. This woman didn’t seem the type to like beating around the bush. “Just how do you go about telling your fortunes? Do you just predict it through some manner, like... with cards, or do you...”

She bites her lip. This particular question was one that had been nagging at the nun for a while now, the one she must craved the answer to, for her own comfort and sanity. Hopefully. “Do you have actual visions of the future?”

Of Vibes and Visions

onesechsyprincess:

Man…it was so cold out.

Selphy trudged through the snow, shivering as she clutched her jacket closer to her. She had originally planned to go to Arcadia to test out her magic and read a few book…but she couldn’t seem to make her magic work. It was like she was completely drained of energy. But that was impossible! She hadn’t used her magic at all that day!

Her stomach growled loudly, and she tilted her head to the side.

When was the last time she ate? It couldn’t have been that long, right?

She took another step, only her foot wasn’t cooperating. Instead, she fell right into the snow. And she didn’t have the energy to pick herself up. She knew she needed to get up and go…but she just felt so tired.

She drifted off into darkness.

Selphy remembered drifting in and out of consciousness every now and then. The feeling of being freezing cold, almost to the point where she was numb to it. The feeling of being carried somewhere. And then, warmth. 

It seemed like forever until she finally woke up for real, her blue eyes fluttering open to a white ceiling. Her eyes darted around the room, immediately settling in on a woman sitting right beside whatever bed she had ended up in. She also was wearing something different, which was weird.

“W-Where am I?” Selphy asked, trying to immediately sit up, only for a wave of dizziness to hit her, downing her onto the bed again.

【✝】~ “The clinic.” Lara supplies for the clearly disoriented woman, keeping her voice level and calm even though she felt anything but. And why would she not? This woman nearly died. “Magnolia Clinic in Arcadia, to be exact. You were found unconscious out in the snow, near the Fugue Forest.” 

Standing from her seat, Lara holds a steadying hand to the girl’s shoulder to keep her from moving any more than she needed to, a soft sigh leaving her. She certainly had her energy back. That was good, and meant that she was at least in a better condition than she was in before. Just the thought brings a small smile to her face.

“How are you feeling?”

Wake Me Up

flower-of-oak-tree:

Licorice was rushing back to the Herbarium, the fairies flying by her side. They were much more comfortable outside than Licorice, who wore a thicker dress, mittens, and a warm hat. She couldn’t stand the cold, she hated it. It kept her on edge and running around and killed most of her specimens she wanted to study.

Though she did enjoy the season in general. People seemed happy and friendly, but she enjoyed that season indoors. None the less, she still ran around town for her errands, especially now that she had to repair her store.

After running around Licorice heard a solid thud not too far in the distance. When she looked she saw a woman, face first, in the snow. She contemplated going to the Herbarium and ignoring her, but didn’t. She rushed with her fairies to her aid.

“Are you okay ma’am?” She asked as she offered the stranger a hand.

【✝】~ Lara had already pushed herself on her elbows by the time the other woman comes to her aid, whimpering as she wipes icy slush from her face. At the sound of another voice, the Sister looks up, and then nods. “Yes... yes! That would be greatly appreciated, thank you...”

She takes the woman’s hand and gets back to her feet, dusting snow from her skirt as she does so. “Thank you so much for your help, Miss. I’m sorry you had to stop and do that.” But she was grateful for it all the same. Good Samaritans were truly a blessing to the world.

As comforting as the other woman’s kindness was, dread soon fills Lara’s heart. The thought that her materials had gotten broken or ruined in the fall was one that troubled her greatly, but she takes a breath and turns to her fallen shopping bag, crouching down to check on the contents.

“Everything looks fine... nothing torn or broken... oh! Oh no... not the jars...” She holds a hand to her mouth when she sees one of her empty jam jars broken on the sidewalk. Now she would have to go back and buy a new one. “Such a shame.”

For now though, she needed to clean this mess up. She wouldn’t want anyone accidentally stepping on broken glass, after all.

Rough and Tumble

Activity Check

Expenses

[-1,000G] For living in the Shade Apartments alone.

Profits

[+1,500G] For working at the Celestia Church.

[+1,000G] For working at the Magnolia Clinic.

[+1,000G] For working at the Daybreak Orphanage.

[ +2,500G ]

New Balance: 11,500G

mistresstrupin:

Two days later, a small wrapped package appeared in front of Lara’s door, with a note.

“Howdy Neighbor!

I have to say, your gift was truly wonderful! I wondered what to give you in return, and well… It seemed pretty clear that you probably weren’t short on scarves, but I wondered if you might be short on mittens. I also included something delicious to eat. Feel free to stop by any time, my door is always open! Well, not literally, but you know…

- Love, Mist”

Inside the package was a pair of blue mittens, and a single turnip.

