[Action] > backdated to yesterday afternoon for pacing's sake.

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[If you happen to be out and about in the village today, you might find find a strange sight. There is a scattered trail of brightly coloured candies in the snow, in various locations throughout the village. Where a tree or a bush might have once been, there is now nothing but candy. In the smithy, what was once a sword is now candy. The broom that might have been useful in cleaning up such a mess is also gone. Certain spots in the grocery store are full of candy as well- as if someone had taken something off of a shelf and replaced it with a handful of sweets. The entire tomato and pepper sections have been completely cleared out, inside transformed into bins of candy.

And in the plaza, sitting on the edge of the fountain, is Edward, his face buried in his arms. It's hard to tell if he's annoyed or just downright depressed. And the fountain itself, instead of being filled with the normal flowing water or even seasonal ice?

Full. Of. Candy.]


[ooc: Edward has the superpower of the SKITTLES MAN. May children everywhere now love him. Just don't let him shake their hands...]

Comments

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[SIGH.] That's why I left the house.

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[Now, now, Edward. No need to look quite that downtrodden.] ...Chicken, right?

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[Oh that wasn't vague at all.] My lord?

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You like chicken soup. Correct? [He wasn't calling you a coward or anything, Ed, don't worry.] I doubt you'll be able to cook.

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[...Oh. OH GOD HE CAN'T COOK ANYTHING, HOW IS HE SUPPOSED TO EAT

Though the offer is unexpectedly kind.] Y... yes, my lord. I'm sorry for causing you trouble.

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Capell and Katie will still need to eat. [Something that isn't candy. But maybe Edward should apologize to them instead, if Sigmund's cooking.]

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...How is Capell, by the way? [He's a little nervous about asking, but it's sort of an important thing to know.]

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He's- [He's so tiny and he still looks so much like Sigmund but not quite and he ran up and hugged him and called him father and- but Edward probably doesn't want to hear any of that. Sigmund takes a breath and starts again.] He seems... happy.

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[Edward has a pretty good idea that's not all he has to say, but he's not expecting any big revelations, certainly not on the first day. He nods.] I thought that as well. Much bolder as well, for a child.

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[This conversation is meandering into dangerous territory for Sigmund. Nothing to cause guilt like seeing a happy, well-adjusted and loving child. It's probably for the best if they just... avoid this subject for now.]

Do you intend to stay away?

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...I don't want to. But I'm concerned about what could happen if I touch someone.

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Perhaps you should stay at the smithy. [...Alright, that's kind of cruel and he knows it.] Or not leave your room.

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[....SOB, HE'S BEEN BANISHED.] Wh... whatever you think is best.

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[Stop being a drama queen, Edward. No one was banished.] I wouldn't want any accidents.

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[HIS ROOM OR THE SMITHY? Come on.] Nor I. I don't know what would happen, and... I'd rather not know.

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[HIS ROOM IS IN THE HOUSE. THAT'S NOT BANISHED, THAT'S LIKE... GROUNDED. Bad fanboy, no skittles, go to your room. Grounded.] I'll bring your meal, whichever you choose.

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[HOW DOES THAT HELP, now he just feels like a kid.] It would probably be more convenient if I just stayed at the house... Capell's smart enough to know not to touch me if we tell him as much, and Katie is... Katie.

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[If he doesn't want to feel like a kid, he should stop acting like a big baby.

But this mess means that Sigmund has kids to feed, and that means a trip to the store, so he stands up and tries to dust himself off without looking like he's dusting himself off.]

Edward- [...] Don't touch the front door when you want in.

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[.....So humiliating. But that's not Sigmund's fault, so Edward nods, twining his fingers together awkwardly since he can't do much else with them.] ...I'll knock with my foot.

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[That's one problem solved, but what about feeding him? They could- No, Edward won't be able to use a cup either. What can he- Yes, that might work.] The food shouldn't take long. I can return for you.

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You need not do that, my lord... I can wait at the house for you. [He really doesn't want to inconvenience anyone.]

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An extra trip across the plaza is not an inconvenience. [Besides, he's, uh >> ...he's working out lately. The extra walking might help. But Edward would probably rather stab himself than give Sigmund even an imaginary inconvenience, so...]

I'll get the ingredients. Wait for me here. We'll walk back together.

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[Well, that's a pleasant compromise. Not to mention this is a rare occasion- Sigmund requesting his company for more than his usual duties. It's a treat that Edward isn't about to pass up, so he nods.]

I'll be here then, my lord!

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[Sigmund nods and heads off to the grocery store. He'll be back soon enough, with a small bag of food and a half-concealed amused expression.]

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[Edward is still there chilling out by the fountain, though since he knew to keep watch, he stands as Sigmund approaches. He's in a better mood already, though Sigmund's expression is curious.]

Shall we return home then?