【✝】~ A short, light gasp escapes the Sister when she opens her apartment door to the sight of a small package on her doorstep, and the reaches forward to pick it up, she notices the note. Her eyes scan over it as she steps back into her apartment, a smile spreading across her face as she takes the message in.

And when she opens up the package, she can’t help but chuckle fondly. How kind of her! She just might take her up on that offer for a visit, too. Maybe bring along one of her pies as a gift...?

Love Thy Neighbor

Three Wise Children

@gullibleknight | @toyflores | @learnto-overcome

【✝】~ Apart from the meal she had prepared for them for them to eat on Christmas day, Lara had gotten some presents for the children at the orphanage... well one of them wasn’t quite a child anymore, was he? But since she helped watch over him for the last few years, it was difficult to see him as anything but.

She smiles to herself as she sets the children's gifts out on the table, resisting the urge to swipe some of the icing off of one of the mini chocolate cakes she’d baked. There were three in total, one for each of them. 

But alongside those were additional, more personalized gifts. Things that were (hopefully) fitting to each of their tastes. For Kelsey, there was a basket filled with grasses of each color, all herbs he could use to make those darling little paints he liked to draw with. And for Meryl, a stuffed rabbit. Something small and cute that would hopefully keep away any nightmares she may have.

And the stack of books? Those were for Kiel. Tomes of magic, fiction and non-fiction, an assortment of genres that she hoped he would appreciate. She had some money for him too, 4,000G to help him set out on his way, now that he was an adult and would be leaving the orphanage soon.

She hoped they would like them.

Love Thy Neighbor

@mistresstrupin | @violinsnotheanswer | @crimsxngaze | @minorie | @muscadelle | @apiescatch | @eatagem | @noireiris

【✝】~ Very much in the spirit of the holiday, Lara had taken it upon herself to gift those who had at least made some sort of difference in her life, regardless of how big or small it may have been. First, she would gift her neighbors at the Shade Apartments, and hopefully help to spread some holiday cheer in the rather dreary building.

So at the doorstep of each tenant’s room sat a hand knitted blue scarf atop a plate of gingerbread cookies (protected with plastic wrap of course!), all of them with a small note attached.

Hello Neighbor,

I do hope the holiday has been treating you well. Here is a plate of gingerbread cookies I baked myself, and I really hope you enjoy them! If you’re not a fan of sweets, then my apologies, but perhaps you could give them to someone who would better enjoy them instead? There’s still the scarf, at least, which can hopefully help keep you warm in these colder months. 

The insulation in the apartment complex is rather poor, so... please, use this and be well! Have a wonderful holiday. :)

-- Love, Lara

Right by your door, you find a basket filled with Strawberry Jam preserves and a tiny rosary that contained a lapis lazuli within it. There is attached a note to the sister, in nondescript writing–it’s from Aurelia.  [ Dear Lara, I know we never get to talk much, but I can assure you that in all of our walks and travels for our own personal crusades of the Goddess– that I really do cherish the company that we share. You have a heart that is more than worth their weight in gold and I know i’ll never be able to express that in the way I wish to do so. May this gift find you well– I recalled one day when we passed by a bazaar you mentioned you loved strawberries and jam. I figured to try to make it on my own and I apologize if it comes out too sweet. Cooking isn’t one of my strengths, I’m afraid.  Hopefully with the incoming new year, may we strengthen our bonds and become stronger with the goddess and the divine dragons. May you always stay sweet like nectar, and diligent with our order. I only hope to be as kind like you are, one day. Bless you and Merry Christmas,  Aurelia. ]

【✝】~ It was incredibly flattering to be receiving as many gifts as she had, and when she sees the strawberry preserves and rosary (ah! was that a lapis lazuli inside!?), Lara can feel a warm tug at her heart. When she picks up the letter attached and begins reading it, however, that warmth spreads to her cheeks, and she holds a hand to her mouth as she processes the kind words written across the page. 

Lara cared for Aurelia a great deal, but even she could not deny that the other woman’s aloof nature saddened her at times. Did she not like Lara, or want anything to do with her? Were her attempts at reaching out seen as nothing more than a nuisance? Even with those concerns, she still tried her best to befriend the other nun, but that never stopped them from weighing on her soul.

But the words she read now, the reality of Aurelia’s feelings, were so strikingly different from Lara’s assumptions that she can’t help the way her eyes water then, or the relieved tears that follow closely behind.

She gently holds the letter to her chest, relishing in the feeling of joy that bursts within her like a firework, igniting sparks of love and thankfulness in her heart.

@apiescatch:

A small chocolate cake was left for Lara along with a note that read:

Happy Holidays Lara! I hope you enjoy this cake. Let’s bake together soon, yeah?

-Laney❀

【✝】~ An awed gasp escapes the sister when she opens up her delivery to see a delectable chocolate cake inside, a delighted smile spreading across her face as she reads the note that had been attached.

“Oh, Laney...” She could almost cry from how sweet this was. Lara would definitely have to get her something in return. “Thank you... happy holidays.”

Activity Check

Expenses

[-1,000G] For living in the Shade Apartments alone.

Profits

[+1,500G] For working at the Celestia Church.

[+1,000G] For working at the Magnolia Clinic.

[+1,000G] For working at the Daybreak Orphanage.

[+500G] For updating your Biography / Diary pages.

[+500G] For updating your info in the Character Information doc.

[+500G] For every open post you make. (Rough and Tumble)

[ +4,000G ]

New Balance: 9,000G

Bake the World A Better Place

@apiescatch;

【✝】~ “Thank you so much for agreeing to this, Laney. I’ve been able to do so much more with your help!” Lara smiles at the woman who stood next to her in the small kitchen of her apartment, the blonde hard at work mixing the batter for the cupcakes they had been making. With the holiday season arriving, the Sister had wanted to do something kind for the people in her life. 

She had plans to give out presents, but right now she was working on making treats for every single person who lived in her apartment complex... with some much appreciated help, of course.

“I have the strawberry cupcake batch baking in the oven, how’s the batter for the chocolate ones coming along?” She pauses then, placing a finger to her lips. “Ah... and should we make more flavors? Or perhaps some non-sweet things?” Not everyone had as strong a sweet tooth as she, after all...

Say A Little Prayer

@gun-nun;

【✝】~ As part of her work for the church, Lara would often be tasked to travel around Arcadia -- and even other places outside of the island -- to spread the word of the Gods to any and all willing to listen and accept such grace into their hearts. Sometimes she went alone, though those occasions were few and far between as she normally had a partner accompanying her.

That partner being Aurelia, an older and more experienced nun. One who was experienced not only in holy duties, but in far more worldlier aspects as well. In comparison, Lara led a very sheltered life, and often relied on the other woman’s support and ‘street smarts’ whenever they ventured out.

She was distant, though, and almost always quiet, which made the trips a bit lonely. But that never stopped Lara from treating her kindly, or attempting to reach out to her in the best way she knew how.

Every single time they went out for missionary work, Lara would always ask her how she’s doing. Sometimes she would get silence, others she would get a nod. But no matter what she got, she did not grow discouraged, and she never let it stop her from trying again the next time. This day had been no different.

As they walked along streets lined with holiday lights and coated white with snow, with the howl of cold wind and the distant singing of Christmas carolers in their ears, Lara turns to her companion with a smile.

“How are you doing today, Sister Aurelia?”

Of Vibes and Visions

@crystalball-predictions;

【✝】~ Lara was conflicted.

Standing before her was a fortune teller, a woman famous across the island for her divination magic and visions. Even with as sheltered as she was, Lara had heard her name many a time (and often got rather... sinful confessions involving her). But as a holy woman of the church, devoted only to the word and omniscience of God, she held a certain skepticism towards the art of witchcraft and clairvoyance.

But with the predicament she was currently faced with, she couldn’t be picky. She had to seek help from what she has determined to be the top authority on this form of spiritualism, even if she was a Witch.

Once her current customer leaves, Lara slowly steps up to where the woman is set up, a nervous smile on her face as she addresses her. One wrong step, Lara, and she just might curse you. “Hello, miss. I hope the day has been treating you well...” 

She trails off, eyes briefly running over the woman’s tools of trade. “If it’s not too much of a bother, would you mind terribly if I asked you a few questions about your... profession?” A woman in a Sister’s habit conversing with one of the Witch’s Circle. What a sight this must have been to those passing by...

Wake Me Up

@onesechsyprincess;

【✝】~ Even when faced with rather frightening monsters, or poisonous spores and plants, the Sister could manage to keep strong with her faith. 

But when she sees a girl, half covered with snow and lying unconscious in the road, the nurse is stricken with shock and fear. The possibility that the worst case scenario has occurred with this girl briefly crosses her mind, but she quickly pushes that horrible thought away. There was no way of telling until she was properly checked, and that was something Lara was perfectly capable of handling. 

Using her training as both a Sister and nurse, Lara keeps her own emotions and judgments in check as she rushes over to the unconscious woman, her concerned frown quickly shifting to a calculated expression. Quickly, she places two fingers to the girl’s neck. A heightened pulse, body wracked with shivers, skin cold to the touch... clear signs of hypothermia. But it wasn’t too late for her.

“Don’t worry, I’ll save you...” She whispers to the woman who obviously couldn’t hear her, placing her hands to the woman’s body as she pours a warm healing light into her. This wouldn’t be enough to keep the blood flow from retreating to her vital organs, but it would give her a little warmth, for a time.

After finding someone to assist in helping her carry the girl, Lara takes her back to the clinic and sets her up in a room, stripping her of her wet, snow covered clothing and into something warmer and more comfortable. She spends all of her time focusing on restoring the girl’s body heat, and once she manages that, she remains at her bedside until she awakens, to make sure she was okay.